Glass Wings Blog: August 2025

<https://theconversation.com/progress-on-closing-the-gap-is-stagnant-or-going-backwards-here-are-3-things-to-help-fix-it-262042>

"The Productivity Commission’s latest data on Closing the Gap progress
represents an unsurprisingly grim overview of the socioeconomic inequalities
experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Every Scientific Empire Comes to an End

Fri, 1 Aug 2025 12:45:50 +1000

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

https://archive.md/YYrav

"Roald Sagdeev has already watched one scientific empire rot from the inside.
When Sagdeev began his career, in 1955, science in the Soviet Union was nearing
its apex. At the Kurchatov Institute in Moscow, he studied the thermonuclear

How migrant business owners turn their identity into an asset, despite some bumps along the way

Fri, 1 Aug 2025 12:46:41 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/how-migrant-business-owners-turn-their-identity-into-an-asset-despite-some-bumps-along-the-way-261948>

"Too often, it’s anti-immigration sentiment dominating headlines in Australia.
But a quieter story is going untold. Migrants are not just fitting into
Australian society, they’re actively reshaping it through entrepreneurship.

"The Man from Hong Kong" at 50: how the first ever Australian–Hong Kong co-production became a cult classic

Fri, 1 Aug 2025 12:49:15 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/the-man-from-hong-kong-at-50-how-the-first-ever-australian-hong-kong-co-production-became-a-cult-classic-260306>

"A cinematic firecracker of a film exploded onto international screens 50 years
ago this week, blending martial arts mayhem, Bond-esque set pieces, casual
racism – and a distinctly Australian swagger.

Bright Green Futures Ep. 35: Hopepunk and Horror [IF THIS GOES ON (DON'T PANIC)]

Fri, 1 Aug 2025 12:50:33 +1000

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

<https://brightgreenfutures.substack.com/p/ep-35-hopepunk-and-horror-if-this>

"Today I’m cross-posting an episode from If This Goes On (Don’t Panic), a
podcast about hope and resistance in Science Fiction and Fantasy, where I was a
guest along with Maurice Broaddus, and we had the most amazing discussion about

Espionage cost Australia $12.5 billion in 2023-24, ASIO boss Mike Burgess says

Fri, 1 Aug 2025 12:51:24 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/espionage-cost-australia-12-5-billion-in-2023-24-asio-boss-mike-burgess-says-262349>

"Espionage cost Australia $12.5 billion in 2023-24, according to a study by
ASIO and the Australian Institute of Criminology.

Hong Kong democracy campaigner accuses UK police of asking her to ‘self-censor’

Fri, 1 Aug 2025 19:25:54 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jul/31/hong-kong-democracy-campaigner-accuses-uk-police-of-asking-her-self-censor>

"A former Hong Kong politician and prominent democracy campaigner has accused
British police of asking her to “self-censor” and “retreat from public life”
after officers asked her to agree to avoid public gatherings.

Friday essay: libertarian tech titan Peter Thiel helped make JD Vance. The Republican kingmaker’s influence is growing

Fri, 1 Aug 2025 19:27:16 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/friday-essay-libertarian-tech-titan-peter-thiel-helped-make-jd-vance-the-republican-kingmakers-influence-is-growing-261856>

"The money is easy to trace. Scroll back through tech entrepreneur Peter
Thiel’s political donations and you’ll soon hit US$15 million worth of
transfers sent to Protect Ohio Values, JD Vance’s campaign fund. The donations,

I Saved a PNG Image To A Bird

Fri, 1 Aug 2025 19:28:00 +1000

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hCQCP-5g5bo

"I got a bit concerningly obsessed with birds for a few months."

You can't fight enshittification

Fri, 1 Aug 2025 19:29:32 +1000

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

<https://pluralistic.net/2025/07/31/unsatisfying-answers/#systemic-problems>

"I need to tell you something unsatisfying: your personal consumption choices
will not make a meaningful difference to the amount of enshittification you
experience in your life.

Industrial-scale deepfake abuse caused a crisis in South Korean schools. Here’s how Australia can avoid the same fate

Fri, 1 Aug 2025 19:32:20 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/industrial-scale-deepfake-abuse-caused-a-crisis-in-south-korean-schools-heres-how-australia-can-avoid-the-same-fate-262322>

"Australian schools are seeing a growing number of incidents in which students
have created deepfake sexualised imagery of their classmates. The eSafety
Commissioner has urged schools to monitor the situation.

CSIRO posts AI-fake climate article with made-up quotes

Fri, 1 Aug 2025 19:33:41 +1000

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

<https://pivot-to-ai.com/2025/07/30/csiro-posts-ai-fake-climate-article-with-made-up-quotes/>

"Cosmos is — or was — a popular science magazine published by the CSIRO,
Australia’s national science agency.

Homeless people at Sydney’s Central station have belongings removed with advocates condemning ‘heavy-handed’ tactics

Sat, 2 Aug 2025 03:11:19 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/jul/31/homeless-central-station-sydney-belongings-removed>

"Kylie Emery returned from a shower on Thursday morning to find her shopping
trolley full of belongings was gone. It contained everything she has to her
name: a sleeping bag, warm clothes, her credit card.

Everyone Hates Trust & Safety. Everyone Needs Trust & Safety. This Is A Problem.

Sat, 2 Aug 2025 03:13:22 +1000

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

<https://www.techdirt.com/2025/07/31/everyone-hates-trust-safety-everyone-needs-trust-safety-this-is-a-problem/>

"Here’s the contradiction at the heart of the internet: everyone complains
about content moderation, but no one wants to use an unmoderated platform.
Everyone thinks trust & safety professionals are either censorial scolds or

US government may be abandoning the global climate fight, but new leaders are filling the void – including China

Sat, 2 Aug 2025 03:14:03 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/us-government-may-be-abandoning-the-global-climate-fight-but-new-leaders-are-filling-the-void-including-china-251786>

"When President Donald Trump announced in early 2025 that he was withdrawing
the U.S. from the Paris climate agreement for the second time, it triggered
fears that the move would undermine global efforts to slow climate change and

Judge Pulls Opinion Full Of AI-Style Hallucinations, But No One Is Willing To Say It Was Written By AI

Sat, 2 Aug 2025 03:15:03 +1000

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

<https://www.techdirt.com/2025/07/31/judge-pulls-opinion-full-of-ai-style-hallucinations-but-no-one-is-willing-to-say-it-was-written-by-ai/>

"Let’s say you’re a federal judge, and you need to write an opinion about a
securities case. You could do it the time-tested old-fashioned way: read the
briefings, read the relevant caselaw, check your quotes, make sure you’ve got

The African activists who challenged colonial-era slavery in Lagos and the Gold Coast

Sat, 2 Aug 2025 03:16:19 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/the-african-activists-who-challenged-colonial-era-slavery-in-lagos-and-the-gold-coast-261089>

"When historians and the public think about the end of domestic slavery in west
Africa, they often imagine colonial governors issuing decrees and missionaries
working to end local traffic in enslaved people.

ICE, Georgia Sheriff’s Office Combine Forces To Keep A Salvadoran Journalist Locked Up Indefinitely

Sat, 2 Aug 2025 03:17:51 +1000

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

<https://www.techdirt.com/2025/07/31/ice-georgia-sheriffs-office-combine-forces-to-keep-a-salvadoran-journalist-locked-up-indefinitely/>

"This too will be swept away by this administration’s steady stream of
injustices, but it’s still worth highlighting before it’s buried by even worse
news later.

Rockabye baby: the ‘love songs’ of lonely leopard seals resemble human nursery rhymes

Sat, 2 Aug 2025 12:40:04 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/rockabye-baby-the-love-songs-of-lonely-leopard-seals-resemble-human-nursery-rhymes-262113>

"Late in the evening, the Antarctic sky flushes pink. The male leopard seal
wakes and slips from the ice into the water. There, he’ll spend the night
singing underwater amongst the floating ice floes.

Credit Card Companies Fielding A Ton Of Complaints Over NSFW Games Disappearing On Platforms

Sat, 2 Aug 2025 12:42:15 +1000

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

<https://www.techdirt.com/2025/07/31/credit-card-companies-fielding-a-ton-of-complaints-over-nsfw-games-disappearing-on-platforms/>

"A week or so ago, Karl Bode wrote about Vice Media’s idiotic decision to
disappear several articles that had been written by its Waypoint property
concerning Collective Shout. Collective Shout is an Australian group that

Library Startup Briet Wants to Revolutionize E-Book Sales, Not Licensing

Sat, 2 Aug 2025 12:45:43 +1000

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

<https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/libraries/article/98310-library-startup-briet-wants-to-revolutionize-e-book-sales-not-licensing.html>

"With publishers and libraries at odds over e-book licensing’s long-term
expense, hold times, and ethical concerns, a new platform called Briet is
pursuing an open-access approach. Briet invites publishers to sell their

Senate launches inquiry into who is funding fake astroturf anti-renewables groups

Sat, 2 Aug 2025 12:46:35 +1000

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

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/senate-launches-inquiry-into-who-is-funding-fake-astroturf-anti-renewables-groups/>

"Australians have a right to know who is funding anti-climate campaigns and, if
a new Senate inquiry can uncover those money trails, the findings could be
shocking, says the Smart Energy Council’s Tim Lamacraft.

The heartbreak of watching a parent fall for fraud: ‘Dad, this is a scam – have you given her money?’

Sat, 2 Aug 2025 12:49:07 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/jul/28/the-heartbreak-of-watching-a-parent-fall-for-dad-this-is-a-scam-have-you-given-her-money>

"Bomba wasn’t the first, but she exploded in our lives like a digital grenade.
She’s not real, I told my dad – then in his early 70s. I was in Australia at
this time, where I’ve lived for the last 13 years. Physically speaking, he was

AGL commits to new giant 2,000 MWh battery after big fall in battery prices

Sat, 2 Aug 2025 12:49:51 +1000

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

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/agl-commits-to-new-giant-2000-mwh-battery-after-big-fall-in-battery-prices/>

"Australia’s biggest coal generation company has committed to another giant
battery project, this time on land adjacent to the huge Tomago aluminium
smelter, the biggest single consumer of electricity in New South Wales.

Going to waste: two years after REDcycle’s collapse, Australia’s soft plastics are hitting the environment hard

Sat, 2 Aug 2025 19:15:17 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/aug/02/going-to-waste-two-years-after-redcycles-collapse-australias-soft-plastics-are-hitting-the-environment-hard>

"Two years on from REDcycle’s collapse, 94% of Australia’s soft plastics are
still headed for landfill. Collection has restarted at supermarkets, and 42
warehouses of plastics have been cleared, but experts say the packaging

Australia’s real economic challenge isn’t welfare dependency — it’s inequality

Sat, 2 Aug 2025 19:16:22 +1000

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

<https://independentaustralia.net/politics/politics-display/australias-real-economic-challenge-isnt-welfare-dependency--its-inequality,20003>

"NEXT MONTH, LEADERS from business, unions, civil society and government will
gather to tackle Australia’s economic future at the Economic Reform Roundtable.
The stated goal is to identify how to improve living standards for Australians.

