Glass Wings Blog: December 2025
Is Australia in a youth crime crisis? Here’s what the numbers say
Mon, 1 Dec 2025 11:53:23 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/is-australia-in-a-youth-crime-crisis-heres-what-the-numbers-say-270375>
"Youth crime is never far from the public consciousness, but Victorian Premier
Jacinta Allan’s announcement of “adult time for violent crime” has brought the
issue back into sharp focus.
(More...)
Lies, Damned Lies, and Transgender Statistics
Mon, 1 Dec 2025 11:55:09 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://juliaserano.substack.com/p/lies-damned-lies-and-transgender
"A couple weeks ago, the
Wall Street Journal (WSJ) published an op-ed
entitled
Evidence Backs the Transgender Social-Contagion Hypothesis. The
author, Colin Wright, has been affiliated with not one, but two Southern
(More...)
‘Make the platforms safer’: what young people really think about the social media ban
Mon, 1 Dec 2025 11:56:04 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/make-the-platforms-safer-what-young-people-really-think-about-the-social-media-ban-270159>
"From next Wednesday, thousands of young Australians under 16 will lose access
to their accounts across ten social media platforms, as the teen social media
ban takes effect.
(More...)
‘Cool and quirky is part of our brand’: how New Zealand became a hothouse for indie games
Mon, 1 Dec 2025 11:58:13 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/games/2025/dec/01/new-zealand-indie-game-developers>
"Those not immersed in the world of gaming might not be familiar with Pax
Australia: the enormous gaming conference and exhibition that takes over the
Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre every October. My favourite section
(More...)
Death toll passes 900 in Indonesia, Thailand and Sri Lanka floods
Mon, 1 Dec 2025 19:15:01 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/nov/30/indonesia-thailand-floods
"Authorities in Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Thailand are racing to clear debris
and find hundreds of missing people after more than 900 died in devastating
floods and landslides across the south of Asia.
(More...)
Germany agrees €3 billion support scheme to make EVs affordable for lower income groups
Mon, 1 Dec 2025 19:16:04 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://thedriven.io/2025/11/30/germany-agrees-e3-billion-support-scheme-to-make-evs-affordable-for-lower-income-groups/>
"The German government has agreed to spend three billion euros ($A5.3 billion)
on a new scheme to support electric mobility adoption among low- and
middle-income groups.
(More...)
56 million years ago, the Earth suddenly heated up – and many plants stopped working properly
Tue, 2 Dec 2025 19:19:05 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/56-million-years-ago-the-earth-suddenly-heated-up-and-many-plants-stopped-working-properly-270291>
"Around 56 million years ago, Earth suddenly got much hotter. Over about 5,000
years, the amount of carbon in the atmosphere drastically increased and global
temperatures shot up by some 6°C.
(More...)
Victoria could become first Australian state to ban unnecessary surgery on intersex children
Tue, 2 Dec 2025 19:20:08 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/dec/01/victoria-may-ban-unnecessary-surgery-intersex-children>
"Victoria will become the first Australian state to ban unnecessary surgeries
on intersex children, with legislation to be introduced to parliament to ensure
procedures are deferred until patients are old enough to consent to them.
(More...)
Hypocrisy and folly: why Australia’s subservience to Trump’s America is past its use-by date
Tue, 2 Dec 2025 19:22:13 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
Sunshot program backs “Sun King” to bring large-scale solar panel manufacturing back to Australia
Tue, 2 Dec 2025 19:23:48 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://reneweconomy.com.au/sunshot-program-backs-sun-king-to-bring-large-scale-solar-panel-manufacturing-back-to-australia/>
"A company headed up by one of the legends of Australian solar research and
development has won more than $150 million in federal Solar Sunshot funding to
build a commercial-scale PV panel manufacturing plant in one of the nation’s
(More...)
News influencers are reshaping the media – insights from Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa
Tue, 2 Dec 2025 19:25:19 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/news-influencers-are-reshaping-the-media-insights-from-kenya-nigeria-and-south-africa-270311>
"News creators and influencers have become increasingly important sources of
news as more people turn to social media and video networks like Facebook and
YouTube to inform themselves. By news creators, we mean individuals who create
(More...)
World’s largest CCS project hits new low on amount of carbon captured and stored
Tue, 2 Dec 2025 19:27:28 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://reneweconomy.com.au/worlds-largest-ccs-project-hits-new-low-on-amount-of-carbon-captured-and-stored/>
"The latest data release from Chevron on its Gorgon carbon capture and storage
(CCS) project, the world’s largest, shows the lowest amount of carbon dioxide
(CO₂) captured and stored for a year since it started in August 2019.
(More...)
Racism never went away – it simply changed shape
Wed, 3 Dec 2025 03:20:14 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/racism-never-went-away-it-simply-changed-shape-270325>
"Prime Minister Keir Starmer thinks that racism is returning to British
society. He has accused Nigel Farage’s Reform UK of sowing “toxic division”
with its “racist rhetoric”.
(More...)
When Is It Time to Flee?
Wed, 3 Dec 2025 03:23:06 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://newrepublic.com/article/203699/trans-leave-united-states-portugal>
"As the plane prepared to depart from Newark International Airport, JD Goulet
felt like “the earth was going to collapse beneath us before we got in the
air.” Seated beside them was their wife, their son, and their son’s boyfriend,
(More...)
Are UN climate summits a waste of time? No, but they are in dire need of reform
Wed, 3 Dec 2025 03:24:17 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/are-un-climate-summits-a-waste-of-time-no-but-they-are-in-dire-need-of-reform-270457>
"The United Nations’ global climate summit has finished for another year. Some
progress was made in Brazil on climate finance and adaptation. But efforts to
end reliance on fossil fuels were stymied by – you guessed it – fossil fuel
(More...)
Death and devastation: why a rare equatorial cyclone and other storms have hit southern Asia so hard
Wed, 3 Dec 2025 03:25:17 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/death-and-devastation-why-a-rare-equatorial-cyclone-and-other-storms-have-hit-southern-asia-so-hard-270939>
"More than 900 people are dead, thousands more missing and millions affected by
a band of cyclones and extreme monsoonal weather across southern Asia.
Torrential rain has triggered the worst flooding in decades, accompanied by
(More...)
Immigration panic comes in waves. Data shows who worries most, and when
Wed, 3 Dec 2025 11:04:16 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/immigration-panic-comes-in-waves-data-shows-who-worries-most-and-when-270565>
"There are several predictable cycles in Australian public opinion, and one of
them is the moral panic surrounding immigration.
(More...)
Sara's partner, brother and father are Australian citizens. But she can never be one
Wed, 3 Dec 2025 11:06:36 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
One fire, two systems: Hong Kong's grief meets Beijing's red lines
Wed, 3 Dec 2025 11:08:18 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-12-02/tai-po-fire-hong-kong-mainland-grief-red-lines/106087732>
“Before the smoke had even cleared at Wang Fuk Court, Hongkongers were already
drawing their own conclusions.
(More...)
The fading of Japan’s Shōwa era – in pictures
Wed, 3 Dec 2025 11:09:06 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/world/gallery/2025/dec/02/fading-japan-showa-era-in-pictures>
"Lee Chapman’s photographs document the scenes, signages and family businesses
of the postwar Shōwa era Japan. They focus on a unique aspect of Japanese life,
and one that in Tokyo in particular is rapidly disappearing: the buildings are
(More...)
German Developer Award: "Tiny Bookshop" is Game of the Year
Wed, 3 Dec 2025 11:11:55 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.heise.de/en/news/German-Developer-Award-Tiny-Bookshop-is-Game-of-the-Year-11099739.html>
“"Tiny Bookshop" was awarded Best German Video Game at the German Developer
Award 2025. The cozy management game with graphic novel elements also won in
the categories "Best Graphics" and "Best Indie Game".
(More...)
Solar Mamas: meet the grannies lighting up rural villages - BBC Africa
Wed, 3 Dec 2025 11:14:09 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/VwuwxSoxHlI
"Solar Mamas is the affectionate name given to women from different countries
who have had hands-on training as technicians on the solar programme at the
Barefoot College based in India. These women, with little or no formal
(More...)
Iran’s president calls for moving its drought-stricken capital amid a worsening water crisis – how Tehran got into water bankruptcy
Wed, 3 Dec 2025 19:01:47 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/irans-president-calls-for-moving-its-drought-stricken-capital-amid-a-worsening-water-crisis-how-tehran-got-into-water-bankruptcy-270456>
"Fall marks the start of Iran’s rainy season, but large parts of the country
have barely seen a drop as the nation faces one of its worst droughts in
decades. Several key reservoirs are nearly dry, and Tehran, the nation’s
(More...)
Death toll from Indonesia floods passes 700 as 1 million evacuated
Wed, 3 Dec 2025 19:02:55 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/dec/02/indonesia-floods-one-million-people-evacuated-death-toll-rises>
"The number of people killed by floods and landslides on Indonesia’s Sumatra
island rose to 708 on Tuesday, the country’s disaster agency said, with 504
people missing.
(More...)
New York’s wealthy warn of a tax exodus after Mamdani’s win – but the data says otherwise
Wed, 3 Dec 2025 19:03:57 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/new-yorks-wealthy-warn-of-a-tax-exodus-after-mamdanis-win-but-the-data-says-otherwise-270415>
"New York’s mayor-elect, Zohran Mamdani, campaigned on a promise to raise the
city’s income tax on its richest residents from 3.9% to 5.9%. Combined with the
state income tax, which is 10.9% for the top bracket, the increase would cement
(More...)
Pete Hegseth told US soldiers in Iraq to ignore legal advice on rules of engagement
Wed, 3 Dec 2025 19:04:45 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/dec/02/hegseth-us-soldiers-iraq-rules-engagement>
"Pete Hegseth, the US defense secretary, told soldiers under his command in
Iraq to ignore legal advice about when they were permitted to kill enemy
combatants under their rules of engagement.
(More...)
Copper theft is hitting building sites, street lights – and now phones. How do we stop it?
Wed, 3 Dec 2025 19:05:30 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/copper-theft-is-hitting-building-sites-street-lights-and-now-phones-how-do-we-stop-it-270781>
"From causing a major phone outage to shutting down street lights across parks,
suburbs and roads, copper theft has become a clear public safety risk.
(More...)
The labour of love breathing life back into palawa kani – the lost language of Lutruwita
Wed, 3 Dec 2025 19:07:27 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/news/2025/dec/02/the-labour-of-love-breathing-life-back-into-palawa-kani-the-lost-language-of-lutruwita>
"The photograph on the wall of the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre in Launceston
was taken 167 years ago. It shows a group of people including the most famous
Palawa woman, Trukanini, at a barracks at
Putalina/Oyster Cove. They are
(More...)
In 1939, a Royal Commission found burning forests leads to more bushfires. But this cycle of destruction can be stopped
Thu, 4 Dec 2025 04:40:08 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/in-1939-a-royal-commission-found-burning-forests-leads-to-more-bushfires-but-this-cycle-of-destruction-can-be-stopped-269099>
"Every year, government workers around Australia start fires in the bush. The
idea behind these prescribed burning programs is that removing dry leaves and
branches reduces the chance of bigger, more dangerous fires. Over many decades,
(More...)
Trump administration removes the word renewables from world-famous NREL
Thu, 4 Dec 2025 04:41:03 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://reneweconomy.com.au/trump-administration-removes-the-word-renewables-from-world-famous-nrel/>
"In a move that is only surprising for the length of time it took them to make
it, the Trump administration has announced that it is renaming the famed
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to excise any mention of the
(More...)
Australia’s national AI plan has just been released. Who exactly will benefit?
Thu, 4 Dec 2025 04:43:08 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/australias-national-ai-plan-has-just-been-released-who-exactly-will-benefit-270981>
"Today, the Albanese Labor government released the long-awaited National AI
Plan, “a whole-of-government framework that ensures technology works for
people, not the other way around”.
(More...)
First community-designed, culture-led home from new outback housing initiative arrives in Tennant Creek
Thu, 4 Dec 2025 04:44:58 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-12-03/tennant-creek-first-wilya-janta-culture-led-homes-arrives/106090624>
“Five trucks rumble up the Stuart Highway, each carrying a slice of home.
Warumungu traditional owner Norman Frank and his partner, designer Serina
(More...)
Euphemisms and false balance: how the media is helping to normalise far-right views
Thu, 4 Dec 2025 04:46:31 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/euphemisms-and-false-balance-how-the-media-is-helping-to-normalise-far-right-views-267418>
"This year, a series of rallies organised by neo-Nazi groups in Australian
cities sparked public outrage and concern about the extreme right.
(More...)
People Are Painting Crosswalks Across L.A. to Protect Pedestrians
Thu, 4 Dec 2025 04:47:39 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://reasonstobecheerful.world/los-angeles-guerilla-urbanism-crosswalks-safer-streets/>
"Painting a crosswalk is cheap and easy. A group of neighbors can paint an
entire intersection in one morning for $100 or less. Getting the city of Los
Angeles to paint a crosswalk, on the other hand, might take 14 years and the
(More...)
The tiny clue that reveals if an animal has been illegally smuggled
Thu, 4 Dec 2025 11:08:10 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/the-tiny-clue-that-reveals-if-an-animal-has-been-illegally-smuggled-269818>
"If someone mentions criminal gangs, you might think of drug trafficking or
financial crime. But one of the most persistent illegal trades in the world
flies largely under the radar: wildlife smuggling.
(More...)
The City That Turns Human Waste into Clean Fuel
Thu, 4 Dec 2025 11:09:14 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://reasonstobecheerful.world/city-turning-human-waste-to-clean-fuel-germany/>
"Every time somebody flushes a toilet in Mannheim, they contribute to
ecological shipping. Since March 2025, the German city’s wastewater treatment
plant has been feeding an experiment of global relevance: Transforming sewage
(More...)
Coral reefs have orchestrated Earth’s climate for 250 million years
Thu, 4 Dec 2025 11:10:22 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/coral-reefs-have-orchestrated-earths-climate-for-250-million-years-270459>
"When we think of coral reefs, we picture bright fish, clear water and
colourful corals. But reefs have also shaped the planet in deeper ways.
(More...)
Global group accused of attacking gay rights backs South Australian woman over school presentation
Thu, 4 Dec 2025 11:11:32 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/dec/03/alliance-defending-freedom-backs-south-australian-woman-legal-action-school-ntwnfb>
"A powerful global organisation accused of peddling anti-gay hate has thrown
its support behind a South Australian woman who says her daughter was exposed
to inappropriate sexual content at school.
(More...)
As music festival season ramps up, artists can help shine a light on an ‘invisible’ workforce
Thu, 4 Dec 2025 19:49:32 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/as-music-festival-season-ramps-up-artists-can-help-shine-a-light-on-an-invisible-workforce-270967>
"Around Australia, music festival season is once again kicking into high gear.
Yet behind every headline act is a vast and often invisible workforce of stage
crew, sound engineers, lighting techs, riggers, truck drivers, backup singers,
(More...)
A Housing Complex Designed to Tackle Loneliness Wins Britain’s Best Building
Thu, 4 Dec 2025 19:50:54 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2025-11-06/london-senior-housing-project-to-combat-loneliness-wins-riba-s-stirling-prize>
"Britain’s best new building is more than just a senior living center. The
Appleby Blue Almshouse, which won this year’s prestigious Royal Institute of
British Architects Stirling Prize, brings one of the UK’s oldest forms of
(More...)
How the internet became enshittified – and how we might be able to deshittify it
Thu, 4 Dec 2025 19:52:36 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
The Frozen Zoo: 50 Years in the Making
Thu, 4 Dec 2025 19:53:59 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://sandiegozoowildlifealliance.org/story-hub/frozen-zoo-50-years-making>
"The Frozen Zoo® is nothing short of a treasury of life on Earth. This
indispensable resource, part of our Wildlife Biodiversity Bank, holds frozen
living cells from more than 11,500 individual animals of 1,300 species or
(More...)
Eugene Lazowski and the Truth Behind the Fake Epidemic That Saved a Polish Town
Thu, 4 Dec 2025 19:55:17 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.utterlyinteresting.com/post/how-to-scare-the-germans-eugene-lazowski>
"It began with a rumour. Years after the war ended, stories started circulating
about a Polish doctor who had supposedly saved thousands of Jews from the gas
chambers by inventing a false epidemic. Newspapers repeated it. A documentary
(More...)
Memo to LNP: AEMC says slowing renewables, sweating coal, a recipe for 20 pct power price hike
Thu, 4 Dec 2025 19:56:49 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://reneweconomy.com.au/memo-to-lnp-aemc-says-slowing-renewables-sweating-coal-a-recipe-for-20-pct-power-price-hike/>
"There’s good news and bad news in the latest electricity price trends report
from the Australia Energy Market Commission (AEMC). The good news: Electricity
prices are on track to fall by 5 per cent over the next five years thanks the
(More...)
