Glass Wings Blog: August 2026
Half of England in drought: The crisis in pictures
Sat, 1 Aug 2026 11:29:39 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.itv.com/news/2026-07-29/half-of-england-in-drought-the-crisis-in-pictures>
"Record low rainfall and soaring temperatures have left seven areas of central,
eastern and southern England officially in drought.
(More...)
Featuring Trump on US coins and bills would put America in rare company
Sat, 1 Aug 2026 11:30:18 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/featuring-trump-on-us-coins-and-bills-would-put-america-in-rare-company-285125>
"A slang term for cash money is “dead presidents.” But now the very much alive
President Donald Trump could appear on U.S. coins and banknotes, too.
(More...)
Solar’s end-of-life problem is not about panel age, it’s about shifting economics and untested plans
Sat, 1 Aug 2026 11:31:10 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
Open weights vs. closed: An AI civil war's afoot, and the stakes are existential
Sat, 1 Aug 2026 11:32:42 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.zdnet.com/article/open-weight-ai-civil-war/
“The open-weight Moonshot AI's Kimi K3 is faster than Anthropic Fable 5 in some
ways, and is nearly as fast as Fable 5 and OpenAI's GPT-5.6 in others. That's
fast. And that has some American AI companies and the Trump administration
(More...)
As the games begin, what does the Commonwealth mean and what purpose does it serve?
Sat, 1 Aug 2026 11:33:20 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
The Tide Turns for Sharks
Sat, 1 Aug 2026 11:34:30 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://theprogressnetwork.substack.com/p/the-tide-turns-for-sharks
"A century ago, fish scientists would have been surprised to hear that millions
of people tune in every year for a week of adrenaline-packed entertainment
about sharks. The prevailing attitude at that time, even among experts, was
(More...)
French firefighters face 'pyrocumulonimbus' for first time
Sat, 1 Aug 2026 18:12:52 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20260726-french-firefighters-face-pyrocumulonimbus-for-first-time>
“Paris (France) (
AFP) – The gigantic wildfire ravaging southwest France has
created an extremely dangerous "pyrocumulonimbus" — a phenomenon never before
seen in the country — the spokesman for the country's National Firefighters
(More...)
BBC Sound Effects
Sat, 1 Aug 2026 18:14:02 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://sound-effects.bbcrewind.co.uk/
"The BBC Sound Effects Archive is available for personal, educational or
research purposes. There are over 33,000 clips from across the world from the
past 100 years. These include clips made by the BBC Radiophonic workshop,
(More...)
Corrientes celebrates 19 years of the giant anteater reintroduction project in the Iberá Wetlands
Sat, 1 Aug 2026 18:17:44 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://noticiasambientales.com/animals/corrientes-celebrates-19-years-of-the-giant-anteater-reintroduction-project-in-the-ibera-wetlands/>
"La Fundación Rewilding Argentina commemorated the 19th anniversary of the
giant anteater reintroduction program in the Iberá Wetlands. The species,
locally known as yurumí, had disappeared from Corrientes in the mid-20th
(More...)
What Parents Need to Know About Long COVID in Kids
Sat, 1 Aug 2026 18:18:40 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.lung.org/blog/child-long-covid
"Anyone who has dealt with fatigue, brain fog, shortness of breath or the array
of other symptoms that persist months after recovering from SARS-CoV-2
infection, understand the frustrations of experiencing Long COVID. Though
(More...)
Desalination & Selective Metal Recovery
Sat, 1 Aug 2026 18:20:26 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.sflorg.com/2026/07/eng07302601.html
"
Scientific Frontline: Extended "At a Glance" Summary: Electrochemical Ion
Pumping
(More...)
A Response to “Sometimes It’s O.K. to Let a Language Die”
Sat, 1 Aug 2026 18:22:09 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://endangeredlanguages.com/story/response-sometimes-its-ok-let-language-die>
"The
New Yorker has chosen to publish a review of
How to Kill a Language,
“Sometimes It’s O.K. to Let a Language Die,” which shows a profound
misunderstanding of language revitalization, while also perpetuating the very
(More...)
This 4,000-year-old city defied the rules of history
Sun, 2 Aug 2026 03:50:12 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260729010730.htm
“New research suggests that Mohenjo-daro followed a very different path from
many other early cities. As the 4,000-year-old urban center became larger, more
productive, and more successful, its society appears to have grown more equal
(More...)
Europe burns: a visual guide to the wildfires
Sun, 2 Aug 2026 03:51:02 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jul/30/europe-burns-france-spain-visual-guide-wildfires>
"The hellish infernos that have torn through parts of France and Spain have
caused deaths, the evacuation of 330,000 people from their homes, widespread
destruction and clouds of toxic smoke. Records have already been smashed and
(More...)
That Sign in Front of the Smithsonian is More Dangerous Than You Think
Sun, 2 Aug 2026 03:54:16 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://hartmannreport.com/p/that-sign-in-front-of-the-smithsonian-0ee
"“Who controls the past controls the future. Who controls the present controls
the past.”
— George Orwell, 1984
(More...)
AI assistant named for long-dead pharmacy founder mutters incomprehensibly and "demands that you talk to him"
Sun, 2 Aug 2026 03:56:31 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://boingboing.net/2026/07/30/ai-assistant-named-for-long-dead-pharmacy-founder-mutters-incomprehensibly-and-demands-that-you-talk-to-him.html>
“A Vermont pharmacy chain's new AI assistant led not to the efficiency
improvements promised but to "delays, incorrect information and privacy
concerns." The AI, named "Burt" after the chain's long-dead founder, is said to
(More...)
Innocent Man Spends Over A Year Behind Bars After Critical Skyrim Mix-Up
Sun, 2 Aug 2026 03:57:51 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.thegamer.com/skyrim-typo-innocent-man-18-months-prison/
"An innocent man has served the full 18 months of his prison sentence after
police made a typo during their child-luring investigation. While looking for a
man going by the alias ‘fus__ro_dah’ on the messaging service Kik (a reference
(More...)
80‑million‑year‑old snake fossil sheds light on why lizards lost their limbs and started slithering
Sun, 2 Aug 2026 03:58:43 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/80-million-year-old-snake-fossil-sheds-light-on-why-lizards-lost-their-limbs-and-started-slithering-287291>
"Snakes are everywhere in our legends and mythology. Yet for most of us, our
blood runs cold whenever we encounter these strangely undulating, scaly tubes
of muscle slithering through the leaf litter.
(More...)
Fix The News 348: Wildfire. AIDS. Recess. Yellowstone to Yukon.
Sun, 2 Aug 2026 11:12:47 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://fixthenews.com/p/348-wildfire-aids-recess-yellowstone
"I want to share a talk from the session I helped curate at TED this year. In
my introduction I put a question to the room: what does it actually take to
change the world? One person with an unbendable will, or the slow, grinding
(More...)
As missiles fly, Iranians are turning to art, culture and memes to find community
Sun, 2 Aug 2026 11:13:33 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/as-missiles-fly-iranians-are-turning-to-art-culture-and-memes-to-find-community-284312>
"Coverage of the conflict between Iran, Israel and the United States has
largely focused on battlefield developments, political statements and
international diplomacy.
(More...)
Data centre chaos: We need to learn the lessons from past gold rushes
Sun, 2 Aug 2026 11:14:24 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
‘A river is our life force’: why Indigenous cultural values must be visible in conservation
Sun, 2 Aug 2026 11:15:23 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
Upgraded EV bus depot is city’s largest, with 56 chargers and 112 plugs
Sun, 2 Aug 2026 11:16:23 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://thedriven.io/2026/07/20/upgraded-ev-bus-depot-is-citys-largest-with-56-chargers-and-112-plugs/>
"Upgrades to the Karrinyup bus depot in Perth’s northern suburbs have recently
been completed, with the addition of 56 dual electric bus chargers making it
the largest EV bus depot in the city.
(More...)
The US is issuing billions in tariff refunds. That won’t unwind the damage to the global trading system
Sun, 2 Aug 2026 11:16:59 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/the-us-is-issuing-billions-in-tariff-refunds-that-wont-unwind-the-damage-to-the-global-trading-system-287957>
"An Australian clothing company, Nashie, recently received a six-figure refund
from the US government, including 6% interest, for tariffs it had paid on US
imports. It’s just one of thousands of businesses reclaiming tariffs imposed on
(More...)
Australia Post to expand country’s largest electric delivery fleet with help of government grant
Sun, 2 Aug 2026 18:31:59 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://thedriven.io/2026/07/21/australia-post-to-expand-countrys-largest-electric-delivery-fleet-with-help-of-government-grant/>
"Australia Post, already the owners of the country’s largest electric delivery
fleet, has announced it will accelerate the electrification of its fleet thanks
to a $40.5 million investment from the federal government.
(More...)
Mauritania: A rare glimpse at one of the world's least-visited nations
Sun, 2 Aug 2026 18:33:27 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20260710-mauritania-a-rare-glimpse-at-one-of-the-worlds-least-visited-nations>
"In an age when it's increasingly easy to explore the furthest reaches of the
world – from the tallest mountains to the most remote islands – there are still
entire countries that few travellers ever see. One such place is Mauritania.
(More...)
Battery boast: Australia dodges global gas price shock with help of storage and renewables
Sun, 2 Aug 2026 18:38:58 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://reneweconomy.com.au/battery-boast-australia-dodges-global-gas-price-shock-with-help-of-storage-and-renewables/>
"The Australian electricity market’s success in dodging the latest round of
global price shocks, using a buffer of firmed renewables now averaging around
50 per cent of total supply, has been highlighted in the latest report from the
(More...)
‘White Australia’ has always been a myth. Hanson lamenting its end is wrong – and dangerous
Sun, 2 Aug 2026 18:39:46 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/white-australia-has-always-been-a-myth-hanson-lamenting-its-end-is-wrong-and-dangerous-288182>
"The unexpected rise of One Nation in the polls, helped by leader Pauline
Hanson’s relationship with mining magnate Gina Rinehart and often uncritical
treatment by mainstream media, has seen the reemergence of another historical
(More...)
“First of a kind” factory to mass produce wooden wind turbine blades wins critical EU backing
Sun, 2 Aug 2026 18:41:07 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://reneweconomy.com.au/first-of-a-kind-factory-to-mass-produce-wooden-wind-turbine-blades-wins-critical-eu-backing/>
"The world’s first commercial factory to manufacture wooden wind turbine blades
has taken an important step forward this week, after German pioneer Voodin
Blade Technology confirmed it had been awarded €48 million from the European
(More...)
‘We can’t make it better again’: what Europe’s wildfires tell us about the climate crisis
Sun, 2 Aug 2026 18:56:08 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/jul/30/europe-wildfires-climate-crisis-heat-summer>
"When Stefan Rahmstorf walked through the ruined streets of Dresden after the
river Elbe flooded in 2002, and again when severe heat killed 70,000 people in
Europe the following summer, the German climatologist wondered if worsening
(More...)
Nobody Taught Them to Adult — So They’re Teaching Each Other
Mon, 3 Aug 2026 02:43:03 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://reasonstobecheerful.world/india-care-leavers-support/
"Across the world, 18th birthdays are a time for celebration. But in India, an
estimated 30,000 teens reach this threshold in childcare institutions (places
that offer shelter and protection to vulnerable youth) every year, and age out
(More...)
China has cracked down on AI companions. What can we learn from this?
Mon, 3 Aug 2026 02:44:02 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/china-has-cracked-down-on-ai-companions-what-can-we-learn-from-this-287976>
"Since November 2022, generative artificial intelligence (AI) has been
rewriting billions of emails, student assignments, reports, and break-up text
messages. Alongside these mundane uses, we’ve seen a proliferation of chatbots
(More...)
Letters from an American: July 31, 2026
Mon, 3 Aug 2026 02:45:18 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/july-31-2026
"Courtney Kube, Monica Alba, Peter Nicholas, Gordon Lubold, Katherine Doyle,
and Andrea Mitchell of
NBC News reported Wednesday that President Donald J.
Trump is “exasperated” that the Iran war is dragging on and that his advisors
(More...)
How retirees, beachcombers and communities help scientists track everything from threatened species to algal blooms
Mon, 3 Aug 2026 02:46:05 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/how-retirees-beachcombers-and-communities-help-scientists-track-everything-from-threatened-species-to-algal-blooms-268199>
"How healthy are Australia’s ecosystems? To answer that, scientists need data.
But Australia is huge – and the number of professional scientists is limited.
That’s where citizen science can help.
(More...)
A mining campaign in a farmer’s hat: “Hands off our diesel” meme is not about tractors
Mon, 3 Aug 2026 02:47:11 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://thedriven.io/2026/07/24/a-mining-campaign-dressed-in-an-akubra-the-hands-off-our-fuel-petition-is-not-about-farmers/>
"A tractor in a paddock isn’t using a public road.
Neither is a 400-tonne mining haul truck at the bottom of an open-cut pit.
(More...)
At a time of harder borders and ‘ruthless’ rhetoric, the Refugee Convention is more important than ever
Mon, 3 Aug 2026 02:49:02 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/at-a-time-of-harder-borders-and-ruthless-rhetoric-the-refugee-convention-is-more-important-than-ever-287478>
"This month marks 75 years since the adoption of the
1951 Refugee Convention
on July 28 1951. Negotiated in the aftermath of the second world war, the
treaty came into force three years later after Australia became the sixth
(More...)
“They do exist:” Fortescue tests its 150 tonne battery-powered water truck, and i new electric dozers, grades and loaders
Tue, 4 Aug 2026 04:20:31 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://thedriven.io/2026/07/24/fortescue-tests-its-150-tonne-battery-powered-water-truck-and-its-new-electric-dozers-and-wheel-loaders/>
"Mining giant Fortescue has been trialling the first prototypes of the massive
electric equipment that will replace its existing diesel machines as it seeks
to phase out the burning of fossil fuels at its Pilbara mines by the end of the
(More...)
We can't have metaphors anymore because everything is literal
Tue, 4 Aug 2026 04:22:10 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://news.chanda.science/archive/we-cant-have-metaphors-anymore-because-everything/>
"A few nights ago, I made the mistake of putting on the Sidney Lumet’s 1964
film
Fail-Safe as my “last show of the evening.” I only intended to watch a
few minutes. If you know anything about this movie, then you know why that was
(More...)