Joyce and Canavan call for new coal plants to replace renewable energy projects

Sat, 2 Aug 2025 19:18:23 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/aug/02/joyce-and-canavan-call-for-new-coal-plants-to-replace-renewable-energy-projects>

"Barnaby Joyce and other leading opponents of net zero by 2050 want Australia
to build new coal-fired power plants, focus on gas and nuclear energy and
abandon all efforts to cut carbon emissions.

German restaurants are deleting bad reviews!

Sat, 2 Aug 2025 19:19:12 +1000

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6bM_pXQg7e8

"A law that was supposed to protect consumers against false advertising is
instead being used by German businesses to artificially boost their online
ratings by intimidating reviewers with the threat of legal action. Here's a

‘That idiot Putin wants to take it all’: Russia’s kamikaze tactics fuel a slow advance in Ukraine

Sat, 2 Aug 2025 19:20:08 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/news/ng-interactive/2025/jul/27/that-idiot-putin-wants-to-take-it-all-russias-kamikaze-tactics-fuel-a-slow-advance-in-ukraine>

"It was last year when Valentyn Velykyi noticed Russia’s war with Ukraine was
getting closer. In early summer, it arrived on his doorstep. “You could hear
explosions day and night. Recently missiles started flying over my house.

He Was Asked About His Tattoos And A TikTok Video In Court. Five Days Later, He Was In A Salvadoran Prison.

Sat, 2 Aug 2025 19:21:15 +1000

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

<https://www.techdirt.com/2025/08/01/he-was-asked-about-his-tattoos-and-a-tiktok-video-in-court-five-days-later-he-was-in-a-salvadoran-prison/>

"In the early days of President Donald Trump’s second term, I spent a few weeks
observing Chicago’s immigration court to get a sense of how things were
changing. One afternoon in March, the case of a 27-year-old Venezuelan

Dropped cases against LA protesters reveal false claims from federal agents

Sun, 3 Aug 2025 03:54:46 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jul/28/doj-la-protesters-false-claims>

"US immigration officers made false and misleading statements in their reports
about several Los Angeles protesters they arrested during the massive
demonstrations that rocked the city in June, according to federal law

LinkedIn Joins The Parade Of Cowards: Quietly Strips Anti-Trans Protections To Appease MAGA Mob

Sun, 3 Aug 2025 03:56:07 +1000

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

<https://www.techdirt.com/2025/08/01/linkedin-joins-the-parade-of-cowards-quietly-strips-anti-trans-protections-to-appease-maga-mob/>

"Microsoft-owned LinkedIn has quietly joined the parade of tech giants rolling
back basic protections for transgender users, removing explicit prohibitions
against deadnaming and misgendering from its hate speech policies this week.

Victorians could soon have the right to work from home two days a week under Australian-first laws

Sun, 3 Aug 2025 03:57:32 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/aug/02/victoria-work-from-home-two-days-a-week-law-jacinta-allan-labor-party-state-conference>

"Victorians could soon have a legal right to work from home two days a week,
under proposed Australian-first laws to be introduced to parliament by the
state Labor government in 2026.

Striding Into the Future on Solar Sidewalks

Sun, 3 Aug 2025 04:00:38 +1000

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

<https://reasonstobecheerful.world/striding-into-the-future-on-solar-powered-sidewalks/>

"Kamloops, British Columbia, is a radiant place, receiving over 3,100 hours of
sunshine a year. So it’s no wonder that in 2016, Thompson Rivers University
(TRU) decided to harness all that luminescence and convert it to electricity.

‘Everybody was fondling underwater!’: the Rocky Horror Picture Show at 50 – an oral history

Sun, 3 Aug 2025 04:02:23 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/jul/31/the-rocky-horror-picture-show-at-50-an-oral-history>

"The Rocky Horror Picture Show was released in cinemas in late 1975 with
little fanfare, but the provocative musical, with its campy parody of sci-fi
and horror B-movies, fabulous costumes and rollicking songs, dug its glittering

Google backs Italian long duration CO₂ energy storage technology

Sun, 3 Aug 2025 04:04:05 +1000

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

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/google-backs-italian-long-duration-co2-energy-storage-technology/>

"Italian long-duration energy storage company Energy Dome, which has developed
a storage technology that uses CO₂ to store electricity, has landed an
important new backer, with global tech giant Google committing to invest in the

‘Self-termination is most likely’: the history and future of societal collapse

Sun, 3 Aug 2025 12:48:41 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/aug/02/self-termination-history-and-future-of-societal-collapse>

"“We can’t put a date on Doomsday, but by looking at the 5,000 years of
[civilisation], we can understand the trajectories we face today – and
self-termination is most likely,” says Dr Luke Kemp at the Centre for the Study

What Happens When You Give Teens No-Strings Cash?

Sun, 3 Aug 2025 12:49:38 +1000

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

https://reasonstobecheerful.world/50-dollar-study-teens-new-orleans/

"Kapri Clark used the $50 to help pay for her braces. Lyrik Grant saved half of
it, and used the rest for dance classes. Kevin Jackson said he squandered the
cash, on wings, ride shares for dates and some DJ equipment he later tossed.

Pink City Rickshaw Puts Women in the Driver’s Seat

Sun, 3 Aug 2025 12:51:42 +1000

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

https://reasonstobecheerful.world/pink-city-rickshaw-women-drivers/

"Every morning, 33-year-old Poonam Devi sends her teenage daughters off to
school in Jaipur, exchanges her sari for her uniform of salwar kameez, a more
practical outfit consisting of a long shirt with baggy pants, and begins her

Century-old water tower in Wodonga transformed into unique bookshop

Sun, 3 Aug 2025 12:52:47 +1000

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

<https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-03/bookshop-in-water-tower-unique-australian-buildings-century-old/105566554>

'With its towering, cylindrical form and circular internal shelves, booklovers
who enter regional Victoria's newest bookshop have to be willing to fossick for
titles in a confined space.

As China Disappears People and Histories, An Artist Fights Back

Sun, 3 Aug 2025 12:54:20 +1000

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

https://lucid.substack.com/p/as-china-disappears-people-and-histories

'Authoritarian states often silence critics of their policies by jailing them
or forcing them into exile. Yet they also aim to create a unified narrative
about the nation's history, and any past event that threatens the established

Teeny Tiny Trackers Take to the Water

Sun, 3 Aug 2025 12:55:24 +1000

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

https://www.biographic.com/teeny-tiny-trackers-take-to-the-water/

"For biologists around the world, the invention of small, portable acoustic,
radio, and satellite tracking tags has revolutionized their understanding of
where animals go and how they live. But limitations in the technology mean

Plastic with a past: traceable pots made from reclaimed fishing nets

Sun, 3 Aug 2025 19:19:52 +1000

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

<https://www.positive.news/society/plastic-with-a-past-traceable-pots-made-from-reclaimed-fishing-nets/>

"A Scottish startup wants to turn the tide on ghost gear by crafting striking
geometric plant pots from plastic recovered from discarded fishing nets.

Tat’s enough: the No Crap Parties movement

Sun, 3 Aug 2025 19:21:25 +1000

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

<https://www.positive.news/society/tats-enough-the-no-crap-parties-movement/>

"The balloons! The games! The sugar high! The table groaning with panic-bought
presents. And of course, the party bag full of plastic doo-dahs, all destined
to end up in landfill. Just what we always wanted … said no parent ever.

Engineer Fixes and Installs Free Pay Phones in Parts of Rural Vermont Without Cell Service

Sun, 3 Aug 2025 19:23:18 +1000

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

https://mymodernmet.com/randtel-free-payphones-vermont/

"According to Pew Research Center, 98% of Americans own a mobile phone. Despite
how common they are, cell service can be spotty—or even nonexistent—in many
areas, such as long stretches of rural Vermont. Patrick Schlott, an electrical

Push to unplug: the smartphone that helps people avoid digital overload

Sun, 3 Aug 2025 19:24:05 +1000

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

<https://www.positive.news/society/push-to-unplug-the-smartphone-that-helps-people-avoid-digital-overload/>

"When mobile phones first hit the mainstream in the mid-1990s, they all had one
thing in common: buttons. There were buttons to help you ploddingly compose a
text, buttons to help you navigate menus, and buttons to direct a hungry snake

The community health workers protecting pregnant women from dangerous heat in Delhi

Mon, 4 Aug 2025 11:13:01 +1000

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

<https://www.bbc.co.uk/future/article/20250728-health-workers-protecting-pregnant-women-from-dangerous-heat-in-delhi-india>

'On a scorching June morning, when temperatures hit 43.9C (111F) in Delhi, Baby
Kumari fainted, while rushing to a routine check-up at the nearby health
centre. Pregnant with her fifth child and struggling to cope with Delhi's

Habitats Volume 2 (Optimistic Science Fiction & Fantasy)

Mon, 4 Aug 2025 11:14:23 +1000

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

<https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/samuelaweeks/habitats-volume-2-optimistic-science-fiction-and-fantasy/>

"Habitats Volume 2 is the second issue of a brand-new optimistic
science-fiction and fantasy magazine, from new publisher Habitats Press.

Little Green Space

Mon, 4 Aug 2025 11:16:20 +1000

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

https://littlegreenspace.org.uk/

"Little Green Space is an award-winning magazine and project highlighting and
inspiring green living and environmental action.

Record-breaking family newspaper dynasty's 150-year milestone

Mon, 4 Aug 2025 11:21:39 +1000

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

<https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-02/rural-newspaper-the-buloke-times-turns-150/105595032>

'For 150 years, The Buloke Times has rolled off the press in Donald, a small
town of 1,500 in regional Victoria.

EV batteries are fit to run a home or even power the grid – but some car brands say 'no'

Mon, 4 Aug 2025 11:23:13 +1000

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

<https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-04/v2g-vehicle-to-grid-charging-faces-roadblocks/105586552>

'Richard Chapman likes to joke that his claim to fame is being treated to a cup
of tea by James May, one of the trio of presenters on the hit former British
motoring show Top Gear.

Is Australia becoming a more violent country?

Mon, 4 Aug 2025 11:23:51 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/is-australia-becoming-a-more-violent-country-260102>

"Almost every day, it seems we read or hear reports another family is grieving
the murder of a loved one in a street brawl, another business owner is
hospitalised after trying to fend off armed robbers, or shoppers simply going

The huge Harbour Bridge march shows people have had a gutful of seeing starving children in Gaza. Politicians need to catch up

Mon, 4 Aug 2025 19:23:20 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/aug/03/the-huge-harbour-bridge-march-shows-people-have-had-a-gutful-of-seeing-starving-children-in-gaza-politicians-need-to-catch-up>

"The New South Wales premier risks going down in history as the most
conservative premier of the modern era.

As the United Nations lays off staff, can the world still come together to make a difference?

