Glass Wings Blog: June 2021

COVID-19: how rising inequalities unfolded and why we cannot afford to ignore it

Wed, 2 Jun 2021 05:15:49 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://theconversation.com/covid-19-how-rising-inequalities-unfolded-and-why-we-cannot-afford-to-ignore-it-161132>

"The pandemic increased both economic and health inequalities due to a range of
intersecting factors, which compounded each other. The wealthy were not only
able to keep their well-paid jobs but also benefited from soaring stock markets

(More...)

‘AI’ is being used to profile people from their head vibrations – but is there enough evidence to support it?

Wed, 2 Jun 2021 05:16:34 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://theconversation.com/ai-is-being-used-to-profile-people-from-their-head-vibrations-but-is-there-enough-evidence-to-support-it-160566>

"Digital video surveillance systems can’t just identify who someone is. They
can also work out how someone is feeling and what kind of personality they
have. They can even tell how they might behave in the future. And the key to

(More...)

Upload Filters Will Always Be A Bad Idea, But Germany's New Implementation Of Article 17 Is An Attempt To Provide Some Protection For Users, Which Others May Follow

Wed, 2 Jun 2021 05:17:54 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20210525/07275146866/upload-filters-will-always-be-bad-idea-germanys-new-implementation-article-17-is-attempt-to-provide-some-protection-users-which.shtml>

"The EU's Copyright Directive was passed back in 2019, and the two-year period
for implementing the law in national legislation is almost up. The text's
contradictory requirements to stop infringing material from being posted online

(More...)

RTHK: How authorities cracked down on Hong Kong's only public broadcaster

Wed, 2 Jun 2021 05:19:08 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-57253030

"As the crackdown on dissent continues in Hong Kong with pro-democracy
protesters and politicians detained and jailed, there are now fears for the
independence of its flagship public service broadcaster and media freedom as a

(More...)

'Powerful signal': In a single day, Big Oil suffers historic blows on climate

Thu, 3 Jun 2021 05:33:20 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.politico.com/news/2021/05/26/big-oil-exxon-climate-491104

"The oil industry, long a political heavyweight in Washington, suffered a
series of extraordinary blows on Wednesday after shareholders, customers and
the courts turned on the industry out of concern over climate change.

(More...)

Australia is building a billion-dollar arms export industry. This is how weapons can fall in the wrong hands

Thu, 3 Jun 2021 05:34:08 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://theconversation.com/australia-is-building-a-billion-dollar-arms-export-industry-this-is-how-weapons-can-fall-in-the-wrong-hands-159817>

"Since 2018, Australia has been seeking to become a top ten global defence
exporter.

(More...)

In a landmark judgment, the Federal Court found the environment minister has a duty of care to young people

Thu, 3 Jun 2021 05:35:12 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://theconversation.com/in-a-landmark-judgment-the-federal-court-found-the-environment-minister-has-a-duty-of-care-to-young-people-161650>

"This morning, the Australian Federal Court delivered a landmark judgement on
climate change, marking an important moment in our history.

(More...)

As Australian-Chinese writer Yang Hengjun’s trial begins, his prospects remain bleak

Thu, 3 Jun 2021 05:35:50 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://theconversation.com/as-australian-chinese-writer-yang-hengjuns-trial-begins-his-prospects-remain-bleak-161581>

"In Beijing, the secret trial on spying charges of Australian citizen Yang
Hengjun will constitute another sour chapter in Australia-China relations,
which remain locked in a downward spiral.

(More...)

Friday essay: the guitar industry’s hidden environmental problem — and the people trying to fix it

Thu, 3 Jun 2021 05:36:33 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://theconversation.com/friday-essay-the-guitar-industrys-hidden-environmental-problem-and-the-people-trying-to-fix-it-159211>

"Musicians are often concerned about environmental problems, but entangled in
them through the materials used in their instruments. The guitar industry,
which uses rare woods from old-growth trees, has been a canary in the coal mine

(More...)

West Papua is on the verge of another bloody crackdown

Fri, 4 Jun 2021 05:50:09 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://theconversation.com/west-papua-is-on-the-verge-of-another-bloody-crackdown-161272>

"“Destroy them first. We will discuss human rights matters later.” These are
the reported words of Bambang Soesatyo, chairman of the People’s Consultative
Assembly to the Indonesian military (TNI), last month.

(More...)

In-Flight Anomaly Sends NASA’s Ingenuity Mars Helicopter on a Wild Ride – Here’s What Happened

Fri, 4 Jun 2021 05:51:13 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://scitechdaily.com/in-flight-anomaly-sends-nasas-ingenuity-mars-helicopter-on-a-wild-ride-heres-what-happened/>

"On the 91st Martian day, or sol, of NASA’s Mars 2020 Perseverance rover
mission, the Ingenuity Mars Helicopter performed its sixth flight. The flight
was designed to expand the flight envelope and demonstrate aerial-imaging

(More...)

No, Science Clearly Shows That COVID-19 Wasn’t Leaked From A Wuhan Lab

Fri, 4 Jun 2021 05:52:38 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://medium.com/starts-with-a-bang/no-science-clearly-shows-that-covid-19-wasnt-leaked-from-a-wuhan-lab-438430a00e4e>

"Starting in late 2019, a novel strain of coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, began
infecting human beings for the very first time. Discovered in samples of
patients that were reporting pneumonia-like symptoms in late 2019 but without

(More...)

Art Historian Goes Viral For Hilarious Tips On How To Become An ‘Art Expert’

Fri, 4 Jun 2021 05:55:22 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.boredpanda.com/art-movement-style-paintings-descriptions/

"The world of art can be very hard to navigate! I’ll openly admit that even
though I’m an art lover, when it comes to the bit about recognizing which time
period a piece is from, I end up completely befuddled. Luckily for me, there

(More...)

Taryn was deported from Australia with $300 and a bag of clothes. Now, she's taking on the government

Fri, 4 Jun 2021 06:03:19 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.sbs.com.au/news/taryn-was-deported-from-australia-with-300-and-a-bag-of-clothes-now-she-s-taking-on-the-government>

"Despite calling Australia home since she was a little girl, Taryn O’Dowd is
one of several people to be deported 'back' to New Zealand, without her young
children, in a move Peter Dutton called "taking the trash out"."

