Glass Wings Blog: March 2026
Why Tehran’s Two-Tiered Internet Is So Dangerous
Sun, 1 Mar 2026 19:21:04 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2026/02/why-tehrans-two-tiered-internet-is-so-dangerous.html>
"Iran is slowly emerging from the most severe communications blackout in its
history and one of the longest in the world. Triggered as part of January’s
government crackdown against citizen protests nationwide, the regime
(More...)
‘The river won’: how campaigners in Brazilian Amazon stopped privatisation of waterway
Sun, 1 Mar 2026 19:22:11 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/feb/27/the-river-won-how-campaigners-in-brazilian-amazon-stopped-privatisation-of-waterway>
"“A victory for life.” That was the triumphal message from Indigenous
campaigners in the Brazilian Amazon this week after they staved off a threat to
the Tapajós River by occupying a grain terminal operated by Cargill, the
(More...)
Lynx could return to Scotland – but can rewilders win over wary Highlanders?
Sun, 1 Mar 2026 19:24:37 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/feb/27/lynx-could-return-to-scotlands-forests-but-can-rewilders-win-over-wary-highlanders>
"Could lynx, the elusive wild cat driven to extinction in Britain more than
1,000 years ago, become the new Loch Ness monster? “Whether Nessie’s there or
not, she draws tourists,” said Margaret Luckwell, a resident of Moray,
(More...)
Cuba has survived 66 years of US-led embargoes. Will Trump’s blockade break it now?
Sun, 1 Mar 2026 19:26:26 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/cuba-has-survived-66-years-of-us-led-embargoes-will-trumps-blockade-break-it-now-276065>
"After toppling Venezuela’s leader earlier this year, the Trump administration
has turned its sights on Cuba. The near-total blockade of the island is now
posing the greatest challenge to the government since the Cuban missile crisis
(More...)
Nature loss could cost twice as much as the financial crash, leaked report reveals
Sun, 1 Mar 2026 19:27:33 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.itv.com/news/2026-02-27/nature-loss-could-cost-twice-as-much-as-financial-crash-leaked-report-reveals>
"
ITV News has seen a classified government intelligence report which appears
to show some of the most worrying potential impacts of nature loss weren't
disclosed to the public.
(More...)
A new space race could turn our atmosphere into a ‘crematorium for satellites’
Sun, 1 Mar 2026 19:28:35 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/a-new-space-race-could-turn-our-atmosphere-into-a-crematorium-for-satellites-276366>
"When we look up at the night sky and see a satellite glide past, we might not
consider climate change or the ozone layer.
(More...)
‘Buy it nice or buy it twice’: what the ‘frugal chic’ trend tells us about our clothing habits
Mon, 2 Mar 2026 06:35:06 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/buy-it-nice-or-buy-it-twice-what-the-frugal-chic-trend-tells-us-about-our-clothing-habits-276261>
"The “frugal chic” aesthetic is having its moment, however contradictory the
concept may seem. “Frugal” suggests a focus on thriftiness, while “chic” oozes
a sense of classic luxury.
(More...)
How an Australian farmer is planning to get US consumers hooked on camel milk
Mon, 2 Mar 2026 06:36:40 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/feb/22/australian-camel-milk-us-market>
"Caroline’s sultry and soulful eyes are hooded and heavy-lashed.
“She’s straight out of central,” Paul Martin whispers, gazing at his star
(More...)
The horrific bashing of LGBTQ+ teens is a sign of a dangerous Islamic State resurgence
Mon, 2 Mar 2026 06:40:07 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/the-horrific-bashing-of-lgbtq-teens-is-a-sign-of-a-dangerous-islamic-state-resurgence-276953>
"An
ABC investigation has unearthed horrifying vision of gay and bisexual
teenagers being beaten unconscious in Sydney. The teenage boy perpetrators are
reported to be supporters of Islamic State (IS).
(More...)
The 'Reading Crisis' Has Nothing to Do With 'Screen Time'
Mon, 2 Mar 2026 06:42:19 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://freedium-mirror.cfd/https://medium.com/@TarynParker-Holmes/the-reading-crisis-has-nothing-to-do-with-screen-time-6ad4fe24191b>
“I was on the MBTA commuter from Providence to South Station last week when —
not for the first time — I noticed a distinctly contemporary phenomenon. Apart
from a middle-aged gentleman sitting down the car reading the morning paper,
(More...)
Trump tariff ruling shows top courts serve as last line of defence against strongman rule
Mon, 2 Mar 2026 06:43:41 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/trump-tariff-ruling-shows-top-courts-serve-as-last-line-of-defence-against-strongman-rule-276571>
"The US Supreme Court told Donald Trump on February 20 that the tariffs he has
used to try and bend the world to his will are unlawful. Tariffs are taxes and
it is not for the president to impose them. According to the US constitution,
(More...)