Mon, 4 Aug 2025 19:24:10 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/as-the-united-nations-lays-off-staff-can-the-world-still-come-together-to-make-a-difference-262325>

"With United Nations bodies laying off staff following United States funding
cuts, it’s fair to ask if the multilateral system – where countries work
together towards common goals – is still functioning.

Last resort: when the only option left amid Australia’s housing crisis is a motel

Mon, 4 Aug 2025 19:25:01 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/aug/04/last-resort-when-the-only-option-left-amid-australias-housing-crisis-is-a-motel-ntwnfb>

"Blanche is a lot of things: a mother of eight and a grandmother of 10. A viral
TikToker. A survivor of family and domestic violence. A former drug user, clean
for nearly two years. And she is, for the moment, housed.

Governments are becoming increasingly secretive. Here’s how they can be made to be more transparent

Mon, 4 Aug 2025 19:25:51 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/governments-are-becoming-increasingly-secretive-heres-how-they-can-be-made-to-be-more-transparent-262012>

"Transparency is vital to our democratic system of government.

It promotes good government, spurring those in power into better practice. Even

One giant leap for bettongs released into sanctuary as wildlife conservancy aims to operate on 5% of Australia

Mon, 4 Aug 2025 19:26:31 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/aug/04/one-giant-leap-for-bettongs-released-into-sanctuary-as-wildlife-conservancy-aims-to-operate-on-5-of-australia>

"Like a ball of fur mounted on a spring, they leapt into the crisp night air
and on to a landscape of acacia scrub where they hadn’t roamed free for maybe a
100 years or more.

Marine climate interventions can have unintended consequences – we need to manage the risks

Mon, 4 Aug 2025 19:27:18 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/marine-climate-interventions-can-have-unintended-consequences-we-need-to-manage-the-risks-262343>

"The world’s oceans are being rapidly transformed as climate change
intensifies. Corals are bleaching, sea levels are rising, and seawater is
becoming more acidic – making life difficult for shellfish and reef-building

These brothers grew up revering their great-uncle Bill. Then the full story came out

Tue, 5 Aug 2025 03:31:21 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/aug/04/family-nt-police-constable-bill-mckinnon-history-ntwnfb>

"Malcolm McKinnon remembers poking around under Great-Uncle Bill’s big old
house in Brisbane while the adults were having afternoon tea. Once he found a
pile of rusty old chains. Some had big loops, one was a breastplate of some

‘Go woke, go broke’ is no longer true. Socially aware capitalism is the future of corporate responsibility

Tue, 5 Aug 2025 03:34:52 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/go-woke-go-broke-is-no-longer-true-socially-aware-capitalism-is-the-future-of-corporate-responsibility-261091>

"The phrase “go woke, go broke” is often used by critics of corporate social
responsibility. It implies that companies face a binary choice: embrace
progressive values or pursue profit.

Fracking failures hidden amid claims gas companies being “given free rein” in Top End

Tue, 5 Aug 2025 03:36:07 +1000

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

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/fracking-failures-hidden-amid-claims-gas-companies-being-given-free-rein-in-top-end/>

"The Northern Territory government attempted to cover up a fracking company’s
failure to comply with its environmental management plan when drilling between
two underground aquifers, an environmental group says.

Economists want a carbon price comeback – but does Australia have the political courage?

Tue, 5 Aug 2025 03:36:54 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/economists-want-a-carbon-price-comeback-but-does-australia-have-the-political-courage-262127>

"Bold economic ideas are flowing ahead of this month’s roundtable convened by
the Albanese government, aimed at boosting Australia’s productivity and
economy, and repairing the budget. Among the biggest ideas to emerge is: should

Climate group files complaint against advert claiming NSW coal is “needed for energy security”

Tue, 5 Aug 2025 03:38:08 +1000

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

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/climate-group-files-complaint-against-advert-claiming-nsw-coal-is-needed-for-energy-security/>

"New South Wales Mining has come under fire for running an ad on its website
which claims that the state’s “high quality” coal is “needed for energy
security” – and “needed for many years to come.”

Researchers watched 150 episodes of Bluey – they found it can teach kids about resilience for real life

Tue, 5 Aug 2025 03:39:00 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/researchers-watched-150-episodes-of-bluey-they-found-it-can-teach-kids-about-resilience-for-real-life-262202>

"She’s six years old, lives in Brisbane and might just be one of the best
resilience coaches on television.

No net zero, no billions for the bush

Tue, 5 Aug 2025 13:45:45 +1000

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

https://reneweconomy.com.au/no-net-zero-no-billions-for-the-bush/

"The Coalition, led by some Nationals members, is again at war with itself over
net zero.

Why do I feel so emotional when I listen to music from my teenage years?

Tue, 5 Aug 2025 13:46:24 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/why-do-i-feel-so-emotional-when-i-listen-to-music-from-my-teenage-years-260819>

"Deep in your memory, your brain has created a playlist of music from your
teenage years. Even though life has moved on, hearing that music now likely
still brings up some really powerful emotions.

UK academics studying topics sensitive to China face harassment, survey finds

Tue, 5 Aug 2025 13:47:03 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/education/2025/aug/04/uk-academics-studying-topics-sensitive-to-china-face-harassment-survey-finds>

"Academics and students of Chinese studies in Britain are being subject to
harassment, surveillance and pressure to self-censor as they seek to avoid
disruption to funding, a survey of universities by a transparency group has

An ancient culture of another sort visits Garma

Tue, 5 Aug 2025 13:47:54 +1000

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

<https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-05/first-nations-americans-dance-at-garma/105606674>

"Flying from across the ocean, feathered regalia meets an ochre-smeared
bunggul."

We need a revolution in environmental communications (commentary)

Tue, 5 Aug 2025 13:48:36 +1000

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

<https://news.mongabay.com/2025/08/we-need-a-revolution-in-environmental-communications-commentary/>

"A recent study in the US, UK, and Australia showed that referring to the terms
“climate change” or “global warming” did not affect whether people accepted
what the science tells us—that the world’s climate is changing. But it showed

Church leaders call for release of Episcopal priest’s daughter who was detained by ICE

Tue, 5 Aug 2025 13:49:44 +1000

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

<https://episcopalnewsservice.org/2025/08/04/church-leaders-call-for-release-of-episcopal-priests-daughter-who-was-detained-by-ice/>

"The Diocese of New York is calling for prayers and sharing news stories,
statements and advocacy efforts on social media in response to the arrest and
detainment of the 20-year-old daughter of an Episcopal priest, who is from

5 ingenious things trees do that human designers can learn from

Tue, 5 Aug 2025 22:53:32 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/5-ingenious-things-trees-do-that-human-designers-can-learn-from-252735>

"Tasmania’s mountain ash (Eucalyptus regnans) is the world’s tallest
flowering plant. It can grow 100 metres tall and live for more than 600 years.

Substack’s Algorithm Accidentally Reveals What We Already Knew: It’s The Nazi Bar Now

Tue, 5 Aug 2025 22:55:10 +1000

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

<https://www.techdirt.com/2025/08/04/substacks-algorithm-accidentally-reveals-what-we-already-knew-its-the-nazi-bar-now/>

"Back in April 2023, when Substack CEO Chris Best refused to answer basic
questions about whether his platform would allow racist content, I noted that
his evasiveness was essentially hanging out a “Nazis Welcome” sign. By

World Athletics’ mandatory genetic test for women athletes is misguided. I should know – I discovered the relevant gene in 1990

Tue, 5 Aug 2025 22:56:13 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/world-athletics-mandatory-genetic-test-for-women-athletes-is-misguided-i-should-know-i-discovered-the-relevant-gene-in-1990-262367>

"World Athletics president Sebastian Coe recently announced a new rule for
women athletes, requiring mandatory genetic tests to verify their biological
sex.

Now That They’re Free

Tue, 5 Aug 2025 22:57:15 +1000

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

https://www.propublica.org/article/venezuelan-men-cecot-interviews-trump

"Venezuelan men deported by the Trump administration say they endured months of
physical and mental abuse inside a Salvadoran prison. Though happy to be home,
they say the fact that they were released is proof of how senseless their

Drones, disinformation and guns-for-hire are reshaping conflict in Africa: new book tracks the trends

Tue, 5 Aug 2025 22:58:03 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/drones-disinformation-and-guns-for-hire-are-reshaping-conflict-in-africa-new-book-tracks-the-trends-262256>

"Alessandro Arduino has researched Africa’s security affairs with a particular
focus on the use of private military companies and other guns-for-hire across
the continent. In his latest book, Money for Mayhem, Arduino examines how

Didn’t Take Long To Reveal The UK’s Online Safety Act Is Exactly The Privacy-Crushing Failure Everyone Warned About

Tue, 5 Aug 2025 22:59:25 +1000

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

<https://www.techdirt.com/2025/08/04/didnt-take-long-to-reveal-the-uks-online-safety-act-is-exactly-the-privacy-crushing-failure-everyone-warned-about/>

"Well, well, well. The “age assurance” part of the UK’s Online Safety Act has
finally gone into effect, with its age checking requirements kicking in a week
and a half ago. And what do you know? It’s turned out to be exactly the

White House Orders NASA to Destroy Important Satellite

Wed, 6 Aug 2025 04:05:48 +1000

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

<https://futurism.com/white-house-orders-nasa-destroy-important-satellite>

'The White House has instructed NASA employees to terminate two major, climate
change-focused satellite missions.

New Trump tariffs: early modelling shows most economies lose – the US more than many

Wed, 6 Aug 2025 04:06:34 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/new-trump-tariffs-early-modelling-shows-most-economies-lose-the-us-more-than-many-262491>

"The global rollercoaster ride of United States trade tariffs has now entered
its latest phase.

‘A bellwether of change’: speed of glacier shrinking on remote Heard Island sounds alarm

Wed, 6 Aug 2025 04:07:45 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/aug/05/glacier-shrinking-australia-remote-heard-island-sounds-alarm>

"Glaciers on a remote Australian subantarctic island are shrinking rapidly,
losing almost a quarter of their size in just 70 years, with researchers
fearing glaciers on a neighbouring peninsula may have already disappeared.

Why Australia’s biggest coal state is so excited about having the world’s most powerful battery

Wed, 6 Aug 2025 04:09:06 +1000

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

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/why-australias-biggest-coal-state-is-so-excited-about-having-the-worlds-most-powerful-battery/>

"The state of NSW, at least those parts thinking about the transition from coal
to renewables, is in a state of excitement. It now plays host to the world’s
most powerful battery, which has been partially commissioned, and is rolling

Tesla withheld data, lied, and misdirected police and plaintiffs to avoid blame in Autopilot crash

Wed, 6 Aug 2025 04:10:03 +1000

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

<https://electrek.co/2025/08/04/tesla-withheld-data-lied-misdirected-police-plaintiffs-avoid-blame-autopilot-crash/>

"Tesla was caught withholding data, lying about it, and misdirecting
authorities in the wrongful death case involving Autopilot that it lost this
week.