(More...)

NASA’s Curiosity rover has captured amazing images of clouds on Mars

Sat, 5 Jun 2021 05:55:03 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.theverge.com/2021/5/29/22460017/nasa-curiosity-rover-captured-images-clouds-on-mars>

"NASA’s Curiosity rover has captured images of clouds on Mars— as described in
its blog post: “wispy puffs filled with ice crystals that scattered light from
the setting sun, some of them shimmering with color.”

(More...)

Community TV stations Channel 31 and Channel 44 given a month to get off the air

Sat, 5 Jun 2021 05:58:06 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-05-29/community-tv-stations-channel-31-channel-44-off-air/100173942>

'Adelaide and Melbourne's community television stations have been given a month
to get off the air, despite the federal government being unlikely to do
anything with their frequency range for at least three years.

(More...)

Young actors and theatre crew want consent culture prioritised behind the scenes

Sat, 5 Jun 2021 06:05:29 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-05-29/theatre-groups-tackle-issue-of-consent-and-safety/100166100>

'Actor Natalie Venettacci is at home on stage but she knows what it is like to
feel uncomfortable behind the scenes.

(More...)

The $3bn bargain: how China dominates Pacific mining, logging and fishing

Sat, 5 Jun 2021 06:07:13 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/may/31/the-3bn-bargain-how-china-dominates-pacific-mining-logging-and-fishing>

"One country dominates the Pacific’s resources extraction.

Guardian analysis of trade data has revealed that China received more than half

(More...)

Four seismic climate wins show Big Oil, Gas and Coal are running out of places to hide

Sat, 5 Jun 2021 06:08:19 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://theconversation.com/four-seismic-climate-wins-show-big-oil-gas-and-coal-are-running-out-of-places-to-hide-161741>

"Three global fossil fuel giants have just suffered embarrassing rebukes over
their inadequate action on climate change. Collectively, the developments show
how courts, and frustrated investors, are increasingly willing to force

(More...)

Rising on pause; Dark Mofo ticket sales delayed. The government must insure our arts events

Mon, 7 Jun 2021 05:17:30 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://theconversation.com/rising-on-pause-dark-mofo-ticket-sales-delayed-the-government-must-insure-our-arts-events-161737>

"When lockdown was announced in Melbourne on Thursday, it came on the same
morning as the opening of Rising, a large new cultural festival designed to
“re-synchronise” and “re-energise” the city that spent much of 2020 in

(More...)

‘Conditional commitments’: the diplomatic strategy that could make Australia do its fair share on climate change

Mon, 7 Jun 2021 05:18:49 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://theconversation.com/conditional-commitments-the-diplomatic-strategy-that-could-make-australia-do-its-fair-share-on-climate-change-148925>

"The International Energy Agency’s recent, landmark report put another glaring
spotlight on Australia’s failure to act on climate change. On the same night
the report was released, warning against any new fossil fuel projects, the

(More...)

Beautiful, rare ‘purple cauliflower’ coral off NSW coast may be extinct within 10 years

Mon, 7 Jun 2021 05:19:36 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://theconversation.com/beautiful-rare-purple-cauliflower-coral-off-nsw-coast-may-be-extinct-within-10-years-160184>

"When we think of Australia’s threatened corals, the Great Barrier Reef
probably springs to mind. But elsewhere, coral species are also struggling –
including a rare type known as “cauliflower soft coral” which is, sadly, on the

(More...)

The Nand Game

Mon, 7 Jun 2021 05:23:08 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
"The Nand Game is inspired by the amazing course From NAND to Tetris -
Building a Modern Computer From First Principles
 which is highly recommended.

This game only covers a small part of the material in the above course, and is
mostly intended as a fun exercise."

(More...)

A circular food system can withstand crises like COVID-19 — and provide delicious meals

Tue, 8 Jun 2021 05:09:57 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://theconversation.com/a-circular-food-system-can-withstand-crises-like-covid-19-and-provide-delicious-meals-159101>

"There are many hard lessons learned from the pandemic. One is that our food
system needs a serious reboot. Luckily, we need only look to nature’s cycles
for clues on how to fix it.

(More...)

Money City: Our New Game To Explore The Future Of Money Is Now Available To Everyone

Tue, 8 Jun 2021 05:11:16 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20210528/10172346897/money-city-our-new-game-to-explore-future-money-is-now-available-to-everyone.shtml>

"As folks may know, over the past few years, the Copia Institute (the think
tank arm of Techdirt) has been building out a series of games — both of the
tabletop variety and for events (both in person and virtual). It began with an

(More...)

Classical Music Mashup IV

Tue, 8 Jun 2021 05:12:07 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DayjwRDcs44

"CMM IV is out! Can you identify all 70 classical pieces?"

(More...)

Hundreds of Australian lizard species are barely known to science. Many may face extinction

Tue, 8 Jun 2021 05:13:30 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://theconversation.com/hundreds-of-australian-lizard-species-are-barely-known-to-science-many-may-face-extinction-161572>

"Most of the incredible diversity of life on Earth is yet to be discovered and
documented. In some groups of organisms – terrestrial arthropods such as
spiders and scorpions, marine invertebrates such as sponges and molluscs, and

(More...)

About 500,000 Australian species are undiscovered – and scientists are on a 25-year mission to finish the job

Tue, 8 Jun 2021 05:14:36 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://theconversation.com/about-500-000-australian-species-are-undiscovered-and-scientists-are-on-a-25-year-mission-to-finish-the-job-161793>

"Here are two quiz questions for you. How many species of animals, plants,
fungi, fish, insects and other organisms live in Australia? And how many of
these have been discovered and named?

(More...)

Stunning Tiffany Stained Glass Debuts After 100 Years of Obscurity

Wed, 9 Jun 2021 05:57:36 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/after-100-years-obscurity-brilliant-tiffany-stained-glass-window-shine-chicago-180977850/>

"For nearly a century, a monumental Tiffany stained-glass window hung in
near-total obscurity at a Providence, Rhode Island, church. Now known as the
Hartwell Memorial Window, the shimmering landscape was installed in 1917 and

(More...)

