Glass Wings Blog: September 2026
Pakistan’s citizen-led solar rush: Where panels power education and health – and are gifted in dowries
Tue, 1 Sep 2026 10:09:02 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://reneweconomy.com.au/pakistans-citizen-led-solar-rush-where-panels-power-education-and-health-and-are-gifted-in-dowries/>
"You might have listened to a podcast or read an article about Pakistan’s solar
rush. Seeing it on the ground and on rooftops and being able to speak with
experts in Pakistan gave me a fuller picture of how a country with 250 million
(More...)
Languages are disappearing, and the problem is political
Tue, 1 Sep 2026 10:11:02 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/languages-are-disappearing-and-the-problem-is-political-288917>
"
Review: How to Kill a Language: Power, Resistance, and the Race to Save Our
Words – Sophie Smith Galler (HarperCollins)
(More...)
The ex-oil executive trying to wean us off fossil fuels
Tue, 1 Sep 2026 10:12:54 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.positive.news/environment/life-after-oil/
"If it’s tough for a society to transition away from oil, it’s tougher still
for those whose entire livelihood is tied up with the stuff. Yet as the costs
of our addiction to it begin to bite – on our pockets and our planet – an
(More...)
Why the $2.5 billion Tomago aluminium deal is no ordinary bailout
Tue, 1 Sep 2026 10:15:47 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/why-the-2-5-billion-tomago-aluminium-deal-is-no-ordinary-bailout-289629>
"On Thursday, the federal and New South Wales governments jointly announced a
deal to bail out the Tomago aluminium smelter, at a cost of A$2.5 billion over
ten years.
(More...)
Why Meta is paying for controversial content – and what that means for the posts you see
Tue, 1 Sep 2026 10:16:30 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/why-meta-is-paying-for-controversial-content-and-what-that-means-for-the-posts-you-see-289603>
"In recent days, media reports have revealed several instances where Facebook
has paid for content that could be deemed controversial.
(More...)
How rewilding could help stop the spread of Britain’s wildfires
Tue, 1 Sep 2026 10:17:03 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.positive.news/society/how-rewilding-could-help-stop-the-spread-of-britains-wildfires/>
"Fire is natural in some ecosystems, but almost all British “wildfires” are
started by people. Whether they become catastrophic increasingly depends on the
landscapes they burn through. That’s why wildfire policy can’t only focus on
(More...)
Pauline Hanson calls Australia ‘Judeo‑Christian’. But the term is a meaningless modern invention
Tue, 1 Sep 2026 18:45:31 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/pauline-hanson-calls-australia-judeo-christian-but-the-term-is-a-meaningless-modern-invention-289381>
"One Nation leader Pauline Hanson argues Australia is “predominately a
Judeo-Christian society” and should live under “one cultural umbrella”.
(More...)
Putting slugs on the map: farmers pioneer precision crop protection
Tue, 1 Sep 2026 18:53:09 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.positive.news/environment/putting-slugs-on-the-map-farmers-pioneer-precision-crop-protection/>
"Slugs are the slimy bane of many a farmer’s life, but their days of munching
on precious crops could be numbered thanks to a new tool that predicts where
the pests will strike.
(More...)
Liux’s Big microcar bets on sustainability to take on Chinese rivals
Tue, 1 Sep 2026 18:54:27 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://techcrunch.com/2026/08/30/liuxs-big-microcar-bets-on-sustainability-to-take-on-chinese-rivals/>
"Cars in European cities are smaller than ever. But as Europe’s appetite for
microcars has grown, the cute Italian ‘yoghurt pots’ have largely given way to
small Chinese EVs. Even Smart, the the iconic ultracompact car brand, has moved
(More...)
The media has made Donald Trump look more coherent than he is. It’s called ‘sanewashing’
Tue, 1 Sep 2026 18:55:30 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/the-media-has-made-donald-trump-look-more-coherent-than-he-is-its-called-sanewashing-289616>
"On September 5 2024, after giving a speech about his economic plans for the
United States, Donald Trump was asked what he would do, if re-elected
president, to make childcare more affordable.
(More...)
Denmark joins Norway at EV pinnacle as 97 per cent of private buyers opt for electric cars in latest month
Tue, 1 Sep 2026 18:58:01 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://thedriven.io/2026/08/11/denmark-joins-norway-at-ev-pinnacle-as-97-per-cent-of-private-buyers-opt-for-electric-cars-in-latest-month/>
"Norway has long been the world’s leading adopter of electric vehicles (EVs),
with a well established market share in the high 90s, and now another Nordic
neighbour has joint it at the pinnacle of the EV transition.
(More...)
DW users on life in Russia: 'People are mad as hell'
Tue, 1 Sep 2026 18:59:01 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.dw.com/en/russia-ukraine-war-putin-economy-inflation-fuel-shortages-energy-crisis-jobs/a-78523454>
"Fuel shortages are disrupting daily routines. Discontent over pay is rising as
job prospects weaken. Planning for the future has given way to short-term
coping as anxiety spreads in Russia.
(More...)
Inside the gift card tampering scam spreading nationally
Wed, 2 Sep 2026 03:35:06 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-08-31/inside-the-gift-card-tampering-scam-spreading-nationally/107074588>
"An ABC investigation has discovered gift cards that have been tampered with
are being sold by Australia’s biggest supermarkets, with charges even being
laid over the issue.
(More...)
This Brand Wants You to Compost Its Clothes
Wed, 2 Sep 2026 03:38:06 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://reasonstobecheerful.world/regenerative-fashion-california-cloth-foundry/>
"The clothes hanging in Lydia Wendt’s loft atelier in Los Angeles’ Fashion
District shimmer in earthy tones: an orange sleep set dyed with California
poppies, a coral lounge set colored with madder root, undyed tees in off-white
(More...)
Safe havens protect Australian mammals from invasive predators. Why aren’t they working for other animal groups?
Wed, 2 Sep 2026 03:43:23 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/safe-havens-protect-australian-mammals-from-invasive-predators-why-arent-they-working-for-other-animal-groups-289228>
"Feral cats and foxes now roam across almost all of Australia. These predators
are a major reason why many species have been driven to extinction.
(More...)
The solar electric car designed to generate more energy than it consumes
Wed, 2 Sep 2026 03:45:46 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://thedriven.io/2026/08/12/the-solar-electric-car-designed-to-generate-more-energy-than-it-consumes/>
"A team of graduate students from Clemson University in South Carolina in the
US have designed a solar-integrated, energy-positive electric vehicle (EV)
prototype that has been designed to generate more energy than it consumes
(More...)