Afghanistan: Relentless Repression 4 Years into Taliban Rule

Wed, 6 Aug 2025 04:11:28 +1000

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

<https://www.hrw.org/news/2025/08/05/afghanistan-relentless-repression-4-years-into-taliban-rule>

"(New York) – The Taliban have deepened their repression since taking over
Afghanistan on August 15, 2021, by intensifying restrictions on the rights of
women and girls, detaining journalists, and silencing all dissent, Human

Decommissioning or decomposing? Oil and gas giants in hot water over retired assets

Wed, 6 Aug 2025 12:24:51 +1000

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

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/decommissioning-or-decomposing-oil-and-gas-giants-in-hot-water-over-retired-assets/>

"Woodside and Santos are in hot water over their plans to clean up old oil and
gas infrastructure as a new lawsuit questions whether there is enough money to
cover remediation work and the regulator has intervened over several safety

The Chinese blessing scam becoming more prominent in Australia as FIFO operators re-emerge

Wed, 6 Aug 2025 12:26:07 +1000

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

<https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-05/blessing-scam-targeting-chinese-women-australia-investigation/105591666>

"It all starts with a simple plea for help, a friendly conversation and a
promise of healing. But behind the emotional theatre lies one of the world's
most enduring street cons — the Chinese blessing scam, and it's operating in

RFK Jr. pulls funding for vaccines being developed to fight respiratory viruses

Wed, 6 Aug 2025 12:29:27 +1000

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

<https://www.pbs.org/newshour/health/rfk-jr-pulls-funding-for-vaccines-being-developed-to-fight-respiratory-viruses>

"WASHINGTON (AP) — The Department of Health and Human Services will cancel
contracts and pull funding for some vaccines that are being developed to fight
respiratory viruses like COVID-19 and the flu.

Why do some clothes shrink in the wash? A textile scientist explains how to ‘unshrink’ them

Wed, 6 Aug 2025 12:30:09 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/why-do-some-clothes-shrink-in-the-wash-a-textile-scientist-explains-how-to-unshrink-them-259388>

"When your favourite dress or shirt shrinks in the wash, it can be devastating,
especially if you followed the instructions closely. Unfortunately, some
fabrics just seem to be more prone to shrinking than others – but why?

These students cut air pollution near their schools – by taking aim at their parents’ idling cars

Wed, 6 Aug 2025 12:30:53 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/these-students-cut-air-pollution-near-their-schools-by-taking-aim-at-their-parents-idling-cars-262435>

"At the start and end of every school day, many Australian children head to the
carpark or street to get picked up. While they’re waiting, they will be
breathing in a mix of toxic gases and particle pollution.

Manager? I Hardly Know Her!

Wed, 6 Aug 2025 12:31:51 +1000

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

https://notalwaysright.com/manager-i-hardly-know-her/386013/

"I pop into a local shop yesterday for bread, milk, and a few other bits. It’s
fairly cold, so I’m in my outdoor coat, hat, and gloves, and look nothing like
the sales staff.

World’s biggest coral survey confirms sharp decline in Great Barrier Reef after heatwave

Wed, 6 Aug 2025 19:23:36 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/worlds-biggest-coral-survey-confirms-sharp-decline-in-great-barrier-reef-after-heatwave-260563>

"Official analysis of 124 reefs on the Great Barrier Reef shows coral cover has
dropped sharply after a record-breaking marine heatwave in 2024, prompting
grave fears over the trajectory of the natural wonder.

AWS deleted my 10-year account and all data without warning

Wed, 6 Aug 2025 19:24:16 +1000

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

<https://www.seuros.com/blog/aws-deleted-my-10-year-account-without-warning/>

"On July 23, 2025, AWS deleted my 10-year-old account and every byte of data I
had stored with them. No warning. No grace period. No recovery options. Just
complete digital annihilation.

Queensland teachers are striking. It’s not just about money – they are asking for a profession worth staying in

Wed, 6 Aug 2025 19:24:51 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/queensland-teachers-are-striking-its-not-just-about-money-they-are-asking-for-a-profession-worth-staying-in-262496>

"Queensland’s public school teachers will walk off the job on Wednesday in
their first statewide strike in 16 years.

Australian network engineer tests V2G with his Geely EX5, offers glimpse of the future

Wed, 6 Aug 2025 19:25:43 +1000

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

<https://thedriven.io/2025/08/05/australian-network-engineer-tests-v2g-with-his-geely-ex5-offers-glimpse-of-the-future/>

"An engineer with one of Australia’s biggest regional electricity networks has
started using vehicle-go-grid (V2G) technology at his home, using his own Geely
EX5 electric car, in what could be a landmark moment for the transition to

Could we one day get vaccinated against the gastro bug norovirus? Here’s where scientists are at

Wed, 6 Aug 2025 19:26:32 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/could-we-one-day-get-vaccinated-against-the-gastro-bug-norovirus-heres-where-scientists-are-at-258909>

"Norovirus is the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis outbreaks worldwide.
It’s responsible for roughly one in every five cases of gastro annually.

Researchers unveil method for real-time EV battery state-of-health monitoring

Wed, 6 Aug 2025 19:27:23 +1000

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

<https://thedriven.io/2025/08/05/researchers-unveil-method-for-real-time-ev-battery-state-of-health-monitoring/>

"German research organisation Fraunhofer has unveiled an innovative new method
of measuring in real time the state of health of electric vehicle (EV)
batteries, a development that could enable optimised battery management as well

The forgotten adventurer who kayaked 50,000km around the world

Thu, 7 Aug 2025 03:45:21 +1000

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

<https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-06/oskar-speck-world-wars-kayak-gemany-australia-loveday-/105558846>

"When German Oskar Speck came ashore on tiny Saibai Island in the Torres
Strait, he was greeted by three Australian policemen and the cold shock of
arrest.

Thousands of games have been censored from major platforms, with LGBTQIA+ creators caught in the crossfire

Thu, 7 Aug 2025 03:46:28 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/thousands-of-games-have-been-censored-from-major-platforms-with-lgbtqia-creators-caught-in-the-crossfire-262040>

"Online game marketplaces itch.io and Valve’s Steam have recently delisted or
completely removed more than 20,000 titles from their storefronts, after
not-for-profit group Collective Shout pressured payment processors to change

How a Dungeons & Dragons Joke Led to a Best-Selling Romance Novel

Thu, 7 Aug 2025 03:48:16 +1000

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

https://archive.md/KyagC

"A merchant’s sheltered but cheerful daughter, fighting to control a fire
spirit that lives inside her, and a grieving half-orc warrior, who, like many
an orc of his kind, has green skin and tusks, fall madly in love while he

“Ultimate test:” New Zealand solar farm powers through major flood event

Thu, 7 Aug 2025 03:50:19 +1000

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

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/ultimate-test-new-zealand-solar-farm-powers-through-major-flood-event/>

"A New Zealand solar farm has powered almost all the way through a major flood
event, passing what the developers have described as “the ultimate test” of the
project’s design and technology.

Their families fled the Nazis. Facing Trump, US Jews are making Germany ‘Plan B’

Thu, 7 Aug 2025 03:52:01 +1000

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

<https://www.france24.com/en/americas/20250802-families-fled-nazis-facing-trump-us-jews-making-germany-plan-b-citizenship-anti-semitism>

"Joe Sacks, a high school science teacher in Washington, DC, has begun the
process of obtaining German citizenship. He is one of hundreds of Jewish
Americans looking to reclaim German nationality after their families fled the

How an electric van changed our summer holidays forever

Thu, 7 Aug 2025 03:53:08 +1000

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

<https://www.positive.news/society/electric-van-summer-holidays-with-children/>

"For the last five years, my husband and I, and our four kids under six have
travelled entirely by electric van. We’ve holidayed on the isles of Scotland,
the hills of Asturias, and on hot French beaches.

Can Citizen Scientists Avert Australia’s Biodiversity Crisis?

Thu, 7 Aug 2025 11:26:55 +1000

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

<https://reasonstobecheerful.world/australia-invasive-species-bioalerts-inaturalist/>

"In 2023, a Queenslander noticed an interesting clam in the river waters of
Ipswich, a town outside of Brisbane. She took a picture and uploaded it to the
citizen scientist platform iNaturalist.

How the Tulalip Tribes are using a helicopter to restore a salmon river

Thu, 7 Aug 2025 11:28:32 +1000

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

<https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/climate-lab/how-the-tulalip-tribes-are-using-a-helicopter-to-restore-a-salmon-river/>

"PILCHUCK RIVER, Snohomish County — With a thunderous roar, the Chinook
helicopter emerged above the treetops. Four uprooted trees, root wads and all,
dangled from its belly.

Libraries in SA and Victoria among top 10 most beautiful in the world

Thu, 7 Aug 2025 11:30:35 +1000

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

<https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-06/sa-second-most-beautiful-library/105614516>

'South Australia's State Library has claimed second spot on a global ranking of
the most beautiful libraries in the world, with its Victorian counterpart also
booking a spot in the top 10.

Wildfire season is starting weeks earlier in California – a new study shows how climate change is driving the expansion

Thu, 7 Aug 2025 11:31:22 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/wildfire-season-is-starting-weeks-earlier-in-california-a-new-study-shows-how-climate-change-is-driving-the-expansion-262666>

"Fire season is expanding in California, with an earlier start to wildfire
activity in most of the state. In parts of the northern mountains, the season
is now starting more than 10 weeks earlier than it did in the 1990s, a new

Mermaid's Message

Thu, 7 Aug 2025 11:32:39 +1000

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

https://www.davidrevoy.com/article1085/mermaids-message

Via Diane A.

Arsenic in the damper, campers driven off a cliff: the murky historical links of AACo, Australia’s largest beef producer

Thu, 7 Aug 2025 11:40:03 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/aug/07/the-descendants-arsenic-in-the-damper-campers-driven-off-a-cliff-murky-history-beef-producer-aaco-ntwnfb>

"In a bustling Newcastle suburb there is a large park where families gather
under giant fig trees. Few know it is named after a man who killed Aboriginal
people.

Sleepy birds, quiet dawns: how noisy, bright city nights disrupt and change birdsong

Thu, 7 Aug 2025 19:13:54 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/sleepy-birds-quiet-dawns-how-noisy-bright-city-nights-disrupt-and-change-birdsong-261459>

"We’ve all had a bad night’s sleep, with a snoring partner, a crying baby or
neighbours having too much fun. Sleep disturbances are common and have
unpleasant consequences the day after, including feeling unmotivated and

Donald Trump’s war on statistics is an authoritarian attack on democracy and countries like Australia should call it out

Thu, 7 Aug 2025 19:16:10 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/business/grogonomics/2025/aug/07/donald-trumps-war-on-statistics-is-an-authoritarian-attack-on-democracy-and-countries-like-australia-should-call-it-out>

"Whether it be the judicial system, universities, or health organisations,
Donald Trump cannot abide by anything that does not confirm his world view. So
it was not a shock when late last week he came for statistics – or, more

Can music be good company? Research shows it makes our imagination more social

Thu, 7 Aug 2025 19:16:45 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/can-music-be-good-company-research-shows-it-makes-our-imagination-more-social-262348>

"Earlier this year, we asked a group of older adults what music they listened
to when feeling lonely, and why. We discovered music was a powerful coping
mechanism and source of escapism.