Jim Crow Killed Voting Rights for Generations. Now the GOP Is Repeating History.

Wed, 9 Jun 2021 05:59:29 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2021/06/jim-crow-killed-voting-rights-for-generations-now-the-gop-is-repeating-history/>

"On February 23, 2021, Lucas, now 71, took to the Senate podium to oppose a new
voter-ID requirement for mail-in ballots introduced by Georgia Republicans. In
2005, Republicans had specifically exempted mail-in ballots from the state’s

(More...)

The Guardian view on remembering Tiananmen 1989: mourning for those who cannot

Wed, 9 Jun 2021 06:00:45 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/jun/02/the-guardian-view-on-remembering-tiananmen-1989-mourning-for-those-who-cannot>

"When forgetting is compulsory, remembering can be a lonely business. Zhang
Xianling’s 19-year-old son was shot in the head as Chinese troops bloodily
suppressed the student-led protests that began in Tiananmen Square, Beijing, in

(More...)

World must rewild on massive scale to heal nature and climate, says UN

Wed, 9 Jun 2021 06:01:43 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/jun/03/rewild-on-massive-scale-to-heal-nature-and-climate-says-un-decade-on-ecosystem-restoration-aoe>

"The world must rewild and restore an area the size of China to meet
commitments on nature and the climate, says the UN, and the revival of
ecosystems must be met with all the ambition of the space race.

(More...)

Humpback whales have been spotted ‘bubble-net feeding’ for the first time in Australia (and we have it on camera)

Wed, 9 Jun 2021 06:02:44 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://theconversation.com/humpback-whales-have-been-spotted-bubble-net-feeding-for-the-first-time-in-australia-and-we-have-it-on-camera-157355>

"If you gaze at the ocean this winter, you might just be lucky enough to spot a
whale migrating along Australia’s coastline. This is the start of whale season,
when the gentle giants breed in the warm northern waters off Australia after

(More...)

Climate crisis is suffocating the world’s lakes, study finds

Thu, 10 Jun 2021 06:11:57 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/jun/02/climate-crisis-is-suffocating-the-worlds-lakes-study-finds>

"The climate crisis is causing a widespread fall in oxygen levels in lakes
across the world, suffocating wildlife and threatening drinking water supplies.

(More...)

POWERHOUSE AUSTRALIA? Oz's global opportunity in clean energy & electric vehicles | FULLY CHARGED

Thu, 10 Jun 2021 06:12:53 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJco59SHpQM

"It’s no secret, we’re Australia aficionados, and we’re taking Fully Charged
LIVE down under in 2022, so it frustrates us that (as yet), this sleeping giant
hasn’t awakened to the potential of clean energy & electric vehicles. Not least

(More...)

We Have The Power

Thu, 10 Jun 2021 06:14:35 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://environmentamericacenter.org/feature/amc/we-have-the-power

"America has the power to build an energy system in which our energy comes from
clean, renewable sources like the wind and sun. There are many potential paths
America can take to build on our abundant clean energy potential and help

(More...)

Photos from the field: the stunning crystals revealing deep secrets about Australian volcanoes

Thu, 10 Jun 2021 06:15:38 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://theconversation.com/photos-from-the-field-the-stunning-crystals-revealing-deep-secrets-about-australian-volcanoes-161176>

"Volcanic activity is a constant global threat. It’s estimated over 1 billion
people live within the potential, direct impact range of volcanic eruptions.

(More...)

Guaranteed income is graduating from charity to public policy

Fri, 11 Jun 2021 05:20:19 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.vox.com/future-perfect/2021/6/3/22463776/guaranteed-universal-basic-income-charity-policy>

"It seems like everywhere you look in the US these days, new guaranteed income
pilot programs are springing up. Over the past month or so, they’ve launched in
Newark, New Jersey; Tacoma, Washington; Denver, Colorado; Cambridge,

(More...)

Italian climate activists sue government over inaction

Fri, 11 Jun 2021 05:21:29 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jun/05/italian-climate-activists-sue-government-over-inaction>

"Environment campaigners in Italy are suing the government for failing to
sufficiently tackle the climate crisis in what is the first legal action of its
kind in the country.

(More...)

Solar micro-grid helping public-housing residents save money

Fri, 11 Jun 2021 05:22:50 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-06-06/solar-micro-grid-helping-public-housing-residents-save-money/100188338>

"A micro-grid is a small power network that can run independently of the
state's main grid.

(More...)

Old-school computing: when your lab PC is ancient

Fri, 11 Jun 2021 05:24:14 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-01431-y

"Antiquated computers are common in science, from geochemistry and linguistics
to biochemistry and microscopy. Often an old computer is hooked up to an
expensive piece of scientific kit — a microscope or chromatography system, for

(More...)

Pirate Care, a syllabus

Sat, 12 Jun 2021 07:30:59 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://syllabus.pirate.care/

"We live in a world where captains get arrested for saving people’s lives on
the sea; where a person downloading scientific articles faces 35 years in jail;
where people risk charges for bringing contraceptives to those who otherwise

(More...)

Oceana Finds Hundreds of Vessels Vanishing Along Argentina’s Waters

Sat, 12 Jun 2021 07:31:54 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://usa.oceana.org/publications/reports/oceana-finds-hundreds-vessels-vanishing-along-argentinas-waters>

"An Oceana analysis found hundreds of foreign fishing vessels, primarily
Chinese, pillaging the waters off Argentina and disappearing from public
tracking systems. These distant-water fleets mainly fish for shortfin squid,

(More...)

Responsible gambling – a bright shining lie Crown Resorts and others can no longer hide behind

Sat, 12 Jun 2021 07:34:16 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://theconversation.com/responsible-gambling-a-bright-shining-lie-crown-resorts-and-others-can-no-longer-hide-behind-162089>

"This week the Victorian Royal Commission into Crown Resorts’ Melbourne casino
heard from Sonja Bauer, Crown Melbourne’s general manager for responsible
gambling. Her evidence revealed a series of deficiencies in the way Crown goes

(More...)