Friday essay: we’re all ‘political’ now – but can that lead to real change?
Wed, 2 Sep 2026 03:48:28 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/friday-essay-were-all-political-now-but-can-that-lead-to-real-change-289208>
"
Review: Hyperpolitics by Anton Jäger (Verso Books)
It was the summer of 2024 in Carindale, Queensland. I had gone to a salon for
(More...)
Northern Hemisphere extreme heat records just a warm up for the full El Niño theatre
Wed, 2 Sep 2026 03:50:24 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://reneweconomy.com.au/northern-hemisphere-extreme-heat-records-just-a-warm-up-for-the-full-el-nino-theatre/>
"I had Claude identify some key weather records as they pertain to the Northern
Hemisphere summer this year. It’s quite likely it missed some, but I think the
general picture is fairly clear.
(More...)
Two subsea cables off Perth suffer ‘concerning’ damage. Lasers could help protect them
Wed, 2 Sep 2026 11:13:21 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/two-subsea-cables-off-perth-suffer-concerning-damage-lasers-could-help-protect-them-289601>
"Earlier this week, Bevan Slattery, the chief executive of subsea cable company
SubCo, announced that two cables had experienced faults over the weekend. He
deemed it a “concerning development” because these “submarine cables are the
(More...)
Fertiliser from thin air? How farmers can make their own fertiliser from air, water and on-site renewables
Wed, 2 Sep 2026 11:14:43 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://reneweconomy.com.au/fertiliser-from-thin-air-how-farmers-can-make-their-own-fertiliser-from-air-water-and-renewables/>
"Reliable and affordable fertiliser supply was high on the agenda at this
week’s Renewables in Agriculture conference, as events in the Middle East
provide another reminder of just how exposed Australian farmers are to global
(More...)
Storms of dust and sand are another sign our climate is changing. Two experts explain
Wed, 2 Sep 2026 11:15:22 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/storms-of-dust-and-sand-are-another-sign-our-climate-is-changing-two-experts-explain-288204>
"Imagine you wake up one morning and look out your window. You see a sky of
red, hear a ferocious blast of wind and watch as tree branches creak and crack.
(More...)
Quitting gas, going electric could save public hospitals millions
Wed, 2 Sep 2026 11:16:42 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://reneweconomy.com.au/quitting-gas-going-electric-could-save-public-hospitals-millions/>
"Electrifying Australia’s public hospitals could save $59 million a year in
energy costs, cut carbon emissions, and ultimately keep more people out of
hospital, a study has found.
(More...)
Indigenous people want violence out of their communities. Here’s a new approach
Wed, 2 Sep 2026 11:17:32 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/indigenous-people-want-violence-out-of-their-communities-heres-a-new-approach-285798>
"Violent crime in Indigenous communities is often the subject of media
headlines. It usually results in governments adopting “tough on crime”
responses, including increased policing and restricting bail.
(More...)
What five Fijian sparkies taught me about remote, off-grid solar and battery systems
Wed, 2 Sep 2026 11:18:15 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://reneweconomy.com.au/what-five-fijian-sparkies-taught-me-about-remote-off-grid-solar-and-battery-systems/>
"When I was sent to the Yasawa Islands in Fiji to commission a 1.6
megawatt-hour off-grid solar battery installation across three remote island
resorts, I thought I had a good handle on what the job required.
(More...)
Trump Is a Liar. That’s Bad. But He’s Delusional—and That’s Even Worse
Wed, 2 Sep 2026 18:32:09 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://newrepublic.com/article/214916/trump-venezuela-oil-deal-delusional>
"Here we go again. The new oil deal with Venezuela, Donald Trump bragged over
the weekend, will “substantially lower” gas prices and won’t cost the America
taxpayer a dime. It’s historic. It’s yuge. It’s miraculous. So much winning.
(More...)
Fiji’s HIV outbreak is a public health emergency. Pacific neighbours must step up
Wed, 2 Sep 2026 18:33:13 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/fijis-hiv-outbreak-is-a-public-health-emergency-pacific-neighbours-must-step-up-286066>
"Delegates attending the Pacific HIV Symposium in Fiji next week will be
confronting one of the region’s most urgent health challenges: the fastest
growing HIV outbreak in the world.
(More...)
Petrol station converted into flash charging hub as Chinese oil giant partners with EV and battery giant BYD
Wed, 2 Sep 2026 18:34:14 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://thedriven.io/2026/08/13/petrol-station-converted-into-flash-charging-hub-as-chinese-oil-giant-partners-with-ev-and-battery-giant-byd/>
"Chinese state-owned oil and gas giant Sinopec has completely gutted one of its
petrol stations in Shanghai of its fuel infrastructure so that it could be
converted into a BYD Ultra-Fast Charging Flagship Station.
(More...)
Russia is cutting off Ukraine’s grain exports again, threatening a critical harvest and global food security
Wed, 2 Sep 2026 18:35:03 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/russia-is-cutting-off-ukraines-grain-exports-again-threatening-a-critical-harvest-and-global-food-security-289718>
"While the world’s attention is fixated on the US blockade of Iranian ports and
the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, Russia has been subjecting Ukraine to a
blockade of its own in the Black Sea, imperilling Ukraine’s summer grain
(More...)
Home battery rebate hits 500,000 milestone as households “take control” and deliver grid benefits
Wed, 2 Sep 2026 18:35:57 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://reneweconomy.com.au/from-niche-technology-to-500000-households-taking-control-cheaper-home-batteries-hits-half-million-milestone/>
"The number of home batteries installed under federal Labor’s rebate scheme has
passed the half-million mark, a huge new milestone for the hugely successful
policy that is further slashing household electricity bills while also
(More...)
Is bird flu infecting humans? How would we know?
Wed, 2 Sep 2026 18:36:36 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/is-bird-flu-infecting-humans-how-would-we-know-289489>
"Bird flu is circulating among birds on the Australian mainland. So with the
confirmed number of detections growing, you may be wondering about the risk of
birds infecting humans.
(More...)
AI agents aren’t legally responsible for any harm that they cause, experts say. So who is?
Thu, 3 Sep 2026 03:40:34 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/aug/13/ai-agents-arent-legally-responsible-for-any-harm-that-they-cause-experts-say-so-who-is>
"The law is clear, says Prof Jeannie Paterson. “If I deploy an AI agent and it
causes harm to someone else, I am responsible for that harm.