Gupta company tests scrap steel for Australian wind towers to cut emissions and materials
Fri, 5 Dec 2025 04:03:33 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://reneweconomy.com.au/gupta-company-tests-scrap-steel-for-australian-wind-towers-to-cut-emissions-and-materials/>
"A Sydney based steel company is testing a “sustainable” steel product made
from 100 per cent scrap that it hopes can deliver major savings in materials
and embodied emissions for wind turbines installed in Australia.
(More...)
Can an Imperiled Frog Stop Oil Drilling Near Denver Suburbs? Residents Hope So.
Fri, 5 Dec 2025 04:04:47 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://capitalandmain.com/can-an-imperiled-frog-stop-oil-drilling-near-denver-suburbs-residents-hope-so>
"A raccoon’s long-toed footprint adorned the muddy lakeshore. A killdeer
screeched overhead and a fluffy-tailed coyote loped through nearby grasslands.
Yet the animal that wildlife biologist Wendy Hanophy sought on a hot October
(More...)
New grants scheme backs “trusted sources” to help households cut electricity bills
Fri, 5 Dec 2025 04:07:39 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://onestepoffthegrid.com.au/state-grants-scheme-targets-trusted-sources/>
"The New South Wales government has launched a new $5 million grant program
designed to support community energy groups and not-for-profit organisations to
help the state’s households get off gas, go solar and cut energy use.
(More...)
Western climate litigants keep fighting
Fri, 5 Dec 2025 04:08:59 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.hcn.org/articles/western-climate-litigants-keep-fighting/
"Mario Atencio (Diné) always looked forward to visiting his grandmother in
Counselor, New Mexico. She lived what he describes as a “simple Navajo
lifestyle” in the small rural town, raising dozens of animals on her lush green
(More...)
We Need to Talk About the Billion-Dollar Industry Holding Science Hostage
Fri, 5 Dec 2025 04:10:05 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.zmescience.com/science/news-science/we-need-to-talk-about-the-billion-dollar-industry-holding-science-hostage/>
"The business model of most scientific publishers is so audacious it’s hard to
believe it works. Here’s the pitch: You get some of the smartest people on
Earth to create your product for free. Then, you get other experts, people to
(More...)
‘Deeply demoralizing’: how Trump derailed coal country’s clean-energy revival
Fri, 5 Dec 2025 04:11:26 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/nov/29/trump-coal-country
"For a moment, Jacob Hannah saw an unprecedented opportunity to make Appalachia
great again.
(More...)
T1 Energy is betting big on all-American solar, even under Trump
Fri, 5 Dec 2025 11:07:08 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.canarymedia.com/articles/solar/t1-energy-texas-factory
"DALLAS — The automated machinery and bright, clean factory floor wouldn’t look
out of place in the solar manufacturing hub of Changzhou, China. But every so
often, the pristine industrial order was punctuated by, of all things, carrier
(More...)
New Data Shows COVID-19 Infection Much Worse For Children Than the Vaccine
Fri, 5 Dec 2025 11:08:15 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.zmescience.com/science/news-science/new-data-shows-covid-19-infection-much-worse-for-children-than-the-vaccine/>
"We’ve all heard variations of this conversation: “The virus isn’t that bad for
children, and the vaccine has its own risks. Isn’t it better to just skip it?”
It is a fair question, and one born of love and protection. Thanks to a
(More...)
State Department to deny visas to fact checkers and others, citing 'censorship'
Fri, 5 Dec 2025 11:10:04 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.npr.org/2025/12/04/nx-s1-5633444/trump-content-moderation-visas-censorship>
“The State Department is instructing its staff to reject visa applications from
people who worked on fact-checking, content moderation or other activities the
Trump administration considers "censorship" of Americans' speech.
(More...)
Chinese Sources Push Territorial Claims With Mistranslations
Fri, 5 Dec 2025 11:13:34 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.newsguardrealitycheck.com/p/chinese-sources-push-territorial?r=60itk4>
"
What happened: Pro-China sources are spreading manipulated videos
purportedly showing residents of the Japanese Ryukyu Islands saying they’re
Chinese, not Japanese, in an apparent effort to bolster Beijing’s territorial
(More...)
K'gari’s unique ancient lakes once dried out. Could this happen again?
Fri, 5 Dec 2025 19:34:55 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/kgaris-unique-ancient-lakes-once-dried-out-could-this-happen-again-270371>
"The lakes on the world’s biggest sand island, K'gari, are famous. Pivotal to
the World Heritage listing of the Queensland island formerly known as Fraser
Island, their turquoise waters feature in international tourism campaigns and
(More...)
Thirsty work: how the rise of massive datacentres strains Australia’s drinking water supply
Fri, 5 Dec 2025 19:35:49 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/dec/04/thirsty-work-how-the-rise-of-massive-datacentres-strains-australias-drinking-water-supply>
"As Australia rides the AI boom with dozens of new investments in datacentres
in Sydney and Melbourne, experts are warning about the impact these massive
projects will have on already strained water resources.
(More...)
Cassette tapes are making a comeback. Yes, really
Fri, 5 Dec 2025 19:36:36 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/cassette-tapes-are-making-a-comeback-yes-really-268108>
"For a supposedly obsolete music format, audio cassette sales seem to be set on
fast forward at the moment.
(More...)
‘Day by day I lose weight’: asylum seekers on Nauru get $115 a week, but a bag of grapes costs $20
Fri, 5 Dec 2025 19:43:31 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/dec/04/nauru-australia-offshore-processing-asylum-seekers-conditions-hunger-declining-health>
"Asylum seekers sent to Nauru by Australia say they are going hungry on the
island, prohibited from working to support themselves and given insufficient
money to buy enough food.
(More...)
What is Taiwan and why is it important? A new study shows Australians struggle to answer these questions
Fri, 5 Dec 2025 19:44:16 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/what-is-taiwan-and-why-is-it-important-a-new-study-shows-australians-struggle-to-answer-these-questions-269809>
"Recently, a new documentary was screened across Australia about the late
Taiwanese Australian professor Chwei-Liang Chiou, who dedicated his life to
improving relations between Taiwan and Australia.
(More...)
Remembering Toni Lamond: the Australian stage legend who made me fall in love with theatre
Fri, 5 Dec 2025 19:46:50 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
‘We gotta act white’: how voice recognition tech fails for Aboriginal English speakers
Sat, 6 Dec 2025 04:21:36 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
Sydney records highest temperature in nearly two years amid heatwave as Tasmanian bushfires threaten homes
Sat, 6 Dec 2025 04:22:27 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/dec/05/parts-of-australia-hit-by-severe-heatwave-as-temperature-surges-past-40c-in-nsw-and-tasmanian-bushfires-threaten-properties>
"Sydney’s CBD has recorded its highest temperature in nearly two years as the
east coast of NSW experiences its first heatwave of the summer, while fire
authorities in Tasmania and NSW battled bushfires.
(More...)
Space debris: will it take a catastrophe for nations to take the issue seriously?
Sat, 6 Dec 2025 04:23:39 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/space-debris-will-it-take-a-catastrophe-for-nations-to-take-the-issue-seriously-271141>
"China routinely sends astronauts to and from its space station Tiangong. A
crew capsule is about to undock from the station and return to Earth, but
there’s nothing routine about its journey home.
(More...)
Fix The News 322: Shinga. Ray of Hope. Alphafold/Miura-ori fold 🧬 💠. Measles ↓.
Sat, 6 Dec 2025 04:24:37 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://fixthenews.com/p/322-shinga-ray-of-hope-measles-alphafoldmiura
"A new report from the WHO reveals that annual measles deaths fell by 88%
between 2000 and 2024, from 777,000 to 95,000 a year. Vaccinations have
prevented an estimated 58 million deaths over this period, one of our species’
(More...)
Meet the weird, wonderful creatures that live in Australia’s desert water holes. They might not be there much longer
Sat, 6 Dec 2025 04:27:59 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/meet-the-weird-wonderful-creatures-that-live-in-australias-desert-water-holes-they-might-not-be-there-much-longer-269814>
"You might think of Australia’s arid centre as a dry desert landscape devoid of
aquatic life. But it’s actually dotted with thousands of rock holes – natural
rainwater reservoirs that act as little oases for tiny freshwater animals and
(More...)
“120 pigs a year, per car:” European oil lobby’s biofuels loophole likely unsustainable
Sat, 6 Dec 2025 04:29:01 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://thedriven.io/2025/12/04/120-pigs-a-year-per-car-european-oil-lobbys-biofuels-loophole-likely-unsustainable/>
"A rule change proposed by European fuels and cars industries to allow new
combustion engines running on biofuels to be sold after its 2035 deadline for
zero-emission cars could result in an unsustainable spike in demand for
(More...)
The Real Way Schools are Failing Boys
Sat, 6 Dec 2025 13:10:05 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://time.com/7335723/auto-draft-25-2/
"Many have raised concerns about a crisis among boys and men, ushering in a
“manosphere” cultural wave. After decades of dominance, boys have begun to fall
behind girls in school. Today, girls are better readers, earn better grades,
(More...)
Vital Cat Update
Sat, 6 Dec 2025 13:11:58 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://terribleminds.com/ramble/2025/12/04/vital-cat-update/
"It’s time to talk about my cat. To which you might be saying, “Chuck, I didn’t
know you had a cat!” and I’d respond with, “I didn’t know I had a cat either.”
But Google — the preeminent search engine! — knows otherwise, courtesy of its
(More...)
South Australian bus ads misled public by claiming gas is ‘clean and green’, regulator finds
Sat, 6 Dec 2025 13:13:19 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/dec/06/south-australia-bus-advertising-natural-gas-clean-green>
"South Australia’s transport department misled the public by running ads on
buses claiming “natural gas” was “clean and green”, the advertising regulator
has found.
(More...)
The Resonant Computing Manifesto
Sat, 6 Dec 2025 13:14:35 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://resonantcomputing.org/
"There's a feeling you get in the presence of beautiful buildings and bustling
courtyards. A sense that these spaces are inviting you to slow down, deepen
your attention, and be a bit more human.
(More...)
Vaccine committee votes to scrap universal hepatitis B shots for newborns despite outcry from children’s health experts
Sat, 6 Dec 2025 19:09:18 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/vaccine-committee-votes-to-scrap-universal-hepatitis-b-shots-for-newborns-despite-outcry-from-childrens-health-experts-271202>
"The committee advising the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on
vaccine policy voted on Dec. 5, 2025, to stop recommending that all newborns be
routinely vaccinated against the hepatitis B virus – undoing a 34-year
(More...)
Ecuador’s Otavalo Indigenous people use anime to inspire pride in their ancient culture and language
Sat, 6 Dec 2025 19:10:57 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://apnews.com/article/ecuador-anime-indigenous-quichua-257babd7c4057b7b989e391e39e752bb>
"JATUN RUMI, Ecuador (
AP) — High in the mountains of the Ecuadorian Andes, a
group of young Otavalo Indigenous people is using anime to inspire pride in
their ancient culture and language, especially among Otavalo children.
(More...)
AI Has A Serious Skill Problem
Sat, 6 Dec 2025 19:12:41 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://freedium.cfd/https://wlockett.medium.com/ai-has-a-serious-skill-problem-929c1f05954c>
“A research charity recently found that up to three million low-skilled jobs
could be lost to AI in the UK by 2035. There are a plethora of studies like
this floating around at the moment, claiming huge swathes of the global job
(More...)
Offshore wind farms could be used as charging hubs for electric and hybrid ships
Sat, 6 Dec 2025 19:14:05 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://reneweconomy.com.au/offshore-wind-farms-could-be-used-as-charging-hubs-for-electric-and-hybrid-ships/>
"Two Danish companies are exploring the possibility of integrating offshore
wind with marine electrification – essentially positing the deployment of
charging infrastructure for battery powered vessels at offshore wind farms.
(More...)
Letters from an American: December 5, 2025
Sat, 6 Dec 2025 19:18:56 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/december-5-2025
"Late last night, the Trump administration released the
2025 National Security
Strategy (NSS) of the United States of America. It did so quietly, although as
foreign affairs journalist at
Politico Nahal Toosi noted, the release of the
(More...)
US airstrike survivors clung to boat wreckage for an hour before second deadly attack, video shows
Sat, 6 Dec 2025 19:20:22 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/dec/05/us-airstrike-survivors-clung-to-boat-wreckage-for-an-hour-before-second-deadly-attack-video-shows>
"Two men who survived a US airstrike on a suspected drug smuggling boat in the
Caribbean clung to the wreckage for an hour before they were killed in a second
attack, according to a video of the episode shown to senators in Washington.
(More...)
‘I have watched politicians failing yet and yet again’: lessons from a life as an environment writer
Sun, 7 Dec 2025 04:32:03 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/nov/28/after-a-career-as-an-environment-writer-heres-what-i-have-learned>
"Paul Brown was the
Guardian’s environment correspondent from 1989 until 2005
and has written many columns since. He submitted his last column last week
after being diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. From his hospital bed in
(More...)
No ‘go away, weirdo’: Handwritten notes helping B.C. residents connect
Sun, 7 Dec 2025 04:39:15 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://vancouverislandfreedaily.com/2025/11/23/no-go-away-weirdo-handwritten-notes-helping-b-c-residents-connect/>
"Carrie Parsons didn’t expect a personal writing project to turn into one of
Victoria’s fastest-growing connection engines, but the signs were there,
literally.
(More...)
How cyclones and monsoon rains converged to devastate parts of Asia – visual guide
Sun, 7 Dec 2025 04:40:24 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/dec/01/asia-floods-visual-guide-flooding-extreme-weather-cyclones-monsoon>
"Tropical cyclones have combined with heavy monsoon rains to lay waste to
swathes of Asia, killing more than 1,100 people as of Monday, with the death
toll expected to rise, and leaving many more homeless.
(More...)
Long COVID patients face more than double the healthcare costs after diagnosis
Sun, 7 Dec 2025 04:42:08 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.news-medical.net/news/20251201/Long-COVID-patients-face-more-than-double-the-healthcare-costs-after-diagnosis.aspx>
"People with Long COVID use the health service significantly more than they did
before their diagnosis. These patients need to use GP, outpatient, inpatient
and emergency department services more than people in other control groups -
(More...)
Age of the ‘scam state’: how an illicit, multibillion-dollar industry has taken root in south-east Asia
Sun, 7 Dec 2025 04:43:19 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/dec/02/scam-state-multi-billion-dollar-industry-south-east-asia>
"For days before the explosions began, the business park had been emptying out.
When the bombs went off, they took down empty office blocks and demolished
echoing, multi-cuisine food halls. Dynamite toppled a four-storey hospital,
(More...)
You know someone with Long COVID. They need you to ask about it genuinely.
Sun, 7 Dec 2025 04:45:39 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
Families on rooftops, homes buried by mud: Asia floods show water is overtaking wind as main threat
Sun, 7 Dec 2025 11:05:00 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/dec/02/global-heating-and-other-human-activity-are-making-asias-floods-more-lethal>
"Families stranded on their rooftops. Homes buried by fast-flowing mud. Jagged
brown craters scarring lush green hillsides.
(More...)
Expert view: Will Australia have another Christmas COVID wave this year?
Sun, 7 Dec 2025 11:06:38 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
Investigating a Possible Scammer in Journalism’s AI Era
Sun, 7 Dec 2025 11:10:40 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://thelocal.to/investigating-scam-journalism-ai/
"In late September, I put out a call for pitches from freelance journalists. As
an editor at
The Local, an online magazine in Toronto that wins awards for
its long-form journalism, I have a stable of dependable writers I like to work
(More...)
Bombed Chornobyl shelter no longer blocks radiation and needs major repair – IAEA
Sun, 7 Dec 2025 11:12:57 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/dec/06/chornobyl-disaster-shelter-no-longer-blocks-radiation-and-needs-major-repair-iaea>
"The protective shield over the Chornobyl disaster nuclear reactor in Ukraine,
which was hit by a drone in February, can no longer perform its main function
of blocking radiation, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has
(More...)
How rolling sand dunes are creeping up on last remaining oases on edge of Sahara
Sun, 7 Dec 2025 11:14:27 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2025/nov/24/chad-desert-oases-wadi-water-gold-climate-crisis>
"On the ochre sands of Kanem, the neat vegetable gardens and silver-green palm
trees of Kaou oasis stand out, incongruous in this desert province of 70,000 sq
km in western Chad.
(More...)
The Man Who Wrote Songs for the Muppets and the Carpenters Takes a Bow
Mon, 8 Dec 2025 03:54:02 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://archive.md/pgAol
"In 1977, the day after Paul Williams won an Oscar for writing lyrics for
“Evergreen” — the theme song from “A Star Is Born” starring its composer,
Barbra Streisand — he received a phone call from bookers for “Circus of the
(More...)