Transcript: Ezra Klein Interviews Brian Christian

Sat, 12 Jun 2021 07:35:41 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/04/podcasts/transcript-ezra-klein-interviews-brian-christian.html>

"So, there’s always an expanding frontier over which, well, that is true
intelligence and this is just machine learning. But broadly, we’re talking
about machines that can learn and act more autonomously. And this is not a

(More...)

9 in 10 LGBTQ+ students say they hear homophobic language at school, and 1 in 3 hear it almost every day

Sat, 12 Jun 2021 07:36:40 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://theconversation.com/9-in-10-lgbtq-students-say-they-hear-homophobic-language-at-school-and-1-in-3-hear-it-almost-every-day-160356>

"Bills in the federal and New South Wales parliaments have sought to stop
teachers talking about gender and sexuality diversity in the name of either
religious freedom or parents’ rights.

(More...)

Neoliberalism has led to a society impervious to climate reality, argues a psychologist

Sun, 13 Jun 2021 11:19:18 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://blogs.sciencemag.org/books/2021/05/11/psychological-roots-of-the-climate-crisis/>

"Climate scientists have been getting some tough questions lately, not about
their data but about their feelings. How does it feel to study such a badly
damaged planet? To be condemned by opponents who refuse to engage with the

(More...)

Giant River Otter Believed to Be Extinct Has Been Spotted in Argentina

Sun, 13 Jun 2021 11:20:28 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://gizmodo.com/giant-river-otter-believed-to-be-extinct-has-been-spott-1846963673>

"Otters are some of the cutest and most fun animals on Earth. It’s always a joy
to see them in the wild. That was doubly so for the conservationists at
Fundación Rewilding who recently spotted a wild giant river otter swimming in

(More...)

Take a tour of this deserted Japanese village populated with scarecrows

Sun, 13 Jun 2021 11:21:16 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://boingboing.net/2021/06/06/take-a-tour-of-this-deserted-japanese-village-populated-with-scarecrows.html>

"Take a virtual tour through the Japanese village of Nagoro, home to 200
scarecrows and 29 humans. Nagaro was once a thriving town, but over time most
people left to get jobs in the city.

(More...)

Climate crisis to shrink G7 economies twice as much as Covid-19, says research

Sun, 13 Jun 2021 11:22:43 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/jun/07/climate-crisis-to-shrink-g7-economies-twice-as-much-as-covid-19-says-research>

"The economies of rich countries will shrink by twice as much as they did in
the Covid-19 crisis if they fail to tackle rising greenhouse gas emissions,
according to research.

(More...)

It’s time to talk about gay reparations and how they can rectify past persecutions of LGBTQ people

Sun, 13 Jun 2021 11:23:49 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://theconversation.com/its-time-to-talk-about-gay-reparations-and-how-they-can-rectify-past-persecutions-of-lgbtq-people-162086>

"The word “reparations” comes from the Latin verb reparāre, meaning “to
repair.” However, nowadays, many people equate reparations with the payment of
compensation or damages.

(More...)

Read this free comic about the history of climate change denial propaganda

Mon, 14 Jun 2021 05:45:48 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://boingboing.net/2021/05/08/read-this-free-comic-about-the-history-of-climate-change-denial-propaganda.html>

"Illustrator and animator Céline Keller undertook the fascinatingly complex
task of adapting a research paper on climate change propaganda into a graphic
narrative. Here's how the artist explains it:

(More...)

Exit the Fatherland

Mon, 14 Jun 2021 05:47:19 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://aeon.co/essays/germany-became-a-tolerant-nation-only-by-painful-small-steps>

"After 12 years of fascism, six years of war, and the concentrated genocidal
killing of the Holocaust, nationalism should have been thoroughly discredited.
Yet it was not. For decades, nationalist frames of mind continued to hold. They

(More...)

Does Taking Down Content Lead Ignorant People To Believe It's More Likely To Be True?

Mon, 14 Jun 2021 05:48:40 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20210522/17270746850/does-taking-down-content-lead-ignorant-people-to-believe-more-likely-to-be-true.shtml>

"This certainly gets to the heart of some of the cultish conspiracy theory
nonsense that goes around these days. In this view, nothing can be proven
false, because merely attempting to do so somehow validates it. We've seen this

(More...)

Danish Road Safety Council / Helmet has always been a good idea

Mon, 14 Jun 2021 05:50:45 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0m-c4GixUpg

"Wearing a helmet while riding has always been a good idea. Always."

Via Steven Vaughan-Nichols.

(More...)

Wealthy nations breaking climate pledge with gas dash in global south

Mon, 14 Jun 2021 05:51:35 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/jun/07/wealthy-nations-breaking-climate-pledge-with-gas-dash-in-global-south>

"Wealthy nations are breaking their climate commitments by funding a new dash
for gas in the global south, according to a study.

(More...)

What Can We Learn from the World’s Most Peaceful Societies?

Tue, 15 Jun 2021 05:34:28 +1000

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

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

"Given the grinding wars and toxic political divisions that dominate the news,
it might come as a surprise to hear that there are also a multitude of
sustainably peaceful societies thriving across the globe today. These are

(More...)

What would sustainable tourism really mean for New Zealand? Let’s ask the river

Tue, 15 Jun 2021 05:35:26 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://theconversation.com/what-would-sustainable-tourism-really-mean-for-new-zealand-lets-ask-the-river-160438>

"As regular flights between Aotearoa and Australia resume, the issue of
high-volume tourism and its environmental impact is now front and centre.

(More...)

What’s in a name? How recruitment discriminates against ‘foreign’ applicants

Tue, 15 Jun 2021 05:37:02 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://theconversation.com/whats-in-a-name-how-recruitment-discriminates-against-foreign-applicants-160695>

"I have analysed 123 “resume studies” to get a more fine-grained understanding
of name-based discrimination in recruitment.

(More...)