Tjanpi Desert Weavers at 30: how 400 Indigenous women in remote Australia took the art world by storm

Thu, 7 Aug 2025 19:18:28 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2025/aug/07/tjanpi-desert-weavers-at-30-indigenous-women-in-remote-australia-take-the-art-world-by-storm>

"It was about seven years ago, in the remote Northern Territory community of
Imanpa, that Pitjantjatjara artist Julie Anderson first tried her hand at the
art of tjanpi (wild harvested grass) weaving.

As Trump lifts sanctions on Myanmar elites, is he eyeing the country’s rare earth reserves?

Thu, 7 Aug 2025 19:19:06 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/as-trump-lifts-sanctions-on-myanmar-elites-is-he-eyeing-the-countrys-rare-earth-reserves-262594>

"The military junta that overthrew Myanmar’s democratically elected government
in 2021 is preparing the ground for national elections in December and January.

Outrage as Spanish town bans Muslim religious festivals from public spaces

Thu, 7 Aug 2025 19:20:32 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/06/spain-local-authority-ban-muslims-public-facilities-religious-celebrations>

"A local authority in south-east Spain has banned Muslims from using public
facilities such as civic centres and gyms to celebrate the religious festivals
Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, and Eid al-Adha.

Tiny homes could help ease the housing crisis, but councils are dragging their feet

Fri, 8 Aug 2025 03:32:38 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/tiny-homes-could-help-ease-the-housing-crisis-but-councils-are-dragging-their-feet-261664>

"Australia’s housing affordability crisis shows no sign of easing. An average
home price now exceeds A$1 million and a recent report found only a handful of
rental properties nationwide are affordable for someone on government benefits.

Australia Completely Loses The Plot, Plans To Ban Kids From Watching YouTube

Fri, 8 Aug 2025 03:34:06 +1000

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

<https://www.techdirt.com/2025/08/06/australia-completely-loses-the-plot-plans-to-ban-kids-from-watching-youtube/>

"Last fall, heavily influenced by Jonathan Haidt’s extremely problematic book,
Australia announced that it was banning social media for everyone under the age
of 16. This was already a horrifically stupid idea—the kind of policy that

Body rolls and headbanging: we found cockatoos have 30 different dance moves

Fri, 8 Aug 2025 03:34:55 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/body-rolls-and-headbanging-we-found-cockatoos-have-30-different-dance-moves-262427>

"Companion cockatoos are renowned for their problem-solving and intriguing
characters. It’s no surprise these large, long-lived and intelligent parrots
are known to display complex behaviour.

Giant off-grid gold mine aims for 90 pct renewables, claims to be first in world to “net zero” emissions

Fri, 8 Aug 2025 03:35:59 +1000

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

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/giant-off-grid-gold-mine-aims-for-90-pct-renewables-claims-to-be-first-in-world-to-net-zero-emissions/>

"One of Australia’s newest gold projects, the off-grid Bellevue gold mine in
Western Australia, says it is aiming to run at up to 90 per cent renewables on
average, and has already achieved substantial periods with no fossil fuelled

Climate-fuelled El Niño events are devastating butterflies, beetles and other tropical insects

Fri, 8 Aug 2025 03:36:51 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/climate-fuelled-el-nino-events-are-devastating-butterflies-beetles-and-other-tropical-insects-262625>

"Insects are arguably the most important animals on the planet. Their variety
is unparalleled in nature, and they carry out vital tasks such as pollinating
plants and providing food for other animals.

‘Bookshelf wealth’ is a TikTok trend, Dua Lipa’s reading Helen Garner. But books have signified taste for centuries

Fri, 8 Aug 2025 03:38:16 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/bookshelf-wealth-is-a-tiktok-trend-dua-lipas-reading-helen-garner-but-books-have-signified-taste-for-centuries-262443>

"Books and bookshelves as interior decoration are a new trend, according to
recent reports. An expert at Etsy, where some sell books by the metre in order
to fill shelves, reports a 19,616% increase in searches for “book-lover decor”

Scores of federally backed community batteries start switching on across three states

Fri, 8 Aug 2025 12:36:28 +1000

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

<https://onestepoffthegrid.com.au/scores-of-federally-backed-community-batteries-start-switching-on-across-three-states/>

"More than 50 new community batteries are being switched on across three states
following the latest flurry of funding through federal Labor’s $200 million
scheme to soak up and share the benefits of rooftop solar on suburban grids.

Pari just wants to get a good night’s sleep – but each morning he’s woken by NSW police, telling him to move on

Fri, 8 Aug 2025 12:37:55 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/aug/08/pari-just-wants-to-get-a-good-nights-sleep-but-each-morning-hes-woken-by-nsw-police-telling-him-to-move-on>

"Pari Nikau was woken by being hit in the face with a shovel. He had been
sleeping in a shed on a rooftop near Sydney’s CBD and he thought he was safe.

“Zero cost” solar and battery deal launches in two states, as part of new VPP model

Fri, 8 Aug 2025 12:39:19 +1000

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

<https://onestepoffthegrid.com.au/zero-cost-solar-and-battery-deal-launches-in-two-states-as-part-of-new-vpp-model/>

"Alinta Energy and consumer renewables specialist National Renewable Network
have announced the launch of a new virtual power plant deal that offers
participants a rooftop solar and home battery system with no upfront cost, no

I analyzed more than 100 extremist manifestos: Misogyny was the common thread

Fri, 8 Aug 2025 12:40:22 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/i-analyzed-more-than-100-extremist-manifestos-misogyny-was-the-common-thread-259347>

"Two years have passed since a 24-year-old former student walked into a gender
studies classroom at the University of Waterloo and stabbed the professor and
two students.

Scientists identify shared biological roots of long COVID and chronic fatigue syndrome

Fri, 8 Aug 2025 12:41:47 +1000

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

<https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-08-scientists-biological-roots-covid-chronic.html>

"In recent years, doctors and scientists are increasingly studying long-lasting
illnesses that begin after someone recovers from an infection. Two of the most
well-known examples are long COVID and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic

US Air Force to deny retirement pay to transgender service members being separated from the service

Fri, 8 Aug 2025 12:43:01 +1000

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

<https://apnews.com/article/air-force-transgender-no-early-retirement-e6a4da806f2cc2bdc05f49438cbd26fd>

"WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Air Force said Thursday it would deny all
transgender service members who have served between 15 and 18 years the option
to retire early and would instead separate them without retirement benefits.

Remembering the original Superman

Fri, 8 Aug 2025 23:04:57 +1000

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

<https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2025/8/5/remembering-the-original-superman>

"Even before the latest Superman film premiered, it was already deemed
controversial. A rather innocuous comment by director James Gunn referencing
Superman’s backstory as an “immigrant that came from other places” was enough

How do scientists estimate crowd sizes at public events – and why are they often disputed?

Fri, 8 Aug 2025 23:05:37 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/how-do-scientists-estimate-crowd-sizes-at-public-events-and-why-are-they-often-disputed-262695>

"Last Sunday, tens of thousands marched across the Sydney Harbour Bridge in
support of Gaza. But exactly how many people were there depends on whom you
ask.

Can I eat instant noodles every day? What does it do to my health?

Fri, 8 Aug 2025 23:06:19 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/can-i-eat-instant-noodles-every-day-what-does-it-do-to-my-health-262507>

"Instant noodles are cheap, quick and comforting – often a go-to snack or meal
for students, busy workers, families and anyone trying to stretch their grocery
budget.

Data reveals worst sectors for gender pay inequality in Australia

Fri, 8 Aug 2025 23:08:16 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/aug/07/jobs-and-skills-australia-gender-pay-gap-report-economic-impact>

"Major new research has found that men are paid more than women in 98% of
occupations, with female workers in Australia typically paid 70 cents for every
$1 earned by their male colleague after a decade in work.

Australia can hit an 85% emissions cut by 2035 – if government and business seize the moment

Fri, 8 Aug 2025 23:09:49 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/australia-can-hit-an-85-emissions-cut-by-2035-if-government-and-business-seize-the-moment-262488>

"Discussions are hotting up over Australia’s 2035 emission reduction target,
which the federal government is due to reveal by September this year. It will
be a crucial announcement, for several reasons.

Queensland land-clearing figures show state remains ‘deforestation capital of Australia’, conservationists say

Fri, 8 Aug 2025 23:10:34 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/aug/08/queensland-deforestation-capital-australia-conservationists-say>

"Forest and woodland across an area more than 1,000 times the size of the
Sydney CBD was bulldozed in Queensland in 2022-23, newly published figures
show, sparking warnings the state is escalating risks to endangered species and

Friday essay: Trump and Kennedy are destroying global science. Even Einstein questioned facts – but there’s a method to it

Sat, 9 Aug 2025 06:27:08 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/friday-essay-trump-and-kennedy-are-destroying-global-science-even-einstein-questioned-facts-but-theres-a-method-to-it-261568>

"Eight months into Donald Trump’s second presidency of the United States, truth
and science are again under attack – with global consequences. USAID, which
tackled HIV, TB, malaria and child malnutrition is gone. Funding has been

More than 200 lobbyists at UN’s plastic treaty talks will limit progress, campaigners warn

Sat, 9 Aug 2025 06:28:09 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/aug/07/more-than-200-lobbyists-at-uns-plastic-treaty-talks-will-limit-progress-campaigners-warn>

"More than 200 industry lobbyists are attending the UN’s meeting to hammer out
a global plastics treaty, raising fears that moves to prevent runaway plastic
production may be undermined.

Namibia’s forgotten genocide: how Bushmen were hunted and killed under German colonial rule

Sat, 9 Aug 2025 06:29:07 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/namibias-forgotten-genocide-how-bushmen-were-hunted-and-killed-under-german-colonial-rule-261267>

"The genocide of Namibia’s Ovaherero and Nama people by German colonial forces
(1904-1907) is widely documented. But much less is made of what came next – the
genocide of the country’s Bushmen, also known as the San.

More than 60 countries scramble to respond to Trump’s latest tariffs

Sat, 9 Aug 2025 06:29:53 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/aug/07/more-than-60-countries-scramble-respond-donald-trump-latest-tariffs>

"More than 60 countries around the world are scrambling to respond to the
latest wave of US tariffs announced by Donald Trump, which came into force on
Thursday.

RFK Jr is wrong about mRNA vaccines – a scientist explains how they make COVID less deadly

Sat, 9 Aug 2025 06:30:34 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/rfk-jr-is-wrong-about-mrna-vaccines-a-scientist-explains-how-they-make-covid-less-deadly-262776>

"US health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr has announced he is cancelling US$500
million (£374 million) of research into mRNA vaccines, citing unproven concerns
about their safety and long-term effects.