AI: Considerations for people who make decisions
Tue, 4 Aug 2026 04:29:57 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://berthub.eu/articles/posts/ai-for-decision-makers/
"Recently I gave two presentations in quick succession to the Dutch Network of
Government Service Providers and the Dutch Advisory Council for Science,
Technology and Innovation about AI. In these two different and brief
(More...)
Moral distress: for primary care doctors, ‘doing the right thing’ can feel impossible
Tue, 4 Aug 2026 05:55:31 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/moral-distress-for-primary-care-doctors-doing-the-right-thing-can-feel-impossible-287962>
"Modern healthcare systems ask much of primary care doctors. They are expected
to diagnose, reassure, coordinate care, manage chronic illness and increasingly
fill the gaps when other parts of the system come under strain.
(More...)
Did a tourist tax save Magaluf?
Tue, 4 Aug 2026 05:56:25 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.positive.news/society/did-a-tourist-tax-save-magaluf/
"It is a bright early summer evening in Mallorca and Jaime Mora Bosch is
reclining in a waterfront restaurant in a cream suit. Behind him, Port Adriano
is filled with multimillion-euro yachts as their passengers settle into
(More...)
Why clearer rules on using AI in hiring would be a win for bosses too
Tue, 4 Aug 2026 05:57:17 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/why-clearer-rules-on-using-ai-in-hiring-would-be-a-win-for-bosses-too-288086>
"This week, the Victorian government announced it will act to protect workers
from “inappropriate and unfair uses” of artificial intelligence (AI) in the
workplace. This will include introducing new laws to ensure AI hiring decisions
(More...)
Leopards recover in Zambia as communities swap skins for synthetics
Tue, 4 Aug 2026 13:00:42 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.positive.news/environment/leopards-recover-in-zambia-as-communities-swap-skins-for-synthetics/>
"Big cat conservationists in Zambia say leopard numbers are rebounding thanks
in part to local communities swapping real furs for synthetic in traditional
ceremonies.
(More...)
Make an Origami Circuit Board
Tue, 4 Aug 2026 13:02:09 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://spectrum.ieee.org/origami-circuit-boards
"What could you do if you could make a circuit trace by just bending a piece of
paper? How about bridging modern technologies and traditional handicrafts while
providing opportunities for learning skills in both.
(More...)
What it's like to live in the world's most liveable cities in 2026
Tue, 4 Aug 2026 13:04:00 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20260706-the-worlds-most-liveable-cities-in-2026>
"Copenhagen has retained its title as the world's most liveable city for a
second consecutive year in the Economist Intelligence Unit's
2026 Global
Liveability Index.
(More...)
‘Worst we’ve known’: UK turns to imports as drought and heat hit vegetable crops
Tue, 4 Aug 2026 13:05:13 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/aug/01/uk-importing-vegetabless-drough-heat-hit-british-crops-price-rises>
"Pubs, restaurants and supermarkets are having to buy lettuce and broccoli from
Spain at what should be the height of UK growing season, as drought and extreme
heat hit crops.
(More...)
How Australia combines modern tech and Indigenous knowledge to fight wildfires
Tue, 4 Aug 2026 13:06:26 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czdmvr984yyo
"The wildfires currently ravaging Europe feel close to home for Professor Marta
Yebra, despite being on the other side of the world.
(More...)
A new measure of courage: how Maasai warriors became lion guardians
Tue, 4 Aug 2026 13:07:29 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.positive.news/environment/a-new-measure-of-courage-how-maasai-warriors-became-lion-guardians/>
"The cattle are still stirring inside the safety of their enclosures when
Saitoti Petro Lorkuta makes his morning rounds, threading his motorbike through
the communal Maasai pastures east of Tanzania’s Tarangire national park. Every
(More...)
Can we alter ocean chemistry to absorb carbon? Here are the pros and cons
Tue, 4 Aug 2026 20:15:25 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/can-we-alter-ocean-chemistry-to-absorb-carbon-here-are-the-pros-and-cons-287592>
"As the planet warms, countries around the world are racing to meet their net
zero targets set out in the
2015 Paris Agreement.
(More...)
Don't worry about privacy. Just make more content. It's fine.
Tue, 4 Aug 2026 20:16:44 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.garbageday.email/p/don-t-worry-about-privacy-just-make-more-content-it-s-fine>
"Back in May, I wrote that Meta Ray-Bans are “a Cybertruck for your face” and
“great for weird fucking losers that want to look down your shirt and plaster
it all over Instagram.” Well, a little update lol: Instagram is finally
(More...)
Friday essay: can rewilding offer us a brighter, greener future?
Tue, 4 Aug 2026 20:17:52 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/friday-essay-can-rewilding-offer-us-a-brighter-greener-future-281647>
"I’ve been fortunate to dive in Tasmania’s giant kelp forests over the past
three decades, launching into chilly waters. When diving in these forests,
light filters through the golden ribbon-like fronds in beams, lighting the
(More...)
Violet Blue’s Threat Model - Pandemic Roundup: July 30, 2026
Tue, 4 Aug 2026 20:18:46 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.patreon.com/violetblue/posts/pandemic-roundup-165235631
"The fastest Ebola outbreak on record is up to 3,360 confirmed cases and 1,487
deaths, according to government data published late Tuesday. The 2018-2020
Congo/Uganda outbreak had over 3,400 cases and 2,200 deaths across a span of
(More...)
Why you should think twice before rescuing a wild animal
Tue, 4 Aug 2026 20:19:28 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/why-you-should-think-twice-before-rescuing-a-wild-animal-286655>
"Imagine you’re driving down a windy road when you spot an injured possum.
Your instincts might tell you to hit the brakes, check what’s wrong and bundle
(More...)
Retail giant begins EV charger rollout at up to 30 store locations across Australia
Tue, 4 Aug 2026 20:20:17 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://thedriven.io/2026/07/27/retail-giant-begins-ev-charger-rollout-at-up-to-30-store-locations-across-australia/>
"Supermarket giant Coles will roll out electric vehicle charging stations at up
to 30 locations across Australia as part of a two-year initiative designed in
partnership with Evie Networks, Australia’s largest fast-charging network.
(More...)
Does using a reusable cup make you less likely to protest climate change? We tracked 2,800 Australians to find out
Wed, 5 Aug 2026 03:47:26 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/does-using-a-reusable-cup-make-you-less-likely-to-protest-climate-change-we-tracked-2-800-australians-to-find-out-288197>
"Reusable cups, recycling, taking public transport, eating “greener”, cycling
to work – we are all familiar with the kinds of actions we can take to reduce
our personal environmental impact.
(More...)
Mega datacentre planned for outer Melbourne will be six times bigger than a large shopping centre
Wed, 5 Aug 2026 03:48:18 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
New research shows how vulnerable Australia would be to attacks on shipping in the Indian Ocean
Wed, 5 Aug 2026 03:49:10 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/new-research-shows-how-vulnerable-australia-would-be-to-attacks-on-shipping-in-the-indian-ocean-287495>
"The closure of the Strait of Hormuz in the US-Iran war has brought home how
vital maritime trading routes are to a country like Australia, which conducts
99% of its global trade by sea.
(More...)
Bill Oddie, naturalist and broadcaster, dies aged 85
Wed, 5 Aug 2026 03:50:35 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2026/jul/27/bill-oddie-naturalist-and-broadcaster-dies>
"The writer, comedian and conservationist Bill Oddie has died aged 85. Having
come to prominence with the comedy group The Goodies, Oddie later established
himself as an authority on wildlife, presenting television series including the
(More...)
Letting a River Act Like a River
Wed, 5 Aug 2026 03:51:56 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://reasonstobecheerful.world/letting-a-river-act-like-a-river/
"For river ecosystems to survive dry times, they need their floods — and big,
messy floodplains.
(More...)
Sci-fi authors Scalzi and Stross decry AI's dystopian impact on their craft
Wed, 5 Aug 2026 03:53:30 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
From Book Doof to bedazzling, social reading is all the rage
Wed, 5 Aug 2026 22:54:42 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-07-18/from-book-doof-to-bedazzling-social-reading-is-all-the-rage/106929956>
“Grant Krupp was at a party when he picked up a book that was lying around with
a "not safe for work" (NSFW) title.
(More...)
The dangerous climate driving California’s wildfires — and a warning for Australia
Wed, 5 Aug 2026 22:55:30 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/the-dangerous-climate-driving-californias-wildfires-and-a-warning-for-australia-288190>
"California is once again confronting a rapidly escalating wildfire season
fuelled by extreme heat, drying vegetation, drought and strong winds.
(More...)
With contentious fisheries reforms on hold, should NZ rethink bottom trawling?
Wed, 5 Aug 2026 22:56:45 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/with-contentious-fisheries-reforms-on-hold-should-nz-rethink-bottom-trawling-288087>
"The government’s controversial
Fisheries Amendment Bill has reignited debate
over New Zealand’s most common – and most controversial – commercial fishing
method.
(More...)
Australia’s ‘most progressive’ census comes at personal cost to April – but it means their family will finally be counted
Wed, 5 Aug 2026 22:57:49 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/jul/27/australias-most-progressive-census-comes-at-personal-cost-to-april-but-it-means-their-family-will-finally-be-counted-ntwnfb>
"Self-professed “data nerd” April Long was excited to fill in their first
census after welcoming their son, Kai, to the world. But as they opened the
2021 survey, they quickly realised it wasn’t made for them.
(More...)
At creative reuse centers, old art supplies get a new life at a fraction of the cost
Wed, 5 Aug 2026 22:58:42 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://apnews.com/article/creative-reuse-center-secondhand-art-supplies-3888b74ae179b22af1349a0bc6052afb>
"NEW YORK (
AP) — Charlene Catalano was looking for a ball of green-and-white
yarn to crochet this year’s winter scarf.
(More...)
From living roofs to rainwater harvesting: the future of sustainable homes
Wed, 5 Aug 2026 23:03:13 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2026/aug/03/future-sustainable-homes>
"A new book,
Homes for Our Time, by Philip Jodidio, showcases the quiet
revolution in green residential architecture.
(More...)
The battle for the Maasai Mara: Can Kenya’s most iconic ecosystem be saved?
Thu, 6 Aug 2026 03:09:25 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2026/8/3/the-battle-for-the-maasai-mara-can-kenyas-most-iconic-ecosystem-be-saved>
"Maasai Mara, Kenya – The Maasai Mara, Kenya’s most famous wildlife reserve, is
one of Africa’s best-known safari destinations. Every year, hundreds of
thousands of visitors travel to the reserve, generating millions of dollars for
(More...)
At a hydroelectric dam in Maine, engineers built an elevator for eels and shad, and then whales learned the route and started showing up
Thu, 6 Aug 2026 03:10:59 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.ecoportal.net/en/maine-fish-passage-restoration-project/30243/>
"For many years, the thousands of miles that migratory fish traveled every year
along the St. Croix River were filled with obstacles.
(More...)
The Real Reason Russia’s Ruling Class Is Struggling to Stop the War
Thu, 6 Aug 2026 03:13:12 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://freedium-mirror.cfd/https://medium.com/@elvirabary/the-real-reason-russias-ruling-class-is-struggling-to-stop-the-war-f41624d3c817>
"It is burning through men, money, equipment, infrastructure, labor, markets,
and the last remains of normal life. It has made Russia more dependent on
China, more isolated from Europe, more militarized, more corrupt, and more
(More...)
Hank Green’s anti-AI AI psychosis
Thu, 6 Aug 2026 03:14:44 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.garbageday.email/p/hank-green-s-anti-ai-ai-psychosis
"Last week, YouTube long-hauler Hank Green was accused of using AI to write a
script for one of his new videos. The tell, according to one user, was the
line, “I appreciate the pushback,” which he says to himself in the video.
(More...)
Protecting pets in domestic violence cases will take more than a law change
Thu, 6 Aug 2026 03:15:40 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/protecting-pets-in-domestic-violence-cases-will-take-more-than-a-law-change-287772>
"We have known for a long time that when humans are abused in the family, it’s
likely any companion animals in the household are also being abused – and vice
versa.
(More...)
Berkeley implements nation-first green housing policy
Thu, 6 Aug 2026 03:17:32 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.dailycal.org/news/city/housing/berkeley-implements-nation-first-green-housing-policy/article_7b748d7a-e145-450f-bc4f-bad05085f5d8.html>
"Starting from Jan. 1 of this year, owners of one or two unit houses are
legally required to complete emissions-reducing upgrades to their houses during
a sale, funded by either the seller or the buyer. Berkeley is the first city in
(More...)
Older people’s media literacy can be boosted in just 60 minutes – new study
Thu, 6 Aug 2026 11:34:10 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
‘It’s generations of decline’: can Andy Burnham really end rough sleeping?
Thu, 6 Aug 2026 11:35:39 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2026/jul/24/can-andy-burnham-really-end-rough-sleeping>
"It is close to midnight as two outreach workers from Spear, a homelessness
charity in south London, shine their torches around bushes on the edge of a
park in Twickenham.
(More...)
Some animals catch cancer from others in their species – here’s why humans aren’t one of them
Thu, 6 Aug 2026 11:36:32 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/some-animals-catch-cancer-from-others-in-their-species-heres-why-humans-arent-one-of-them-288320>
"Scientists in Vermont have just discovered something that shouldn’t really be
possible: a skin cancer that’s spreading from catfish to catfish. It’s only the
fourth transmissible cancer ever found in nature.
(More...)
Denver Cut Street Homelessness Nearly in Half
Thu, 6 Aug 2026 11:37:34 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.governing.com/urban/denver-cut-street-homelessness-nearly-in-half>
"During his 2023 campaign, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston told voters he could end
unsheltered homelessness in his first term. It was a big promise for a big
problem that few mayors feel they can control.
(More...)
India’s cockroach movement brought down a minister. Bringing real reform will be much harder
Thu, 6 Aug 2026 11:38:11 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/indias-cockroach-movement-brought-down-a-minister-bringing-real-reform-will-be-much-harder-288275>
"Over the past few weeks, young people have mobilised to protest India’s broken
education system, against the background of a shortage of job opportunities.
(More...)
More Shelters Make Room for Four-Legged Friends
Thu, 6 Aug 2026 11:38:58 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://freedium-mirror.cfd/https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/31/realestate/homeless-shelter-pets.html>
"Father Joe’s Villages is a homeless shelter and detox facility in downtown San
Diego that can house about 800 people a night. On a campus spread across
several city blocks, it offers on-site health and dental clinics, a therapeutic
(More...)