Family of victim in alleged Trump ‘drug boat’ killings files first formal complaint
Mon, 8 Dec 2025 03:55:20 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/dec/02/trump-caribbean-drug-boat-attack-complaint>
"A family in Colombia filed a petition on Tuesday with the Washington DC-based
Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, alleging that the Colombian citizen
Alejandro Carranza Medina was illegally killed in a US airstrike on 15
(More...)
‘Cultivate resistance’: policy paper lays bare Trump support for Europe’s far right
Mon, 8 Dec 2025 03:56:36 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/dec/05/civilisational-erasure-us-strategy-document-appears-to-echo-far-right-conspiracy-theories-about-europe>
"Donald Trump’s administration has said Europe faces “civilisational erasure”
within the next two decades as a result of migration and EU integration,
arguing in a policy document that the US must “cultivate resistance” within the
(More...)
At least 12 homes destroyed as more than 75 bushfires burn across NSW
Mon, 8 Dec 2025 03:58:39 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
...hope in dark times...
Mon, 8 Dec 2025 04:00:17 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://newsletter.susankayequinn.com/v5y8e9o6w3
"As the days get shorter (and the insanity of the world continues), we've
always reached for a bit of light in the darkness.
(More...)
A Melbourne bakery found TikTok fame, before trolls began harassing its young staff. How the owners responded went viral
Mon, 8 Dec 2025 04:01:46 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
Kremlin hails Trump’s national security strategy as aligned with Russia’s vision
Mon, 8 Dec 2025 12:25:04 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/dec/07/kremlin-hails-trump-national-security-strategy-as-aligned-with-russia-vision>
"The Kremlin has heaped praise on Donald Trump’s latest national security
strategy, calling it an encouraging change of policy that largely aligns with
Russian thinking.
(More...)
"The Ladykillers" at 70: how one film turned British whimsy into a darkly comic masterpiece
Mon, 8 Dec 2025 12:28:43 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/the-ladykillers-at-70-how-one-film-turned-british-whimsy-into-a-darkly-comic-masterpiece-250781>
"Mrs. Wilberforce (Katie Johnson) lives alone in a rickety Victorian house near
London’s King’s Cross railway station. She rents a room to Professor Marcus
(Alec Guinness), who claims to be a musician, and asks to use the room for
(More...)
DOJ orders prison inspectors to stop considering LGBTQ safety standards
Mon, 8 Dec 2025 12:34:30 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.npr.org/2025/12/04/nx-s1-5630490/prison-doj-safety-memo-changes-trans-lgbtq-inmates>
“The Department of Justice has instructed inspectors to stop evaluating prisons
and jails using standards designed to protect transgender, intersex and
gender-nonconforming people from sexual violence, according to an internal memo
(More...)
How Humanity Saved the Ginkgo
Mon, 8 Dec 2025 12:36:02 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.themarginalian.org/2025/09/23/ginkgo/
"Pressed between the pages of
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland — a favorite
book of my childhood, which my grandmother used to read to me and which still
dwells in her immense library — is a single yellow leaf, its curved fan almost
(More...)
NZ’s rejection of emission targets fuels risk of international law breach
Mon, 8 Dec 2025 12:37:32 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/nzs-rejection-of-emission-targets-fuels-risk-of-international-law-breach-271295>
"The New Zealand government’s decision this week to reject all of the Climate
Change Commission’s emission target recommendations was just the latest in a
string of policy statements that weaken the country’s action on climate.
(More...)
‘No one knows where it came from’: first wild beaver spotted in Norfolk in 500 years
Mon, 8 Dec 2025 12:38:32 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/dec/07/no-one-knows-where-it-came-from-first-wild-beaver-spotted-in-norfolk-for-400-years>
"A wild beaver has been spotted in Norfolk for the first time since beavers
were hunted to extinction in England at the beginning of the 16th century.
(More...)
Storms in the Southern Ocean are producing more rain – and the consequences could be global
Mon, 8 Dec 2025 19:30:27 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/storms-in-the-southern-ocean-are-producing-more-rain-and-the-consequences-could-be-global-270880>
"If you ever find yourself on Macquarie Island – a narrow, wind-lashed ridge
halfway between Tasmania and Antarctica – the first thing you’ll notice is the
wildlife. Elephant seals sprawl across dark beaches. King penguins march up
(More...)
Putin should have accepted Trump’s deal. Now Russia’s collapsing economy could lead to his downfall
Mon, 8 Dec 2025 19:31:23 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/dec/07/putin-accept-trump-deal-russia-economy-ukraine-war>
"People in Britain who think they are governed by fools should take a closer
look at the Russian and US presidents. Vladimir Putin is systematically ruining
his country. His war of choice in Ukraine is an economic, financial,
(More...)
The under-16s social media ban will damage young people’s political education. Teachers need better support
Mon, 8 Dec 2025 19:32:17 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/the-under-16s-social-media-ban-will-damage-young-peoples-political-education-teachers-need-better-support-271389>
"From this week, Australians aged under 16 will not be able to hold an account
on many social media platforms. In anticipation of the ban, some social media
companies have already begun disabling accounts they believe are held by
(More...)
I’m 15 years old and have a disability. Social media has been a lifeline – why is the government kicking me off?
Mon, 8 Dec 2025 19:33:26 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/dec/07/im-15-years-old-and-have-a-disability-social-media-has-been-a-lifeline-why-is-the-government-kicking-me-off>
"The government has decided that from Wednesday I should be banned from social
media because of the potential harm it can cause. But as a teenager with a
severe disability who relies on social media for connection, community and
(More...)
Can you be the change you’d like to see? Three US philosophers aim to offer hope
Mon, 8 Dec 2025 19:34:51 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/can-you-be-the-change-youd-like-to-see-three-us-philosophers-aim-to-offer-hope-265976>
"
Review: Somebody Should Do Something: How Anyone Can Help Create Social
Change – Michael Brownstein, Alex Madva and Daniel Kelly (MIT Press)
(More...)
Honest Government Ad | Social Media Ban
Mon, 8 Dec 2025 19:35:41 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxRB5qWphJE
"The Australien Government has made an ad about the Social Media Ban for
Under-16s, and it's surprisingly honest and informative."
(More...)
Queensland Museum accused of misleading teachers and children about the cause of climate change
Tue, 9 Dec 2025 10:30:53 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/dec/08/queensland-museum-accused-of-misleading-teachers-and-children-about-the-cause-of-climate-change>
"Queensland Museum has been accused of misleading teachers and children about
the root cause of the climate crisis through a multimillion-dollar education
partnership with one of the world’s biggest oil and gas companies.
(More...)
Utilities give up hope on using hydrogen in their gas grids, prepare to phase out pipeline network
Tue, 9 Dec 2025 10:32:03 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://reneweconomy.com.au/utilities-give-up-hope-on-using-hydrogen-in-their-gas-grids-prepare-to-phase-out-pipeline-network/>
"Most energy companies in Germany, Austria and Switzerland are planning to
reduce investments in their gas grids, as nearly all have given up hope on
using them for transporting hydrogen in a climate-neutral future, according to
(More...)
Free Store: Where Everything Is, Yes, Free
Tue, 9 Dec 2025 10:35:31 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://greenamerica.org/green-living/store-where-everything-free
"Imagine if there were a store where all the items on the shelves were
free—where you could get that toaster you’ve been needing, or a desk for your
child, or a business suit, all without handing over a dime. Sounds unlikely,
(More...)
Indigenous actor Elaine Miles says ICE called her tribal ID ‘fake’
Tue, 9 Dec 2025 10:45:55 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/indigenous-actress-elaine-miles-says-ice-called-her-tribal-id-fake/>
"Elaine Miles was walking to a bus stop in Redmond to go to Target, she said,
when four men wearing masks and vests with U.S. Immigration and Customs
Enforcement label stepped out of two black SUVs with no front plates and
(More...)
Balloons Puff and Twist into an Elaborate Inflatable Ensemble by Masayoshi Matsumoto
Tue, 9 Dec 2025 10:47:11 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.thisiscolossal.com/2022/11/masayoshi-matsumoto-balloon-animals/>
"Armed with colorful balloons and plenty of air, Masayoshi Matsumoto twists and
ties a playfully quirky menagerie of inflatable creatures. A chemical engineer
by day, the artist spends his off hours stretching the malleable material into
(More...)
Australia wants to be a critical minerals superpower – but processing is messy and dangerous
Tue, 9 Dec 2025 20:28:35 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/australia-wants-to-be-a-critical-minerals-superpower-but-processing-is-messy-and-dangerous-269799>
"In October, Australia signed a A$13 billion rare earths and critical minerals
agreement with the United States. This is designed to boost supply of minerals
vital to everything from military technology to clean energy.
(More...)
The Reverse Centaur’s Guide to Criticizing AI
Tue, 9 Dec 2025 20:31:15 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://pluralistic.net/2025/12/05/pop-that-bubble/#u-washington
“Last night, I gave a speech for the University of Washington's "Neuroscience,
AI and Society" lecture series, through the university's Computational
Neuroscience Center. It was called "The Reverse Centaur’s Guide to Criticizing
(More...)
Australia has new laws to protect nature. Do they signal an end to native forest logging?
Tue, 9 Dec 2025 20:33:13 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/australia-has-new-laws-to-protect-nature-do-they-signal-an-end-to-native-forest-logging-271203>
"Reforms to Australia’s nature laws have passed federal parliament. A
longstanding exemption that meant federal environment laws did not apply to
native logging has finally been removed from the
Environment Protection and
(More...)
Australia’s bushfires were held at bay by five wet years — but experts warn the country is ‘ready to burn’
Tue, 9 Dec 2025 20:35:06 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/dec/09/australia-nsw-tasmania-bushfires-warning-experts>
"Australians should “expect the unexpected” this bushfire season amid dangerous
conditions, experts have warned, after a severe start that saw a firefighter
killed and homes destroyed in several states.
(More...)
How boys get sucked into the manosphere
Tue, 9 Dec 2025 20:36:19 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://stories.theconversation.com/how-boys-get-sucked-into-the-manosphere/>
"You may never have seen it yourself, but there's a dark part of the internet,
lurking closer than you think.
(More...)
Australian shipbuilder gets order for third large battery electric ferry for Denmark
Tue, 9 Dec 2025 20:37:32 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://thedriven.io/2025/12/08/australian-shipbuilder-gets-order-for-third-large-battery-electric-ferry-for-denmark/>
"Australian shipbuilder Incat Tasmania has been selected to design and build a
third new battery electric ferry for Danish ferry operator Molslinjen in what
it says is part of the “world largest electrification project at sea.”
(More...)
South Africa and Pakistan: countries brought to their knees by elite capture and economic paralysis
Wed, 10 Dec 2025 03:31:55 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/south-africa-and-pakistan-countries-brought-to-their-knees-by-elite-capture-and-economic-paralysis-265427>
"In the ongoing quest to understand South Africa’s political and economic
stagnation, it may be helpful to look at other postcolonial states that have
travelled further along the path of independence. This may help clarify the
(More...)
Trump appears not to know the difference between making a deal and making peace
Wed, 10 Dec 2025 03:34:25 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/dec/08/donald-trump-difference-making-deal-and-making-peace>
"For the sake of anyone confused by Donald Trump’s apparently supernatural
abilities as a global peacemaker – for which he was given the inaugural (and
perhaps only) Fifa “peace prize” – current events have intervened to offer some
(More...)
Nissan uses recycled Leaf batteries for energy storage at Australian castings factory
Wed, 10 Dec 2025 03:35:47 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://thedriven.io/2025/12/09/nissan-uses-recycled-leaf-batteries-for-energy-storage-at-australian-castings-factory/>
"Nissan Australia says it has completed a solar and battery development at its
casting plant in Victoria which is using recycled end-of-life Nissan Leaf
batteries as the energy storage component.
(More...)
Your Job Was Stopping CSAM? Trump Says No Visa For You!
Wed, 10 Dec 2025 03:38:08 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.techdirt.com/2025/12/08/your-job-was-stopping-csam-trump-says-no-visa-for-you/>
"You want to see
actual government censorship in action? And have it done by
people claiming they’re doing it to stop censorship? Check out last week’s
revelation (originally reported by
Reuters) that the US State Department will
(More...)
A 101-year-old runs the largest nutcracker museum in the U.S. Here's a look inside
Wed, 10 Dec 2025 03:43:59 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.npr.org/2025/12/09/nx-s1-5629014/nutcracker-museum-washington-leavenworth>
“Tucked into the Bavarian-esque town of Leavenworth, Wash., at the foothills of
the Cascade mountains is a two-story jewel of whimsy and, some might say,
obsession. It's the Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum, the nation's largest
(More...)
“Persistent, clustered breakdowns:” Coal clunkers fail the grid with 119 outages
Wed, 10 Dec 2025 03:46:35 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://reneweconomy.com.au/persistent-clustered-breakdowns-coal-clunkers-fail-the-grid-with-119-outages/>
"The fleet of remaining coal-fired power plants on Australia’s main grid
suffered a combined 119 breakdowns, or unscheduled outages, over the past six
months, new data has revealed, and were out of action for an average of 22 per
(More...)
Australian innovator uses Lego as template for coal-free iron smelting technology
Wed, 10 Dec 2025 11:28:58 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://reneweconomy.com.au/australian-innovator-uses-lego-as-template-for-coal-free-iron-smelting-technology/>
"Australia-based thermodynamic smelting technology group Metal Logic is using
Danish toy maker Lego as the template to cut the carbon footprint of
steelmakers.
(More...)
Riding the solar coaster: Tindo’s push for Australian-made power
Wed, 10 Dec 2025 11:29:58 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://reneweconomy.com.au/riding-the-solar-coaster-tindos-push-for-australian-made-power/>
"We call the solar PV industry the Solar Coaster because anyone who’s been in
the business long enough, as I have, starts to see history repeat. Solar PV
installations peaked in 2021 and 2022, and while we’re not quite at those
(More...)
ICCL publishes Ireland’s first ever “Know Your Rights” guide for trans and non-binary people
Wed, 10 Dec 2025 11:31:43 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.iccl.ie/news/iccl-publishes-irelands-first-ever-know-your-rights-guide-for-trans-and-non-binary-people/>
9 December 2025 — A new “Know Your Rights” guide for trans and non-binary
people is being published today by the Irish Council for Civil Liberties
(ICCL), in collaboration with ShoutOut and Transgender Equality Network Ireland
(More...)
A symphony of woofs: This is what happens when 2,397 golden retrievers gather in an Argentina park
Wed, 10 Dec 2025 11:33:35 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://apnews.com/article/argentina-golden-retrievers-world-record-buenos-aires-522297aa4aa0a5b422efc3e2a1653c45>
"BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (
AP) — A passerby could hear the cacophony from
miles away in the Argentine capital, the unmistakable sound of 2,397 dogs
barking — and breaking the unofficial world record for the largest-ever
(More...)
Hustle, muscle and grift: how the manosphere has grown into a money-making machine
Wed, 10 Dec 2025 11:34:30 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/hustle-muscle-and-grift-how-the-manosphere-has-grown-into-a-money-making-machine-262432>
"The manosphere is big business today. Once a niche network lurking on the
margins of the internet, this diverse community of male supremacist cultures
has grown into a transnational profit-making enterprise.
(More...)
Wholesome Snack 2025 Humble Bundle
Wed, 10 Dec 2025 11:36:09 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.humblebundle.com/games/wholesome-snack-2025-showcase-bundle
"Now is the perfect time of year to snuggle up at home with a fun, cozy game or
two. If that’s your vibe, we and our friends at Wholesome Snack have just the
bundle for you! Dive into the perfectly pleasant games celebrating Wholesome
(More...)
New Trump doctrine identifies ‘weak’ Europe’s problem: not enough racism
Wed, 10 Dec 2025 19:14:25 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/dec/09/trump-europe-national-security-strategy>
"During Donald Trump’s first administration, commentators sagely advised that
his words, were to be “taken seriously, not literally”. Experience suggests
that formula puts the cart before the horse.
(More...)
Citizenship Ceremonies Are Being Disrupted By Trump’s Latest Wave Of Bigoted Cruelty
Wed, 10 Dec 2025 19:16:19 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.techdirt.com/2025/12/09/citizenship-ceremonies-are-being-disrupted-by-trumps-latest-wave-of-bigoted-cruelty/>
"The president, who drapes himself in the flag so inappropriately you’d think
it would be filing HR complaints on a daily basis, is now preventing some the
best
potential US citizens from
becoming US citizens.
(More...)
Three Tweets That Capture The Entire Elon Musk Free Speech Con
Wed, 10 Dec 2025 19:19:06 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.techdirt.com/2025/12/09/three-tweets-that-capture-the-entire-elon-musk-free-speech-con/>
"We’ve spent
years calling out what a hypocrite Elon Musk is on free speech.