Kyiv opens war crime inquiry into head of notorious Russian prison

Sat, 9 Aug 2025 06:31:26 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/07/kyiv-opens-war-inquiry-into-head-of-infamous-russian-prison>

"The director of Russia’s notorious Taganrog prison, where officials are
accused of overseeing the systematic torture and starvation of hundreds of
Ukrainian detainees, has been notified by authorities in Kyiv that he is

Perito Moreno became the world’s first superstar glacier – but now it’s set to disappear

Sat, 9 Aug 2025 16:57:56 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/perito-moreno-became-the-worlds-first-superstar-glacier-but-now-its-set-to-disappear-262764>

"Glaciar Perito Moreno was once considered a rarity: one of Patagonia’s only
stable glaciers. But scientists have found the glacier is now in sudden and
probably irreversible retreat – and this collapse is a warning for the world’s

Australian weather forecasts under threat from US President Donald Trump's cuts to climate agencies

Sat, 9 Aug 2025 16:59:01 +1000

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

<https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-08/australian-weather-forecast-under-threat-from-us-cuts/105611736>

'Leading weather and climate scientists say Australia's weather forecasts are
under threat from deep cuts being made to key United States scientific
agencies.

The ANU is moving to kill the Australian National Dictionary – this is why it matters

Sat, 9 Aug 2025 17:03:15 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/the-anu-is-moving-to-kill-the-australian-national-dictionary-this-is-why-it-matters-261844>

"Bonzer. Dinkum. Troppo. We love our distinctive words and phrases.

We revel in the confusion they cause outsiders. We celebrate the stories behind

Australia’s house of the year goes to a prefab beach shack trio on Stradbroke Island

Sat, 9 Aug 2025 17:04:26 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2025/aug/02/australia-2025-house-of-the-year-blok-three-sisters-prefab-beach-shack-modules-brisbane-stradbroke-island>

"Split it, sell it, or find a way of keeping it in the family? That’s the
question three sisters asked themselves when they inherited a property, built
by their parents in the 1970s, on a plot of land near Home beach on

E.P.A. to Stop Updating Popular Database After Lead Scientist Criticized Trump

Sat, 9 Aug 2025 17:07:55 +1000

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

https://archive.md/DsdFk

"The Environmental Protection Agency said it would stop updating research that
hundreds of companies use to calculate their greenhouse gas emissions after the
agency suspended the database’s creator because he had signed a letter

It started with friends at home. Now Dungeons & Dragons is in its stadium era

Sat, 9 Aug 2025 17:09:25 +1000

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

<https://www.npr.org/2025/08/07/nx-s1-5489813/dungeons-dragons-dimension-20-critical-role-madison-square-garden-stadium>

'For years after it was invented in the 1970s, Dungeons & Dragons remained a
niche game that people — stereotypically, nerdy boys — played at home with
their friends.

Letters from an American: August 8, 2025 (Friday)

Sun, 10 Aug 2025 05:52:41 +1000

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

https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/august-8-2025-friday

"During the 2024 presidential campaign, Donald Trump vowed he could stop
Russia’s war on Ukraine with a single phone call. Instead, Matt Murphy and Ned
Davies of the BBC report that Russian attacks on Ukraine have doubled since

Board meeting: the award-winning photograph of India’s female skateboarders

Sun, 10 Aug 2025 05:53:41 +1000

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

<https://www.positive.news/society/board-meeting-the-award-winning-photograph-of-indias-female-skateboarders/>

"Even in western nations, female skaters have found it hard to break into a
sport long dominated by lads. In India’s stubbornly patriarchal society, women
like Gond have had to overcome even more obstacles. But overcome them she has.

The woman who turns doomed bee swarms into thriving hives

Sun, 10 Aug 2025 05:55:13 +1000

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

https://www.positive.news/society/buzzing-with-purpose/

"Molly Earl was “just a nipper” when she started catching honey bee swarms with
her dad, an amateur beekeeper, armed with nothing but a cardboard box.

VW Beetle electric conversion kit

Sun, 10 Aug 2025 05:55:52 +1000

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTWdJ9ZyTK8

"This is a video about our latest generation of VW Beetle drop-in electric
conversion kit. We've converted a lot of Beetles over the past 10 years. Our
latest kit is the culmination of this experience and the very latest in

'These decisions were completely reckless': Funding cuts to mRNA vaccines will make America more vulnerable to pandemics

Sun, 10 Aug 2025 05:57:52 +1000

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

<https://www.livescience.com/health/medicine-drugs/these-decisions-were-completely-reckless-funding-cuts-to-mrna-vaccines-will-make-america-more-vulnerable-to-pandemics>

'Cells use mRNA to build proteins, and after years of research, scientists
learned how to harness this molecule to develop effective, safe and
quick-to-make vaccines. Since the advent of this Nobel Prize-winning

Lynx could thrive in Northumberland with most in area supporting return, study finds

Sun, 10 Aug 2025 05:59:01 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/aug/07/lynx-could-thrive-in-northumberland-with-most-in-area-supporting-return-study-finds>

"Releasing just 20 lynx in Northumberland would be enough to create a healthy
wild population, research has found, and most people in the area would support
the practice.

The Mamdani effect: how his win spurred more than 10,000 progressives to consider run for office

Sun, 10 Aug 2025 13:06:43 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/aug/05/mamdani-effect-young-progressives-run-for-office>

"In mid-July, Erik Clemson signed on to a Zoom call from Honolulu, Hawaii,
energized by a mayoral candidate in a city far across the country, to hear how
he could run for office himself.

Ireland’s Eagle Comeback: Latest Batch of Chicks Set Free

Sun, 10 Aug 2025 13:07:37 +1000

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

<https://weatheire.com/news/2025/08/09/4735/irelands-eagle-comeback-latest-batch-of-chicks-set-free/>

"Four white-tailed eagle chicks were released into the wild on Friday at
Killarney National Park in County Kerry, marking the final phase of the
National Parks and Wildlife Service’s (NPWS) reintroduction programme.

Brawls, racism and cocaine: Lawsuit reveals life inside Tesla plant where Musk was directly involved with HR decisions

Sun, 10 Aug 2025 13:08:45 +1000

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

<https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/tesla-lawsuit-elon-musk-california-b2804549.html>

"Working conditions at Tesla’s manufacturing plant in Fremont, California, have
allegedly gone from bad to worse, with sexual assaults aboard company shuttle
buses, drug and alcohol use onsite, all-out brawls breaking out between

America Is Living in a Climate-Denial Fantasy

Sun, 10 Aug 2025 13:11:09 +1000

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

https://archive.md/gublc

"Last month, the world’s highest court issued a long-awaited opinion on how
international law should regard climate harm. The International Court of
Justice concluded, unanimously, that states have binding legal obligations to

Grenada government and opposition join forces to drop oath of allegiance to King Charles

Sun, 10 Aug 2025 13:11:55 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/08/grenada-oath-of-allegiance-king-charles>

"The government and opposition in the Caribbean island of Grenada have joined
forces to drop the oath of allegiance to the British crown amid growing calls
to remove King Charles as the country’s head of state.

Amsterdam is building tiny staircases to help cats exit its canals

Sun, 10 Aug 2025 13:12:52 +1000

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

<https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/amsterdam-cat-staircases-canals-b2800234.html>

"Amsterdam has allocated up to €100,000 to install steps along city centre
canals to help cats out of the water.

Working from home is already happening. So why are people in Victoria so mad?

Sun, 10 Aug 2025 22:19:02 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/aug/08/working-from-home-is-already-happening-so-why-are-people-in-victoria-so-mad>

"It is suddenly very important to certain Victorians that their laptops have
playdates. Every day, the laptops will travel to a communal location, where
they will do parallel play for eight hours before returning home again. This is

‘If the M&S trans ‘row’ has taught us anything, its that it’s time to stop taking TERF bigotry so seriously’

Sun, 10 Aug 2025 22:23:06 +1000

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

https://www.thepinknews.com/2025/08/08/ms-trans-amelia-hansford-op-ed/

"A few months ago, whilst queuing at the bank, I overheard an elderly woman
complain to a clerk that the COVID-19 vaccine had caused her hair to fall out.

How a herd of hungry goats is helping Spain fight fires during the scorching summer

Sun, 10 Aug 2025 22:24:18 +1000

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

<https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/catalonia-spain-fires-goats-mataro-b2804408.html>

'Amid a symphony of tinkling bells, some 300 black, brown and dappled goats
trot along a paved road in Spain's northeastern Catalonia region, stopping
every now and then to nibble with gusto on the dry shrubs lining the edge of a

A new treatment to improve the lifespan of catsーNHK WORLD-JAPAN NEWS

Sun, 10 Aug 2025 22:24:56 +1000

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owf2bXeXWsg

"Groundbreaking research is underway in Japan that's aiming to cure a cat
disease which shows promise to improve their lifespans."

Tax relief and Carmen Sandiego: Australia’s once-dismissed video game industry is finally getting a leg-up

Sun, 10 Aug 2025 22:26:17 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/aug/10/australia-video-game-industry-tax-relief-and-carmen-sandiego>

"The idea that video games are not “serious things”, says Ross Symons,
overlooks the benefits they offer to gamers feeling isolated.

Death of a publishing dream: how the Unbound revolution became untethered

Sun, 10 Aug 2025 22:27:18 +1000

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

<https://observer.co.uk/news/business/article/death-of-a-publishing-dream-how-the-unbound-revolution-became-untethered>

"The revolution started in a small writer’s shed in 2011, amid the deck chairs,
tents and bunting of the Hay festival, the highlight of the literary calendar.
The talk was of shooting a rocket through the world of publishing.

Historical Tech Tree

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 13:49:29 +1000

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

https://www.historicaltechtree.com/

"The historical tech tree is a project by Étienne Fortier-Dubois to visualize
the entire history of technologies, inventions, and (some) discoveries, from
prehistory to today. Unlike other visualizations of the sort, the tree

Leaked ChatGPT Conversation Shows User Identified as Lawyer Asking How to "Displace a Small Amazonian Indigenous Community From Their Territories in Order to Build a Dam and a Hydroelectric Plant"

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 13:51:21 +1000

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

https://futurism.com/leaked-chatgpt-lawyer-displace-amazonian

'In case you missed it, OpenAI has responded to a recent "leak" of thousands of
ChatGPT conversations by removing a sharing feature that led to its users
unknowingly unleashing their private exchanges onto the world wide web.

World remains divided as plastics push elephants closer to extinction

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 13:52:34 +1000

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

<https://observer.co.uk/news/international/article/world-remains-divided-as-plastics-push-elephants-closer-to-extinction>

"The elephant calf tried to wake its mother when she collapsed, near a rubbish
dump in Coimbatore in southern India. Vets tried to help, first winching her
back to her feet, then taking her to a hydrotherapy pool to recover, but she

The Great Smog of London made the British act on air pollution. Experts say the case holds lessons for Tasmania

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 13:53:43 +1000

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

<https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-11/air-pollution-launceston-quality-smoke-wood-heater-tasmania/105618922>

'The Great Smog of London spurred William Wood to action after arriving in
Tasmania.