(More...)
GPS Glitched Across The US by as Much as 33 Feet. Scientists Have Never Seen This Before.
Thu, 3 Sep 2026 03:43:32 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.sciencealert.com/gps-glitched-across-the-us-by-as-much-as-33-feet-scientists-have-never-seen-this-before>
"In November 2025, Earth was buffeted by several massive eruptions of solar
material that slammed into the magnetosphere.
(More...)
Seneca Nation requests reversal on ‘Lake America’ executive order
Thu, 3 Sep 2026 03:45:05 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/6058846-seneca-nation-challenges-lake-america-order/>
"Seneca Nation President J. Conrad Seneca called Friday for President Trump to
rescind his order to rename Lake Ontario to “Lake America,” citing a
centuries-old treaty between Native Americans and the U.S. government.
(More...)
The Mole at the Table: How Orbán’s Hungary Gave Putin a Seat in Every EU Council Meeting
Thu, 3 Sep 2026 03:47:21 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://freedium-mirror.cfd/https://medium.com/@jens_sorensen_geopol./the-mole-at-the-table-how-orb%C3%A1ns-hungary-gave-putin-a-seat-in-every-eu-council-meeting-91eb04eafa00>
"At the European Union summit held in Brussels in late March 2026, Hungary's
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán once again positioned himself as a victim of
international pressure.
(More...)
UK records hottest day of year as fifth summer heatwave reaches peak
Thu, 3 Sep 2026 03:48:31 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/aug/13/uk-records-hottest-day-of-the-year-fifth-summer-heatwave-peak>
"The UK has recorded its hottest day of the year so far with a provisional
temperature of 38.1C in southern England as Europe sweltered under a major heat
dome.
(More...)
One Day in the Life of Putin’s Soldier
Thu, 3 Sep 2026 03:51:52 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://freedium-mirror.cfd/https://medium.com/@elvirabary/one-day-in-the-life-of-putins-soldier-db6e2872dc78>
"Who are these men? What brings them to the recruitment office? Do they believe
Ukraine is ruled by Nazis? Do they still believe Putin after seeing the front?
Or are they there because the state found the one pressure point they could not
(More...)
“It’s a commercial system. And it has a customer:” Sodium-ion battery sale hailed as a first for Australia
Thu, 3 Sep 2026 23:11:02 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://reneweconomy.com.au/its-a-commercial-system-and-it-has-a-customer-sodium-ion-battery-sale-hailed-as-a-first-for-australia/>
"The sale of a 100 kilowatt and 200 kilowatt-hour battery system wouldn’t
usually make the news, but an announcement posted on LinkedIn earlier this week
is attracting attention for its claim as a potential first in Australia, given
(More...)
New EU laws make AI content labels compulsory – but might just make it harder to spot deepfakes
Thu, 3 Sep 2026 23:17:37 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/new-eu-laws-make-ai-content-labels-compulsory-but-might-just-make-it-harder-to-spot-deepfakes-289597>
"As the world is increasingly flooded with deepfakes, the European Union is
taking action to help people distinguish what is real and what is not.
(More...)
Researchers “froth” over new solar recycling method that recovers 99 pct of silver from used panels
Thu, 3 Sep 2026 23:18:48 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://reneweconomy.com.au/researchers-froth-over-new-solar-recycling-method-that-recovers-99-pct-of-silver-from-used-panels/>
"A new take on a widely used mining technique called froth flotation can
recover “virtually all” of the metallic silver contained within an end-of-life
solar panel, researchers from the University of Newcastle say.
(More...)
AI is ruining the internet.
Thu, 3 Sep 2026 23:19:20 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JvTJTTUK8cg
"Does the internet seem a lot worse lately? Here's why."
(More...)
Poor genetic health threatens many species – but it’s fixable
Thu, 3 Sep 2026 23:20:08 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
Women have always ‘method acted’ – they just don’t get called geniuses for it
Thu, 3 Sep 2026 23:21:22 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/women-have-always-method-acted-they-just-dont-get-called-geniuses-for-it-289396>
"In a recent interview with the
Hollywood Reporter, actor Anya Taylor-Joy
offered an explanation for why so few women are “method actors”: women, in her
words, “can’t completely lose our minds”.
(More...)
S-curve modelling says renewables can kick coal out of Australia by 2032. But is this soon enough?
Fri, 4 Sep 2026 07:53:43 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://reneweconomy.com.au/s-curve-modelling-says-renewables-can-kick-coal-out-of-australia-by-2032-but-is-this-soon-enough/>
"In 1972 when I was supposed to be studying for my A levels I was completely
distracted by the book
Limits to Growth. This book was roundly castigated,
especially by industry who scoffed at the predictions of peak oil and gas and
(More...)
ICE Worked With Iran To Deport Iranians Back To A Country Trump Repeatedly Claimed Was Harming Iranians
Fri, 4 Sep 2026 07:54:44 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.techdirt.com/2026/08/31/ice-worked-with-iran-to-deport-iranians-back-to-a-country-trump-repeatedly-claimed-was-harming-iranians/>
"The Trump administration has been working steadily to remove protected status
for asylum seekers that even Trump admits are deadly “shitholes.” Trump makes
claims about countries that seem to indicate they’re too dangerous to live in,
(More...)
Smashing Yesterday’s Croissants for a Better Tomorrow
Fri, 4 Sep 2026 07:55:52 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://reasonstobecheerful.world/demain-bakery-upcycling-food/
"From the outside, Demain looks like any other bakery in Paris. The bright blue
storefront, featuring huge glass vitrines, frames a bready feast for the eyes.
(More...)
Would The Next George Floyd Video Survive Meta’s New Teen Safety Rules?
Fri, 4 Sep 2026 07:57:37 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.techdirt.com/2026/08/31/would-the-next-george-floyd-video-survive-metas-new-teen-safety-rules/>
"Earlier this year, one of the smartest internet rights people around, Heather
Burns, suggested the “Darnella Test” regarding any kind of “kid safety” rule
online. It’s named after Darnella Frazier. You might not recognize her name,
(More...)
The City That Doubled Down on Listening to Its Youth
Fri, 4 Sep 2026 07:58:49 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://reasonstobecheerful.world/masaka-youth-desk/
"On most mornings, the line in front of Masaka City Hall forms before the door
opens.
(More...)