But sometimes
the universe Elon hands you a gift: three tweets in the span of
a little over a week that demonstrate the entire con more clearly than any deep
(More...)
Government backs Volvo with $70 million to make electric trucks more affordable in Australia
Wed, 10 Dec 2025 19:21:01 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://thedriven.io/2025/12/10/government-backs-volvo-with-70-million-to-make-electric-trucks-more-affordable-in-australia/>
"The Australian government will invest $70 million with Volvo Group Australia
to accelerate the electrification of the nation’s trucking fleet with
Australian-made electric trucks.
(More...)
How ICE’s Plan To Monitor Social Media Threatens Not Just Privacy, But Civic Participation
Wed, 10 Dec 2025 19:21:53 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.techdirt.com/2025/12/09/how-ices-plan-to-monitor-social-media-threatens-not-just-privacy-but-civic-participation/>
"When most people think about immigration enforcement, they picture border
crossings and airport checkpoints. But the new front line may be your social
media feed.
(More...)
EVs pose no additional threat to pedestrians than petrol vehicles, but hybrids do
Wed, 10 Dec 2025 19:23:11 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://thedriven.io/2025/12/10/evs-pose-no-additional-threat-to-pedestrians-than-petrol-vehicles-but-hybrids-do/>
"Electric vehicles pose no more danger to pedestrians than petrol-powered cars,
a study has found, even though they are quieter and heavier than their rivals.
(More...)
Donald Trump has finally won a peace prize – from Fifa, no less. Here are five other awards he should win
Thu, 11 Dec 2025 04:38:23 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/dec/09/donald-trump-finally-won-peace-prize-fifa-five-other-awards-he-should-win>
"What a privilege it is to be alive in such a peaceful and prosperous time. If
you ignore the genocides in Sudan and Gaza, fighting in eastern Congo,
continued attacks on Ukraine, military airstrikes in Myanmar, near-daily
(More...)
Adelaide welcomes first of 60 new electric buses
Thu, 11 Dec 2025 04:43:36 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://thedriven.io/2025/12/09/adelaide-welcomes-first-of-60-new-electric-buses/>
"Two new electric buses from Swedish commercial vehicle manufacturer Scania
will hit the road in Adelaide this week, the first of 60 being progressively
rolled out over the coming months.
(More...)
We asked critics from authoritarian regimes what they wish they’d known sooner. Here’s what they said
Thu, 11 Dec 2025 04:45:47 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/dec/09/experts-authoritarian-regimes-trump>
"Donald Trump makes no secret of his admiration for strongmen like Hungary’s
Viktor Orbán or El Salvador’s Nayib Bukele. Last month, he praised Orbán’s
hardline stance on immigration and urged European leaders to show more
(More...)
Stephen Fry and Joanna Lumley among celebrities urging UK not to weaken torture protections
Thu, 11 Dec 2025 04:52:13 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/law/2025/dec/09/celebrities-keir-starmer-echr-stephen-fry-joanna-lumley-michael-palin-adrian-lester>
"The actors Michael Palin, Stephen Fry and Joanna Lumley are among 21
well-known figures calling on Keir Starmer to drop plans to weaken human rights
law and instead “take a principled stand” for torture victims, on the eve of a
(More...)
Depleted Tennessee Farmland Is Now Teeming With Wildlife
Thu, 11 Dec 2025 04:53:28 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://reasonstobecheerful.world/tennessee-middle-fork-bottoms-state-park-depleted-farmland/>
"In May 2010, extraordinarily heavy rainfall hit Tennessee. In some parts of
the state, as much as 20 inches fell over two days. Dams were inundated,
waterways overflowed and communities experienced historic flooding.
(More...)
Scientists Thought Parkinson’s Was in Our Genes. It Might Be in the Water
Thu, 11 Dec 2025 12:24:55 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://archive.md/ZvjZH
"Amy Lindberg spent 26 years in the Navy and she still walked like it—with
intention, like her chin had someplace to be. But around 2017, her right foot
stopped following orders. Lindberg and her husband Brad were five years into
(More...)
Age Verification Is Coming For the Internet. We Built You a Resource Hub to Fight Back.
Thu, 11 Dec 2025 12:26:28 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2025/12/age-verification-coming-internet-we-built-you-resource-hub-fight-back>
"Age verification laws are proliferating fast across the United States and
around the world, creating a dangerous and confusing tangle of rules about what
we’re all allowed to see and do online. Though these mandates claim to protect
(More...)
An out nonbinary candidate just won a seat in their ruby-red Ohio town by 13 votes. They didn’t believe it, either.
Thu, 11 Dec 2025 12:29:29 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://thebuckeyeflame.com/2025/12/09/gie-may-nonbinary-elected-official/>
"Wadsworth, Ohio’s first out nonbinary City Council candidate, Angela “Gie”
May, didn’t think that they would win the Nov. 4 election.
(More...)
Trump says the US has seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela
Thu, 11 Dec 2025 12:30:48 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://apnews.com/article/trump-tanker-seized-venezuela-maduro-0a148ba01684fc6ce1a228dd276732c0>
"WASHINGTON (
AP) — President Donald Trump said Wednesday that the United
States has seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela as tensions mount
with the government of President Nicolás Maduro.
(More...)
We watched these coral colonies succumb to black band disease. 6 months later, 75% were dead
Thu, 11 Dec 2025 12:31:47 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/we-watched-these-coral-colonies-succumb-to-black-band-disease-6-months-later-75-were-dead-264895>
"During the last global coral bleaching event in 2023 and 2024, the Great
Barrier Reef experienced the highest temperatures for centuries and widespread
bleaching. With bleaching events becoming more frequent, the very existence of
(More...)
Tourists to US would have to reveal five years of social media activity under new Trump plan
Thu, 11 Dec 2025 19:22:00 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/dec/10/tourists-social-media-trump>
"Tourists to the United States would have to reveal their social media activity
from the last five years, under new Trump administration plans.
(More...)
‘A resounding chorus’: an anthology of Autistic writers celebrates difference
Thu, 11 Dec 2025 19:24:02 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/a-resounding-chorus-an-anthology-of-autistic-writers-celebrates-difference-252622>
"
Review: Someone Like Me: an anthology of non-fiction by Autistic writers –
edited by Clem Bastow and Jo Case (UQP)
(More...)
Australia’s Social Media Ban Goes Into Effect As Pretty Much Everyone Realizes It’s A Total Mess
Thu, 11 Dec 2025 19:26:08 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.techdirt.com/2025/12/10/australias-social-media-ban-goes-into-effect-as-pretty-much-everyone-realizes-its-a-total-mess/>
"Australia’s social media ban for kids is now in effect. As we’ve discussed,
this is a monumentally stupid plan that will do real harm to kids. It’s based
on a moral panic and a wide variety of faulty assumptions, including that
(More...)
Just 0.001% hold three times the wealth of poorest half of humanity, report finds
Thu, 11 Dec 2025 19:28:45 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/inequality/2025/dec/10/just-0001-hold-three-times-the-wealth-of-poorest-half-of-humanity-report-finds>
"Fewer than 60,000 people – 0.001% of the world’s population – control three
times as much wealth as the entire bottom half of humanity, according to a
report that argues global inequality has reached such extremes that urgent
(More...)
Australia’s social media ban won’t stop cyberbullying
Thu, 11 Dec 2025 19:29:40 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/australias-social-media-ban-wont-stop-cyberbullying-271541>
"The Australian Federal government’s
Online Safety Amendment (Social Media
Minimum Age) Act, commonly referred to as the “social media ban”, is now in
effect.
(More...)
Letters from an American: December 10, 2025
Thu, 11 Dec 2025 19:31:04 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/december-10-2025
"Today is Human Rights Day, celebrated internationally in honor of the day
seventy-seven years ago, December 10, 1948, when the United Nations General
Assembly announced the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).
(More...)
Can smart greenhouses bring back food production in cities?
Fri, 12 Dec 2025 04:28:13 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/can-smart-greenhouses-bring-back-food-production-in-cities-265375>
"Sydney, like many other Australian cities, has a long history of urban
farming. Market gardens, oyster fisheries and wineries on urban fringe once
supplied fresh food to city markets.
(More...)
The AI Bubble Should Have Never Existed In The First Place
Fri, 12 Dec 2025 04:29:29 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://freedium.cfd/https://wlockett.medium.com/the-ai-bubble-should-have-never-existed-in-the-first-place-95bddb291e14>
"So much money has been poured into AI that we have effectively bet the entire
economy on its success. That is a
huge problem. Not just because AI is a
fundamentally flawed technology that will never be profitable, never live up to
(More...)
From violence to sexism, the manosphere is doing real-world harm
Fri, 12 Dec 2025 04:30:26 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/from-violence-to-sexism-the-manosphere-is-doing-real-world-harm-262205>
"There’s a lot of debate around the extent to which the manosphere is playing
out in young people’s lives and relationships.
(More...)
UK’s first fully electric zero-emissions ferry sets sail on the Thames
Fri, 12 Dec 2025 04:31:48 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://thedriven.io/2025/12/10/uks-first-fully-electric-zero-emissions-ferry-sets-sail-on-the-thames/>
"The first fully electric zero-emissions ferry in the United Kingdom has been
launched on the River Thames in London by operator Uber Boat by Thames
Clippers.
(More...)
The toy aisle is still full of gender bias. Here’s how to navigate it these holidays
Fri, 12 Dec 2025 04:32:47 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/the-toy-aisle-is-still-full-of-gender-bias-heres-how-to-navigate-it-these-holidays-270462>
"Parents the world over have begun the task of negotiating Christmas lists
written by their children. But buying the right presents for kids can feel like
a minefield, with an ever-growing list of choices and factors to consider.
(More...)
‘Ruined my Christmas spirit’: McDonald’s removes AI-generated ad after backlash
Fri, 12 Dec 2025 04:34:29 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/dec/11/mcdonalds-removes-ai-generated-christmas-ad-advert-backlash>
"McDonald’s says it has removed an AI-generated Christmas advertisement in the
Netherlands after it was criticised online.
(More...)
Artificial intelligence research has a slop problem, academics say: ‘It’s a mess’
Fri, 12 Dec 2025 11:48:29 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/dec/06/ai-research-papers
"A single person claims to have authored 113 academic papers on artificial
intelligence this year, 89 of which will be presented this week at one of the
world’s leading conferences on AI and machine learning, which has raised
(More...)
Tiny Island, Big Dreams
Fri, 12 Dec 2025 11:50:12 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://reasonstobecheerful.world/tiny-island-big-dreams-culebra-puerto-rico-fishing-cooperative/>
"At the end of a short road that spreads out into a paved spit of working
waterfront on the tiny island of Culebra sits a small building with
hurricane-proof windows, a sunflower yellow trim and two rows of solar panels
(More...)
SARS-CoV-2 Leaves a Lasting Mark on the Immune System
Fri, 12 Dec 2025 11:51:53 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://johnsnowproject.org/primers/sars-cov-2-leaves-a-lasting-mark-on-the-immune-system/>
"A new study in the
International Journal of Infectious Diseases should end
any lingering idea that SARS-CoV-2 is ‘just another cold virus.’ It shows that
a single, relatively short Omicron wave left a long, measurable scar on the
(More...)
How the Next Big Thing in Carbon Removal Sank Without a Trace
Fri, 12 Dec 2025 11:54:36 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://archive.md/fhe6C
"The town hall in Akranes, on the west coast of Iceland, filled quickly as
locals streamed in to the residents’ meeting. The mood was happy, positive,
relaxed. In between speeches, a woman sang folk songs while her family played
(More...)
Maara Moana: The First Ocean Garden
Fri, 12 Dec 2025 11:55:33 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://oceanographicmagazine.com/features/maara-moana-the-first-ocean-garden/>
"We’d been driving for days, gradually migrating northward across the rustic
island. Passing through farmland, small towns, and mountain landscapes, this
place felt familiar yet entirely new at the same time. At every stop, we tried
(More...)
Millions of hectares are still being cut down every year. How can we protect global forests?
Fri, 12 Dec 2025 19:40:27 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/millions-of-hectares-are-still-being-cut-down-every-year-how-can-we-protect-global-forests-271305>
"Ahead of the United Nations climate summit in Belém last month, Brazil’s
President Lula da Silva urged world leaders to agree to roadmaps away from
fossil fuels and deforestation and pledge the resources to meet these goals.
(More...)
If social media for kids is so bad, should we be allowed to post kids’ photos online?
Fri, 12 Dec 2025 19:41:17 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/if-social-media-for-kids-is-so-bad-should-we-be-allowed-to-post-kids-photos-online-271387>
"As Australia’s ban on under-16-year-olds having certain social media accounts
kicks in this week, debate on whether it’s a good idea or even legal rages on –
both at home and overseas.
(More...)
‘The whole thing disgusts me’: Australians ditch US travel as new rules require social media to be declared
Fri, 12 Dec 2025 19:42:43 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/dec/11/australia-us-tourism-new-visa-rules-social-media-history>
"Australians are abandoning travel to the US, and boycotting World Cup matches
there next year, as the Trump administration flags new rules that will soon
require visitors to hand over their social media history when applying to enter
(More...)
Is It Too Late?
Fri, 12 Dec 2025 19:46:09 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://sherrilyn.substack.com/p/is-it-too-late
Today we are facing the greatest hostility to the Fourteenth Amendment since
the post-Reconstruction period. Indeed, we are now in a period of full-blown
hostility to the project of multiracial democracy.
(More...)
Politicians bank on people not caring about democracy – but research shows we do
Fri, 12 Dec 2025 19:47:20 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/politicians-bank-on-people-not-caring-about-democracy-but-research-shows-we-do-271106>
"Across the world, democracies are grappling with a widening gap between
citizens and those who govern. Australia is no exception.
(More...)
The social media ban is just the start of Australia’s forthcoming restrictions – and teens have legitimate concerns
Fri, 12 Dec 2025 19:48:16 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/the-social-media-ban-is-just-the-start-of-australias-forthcoming-restrictions-and-teens-have-legitimate-concerns-271754>
"There has been massive global interest in the new social media legislation
introduced in Australia aimed at protecting children from the dangers of
doom‑scrolling and mental‑health risks potentially posed by these platforms
(More...)
‘Tough on crime’ policies are causing Indigenous people to die in custody
Sat, 13 Dec 2025 04:36:17 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/tough-on-crime-policies-are-causing-indigenous-people-to-die-in-custody-271829>
"When a First Nations person dies in custody, it sends shockwaves through
families and communities. The trauma of losing a loved one adds to a sense of
despair that First Nations lives are expendable, that no one is held to
(More...)
NSW Health resists lower blood lead guidelines for children in Broken Hill, documents reveal
Sat, 13 Dec 2025 04:38:19 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/dec/12/children-lead-exposure-broken-hill-nsw-health-resists-guidelines>
"NSW Health resisted government advice to strengthen protections for children
exposed to lead in Broken Hill, despite internal documents acknowledging that
far lower blood lead levels than those recognised in current guidelines can
(More...)
Germany’s plan to deport Syrian refugees echoes 1980s effort to repatriate Turkish guest workers
Sat, 13 Dec 2025 04:39:23 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/germanys-plan-to-deport-syrian-refugees-echoes-1980s-effort-to-repatriate-turkish-guest-workers-271475>
"For 14 years while Syria’s brutal civil war raged, Germany provided a safe
haven for those fleeing the violence. Now, a year after that conflict ended
with the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024, many in Germany – including
(More...)
Austria votes to ban headscarves in schools for girls under 14
Sat, 13 Dec 2025 04:40:46 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/dec/11/austria-votes-ban-headscarves-schools-girls-under-14>
"Lawmakers in Austria have voted overwhelmingly to ban headscarves in schools
for girls under the age of 14, despite concerns the legislation will deepen
societal divisions and marginalise Muslims. The law could also be struck down
(More...)
The United States CDC has abandoned science in its new advice about vaccines and autism
Sat, 13 Dec 2025 04:42:17 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/the-united-states-cdc-has-abandoned-science-in-its-new-advice-about-vaccines-and-autism-271493>
"The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has revised
its long-standing guidance about vaccines and autism.
(More...)
Ultra-fast charging, kerbside charging and V2G projects share $21 million in Arena funding
Sat, 13 Dec 2025 04:43:17 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://thedriven.io/2025/12/12/ultra-fast-charging-kerbside-charging-and-v2g-projects-share-21-million-in-arena-funding/>
"Three projects targeting three key planks of electric vehicle integration –
kerb-side charging, ultra-fast charging and vehicle to grid charging – have won
federal government backing through Arena.
(More...)