Has the government failed to protect Torres Strait culture from rising seas? The full Federal Court is about to decide
Thu, 6 Aug 2026 22:57:14 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
Great Barrier Reef microbiome mapped as researchers discover 500 bacterial species previously unknown to science
Thu, 6 Aug 2026 22:58:26 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/jul/23/great-barrier-reef-microbiome-mapped-as-researchers-discover-500-bacterial-species-previously-unknown-to-science>
"More than a decade after the human microbiome was comprehensively mapped,
scientists have now identified the vast communities of microbes that make up
the Great Barrier Reef.
(More...)
Want to break free from big tech? ‘Self‑hosting’ could be the answer
Thu, 6 Aug 2026 22:59:18 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
France records more than 5,700 excess deaths during June heatwave
Thu, 6 Aug 2026 23:00:02 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jul/22/france-recorded-more-than-5700-excess-deaths-during-june-heatwave>
"France recorded more than 5,700 excess deaths during its June heatwave,
authorities have said, as swathes of southern Europe continue to endure another
record-breaking period of extreme temperatures.
(More...)
How a boy’s own song about eastern rosellas went viral and was covered by Ben Lee
Thu, 6 Aug 2026 23:00:49 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/jul/23/eastern-rosella-bird-song-kid-miles-phillips-australia>
"Miles Phillips greets me at the door of his house with a high five. His hair
is spiked and a tiny, colourful parrot badge is pinned to his blazer collar.
The two huge cameras being lugged behind me by two producers don’t faze him.
(More...)
Fire can destroy peatlands. But in Australia, it can also help protect them
Thu, 6 Aug 2026 23:01:29 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/fire-can-destroy-peatlands-but-in-australia-it-can-also-help-protect-them-287374>
"Peatlands are the unsung heroes of nature.
These ancient wetlands form when dead and decaying plants partly decompose in
(More...)
NT minister claims Earth’s magnetic poles could flip if territory doesn’t use more groundwater
Fri, 7 Aug 2026 06:26:32 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/jul/23/australia-politician-claims-northern-territory-water-could-flip-earths-magnetic-poles>
"A Northern Territory minister has been criticised for scientifically
inaccurate claims that groundwater in the Northern Territory needs to be used
to prevent the Earth’s magnetic poles from flipping.
(More...)
One grain to rule them all: the history of rice as a global food
Fri, 7 Aug 2026 06:29:34 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/one-grain-to-rule-them-all-the-history-of-rice-as-a-global-food-283060>
"Rice is the most popular food in the world, providing sustenance to more than
3.5 billion people each day.
(More...)
Butterflies around the world are changing habitats – and experts say it’s ‘signalling a warning’
Fri, 7 Aug 2026 06:31:18 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/aug/05/butterflies-around-the-world-are-changing-habitats-and-experts-say-its-signalling-a-warning>
"Butterflies, often considered a “sentinel of change”, are on the move across
every continent they inhabit, shifting to survive as global heating reshapes
their environment.
(More...)
El Niño could push 50m people into acute hunger before end of next year
Fri, 7 Aug 2026 06:32:20 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/aug/05/el-nino-could-push-50m-people-acute-hunger-next-year>
"About 50 million people are likely to be pushed into acute hunger before the
end of next year by the rapidly developing El Niño weather system, according to
forecasting.
(More...)
Ursula K. Le Guin’s Home Recognized as National Historic Landmark, to host Writers’ Residency
Fri, 7 Aug 2026 06:37:23 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://locusmag.com/2026/08/ursula-k-le-guins-home-recognized-as-national-historic-landmark-to-host-writers-residency/>
"Ursula K. Le Guin’s longtime residence at 3321 NW Thurman St. in Portland,
Oregon has been added to the National Register of Historic Places in
recognition of its “significance to American literature and women’s history.”
(More...)
‘If we don’t fight back, we don’t have a future’: the journalist taking on the ‘tech fascists’ of Silicon Valley
Fri, 7 Aug 2026 06:38:26 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2026/aug/05/journalist-taking-on-tech-fascists-silicon-valley>
"In April, Gil Durán was permanently banned from Elon Musk’s X for posting just
two words. Durán was responding to a post from the tech company Palantir
outlining its 22‑point “technological manifesto”, which praised American “hard
(More...)
A Growing Threat: The Anti Rights Movement In The UK July 2026
Fri, 7 Aug 2026 13:50:53 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
"Here’s the Amnesty International report that JK Rowling got pulled and
destroyed Amnesty’s reputation as a result. In it, Amnesty followed the money
re: anti-trans and anti-abortion orgs and tied it all very clearly together as
a global far-right anti-rights campaign, as well as a clear and present danger
to all."
(More...)
Risk of Parkinson’s disease may increase with prolonged exposure to road traffic noise
Fri, 7 Aug 2026 13:52:39 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2026/jul/23/road-traffic-noise-parkinsons-disease-study-health>
"Long-term exposure to road traffic noise is associated with a higher risk of
Parkinson’s disease, the biggest study of its kind has found.
(More...)
freemediaheckyeah
Fri, 7 Aug 2026 13:53:24 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://fmhy.net/
"The largest collection of free stuff on the internet!"
Via Esther Schindler.
(More...)
Jenna Ortega's New Sci-Fi Combines the Best Parts of 'E.T.' and 'The Iron Giant'
Fri, 7 Aug 2026 13:58:02 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.cbr.com/klara-and-the-sun-combines-et-and-the-iron-giant/
"Kazuo Ishiguro published
Klara and the Sun in March 2021 as his first novel
since winning the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2017, and the book debuted
immediately on the
New York Times fiction bestseller list. Sony Pictures'
(More...)
‘People want something more than value’: Why we’re so into buying Japanese stuff
Fri, 7 Aug 2026 14:01:23 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/people-want-something-more-than-value-why-we-re-so-into-buying-japanese-stuff-20260728-p60jag.html>
"Just before noon on Thursday, a queue of nearly 100 people had gathered
outside Muji, the Japanese homeware, stationery and apparel store inside
Melbourne’s labyrinthine shopping centre of Chadstone. Those in line had made
(More...)
How Gambian women are restoring the mangroves protecting Banjul
Fri, 7 Aug 2026 14:03:42 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/8/6/how-gambian-women-are-restoring-the-mangroves-protecting-banjul>
"
Banjul, The Gambia – At dawn, before the heat settles over the coast, Fatou
Jarjue waits for the tide to retreat.
(More...)
Carnival cruise workers make 'horrifying' allegations about conditions
Fri, 7 Aug 2026 22:49:31 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-08-06/carnival-cruise-workers-horrifying-allegations-conditions-pay/106967922>
"Passengers boarding a Carnival cruise ship are promised a world of endless
food, relaxation and oceanic luxury.
(More...)
People in the midwest know what a livestream is
Fri, 7 Aug 2026 22:51:14 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.garbageday.email/p/people-in-the-midwest-know-what-a-livestream-is>
"Dr. Abdul El-Sayed officially beat Rep. Haley Stevens in Michigan’s Senate
primary last night. It ended up being the most expensive primary in American
history, with super PACs dumping more than $60 million into the race to support
(More...)
Curvature
Fri, 7 Aug 2026 22:56:21 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://roadcurvature.com/
"As a motorcyclist who prefers carving through corners and exploring paths less
traveled to cruising at high-speed on major highways, I’m constantly searching
for scenic little roads that wind their way toward my destination with fun
(More...)
Short-haul electric flights could be a European reality in less than four years
Fri, 7 Aug 2026 23:14:25 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.euronews.com/2026/08/06/short-haul-electric-flights-could-be-a-european-reality-in-less-than-four-years>
"European travellers could take electric flights on some of the continent’s
most popular routes by the early 2030s, thanks to rapid advancements in tech.
(More...)
How to disable or avoid intrusive AI
Fri, 7 Aug 2026 23:16:13 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.librarian.net/notoai/
"One of the biggest questions I get at Drop-In Time at the library (besides
“what is taking up all my cloud storage?”) is how to disable or avoid intrusive
AI that shows up where people don’t want it. This is a guide for people who
(More...)
Andreessen Horowitz Partner Boasts That the Company’s New Tech Can Fabricate Fake History Like in “1984”
Fri, 7 Aug 2026 23:17:58 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://tech.yahoo.com/ai/articles/andreessen-horowitz-partner-boasts-company-165453896.html>
“Text-to-video AI generating tools have come a long way. Just three years ago,
we were all unsettled by grisly clips of actor Will Smith's face morphing while
"eating" a moving pile of spaghetti.
(More...)
Pauline Hanson blames ‘fake news’ media for her bad press. But serious leaders have to own their actions
Sat, 8 Aug 2026 05:28:42 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/jul/24/pauline-hanson-blames-fake-news-media-serious-leaders-own-their-actions-ntwnfb>
"There’s apparently only one thing to blame for Pauline Hanson’s string of bad
headlines in recent weeks, from her decision to pal around with the far-right
convicted criminal Tommy Robinson to her description of domestic violence on
(More...)
Thinking of posting pictures of your child online? Ask these 4 questions first
Sat, 8 Aug 2026 05:30:14 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
Thousands flee wildfires in France and Spain as temperatures reach extreme levels in southern Europe
Sat, 8 Aug 2026 05:31:15 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jul/23/people-evacuated-intense-wildfire-saumos-france>
"Brutal heat torching southern Europe has forced about 30,000 people to flee
wildfires in France and Spain as a marine heatwave scalds the Mediterranean and
researchers warn that “Dantesque” scenarios cannot be ruled out as infernos
(More...)
What two centuries of Perth storm records tell us about future climate risk
Sat, 8 Aug 2026 05:32:14 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/what-two-centuries-of-perth-storm-records-tell-us-about-future-climate-risk-282971>
"On the first day of winter, southwest Western Australia was pummelled by a
damaging storm. The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) described it as the most
intense weather system to hit the region in almost 50 years. Although severe
(More...)
Climate crisis-driven heat ‘sucking soils dry’ as extreme drought hits Europe
Sat, 8 Aug 2026 05:33:40 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/jul/23/climate-crisis-heat-sucking-soils-dry-extreme-drought-europe-analysis>
"Extreme heat supercharged by the climate crisis is sucking Europe dry in
summer and intensifying the drought hitting the continent, a scientific
analysis has found.
(More...)
Trump is sowing fear over Cuba, terrorism and the ‘radical left’. This is what could come next
Sat, 8 Aug 2026 05:34:25 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/trump-is-sowing-fear-over-cuba-terrorism-and-the-radical-left-this-is-what-could-come-next-288284>
"US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is again taking aim at Cuba. This time,
however, the Trump administration is framing Havana as a decades-long sponsor
of terrorism and espionage that has helped cultivate the “radical left” in the
(More...)
‘It’s only going to get worse’: wildfires forcing firefighters to make impossible choices
Sat, 8 Aug 2026 11:19:55 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/news/ng-interactive/2026/jul/18/the-impossible-choices-of-a-deadly-wildfire-season>
"César Alcaraz had only just become a firefighter in the late 1990s when he
found himself ambushed by a fast-moving blaze. Barely able to breathe and with
no more water left in his truck, he and his colleagues fled an inferno ravaging
(More...)
Gaming helps mums recover from parenting stress – but guilt can still get in the way
Sat, 8 Aug 2026 11:20:33 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/gaming-helps-mums-recover-from-parenting-stress-but-guilt-can-still-get-in-the-way-271752>
"Video gaming is a valued leisure activity in Australia. The latest data show
74% of Australian households own at least two gaming devices.
(More...)
It took months for an LGBTQ+ arts pop-up to resurrect an old church – but just three days to shut it down
Sat, 8 Aug 2026 11:21:45 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
Why does singing feel so good? And is it good for your health?
Sat, 8 Aug 2026 11:22:35 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/why-does-singing-feel-so-good-and-is-it-good-for-your-health-288203>
"Have you ever wondered why it feels so good to sing in the shower? Or why
turning up the radio up in the middle of a traffic jam and singing out loud can
put you in a better mood?
(More...)
Israeli siblings who fear breaking law in Gaza under IDF owed protection by Australia, tribunal finds
Sat, 8 Aug 2026 11:23:16 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/jul/27/israeli-siblings-owed-protection-by-australia-after-vowing-not-to-serve-in-idf-tribunal-finds-ntwnfb>
"Three Israeli citizens facing conscription into the Israel Defense Forces have
been granted the right to reapply for protection visas in Australia, after a
government tribunal found they held a genuine fear they would be forced to
(More...)
“Disordered and delusionary thinking:” Ex-ADF chief calls out Australia’s climate hypocrisy
Sat, 8 Aug 2026 11:24:01 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://reneweconomy.com.au/disordered-and-delusionary-thinking-ex-adf-chief-calls-out-australias-climate-hypocrisy/>
"Australia’s ongoing addiction to fossil fuel exports is undermining the
“enormous” success of the renewable energy transition and threatening national
security, one of the nation’s top military experts has warned.
(More...)
‘I thought, I’ve tried everything else, why not give AI a shot?’: the long-lost family reunited by ChatGPT
Sun, 9 Aug 2026 00:12:24 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/ng-interactive/2026/jul/25/long-lost-family-reunited-chatgpt-artificial-intelligence-ai>
"As a small boy growing up in Amritsar, India, in the 1960s, Avtar Singh used
to hear whispers.
Your mum isn’t really your mum, the rumours would say.
Your mum lives abroad. Avtar didn’t really pay any attention to it. “I
(More...)
Donald Trump blames Canada for wildfire smoke — but global warming is loading the wildfire dice
Sun, 9 Aug 2026 00:13:21 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/donald-trump-blames-canada-for-wildfire-smoke-but-global-warming-is-loading-the-wildfire-dice-288167>
"United States President Donald Trump has accused Canada of “wilful negligence”
over wildfires, blaming its forest management, threatening tariffs and floating
demands for compensation. His argument is absurd.
(More...)
Safe as houses: how to make your outdoor cat at home indoors to protect themselves and the environment
Sun, 9 Aug 2026 00:15:02 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/aug/08/how-to-keep-outdoor-cat-indoors-protect-environment>
"Cats are a popular pet in Australia: second only to dogs, they’re found in a
third of homes, with about 5.3 million felines nationally.
(More...)
Smart glasses are going mainstream. Do current privacy laws protect us from the risks?