RFK Jr. Goes Full Anti-Vaxxer Conspiracy Theorist Over 2 PA Measles Deaths
Fri, 4 Sep 2026 07:59:26 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.techdirt.com/2026/08/31/rfk-jr-goes-full-anti-vaxxer-conspiracy-theorist-over-2-pa-measles-deaths/>
"When we just discussed the two recent deaths in Pennsylvania that came as a
result of measles infections, we noted that there was very little information
about the deceased. Some additional information has since been released, in
(More...)
The Server Called Paranoia: Defend Autistici/Inventati
Fri, 4 Sep 2026 16:33:47 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://sabot.media/post/the-server-called-paranoia
"For twenty-five years, an Italian hacker collective has built communications
infrastructure designed to survive censorship, surveillance and police raids.
On August 26, the United States designated it a terrorist organization. On
(More...)
Workers built an Arizona solar farm to generate electricity beneath the desert sun, but tiny burrowing owls moved into the landscape and turned part of the energy project into an unexpected nursery for their chicks
Fri, 4 Sep 2026 16:45:31 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.ecoticias.com/en/workers-built-an-arizona-solar-farm-to-generate-electricity-beneath-the-desert-sun-but-tiny-burrowing-owls-moved-into-the-landscape-and-turned-part-of-the-energy-project-into-an-unexpected-nursery-fo/35959/>
"At a 10,000-acre solar farm in the west of Phoenix, thousands of panels were
built to turn desert sunlight into electricity. But what happened? At the same
time, a second underground project took shape, where 36 baby owl chicks were
(More...)
I asked 100 companies for my data. Some deleted it instead.
Fri, 4 Sep 2026 16:46:59 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2026/08/i-asked-100-companies-for-my-data-some-deleted-it-instead/>
"I filed a request with McDonald’s earlier this month to access all of the
personal data the fast food company collected about me, and I received a
stunning 515-page report a few days later that detailed my app interactions in
(More...)
Tesla paid Elon Musk 2.5m times more as CEO than its average worker in 2025
Fri, 4 Sep 2026 16:48:26 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/aug/13/elon-musk-tesla-pay-workers>
"Elon Musk received over 2.5m times as much compensation at Tesla as the
company’s average worker, according to a new report on the growing gap between
top corporate executives and their workers.
(More...)
Fake US thinktank set up and funded by Israel sought to game AI for propaganda
Fri, 4 Sep 2026 16:50:08 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/aug/26/fake-thinktank-israel-ai-propaganda>
"A pro-Israel messaging website badged with the name of a thinktank that does
not exist has published more than half a million words in nine days, built on a
commercial platform that promises to optimize content so that AI chatbots will
(More...)
The decades‑old ‘AI alignment problem’ has finally become a reality. Solving it won’t be easy
Fri, 4 Sep 2026 16:50:53 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
Misogynistic views are biggest red flag for violent extremism, report finds
Fri, 4 Sep 2026 23:21:05 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-08-25/rising-misogyny-in-young-people/107053640>
“Hostile and violent attitudes toward women are the clearest warning sign of
violent extremism, a study has found.
(More...)
Curfews and weight limits: EV lobby hails heavy vehicle reform package to ease path for electric trucks
Fri, 4 Sep 2026 23:24:54 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://thedriven.io/2026/08/17/curfews-and-weight-limits-ev-lobby-hails-heavy-vehicle-reform-package-to-ease-path-for-electric-trucks/>
"The federal government has committed to invest $400 million as part of a new
heavy vehicle reform package designed to improve productivity, reduce red tape,
and increase the uptake of zero-emission vehicles.
(More...)
Australia needs more people who think like scientists. Here’s what that means
Fri, 4 Sep 2026 23:25:45 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/australia-needs-more-people-who-think-like-scientists-heres-what-that-means-288734>
"How we think and feel about science develops from an early age – and we never
know where that early interest might take us.
(More...)
Abbas fought the Taliban alongside US and Australian troops. Now exiled in Iran, he feels abandoned
Fri, 4 Sep 2026 23:26:38 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
A new class of metals could transform Africa’s clean energy economy – scientists explain
Fri, 4 Sep 2026 23:27:55 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/a-new-class-of-metals-could-transform-africas-clean-energy-economy-scientists-explain-282572>
"For centuries, useful metals have been developed by starting with one core
element and adding small amounts of other elements. Steel, for example, is
composed primarily of iron; carbon is added in varied amounts to produce
(More...)
Wildfire‑damaged historic buildings may not be as ruined as they appear, but saving them means acting fast
Sat, 5 Sep 2026 06:42:23 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/wildfire-damaged-historic-buildings-may-not-be-as-ruined-as-they-appear-but-saving-them-means-acting-fast-289429>
"In a summer of wildfires severe enough to trigger Spain’s first-ever national
emergency for a forest fire, a historic stone structure called the Nevera de
Castro stands in a landscape burned bare in the Castellón region. Its walls are
(More...)
Bird flu has been evolving and migrating for 30 years. It is a far more deadly virus that has now arrived in Australia
Sat, 5 Sep 2026 06:44:16 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/aug/15/bird-flu-h5n1-mutation-more-deadly-virus-australia>
"In 1996, geese in poultry farms in the Guangdong province of southern China
started to get sick with a virus causing “bleeding and neurological
dysfunction” and then death.
(More...)
Are zoos ready for the changing climate?
Sat, 5 Sep 2026 06:45:16 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/are-zoos-ready-for-the-changing-climate-289757>
"When people think about climate change and animals, they might picture melting
sea ice, drought-stricken landscapes or species struggling in the wild. Far
less attention is given to the animals living in our care. Yet as heatwaves
(More...)
‘We are still here’: a day in the life of 12 Afghan women
Sat, 5 Sep 2026 06:45:58 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/ng-interactive/2026/aug/11/day-in-the-life-of-12-afghanistan-women-taliban>
"In the five years since the Taliban’s return to power, the walls have been
closing in on the women and girls of Afghanistan.
(More...)
Freelancers are getting buried with ‘soulless’ AI slop cleanup: ‘It’s a shame we need to do it’
Sat, 5 Sep 2026 06:46:41 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/sep/02/ai-jobs-freelance-cleanup>
"Lisa, a freelance graphic designer based in Spain, noticed a shift in her work
after the release of ChatGPT in 2022. She went from receiving slow one-off jobs
creating logos and packaging to an onslaught of requests asking her to fix
(More...)