What to Do About Jair Bolsonaro, the World’s Most Dangerous Climate Denier

Tue, 15 Jun 2021 05:38:39 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-features/jair-bolsonaro-rainforest-destruction-1180129/>

"There’s no prison (yet) for climate criminals, but if there was, Brazilian
President Jair Bolsonaro would have a spider-infested cell all to himself. Now
that Trump is gone, Bolsonaro — a.k.a. “The Trump of the Tropics” or “Captain

(More...)

We are the Global EV Alliance

Tue, 15 Jun 2021 05:40:41 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.globalevalliance.com/

"The Global EV Alliance is a network of national electric drivers’ associations
from around the globe. We facilitate global collaboration on best practices,
policies, education, and other EV related initiatives. We believe that zero

(More...)

The ‘big con’ revealed: Report details fossil fuel industry’s deceptive ‘net zero’ strategy

Wed, 16 Jun 2021 06:05:17 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.nationofchange.org/2021/06/09/the-big-con-revealed-report-details-fossil-fuel-industrys-deceptive-net-zero-strategy/>

"A new report published Wednesday by a trio of progressive advocacy groups
lifts the veil on so-called “net zero” climate pledges, which are often touted
by corporations and governments as solutions to the climate emergency, but

(More...)

Ascot declines to renew insurance policy for Adani coal mine

Wed, 16 Jun 2021 06:07:24 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.insurancebusinessmag.com/au/news/breaking-news/ascot-declines-to-renew-insurance-policy-for-adani-coal-mine-257453.aspx>

"Lloyd’s of London insurer Ascot has declined to renew an existing policy for
Adani Mining’s Carmichael coal mine project in Queensland when it expires in
September 2021, climate campaigners have confirmed.

(More...)

Multinational CEOs petition world leaders to 'supercharge' climate action

Wed, 16 Jun 2021 06:13:33 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.eco-business.com/news/multinational-ceos-petition-world-leaders-to-supercharge-climate-action/>

"Chief executives from 78 multinational corporations have co-signed an open
letter that calls on the world’s political leaders to set more ambitious
targets to tackle the climate crisis.

(More...)

'Fossil Fuel Exit Strategy' Shows Transition to Renewable Future Totally Doable

Wed, 16 Jun 2021 06:15:34 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/06/10/fossil-fuel-exit-strategy-shows-transition-renewable-future-totally-doable>

"Ditching fossil fuels in favor of renewable energy in order to keep warming
below the 1.5ºC threshold is both "necessary and technically feasible."

(More...)

Friday essay: a rare bird — how Europeans got the black swan so wrong

Wed, 16 Jun 2021 06:16:33 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://theconversation.com/friday-essay-a-rare-bird-how-europeans-got-the-black-swan-so-wrong-161654>

"The black swan is an Australian icon. The official emblem of Western
Australia, depicted in the state flag and coat-of-arms, it decorates several
public buildings. The bird is also the namesake for Perth’s Swan River, where

(More...)

These Alternative Economies Are Inspirations for a Sustainable World

Thu, 17 Jun 2021 05:08:23 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/these-alternative-economies-are-inspirations-for-a-sustainable-world/>

"In Europe, many “solidarity economy” initiatives, which promote a culture of
caring and sharing, swung into action when COVID-related lockdowns rendered
massive numbers of people jobless. In Lisbon, Portugal, the social centers

(More...)

259 LGBTQ characters in cartoons that bust the myth that kids can't handle inclusion

Thu, 17 Jun 2021 05:11:08 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.insider.com/lgbtq-cartoon-characters-kids-database-2021-06

"LGBTQ inclusion in kids’ cartoons has skyrocketed, but the animation industry
is still dealing with a host of problems

(More...)

Music Publishers Sue Roblox In Full Frontal Assault On The DMCA

Thu, 17 Jun 2021 05:12:16 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20210610/16552546969/music-publishers-sue-roblox-full-frontal-assault-dmca.shtml>

"A huge and potentially important copyright lawsuit was filed this week by
basically all of the big music publishers against the immensely popular kids'
gaming platform Roblox. Although the publishers trade association, the NMPA,

(More...)

António Guterres on the climate crisis: ‘We are coming to a point of no return’

Thu, 17 Jun 2021 05:13:41 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/jun/11/antonio-guterres-interview-climate-crisis-pandemic-g7>

"Wealthy countries risk an “unforgivable lost opportunity” by not emerging from
the Covid-19 pandemic with newly green economies to address the climate crisis,
the United Nations secretary general has warned.

(More...)

Climate 'tipping points' could push us past the point-of-no-return after less than 2 degrees of warming

Thu, 17 Jun 2021 05:15:12 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.livescience.com/climate-domino-effects-close.html

"As climate change continues to heat the planet, ice sheets and ocean currents
could destabilize each other, leading to a climate domino effect impacting 40%
of the world’s population, according to new research.

(More...)

I Built a HUGE Lego Railway - Up Stairs & Underwater!

Fri, 18 Jun 2021 06:15:50 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECn2al0M98s

"I built a 100m Lego train track around my entire house and garden, including
up the stairs, through a swimming pool, through a light tunnel, and through a
rainforest dome."

(More...)

As NSW roads minister, I know we have to incentivise electric cars

Fri, 18 Jun 2021 06:16:54 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/jun/10/as-nsw-roads-minister-i-know-we-have-to-incentivise-electric-cars>

"In the days since the ‘“black summer” bushfires I have watched my community
suffer. That moment in our history was a major climatic event and the largest
wildfires our nation has ever seen.

(More...)

Study shows how rudeness leads to anchoring, including in medical diagnoses

Fri, 18 Jun 2021 06:18:28 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2021-06/uom-ssh061021.php

"Have you ever been cut off in traffic by another driver, leaving you still
seething miles later? Or been interrupted by a colleague in a meeting, and
found yourself replaying the event in your head even after you've left work for

(More...)

Even without new fossil fuel projects, global warming will still exceed 1.5℃. But renewables might make it possible

Fri, 18 Jun 2021 06:19:21 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://theconversation.com/even-without-new-fossil-fuel-projects-global-warming-will-still-exceed-1-5-but-renewables-might-make-it-possible-162591>

"The International Energy Agency (IEA) last month made global headlines when it
declared there is no room for new fossil fuel investment if we’re to avoid
catastrophic climate change.