Sun, 9 Aug 2026 00:17:41 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/smart-glasses-are-going-mainstream-do-current-privacy-laws-protect-us-from-the-risks-289138>
"There are now many more people walking the streets in Australia wearing
glasses that can subtly film and record the world around them. That’s in large
part thanks to Kmart, which recently introduced – and then rapidly sold out of
(More...)
Why Russians Lie to Your Face and Expect You To Know it
Sun, 9 Aug 2026 00:18:39 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://freedium-mirror.cfd/https://medium.com/@elvirabary/why-russians-lie-to-your-face-and-expect-you-to-know-it-5cd9a8c05e9f>
“Because the point isn't to convince you. The point is to perform the safe
sentence out loud… while assuming you're smart enough to hear the real message
underneath.
(More...)
Wholesome Games Celebration
Sun, 9 Aug 2026 00:19:35 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://store.steampowered.com/sale/wholesomegames
"Discover the joy and creativity that video games have to offer during the
Wholesome Games Celebration!
(More...)
‘List of doom’: Hundreds of species facing heightened bird flu risk in Australia
Sun, 9 Aug 2026 12:30:01 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.odt.co.nz/news/world/list-of-doom-hundreds-of-species-facing-heightened-bird-flu-risk-in-australia-jqshepu6>
“One in five Australian birds and mammals are facing a "high to extreme risk"
from the escalating bird flu virus that's starting to devastate wildlife.
(More...)
Conference notes: Digital and sexual citizenship in an age of social media bans
Sun, 9 Aug 2026 12:31:22 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://skycroeser.net/blog/conference-digital-and-sexual-citizenship-in-an-age-of-social-media-bans/>
"This conference is an initiative of the ECU Ethical Digital Futures Group.
Uncle Kevin Fitzgerald opened by reflecting on what it means to be on Noongar
(More...)
Always remember how Macquarie built its millionaires on outrageous tolls and charges
Sun, 9 Aug 2026 12:32:45 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/jul/26/always-remember-how-macquarie-built-its-millionaires-on-outrageous-tolls-and-charges>
"The recent retirement of the Macquarie Group CEO, Shemara Wikramanayake, marks
the culmination of a highly successful career. She is leaving the company with
shares worth hundreds of millions of dollars after nearly 40 years at the
(More...)
The Spark: How Neighbors Are Banding Together to Go Greener
Sun, 9 Aug 2026 12:33:44 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://reasonstobecheerful.world/the-spark-green-home-energy/
"Perched on a small peninsula jutting from Massachusetts’ rocky North Shore,
the town of Marblehead appears, at first glance, to be a picturesque piece of
the past. But upon closer inspection, inside the antique colonial homes that
(More...)
How Trump could undermine the midterms
Sun, 9 Aug 2026 12:34:28 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/news/ng-interactive/2026/jul/26/trump-undermine-us-midterms>
"When Donald Trump commandeered primetime US television last Thursday, he
delivered a familiar, but still extraordinary, message. The president argued
once again that the results of the 2020 election, which he lost to Joe Biden,
(More...)
The musicians turning bat calls into club music
Sun, 9 Aug 2026 12:35:30 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.positive.news/environment/conservation/the-musicians-turning-bat-calls-into-club-music/>
"
Echo in the Dark, by artists Hanna Tuulikki and Tommy Perman, transforms the
ultrasonic calls of eight bat species into electronic music, blending
translated bat recordings with the human voice.
(More...)
Surveillance Tech Company Is Pitching An Unholy ALPR/Stingray Hybrid To Law Enforcement
Sun, 9 Aug 2026 18:18:15 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.techdirt.com/2026/06/24/surveillance-tech-company-is-pitching-an-unholy-alpr-stingray-hybrid-to-law-enforcement/>
"Here’s something no one but cops and the tech firms that love cops wanted: an
ALPR that can scoop up pretty much
any information being broadcasted by cars
and the devices carried by the people inside them. As if ALPRs weren’t already
(More...)
The ornithological artist drawing 1,000 birds by hand – all for an app that wants you off your phone
Sun, 9 Aug 2026 18:19:26 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/aug/08/birds-artist-flock-app-california>
"On a brilliantly bright afternoon in his gallery and studio in Bolinas, a
small town on the northern California coast, Keith Hansen was putting the
finishing touches on a watercolor of an almost improbably flamboyant painted
(More...)
Barnaby Joyce backs One Nation’s ‘monocultural’ vision of Australia. But the reality in his NSW electorate is very different
Sun, 9 Aug 2026 18:20:37 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/ng-interactive/2026/jul/27/barnaby-joyce-one-nation-immigration-monoculture-australia-refugees>
"The warm sound of Swahili gospel songs fills the air in the small church hall.
Worshippers sway in the pews. A woman dancing spills into the aisle. A trio of
(More...)
Outrage machine winning as Australians worry that others don’t support energy transition
Sun, 9 Aug 2026 18:21:31 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://reneweconomy.com.au/outrage-machine-winning-as-australians-worry-that-others-dont-support-energy-transition/>
"It’s not news to say that Australians are even more in love with their energy
home upgrades than ever before, but uncertainty about what other people think
of the energy transition is creating doubt.
(More...)
‘Get rid of them’: One Nation senator claims party will ‘remigrate’ illegal visa holders in resurfaced interview
Sun, 9 Aug 2026 18:22:25 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/jul/27/get-rid-of-them-one-nation-senator-claims-party-will-remigrate-visa-holders-in-resurfaced-interview-ntwnfb>
"Senator Malcolm Roberts claims One Nation wants to deport at least 200,000
people and has repeatedly referred to the far-right concept of “remigration” in
podcast interviews and speeches to niche platforms.
(More...)
How schools are winning children over to healthier lunches
Sun, 9 Aug 2026 18:23:10 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.positive.news/society/how-schools-are-winning-children-over-to-healthier-lunches/>
"It’s midday on a Friday and children are pouring into the lunch hall at
Greenside primary school, an inner-city state school in west London.
(More...)
Our Last, Best Chance to Cool the Earth | Bill McKibben | TED
Mon, 10 Aug 2026 05:18:39 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9LTGzEzDat0
“We're living through oil wars, wildfire smoke and extreme weather driven by a
warming planet. But environmentalist Bill McKibben says one thing is finally
going right: the price of clean energy has plunged, making it cheaper than ever
(More...)
When the AI bubble bursts, what will Australia do with the tools it built? One man thinks he has the answer
Mon, 10 Aug 2026 05:19:32 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/jul/27/when-the-ai-bubble-bursts-what-will-australia-do-with-the-tools-it-built-one-man-thinks-he-has-the-answer>
"When the AI bubble bursts, executives who enthusiastically replaced their
staff with AI tools will learn that it takes a “really long time” to replace
those lost skills, says Cory Doctorow, a science fiction author and journalist.
(More...)
“Makes no sense:” Labor mulls third oil refinery as analysts urge faster push into EVs
Mon, 10 Aug 2026 05:22:21 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://reneweconomy.com.au/makes-no-sense-labor-mulls-third-oil-refinery-as-analysts-urge-faster-push-into-evs/>
"Australia’s fuel excise cut is likely to come to an end on Sunday, the prime
minister has hinted, as the federal Labor government also hints at a possible
third refinery for the country – to the horror of some energy and climate
(More...)
India’s Cockroach Janta party protest victory signals trouble ahead for Modi
Mon, 10 Aug 2026 05:23:07 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jul/26/india-cockroach-protest-victory-signals-trouble-ahead-for-narendra-modi>
"Even the night before Narendra Modi accepted the resignation of his education
minister, India’s prime minister appeared confident that the largest mass
uprising to take place in his 12 years in power would do little to rattle his
(More...)
Mentally, are young people really worse off? Or are they better at admitting they’re struggling?
Mon, 10 Aug 2026 05:24:07 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
What’s Working: How Justice Ramos turned need into entrepreneurship for kids in Cortez and on the Navajo Nation
Mon, 10 Aug 2026 05:25:05 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://coloradosun.com/2026/08/08/navajo-nation-entrepreneurship-kids-cortez-training-jobs/>
"Just like in a Gabriel Garcia Marquez novel, Justice Ramos was given a name
that intertwines with his destiny.
(More...)
Pedro Sánchez says Spain is suffering effects of climate crisis as firefighters battle wildfires in France
Tue, 11 Aug 2026 01:11:33 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jul/26/firefighters-in-france-battle-to-prevent-huge-blaze-from-approaching-bordeaux>
"Authorities in France battled to contain a huge wildfire near Bordeaux as the
forecast of another heatwave threatened to deepen the crisis and the Spanish
prime minister, Pedro Sánchez, warned Spain and the Iberian peninsula were
(More...)
Seven suspected new bird flu cases are ‘evidence of spread’ into Australian wildlife, experts warn
Tue, 11 Aug 2026 01:12:26 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/jul/27/h5-bird-flu-suspected-new-cases-south-australia>
"South Australia has reported seven new suspected cases of deadly H5 bird flu,
with experts warning it could be a sign the disease has begun spreading through
local bird populations.
(More...)
Media coverage of environmental disasters doesn’t come with a content warning. It’s time for change
Tue, 11 Aug 2026 01:13:43 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/media-coverage-of-environmental-disasters-doesnt-come-with-a-content-warning-its-time-for-change-286564>
"Since South Australia’s toxic algal bloom started to kill millions of marine
organisms in March 2025, the media has been filled with images of dead and
suffering coasts, plants and animals.
(More...)
Why the R-Word Is the Defining Slur of the Trump Era
Tue, 11 Aug 2026 01:17:24 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.notus.org/perspectives/why-the-r-word-is-the-defining-slur-of-the-trump-era>
"Last Thanksgiving, while the rest of us were trying not to start a fight at
the dinner table, President Trump started one on the internet. He took to Truth
Social to call Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz “seriously retarded.” When a reporter
(More...)
Trump’s Patriot Games are billed as a youth sports contest. They’re also a test of patriotic branding
Tue, 11 Aug 2026 01:19:33 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://edition.cnn.com/2026/08/09/politics/patriot-games-trump-partisan-patriotic-branding>
"The premise sounds almost fictional: one boy and one girl from every state,
territory and some tribal nations, flown to a private campus in Ohio to compete
in a televised athletic contest called the Patriot Games — a Trump-backed youth
(More...)
Trump bans robots and inverters from China – and it could be a big win for Australia
Tue, 11 Aug 2026 01:21:08 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://reneweconomy.com.au/trump-bans-robots-and-inverters-from-china-and-it-could-be-a-big-win-for-australia/>
"The Trump administration has unveiled bans that target imports of new Chinese
robots and power inverters, seeking to protect the US AI buildout from
national security threats and re-shore key industries slated for explosive
(More...)
Puerto Rico rations water supplies due to intense drought
Tue, 11 Aug 2026 12:34:59 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cqlxgk7r2vwo
“Hundreds of thousands of people are going without running water for two days
at a time in Puerto Rico, as authorities in the US territory take drastic
measures to combat a severe drought.
(More...)
Bill Oddie obituary
Tue, 11 Aug 2026 12:38:15 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2026/jul/27/bill-oddie-obituary
"Bill Oddie, who has died aged 85, was a multi-talented performer who found his
greatest comedy success on television with his fellow Cambridge University
Footlights members Tim Brooke-Taylor and Graeme Garden in
The Goodies, a
(More...)
What is a p‑value? An expert explains the most misunderstood number in science
Tue, 11 Aug 2026 12:39:41 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/what-is-a-p-value-an-expert-explains-the-most-misunderstood-number-in-science-288491>
"If you’ve ever tried to read a scientific paper, you’ve almost certainly run
into a p-value. And if you found it confusing, you’re in good company: plenty
of working scientists misunderstand it too.
(More...)
Is your to-do list making you nuts? Start a to-don’t list instead — with inspiration from author Adam Grant
Tue, 11 Aug 2026 12:40:26 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://ideas.ted.com/is-your-to-do-list-making-you-nuts-start-a-to-dont-list-instead-with-inspiration-from-author-adam-grant/>
"To-do lists are the human equivalent of a hamster wheel. While they drive
productivity and keep us on track, they just never seem to stop. Even as we
cross items off, our lists just keep repopulating with more to-dos.
(More...)
Not your imagination: from backpacks to food, consumer goods are getting worse
Tue, 11 Aug 2026 12:43:25 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/aug/10/consumed-consumer-goods-quality>
"When Keyana Sapp, 31, went shopping for a new backpack, the brands he
remembered as a kid were just not the same.
(More...)
Bill Oddie: the comedy legend tragically undervalued by the BBC
Tue, 11 Aug 2026 12:45:15 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2026/jul/27/bill-oddie-the-comedy-legend-tragically-undervalued-by-the-bbc>
"Bill Oddie, who has died aged 85, had two separate, substantial TV presences –
as a comedy actor and an ornithologist. Both roles brought him fame but also
pain. The peak of the former career was 76 episodes from 1970-82 of
The
(More...)
Tiny crystals from a 17th‑century shipwreck hold secrets of a global supply chain at the dawn of capitalism
Tue, 11 Aug 2026 19:39:46 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
Traditional plastic forks shed harmful microplastics. Plastic created from sugar is an alternative
Tue, 11 Aug 2026 19:41:18 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://apnews.com/article/biobased-biodegradable-plastics-climate-compost-838fb5b4619e5020e3c01157a312a5d8>
"WOBURN, Mass. (
AP) — At a Massachusetts lab, pebble-sized pellets are
transformed into forks and films that won’t leave persistent microplastics in
the environment.
(More...)
Russia’s Supreme Court Bars Yabloko, Only Pro-Peace Party, From Upcoming Elections
Tue, 11 Aug 2026 19:43:18 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.kyivpost.com/post/82094
"Russia’s Supreme Court barred the only liberal party, Yabloko, from
participating in the State Duma’s upcoming elections in September.
(More...)
In This Japanese Town, Commuting Happens Inside a Giant Strawberry
Tue, 11 Aug 2026 19:49:33 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://mossandfog.com/in-this-japanese-town-commuting-happens-inside-a-giant-strawberry/>
"Round a quiet coastal bend on Japan’s Route 207 and you won’t find a sterile
glass shelter waiting for you. Instead, you’ll meet a six-foot-tall strawberry.
Down the road sits a giant watermelon, a webbed honeydew, a plump tomato, and a
(More...)
France and Spain race to contain huge wildfires before fresh heatwave begins
Tue, 11 Aug 2026 19:50:15 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jul/27/france-and-spain-race-to-contain-huge-wildfires-before-fresh-heatwave-begins>
"Firefighters in France and Spain are racing to bring huge wildfires under
control before another heatwave this week that will complicate efforts to tame
the flames.