NZ has spent years preparing for H5N1 bird flu. For some species, it may not be enough
Sat, 5 Sep 2026 16:22:52 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/nz-has-spent-years-preparing-for-h5n1-bird-flu-for-some-species-it-may-not-be-enough-289204>
"The arrival of the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain of bird flu in Aotearoa New
Zealand last month triggered a national response years in the making.
(More...)
“It’s literally life changing for us:” The drought-stricken farmers looking to wind and solar to secure their future
Sat, 5 Sep 2026 16:23:46 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://reneweconomy.com.au/its-literally-life-changing-for-us-the-drought-stricken-farmers-looking-to-wind-and-solar-to-secure-their-future/>
"The Sutherlands, sixth-generation farmers near Uralla in northern NSW, are
among landholders hoping the region’s dry spell this year won’t develop into a
repeat of the “tinderbox drought” of 2019 that turned their farms into
(More...)
Why a vote on taxing California’s billionaires is being watched around the world
Sat, 5 Sep 2026 16:24:24 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/why-a-vote-on-taxing-californias-billionaires-is-being-watched-around-the-world-289302>
"In November, California will vote on a proposal to levy a one-off 5% tax on
the wealth of all billionaires in the state.
(More...)
Victoria Coalition says it may keep old coal clunkers running, and will scrap plans to move away from gas
Sat, 5 Sep 2026 16:25:06 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://reneweconomy.com.au/victoria-coalition-says-it-may-keep-old-coal-clunkers-running-and-will-scrap-plans-to-move-away-from-gas/>
"Victoria’s Coalition opposition has stopped just short of pledging to extend
the life of the state’s remaining coal-fired power stations, announcing that it
will not shut any of them down early – something literally no one is proposing
(More...)
You’re Not Hallucinating: The Amount of Recalled Food Is Skyrocketing
Sat, 5 Sep 2026 16:26:05 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://newrepublic.com/post/214946/food-recall-fda-list-august-skyrocket>
"For Americans, it’s been a real tough summer for figuring out what foods are
safe to eat.
(More...)
From the coasts to the plains, bird flu could threaten not just birds – but their homes
Sat, 5 Sep 2026 16:26:44 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/from-the-coasts-to-the-plains-bird-flu-could-threaten-not-just-birds-but-their-homes-289709>
"Yesterday, I woke to a cold, damp Canberra morning – and silence. The trees
around my home were empty of feathered silhouettes. Even the usual bright-eyed,
warble-voiced magpies were absent.
(More...)
Flock Taught Cops How to Surveil No Kings Protesters
Sat, 5 Sep 2026 22:58:00 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.404media.co/flock-taught-cops-how-to-surveil-no-kings-protesters/>
"Flock taught cops how they could surveil the No Kings protests and “small
parades” using a mix of Flock’s technology and law enforcement’s own databases
in a webinar last year. As Flock publicly downplays the power of its automated
(More...)
Australian beekeepers can’t tackle Varroa mite alone. Here’s how we can help
Sat, 5 Sep 2026 22:59:04 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/australian-beekeepers-cant-tackle-varroa-mite-alone-heres-how-we-can-help-287865>
"For decades, Australia was the last inhabited continent free of the
bee-killing Varroa mite (
Varroa destructor).
(More...)
The Corruption Trap: Why Putin Needs Bribes to Rule Russia
Sat, 5 Sep 2026 23:00:11 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://freedium-mirror.cfd/https://medium.com/@elvirabary/the-corruption-trap-why-putin-needs-bribes-to-rule-russia-997a22988371>
"Officials are arrested. Criminal cases make the news. Putin regularly demands
that state money be protected from theft. Every few years, another
anti-corruption campaign begins.
(More...)
First Documented Cases of Avian Influenza in U.S. Captive Minks Require Swift Legislative Action to Protect Public Health & Safety
Sat, 5 Sep 2026 23:02:18 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.bornfreeusa.org/2026/08/31/first-documented-cases-of-avian-influenza-in-u-s-captive-minks-require-swift-legislative-action-to-protect-public-health-safety/>
"Last week, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) published
several confirmed cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1) in captive
minks in Utah. This marks the first time H5N1 has been documented in captive
(More...)
The Taliban has brought Afghanistan close to collapse, but resistance is growing
Sat, 5 Sep 2026 23:02:57 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
Reforestation in Ferlo Senegal changes lives
Sun, 6 Sep 2026 07:55:29 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=On1FaEIZOuo
"Picture this. You wake up before dawn, you walk for hours across dry, dusty
land. You're looking to feed your animals. By the time you find it, the sun is
high and you've walked over 40 kilometers.
(More...)
Retro smartphone accessories are trending, but ‘untethering’ isn’t for everyone
Sun, 6 Sep 2026 07:56:20 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/retro-smartphone-accessories-are-trending-but-untethering-isnt-for-everyone-288733>
"There’s a gadget doing well in Australian online stores at the moment that
retrofits a smartphone into a landline.
(More...)
Australia Confirms Its First Known Bird Flu Death in a Dolphin
Sun, 6 Sep 2026 07:57:48 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://gizmodo.com/australia-confirms-its-first-known-bird-flu-death-in-a-dolphin-2000804742>
"Australia spent decades blissfully free from highly pathogenic H5 strains of
bird flu, which have spread chaos (and occasionally killed human beings) across
the world’s more interconnected continents. That is until this June, when five
(More...)
Fix The News 352: The Knowledge. Dark oxygen. Gabon. Census.
Sun, 6 Sep 2026 07:58:55 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://substack.fixthenews.com/p/352-the-knowledge-dark-oxygen-gabon
"Last year, we put a callout in this newsletter: who should we talk to about
Indigenous fire? We got 20 responses from around the world, and 18 of them came
back with the same name: Victor Steffensen.
(More...)
Bird flu could devastate Macquarie Island. Why are we removing the scientists we need to understand it?
Sun, 6 Sep 2026 08:00:01 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/bird-flu-could-devastate-macquarie-island-why-are-we-removing-the-scientists-we-need-to-understand-it-290816>
"Australia’s Macquarie Island lies deep in the Southern Ocean, about 1,500
kilometres southeast of Tasmania. This World Heritage-listed sanctuary is a
haven for species such as elephant and fur seals, penguins, albatrosses and
(More...)