(More...)

Why the world’s most fertile fishing ground is facing a ‘unique and dire’ threat

Sat, 19 Jun 2021 06:10:10 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jun/14/why-the-worlds-most-fertile-fishing-ground-is-facing-a-unique-and-dire-threat>

"Having grossly overfished its own regional waters, notably the China seas,
China’s fleets are now taking huge quantities of tuna from the world’s most
fertile fishing ground. Since 2012 the Chinese Pacific fishing fleet has grown

(More...)

3 exciting ways to cut shipping’s ridiculously big carbon footprint

Sat, 19 Jun 2021 06:11:13 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://thenextweb.com/news/ways-to-cut-shipping-emissions

"Ships carry more than 80% of world trade, and they rely heavily on some of the
least environmentally friendly transportation fuels available.

(More...)

Cartoonathons: stimulating dialogue

Sat, 19 Jun 2021 06:12:11 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.climatecentre.org/priority_areas/innovation/innovation_tools/humour-2/>

"Humour keeps us honest. It strips away illusions that support the status quo.
It helps bridge the gap between what is and what could be.

(More...)

Chinese Government Now Using National Security Law To Censor Art Being Displayed In Hong Kong

Sat, 19 Jun 2021 06:12:52 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20210613/14034646983/chinese-government-now-using-national-security-law-to-censor-art-being-displayed-hong-kong.shtml>

"Hong Kong's new "national security" law — thrust on it by the Chinese
government that's supposed to stay out of Hong Kong's governmental business
until 2047 — continues to increase the amount of censorship in the supposedly

(More...)

The Pulpit of Fear: How Religious Leaders Inflame Violence in America

Sun, 20 Jun 2021 06:42:03 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.tikkun.org/the-pulpit-of-fear/

"Millions of Christians across America attend church every Sunday morning. For
the most part, they hear sermons about Jesus’s two thousand-year-old message of
love, kindness, charity, forgiveness, mercy, and non-violence. They hear how

(More...)

Climate change: what G7 leaders could have said – but didn’t

Sun, 20 Jun 2021 06:43:01 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://theconversation.com/climate-change-what-g7-leaders-could-have-said-but-didnt-162703>

"The four-day G7 summit in Cornwall ended with little cause for celebration
from anyone worried about climate change. Most of the pledges that emerged were
relatively old news, with the UK repeating its promise of £500 million for

(More...)

Peatlands worldwide are drying out, threatening to release 860 million tonnes of carbon dioxide every year

Sun, 20 Jun 2021 06:44:04 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://theconversation.com/peatlands-worldwide-are-drying-out-threatening-to-release-860-million-tonnes-of-carbon-dioxide-every-year-162438>

"Peatlands, such as fens, bogs, marshes and swamps, cover just 3% of the
Earth’s total land surface, yet store over one-third of the planet’s soil
carbon. That’s more than the carbon stored in all other vegetation combined,

(More...)

My '70s TV!

Sun, 20 Jun 2021 06:45:26 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.my70stv.com/

Via Esther Schindler, who wrote "Take a groovy trip to the far out 1970’s with
this nostalgic television simulator"

(More...)

There’s a lot we don’t know about the UK trade agreement we are about to sign

Mon, 21 Jun 2021 05:47:42 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://theconversation.com/theres-a-lot-we-dont-know-about-the-uk-trade-agreement-we-are-about-to-sign-162841>

"We’re being told about the new Australia-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement,
but not a lot about most of what’s in it.

(More...)

Hidden women of history: Eliza Hamilton Dunlop — the Irish Australian poet who shone a light on colonial violence

Mon, 21 Jun 2021 05:48:52 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://theconversation.com/hidden-women-of-history-eliza-hamilton-dunlop-the-irish-australian-poet-who-shone-a-light-on-colonial-violence-161592>

"When The Aboriginal Mother was published as sheet music in 1842, set to
music by the composer Isaac Nathan, he declared “it ought to be on the
pianoforte of every lady in the colony”.

(More...)

Why Confederate Lies Live On

Mon, 21 Jun 2021 05:50:18 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2021/06/confederate-lost-cause-myth/618711/>

"In his new book HOW THE WORD IS PASSED, Clint Smith III examines how America’s
history of slavery is reckoned with — or not — in different corners of the
country. In this excerpt, he visits a Virginia cemetery where Confederate

(More...)

In Argentina, cheap government-issued netbooks sparked a musical renaissance

Tue, 22 Jun 2021 05:20:24 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://restofworld.org/2021/argentina-netbooks-music/

"When he first opened his Conectar Igualdad netbook in 2014, the 10-inch black
screen reflected Mateo Palacios Corazzina’s face back at him: a 12-year-old-boy
from La Boca, one of Buenos Aires’ historic slums, about to turn on his first

(More...)

Call to phase out wood heaters due to health, environmental concerns – but minister says move not supported by community

Tue, 22 Jun 2021 05:22:16 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-06-18/call-to-phase-out-wood-heaters-due-to-health-concerns/100202388>

"When it's lunchtime at school, Harrison Betts is among the first to race down
to a lower playground to kick the soccer ball around with his mates.

(More...)

Game Not Over

Tue, 22 Jun 2021 05:24:11 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://twitter.com/textfiles/status/1405917498168446982

"Internet Archive wanted to do a fundraiser around software. Asked if I knew
people. DO I KNOW PEOPLE. We kicked around some ideas, asked a few people, and
came up with some fundraising levels. Hence we now have GAME NOT OVER, a talk

(More...)

Star Trek + Design

Tue, 22 Jun 2021 05:25:08 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://star-trek.design/

"My name is Eno (he/him) and I’m a long-time Trekkie and new-time collector of
design objects used in Star Trek.

(More...)

The Digital Antiquarian: The Best of Voyager, Part 1

Wed, 23 Jun 2021 05:52:31 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.filfre.net/2021/06/the-best-of-voyager-part-1/

"This article contains capsule reviews of ten of the discs that I most
appreciate from the early years of The Voyager Company, along with some
additional notes on their origins, courtesy of Bob Stein. As the “Part 1” in

(More...)