Trump team pushes to oust No. 2 official at world energy body

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 14:07:23 +1000

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

https://www.politico.com/news/2025/08/09/trump-energy-iea-paris-00500387

"President Donald Trump’s campaign to shake up international institutions has a
new aim: upending the leadership of a Paris-based agency whose data and
research help shape global energy policy.

From ‘reef-friendly’ sunscreens to ‘sustainable’ super, greenwashing allegations are rife. Here’s how the claims stack up

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 14:08:16 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/from-reef-friendly-sunscreens-to-sustainable-super-greenwashing-allegations-are-rife-heres-how-the-claims-stack-up-261377>

"Going “green” is not just good for the environment and climate, it can also be
great for business. Consumers increasingly demand eco-friendly goods and
services, and are willing to pay more for them.

DOGE’s “Efficiency” Theater: Wasted $21.7 Billion While Destroying Life-Saving Programs Based On Conspiracy Theories

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 23:06:37 +1000

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

<https://www.techdirt.com/2025/08/08/doges-efficiency-theater-wasted-21-7-billion-while-destroying-life-saving-programs-based-on-conspiracy-theories/>

"We’ve talked plenty about how Elon Musk’s “Department of Government
Efficiency” (DOGE) was always more about performative cruelty than actual
efficiency. But a new Senate report reveals just how spectacularly DOGE failed

Taking the heat off: breakthrough cooling technology tackles climate challenge

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 23:07:26 +1000

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

<https://projects.research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/en/horizon-magazine/taking-heat-breakthrough-cooling-technology-tackles-climate-challenge>

"As a young engineering student contemplating the direction of his doctoral
research, Jaka Tušek knew he wanted to push the boundaries of science. “I
wanted to work on breakthroughs, tackle something new that hasn’t been done

Foreign interference can be hidden in plain sight. Here’s how countries use ‘sharp power’ in Australia

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 23:08:16 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/foreign-interference-can-be-hidden-in-plain-sight-heres-how-countries-use-sharp-power-in-australia-262709>

"Last week, Australian authorities arrested a woman for foreign interference.
The Chinese citizen and Canberra resident is just the third person ever charged
under our foreign interference laws.

Triple whammy: how 3 types of drought crippled southern Australia this year

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 23:09:01 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/triple-whammy-how-3-types-of-drought-crippled-southern-australia-this-year-262320>

"Soaking mid-winter rains have brought some relief to drought-stricken farms
and rural towns across southern Australia, but the crisis is not over yet.

Courts Start Asking About The ICE Arrest Quota The Administration Is Now Pretending Isn’t A Quota

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 23:10:49 +1000

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

<https://www.techdirt.com/2025/08/08/courts-start-asking-about-the-ice-arrest-quota-the-administration-is-now-pretending-isnt-a-quota/>

"Arrest/ticketing quotas have almost always been found illegal by courts.
They used to be commonplace, but courts (at all levels) have generally ruled
that quotas pervert incentives so much they encourage open, deliberate abuse of

Trump’s War on Big Law Means It’s Harder to Challenge the Administration

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 23:12:24 +1000

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

<https://www.propublica.org/article/trump-law-firms-accountability-environment-police-lgbtq>

"Two weeks into President Donald Trump’s second presidency, and just days after
he pardoned hundreds of Capitol rioters, officials Trump had placed in charge
of the Justice Department made a sweeping demand. They wanted the names of the

Wildfires close Mount Vesuvius trails while fierce blazes continue in France

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 05:16:19 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/10/wildfires-close-mount-vesuvius-trails-while-fierce-blazes-continue-in-france>

"Tourist trails have been closed on Mount Vesuvius in southern Italy as
firefighters tackle a huge blaze on the volcano’s slopes, while officials
warned of another “challenging day” for those working to contain France’s

Can an AI chatbot of Dr Karl change climate sceptics’ minds? He’s willing to give it a try

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 05:17:17 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/aug/11/digital-dr-karl-kruszelnickic-ai-chatbot>

"There’s probably no face, voice or collection of exuberant, patterned shirts
more recognisable than those belonging to Dr Karl Kruszelnicki.

Small metals, big stakes: Inside Australia’s smelter reset

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 05:18:05 +1000

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

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/small-metals-big-stakes-inside-australias-smelter-reset/>

"Australia’s decision to keep its Port Pirie and Hobart smelters running with
an A$135 million infusion for Trafigura while steering them into antimony and
germanium is a quiet but important move in the energy transition. It is

The Plot Against Vaccines

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 05:19:48 +1000

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

https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2025/07/the-plot-against-vaccines/

"The seeds of a court case that has lasted for more than 20 years were planted
in February 2001, when the parents of 11-month-old Yates Hazlehurst took him to
the doctor for a routine measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Soon after,

No one likes to say it, but China is the cybersecurity elephant in the renewable energy room

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 05:21:18 +1000

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

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/no-one-likes-to-say-it-but-china-is-the-cybersecurity-elephant-in-the-renewable-energy-room/>

"People in Australia’s renewable energy industry are only too happy to chat
about their Chinese supply chain, until the subject turns to cybersecurity and
then it becomes a game of “guess who”.

Record number of wild White-tailed Eagle chicks hatched in England this year with first chick to fledge in Dorset for over 240 years.

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 05:22:26 +1000

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

<https://www.birdsofpooleharbour.co.uk/first-wild-white-tailed-eagle-chick-to-fledge-in-dorset-for-over-240-years/>

"A record THREE White-tailed Eagle chicks have successfully fledged from TWO
wild nests in England. The chicks were reared by White-tailed Eagles that were
released as part of the ground breaking conservation project by Forestry

Swarm of jellyfish shuts nuclear power plant in France

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 12:07:11 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/11/swarm-of-jellyfish-shuts-nuclear-power-plant-in-france>

"A swarm of jellyfish has forced the shutdown of one of the largest nuclear
power plants in France after entering the water intake systems used to cool the
coastal reactors.

An incredible JWST image of an immense city of galaxies

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 12:10:05 +1000

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

<https://badastronomy.beehiiv.com/p/an-incredible-jwst-image-of-an-immense-city-of-galaxies-268f6abd24e75d16>

"Galaxy clusters make my ape brain hurt.

A galaxy is an immense thing, a vast collection of billions — hundreds of

The AI boyfriend ticking time bomb

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 12:10:58 +1000

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

<https://www.garbageday.email/p/the-ai-boyfriend-ticking-time-bomb-a404028a5c2de843>

"Last week, OpenAI released GPT-5 and it has not been well received. In fact,
the company has already had to roll back a few features. They reversed course
on the new rate limits that were put in place. And they also had to give users

Whales and dolphins play and communicate with each other, study finds

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 12:12:08 +1000

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

<https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-12/whales-and-dolphins-interactions-griffith-university-study-/105636778>

'A crowd-sourced international science project has revealed whales and dolphins
playing and communicating with each other across the species divide.

56 million years ago, Earth underwent rapid global warming. Here’s what it did to pollinators

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 12:12:57 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/56-million-years-ago-earth-underwent-rapid-global-warming-heres-what-it-did-to-pollinators-260297>

"Pollinators play a vital role in fertilising flowers, which grow into seeds
and fruits and underpin our agriculture. But climate change can cause a
mismatch between plants and their pollinators, affecting where they live and

WA’s ‘longest and most intense’ marine heatwave killed coral across 1,500km stretch

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 12:13:58 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/aug/12/was-longest-and-most-intense-marine-heatwave-killed-coral-across-1500km-stretch>

"The “longest, largest and most intense” marine heatwave ever recorded in
Western Australia has killed coral throughout an area that stretches 1,500km,
according to state and federal scientists.

‘I end up buying less food’: Indigenous people should not have to go hungry to use the internet

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 19:06:15 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/i-end-up-buying-less-food-indigenous-people-should-not-have-to-go-hungry-to-use-the-internet-262203>

"Access to the internet is not a luxury. It’s an essential part of life. It
shapes how people study, find and do work, access healthcare, stay connected
with community and interact with government services.

‘Breaking down the walls’: the long journey towards Indigenous inclusion at University of Melbourne

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 19:07:30 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/aug/12/long-journey-indigenous-inclusion-university-of-melbourne>

"It took more than 100 years after universities were established in Australia
for an Indigenous student to graduate.

When a beach walk feels like grief: disasters like SA’s algal bloom cut us off from nature when we need it most

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 19:08:27 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/when-a-beach-walk-feels-like-grief-disasters-like-sas-algal-bloom-cut-us-off-from-nature-when-we-need-it-most-262705>

"In March 2025, surfers and swimmers were the first to notice the harmful algal
bloom taking hold in South Australian waters. People catching waves at a
popular break on the Fleurieu Peninsula later reported feeling sick with

‘Invisibility is the new radical position’: artist Rose Nolan on avoiding social media and slowing us down

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 19:09:55 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2025/aug/12/rose-nolan-artist-avoiding-social-media-and-slow-down>

"The Melbourne-based artist Rose Nolan has worked exclusively in a palette of
red and white since the 1990s, a decision she describes as “liberating”. When
she stopped thinking about colour, Nolan suddenly found she had more headspace

Two charts that lay bare the threat posed by radical right parties to western democracies

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 19:10:50 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/two-charts-that-lay-bare-the-threat-posed-by-radical-right-parties-to-western-democracies-262070>

"In the 2024 UK general election, Reform came third with a 14% share of the
vote, capturing five seats in the House of Commons. This was a breakthrough
election for the party. In the previous general election in 2019, when it was

‘I risked everything’: remembering six media workers killed by Israel in Gaza

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 19:11:36 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/11/i-risked-everything-remembering-six-media-workers-killed-by-israel-in-gaza>

"Journalists have been prominent among casualties since the war in Gaza was
triggered by Hamas’s incursion into Israel in October 2023.

The bacteria killing sea stars in the Pacific: How our team uncovered a decade-long mystery

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 03:35:11 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/the-bacteria-killing-sea-stars-in-the-pacific-how-our-team-uncovered-a-decade-long-mystery-259875>

"In 2013, a mysterious epidemic swept across the Pacific Coast of North
America, rapidly turning billions of sea stars from Mexico to Alaska into goo.

Hunter Valley residents want to see sunsets again, not a coal plant rebooted as a “wood incinerator”

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 03:36:35 +1000

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

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/hunter-valley-residents-want-to-see-sunsets-again-not-a-coal-plant-rebooted-as-a-wood-incinerator/>

"Hunter Valley residents have told a public hearing they have had enough of
hosting energy plants that burn things to generate electricity – and have no
desire to see an old coal-fired power station repurposed as a utility-scale,

Scientists Responsibility Summit

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 03:38:23 +1000

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

https://blogs.fu-berlin.de/scientistsresponsibilitysummit/

"The Scientists Responsibility Summit invites a multidisciplinary,
international audience of researchers to discuss the roles and responsibilities
of scientists in the current social and geopolitical context. With the

Beyond recognition: the challenges of creating a new Palestinian state are so formidable, is it even possible?