The Teens Teaching Grandma to Google
Mon, 2 Mar 2026 06:45:03 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://reasonstobecheerful.world/teens-teaching-grandma-to-google-hungary/>
"It’s three o’clock on a cold Budapest afternoon, and the sun is already
dropping low on the horizon as 64-year-old Györgyi Petik Kis briskly makes her
way to the Metropolitan Ervin Szabó Library. A beautiful neo-baroque palace,
(More...)
Politicians say immigration threatens ‘Australian values’, but our research shows no one knows exactly what that means
Mon, 2 Mar 2026 13:00:00 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/politicians-say-immigration-threatens-australian-values-but-our-research-shows-no-one-knows-exactly-what-that-means-276746>
"One Nation leader Pauline Hanson and new Liberal leader Angus Taylor have
invoked “Australian values” to justify taking a hard line on immigration,
especially from countries that supposedly don’t share our values.
(More...)
A Recipe For Women’s Empowerment in Morocco
Mon, 2 Mar 2026 13:01:46 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://reasonstobecheerful.world/morocco-recipe-for-womens-empowerment/
"All over the city of Marrakesh, football fever had taken hold. Africa’s
continent-wide soccer competition, AFCON, was being hosted in Morocco. And
here, at the Amal Targa Center, a fan zone had been set up for the big clash
(More...)
‘Don’t leave late’ is the best advice for fires or floods. These terrifying videos show why
Mon, 2 Mar 2026 13:02:53 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/dont-leave-late-is-the-best-advice-for-fires-or-floods-these-terrifying-videos-show-why-274983>
"Where are you at most risk when a flood or bushfire strikes? You might think
it’s at home. But in reality, the most dangerous time is when you leave and
jump in your car. Many flood and bushfire deaths are linked to vehicles, often
(More...)
Russia may interfere in Danish election, exploiting chaos sown by US, spies warn
Mon, 2 Mar 2026 13:04:26 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/feb/28/denmark-election-interference-russia-chaos-us-greenland-intelligence-agencies>
"Denmark’s intelligence services have warned that a foreign power may try to
sway the general election on 24 March, saying the main threat was from Russia
over support for Ukraine but also citing the chaos caused by US efforts to
(More...)
How China is betting cheap AI will get the world hooked on its tech
Mon, 2 Mar 2026 13:05:15 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/how-china-is-betting-cheap-ai-will-get-the-world-hooked-on-its-tech-276878>
"Artificial intelligence (AI) is at a very Chinese time in its life. Recent
moves from Chinese AI labs are throwing the dominance of American “frontier
labs” such as Google and OpenAI into question.
(More...)
Colander-wearing Pastafarian strains the rules with Queensland driver’s licence photo
Mon, 2 Mar 2026 13:06:14 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/feb/28/colander-wearing-pastafarian-strains-the-rules-with-queensland-drivers-licence-photo>
"A “Pastafarian” in rural Queensland has vowed to fight to keep his driver’s
licence featuring a photo of him wearing a colander on his head, arguing it’s a
matter of freedom of religion.
(More...)
Michael Caine’s voice is iconic. Why would he sell that to AI?
Mon, 2 Mar 2026 19:24:34 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/michael-caines-voice-is-iconic-why-would-he-sell-that-to-ai-276506>
"Few actors are imitated as often as Michael Caine. Even Michael Caine has
imitated Michael Caine.
(More...)
Yanis Varoufakis calls prosecution after admitting taking ecstasy 40 years ago ‘ridiculous’
Mon, 2 Mar 2026 19:25:47 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/feb/28/yanis-varoufakis-calls-prosecution-after-admitting-taking-ecstasy-40-years-ago-ridiculous>
"Yanis Varoufakis, the leftwing firebrand who briefly served as Greece’s
finance minister, has criticised his “ridiculous prosecution” for allegedly
promoting the use of recreational drugs after his public admission that he once
(More...)
Deeper ocean ecosystems are unique – and uniquely vulnerable without better protection
Mon, 2 Mar 2026 19:26:56 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/deeper-ocean-ecosystems-are-unique-and-uniquely-vulnerable-without-better-protection-276363>
"New Zealand’s earlier efforts to safeguard marine or coastal environments,
particularly as marine reserves and marine protected areas, typically focused
on shallow ecosystems, largely because that is where most data exists.
(More...)
‘I live in constant fear’: surge in giant sinkholes threatens Turkey’s farmers
Mon, 2 Mar 2026 19:28:04 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/feb/28/i-live-in-constant-fear-surge-in-giant-sinkholes-threatens-turkeys-farmers>
"Fatih Sik was drinking tea with friends at home when he heard a rumbling sound
outside that grew to a loud boom, like a volcano had erupted nearby. From the
window, he saw water and mud shoot into the sky, as high as the tallest trees,
(More...)