Do We Actually Need the G7?

Wed, 23 Jun 2021 05:54:12 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.laprogressive.com/need-the-g7/

"The latest G7 summit was a waste of resources. If it had to be held at all, it
should have been conducted online, saving time, logistical costs, and airplane
emissions. But, more fundamentally, G7 summits are an anachronism. Political

(More...)

'Wonderful' Australian Octopus Mother Rolls Pipe Full of Eggs Into Ocean

Wed, 23 Jun 2021 05:56:42 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://flipboard.com/article/wonderful-australian-octopus-mother-rolls-pipe-full-of-eggs-into-ocean/f-bbba486dfd%2Fflipboard.com>

"An Australian marine biologist witnessed an octopus rolling a plastic pipe
filled with eggs into the ocean, as seen in a video taken on a beach in the
Melbourne suburb of McCrae, Victoria, on June 6.  Sheree Marris, a marine

(More...)

‘From denial to delay’: a forehead-slapping week in Australian climate policy

Thu, 24 Jun 2021 06:39:26 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/jun/20/from-denial-to-delay-a-forehead-slapping-week-in-australian-climate-policy>

"It took a major international investment group with $279bn under its control
to break through the climate-laden rhetoric of geopolitics last week.

(More...)

New oilfield in African wilderness threatens lives of 130,000 elephants

Thu, 24 Jun 2021 06:40:43 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/jun/20/new-oilfield-in-african-wilderness-threatens-lives-of-130000-elephants>

"Tens of thousands of African elephants are under threat from plans for a
massive new oilfield in one of the continent’s last great wildernesses, experts
have warned.

(More...)

Six Ways to Think Long-term

Thu, 24 Jun 2021 06:42:21 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://medium.com/the-long-now-foundation/six-ways-to-think-long-term-da373b3377a4>

"Human beings have an astonishing evolutionary gift: agile imaginations that
can shift in an instant from thinking on a scale of seconds to a scale of years
or even centuries. Our minds constantly dance across multiple time horizons.

(More...)

Head of Independent Sage to launch international climate change group

Fri, 25 Jun 2021 06:06:58 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.theguardian.com/science/2021/jun/20/head-of-independent-sage-to-launch-international-climate-change-group>

"Several of the world’s leading scientists plan to launch an independent expert
group this week to advise, warn and criticise global policymakers about the
climate and nature crises.

(More...)

Green Sand Beaches Could Erase Carbon Emissions

Fri, 25 Jun 2021 06:08:30 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.freethink.com/articles/green-sand-carbon

"We all know that carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere by burning
fossil fuels, and it can be removed by growing trees and other plants. But the
Earth also has other natural processes (called "carbon sinks") that remove

(More...)

Sequencer 64

Fri, 25 Jun 2021 06:10:50 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.sequencer64.com/

"This app is an experimental music creation tool that runs in the browser and
works offline. My hope is that it will be enjoyed by both music professionals
and untrained enthusiasts."

(More...)

playdate is a retro handheld game system with new games weekly

Sat, 26 Jun 2021 05:58:59 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.designboom.com/technology/playdate-retro-handheld-game-system-weekly-games-06-18-2021/>

"panic has unveiled playdate, a tiny 8-bit handheld video game system that
feels more like a game boy than anything else. but you shouldn’t be fooled by
its retro design or its black-and-white screen as it’s equipped with

(More...)

Visualising 70 years of refugee journeys

Sat, 26 Jun 2021 06:00:18 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/6/20/infographic-world-refugee-day-journey>

"As we entered 2021, there were 82.4 million people around the world displaced
by conflict or persecution.

(More...)

China’s efforts to save its wandering elephants are laudable, but let’s not forget its bloody conflicts with the giants

Sat, 26 Jun 2021 06:00:57 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://theconversation.com/chinas-efforts-to-save-its-wandering-elephants-are-laudable-but-lets-not-forget-its-bloody-conflicts-with-the-giants-162767>

"Wild elephants are awe-inspiring — even if they’re trying to kill you, as I
discovered in 2004.

(More...)

Our research shows COVID has made Australians more conservative and care less about others

Sat, 26 Jun 2021 06:02:00 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://theconversation.com/our-research-shows-covid-has-made-australians-more-conservative-and-care-less-about-others-161500>

"The COVID-19 pandemic has already changed so many things about our society and
our lives. While some of the impacts can be seen clearly and straight away,
others take more digging.

(More...)

Discover Classical Art

Sun, 27 Jun 2021 07:07:11 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://artvee.com/

"In the last few years, several major museums and libraries have instituted an
open access policy by designating most or all of the public domain art in their
collections with a creative commons license making them available for use for

(More...)

Australia will likely adopt a net-zero target by COP26. It will be a bad target

Sun, 27 Jun 2021 07:07:57 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://reneweconomy.com.au/australia-will-likely-adopt-a-net-zero-target-by-cop26-it-will-be-a-bad-target/>

"Scott Morrison has said, tens of times this year, that he’d like to reach net
zero emissions by 2050……’preferably’. Here’s the thing: when you prefer
something to happen, you often act like you prefer it to happen.

(More...)

The Australian government wants to avoid the Great Barrier Reef being listed as ‘in danger’ at all costs

Sun, 27 Jun 2021 07:09:57 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/jun/22/the-government-wants-to-avoid-an-in-danger-listing-for-the-great-barrier-reef-at-all-costs>

"This year is the 40th anniversary of the Great Barrier Reef being on the world
heritage list. It should be a time to celebrate. Yet Unesco has released a
draft report recommending the reef be put on a list of world heritage sites

(More...)

Legal experts worldwide draw up ‘historic’ definition of ecocide

Sun, 27 Jun 2021 07:10:41 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/jun/22/legal-experts-worldwide-draw-up-historic-definition-of-ecocide>

"Legal experts from across the globe have drawn up a “historic” definition of
ecocide, intended to be adopted by the international criminal court to
prosecute the most egregious offences against the environment.