The Made-to-Order Cancer Vaccine
Sun, 6 Sep 2026 08:01:05 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theprogressnetwork.substack.com/p/the-made-to-order-cancer-vaccine>
"November, 2016. Donald Trump had just defeated Hillary Clinton to become the
45th president of the United States. The British monarchy drama
The Crown
began streaming on Netflix. And a bioinformatician you’ve never heard of named
(More...)
‘Everyone seems to have forgotten’: In Tibet, flood-hit families search for the missing and grapple with China’s silence
Sun, 6 Sep 2026 21:59:33 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/sep/04/nepal-tibet-floods-disaster-search-for-missing-china-censorship>
"Fan Hong last heard from her husband on the morning of the Nepal-Tibet
disaster. More than a week later, the 31-year-old is desperately searching for
information about Lin Bo, who was working on a Chinese highway project in
(More...)
10 Literary Science Fiction and Fantasy Novels That Offer Hope for the Future
Sun, 6 Sep 2026 22:02:24 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://lithub.com/10-literary-science-fiction-and-fantasy-novels-that-offer-hope-for-the-future/>
"During graduate school, I finished the novel that found me an agent—but when
my agent submitted it to publishers, all twenty of them turned the manuscript
down. Truthfully, it was closer to a collection of loosely-linked short
(More...)
Boys are rarely taught to be caring. If they were, we could better prevent domestic violence
Sun, 6 Sep 2026 22:06:11 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/boys-are-rarely-taught-to-be-caring-if-they-were-we-could-better-prevent-domestic-violence-288698>
"Following another series of alleged killings of women across Australia, the
country has once again found itself asking familiar questions: how many more
women have to die before we act? What more should governments do? Why does this
(More...)
“Electric Saul:” Rewiring Australia launches AI-backed tool to help households electrify
Sun, 6 Sep 2026 22:06:53 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://reneweconomy.com.au/electric-saul-rewiring-australia-launches-ai-backed-tool-to-help-households-electrify/>
"Australian electrification advocacy group and consumer energy champion
Rewiring Australia has launched a new AI-powered advisor tool to provide people
across the country with free and personalised advice on how to electrify your
(More...)
Extreme heat is altering when, where and how we travel: new research
Sun, 6 Sep 2026 22:07:36 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/extreme-heat-is-altering-when-where-and-how-we-travel-new-research-289498>
"Before booking a holiday, it pays to check the weather.
Rain can turn a joyful trip into a glum stretch of days. Soaring temperatures
(More...)
We’re trying to win a drag race with the handbrake on: Here are three reforms to deliver the energy transition
Sun, 6 Sep 2026 22:08:18 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://reneweconomy.com.au/were-trying-to-win-a-drag-race-with-the-handbrake-on-here-are-three-reforms-to-deliver-the-energy-transition/>
"Australia’s energy transition has reached an uncomfortable point.
Energy demand is growing, electrification and data centres are coming, and coal
(More...)
Want to fully electrify your house? Don’t start with a battery
Mon, 7 Sep 2026 23:28:03 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/want-to-fully-electrify-your-house-dont-start-with-a-battery-287963>
"Many Australians want to go fully electric. But it’s often hard to know where
to start. Solar? A home battery? Or quitting gas?
(More...)
World’s largest battery-electric aircraft completes first flight – for the price of a coffee
Mon, 7 Sep 2026 23:30:04 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://thedriven.io/2026/08/17/worlds-largest-battery-electric-aircraft-completes-first-flight-for-the-price-of-a-coffee/>
"The world’s largest battery-electric aircraft has completed its first flight
out of an airport in upstate New York in a journey that lasted 27 minutes.
(More...)
Concerns grow over increased global ties with Taliban in Afghanistan
Mon, 7 Sep 2026 23:32:36 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/aug/15/concern-grow-global-ties-taliban-afghanistan-human-rights>
"The Taliban in Afghanistan have launched a diplomatic effort to end their
isolation as major regional and international powers show a readiness to engage
more closely with the repressive regime despite its systematic human rights
(More...)
The use of AI in biotechnology is changing faster than the rules governing either technology
Mon, 7 Sep 2026 23:33:29 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/the-use-of-ai-in-biotechnology-is-changing-faster-than-the-rules-governing-either-technology-289796>
"The recent announcement of novel, viable viruses created by artificial
intelligence (AI) was celebrated as a major advance in the fight against
antibiotic resistance. But it also raised urgent concerns about regulation.
(More...)
Is the US ready for President Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez?
Mon, 7 Sep 2026 23:34:26 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/news/ng-interactive/2026/aug/15/will-aoc-run-for-president>
"“They assume that my ambition is positional. They assume that my ambition is a
title or a seat. And my ambition is way bigger than that. My ambition is to
change this country.”
(More...)
Meet the 2026 Ig Nobel Prize winners
Tue, 8 Sep 2026 05:34:30 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://arstechnica.com/science/2026/09/meet-the-2026-ig-nobel-prize-winners/>
"It’s that time of year again, when we learn which lucky scientists are among
the winners of the Ig Nobel Prizes. This year, the prizes honor research on
designing the perfect splash-free urinal; using mosquito proboscises to
(More...)
Jason Arday’s death: Black academics need to feel they belong in higher education
Tue, 8 Sep 2026 05:35:36 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/jason-ardays-death-black-academics-need-to-feel-they-belong-in-higher-education-289913>
"The death of Professor Jason Arday has left many of us with a profound sense
of sadness. For Black academics in particular, his loss feels deeply personal.
Jason represented possibility – a reminder of what could be achieved despite
(More...)
Conservatives Demonized UBI as Programmable Currency. Then They Proposed Exactly That.
Tue, 8 Sep 2026 05:38:42 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://scottsantens.substack.com/p/rise-pilots-programmable-currency-not-ubi>
"There’s a new white paper circulating in conservative policy circles called
“Reforming the Safety Net through RISE Pilot Programs.” RISE stands for
Resources for Independence, Stability, and Employment. If that sounds familiar,
(More...)
"How to Sell a Genocide" has been removed from a library near Bondi – but libraries represent freedom of thought
Tue, 8 Sep 2026 05:40:00 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/how-to-sell-a-genocide-has-been-removed-from-a-library-near-bondi-but-libraries-represent-freedom-of-thought-289988>
"Sydney’s Waverley Council, which includes Bondi Beach within its boundaries,
has removed a book on the war on Gaza, titled
How to Sell a Genocide, from
its library shelves, pending review. This followed a complaint from a survivor
(More...)
Microfinance was supposed to save Asia’s poor. Why has it failed to live up to its promise?