White House Refuses to Rule Out Summary Executions of People on Its Secret Domestic Terrorist List
Sat, 13 Dec 2025 12:22:40 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://archive.md/Zq0sc
"President Donald Trump has shattered the limits of executive authority by
ordering the summary executions of individuals he deems members of designated
terrorist organizations. He has also tested the bounds of his presidential
(More...)
Putin’s Already Won
Sat, 13 Dec 2025 12:24:23 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://archive.md/5As2z
"For a guy who’s lost hundreds of thousands of soldiers and barely moved his
front lines forward in a war that’s already lasted longer than U.S. involvement
in World War II, Vladimir Putin is looking pretty smug and self-satisfied these
(More...)
With Nvidia’s second-best AI chips headed for China, the US shifts priorities from security to trade
Sat, 13 Dec 2025 12:25:33 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/with-nvidias-second-best-ai-chips-headed-for-china-the-us-shifts-priorities-from-security-to-trade-271831>
"This week, US President Donald Trump approved previously banned exports of
Nvidia’s powerful H200 artificial intelligence (AI) chips to China.
(More...)
Jet Charge and Ikea complete one of Australia’s biggest electric delivery vehicle charging networks
Sat, 13 Dec 2025 12:26:48 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://thedriven.io/2025/12/12/jet-charge-and-ikea-complete-one-of-australias-biggest-electric-delivery-vehicle-charging-networks/>
"The Australian branch of Swedish home furnishings giant Ikea has completed one
of the country’s biggest charging networks for electric delivery vehicles
thanks to a partnership with leading electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure and
(More...)
How the Team Behind Valkey Knew It Was Time to Fork
Sat, 13 Dec 2025 20:38:51 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://thenewstack.io/how-the-team-behind-valkey-knew-it-was-time-to-fork/>
"TOKYO — Forking an open source project is never a first choice. It is
divisive, dangerous, and politically risky. But sometimes, as Valkey leaders
Roberto Luna Rojas and Madelyn Olson said during their talk here Monday at Open
(More...)
After NPR and PBS defunding, FCC receives call to take away station licenses
Sat, 13 Dec 2025 20:40:51 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2025/12/conservative-attacks-on-npr-and-pbs-continue-with-call-to-take-fcc-licenses/>
"A conservative group yesterday urged the Federal Communications Commission to
take licenses away from
NPR and
PBS stations and let other entities use the
spectrum. The request came from the Center for American Rights (CAR), a
(More...)
Friday essay: experts are predicting a stock market crash – what does 1929 have to teach us?
Sat, 13 Dec 2025 20:42:45 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
Papermoon: A Space-Grade Linux for the NewSpace Era
Sat, 13 Dec 2025 20:43:43 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://thenewstack.io/papermoon-a-space-grade-linux-for-the-newspace-era/>
"TOKYO — When I worked for NASA in the 1980s, every satellite and spaceship
that went into orbit ran one-off, hand-coded, semi-proprietary programs. This
approach was painful, expensive, and sometimes disastrous, as with the loss of
(More...)
Letters from an American: December 12, 2025
Sat, 13 Dec 2025 20:45:27 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/december-12-2025
"Today former Alabama senator Doug Jones launched his campaign to become the
state’s next governor. He announced on November 24 that he would enter the
race, but said in a speech tonight that he chose today for the official launch
(More...)
Big batteries are now outcompeting gas in the grid – and gas-rich Western Australia is at the forefront
Sat, 13 Dec 2025 20:46:13 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/big-batteries-are-now-outcompeting-gas-in-the-grid-and-gas-rich-western-australia-is-at-the-forefront-271753>
"Australia’s electricity grids are undergoing a profound transformation. Solar
and wind have provided 99% of new generating capacity since 2015. Last month,
renewables hit parity with fossil fuels for the first time.
(More...)
Hundreds of iceberg earthquakes detected at the crumbling end of Antarctica’s Doomsday Glacier
Sun, 14 Dec 2025 03:03:08 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/hundreds-of-iceberg-earthquakes-detected-at-the-crumbling-end-of-antarcticas-doomsday-glacier-268893>
"Glacial earthquakes are a special type of earthquake generated in cold, icy
regions. First discovered in the northern hemisphere more than 20 years ago,
these quakes occur when huge chunks of ice fall from glaciers into the sea.
(More...)
Repair and Rent Out: Creating Affordable Housing in New Mexico
Sun, 14 Dec 2025 03:04:33 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://reasonstobecheerful.world/housing-repair-affordable-rentals-new-mexico/>
"The apartment complex had been condemned. Nicole Scarpa and her kids were
given a week’s notice to vacate. She was afraid she would soon be homeless, and
not for the first time.
(More...)
20 Years of Digital Life, Gone in an Instant, thanks to Apple
Sun, 14 Dec 2025 03:05:49 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://hey.paris/posts/appleid/
"Summary: A major brick-and-mortar store sold an Apple Gift Card that Apple
seemingly took offence to, and locked out my entire Apple ID, effectively
bricking my devices and my iCloud Account, Apple Developer ID, and everything
(More...)
John Varley (1947-2025)
Sun, 14 Dec 2025 03:08:59 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://locusmag.com/2025/12/john-varley-1947-2025/
"John Varley (78) died December 10, 2025 in his home in Beaverton OR. He had
COPD and diabetes.
(More...)
What happens when a city takes women’s unpaid work seriously?
Sun, 14 Dec 2025 03:16:57 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
From FIFA to the LA Clippers, carbon offset scandals are exposing the gap between sports teams’ green promises and reality
Sun, 14 Dec 2025 11:33:22 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/from-fifa-to-the-la-clippers-carbon-offset-scandals-are-exposing-the-gap-between-sports-teams-green-promises-and-reality-270428>
"If you go to a pro sports event today, there’s a good chance the stadium or
arena will be powered at least in part by renewable energy. The team likely
takes steps to reduce energy and waste. Some even claim to have net-zero
(More...)
Department of Defense goes to war by AI chatbot
Sun, 14 Dec 2025 11:35:07 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://pivot-to-ai.com/2025/12/10/department-of-defense-goes-to-war-by-ai-chatbot/>
"I got a tip yesterday from an anonymous US army officer that the US government
was about to break new ground in authoritarian dumbassery. The officer had
logged into his work computer in the morning, and got a popup:
(More...)
'Now it's almost embarrassing': Americans on living in Australia under Trump 2.0
Sun, 14 Dec 2025 11:37:02 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/americans-in-australia-during-trump-administration/hdk0vro14>
“Lauren (not her real name) used to speak with an American accent. It would
constantly start conversations about United States politics — far from her
first choice of small talk — while out walking her dogs in her Brisbane
(More...)
Planning to visit the US? Take it from this American citizen – don’t
Sun, 14 Dec 2025 11:38:43 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/dec/12/usa-tourist-visit-trump-visas-american-citizen-opinion>
"I’m in the US right now, but if I didn’t have family here (and a US passport),
I wouldn’t be. My teenagers and I flew over the week of Thanksgiving from
Australia, preparing ourselves for long lines and extra questions at customs.
(More...)
Celebrate 40 Years of Capybaras Soaking in Warm Waters at Izu Shaboten Zoo
Sun, 14 Dec 2025 11:40:08 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.japan.travel/en/sg/jbyj-blog/capybaras-japan-izu-shaboten-zoo/>
"Izu Shaboten Zoo in Shizuoka Prefecture plays home to some of the cutest
capybaras, an animal native to South America. During winter in the Izu region
of Shizuoka Prefecture, the zoo holds its annual open-air bath experience for
(More...)
Donald Trump is pursuing regime change – in Europe
Sun, 14 Dec 2025 19:22:37 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/dec/12/donald-trump-regime-change-europe-us-european-far-right-keir-starmer>
"When are we going to get the message? I joked a few months back that, when it
comes to Donald Trump, Europe needs to learn from
Sex and the City’s Miranda
Hobbes and realise that “He’s just not that into you”. After this past week,
(More...)
Dick Van Dyke credits his longevity to his positive outlook – and research says optimists live longer
Sun, 14 Dec 2025 19:27:48 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/dick-van-dyke-credits-his-longevity-to-his-positive-outlook-and-research-says-optimists-live-longer-271320>
"Dick Van Dyke, the legendary American actor and comedian who starred in
classics such as
Mary Poppins and
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, turns 100 on
December 13. The beloved actor credits his remarkable longevity to his positive
(More...)
Kim Jong-un admits North Korean troops clearing landmines for Russia
Sun, 14 Dec 2025 19:29:36 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/dec/13/north-korea-troops-cleared-landmines-russia-kim-jong-un>
"North Korea sent troops to clear mines in Russia’s Kursk region earlier this
year, leader Kim Jong-un said in a speech carried on Saturday by state media, a
rare acknowledgement by Pyongyang of the deadly tasks assigned to its deployed
(More...)
Canada’s indigenous-style prisons are designed to right historical wrongs
Sun, 14 Dec 2025 19:31:40 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://archive.md/hgrIy
"Willow Cree Healing Lodge does not look like a prison. The men held there are
not called “offenders” but
nîcisânak, a Cree word for siblings. Their day
usually starts with prayers and smudging, in which a spiritual adviser wafts
(More...)
I'm 57 and AI Just Made Me Unemployable (But Not For The Reason You Think)
Sun, 14 Dec 2025 19:32:34 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://freedium.cfd/https://jasonjamesweiland.medium.com/im-57-and-ai-just-made-me-unemployable-but-not-for-the-reason-you-think-2f5e84e2a8bf>
"
It's not that AI is smarter than me. It's that companies finally have the
excuse they've been looking for to not hire people like me at all.
(More...)
‘We like it a lot’: how Romania created its hugely popular deposit return scheme
Sun, 14 Dec 2025 19:34:05 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/nov/27/we-like-it-a-lot-how-romania-created-the-largest-deposit-return-scheme-in-the-world>
"In the Transylvanian village of Pianu de Jos, 51-year-old Dana Chitucescu
gathers a sack of empty polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles, aluminium
cans and glass every week and takes it to her local shop.
(More...)
The Job Market Won't Recover. What Are Your Options?
Mon, 15 Dec 2025 04:35:43 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://freedium.cfd/https://jasonjamesweiland.medium.com/the-job-market-wont-recover-what-are-your-options-ce0dcc0f3f49>
“I need to tell you something nobody wants to hear.
The job market isn't going to recover. Not back to the way it was. Not in time
(More...)
Street Smart: Chennai's AutoQueens Steer A Powerful Cooperative From Behind The Wheels
Mon, 15 Dec 2025 04:37:26 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://writetoupbeat.substack.com/p/freedom-in-cooperation-chennais-women>
"A. Mohanasundari, 39, confidently navigates the congested streets close to
Ayanavaram, in Chennai. The feeling of freedom, from being able to work on her
own terms, adds a lightness to her being.
(More...)
Tesla's Robotaxi Dreams Are Dead
Mon, 15 Dec 2025 04:38:46 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://freedium.cfd/https://wlockett.medium.com/teslas-robotaxi-dreams-are-dead-9e28711da983>
"Self-driving has been a core part of Tesla for well over a decade. It is what
prompted investors to classify it as a tech company rather than a manufacturing
company and is what has driven its valuation to dizzying heights through insane
(More...)
Botanists decode secret life of rare plants to ensure reintroduction success
Mon, 15 Dec 2025 04:40:29 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://news.mongabay.com/2025/11/botanists-decode-secret-life-of-rare-plants-to-ensure-reintroduction-success/>
"It was 2006 and Ismail Ebrahim, a botanist with the South African National
Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), was worried. While surveying one of the last
remaining patches of renosterveld shrubland in South Africa’s Paarl region,
(More...)
Billionaire AI Brain Rot
Mon, 15 Dec 2025 04:42:10 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://freedium.cfd/https://wlockett.medium.com/billionaire-ai-brain-rot-20f2df4601d3>
“While talking to
Linus Tech Tips, Linus Torvalds, creator of the Linux OS,
called Elon Musk "simply incompetent" and "too stupid to work in a tech
company" — to which, everyone seemingly agreed. It's hard not to, what with the
(More...)
Baker Delivers Free Birthday Cakes to Homeless People: ‘They’re Our Neighbors’
Mon, 15 Dec 2025 04:43:30 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.today.com/food/people/baker-delivers-free-birthday-cakes-to-homeless-people-rcna235965>
"Manolo Betancur believes everyone deserves a birthday cake.
“I arrived to America 25 years ago, and I didn’t speak any English, and I
(More...)
Elon Musk is Wrong About Basic Income and Crime: Here is the Pile of Evidence He Ignored
Mon, 15 Dec 2025 11:17:21 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://scottsantens.substack.com/p/elon-musk-is-wrong-about-universal-basic-income-ubi-and-crime>
"There is a Zombie Lie circulating on social media right now, and
unfortunately, the richest man in the world just fed it fresh brains.
(More...)
Syria: Hope emerges amid ongoing human rights challenges
Mon, 15 Dec 2025 11:18:54 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/12/1166498
"
For the first time in the country’s history, Syrians are preparing to
publicly mark Human Rights Day next week — a small but meaningful step that UN
human rights officials say signals a “new chapter” in their engagement with the
(More...)
The Current and Future Burden of Long COVID in the United States
Mon, 15 Dec 2025 11:20:36 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39842946/
"
Background: Long coronavirus disease (COVID), which affects an estimated
44.69-48.04 million people in the United States, is an ongoing public health
concern that will persist as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2
(More...)
The 'extinct' antelope bringing hope in the Sahara Desert
Mon, 15 Dec 2025 11:22:29 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.bbc.co.uk/future/article/20251202-the-extinct-antelope-bringing-hope-in-the-sahara-desert>
“When Marie Petretto and John Newby arrived in central Chad in the spring of
2012, they'd been sent with a mission to see this wide, open landscape as an
antelope might see it.
(More...)
Travel influencers ‘do crazy things’ to entertain us – and downplay the risks
Mon, 15 Dec 2025 11:23:25 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/travel-influencers-do-crazy-things-to-entertain-us-and-downplay-the-risks-271400>
"It’s common for Australians to use social media to find their next hike or
swimming spot. And there’s a huge array of travel influencers willing to supply
the #inspo for their next trip.
(More...)
New Study Shows How Paris Pedaled Its Way to a Cycling Revolution
Mon, 15 Dec 2025 11:24:21 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://momentummag.com/new-study-paris-cycling-revolution/
"Not long ago, Paris was known for its traffic jams, not its bike culture. The
city’s grand boulevards were lined with honking taxis, delivery vans, and
inching commuters. Cycling through central Paris meant weaving between buses
(More...)
An expert’s pick of the best board games to play (and gift) this summer
Mon, 15 Dec 2025 19:13:29 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/an-experts-pick-of-the-best-board-games-to-play-and-gift-this-summer-270884>
"In a world that can seem increasingly digitised and isolating, board games
offer a unique chance to connect with others. And over the holiday period, the
right game can make all the difference while spending time with friends and
(More...)
Hong Kong’s last major opposition party disbands amid Chinese pressure
Mon, 15 Dec 2025 19:14:38 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/dec/14/hong-kong-opposition-democratic-party-disbands-chinese-pressure>
"Hong Kong’s last major opposition party has disbanded after a vote by its
members, the culmination of Chinese pressure on the city’s remaining liberal
voices in a years-long security crackdown.
(More...)
Why tensions between China and Japan are unlikely to be resolved soon
Mon, 15 Dec 2025 19:15:32 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/why-tensions-between-china-and-japan-are-unlikely-to-be-resolved-soon-271527>
"Though China and Japan are experienced in dealing with diplomatic crises,
relations between the two neighbours appear to have reached a new low. And this
time, their conflict may not be easily resolved.
(More...)
“Remarkable:” World’s largest battery-electric ship powers up for first time in Australia
Mon, 15 Dec 2025 19:17:20 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://thedriven.io/2025/12/15/remarkable-worlds-largest-battery-electric-ship-powered-up-for-first-time-in-australia/>
"Australian shipbuilder Incat Tasmania has achieved a historic milestone,
powering up the world’s largest battery-electric ship ever constructed that was
built at its shipyards on the River Derwent north of Hobart.
(More...)
‘Checkout charity’ requests often backfire, leaving shoppers feeling guilty: new study
Mon, 15 Dec 2025 19:18:05 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/checkout-charity-requests-often-backfire-leaving-shoppers-feeling-guilty-new-study-271731>
"“Would you like to donate $2 to charity today?”
If you have been Christmas shopping this season, you probably heard this
(More...)
Scientists Relaunch the ‘Internet of Animals’
Mon, 15 Dec 2025 19:19:40 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://e360.yale.edu/digest/icarus-2025-launch
"German scientists have relaunched a satellite system that will be used to
track wildlife all across the globe. The “internet of animals” was first
launched in 2020, in collaboration with Russian researchers, but was abruptly
(More...)