(More...)
Australia cannot hedge its way to a renewable export future
Tue, 11 Aug 2026 19:51:04 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://reneweconomy.com.au/australia-cannot-hedge-its-way-to-a-renewable-export-future/>
"As admiral Chris Barrie stated at the Australian Clean Energy Summit (ACES):
Australia is trying to be two things at once, a renewable energy superpower and
an expanding fossil fuel exporter. For years, that contradiction was treated as
(More...)
The population of an endangered Australian bat suddenly dropped by up to 16%. No one knows why
Wed, 12 Aug 2026 03:18:49 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/jul/30/southern-bent-wing-bat-population-decline>
"A sudden decline in critically endangered bats is troubling experts, who
recorded about 5,000 fewer southern bent-wing bats than usual at Naracoorte’s
“bat cave” this summer.
(More...)
Global EV leaders, domestic laggards: What Asia giants tell Australia about its future car market
Wed, 12 Aug 2026 03:19:44 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://thedriven.io/2026/07/29/global-ev-leaders-domestic-laggards-what-china-and-thailand-tell-australia-about-its-future-car-market/>
"Australia no longer makes cars, but it is still shaped by the countries that
do. That matters more than ever as the global car industry is reordered by
electrification.
(More...)
Hotter summers may force RHS to move hydrangeas to north of England
Wed, 12 Aug 2026 03:22:03 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/jul/29/heatwaves-hydrangeas-risk-south-of-england-rhs-warns>
"With their lush foliage and blooms that turn pink, purple or blue depending on
the soil, hydrangeas are a firm favourite in Britain.
(More...)
‘The fire has such power’: why the wildfires gripping France and Spain are off the charts
Wed, 12 Aug 2026 03:23:06 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/the-fire-has-such-power-why-the-wildfires-gripping-france-and-spain-are-off-the-charts-288507>
"Hundreds of thousands of people have fled their homes in southwestern France
and Spain as extreme wildfires intensify. At least three people have died,
including two firefighters. Many houses have been lost.
(More...)
Half of England officially in ‘exceptionally serious’ drought
Wed, 12 Aug 2026 03:24:00 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/jul/29/half-england-officially-drought-environment-agency>
"Half of England is officially in drought, with July set to be the driest on
record after winter floods, the Environment Agency has said.
(More...)
A fake ‘jelly diet’ has fooled at least one celebrity. You could be next
Wed, 12 Aug 2026 03:25:26 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/a-fake-jelly-diet-has-fooled-at-least-one-celebrity-you-could-be-next-285934>
"Paris Hilton’s mother Kathy recently tried the “Jell-O diet” to lose weight.
She believed other celebrities – Oprah Winfrey, Doctor Oz, Michelle Obama and
Kelly Clarkson – had endorsed it. But the diet was fake and so were the
(More...)
Honest Government Ad | Ai Data Centres
Thu, 13 Aug 2026 00:04:03 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kON2ZI2BNj8
"The Government™ made an ad about Ai Data Centres, and it’s surprisingly honest
and informative."
(More...)
‘Extremely effective’ organised campaigns against wind and solar undermining support for renewable energy
Thu, 13 Aug 2026 00:05:16 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/jul/30/australians-value-batteries-and-evs-but-renewables-industry-must-earn-trust-of-regions-summit-told>
"Organised campaigns against wind and solar energy have proved “extremely
effective” in undermining community support for renewable energy but enthusiasm
for electric vehicles has jumped after Donald Trump’s attack on Iran, according
(More...)
Russia and North Korea finalising first road crossing amid concerns it serves as Ukraine war supply route
Thu, 13 Aug 2026 00:06:12 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jul/28/russia-north-korea-road-bridge>
"Russia and North Korea are close to completing a bridge that will form the
first road link ever built between them, amid concerns the two increasingly
close allies are creating infrastructure to boost military cooperation in the
(More...)
“We’ve got to fight back:” Energy industry urged to step up against fossil-funded disinformation
Thu, 13 Aug 2026 00:07:00 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://reneweconomy.com.au/weve-got-to-fight-back-ener1gy-industry-urged-to-step-up-against-fossil-funded-disinformation/>
"Outgoing Greens senator Peter Whish-Wilson wants to see the renewable energy
industry get more active in the halls of government to fend off fossil
fuel-funded disinformation.
(More...)
Human rights groups sue Trump administration over ‘crippling’ ICC sanctions
Thu, 13 Aug 2026 00:08:01 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/aug/11/human-rights-groups-trump-lawsuit-icc-sanctions>
"Four prominent US human rights organizations have accused the Trump
administration of using its “crippling” sanctions regime against the
international criminal court (ICC) to undermine global efforts to prosecute war
(More...)
The return of the caspian tiger: how a species feared extinct has come back to Kazakhstan
Thu, 13 Aug 2026 00:09:57 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/aug/11/extinction-caspian-tiger-release-female-kazakhstan-aoe>
"On 31 July, “Umit” – which means hope in Kazakh – was released into a nature
reserve on the edge of Lake Balkhash after more than a decade of careful
planning to return the caspian tiger to the region. With this release,
(More...)
Three firefighters killed on Crete and in mainland Greece as Europe battles wildfires
Thu, 13 Aug 2026 22:54:16 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jul/29/pedro-sanchez-next-12-hours-decisive-extreme-heat-wildfires-madrid-europe>
"Three Greek firefighters have died while tackling wildfires on the island of
Crete and in the south of the mainland, the Greek fire department has said, as
extreme heat hinders efforts to control blazes ravaging southern Europe.
(More...)
“Faster and cheaper:” Fortescue says bespoke green grids can tap into data centre, green iron demand
Thu, 13 Aug 2026 22:55:34 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://reneweconomy.com.au/faster-and-cheaper-fortescue-says-bespoke-green-grids-can-tap-into-data-centre-green-iron-demand/>
"Andrew Forrest’s iron ore and emerging green energy giant Fortescue says it is
confident that it can build bespoke green grids faster and at lower cost than
its competitors, as it continues to eye opportunities for data centres, green
(More...)
“Even the nuns are mad”: Catholic sisters are standing for Haitians outside ICE offices
Thu, 13 Aug 2026 22:57:29 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.salon.com/2026/08/12/even-the-nuns-are-mad-catholic-sisters-are-standing-for-haitians-outside-ice-offices-partner/>
"BLUE ASH, OHIO — The first Haitian immigrant reported to the Immigration and
Customs Enforcement (ICE) field office at 7:42 a.m. on Sunday. From the corner,
the Catholic sisters watched, their positions on immigration stamped on banners
(More...)
‘Relentless Outreach’: The State That Doesn’t Give Up on Mentally Ill Residents
Thu, 13 Aug 2026 22:58:13 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://reasonstobecheerful.world/care-court-california-mental-illness/
"One Thanksgiving, while most families gathered around dinner tables, Janina
Estrada cruised the neighborhoods of Orange, California, searching for her
42-year-old son Jimmy Barela in the rain. For nearly two decades, he had cycled
(More...)
'Virtually Absent': AI Models Practically Erase Female Characters From Kids' Stories
Thu, 13 Aug 2026 22:59:52 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.sciencealert.com/virtually-absent-ai-models-practically-erase-female-characters-from-kids-stories>
“Humans have been telling each other stories for millennia.
From fairytales to fables, songlines to oral histories, those stories have
(More...)
Bird flu has reached Victoria and more wildlife deaths loom. How bad could it get?
Thu, 13 Aug 2026 23:00:42 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jul/30/bird-flu-australia-h5n1-how-will-it-affect-wildlife>
"Australia has entered a new phase in dealing with the incursion of deadly H5N1
bird flu, with authorities confirming on Wednesday that local transmission had
taken place, and Victoria confirming first case of the highly virulent strain
(More...)
Closing the Gap is failing, yet again. Is it time we do away with it altogether?
Fri, 14 Aug 2026 05:55:39 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/closing-the-gap-is-failing-yet-again-is-it-time-we-do-away-with-it-altogether-285354>
"Every year, the Productivity Commission reports on the progress state and
federal governments are making towards closing the gap in the gross inequality
between Indigenous and non-Indigenous lives.
(More...)
England on track for record heat-related deaths this summer, official data shows
Fri, 14 Aug 2026 05:56:27 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/jul/30/excess-deaths-caused-by-heatwaves-in-england-almost-double-so-far-this-year>
"England is on track to record its highest ever number of heat-related deaths
this summer after the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) announced that an
estimated 2,877 people had died in the May and June heatwaves.
(More...)
From crisis to capability: Lessons from Denmark on how to quit fossil fuels
Fri, 14 Aug 2026 05:57:16 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://reneweconomy.com.au/from-crisis-to-capability-lessons-from-denmark-on-how-to-quit-fossil-fuels/>
"Australia has world-class wind and solar resources, strong investor interest,
net zero ambition, and an urgent need to accelerate clean electricity. The
question is no longer whether the transition will happen; but whether projects
(More...)
From grey water to cool spaces: 10 climate crisis policies Britain needs right now
Fri, 14 Aug 2026 05:58:36 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/aug/12/urgent-climate-policies-uk-should-implement-now>
"From record-smashing temperatures, wildfires, hosepipe bans and thousands of
premature deaths, the climate crisis has left its mark across the summer of
2026.
(More...)
‘Living proof damaged landscapes can recover’: exploring a vast restored forest in southern Sweden
Fri, 14 Aug 2026 06:00:10 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2026/aug/13/soderasen-national-park-sweden-forest-far-south>
"From the bus window, the ridge looks like a giant slumbering beast stretched
deep green across the flat farmland. “It feels alive,” I say to the woman
beside me. “Yes,” she answers. “It is where you would run for safety, don’t you
(More...)
The race to save Maine’s seagrass meadows
Fri, 14 Aug 2026 14:24:43 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://apnews.com/article/maine-eelgrass-meadows-casco-bay-conservation-588a321999670ee4d1d3436588823af9>
"On a sunny afternoon in early August, the hot air rippled above a sandbar in
Casco Bay as a group of researchers dove into the water. Wearing wetsuits and
flippers, they swam out over sand, rocks and kelp until they reached their
(More...)
Hundreds evacuated after ‘apocalyptic’ wildfire near Suffolk nuclear power station
Fri, 14 Aug 2026 14:26:02 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/jul/30/major-incident-fire-suffolk-coast-dunwich-heath-leiston>
"Hundreds of people have been evacuated and a major incident declared after a
wildfire spread over more than 80 hectares (200 acres) on the coast of Suffolk,
just a few miles from the Sizewell B nuclear power station.
(More...)
Fortescue says excavator fleet at iron ore mine now fully electric as it commissions first in-house heavy haul truck fast chargers
Fri, 14 Aug 2026 14:27:12 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://thedriven.io/2026/07/31/fortescue-says-excavator-fleet-at-iron-ore-mine-now-fully-electric-as-commissions-first-in-house-heavy-haul-truck-fast-chargers/>
"The first of Andrew Forrest’s giant iron ore mines in the Pilbara is now
operating with an entirely electric fleet of huge excavators, as testing
continues nearby on the first of its in-house 6 MW fast chargers, likely the
(More...)
Trump’s Gift to the Money Launderers
Fri, 14 Aug 2026 14:28:22 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.thebulwark.com/p/trumps-gift-to-the-money-launderers-database-treasury>
"DONALD TRUMP PROMISED Americans a new golden age. Unfortunately, it turns out
to be a golden age for diarrhea and white-collar crime.
(More...)
Law Is for the Weak: Why Russians Have No Respect for the Law
Fri, 14 Aug 2026 14:29:02 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://freedium-mirror.cfd/https://medium.com/@elvirabary/law-is-for-the-weak-why-russians-have-no-respect-for-the-law-bd590d3ef157>
"It has a constitution. It has courts. It has prosecutors, investigators,
ministries, regulations, permits, forms, stamps, signatures, inspections, and
procedures for every imaginable part of life.
(More...)
"Regime Change" might be 2026’s nonfiction bestseller. Here’s why it’s essential, chilling reading
Fri, 14 Aug 2026 14:44:47 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/regime-change-might-be-2026s-nonfiction-bestseller-heres-why-its-essential-chilling-reading-288382>
"
Review: Regime Change: Inside the Imperial Presidency of Donald Trump –
Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan (Simon & Schuster)
(More...)
ECB official warns climate crisis poses growing threat to ‘core financial stability’
Fri, 14 Aug 2026 23:27:27 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/aug/01/ecb-climate-wildfires-global-economy-stability>
"A senior policymaker at the European Central Bank has said the climate
emergency and the breakdown of nature poses a dramatically growing risk to the
global economy.
(More...)
“If they’re good enough for Germany…” New Zealand set to beat Australia to legalising plug-in solar
Fri, 14 Aug 2026 23:28:22 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://reneweconomy.com.au/if-theyre-good-enough-for-germany-new-zealand-set-to-beat-australia-to-legalising-plug-in-solar/>
"The New Zealand government has recommended legalising plug-in solar in
Aotearoa, moving a crucial step closer to tapping into a huge new, and
game-changing market for distributed PV – and potentially beating Australia to
(More...)
‘We stared into an abyss’: the men and women battling France’s megafire
Fri, 14 Aug 2026 23:29:43 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/aug/01/wildfire-france-firefighters-battling-france-megafire>
"By noon it is time for a break. The temperature is about 35C, the smell of
ash, cinders and burnt wood hang acrid in the air. At tables laid out in the
shrinking shade on the desiccated grass and sand outside the sports centre in
(More...)
‘Vibe coding’ is fun and easy, but there’s a major catch
Fri, 14 Aug 2026 23:30:27 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/vibe-coding-is-fun-and-easy-but-theres-a-major-catch-287693>
"Imagine you’ve always wanted your own app. Perhaps one that tracks your
household budget, organises the family shopping list or reminds you when to
water your plants.
(More...)
Walking with the Herd – Why Africa Must Rethink Its Oldest Economy
Fri, 14 Aug 2026 23:31:41 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://africanarguments.org/2026/08/walking-with-the-herd-why-africa-must-rethink-its-oldest-economy/>
"When pastoralists, researchers, policymakers and development practitioners
gathered in Marsabit this year to mark the International Year of Rangelands and
Pastoralists (IYRP-2026), the conversations went far beyond livestock, drought
(More...)