Tue, 8 Sep 2026 05:41:09 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/microfinance-was-supposed-to-save-asias-poor-why-has-it-failed-to-live-up-to-its-promise-289887>
"Microfinance was once celebrated as Asia’s tool to lift people out of poverty.
From Bangladesh to India, Cambodia and the Philippines, the promise was simple:
provide small loans to low-income households, help them start businesses,
(More...)
Five years into Taliban rule, Afghanistan plunges into a state of collapse – visualised
Tue, 8 Sep 2026 05:41:54 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2026/aug/15/five-years-taliban-rule-afghanistan-collapse-visualised>
"‘I married off my daughter so that none of us would die of hunger.” Malika
hesitated before saying the words aloud. The 46-year-old lives with her husband
and four youngest children (three girls and a boy) in Chihil Dukhtarān, one of
(More...)
During eruptions, misinformation can spread further than ash. How can we spot it?
Tue, 8 Sep 2026 12:47:12 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/during-eruptions-misinformation-can-spread-further-than-ash-how-can-we-spot-it-289799>
"Erupting or silent, volcanoes have always captured our imagination.
As volcanologists, we have seen how that fascination can collide with rolling
(More...)
‘My life-changing career break happened because I was wearing a second hand coat’
Tue, 8 Sep 2026 12:48:07 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.positive.news/society/richard-e-grant-fronts-second-hand-september-as-britons-try-to-buy-fewer-clothes/>
"Richard E Grant has revealed that one of the most consequential pieces of
secondhand clothing he ever bought was a Burberry trench coat from Oxfam –
because it helped him land the role that made his name.
(More...)
The world's mysterious mangrove forests captured in 13 striking images
Tue, 8 Sep 2026 12:49:24 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20260825-the-best-mangrove-photography-of-2026>
"Found where tropical plants meet saltwater, mangrove forests hang in the
balance between land and sea. These eerie ecosystems are home to some of the
world's most fascinating wildlife. For some rare species, mangroves provide
(More...)
China’s Water Bomb Has Exploded in Nepal — and the World Is Silent
Tue, 8 Sep 2026 12:53:31 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
Offloading work tasks to AI comes with a cost – to our brains
Tue, 8 Sep 2026 12:58:19 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/offloading-work-tasks-to-ai-comes-with-a-cost-to-our-brains-289384>
"Imagine your team has been tasked to deliver a high-stakes policy paper under
intense time pressure. Everyone turns to generative artificial intelligence
(AI) and within minutes, it delivers a full draft complete with structured
(More...)
ICE vehicle owners more concerned with fuel prices than EV owners are with range and charging, motoring group says
Tue, 8 Sep 2026 12:59:07 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://thedriven.io/2026/08/19/ice-vehicle-owners-more-concerned-with-fuel-prices-than-ev-owners-are-with-range-and-charging-motoring-group-says/>
"A new survey from the NRMA motoring group of over 40,000 of its members has
revealed that owners of conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles
are more concerned with current fuel prices than electric vehicle (EV) owners
(More...)
Some parents want to see primary schools go ‘device free’. There could be unintended consequences
Tue, 8 Sep 2026 20:21:32 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/some-parents-want-to-see-primary-schools-go-device-free-there-could-be-unintended-consequences-289884>
"Some Australian parents are pushing for a return to “pen-and-paper learning”
amid concerns about children’s attention spans and academic achievement. An
online petition calling for primary schools to be “device free” has collected
(More...)
Destroyed crops, riverbed cyclists and a ‘Rock of Starvation’: how drought has devastated the Danube
Tue, 8 Sep 2026 20:22:54 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/news/ng-interactive/2026/aug/16/danube-drought-destroyed-crops-rock-of-starvation-climate-crisis>
"For centuries, the rock was seen as a warning. When it began to emerge from
the Danube, beneath Gellért Hill in Budapest, it meant the river had fallen so
low that floating mills could no longer operate, crops were probably failing,
(More...)
An alternative health treatment killed Hannah’s cousin. Now she’s on a mission to warn others
Tue, 8 Sep 2026 20:23:55 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
The unlikely rise of the sea shanty band
Tue, 8 Sep 2026 20:24:36 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.positive.news/lifestyle/the-unlikely-rise-of-the-sea-shanty-band/>
"Sitting on the top deck of the RNLI station at Newhaven on England’s south
coast, Tony Lewis is surrounded by atmospheric charts, historic photos and
models of old lifeboats. He is chatting to me with half an eye on the harbour,
(More...)
Kermit the Frog Was Just Trying to Put on a Variety Show. Fifty Years Later, the Muppets Are Some of the Biggest Stars in Television History
Tue, 8 Sep 2026 20:25:51 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/kermit-the-frog-was-just-trying-to-put-on-a-variety-show-fifty-years-later-the-muppets-are-some-of-the-biggest-stars-in-television-history-180989451/>
"The curtain opens on a Muppet named Gonzo, framed by a ladder and a ghost
light. The scruffy blue creature has decided to leave “The Muppet Show” to
become a movie star, and this is his farewell act. As he performs a wistful
(More...)
Why is NZ spending far more on responding to climate disasters than on reducing future risk?
Tue, 8 Sep 2026 20:26:32 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/why-is-nz-spending-far-more-on-responding-to-climate-disasters-than-on-reducing-future-risk-289485>
"New Zealand is not on track to adapt to growing climate risks, nor is it
cutting emissions quickly enough, according to the latest reports issued by the
Climate Change Commission.
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How London’s low emissions zone is helping children breathe easier
Wed, 9 Sep 2026 03:43:38 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.positive.news/environment/londons-ulez-linked-to-healthier-lung-growth-in-children/>
"When London introduced its ultra-low emission zone (Ulez) in April 2019, the
aim was to cut traffic pollution and protect the health of the people breathing
it. For years, evidence of its impact has largely come from roadside monitors,
(More...)
Can the Israeli military be trusted to investigate itself? Evidence shows genuine accountability is rare
Wed, 9 Sep 2026 03:44:33 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/can-the-israeli-military-be-trusted-to-investigate-itself-evidence-shows-genuine-accountability-is-rare-290142>
"Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says it’s an “outrage” the Israeli
Defense Forces (IDF) have decided not to open a criminal investigation into the
Israeli strikes that killed an Australian aid worker, Zomi Frankcom, and six of
(More...)