Has the Trump resistance been too passive? Here are 7 ways to effectively protest authoritarian rule
Tue, 16 Dec 2025 04:05:32 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/has-the-trump-resistance-been-too-passive-here-are-7-ways-to-effectively-protest-authoritarian-rule-268208>
"The United States, it has long been claimed, is organically disposed towards
democracy. When the Puritans founded the Massachusetts Bay Colony in the early
1600s, the first governor, John Winthrop, called the new settlement a “city
(More...)
Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards 2025 FINALISTS ANNOUNCED
Tue, 16 Dec 2025 04:06:57 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.comedywildlifephoto.com/
"We are delighted to announce that the Nikon Comedy Wildlife Overall Winner of
2025 is:
(More...)
One UK journalist’s close access to Hitler carries a warning about Trump’s media restrictions
Tue, 16 Dec 2025 04:08:57 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/one-uk-journalists-close-access-to-hitler-carries-a-warning-about-trumps-media-restrictions-265278>
"
Interviewing Hitler opens in Linz, Austria, in 1938: the year before the
outbreak of World War Two. Adolf Hitler, who was born in Austria, has just
announced the Anschluss, the forced political union of Germany and his birth
(More...)
Digital Revolutionary Mini Zine Vol. 2
Tue, 16 Dec 2025 04:10:52 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.patreon.com/posts/digital-mini-vol-145883737
“This 7-page mini 'zine shows you how to counter surveillance distress,
mitigate vicarious trauma from seeing violent news or social media, focuses on
stopping the outrage-to-overwhelm cycle (like when we "freeze up"), refine your
(More...)
Friendship is magic: male dolphins with close friends age more slowly
Tue, 16 Dec 2025 04:12:17 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/friendship-is-magic-male-dolphins-with-close-friends-age-more-slowly-271411>
"For more than 40 years, researchers in Shark Bay, Western Australia, have been
watching the lives of a very unusual group of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins
(
Tursiops aduncus). The male dolphins in this group form one of the most
(More...)
2025 Word of the Year: Slop
Tue, 16 Dec 2025 14:40:21 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.merriam-webster.com/wordplay/word-of-the-year
"Merriam-Webster’s human editors have chosen
slop as the 2025 Word of the
Year. We define
slop as “digital content of low quality that is produced
usually in quantity by means of artificial intelligence.” All that stuff dumped
(More...)
CNN Hero of the Year Turns Vacant Lots on Chicago’s South Side into Flower Farms
Tue, 16 Dec 2025 14:45:44 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/the-2025-cnn-hero-of-the-year-transforms-vacant-lots-on-chicagos-south-side-into-flower-farms/>
"Hope and opportunity are blossoming on the South Side of Chicago where a man
and his wife have used flowers to help poor communities turn over a new leaf.
(More...)
Let's Be Sad About Rob Reiner Together
Tue, 16 Dec 2025 14:47:18 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.wonkette.com/p/lets-be-sad-about-rob-reiner-together
"It was another another horrible weekend of violence in America, including the
murder of director and political activist Rob Reiner and his wife Michele,
allegedly by their son Nick, 32, who has been arrested for stabbing them both.
(More...)
Australia’s Social Media Ban Was Pushed By Ad Agency Focused On Gambling Ads It Didn’t Want Banned
Tue, 16 Dec 2025 14:48:25 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
From villain to zodiac hero: how Zootopia 2’s snake character has made the film a global hit
Tue, 16 Dec 2025 14:51:48 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/from-villain-to-zodiac-hero-how-zootopia-2s-snake-character-has-made-the-film-a-global-hit-271521>
"Nine years after their first adventure,
Zootopia’s “dream team” are back.
This time, perky optimistic rabbit cop Judy Hopps and charming fox Nick Wilde
must solve a reptilian mystery.
(More...)
Australia’s national plan says existing laws are enough to regulate AI. This is false hope
Tue, 16 Dec 2025 23:12:28 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
Ford takes massive $29 billion hit as it turns tail and retreats from EVs
Tue, 16 Dec 2025 23:13:23 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://thedriven.io/2025/12/16/ford-takes-massive-29-billion-hit-as-it-turns-tail-and-retreats-from-evs/>
"US car giant Ford is to take a massive $US19.5 billion ($A29.3 billion) hit to
its profits so that it can pivot away from electric vehicles (EVs) and back
towards internal combustion engine (ICE) and hybrid models, a move which will
(More...)
They Answered an Ad for Surrogates, and Found Themselves in a Nightmare
Tue, 16 Dec 2025 23:14:50 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://archive.md/25xW4
"The women in House 3 rarely had a chance to speak to the women in House 5, but
when they did, the things they heard scared them. They didn’t actually know
where House 5 was, only that it was huge and perched somewhere outside Tbilisi,
(More...)
How stores fighting thieves risk putting off shoppers with disabilities and kids
Tue, 16 Dec 2025 23:15:42 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/how-stores-fighting-thieves-risk-putting-off-shoppers-with-disabilities-and-kids-271397>
"“Welcome”, the sign at the supermarket entrance says, above a drawing of a
shopper walking in and pushing a trolley.
(More...)
Inside Stephen Miller’s Dark Plot to Build a MAGA Terror State
Tue, 16 Dec 2025 23:16:42 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://newrepublic.com/article/204191/stephen-miller-maga-terror-state-dark-plot>
"He is descended from Russian Jews—you know, the kind of people who were once
denounced as alien and unassimilable. Today, his project is to unleash
government persecution of those he deems alien and unassimilable. How far will
(More...)
Niki Savva’s "Earthquake" is a damning account of the election that shook Australia
Tue, 16 Dec 2025 23:18:14 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/niki-savvas-earthquake-is-a-damning-account-of-the-election-that-shook-australia-270452>
"
Review: Earthquake: The Election that Shook Australia/ – Niki Savva (Scribe)
As federal polling day neared on May 3 2025, the ground was silent but the
(More...)
Meet the biggest heat pumps in the world
Wed, 17 Dec 2025 11:36:11 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c17p44w87rno
“The pipe that will supply the heat pump, drawing water from the River Rhine in
Germany, is so big that you could walk through it, fully upright, I'm told.
(More...)
We think of mushrooms as food. But mycelium-based blocks could be the future of construction
Wed, 17 Dec 2025 11:37:05 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/we-think-of-mushrooms-as-food-but-mycelium-based-blocks-could-be-the-future-of-construction-269273>
"When mushrooms make the news, it’s often for grim reasons – a mysterious
poisoning, toxic species in the bush, or high-profile court cases.
(More...)
Hong Kong pro-democracy publisher convicted of sedition, in major blow to press freedom
Wed, 17 Dec 2025 11:38:25 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/hong-kong-pro-democracy-publisher-convicted-of-sedition-in-major-blow-to-press-freedom-272079>
"This week, after a 156-day trial, the Hong Kong pro-democracy campaigner and
media tycoon Jimmy Lai was convicted of sedition and collusion with foreign or
external forces.
(More...)
Eduardo Porter is Still Wrong About UBI and AI: A Response to The Guardian
Wed, 17 Dec 2025 11:39:34 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://scottsantens.substack.com/p/the-universal-basic-income-ubi-strawman-never-dies-eduardo-porter>
"Eduardo Porter’s new
Guardian piece is built around a familiar move: treat
universal basic income as a single, maximalist policy meant to replace
paychecks, then declare it either unaffordable or socially corrosive, then
(More...)
Powered by mushrooms, living computers are on the rise
Wed, 17 Dec 2025 11:40:46 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://news.osu.edu/powered-by-mushrooms-living-computers-are-on-the-rise/>
"Fungal networks may be a promising alternative to tiny metal devices used in
processing and storing digital memories and other computer data, according to a
new study.
(More...)
Is there much COVID around? Do I need the new booster shot LP.8.1?
Wed, 17 Dec 2025 11:41:36 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/is-there-much-covid-around-do-i-need-the-new-booster-shot-lp-8-1-271933>
"COVID rarely rates a mention in the news these days, yet it hasn’t gone away.
SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID, is still with us. It continues to
(More...)
After mass violence, trauma spreads socially. Here are 3 ways you can help reduce it
Wed, 17 Dec 2025 19:09:14 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/after-mass-violence-trauma-spreads-socially-here-are-3-ways-you-can-help-reduce-it-272050>
"After mass violence such as the Bondi beach terrorist attack on Sunday,
distress does not stop with those directly affected.
(More...)
Ilhan Omar says Trump’s repeated attacks fuel climate of political violence
Wed, 17 Dec 2025 19:10:30 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/dec/16/minnesota-congresswoman-ilhan-omar-trump-attacks>
"US congresswoman Ilhan Omar has warned that Donald Trump’s repeated personal
attacks and dehumanising rhetoric are fuelling a climate of political violence
that could have dangerous consequences.
(More...)
As reefs vanish, assisted coral fertilization offers hope in the Dominican Republic
Wed, 17 Dec 2025 19:13:07 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://apnews.com/article/coral-reef-restoration-fertilization-climate-environment-dominican-329b281f4fe37c9b7da84653f22301c7>
"BAYAHIBE, Dominican Republic (
AP) — Oxygen tank strapped to his back,
Michael del Rosario moves his fins delicately as he glides along an underwater
nursery just off the Dominican Republic coast, proudly showing off the “coral
(More...)
Electricity generation costs would be a third lower with 82% renewable grid, CSIRO says
Wed, 17 Dec 2025 19:15:45 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/dec/16/electricity-generation-costs-third-lower-82-renewable-grid>
"The cost of generating electricity in an Australian grid powered by 82%
renewable energy would be a third cheaper than current wholesale electricity
costs, according to new CSIRO analysis.
(More...)
Pam Bondi wants the government to create cash bounties for turning in trans equality activists
Wed, 17 Dec 2025 19:18:13 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2025/12/pam-bondi-wants-the-government-to-create-cash-bounties-for-turning-in-trans-equality-activists/>
"A new Justice Department memo from Attorney General Pam Bondi instructs the
FBI to create a “cash reward system” to incentivize providing information
against domestic terrorists. However, it also makes it clear that the targets
(More...)
‘If we build it, they will come’: Skövde, the tiny town powering up Sweden’s video game boom
Wed, 17 Dec 2025 19:21:56 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/games/2025/dec/12/skovde-sweden-video-games-goat-simulator-valheim-v-rising>
"On 26 March 2014, a trailer for a video game appeared on YouTube. The first
thing the viewer sees is a closeup of a goat lying on the ground, its tongue
out, its eyes open. Behind it is a man on fire, running backwards in slow
(More...)
Man arrested for allegedly wiping his Google Pixel before a CBP search
Thu, 18 Dec 2025 04:12:34 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.techspot.com/news/110560-man-arrested-allegedly-wiping-google-pixel-before-cbp.html>
“In brief: A man has been charged with destruction of evidence after allegedly
erasing the contents of his phone before a Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
agent could search it. It's unclear why CBP wanted to search Atlanta-based
(More...)
‘The antithesis to Nazi ideology’: how Pippi Longstocking was born to stand up to Hitler
Thu, 18 Dec 2025 04:15:10 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/dec/15/pippi-longstocking-astrid-lindgren-nazism-documentary>
"She’s the mischievous little red-haired Swedish girl with the pigtails. Since
1945, this waif with no mother or father has rarely been out of the bestseller
lists and continues to inspire musicals and movies. Heyday Films, the outfit
(More...)
Who Exactly Is Having a “Crisis of Masculinity”?
Thu, 18 Dec 2025 04:17:28 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.damemagazine.com/2025/12/16/who-exactly-is-having-a-crisis-of-masculinity/>
"“If we can’t convince young men of the honor involved and the unique
contributions inherent in expressing what makes them male, we’ll lose them to
niche, rabid online communities,” writes marketing guru and podcaster Scott
(More...)
China Planted 78 Billion New Trees—and Seriously Messed Up Its Water Cycle
Thu, 18 Dec 2025 04:22:40 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/environment/a69638301/china-reforesting-changed-hydrology/>
"It’s no secret that China is particularly adept at building things. The
world’s largest dam? In China. Largest high-speed rail network? That’d be
China. Largest wind farm? China. Solar Array? Argentina. Really? Nope, it’s
(More...)
Europe is a continent soaked in economic pessimism. Until we change that, the far right will rise and rise
Thu, 18 Dec 2025 04:24:11 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/dec/16/europe-soaked-economic-pessimism-far-right-rise>
"How much does Europe’s future resemble its gruesome past? That question was
already pressing before Donald Trump retook the White House, and turned support
for the European far-right “patriotic” parties into US policy. That is, of
(More...)
Russia Is Finally Standing Up To Vladimir Putin... Because Of The Roblox Ban
Thu, 18 Dec 2025 04:25:44 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.thegamer.com/roblox-russia-ban-children-threats/
“At the beginning of the month,
Roblox was banned by Russia's communications
watchdog Roskomnadzor. The multiplayer platform wasn't banned because of the
plethora of well-publicised child safety issues, but rather because of the
(More...)
The Bondi Memo’s Quiet Rewriting of Domestic Terrorism Rules
Thu, 18 Dec 2025 11:05:24 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
‘We are all human beings first’: Jews and Muslims embrace at vigils for those killed in Bondi beach terror attack
Thu, 18 Dec 2025 11:06:43 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/dec/17/bondi-beach-terror-attack-vigil-jews-muslims-embrace-ntwnfb>
"About 24 hours after terror was unleashed on Sydney’s Bondi beach, Rabbi
Jeffrey Kamins stood in the city’s Hyde Park and delivered a message of unity.
(More...)
Arctic endured year of record heat as climate scientists warn of ‘winter being redefined’
Thu, 18 Dec 2025 11:08:21 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/dec/16/artic-record-heat-shrunken-sea-ice-report>
"The Arctic endured a year of record heat and shrunken sea ice as the world’s
northern latitudes continue a rapid shift to becoming rainier and less
ice-bound due to the climate crisis, scientists have reported.
(More...)
This is Europe’s secret weapon against Trump: it could burst his AI bubble
Thu, 18 Dec 2025 11:09:37 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/dec/17/europe-donald-trump-ai-bubble-us-economy-eu>
"The unthinkable has happened. The US is Europe’s adversary. The stark,
profound betrayal contained in the Trump administration’s national security
strategy should stop any further denial and dithering in Europe’s capitals.
(More...)
The Beauty of Lining a River With Willow
Thu, 18 Dec 2025 11:10:40 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://reasonstobecheerful.world/beauty-of-lining-a-river-with-willow/
"In the Stone Age, Neolithic folks used willow branches and mud to build
roundhouses for their families. Jump forward several thousand years and
European farmers were fashioning panels of stitched willow, called hurdles, to
(More...)
Trump moves to dismantle major US climate research center in Colorado
Thu, 18 Dec 2025 19:17:42 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/12/16/trump-dismantle-national-center-atmospheric-research-climate/87798771007/>
"WASHINGTON ‒ The Trump administration is moving to dismantle the National
Center for Atmospheric Research in Colorado, according to a senior White House
official, taking aim at one of the world's leading climate research labs.
(More...)
Inside the Trump Administration’s Man-Made Hunger Crisis
Thu, 18 Dec 2025 19:19:36 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.propublica.org/article/kenya-trump-usaid-world-food-program-starvation-children-deaths>
"On July 18, a mild, overcast night in Nairobi, Kenya, a team of President
Donald Trump’s top foreign aid advisers ducked into a meeting room at the Tribe
Hotel, their luxury accommodations in the city’s diplomatic quarter, for a
(More...)
Dogs and drones: how scientists are saving Washington’s endangered orcas
Thu, 18 Dec 2025 19:21:13 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/oct/02/endangered-orcas-southern-resident-killer-whales-sniffer-dogs-drones-scientists-washington>
"Nestled between the US state of Washington and Vancouver Island, the San Juan
Islands are a vibrant haven for North American wildlife. Here, all of the
world’s remaining 74 southern resident sub-species of orcas find sanctuary,
(More...)
Dark Networks: The 2003 Timor-Leste Il-76 crash and the global air cargo shadow industry
Thu, 18 Dec 2025 19:22:16 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://medium.com/the-academic/dark-networks-the-2003-timor-leste-il-76-crash-and-the-global-air-cargo-shadow-industry-4e67ab377760>
"On the 31st of January 2003, a huge four-engine Ilyushin Il-76 cargo plane
crashed just short of the poorly developed airstrip in the town of Baucau,
Timor-Leste, killing all six crewmembers. The crash was briefly noted by the
(More...)
Teens discover books on social media. What will the under-16s ban do to their reading?
Thu, 18 Dec 2025 19:23:22 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/teens-discover-books-on-social-media-what-will-the-under-16s-ban-do-to-their-reading-271936>
"In a video address to the nation, timed with Australia’s world-first teen
social media ban, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese encouraged under-16-year-olds
newly unable to access social media to “read that book”.
(More...)