Ancient forests took 100,000 years to recover from the last global warming period similar to today – Wyoming fossils reveal what happened
Fri, 14 Aug 2026 23:32:49 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/ancient-forests-took-100-000-years-to-recover-from-the-last-global-warming-period-similar-to-today-wyoming-fossils-reveal-what-happened-289462>
"Fifty-six million years ago, Earth’s forests reached a tipping point. They had
grown dense, lush canopies at the start of one of Earth’s most intense episodes
of greenhouse warming. But those canopies began to thin.
(More...)
Britain could face food shortages as drought continues, farmers warn
Sat, 15 Aug 2026 10:26:32 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/aug/02/britain-food-shortages-drought-continues-farmers>
"Britain could face shortages of certain foods after punishing drought in parts
of England, the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) has warned as a heatwave was
forecast to continue into next week.
(More...)
Flash droughts pull ‘alarming’ amounts of moisture from the landscape and intensify wildfires: new research
Sat, 15 Aug 2026 10:27:35 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/flash-droughts-pull-alarming-amounts-of-moisture-from-the-landscape-and-intensify-wildfires-new-research-287879>
"When catastrophic wildfires capture global headlines, such as the
unprecedented blazes sweeping through southern Europe this summer or the
devastating 2019–20 “Black Summer” in Australia, they are almost always
(More...)
Who’s Tracking You? Use This New Service to Find Out
Sat, 15 Aug 2026 10:29:16 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://krebsonsecurity.com/2026/08/whos-tracking-you-use-this-new-service-to-find-out/>
"It can be daunting to determine who’s responsible for showing ads on the
websites we visit, or who’s harvesting data from the mobile apps we use every
day. That information is already semi-public, but it is not easily parsed and
(More...)
DEI Watch: Tracking Corporate Accountability
Sat, 15 Aug 2026 10:30:53 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.dei.watch/
"THE ATTACK ON DEI: WHY WE EXIST
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is not new. DEI policies in the United
(More...)
Staying hopeful and true to oneself is a lesson these 5 kids books offer to kindergartners and other children
Sat, 15 Aug 2026 10:31:48 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/staying-hopeful-and-true-to-oneself-is-a-lesson-these-5-kids-books-offer-to-kindergartners-and-other-children-289453>
"What does a child need to prepare themselves for kindergarten? I’m not talking
about a new water bottle and a backpack, though certainly those come in handy.
(More...)
Suspected mass bird flu deaths found in second state as Murray Watt warns ‘this is the beginning’
Sat, 15 Aug 2026 18:28:55 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/aug/03/suspected-mass-bird-flu-deaths-found-in-second-state-as-murray-watt-warns-this-is-the-beginning>
"Aerial surveillance has detected mass bird deaths in a second Australian state
in another suspected escalation of the spread of deadly H5 bird flu.
(More...)
Fix The News 349: Amnesty. Flamingo Revolution. Torricelli Mountains.
Sat, 15 Aug 2026 18:29:40 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://substack.fixthenews.com/p/349-amnesty-flamingo-revolution-torricelli>
"Hi everyone, Gus here. Earlier this week, I sat down with Pardis Sabeti, a
Harvard geneticist who has spent two decades building systems to catch
pandemics before they start. We wanted to know what she knows about the Ebola
(More...)
Romania blasts rock to divert water from drought-hit Danube to nuclear reactor
Sat, 15 Aug 2026 18:30:22 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/aug/03/romania-blasts-divert-danube-water-nuclear-reactor-energy-crisis-hungary>
"Romanian naval forces carried out a controlled explosion to help redirect
vital cooling water from the drought-hit Danube to the country’s last working
nuclear reactor, while neighbouring Hungary said it may be able to eke out
(More...)
A new oil refinery commissioned in the mid-2030s is just burning money that makes emissions
Sat, 15 Aug 2026 18:40:29 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://reneweconomy.com.au/a-new-oil-refinery-commissioned-in-the-mid-2030s-is-just-burning-money-that-makes-emissions/>
"A $4 million feasibility study. A $15 billion ‘fuel security’ package. And a
refinery that, if built, won’t open until the 2030s — announced the same week
the Iran war pushed oil prices soaring again.
(More...)
Kmart sells out of low-cost rival to Meta camera glasses across Australia amid warnings of ‘privacy nightmare’
Sat, 15 Aug 2026 18:41:47 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/aug/04/kmart-camera-glasses-anko-meta-smartglasses-australia>
"Kmart has sold out of Anko-branded $89 camera glasses across Australia, which
a digital rights expert says presents a “privacy nightmare” as people face
being filmed without their consent.
(More...)
Where do peptides come from? We found out
Sat, 15 Aug 2026 18:42:42 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://stories.theconversation.com/where-do-peptides-come-from/
"Over the past year, staff working in Australia’s needle and syringe programs
have noticed something unusual.
(More...)
Mass. vows support for trans kids as Trump bans Medicaid funds
Sun, 16 Aug 2026 02:33:23 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.wbur.org/news/2026/08/12/massachusetts-transgender-care-children-chip-medicaid-hormone-therapy>
"The Healey administration said it will assume the full cost of hormone therapy
and counseling for transgender children and teenagers covered by two public
insurance programs if a federal rule out Tuesday takes effect on Oct. 13, 2026,
(More...)
National park signs on women and LGBTQ+ history are disappearing. Librarians are preserving the record
Sun, 16 Aug 2026 02:35:17 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://19thnews.org/2026/08/national-park-signs-women-lgbtq-history/
"Jenny McBurney, a librarian specializing in government publications, was in
Washington, D.C., in June when she heard the news that the Department of
Interior, the agency responsible for overseeing the national park system, had
(More...)
This DIY heat pump plugs into a wall outlet and has no outdoor unit
Sun, 16 Aug 2026 02:36:27 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://electrek.co/2026/08/14/diy-heat-pump-plugs-into-wall-outlet-no-outdoor-unit-mrcool/>
"Hickory, Kentucky-headquartered MRCOOL has launched an all-in-one heat pump
that plugs into a standard 115-volt outlet and doesn’t have a bulky outdoor
condenser.
(More...)
Gina Rinehart paid $1.2 million to Australia’s Commonwealth Games swimmers. Is there any problem with that?
Sun, 16 Aug 2026 02:37:54 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
Eight lifesaving ways to improve wildfire risk management
Sun, 16 Aug 2026 02:38:52 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/eight-lifesaving-ways-to-improve-wildfire-risk-management-287790>
"As the flames advanced towards the village of Bédar, in the Almería province
of Andalusia, the mayor gave a desperate order to ring the church bells to warn
residents. It was not enough. The July 9 Los Gallardos fire, which claimed 13
(More...)
Renewables and electrification help build farm resilience amidst the fuel and fertiliser crisis
Sun, 16 Aug 2026 02:39:43 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://reneweconomy.com.au/renewables-and-electrification-help-build-farm-resilience-amidst-the-fuel-and-fertiliser-crisis/>
"Farmers manage enormous uncertainty: volatile markets, rising input costs,
labour shortages and climate variability. We’re living through droughts,
floods, extreme heat and unpredictable seasons.
(More...)
Wildfires: why media coverage doesn’t always make the climate connection
Sun, 16 Aug 2026 12:59:03 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/wildfires-why-media-coverage-doesnt-always-make-the-climate-connection-288409>
"The front page of the
Times on July 25 carried a photograph of three people
sitting under a striped parasol on the sand near Lacanau in southwest France,
looking out to sea. Beyond them, the sky was rust-orange as a wall of wildfire
(More...)
Bringing the thrill of live music to deaf audiences – with the help of air guitar
Sun, 16 Aug 2026 13:00:28 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.positive.news/society/bringing-the-thrill-of-live-music-to-deaf-audiences-with-the-help-of-air-guitar/>
"Helicopters buzz overhead as anticipation builds in the crowd. Tens of
thousands of Oasis diehards have descended on Cardiff’s Principality Stadium
for a celebration they never thought possible, and Luke Holdsworth is right in
(More...)
An abandoned SpaceX rocket is about to crash into the Moon. The real problem comes next
Sun, 16 Aug 2026 13:01:08 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/an-abandoned-spacex-rocket-is-about-to-crash-into-the-moon-the-real-problem-comes-next-288287>
"In the early hours of August 5 (UTC), an abandoned SpaceX rocket stage is
expected to slam into the Moon at around 8,700 kilometres per hour.
(More...)
How birdwatching has become an unexpected hit with Gen Z
Sun, 16 Aug 2026 13:02:11 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.positive.news/environment/conservation/birdwatching-takes-off-among-gen-z/>
"For birdwatcher Ben Smith, the perfect day begins just before sunrise with a
flask of tea and his binoculars, walking one of his favourite local trails.
(More...)
Scientists detect a surprising shift in human blood as atmospheric CO₂ rises
Sun, 16 Aug 2026 13:03:46 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/08/260814235845.htm
"Rising levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere may already be influencing
human biology. New research has identified long-term changes in blood chemistry
that appear to track rising atmospheric CO₂, raising concerns that an important
(More...)
Wildfires can generate tornadoes, lightning and other extreme weather, sometimes miles from the flames
Sun, 16 Aug 2026 22:53:42 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/wildfires-can-generate-tornadoes-lightning-and-other-extreme-weather-sometimes-miles-from-the-flames-288359>
"We often think about weather controlling wildfires: dry air, heat, wind and
lightning help determine when fires start and how quickly they spread.
(More...)
“Extraordinary moment:” World’s largest electric ferry, made in Australia, loaded on cargo ship for trip to South America
Sun, 16 Aug 2026 23:47:37 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://thedriven.io/2026/08/01/extraordinary-moment-worlds-largest-electric-ferry-made-in-australia-loaded-on-cargo-ship-for-trip-to-south-america/>
"The world’s largest electric ferry, built in Tasmania for a South American
ferry operator, has been successfully loaded aboard a special heavy lift vessel
ahead of its voyage to its new home in Argentina.
(More...)
Scabies can kill animals like the beloved wombat. What’s the best way to diagnose it?
Sun, 16 Aug 2026 23:48:26 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/scabies-can-kill-animals-like-the-beloved-wombat-whats-the-best-way-to-diagnose-it-288098>
"Constant scratching, bumpy skin and tufts of lost fur.
Those are just some of the signs an animal has scabies, a severe and
(More...)
Banking Like the Planet Depends On It
Sun, 16 Aug 2026 23:49:16 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://reasonstobecheerful.world/climate-first-bank/
"America’s fastest-growing new bank doesn’t specialize in AI or crypto-currency
or some exotic investment strategy with little real world value. It specializes
in environmental sustainability.
(More...)
Luke Bateman says boys need books ‘written for boys’ to become readers. But it’s not that simple
Sun, 16 Aug 2026 23:50:11 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/luke-bateman-says-boys-need-books-written-for-boys-to-become-readers-but-its-not-that-simple-288602>
"This week,
Australian Story profiled former NRL player, BookTok creator and
fantasy author Luke Bateman. The episode explored his recovery from addiction,
his struggles with mental illness and his love of reading, which led to a
(More...)
Australian sodium battery start-up claims major milestones as storage industry starts to look beyond lithium
Sun, 16 Aug 2026 23:51:19 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://reneweconomy.com.au/australian-sodium-battery-start-up-claims-major-milestones-as-storage-industry-starts-to-look-beyond-lithium/>
"An Australian sodium battery startup has claimed two important milestones that
will herald the rollout of its technology as the global storage industry looks
increasingly at alternatives beyond lithium-ion.
(More...)
Wetlands are crucial food baskets for NZ’s native eels – new research
Mon, 17 Aug 2026 23:42:54 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/wetlands-are-crucial-food-baskets-for-nzs-native-eels-new-research-286126>
"Conservation projects often focus on protecting a threatened species from
predators and habitat destruction. But as our research shows, restoring food
webs can be as important to supporting ongoing recovery.
(More...)
"Go home to where you came from"
Mon, 17 Aug 2026 23:46:40 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://ganeshnana.substack.com/p/go-home-to-where-you-came-from
"Tēnā koutou people of New Zealand,
I have been told to “go home to where you came from” countless times through my
(More...)
This history of currencies suggests the US dollar’s dominance may fade – but it will happen slowly
Mon, 17 Aug 2026 23:48:14 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
Long Covid sufferers call on politicians to do more to help those with the disease
Mon, 17 Aug 2026 23:49:45 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/politics/952056/long-covid-sufferers-call-on-politicians-to-do-more-to-help-those-with-the-disease>
“People with Long Covid are calling on politicians to collect better data on
the disease, and enable those with it to access disability support services.
(More...)
Falls in whale sightings, rare seabirds appearing – is something unusual happening in the Southern Ocean?
Mon, 17 Aug 2026 23:50:41 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/falls-in-whale-sightings-rare-seabirds-appearing-is-something-unusual-happening-in-the-southern-ocean-287961>
"In late June, whale watchers in southwest Western Australia sounded the alarm.
They had seen far fewer humpback whales at a time when they normally migrate up
from the Southern Ocean to calve and feed. Numbers were 60% below normal.
(More...)
How clean air clubs are protecting Americans from wildfire smoke
Mon, 17 Aug 2026 23:51:53 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/aug/09/us-wildfire-smoke-clean-air-clubs>
"Miquette Thompson’s county of Mendocino has been covered in smoke all week.
There are the nearby Feliz and Woodside fires in northern California, which
have burned more than 1,000 acres, as well as the wildfires devastating Oregon
(More...)
Defining a ‘normal’ country: Japan’s long struggle between pacifism and the threats of a new era
Tue, 18 Aug 2026 11:16:16 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/defining-a-normal-country-japans-long-struggle-between-pacifism-and-the-threats-of-a-new-era-283891>
"When Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi visited the White House in March,
she reportedly told US President Donald Trump that Japan could not send forces
to help secure the Strait of Hormuz due to limits under the country’s
(More...)
US law to investigate foodborne illness outbreaks has been delayed for 15 years
Tue, 18 Aug 2026 11:17:39 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/aug/16/us-law-foodborne-illness-delay>
"Congress passed a law to help federal agencies investigate outbreaks of
foodborne illness – a regulation experts said could have stopped the US’s
largest cyclosporiasis outbreak much sooner.
(More...)
Meet the Indigenous women restoring Kenya’s Mau Forest — and reshaping gender roles
Tue, 18 Aug 2026 11:21:42 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://news.mongabay.com/2026/08/meet-the-indigenous-women-restoring-kenyas-mau-forest-and-reshaping-gender-roles/>
"Before dawn breaks over Eor Ewaso, a village in southwestern Kenya, Judy Mukut
is already awake. By 6:30 a.m., she has fetched water, milked the family’s
cattle, prepared breakfast, cleaned the house and seen her children off to
(More...)