What Brazil’s supercentenarians can teach us about living to 120
Wed, 9 Sep 2026 03:45:24 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.positive.news/society/what-brazils-supercentenarians-can-teach-us-about-living-to-120/>
"It’s 8am on Rio de Janeiro’s Ipanema beach, and another day in the ‘Marvellous
City’ is stirring.
(More...)
Nearly impossible? How Fairphone built the ethical, repairable Fairphone Gen 6+
Wed, 9 Sep 2026 03:46:15 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2026/09/nearly-impossible-how-fairphone-built-the-ethical-repairable-fairphone-gen-6/>
"Smartphone longevity didn’t used to matter. In the past, before you could wear
out or break a phone, there was always some shiny new thing to buy. Today, we
expect our smartphones to go the distance, but they’ve also become less
(More...)
SolarWindow launches 0.85 mm-thick, self-adhesive solar film
Wed, 9 Sep 2026 03:47:43 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/08/27/https-www-pv-magazine-com-2026-08-27-solarwindow-launches-flexible-self-adhesive-solar-film/>
"US-based SolarWindow Technologies has announced the commercial launch of
ElectroFlex, an ultra-thin, flexible solar product designed to generate
electricity on flat and curved surfaces.
(More...)
Jamaican delegates arrive in UK to hand slavery reparations petition to King Charles
Wed, 9 Sep 2026 03:48:50 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/news/2026/sep/06/jamaica-slavery-reparations-petition-king-charles>
"A landmark petition is to be handed to King Charles by Jamaica over slavery
reparations, aiming to confront historical crimes that still disadvantage
former British colonies, the Caribbean nation’s culture minister has said.
(More...)
‘Britain’s Yellowstone’: restoration project aims to take the greed out of land acquisition
Wed, 9 Sep 2026 23:36:27 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/sep/06/britain-yellowstone-restoration-project-take-greed-out-land-acquisition>
"It is difficult to find the most remote place in England. There is no public
transport, no roads and no sign of any human habitation. Online route finders
mistakenly direct cars up a grassy track. But miles along gravel forest roads
(More...)
Twenty Years of Pandoc
Wed, 9 Sep 2026 23:37:21 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://pandoc.org/twenty-years-of-pandoc.html
"On August 3, 2006, I uploaded the first version of pandoc to my website,
releasing it under the free GPL license. Pandoc 0.1 consisted of about 3000
lines of Haskell code, with no dependencies aside from GHC’s standard library.
(More...)
Honest Government Ad | Bulls*it™
Wed, 9 Sep 2026 23:38:17 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4IW1J2_masg
"The Australien Government has made an ad about carbon offsets and it’s
surprisingly honest and informative."
(More...)
Anti‑abortion rhetoric is becoming entrenched in Australian right‑wing politics
Wed, 9 Sep 2026 23:39:02 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/anti-abortion-rhetoric-is-becoming-entrenched-in-australian-right-wing-politics-289977>
"Earlier this week, Queensland Nationals MP Llew O’Brien introduced a so-called
“born alive” bill into the House of Representatives.
(More...)
NSW judge says anti-Israel graffiti case went ‘haywire’ when vandalism was labelled antisemitic
Wed, 9 Sep 2026 23:39:51 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/aug/19/justice-desmond-fagan-sydney-anti-israel-graffiti-incorrectly-labelled-antisemitic-supreme-court-ntwnfb>
"For almost two years, Mohommed Farhat has been in prison after he pleaded
guilty to 15 offences in connection with property damage, including
spray-painting “Fuk Israel” on cars in Sydney’s east and setting another
(More...)
China is launching a Moon mission to find water ice. It’s unlike anything NASA has done
Wed, 9 Sep 2026 23:41:05 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/china-is-launching-a-moon-mission-to-find-water-ice-its-unlike-anything-nasa-has-done-289710>
"How do you explore a place where the Sun never shines? China’s space programme
will soon embark on one of the most innovative lunar exploration missions in
recent years.
(More...)
European farmers face ‘unprecedented crisis’ after successive heatwaves
Thu, 10 Sep 2026 04:56:40 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/aug/17/european-farmers-unprecedented-crisis-successive-heatwaves>
"Successive intense heatwaves and an increasingly severe, continent-wide
drought have left many of Europe’s farmers in an “unprecedented” crisis, with
vegetable and grain growers in particular warning of “catastrophic” harvests.
(More...)
What Sanae Takaichi’s popularity among women says about gender equality in Japan
Thu, 10 Sep 2026 04:57:48 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/what-sanae-takaichis-popularity-among-women-says-about-gender-equality-in-japan-288599>
"Politicians don’t often find themselves on packages of cookies. Nor do their
bags tend to go viral, sparking a fashion craze.
(More...)
Reform’s Tice accused of misinformation after urging people to enjoy heatwaves
Thu, 10 Sep 2026 04:58:44 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/aug/17/reform-uk-richard-tice-stop-tackling-climate-crisis-enjoy-heat>
"Reform’s deputy leader has been accused of spreading misinformation after he
dismissed efforts to tackle the climate crisis and urged British people to
enjoy the warmth of the recent heatwaves.
(More...)
Plastics Companies Are Writing Lesson Plans. What Could Go Wrong?
Thu, 10 Sep 2026 04:59:48 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.wired.com/story/plastics-companies-writing-lesson-plans-what-could-go-wrong/>
"This fall, 54 million K-12 students are headed back to the classroom for
another year of lessons in all the classic subjects: math, English, history,
biology. But there’s another subject that’s been sneaking into school
(More...)
Obfuscated, self-evaluating bash script by CDN Akamai being supplied to consumers via retail stores
Thu, 10 Sep 2026 05:01:09 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://tris.sherliker.net/blog/obfuscated-self-evaluating-bash-script-by-cdn-akamai-being-supplied-to-consumers-via-retail-stores/>
"When my wife said to me “Let me show you a t-shirt I saw…”, I wasn’t sure what
to expect, but it definitely wasn’t an obfuscated bash script printed on the
back designed to print a happy Easter egg message.
(More...)
If Putin Wins: A “Victory” No One Really Wants
Thu, 10 Sep 2026 05:02:01 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://freedium-mirror.cfd/https://medium.com/@elvirabary/if-putin-wins-a-victory-no-one-really-wants-ec7d43e9838d>
“Russian television interrupts its programming. Putin addresses the nation.
Fireworks explode over Moscow. Commentators announce that Russia has defeated
not only Ukraine, but the entire collective West.
(More...)
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