A wage for housework? India's sweeping experiment in paying women
Thu, 18 Dec 2025 19:25:22 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5y9ez3kzrdo
“In a village in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, a woman receives a
small but steady sum each month - not wages, for she has no formal job, but an
unconditional cash transfer from the government.
(More...)
This peace deal ended Europe’s last major war 30 years ago. It provides important lessons for today’s fractured world
Fri, 19 Dec 2025 04:11:22 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/this-peace-deal-ended-europes-last-major-war-30-years-ago-it-provides-important-lessons-for-todays-fractured-world-270160>
"Thirty years ago this week, the
Dayton Accords were signed in Paris,
bringing an end to the Bosnian war, the most destructive conflict Europe had
witnessed since 1945.
(More...)
How the myth of ‘aqua nullius’ still guides Australia’s approach to groundwater
Fri, 19 Dec 2025 04:12:28 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/how-the-myth-of-aqua-nullius-still-guides-australias-approach-to-groundwater-270374>
"Indigenous people have coexisted with Australia’s vast and ancient groundwater
systems for thousands of generations. Their knowledge extends back through deep
time, before our current climate and waterways. It offers insights that Western
(More...)
Chip oil saves the day – yet again – for off-grid fast EV charging, and a new remote network
Fri, 19 Dec 2025 04:15:57 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://thedriven.io/2025/12/17/chip-oil-saves-the-day-yet-again-for-off-grid-fast-ev-charging-and-a-new-remote-network/>
"Fast DC off grid charging hasn’t got off to a good start in parts of rural
Western Australia. The three sites on the Eyre Highway which are linked with
roadhouse power continue to be plagued with technical issues causing both
(More...)
When The Internet Grew Up — And Locked Out Its Kids
Fri, 19 Dec 2025 04:17:13 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.techdirt.com/2025/12/17/when-the-internet-grew-up-and-locked-out-its-kids/>
"In December 2025, the world crossed a threshold. For the first time ever,
access to the major social media platforms was no longer guaranteed by
interest, connection, or curiosity — but by a birth date. A new law in
(More...)
Fortescue debuts second battery electric locomotive in push to real zero
Fri, 19 Dec 2025 04:18:14 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://thedriven.io/2025/12/17/fortescue-debuts-second-battery-electric-locomotive-in-push-to-real-zero/>
"Australian iron ore giant Fortescue has this week taken delivery of its second
14.5 megawatt-hour (MWh) battery electric locomotive, part of its plans to
reach real zero emissions at its Pilbara iron ore operations by 2030.
(More...)
Planning your next holiday? Here’s how to spot and avoid greenwashing
Fri, 19 Dec 2025 04:19:11 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/planning-your-next-holiday-heres-how-to-spot-and-avoid-greenwashing-270977>
"More of us than ever are trying to make environmentally responsible travel
choices. Sustainable travel is now less niche and more mainstream, with 93% of
travellers in one survey saying they would consider sustainable choices.
(More...)
The Ecological Havens Flourishing Beneath Power Lines
Fri, 19 Dec 2025 10:54:57 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://reasonstobecheerful.world/ecological-havens-flourishing-beneath-power-lines/>
"Power lines zig-zag across North America, strung between towers that rise 100
feet or more into the sky. Beneath lie vast swaths of often barren land up to
100 feet wide and stretching for hundreds of miles.
(More...)
Here’s the global playbook being used to crack down on climate protest
Fri, 19 Dec 2025 10:56:38 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://grist.org/global-indigenous-affairs-desk/heres-the-global-playbook-being-used-to-crack-down-on-climate-protest/>
"A new study published this month in the journal
Environmental Politics
reveals that efforts to repress climate and environmental protest are growing
worldwide through a combination of new legislation, novel uses of existing
(More...)
Want to understand the sickness of Britain today? Look no further – a novel explained it all 20 years ago
Fri, 19 Dec 2025 10:58:49 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/dec/18/sickness-britain-novel-20-years-ago-jg-ballard>
"An Englishman drives into a new town and can’t see the warning signs. Richard
Pearson is visiting Surrey to close down his late father’s home and settle his
affairs and, everywhere he looks, the flag of St George is flying “from
(More...)
Farmers stunned by unexpected impacts of new solar and wind farm projects: 'Everything else pales in comparison'
Fri, 19 Dec 2025 11:01:25 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.thecooldown.com/green-tech/howard-county-indiana-farmers-solar-wind/>
“A major shift is underway in rural Indiana, where farmers are discovering that
solar and wind projects can offer financial stability, especially when times
are tougher than ever.
(More...)
Florida city installs Pride bike racks after being forced to remove rainbow crosswalks
Fri, 19 Dec 2025 11:02:38 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.advocate.com/politics/st-petersburg-rainbow-bike-rack
"After the Trump administration and Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis forced Florida
cities to remove rainbow crosswalks, one city has responded by installing a
rainbow bike rack.
(More...)
Russia wants to drain Europe's investigative resources with its sabotage campaign, officials say
Fri, 19 Dec 2025 19:13:43 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://apnews.com/projects/russian-europe-sabotage/
"In November, a train carrying almost 500 people came to a sudden halt in
eastern Poland. A broken overhead line had smashed several windows, and the
track ahead was damaged. Elsewhere on the line, explosives detonated under a
(More...)
‘This year nearly broke me as a scientist’ – US researchers reflect on how 2025’s science cuts have changed their lives
Fri, 19 Dec 2025 19:16:02 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
The internet in 2025: Bigger, more fragile than ever - and 'fundamentally rewired' by AI
Fri, 19 Dec 2025 19:17:12 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.zdnet.com/home-and-office/networking/internet-review-2025-bigger-fragile-hostile-ai-influence-cloudflare/>
"According to Cloudflare, the internet's second-largest content delivery
network (CDN), global internet traffic grew nearly 20% in 2025. You and I
watching more YouTube videos is not what's driving that growth. Much of this
(More...)
Don’t talk – listen. Why communities affected by forever chemicals in water must be heard
Fri, 19 Dec 2025 19:17:55 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/dont-talk-listen-why-communities-affected-by-forever-chemicals-in-water-must-be-heard-258062>
"Until recently, Australia’s efforts to tackle “forever chemical” pollution
focused on highly polluted firefighting and defence sites.
(More...)
Finland Gave Two Groups Identical Payments. One Experienced 33% Better Mental Health.
Fri, 19 Dec 2025 19:19:14 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://scottsantens.substack.com/p/finland-basic-income-experiment-mental-health-ubi>
"There’s a revolution happening in mental health treatment, and it’s not coming
from pharmaceutical companies or therapy offices. It’s coming from something
far simpler and, in retrospect, far more obvious: giving people monthly
(More...)
How much does it cost to end rough sleeping? An Australian-first study may have just found out
Sat, 20 Dec 2025 04:50:56 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/how-much-does-it-cost-to-end-rough-sleeping-an-australian-first-study-may-have-just-found-out-271291>
"Homelessness is a growing issue in Australia.
Data released last week by the Australian Institute for Health and Welfare show
(More...)
Bavarian pensioner lays trap to catch phone fraudster who was out for his gold
Sat, 20 Dec 2025 04:52:31 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/dec/18/german-pensioner-lays-trap-catch-fraudsters-after-gold>
"An 85-year-old Bavarian has managed – twice – to ensnare phone fraudsters
trying to shake him down for cash and valuables.
(More...)
Inequality alone doesn’t cause civil unrest – but internet access adds the crucial spark
Sat, 20 Dec 2025 04:53:50 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/inequality-alone-doesnt-cause-civil-unrest-but-internet-access-adds-the-crucial-spark-272058>
"The gap between rich and poor has reached historic highs. According to the
World Inequality Report 2026, released in recent weeks, the richest 10% of
the global population now receive 53% of all income and own a staggering 75% of
(More...)
Roots of Resilience: The Women Preserving Asia’s Ancient Mangrove Forest
Sat, 20 Dec 2025 04:55:07 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://reasonstobecheerful.world/women-preserving-worlds-largest-mangrove-forest-sundarbans-asia/>
"Straddling the border between India and Bangladesh, where the rivers Ganges,
Meghna and Brahmaputra converge and flow into the Bay of Bengal, an ancient
forest of mangroves stretches over 3,860 square miles. This labyrinth of misty
(More...)
Australia’s roads are full of giant cars, and everyone pays the price. What can be done?
Sat, 20 Dec 2025 04:56:13 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
The race to stop octopus farming before it starts
Sat, 20 Dec 2025 04:57:08 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/race-stop-octopus-farming-starts-191500767.html>
"Last year, California and Washington state banned farming octopuses for their
meat, and bills have been introduced in seven other states — plus the US Senate
— to do the same. Lawmakers in Chile and Spain are weighing a prohibition on
(More...)
Australian homes are like “leaky tents” and free solar won’t solve the problem
Sat, 20 Dec 2025 11:34:53 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://onestepoffthegrid.com.au/australian-homes-are-like-leaky-tents-and-free-solar-wont-solve-the-problem/>
"When Central Coast renter and energy analyst Declan Kelly tried to heat his
cold, damp home last winter using a retail plan offering three hours of free
electricity in the middle of the day, he was effectively road-testing the
(More...)
NYC wants Prospect Park to drain more of Central Brooklyn's floodwater
Sat, 20 Dec 2025 11:36:22 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://gothamist.com/news/nyc-wants-prospect-park-to-drain-more-of-central-brooklyns-floodwater>
"A $68 million investment announced by city officials Wednesday aims to turn
Prospect Park into a giant sponge capable of reducing flooding in neighborhoods
across Central Brooklyn.
(More...)
Huge new battery will be able to power South Pacific island for three hours a day, and pave way for more solar
Sat, 20 Dec 2025 11:37:30 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://reneweconomy.com.au/huge-new-battery-will-be-able-to-power-south-pacific-island-for-three-hours-a-day-and-pave-way-for-more-solar/>
"New Caledonia, the Pacific’s third-largest island, is adding a big battery to
its still mostly fossil fuelled energy mix, one big enough to store enough
electricity to cover the equivalent of its main city’s power consumption for
(More...)
“Major turning point”: Plug-in vehicles make up more than a quarter of new cars sold this year
Sat, 20 Dec 2025 11:40:26 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://thedriven.io/2025/12/19/major-turning-point-plug-in-vehicles-make-up-more-than-a-quarter-of-new-cars-sold-this-year/>
"Emerging markets across the globe are driving an important shift in the car
market, with a quarter of new cars sold so far in 2025 being either a battery
electric vehicle (BEV) or a plug-in hybrid EV (PHEV).
(More...)
Mushrooms could help address NH chemical contamination problem
Sat, 20 Dec 2025 11:41:57 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://vnews.com/2025/12/06/mycoremediation-pfoa-contamination-solution/>
"Angela Graves has lived in Merrimack, N.H., almost all her life. She grew up
aware of the Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics plant on the edge of town, and
as a teenager learned alongside her community of the dangerous “forever
(More...)
Day 332 of Trump’s assault on America
Sat, 20 Dec 2025 19:05:59 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://heatherdelaneyreese.substack.com/p/day-332-of-trumps-assault-on-america>
"Today, the Kennedy Center Board, filled entirely with Trump appointees, voted
to rename the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts to the
“Trump-Kennedy Center.” A building created to honor a president who was
(More...)
Jaecoo makes pitch to pet owners with J5 EV, complete with pet carrier and accessories
Sat, 20 Dec 2025 19:07:51 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://thedriven.io/2025/12/19/jaecoo-makes-pitch-to-pet-owners-with-j5-ev-complete-with-pet-carrier-and-accessories/>
"Earlier in the week, Jaecoo, a sub-brand of Chinese car giant Chery, revealed
specs of its upcoming adventure-focused and pet-friendly J5 EV, and it appears
firmly fixed on attracting the pet-owner EV market.
(More...)
As Disney bows to AI, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles take a stance against slop
Sat, 20 Dec 2025 19:10:25 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.polygon.com/as-mickey-mouse-bows-to-the-ai-takeover-the-teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-take-a-stand-against-it/>
"Last week, the news hit that Disney has struck a deal with OpenAI, the owners
of ChatGPT and Sora, to license over 200 hundred Disney-owned characters for
AI-generated videos. As the
BBC has reported, industry insiders are worried
(More...)
Congressional Candidate Kat Abughazaleh on "Parable of the Sower", and Her Love of Sci-Fi
Sat, 20 Dec 2025 19:12:24 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://lithub.com/congressional-candidate-kat-abughazaleh-on-parable-of-the-sower-red-rising-and-her-love-of-sci-fi/>
"I’ve been following Kat Abughazaleh’s career for years, starting with her work
as a researcher and journalist for
Media Matters. Her insights on politics
and the American right, and her ability to trigger the worst people on the
(More...)
Carbon capture was spruiked as a way of limiting our emissions – but has Australia been greenwashed?
Sat, 20 Dec 2025 19:13:45 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/dec/14/carbon-capture-and-storage-ccs-spruiked-emissions-reduction-has-australia-been-greenwashed>
"The US energy company Chevron describes it as the world’s largest industrial
carbon dioxide injection project of its kind. But it has a problem. It still
isn’t working as promised and the results are getting worse.
(More...)
RFK Jr Defunds The American Academy Of Pediatrics, Goddamnit
Sun, 21 Dec 2025 03:37:18 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://crooksandliars.com/2025/12/rfk-jr-yanked-millions-child-health-grants>
"You have to wonder if Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the “pro-life” MAGA
Republicans have a quota of Americans they want to kill off, given that
sabotaging health insurance, food benefits and life-saving vaccines all seem to
(More...)
A stunning new forecast shows when thousands of glaciers will vanish
Sun, 21 Dec 2025 03:38:46 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251219030455.htm
"Glaciers across the planet are shrinking at an accelerating pace. In some
parts of the world, they are expected to disappear entirely. When scientists
focus on the number of individual glaciers that are vanishing, rather than
(More...)
This Is Why You Feel That Way: The Incredibly Sad Root of Our Great Malaise
Sun, 21 Dec 2025 03:41:20 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.patreon.com/posts/this-is-why-you-146225130
"Remember way back in 2016, before the election, when there was some leftover
Scrooge-ember of warmth still innocently traipsing around the place and making
jokes about elections could feel somewhat cozy and not like punching a baby,
(More...)
COVID-19 leaves a lasting mark on the human brain
Sun, 21 Dec 2025 03:43:29 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://news.griffith.edu.au/2025/12/16/covid-19-leaves-a-lasting-mark-on-the-human-brain/>
"COVID-19 does not just affect the respiratory system, but also significantly
alters the brain in people who have fully recovered from the infectious
disease, highlighting the long-term neurological impact of the virus.
(More...)
Illinois families are going electric — for free
Sun, 21 Dec 2025 03:45:31 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://grist.org/business/illinois-families-are-going-electric-for-free/>
"Jean Gay-Robinson said she “cried tears of joy” when utility ComEd switched
all the polluting gas-fired equipment in her Chicago home to modern electric
versions, at no cost to her. As a retiree on a fixed income, she is relieved
(More...)
How Not to Give or Get COVID for Christmas
Sun, 21 Dec 2025 12:26:40 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://whn.global/how-not-to-give-or-get-covid-for-christmas/
"No one wants to be sick for the holidays! Gathering with friends and family
during the holidays can spread more than just good cheer; some guests could
unknowingly pass along a viral illness like COVID (and flu, RSV and measles).
(More...)
What Could Go Right? 50 Great Things That Happened in 2025
Sun, 21 Dec 2025 12:28:15 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://theprogressnetwork.org/good-news-worldwide-2025/
"What words come to mind when you think about 2025?
Chaotic? Disruptive?
Violent? Well, by the time you get through this list of our 50 favorite
progress stories of the past year, you might feel like adding
uplifting,
(More...)
Vaccinate, isolate, ventilate: will we finally learn the lessons from covid this flu season?
Sun, 21 Dec 2025 12:30:08 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.bmj.com/content/391/bmj.r2638
"It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas—Christmas 2020, that is. Surging
infections, rising hospital admissions, and schools closing under the weight of
infection. This time it is flu rather than covid-19 making headlines and there
(More...)
Can Italy’s History Offer Lessons for Surviving Our Current Moment?
Sun, 21 Dec 2025 12:31:45 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.damemagazine.com/2025/10/30/can-italys-history-offer-lessons-for-surviving-our-current-moment/>
"Before visiting the school in Amandola, a small town in Italy, my husband Pat
and I meet English teacher Daniela for coffee on Piazza Risorgimento. We’re
there to talk to Daniela’s 12- and 13-year-old students about writing and my
(More...)
Meet the Australian who's still counting our COVID cases — five years on
Sun, 21 Dec 2025 12:33:38 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/covid-tracker-melbourne-man/uq72woqzq>
“
While some people were building puzzles or baking sourdough to get through
COVID-19 lockdowns, Mike Honey started tracking case numbers.