Can pumping groundwater really flip Earth’s poles? An expert explains
Tue, 18 Aug 2026 11:22:46 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/can-pumping-groundwater-really-flip-earths-poles-an-expert-explains-288719>
"Last week a government minister in the Northern Territory, spruiking a plan to
make Darwin “the datacentre capital of the globe”, suggested it might be a good
idea to pump out groundwater to keep Earth’s spin steady. If we don’t, she
(More...)
Jerusalem’s most important Muslim religious site facing ‘imminent’ threat of Israeli takeover, says Jordan
Tue, 18 Aug 2026 11:23:34 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/aug/04/jordan-convenes-emergency-meeting-israel-religious-conflict-jerusalem>
"Jordan is convening an emergency meeting of foreign ministers from the Arab
and Islamic world over what it says is an “imminent” threat of an Israeli
takeover of the most important Muslim site in Jerusalem, with the potential to
(More...)
Media hysteria shows high schoolers are right to protest Pauline Hanson
Tue, 18 Aug 2026 11:24:44 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://redflag.org.au/article/media-hysteria-shows-high-schoolers-are-right-to-protest-pauline-hanson/>
"There’s one thing I’ve learned organising the nationwide student walkout
against Pauline Hanson, and it’s something they don’t tell you at school: If
you’re a student protester, you cop more criticism from the establishment than
(More...)
Mentions of ‘gender’ scrubbed from Queensland Office for Women website amid alleged effort to ‘dewokify’
Tue, 18 Aug 2026 18:31:01 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/aug/05/queensland-office-for-women-website-gender-ntwnfb>
"References to “gender equality” have been removed from the Queensland Office
for Women’s website amid claims by former staffers that the Liberal National
party government wants to “dewokify” the public service.
(More...)
Putin’s China Trap: How Russia Becomes China’s Vassal
Tue, 18 Aug 2026 18:31:49 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
"Forbidden Planet" hit cinemas in 1956. Its warnings about AI should terrify us
Tue, 18 Aug 2026 18:33:18 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/forbidden-planet-hit-cinemas-in-1956-its-warnings-about-ai-should-terrify-us-288391>
"When
Forbidden Planet arrived in cinemas in 1956, it was a daring investment
in a small genre. At a time when science fiction meant low-budget monster
movies and tales of alien invasion, MGM spent big on something far more
(More...)
Revealed: major oil firms make $93bn profits amid war and climate crisis
Tue, 18 Aug 2026 18:34:13 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/business/ng-interactive/2026/aug/04/revealed-major-oil-firms-make-93bn-profits-amid-war-and-climate-crisis>
"Eight of the biggest oil companies amassed profits of more than $90bn (£67bn)
in just three months as the Iran conflict sent energy prices soaring and the
emissions-fuelled climate crisis caused deadly heatwaves.
(More...)
Gina Raimondo Says Basic Income Would End America. Her New Billion-Dollar Org Is How She Plans to Stop It.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026 18:35:08 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://forwardfuture.com/newsletter/originals/gina-raimondo-says-basic-income-would-end-america-her-new-billion-dollar-org-is-how-she-plans-to-sto>
“Universal basic income is a regular cash payment, equal and unconditional,
sent to every person as a floor beneath them. Joe Biden’s former commerce
secretary Gina Raimondo has decided that UBI in response to AI is the thing to
(More...)
Why Mexico Built an $8,500 Electric Car
Tue, 18 Aug 2026 18:36:15 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://spectrum.ieee.org/mexico-olinia-car-electric-vehicle
"The EV market in Mexico has exploded in the last three years, with the vast
majority of cars sold there being manufactured in China—90 percent in 2025.
However, Mexico is one of the world’s biggest manufacturers of cars and car
(More...)
US firms that kept DEI policies despite ‘go woke, go broke’ threats thrived
Wed, 19 Aug 2026 06:04:33 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/aug/14/dei-policy-company-performance>
"Conservative backlash was supposed to put an end to the diversity, inclusion
and equity (DEI) movement as companies were warned “go woke, go broke”.
(More...)
Bali’s traditional boats embody centuries of maritime tradition – but they’re quickly disappearing
Wed, 19 Aug 2026 06:06:47 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/balis-traditional-boats-embody-centuries-of-maritime-tradition-but-theyre-quickly-disappearing-287071>
"Five decades ago, Bali’s coastline was adorned with traditional fishing canoes
with colourful carvings of mythical elephant-fish. Where did they go?
(More...)
Amazon canopy bridges enable 15,000 wildlife crossings without a single roadkill
Wed, 19 Aug 2026 06:08:38 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2026/08/amazon-canopy-bridges-enable-15000-wildlife-crossings-without-a-single-roadkill/>
"Roads through Brazil’s forests divide primate habitat and sometimes force
animals that normally remain in the canopy onto the ground. Researchers in the
Amazon are testing rope bridges that allow them to cross above traffic.
(More...)
Aquaculture is depleting the oceans: A farmed salmon can consume more than six times its weight in wild fish
Wed, 19 Aug 2026 06:09:52 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://english.elpais.com/climate/2026-08-13/aquaculture-is-depleting-the-oceans-a-farmed-salmon-can-consume-more-than-six-times-its-weight-in-wild-fish.html>
"Empty fish counters. That is what shoppers found when they arrived at Madrid’s
Mercado de la Paz last September. The stock had not sold out. Instead, they
were looking at an advertising campaign organized by Apromar, Spain’s
(More...)
The warning signs are over: Australia now faces a devastating bird flu outbreak in wildlife
Wed, 19 Aug 2026 06:10:49 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
New museum find shows nature can’t stop inventing seahorses
Wed, 19 Aug 2026 06:11:55 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/new-museum-find-shows-nature-cant-stop-inventing-seahorses-288274>
"At first glance it looks exactly like a seahorse. It has the same horse-shaped
head tilted down from the body, the same curled and grasping tail, and in the
males a fully enclosed pouch for brooding the young.
(More...)
India’s ruling BJP loses byelection in stronghold after Cockroach student protests
Wed, 19 Aug 2026 13:07:54 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/aug/04/india-bjp-rare-byelection-loss-cockroach-student-protests>
"India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata party has lost a byelection in a seat it had
held for three decades, after the Cockroach movement student protests that have
shaken Narendra Modi’s government.
(More...)
Clinicians are using AI scribes, but what happens to your medical data?
Wed, 19 Aug 2026 13:08:39 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
Penguins and dolphins among nearly 400 Australian species under threat from bird flu as ‘true extent of disaster’ revealed
Wed, 19 Aug 2026 13:10:08 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/aug/05/penguins-dolphins-nearly-400-australian-species-threat-bird-flu-true-extent-disaster>
"Almost 400 native Australian bird and mammal species have been assessed as
being at a high risk – or worse – from the deadly H5N1 bird flu virus, a
federal government assessment has revealed.
(More...)
Trump 2.0 has deleted or altered nearly 400 US datasets, endangering public health, education and more
Wed, 19 Aug 2026 13:12:33 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-interactive/2026/aug/18/trump-federal-data-deleted-altered>
"A database of federal law enforcement officer misconduct records. A survey
measuring physical, sexual and emotional violence against children and youth.
Real-time pollution readings collected by air quality monitors from US
(More...)
Galactic archaeologists find stars in the Milky Way came from another galaxy 12 billion years ago
Wed, 19 Aug 2026 13:13:39 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
‘I can be myself more’: what students told us about pride groups in schools
Wed, 19 Aug 2026 13:14:33 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/i-can-be-myself-more-what-students-told-us-about-pride-groups-in-schools-288725>
"A sense of school belonging is important for all students so they feel
respected, supported and included. However, this can be harder for some groups
of students. Unfortunately, many LGBTQIA+ students still face discrimination
(More...)
Bowen says coal “isn’t baseload anymore, it’s unreliable,” will stop states pushing gas for data centres
Wed, 19 Aug 2026 23:06:56 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://reneweconomy.com.au/bowen-says-coal-isnt-baseload-any-more-its-unreliable-threatens-states-pushing-gas-for-data-centres/>
"Federal energy minister Chris Bowen has slammed calls to extend Australia’s
ageing coal-fired generators, saying that not a single day had passed in the
last three years without a breakdown, while also suggesting that data centres
(More...)
The UK and Google are testing changes to flight paths to tackle aviation’s climate impact
Wed, 19 Aug 2026 23:09:30 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://apnews.com/article/google-contrails-climate-warming-aviation-2110e4cb5c317c3434805076764c5a47>
"Hundreds of commercial flights will be told to change their paths over the
northeastern Atlantic Ocean during the next two winters to show how minor
altitude adjustments can reduce aviation’s climate impact.
(More...)
AI RANT
Wed, 19 Aug 2026 23:10:23 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://bsky.app/profile/barsukov.com/post/3mtc7d7cugk2u
"Following the cancellation of three major debut book deals over AI suspicions,
I decided to put my own (needless to say, 100% human-written) prose to the
test. My detector of choice was Originality AI, and the results proved to be
(More...)
Plants tolerate shading from Agri-PV systems better than expected
Wed, 19 Aug 2026 23:11:55 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.heise.de/en/news/Plants-tolerate-shading-from-Agri-PV-systems-better-than-expected-11417637.html>
"Photovoltaic systems on fields, so-called Agri-PV systems, have various
advantages: they generate electricity and simultaneously protect the plants
from the effects of climate change. However, there was a fear that shading
(More...)
Photos show how drought has transformed Britain's landscape
Wed, 19 Aug 2026 23:12:45 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.reuters.com/pictures/photos-show-how-drought-has-transformed-britains-landscape-2026-08-18/>
"Britain has recorded five heatwaves this year that have left around 45 million
people living in drought-hit areas and 27 million people facing restrictions
on water use."
(More...)
Eight of the world's most colourful buildings
Wed, 19 Aug 2026 23:14:22 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20260817-eight-of-the-worlds-most-colourful-buildings>
“We have been using colour to bring joy for hundreds of thousands of years.
Early Neanderthals decorated cave walls with pigments from the earth. These
early efforts were followed by the polychromatic temples of ancient Egypt and
(More...)
We investigated Russia’s military indoctrination of Ukrainian children in occupied territories – what we found was more shocking than we could have imagined
Thu, 20 Aug 2026 23:22:54 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/we-investigated-russias-military-indoctrination-of-ukrainian-children-in-occupied-territories-what-we-found-was-more-shocking-than-we-could-have-imagined-287898>
"When we were asked to investigate Russia’s indoctrination and militarisation
of children living in the Ukrainian territories occupied by Moscow since 2014,
we had a general idea of the Kremlin’s occupation policies. Two of us grew up
(More...)
Australian green iron invention heads to US as plans for biggest plant advance
Thu, 20 Aug 2026 23:24:30 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://reneweconomy.com.au/australian-green-iron-invention-heads-to-us-as-plans-for-biggest-plant-advance/>
"An Australian invention designed to boost green iron production is heading to
the United States after its creators discovered an export market by chance.
(More...)
How the Ceuta border crossing incident immediately played into the hands of Spain’s far right
Thu, 20 Aug 2026 23:25:39 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/how-the-ceuta-border-crossing-incident-immediately-played-into-the-hands-of-spains-far-right-288859>
"It is estimated that more than 50,000 migrants entered the small Spanish
enclave of Ceuta in the course of a single day after the border effectively
collapsed. Ceuta, an autonomous city, sits on Morocco’s northern coast. The
(More...)
‘Stop all outdoor activities’: South Korea records its highest ever temperature
Thu, 20 Aug 2026 23:28:02 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/aug/03/south-korea-highest-temperature>
"South Korea has registered its highest temperature since records began more
than a century ago, as authorities warned people to “immediately” stop all
outdoor activities in affected areas.
(More...)
Can you really buy friendship? Behind the rise of paid social clubs
Thu, 20 Aug 2026 23:28:41 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/can-you-really-buy-friendship-behind-the-rise-of-paid-social-clubs-285362>
"Feeling lonely in a big city? You’re not alone.
Amid crowded streets and the constant noise of urban life, a surprising trend
(More...)
Murderous heat, an endangered food supply and no net zero: this is the life the radical right wants you to have
Thu, 20 Aug 2026 23:30:03 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/aug/05/murderous-heat-climate-disaster-mediterranean-life-radical-right>
"Can’t you leftists understand? Mass death is good for you. Reject the woke
love of life! Welcome civilisational collapse! Watch it all burn, then dance in
the ashes! This, roughly speaking, is how the dismissal of climate action is
(More...)
Australia has long relied on volunteers and wildlife carers. As bird flu spreads, they will need support
Fri, 21 Aug 2026 05:14:28 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/australia-has-long-relied-on-volunteers-and-wildlife-carers-as-bird-flu-spreads-they-will-need-support-288389>
"Australia had years to prepare for the arrival of bird flu. The deadly, highly
transmissible H5N1 strain emerged in late 2020 in Asia, before spreading to
every other continent bar Australia.
(More...)
‘The war leaked into every lesson’: learning Ukrainian in a country under siege
Fri, 21 Aug 2026 05:16:51 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/news/ng-interactive/2026/aug/04/war-lesson-learning-ukrainian-culture-ukraine>
"Almost as soon as I returned from my first reporting trip to Ukraine, in
October 2022, I decided to start Ukrainian lessons. Not as an act of
solidarity, exactly, but as a marker that I was committed to returning. I
(More...)
How white farmers still dominate land ownership in South Africa in spite of land reform – new research
Fri, 21 Aug 2026 05:18:21 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/how-white-farmers-still-dominate-land-ownership-in-south-africa-in-spite-of-land-reform-new-research-285507>
"More than 30 years after South Africa achieved democracy it remains one of the
world’s most unequal countries. The democratic transition has not produced the
transfer in wealth and ownership from a white minority to Black majority
(More...)
Zelenskyy calls for more air defences as Russian attack on Kyiv kills at least 17
Fri, 21 Aug 2026 05:20:03 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/aug/05/russia-kyiv-attack-kills-at-least-14-people-ukraine-authorities>
"Volodymyr Zelenskyy has blamed allies for not delivering air defences fast
enough after Ukraine failed to shoot down a single Russian missile in a deadly
overnight attack that killed at least 17 people and injured dozens more.