How should Australia handle ‘sovereign citizens’ clogging the courts? A former magistrate explains
Mon, 2 Mar 2026 19:29:40 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
A world on edge as Trump bombs Iran and triggers war in the Middle East. There was no need for this
Mon, 2 Mar 2026 19:30:42 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/feb/28/donald-trump-bombs-iran-war-middle-east>
"They never learn. Once again, a bellicose US president has unleashed
overwhelming military firepower to force a sovereign nation to its knees. Once
again, blatant lies and exaggerated claims are being propagated to justify the
(More...)
Washoe Tribe buys 10,000 acres in one of California’s largest ever land returns
Tue, 3 Mar 2026 02:45:18 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/11/washoe-tribal-land-return-california>
"The Washoe Tribe has purchased more than 10,000 acres of land near Lake Tahoe
for conservation in one of the largest tribal land returns in California
history.
(More...)
The War on Poaching Has Gone Full Tech Dystopia—and It May Not Be Working
Tue, 3 Mar 2026 02:51:14 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://gizmodo.com/the-war-on-poaching-has-gone-full-tech-dystopia-and-it-may-not-be-working-2000727598>
"Forget khaki shorts and binoculars: Modern wildlife conservation has morphed
into something that looks less like protecting elephants and more like a video
game, although with more real-world consequences. With AI-powered surveillance
(More...)
Woolworths’ AI agent rambled about its ‘mother’. It’s a sign of deeper problems with the tech rollout
Tue, 3 Mar 2026 02:53:22 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/woolworths-ai-agent-rambled-about-its-mother-its-a-sign-of-deeper-problems-with-the-tech-rollout-277072>
"Recently some Australian shoppers got more than they bargained for when they
chatted with Woolworths’ artificial intelligence (AI) assistant, Olive.
(More...)
Trump’s unprovoked attack on Iran has no mandate – or legal basis
Tue, 3 Mar 2026 02:54:37 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/28/trump-unprovoked-attack-on-iran-has-no-mandate-and-no-clear-objective>
"The first war of Donald Trump’s Board of Peace era has begun – an unprovoked
attempt at regime change in collaboration with Israel, with no legal
foundation, launched in the midst of diplomatic efforts to avert conflict, and
(More...)
Why in the world is Melania Trump leading a UN security council meeting?
Tue, 3 Mar 2026 02:56:15 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
From Clicks to Cleanups: Juba’s Youth-Led Waste Revolution
Tue, 3 Mar 2026 02:57:16 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://reasonstobecheerful.world/south-sudan-juba-youth-led-waste-revolution/>
"The first time Makur Majeng posted photos on social media of trash-clogged
drainage ditches along the White Nile in Juba, the capital of South Sudan, his
phone would not stop buzzing. “How can I help?” one message read.
(More...)
Trump vies for Bush’s crown for worst foreign policy decision in history
Tue, 3 Mar 2026 11:38:13 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/28/trump-iran-analysis-us-foreign-policy-george-bush>
"It was another date that would live in infamy. But whereas Franklin Roosevelt
declared war in sombre tones to a joint session of Congress, Donald Trump did
it his way.
(More...)
As Data Centers Look to Rural New England, Maine Considers a Moratorium
Tue, 3 Mar 2026 11:39:11 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://dailyyonder.com/as-data-centers-look-to-rural-new-england-maine-considers-a-moratorium/2026/02/23/>
"When local officials in rural Wiscasset, Maine, voted on November 4, 2025, to
pause a data center discussion in the community of around 4,000 year-round
residents, it may have been a sign of what’s to come. As the nationwide
(More...)
What happens to a car when the company behind its software goes under?
Tue, 3 Mar 2026 11:40:26 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://arstechnica.com/cars/2026/02/what-happens-to-a-car-when-the-company-behind-its-software-goes-under/>
"Imagine turning the key or pressing the start button of your car—and nothing
happens. Not because the battery is dead or the engine is broken but because a
server no longer answers. For a growing number of cars, that scenario isn’t
(More...)
Lost Science
Tue, 3 Mar 2026 11:42:23 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://ghostarchive.org/archive/bBRVP
"By most metrics, 2025 has been the worst year for the American scientific
enterprise in modern history.
(More...)
Leave big tech behind! How to replace Amazon, Google, X, Meta, Apple – and more
Tue, 3 Mar 2026 11:43:28 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/feb/26/how-to-replace-amazon-google-x-meta-apple-alternatives>
"There’s not much to love about big tech these days. So many ills can be laid
at its door: social media harms, misinformation, polarisation, mining and
misuse of personal data, environmental negligence, tax avoidance, the list goes
(More...)
Letters from an American: February 28, 2026
Tue, 3 Mar 2026 11:44:26 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/february-28-2026
"Early this morning, the U.S. and Israel launched a major military assault on
Iran. Early reports suggested that Israel targeted senior officials in Iran’s
government while the U.S. attacked military targets. The U.S. government named
(More...)
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