(More...)

Novel technologies could reduce agriculture emissions by 70%

Mon, 28 Jun 2021 05:26:14 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.zmescience.com/science/novel-technologies-could-reduce-agriculture-emissions-by-70/>

"A combination of innovations in digital agriculture, crop and microbial
genetics, and electrification could bring down emissions from agriculture by up
to 70% in the next 15 years, according to a new study. It’s a win-win situation

(More...)

An Illustrated Book of Loaded Language

Mon, 28 Jun 2021 05:27:25 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://bookofbadarguments.com/loaded-language/

“In this adorably illustrated book, old Mr. Rabbit is your guide to loaded
language. He mines real reporting (by respected and rogue media alike) to
unmask rhetoric that shifts blame, erases responsibility, dog-whistles, plays

(More...)

The Senate has voted to reject critical race theory from the national curriculum. What is it, and why does it matter?

Mon, 28 Jun 2021 05:29:40 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://theconversation.com/the-senate-has-voted-to-reject-critical-race-theory-from-the-national-curriculum-what-is-it-and-why-does-it-matter-163102>

"Critical race theory is an academic framework that is not part of the
Australian curriculum. Learning how, for example, First Nations Australians
experienced colonisation is expanding knowledge and understanding about our

(More...)

Net zero by 2050? Even if Scott Morrison gets the Nationals on board, hold the applause

Mon, 28 Jun 2021 05:30:23 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://theconversation.com/net-zero-by-2050-even-if-scott-morrison-gets-the-nationals-on-board-hold-the-applause-163074>

"Resurrected Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce is back in the saddle, facing
backwards. His determination to prevent the Morrison government from adopting a
target of net-zero greenhouse emissions by 2050 will again delay the renovation

(More...)

Australian government was ‘blindsided’ by UN recommendation to list Great Barrier Reef as in-danger. But it’s no great surprise

Tue, 29 Jun 2021 05:36:45 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://theconversation.com/australian-government-was-blindsided-by-un-recommendation-to-list-great-barrier-reef-as-in-danger-but-its-no-great-surprise-163159>

"The Australian government on Tuesday expressed shock at a draft decision to
list the Great Barrier Reef as “in danger”. But the recommendation has been
looming for some time.

(More...)

The Scandinavian way to zero-carbon construction

Tue, 29 Jun 2021 05:38:36 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20210622-the-scandinavian-way-to-zero-carbon-construction>

'Quiet, clean and green are not words you would typically use to describe a
construction site. But the site at Olav Vs gate, one of the busiest streets in
the heart of Norway's capital city, Oslo, was special. In a first of its kind

(More...)

What if American Democracy Fails the Climate Crisis?

Tue, 29 Jun 2021 05:39:42 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/22/magazine/ezra-klein-climate-crisis.html>

"Of late, I’ve been obsessing over a single question: What if political
systems, in the United States and internationally, fail to curb climate change?

(More...)

Sixteen EU countries denounce Hungary's new anti-LGBT law

Wed, 30 Jun 2021 06:07:13 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.euronews.com/2021/06/22/thirteen-eu-countries-denounce-hungary-s-new-anti-lgbt-law>

'Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg led the charge against Hungary's
anti-LGBT law on Tuesday as European affairs ministers from the 27 EU countries
met to discuss the rule of law.

(More...)

The government’s idea of ‘national environment standards’ would entrench Australia’s global pariah status

Wed, 30 Jun 2021 06:07:57 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://theconversation.com/the-governments-idea-of-national-environment-standards-would-entrench-australias-global-pariah-status-163082>

"A growing global push to halt biodiversity decline, most recently agreed at
the G7 on Sunday, leaves Australia out in the cold as the federal government
walks away from critical reforms needed to protect threatened species.

(More...)

This techno-loving grandpa has turned the streets of Berlin into his dance floor

Wed, 30 Jun 2021 06:09:19 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://twitter.com/dwnews/status/1407806165598105602

"This techno-loving grandpa has turned the streets of Berlin into his dance
floor, showing off his moves on social media while waiting for clubs to
reopen."

(More...)

The Tom Cruise deepfake that set off 'terror' in the heart of Washington DC

Wed, 30 Jun 2021 06:11:13 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-06-24/tom-cruise-deepfake-chris-ume-security-washington-dc/100234772>

"Deepfakes are Artificial Intelligence-generated videos which can make people
appear to do and say things they never did.

(More...)

50 Years of Text Games

Thu, 1 Jul 2021 05:26:16 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://if50.substack.com/p/introduction

"The earliest version of The Oregon Trail—made long before the green-tinged
ports known by subsequent generations from their school computer labs—was first
played by students in a Minnesota classroom on December 3, 1971. It's now 2021,

(More...)

‘Most of Australia’s literary heritage is out of print’: the fight to rescue a nation’s lost books

Thu, 1 Jul 2021 05:27:10 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.theguardian.com/books/2021/jun/24/most-of-australias-literary-heritage-is-out-of-print-the-fight-to-rescue-a-nations-lost-books>

"Consider the life cycle of the average book. It begins with acclaim, if the
author’s very lucky. Readings and publisher parties. General hobnobbing.
Canapés are often involved. There are whispers of a film adaptation starring

(More...)

Politicians criticising women for ‘outsourcing’ parenting need a reality check. Here it is

Thu, 1 Jul 2021 05:28:13 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://theconversation.com/politicians-criticising-women-for-outsourcing-parenting-need-a-reality-check-here-it-is-163357>

"During a heated exchange in a Coalition party room meeting about childcare
subsidies, a male MP stated working women are “outsourcing parenting”.

(More...)

Bolsonaro should be tried for crimes against humanity, Indigenous leaders say

Thu, 1 Jul 2021 05:29:34 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/bolsonaro-should-be-tried-crimes-against-humanity-indigenous-leaders-say-n1272193>

"Bolsonaro’s rampant deforestation of the Amazon, and the threat posed by
climate change, have prompted world leaders like Pope Francis and French
President Emmanuel Macron to support a campaign for a new international crime

(More...)

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