(More...)
Feral cats likely kill far more Australian native animals than we thought: first DNA analysis
Fri, 21 Aug 2026 05:28:06 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/feral-cats-likely-kill-far-more-australian-native-animals-than-we-thought-first-dna-analysis-287871>
"Australia’s unique animal species are in sharp decline, with more than 40
mammal extinctions over the past 238 years. This atrocious mammal conservation
record is the worst in the world.
(More...)
The Leipzig drone bomb marks a dangerous escalation for Europe
Fri, 21 Aug 2026 05:29:20 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/aug/05/the-leipzig-drone-bomb-marks-a-dangerous-escalation-for-europe>
"The armed drone found at Leipzig airport on Wednesday may not have exploded,
but the fact that it got inside the perimeter, close to Ukrainian cargo planes,
raises obvious concerns for the security of international aviation.
(More...)
Carbon pollution has fuelled ‘massive expansion’ of marine heatwaves in Europe, study finds
Fri, 21 Aug 2026 13:35:09 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/aug/19/carbon-pollution-massive-expansion-marine-heatwaves-europe>
"Carbon pollution has fuelled a “massive expansion” of marine heatwaves in
Europe this summer, research has found, with some waters recording temperatures
6C higher than normal.
(More...)
Calls for urgent law change as UK’s largest water reuse system cannot be switched on
Fri, 21 Aug 2026 13:36:23 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/aug/19/water-reuse-recycling-law-cambridgeshire>
"The largest water reuse system in the UK, which could save thousands of litres
of water a day for people living in one of the driest regions of the country,
is not allowed to be switched on because of drinking water regulations.
(More...)
UK relies on heat-stressed countries for fruit and veg it could grow itself – report
Fri, 21 Aug 2026 13:38:22 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/aug/19/uk-heat-stressed-countries-fruit-veg-import>
"The UK is vulnerable to food price shocks because of its dependence on imports
of fruit and vegetable from countries even more exposed to the climate crisis,
researchers say.
(More...)
New Zealand blocks lawsuits against firms over climate harm
Fri, 21 Aug 2026 13:40:06 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.yahoo.com/news/world/articles/zealand-blocks-lawsuits-against-firms-012854436.html>
“New Zealand has passed hotly contested legislation to block lawsuits that seek
to hold companies liable for climate change harm.
(More...)
The Wrong Kind of American
Fri, 21 Aug 2026 13:42:07 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://archive.is/20260819210251/https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/2026/10/trump-white-house-transgender-mike-pence/688284/>
"At the CIA, they’d started an office pool on when I’d be fired.
President Trump would be sworn in for his second term at noon; the smart money
(More...)
Why Egyptian farmers are growing crops under solar panels
Fri, 21 Aug 2026 13:43:58 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://grist.org/energy/why-egyptian-farmers-are-growing-crops-under-solar-panels/>
"Ancient Egyptian civilization blossomed in the scorching desert thanks to the
Nile River, which delivered fresh water and annual dumps of nutrient-rich
sediment. Clever engineering moved H₂O so efficiently that farmers were able to
(More...)
How pigeon fanciers are helping scientists understand lung disease
Fri, 21 Aug 2026 22:41:19 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/how-pigeon-fanciers-are-helping-scientists-understand-lung-disease-287270>
"In November 2020, a Belgian racing pigeon called New Kim sold at auction for
£1.44 million. The record price offered a striking insight into the money,
competition and international interest surrounding pigeon fancying.
(More...)
Black barrister was told ‘it’s not for defendants’ at London court car park
Fri, 21 Aug 2026 22:42:14 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/law/2026/aug/07/black-barrister-london-court-racism>
"A black barrister has said a security guard told him he could not park in a
court’s car park in London because “it’s not for defendants”.
(More...)
It Is Past Time for You to Quit Elon Musk's X
Fri, 21 Aug 2026 22:45:51 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://publiccomment.blog/p/it-is-past-time-for-you-to-quit-elon-musk-s-x>
"If you are still posting on X, you should stop today. Quitting the site
yesterday would have been better, but doing it today is better than doing it
tomorrow.
(More...)
The long shadow of Argentina’s dictatorship: she wasn’t who she thought she was – neither was her father
Fri, 21 Aug 2026 23:07:53 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/news/2026/aug/20/long-shadow-argentinas-dictatorship-she-was-not-who-she-thought-she-was-neither-was-her-father>
"As a child, Analía Azic used to pretend she was secretly a princess, the
heiress to a magical distant kingdom. In real life, she was the daughter of a
greengrocer named Juan Antonio Azic and a demure housewife named Esther Abrego.
(More...)
Trump plan to allow drilling near US world heritage site sparks alarm
Fri, 21 Aug 2026 23:09:16 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/aug/20/trump-oil-drilling-world-heritage-site-new-mexico>
"The Trump administration’s push to expand oil and gas extraction across the US
is set to bring drilling near cherished natural and cultural sites, raising
alarm among conservationists and prompting questions from the UN’s heritage
(More...)
How one American couple ditched their lawn and created a wildlife haven – and you could too
Fri, 21 Aug 2026 23:10:32 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/aug/20/biodiversity-gardens-wildlife-lawns-grass-ecosystems-native-plants-america-aoe>
"When James Reed McGuire and Crystal Fritz first decided to replace their lawn
with native plants, they did not really know what they were doing. As former
city-dwellers who had moved from Chicago out to the suburb of Highland Park,
(More...)
Without action wildfires in Europe will increase 39% even in best-case climate scenario, study finds
Sat, 22 Aug 2026 10:34:30 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/aug/20/wildfires-europe-increase-climate-scenario-study>
"Wildfires are projected to burn 39% more of Europe by the end of the century
even in the best-case scenario for stopping the planet from heating, a study
has found, unless action is taken to manage them better.
(More...)
Newspaper space for political cartoons is shrinking – but we need these artists as much as ever
Sat, 22 Aug 2026 10:35:51 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/newspaper-space-for-political-cartoons-is-shrinking-but-we-need-these-artists-as-much-as-ever-288070>
"It is a sad day for Australian cartooning when an artist as good as Fiona
Katauskas has not had her contract renewed. But that is what has happened at
the
Guardian Australia.
(More...)
City’s rollout of electric ferries and electric buses is working, but the grid planning must catch up
Sat, 22 Aug 2026 10:36:46 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://thedriven.io/2026/08/06/citys-rollout-of-electric-ferries-and-electric-buses-is-working-but-the-grid-planning-must-catch-up/>
"The wheels on the electric bus go round and round. But, how does that work?
Trialling electric buses has long seemed like trialling the wheel.
(More...)
Heatwaves in France Damage Beloved Flowers at Monet’s Gardens
Sat, 22 Aug 2026 10:38:32 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://hyperallergic.com/heatwaves-in-france-damage-beloved-flowers-at-monets-gardens/>
"Amid a series of fatal, record-breaking heatwaves rippling across France,
gardeners maintaining Claude Monet’s house and gardens in Giverny reported that
the scorching conditions have damaged the Impressionist painter’s beloved
(More...)
Otter spotted for first time in 100 years in New York City’s Bronx River
Sat, 22 Aug 2026 10:40:03 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/aug/19/otter-bronx-river-new-york-city>
"An otter has been spotted in the Bronx River for the first time in more than
100 years, in a further sign that New York’s previously befouled waterways are
recovering some of their ecological health.
(More...)
Media and political complacency is letting Pauline Hanson re‑write the rules on accountability
Sat, 22 Aug 2026 10:42:33 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/media-and-political-complacency-is-letting-pauline-hanson-re-write-the-rules-on-accountability-288945>
"“Disappointing” was the best
Guardian Australia could muster when Pauline
Hanson’s One Nation banned it from a press conference, this time called to
announce the party’s candidates for the forthcoming Victorian state election.
(More...)
Russian Oligarchs: How Putin Turned Billionaires Into War Hostages
Sat, 22 Aug 2026 19:39:45 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://freedium-mirror.cfd/https://medium.com/@elvirabary/russian-oligarchs-how-putin-turned-billionaires-into-war-hostages-fa31d0cd48a9>
"A Russian oligarch seems to have everything: private jets, enormous yachts,
villas in several countries, companies worth billions, and access to the
Kremlin.
(More...)
Government expands discount scheme to encourage larger businesses to install rooftop solar
Sat, 22 Aug 2026 19:40:40 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/government-expands-discount-scheme-to-encourage-larger-businesses-to-install-rooftop-solar-289040>
"The Albanese government will expand the scheme providing incentives to
households and businesses to acquire renewable energy to enable larger
businesses, farms and community facilities to install solar systems up to ten
(More...)
Australia’s $50,000 parent visa takes so long to process that applicants die waiting
Sat, 22 Aug 2026 19:41:31 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
Return of the Red Scare: how the US right is weaponising the word ‘communism’
Sat, 22 Aug 2026 19:42:20 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/return-of-the-red-scare-how-the-us-right-is-weaponising-the-word-communism-288715>
"“Communism is no longer a far fetched threat,” speaker of the US House of
Representatives Mike Johnson warned on social media recently. “It is here on
our SHORES!”
(More...)
Fix The News 350: Uukhai! Gut infections. Daintree. Girls who go to school.
Sat, 22 Aug 2026 19:43:50 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://substack.fixthenews.com/p/350-uukhai-gut-infections-daintree
* Deaths from diarrhoea and gut infections have more than halved in this
century
* A tetanus-diphtheria vaccine that doesn’t need a fridge has passed its
(More...)
Fungi fans celebrate its recognition as nature's third living kingdom
Sat, 22 Aug 2026 19:45:20 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
Powerless against bird flu? Not entirely. Here are 8 ways to help protect Australia’s birds and mammals
Sun, 23 Aug 2026 03:21:03 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/powerless-against-bird-flu-not-entirely-here-are-8-ways-to-help-protect-australias-birds-and-mammals-288909>
"The deadly H5N1 strain of bird flu has now spread from migratory birds to
infect resident Australian birds. Clusters of dead birds have been found in
several locations. The virus will inevitably infect other wildlife, most
(More...)
The Great American Crime Decline 2.0
Sun, 23 Aug 2026 03:22:09 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theprogressnetwork.substack.com/p/the-great-american-crime-decline>
"In early spring, the last time I wrote about the Great American Crime Decline
2.0—which is occurring right now—we were waiting on the FBI to confirm that
2025’s murder rate was at record low levels.1
(More...)
Bird flu decimated South America’s marine mammals. What can Australia do differently?
Sun, 23 Aug 2026 03:22:57 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/bird-flu-decimated-south-americas-marine-mammals-what-can-australia-do-differently-288800>
"Australia is now confronting an outbreak of a deadly bird flu strain.
As of Monday, the highly pathogenic H5N1 virus had been detected in 78 wild
(More...)
More than 5,000 little penguins will be vaxxed against bird flu. How will this protect them?
Sun, 23 Aug 2026 03:24:09 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://phys.org/news/2026-08-penguins-vaxxed-bird-flu.html
"A major push is underway to catch and vaccinate more than 5,000 little
penguins in Victoria to protect them against the virulent H5N1 bird flu.
(More...)
How Hitchcock’s "Vertigo" gave us the dolly zoom – one of cinema’s trippiest visual effects
Sun, 23 Aug 2026 03:25:28 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/how-hitchcocks-vertigo-gave-us-the-dolly-zoom-one-of-cinemas-trippiest-visual-effects-282059>
"In one scene from Alfred Hitchcock’s 1958 thriller
Vertigo, lead character
John “Scottie” Ferguson (James Stewart) is shown following Madeleine Elster
(Kim Novak) up a bell tower.
(More...)
The EU Wanted A Deepfake Detector. It Got An AI Scarlet Letter.
Sun, 23 Aug 2026 03:26:47 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.techdirt.com/2026/08/20/the-eu-wanted-a-deepfake-detector-it-got-an-ai-scarlet-letter/>
"I spoke a little about this on last week’s
Ctrl-Alt-Speech, but now that
Anthropic has come out with more details about how its text watermarking works,
the debate has shifted into overdrive. Many people are upset about it, even
(More...)
I Spent 14 Years Hand-Animating a Feature Film — THE SAGA OF REX | Official Trailer
Sun, 23 Aug 2026 11:35:01 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clVY3TacXWA
"A little fox. A flying saucer. An alien world. A journey that will change his
life forever.
(More...)
270,000 Square Miles Around Easter Island to Become Indigenous-Managed Ocean Reserve
Sun, 23 Aug 2026 11:42:21 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/270000-square-miles-around-easter-island-to-become-indigenous-managed-ocean-reserve/>
"As one of the most isolated landmasses on Earth, residents of Rapa Nui, or
Easter Island, rely on the bounty of the ocean more than most.
(More...)
How a new UN cybercrime treaty could be used to crack down on dissent
Sun, 23 Aug 2026 11:44:00 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/how-a-new-un-cybercrime-treaty-could-be-used-to-crack-down-on-dissent-284084>
"Imagine this scenario. It’s early evening in a small city in central Turkey.
An Iranian woman in her mid-20s walks to the corner café. Headphones in, she
listens to Radiohead’s
2 + 2 = 5.
(More...)
“Transformational:” New data reveals millions in savings for heavy vehicle fleet operators going electric
Sun, 23 Aug 2026 11:45:14 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://thedriven.io/2026/08/06/transformational-new-data-reveals-millions-in-savings-for-heavy-vehicle-fleet-operators-going-electric/>
"Major Australian EV Charging infrastructure and technology company, Jet
Charge, has released an analysis of the potential savings on offer to
businesses thinking of switching to BEV.
(More...)
DOGE’s Screwworm Legacy May Be Tons Of Euthanized Cats And Dogs
Sun, 23 Aug 2026 11:46:04 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.techdirt.com/2026/08/20/doges-screwworm-legacy-may-be-tons-of-euthanized-cats-and-dogs/>
"Of all the things I thought the Trump administration would cause to enter the
public lexicon, I certainly did not have screwworms on my list. If you somehow
haven’t heard of this, screwworms are actually a fly that lays its eggs by
(More...)
The Spark: Banishing Cars With a Block Party
Sun, 23 Aug 2026 11:46:52 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://reasonstobecheerful.world/the-spark-transportation/
"The leafy residential neighborhood that runs along Ninth Street in Berkeley,
California, is frequently used as a high-speed corridor by drivers passing
through. But on a Saturday in April last year, this speeding traffic was
(More...)
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