(More...)
Seven quiet wins for climate and nature in 2025
Sun, 21 Dec 2025 12:35:45 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20251212-seven-quiet-wins-for-climate-and-nature-in-2025>
"This year's environmental backdrop is familiar: emissions are rising and
nature is continuing to decline. But there have nevertheless been bright spots
in 2025. Targeted action in clean energy, conservation and indigenous rights
(More...)
TikTok Deal Done And It’s Somehow The Shittiest Possible Outcome, Making Everything Worse
Sun, 21 Dec 2025 19:06:11 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.techdirt.com/2025/12/19/tiktok-deal-done-and-its-somehow-the-shittiest-possible-outcome-making-everything-worse/>
"There were rumblings about this for a while, but it looks like the Trump
TikTok deal is done, and it’s somehow the
worst of all possible outcomes,
amazingly making all of the
biggest criticisms about TikTok significantly
(More...)
In Antarctica, photos show a remote area teeming with life amid growing risks from climate change
Sun, 21 Dec 2025 19:07:27 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://apnews.com/photo-gallery/climate-penguins-antarctica-warming-icebergs-b6d92b5606cdcb18e9fc472671125061>
"ANTARCTICA (
AP) — The Southern Ocean is one of the most remote places on
Earth, but that doesn’t mean it is tranquil. Tumultuous waves that can swallow
vessels ensure that the Antarctic Peninsula has a constant drone of ocean.
(More...)
The Summer of Starvation: Amid Trump’s Foreign Aid Cuts, A Mother Struggles To Keep Her Sons Alive
Sun, 21 Dec 2025 19:08:43 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.techdirt.com/2025/12/19/the-summer-of-starvation-amid-trumps-foreign-aid-cuts-a-mother-struggles-to-keep-her-sons-alive/>
"Rose Natabo needs to leave one of her starving sons behind. At dawn, she
squeezes her firstborn goodbye, then wraps her youngest, Santo, to her back,
his legs akimbo at her waist. Taking the hand of her middle child, James, she
(More...)
NEW STUDY: Nearly $80 Trillion Redistributed from the Bottom 90% to the Top 1% Since 1975
Sun, 21 Dec 2025 19:09:46 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/new-study-nearly-80-trillion-redistributed-from-the-bottom-90-to-the-top-1-since-1975/>
"WASHINGTON, March 4 – As Republicans prepare legislation to provide more tax
breaks to billionaires with massive cuts to programs working families need,
Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) today highlighted a new report from the
(More...)
The Best Big Media Merger Is No Merger At All
Sun, 21 Dec 2025 19:10:41 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.techdirt.com/2025/12/19/the-best-big-media-merger-is-no-merger-at-all/>
"The state of streaming is… bad. It’s very bad. The first step in wanting to
watch anything is a web search: “Where can I stream X?” Then you have to scroll
past an AI summary with no answers, and then scroll past the sponsored links.
(More...)
Indonesia calls in military to help clear forests at rapid pace
Mon, 22 Dec 2025 12:25:17 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.ft.com/content/27a6bd42-aa95-449f-97b7-7a086da42bac
"Indonesia is clearing forests at a rapid pace with military assistance in one
of its most biodiverse regions for a state-backed agricultural project, even as
recent fatal floods have illustrated the dangers of deforestation.
(More...)
Sixty years ago, the world tried to stop racial discrimination and failed
Mon, 22 Dec 2025 12:26:38 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2025/12/21/sixty-years-ago-the-world-tried-to-stop-racial-discrimination-and-failed>
"The way the story is often told is that Western countries gifted human rights
to the world and are the sole guardians of it. It may come as a surprise for
some, then, that the international legal framework for prohibiting racial
(More...)
The Real Roots of the Russia-Ukraine War No One Talks About
Mon, 22 Dec 2025 12:27:29 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://freedium.cfd/https://medium.com/@elvirabary/the-real-roots-of-the-russia-ukraine-war-no-one-talks-about-630d332fb138>
"They say Russia and Ukraine are one people. No. They are like two siblings who
share the same ancestry but grew up in different homes. The older
one-Ukraine-had one set of teachers and friends. The younger-Russia-had
(More...)
Dunedin’s inner-city greening project shows even small spaces can be wildlife havens
Mon, 22 Dec 2025 12:28:40 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
An Oregon cattle ranch just added solar without losing grazing land
Mon, 22 Dec 2025 20:06:38 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://electrek.co/2025/12/19/an-oregon-cattle-ranch-just-added-solar-without-losing-grazing-land/>
"An Angus ranch in southern Oregon has become the test case for a new kind of
cattle-friendly solar, hosting RUTE SunTracker’s first commercial project.
(More...)
A virtual reality tool I developed is helping Indigenous people connect with Country
Mon, 22 Dec 2025 20:07:30 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/a-virtual-reality-tool-i-developed-is-helping-indigenous-people-connect-with-country-271851>
"“It makes me feel like I am right there on Country”.
This was the response of a student after they used a new virtual reality (VR)
(More...)
Discworld, Daleks, and Deep 13: A geeky holiday TV and movie watchlist
Mon, 22 Dec 2025 20:08:18 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://arstechnica.com/features/2025/12/discworld-daleks-and-deep-13-a-geeky-holiday-tv-and-movie-watchlist/>
"‘Tis the season for all kinds of festive titles to start appearing in our
to-watch queues. For folks who celebrate Christmas in any form, there are a
million different movies and TV specials vying for your attention. There are
(More...)
What the hyperproduction of AI slop is doing to science
Mon, 22 Dec 2025 20:09:08 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/what-the-hyperproduction-of-ai-slop-is-doing-to-science-272250>
"Over the past three years, generative artificial intelligence (AI) has had a
profound impact on society. AI’s impact on human writing, in particular, has
been enormous.
(More...)
Scammers won’t take a break over Christmas. Here’s how to make a plan with your family to stay safe
Mon, 22 Dec 2025 20:09:50 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/scammers-wont-take-a-break-over-christmas-heres-how-to-make-a-plan-with-your-family-to-stay-safe-269934>
"With Christmas just around the corner, it can be a very busy and stressful
time of year. Between festive gatherings, ticking off what’s left on your
yearly to-do list and shopping online for that perfect gift, it can be easy to
(More...)
Offshore wind turbines create all-you-can-eat havens where some fish can double in size
Mon, 22 Dec 2025 20:11:00 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://reneweconomy.com.au/offshore-wind-turbines-create-all-you-can-eat-havens-where-some-fish-can-double-in-size/>
"Certain species of fish can be up to two times bigger when living in protected
offshore wind farm zones, a new study has found.
(More...)
Disaster after disaster: do we have enough raw materials to ‘build back better’?
Tue, 23 Dec 2025 04:35:27 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/disaster-after-disaster-do-we-have-enough-raw-materials-to-build-back-better-265682>
"This Christmas Day marks 21 years since the terrifying Indian Ocean tsunami.
As we remember the hundreds of thousands of lives lost in this tragic event, it
is also a moment to reflect on what followed. How do communities rebuild after
(More...)
I am accused of being a global funds manager and half my age. But facts don’t matter in disinformation war
Tue, 23 Dec 2025 04:37:04 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://reneweconomy.com.au/i-am-accused-of-being-a-global-funds-manager-and-half-my-age-but-facts-dont-matter-in-disinformation-war/>
"So, finally the veil has been lifted. It turns out, according to one
submission to the Senate inquiry into climate and energy integrity, that I am
not who I say am.
(More...)
Who was Amelia Frank? The life of a forgotten physicist
Tue, 23 Dec 2025 04:39:22 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/who-was-amelia-frank-the-life-of-a-forgotten-physicist-270953>
"In 1977, an American physicist named John H. Van Vleck won the Nobel prize for
his work on magnetism. In his Nobel lecture, amid a discussion of rare earth
elements, one sentence leaps out:
(More...)
When disasters strike, home batteries could be a lifeline
Tue, 23 Dec 2025 04:40:28 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/when-disasters-strike-home-batteries-could-be-a-lifeline-264698>
"Extreme weather is placing greater strain on Australia’s power grids. In 2022,
the record-breaking Northern Rivers floods blacked out almost 70,000
households. A powerful storm in 2024 cut electricity to more than half a
(More...)
This Wrapping Paper Turns All Your Presents into Bread
Tue, 23 Dec 2025 17:29:09 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://spoon-tamago.com/bread-wrapping-paper/
"At first glance, these wrapped objects seem like freshly baked loaves straight
from the bakery. With toasty brown hues, signature flour dusting, and even
hand-scored patterns mimicking artisanal baguettes, this genius wrapping paper
(More...)
The best nature photography of 2025
Tue, 23 Dec 2025 17:30:05 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20251219-the-best-nature-photography-of-2025>
"
Here are the most eye-catching shots of the natural world from 2025.
From the depths of the oceans to deserts, mountains and the remote Amazon,
(More...)
You cannot annex other countries, Danish and Greenlandic leaders tell Trump
Tue, 23 Dec 2025 17:31:53 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/dec/22/denmark-summon-us-ambassador-trump-greenland-envoy-appointment>
"The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland have demanded respect for their
borders after Donald Trump appointed a special envoy to the largely
self-governing Danish territory, which he has said repeatedly should be under
(More...)
The Shakedown: Trump’s DOJ Pressured Lawyers To “Find” Evidence That UCLA Had Illegally Tolerated Antisemitism
Tue, 23 Dec 2025 17:33:20 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.techdirt.com/2025/12/22/the-shakedown-trumps-doj-pressured-lawyers-to-find-evidence-that-ucla-had-illegally-tolerated-antisemitism/>
"On the morning of Thursday, July 31, James B. Milliken was enjoying a round of
golf at the remote Sand Hills club in Western Nebraska when his cellphone
buzzed.
(More...)
Could Settlers of Catan make you a better strategist?
Tue, 23 Dec 2025 17:34:29 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/could-settlers-of-catan-make-you-a-better-strategist-269494>
"Christmas is just around the corner, and you might be wondering how to spend
those long, lazy afternoons. If you’re tired of the same old
Monopoly,
perhaps it’s time to try
Settlers of Catan.
(More...)
What went right in 2025: the top 25 good news stories of the year
Wed, 24 Dec 2025 03:56:37 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.positive.news/society/what-went-right-in-2025-the-good-news-that-mattered/>
"Scientists treated the ’untreatable’, species came back from the brink, solar
surged, deforestation fell, rivers were revitalised, 70 declared ‘the new 60’,
and the smartphone-free childhood caught on, plus more good news"
(More...)
Everything Is Becoming a Bank
Wed, 24 Dec 2025 03:57:43 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://jacobin.com/2025/10/bankification-financialization-debt-interest-credit/>
"The US economy is turning into one giant bank.
Starbucks holds nearly $2 billion of customers’ money in its rewards program.
(More...)
Top 52 Banned Books: The Most Banned Books in U.S. Schools
Wed, 24 Dec 2025 03:59:03 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://pen.org/top-52-banned-books-since-2021/
"The 52 most banned books of the last four school years include National Book
Award and Pulitzer Prize winners, bestsellers, and beloved books by authors
including Toni Morrison, Margaret Atwood, and Judy Blume.
(More...)
Watch incredibly cute footage of shy orphaned baby elephant trying to make friends while swimming
Wed, 24 Dec 2025 04:00:35 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.discoverwildlife.com/tv/born-to-be-wild-elephant-calf
"While elephants are very social animals, it still takes them time to get used
to a new herd – as this adorable clip from Apple TV's
Born to be Wild
highlights.
(More...)
Trump administration bars former EU official and anti-disinformation and hate researchers from US
Wed, 24 Dec 2025 14:46:50 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theverge.com/news/850067/us-sanctions-thierry-breton-content-moderation-censorship>
"On Tuesday, the Trump Administration followed through on a threat of
retaliation targeting foreigners who are involved in content moderation. The
State Department announced sanctions barring US access for former EU
(More...)
Capitalism by Sven Beckert review – an extraordinary history of the economic system that controls our lives
Wed, 24 Dec 2025 14:48:52 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2025/dec/23/capitalism-by-sven-beckert-review-an-extraordinary-history-of-the-economic-system-that-controls-our-lives>
"In the early 17th century, the Peruvian city of Potosí billed itself as the
“treasure of the world” and “envy of kings”. Sprouting at the foot of the Cerro
Rico, South America’s most populous settlement produced 60% of the world’s
(More...)
ResidentBat: Operational Report & Advisory on KGB spyware in Belarus in 2025
Wed, 24 Dec 2025 15:02:14 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://resident.ngo/lab/writeups/residentbat-android-kgb-spyware-in-belarus-2025/>
"RESIDENT.NGO has helped uncover a malware attack targeted at a Belarus-based
journalist by the Belarusian secret service (KGB). This document serves as a
short synopsis of the case, offering safety recommendations and indicators of
(More...)
‘This is the Costco of energy, man!’: author Bill McKibben on the promise of renewables
Wed, 24 Dec 2025 15:06:28 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/dec/23/bill-mckibben-promise-of-renewable-energy-interview>
"Bill McKibben’s book
The End of Nature, published in 1989, warned early of
the dangers of climate changes and he has been campaigning and writing ever
since. His most recent book,
Here Comes the Sun, takes a look at the soaring
(More...)
Doctors Catch Cancer-Diagnosing AI Extracting Patients’ Race Data and Being Racist With It
Wed, 24 Dec 2025 23:59:19 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/doctors-catch-cancer-diagnosing-ai-144500810.html>
"Just when you thought you heard it all, AI systems designed to spot cancer
have startled researchers with a baked-in penchant for racism.
(More...)
CDs return to Christmas shopping lists as gen Z embrace ‘retro renaissance’
Thu, 25 Dec 2025 00:00:34 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/dec/23/cd-compact-disc-christmas-shopping-lists-gen-z-embrace-retro-renaissance>
"Forget the vinyl revival. CD players and compact discs are back on Christmas
lists this year amid a wave of 90s nostalgia and coveted “deluxe” releases from
big acts such as Taylor Swift and Pink Floyd.
(More...)
My family has never believed in Father Christmas – I don’t want to hurt my kids if the money ever runs out
Thu, 25 Dec 2025 00:02:41 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/dec/23/santa-claus-cruel-myth-christmas>
"In my house, Christmas Day looks very normal. My boys will wake me up at the
crack of dawn then tumble downstairs, falling over each other, to find presents
under the tree. As the tearing of wrapping paper cross-fades into screams of
(More...)
The $1,000 Lie: Why Trump Accounts Are the Wrong Answer to the Right Question
Thu, 25 Dec 2025 00:03:53 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://scottsantens.substack.com/p/the-1000-lie-why-trump-accounts-are-wrong-end-child-poverty-now>
"In December 2025, something ostensibly remarkable happened. Michael and Susan
Dell pledged $6.25 billion to fund new “Trump Accounts” for American children.
Ray and Barbara Dalio followed with $75 million for Connecticut kids. BlackRock
(More...)
The French City Striving to Stamp Out Sexism
Thu, 25 Dec 2025 19:39:48 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://reasonstobecheerful.world/nantes-france-non-sexist-city/
"The public spaces in Nantes, a city along the Loire River in the west of
France, might at first glance seem just like those in any other part of Europe.
Across the city, there are numerous bike lanes, bustling fresh produce markets
(More...)
Reclaiming the Runways
Thu, 25 Dec 2025 19:40:45 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://reasonstobecheerful.world/reclaiming-runways-decommissioned-airfields-urban-havens/>
"Whenever Felix Koch heads to Berlin to see family and friends, or for work,
there’s one place he’s sure to visit — Tempelhofer Feld, a 953-acre
decommissioned airfield just 15 minutes from the city center that is now an
(More...)
The City That Protected Trans People’s Rights in 1975
Thu, 25 Dec 2025 19:42:34 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://reasonstobecheerful.world/minneapolis-trans-peoples-rights-1975/>
"It was likely one of the last pieces of city policy passed that winter, just
before the New Year, a parting gift from a progressive city council.
(More...)
The anti-materialist Christmas: Rituals around the world that swap gifts for meaning
Thu, 25 Dec 2025 19:43:36 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20251208-the-anti-materialist-christmas-rituals-around-the-world-that-swap-gifts-for-meaning>
"
These seven global traditions show a different side to the season; one that's
more communal, more reflective and far less materialistic.
(More...)
The ‘Stork Sisters’ Saving a Species on the Brink
Thu, 25 Dec 2025 19:44:58 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://reasonstobecheerful.world/stork-sisters-saving-a-species-on-the-brink>
"At a landfill on Majuli, which is said by many to be the world’s largest
riverine island, a cluster of ungainly birds peck at garbage.
(More...)
2025 Christmas lights in Smith Street Healesville
Thu, 25 Dec 2025 19:46:01 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
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