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 03:39:16 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/beyond-recognition-the-challenges-of-creating-a-new-palestinian-state-are-so-formidable-is-it-even-possible-262493>

"Australia will recognise a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly
meeting in September, joining the United Kingdom, Canada and France in taking
the historic step.

Heat stress leads to worst bleaching on record for coral reef ecosystems

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 03:40:34 +1000

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

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/heat-stress-leads-to-worst-bleaching-on-record-for-coral-reef-ecosystems/>

"The worst coral bleaching ever recorded has been confirmed by scientists for
tropical reefs off Australia’s western coastline.

Federal court overturns decision denying Endangered Species protections to wolves

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 03:42:28 +1000

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

<https://dailymontanan.com/2025/08/05/federal-court-overturns-decision-denying-endangered-species-protections-to-wolves/>

"A federal judge in Missoula on Tuesday vacated the federal government’s
determination that gray wolves in the Western United States do not need
increased federal protections under the Endangered Species Act.

How RFK Jr is systematically undermining vaccines around the world

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 10:37:09 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/how-rfk-jr-is-systematically-undermining-vaccines-around-the-world-262854>

"Vaccines are one of the greatest public health success stories of all time.
Over the past 50 years, they’ve saved an estimated 154 million lives. But in
the US, both access to vaccines and public trust in them are being

Mexico’s tourism protests are a symptom of longstanding inequality in Latin American cities

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 10:38:03 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/mexicos-tourism-protests-are-a-symptom-of-longstanding-inequality-in-latin-american-cities-261634>

"When thousands of residents took to the streets of Mexico City in July
chanting “Gringo, go home”, news headlines were quick to blame digital nomads
and expats. The story seemed simple: tech-savvy remote workers move in, rents

If productivity is about doing more with less, electrification of our cars and homes is a no-brainer

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 10:38:51 +1000

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

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/if-productivity-is-about-doing-more-with-less-electrification-of-our-cars-and-homes-is-a-no-brainer/>

"I know an electrician in Melbourne who cops a few comments when he pulls up to
worksites in his Tesla – ladder on top, tools in the back.

How can you be sure your clothing has been produced ethically?

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 10:39:32 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/how-can-you-be-sure-your-clothing-has-been-produced-ethically-262800>

"Today’s consumers are swimming in a sea of information. Products are marketed
with big, bold words such as “sustainable”, “ethical” and “organic”. They sound
good, they catch our attention, and they make us feel better about what we buy.

Prohibition never works, but that didn't stop the UK's Online Safety Act

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 10:40:50 +1000

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

https://www.theregister.com/2025/08/08/opinion_column_osa/

'You might think, since I write about tech all the time, my degrees are in
computer science. Nope. I'm a bona fide, degreed historian, which is why I can
say with confidence that the UK's recently passed Online Safety Act is doomed

70 years of data show extreme heat is already wiping out tropical bird populations

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 10:42:43 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/70-years-of-data-show-extreme-heat-is-already-wiping-out-tropical-bird-populations-259892>

"Human-driven climate change threatens many species, including birds. Most
studies on this topic focus on long-term climate trends, such as gradual rises
in average temperatures or shifts in rainfall patterns. But extreme weather

Virologist network reaffirms support for mRNA vaccine platform

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 19:36:02 +1000

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

<https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/virologist-network-reaffirms-support-mrna-vaccine-platform>

"An international virologist group representing more than 80 research labs
across more than 40 countries yesterday reaffirmed their support for the
continued development and deployment of mRNA vaccines, a statement that came in

Thousands evacuated in Spain as deadly heatwave fans Mediterranean wildfires

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 19:36:54 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/12/thousands-evacuated-in-spain-amid-deadly-wildfires-and-new-heatwave>

"The deadly heatwave fanning wildfires across the Mediterranean region has
claimed at least three lives and forced thousands of people from their homes.

Whales and dolphins regularly hang out with each other – new study

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 19:37:42 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/whales-and-dolphins-regularly-hang-out-with-each-other-new-study-260196>

"As the annual humpback whale migration is underway with thousands of whales
passing by the Australian coast, there are reports of dolphins joining the mass
movement.

Aukus laws will mean anywhere in Australia could be potential nuclear waste dump, critics say

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 19:38:46 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/13/aukus-laws-will-mean-anywhere-in-australia-could-be-potential-nuclear-waste-dump-critics-say>

"Critics of Australia’s Aukus submarine deal say the government has given
itself the power to nominate any place in Australia as a potential nuclear
waste dump, without proper consultation with communities and Indigenous

Stop the free ride: all motorists should pay their way, whatever vehicle they drive

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 19:39:26 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/stop-the-free-ride-all-motorists-should-pay-their-way-whatever-vehicle-they-drive-262950>

"A new road charge is looming for electric vehicle drivers, amid reports
Treasurer Jim Chalmers is accelerating the policy as part of a broader
tax-reform push.

WA Museum partnership with Woodside criticised as record-breaking marine heatwave decimates coral reefs

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 19:40:23 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/aug/13/wa-museum-partnership-with-woodside-criticised-as-record-breaking-marine-heatwave-decimates-coral-reefs-ntwfb>

"The Western Australian Greens and the state’s peak conservation body have
condemned the extension of a research partnership between the Western
Australian Museum and Woodside, as the state reels from a record-breaking

We tracked one of Australia’s most endangered birds into strange new habitat

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 03:23:58 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/we-tracked-one-of-australias-most-endangered-birds-into-strange-new-habitat-262317>

"In the vast, arid landscapes of South Australia’s northeast, on the lands of
the Adnyamathanha and Wilyakali, a surprising discovery is changing our
understanding of one of Australia’s most endangered birds.

‘We don’t want him’: Dance Against Vance protest at US vice-president’s Cotswolds holiday

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 03:26:19 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/aug/12/cotswolds-residents-protest-against-jd-vance-visit-charlbury>

"There was cake and music. The weather was perfect. At first glance, it could
have been a joyful community gathering in a sun-dappled Cotswolds village park,
but the placards gave the game away.

Safe no more: off-the-charts marine heat has severely damaged Ningaloo and other pristine coral reefs

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 03:27:15 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/safe-no-more-off-the-charts-marine-heat-has-severely-damaged-ningaloo-and-other-pristine-coral-reefs-263028>

"Until now, many of Western Australia’s most pristine coral reefs have avoided
the worst bleaching brought by marine heatwaves. But their luck has now run
out. The state’s longest lasting, largest and most intense underwater heatwave

I am a robodebt whistleblower. I know what it’s like to be punished for speaking out and why protection is urgent

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 03:28:25 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/aug/13/i-am-a-robodebt-whistleblower-i-know-what-its-like-to-be-punished-for-speaking-out-and-why-protection-is-urgent>

"I blew the whistle on robodebt. I experienced firsthand the absence of support
for whistleblowers. That is why I am firm in my belief that we need
whistleblower reform, now, including the establishment of a Whistleblower

A growing number of African Americans are leaving the US. Kenya is welcoming them with open arms

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 03:29:35 +1000

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

<https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/nairobi-kenya-move-african-americans-b2796469.html>

"For years, Kenneth Harris yearned for a place where his dark skin was a mark
of shared heritage, not suspicion. Two years ago, the 38-year-old retired
veteran found that solace in Kenya, buying a one-way ticket from Atlanta.

Why the working week – and what we get out of it – has perplexed Australian governments for more than 100 years

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 03:30:29 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/why-the-working-week-and-what-we-get-out-of-it-has-perplexed-australian-governments-for-more-than-100-years-262713>

"On August 19, a group of advocates and experts will converge on Canberra for
an economic roundtable. “Productivity,” announced Treasurer Jim Chalmers, is to
be the event’s “primary focus”.

‘Petri dish for disease’: attorney raises alarm of possible Covid outbreak at ‘Alligator Alcatraz’

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 11:54:26 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/aug/12/attorney-covid-outbreak-alligator-alcatraz>

"An outbreak of a respiratory disease, possibly Covid-19, is running rampant
through the remote Florida immigration jail known as “Alligator Alcatraz”,
according to the attorney of an infected detainee removed from the camp last

Paramedics are less likely to identify a stroke in women than men. Closing this gap could save lives – and money

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 11:55:20 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/paramedics-are-less-likely-to-identify-a-stroke-in-women-than-men-closing-this-gap-could-save-lives-and-money-262945>

"A stroke happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off, either
because of a blockage (called an ischaemic stroke) or bleeding (a haemorrhagic
stroke). Around 83% of strokes are ischaemic.

New Zealand woman and six-year-old son detained for three weeks by Ice in US enduring ‘terrifying’ ordeal

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 11:56:41 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/13/new-zealand-woman-six-year-old-son-ice-detention-us-ntwnfb>

"A New Zealand woman who is being held at a US immigration centre with her
six-year-old son after they were detained crossing the Canada-US border, is
being wrongly “treated like a criminal”, according to her friend and advocate.

I posted the same solar facts on two social media platforms: One sparked discussion, the other, disinformation

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 11:57:44 +1000

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

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/i-posted-the-same-solar-facts-on-two-social-media-platforms-one-sparked-discussion-the-other-disinformation/>

"One hundred solar panels per second reflects extraordinary technical
progress. A platform that simply fosters noise over truth does not.

Climate models reveal how human activity may be locking the Southwest into permanent drought

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 11:58:46 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/climate-models-reveal-how-human-activity-may-be-locking-the-southwest-into-permanent-drought-262837>

"A new wave of climate research is sounding a stark warning: Human activity may
be driving drought more intensely – and more directly – than previously
understood.

How Ukraine is building a system of returning, reintegrating, and protecting children abducted by Russia

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 11:59:53 +1000

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

<https://kyivindependent.com/how-ukraine-is-building-a-system-of-returning-reintegrating-and-protecting-children-abducted-by-russia/>

"Since Russia’s full-scale invasion began, one of its most disturbing and least
visible crimes has targeted Ukraine’s most vulnerable: our children. Under
occupation, Russia has orchestrated the forced transfer of thousands of

Inside Australia's billion-dollar bid to take on China's rare earth dominance

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 19:07:42 +1000

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

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cgm2z91mvlvo

"Drive three hours north of Perth, and you'll arrive in Eneabba - barren and
desolate, just the odd hill in the distance.

What Is a Far-Right Ideologue Going to Do With the US Institute of Peace?

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 19:10:29 +1000

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

<https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2025/08/darren-beattie-us-institute-of-peace/>

"In February, President Trump included the US Institute of Peace in an
executive order targeting federal entities he deemed “unnecessary” and which he
planned to cut as much as he legally could. In March, the USIP’s Washington,

Why We Need to Stop Subsidizing Venture Capitalists

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 19:11:44 +1000

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

<https://lpeproject.org/blog/why-we-need-to-stop-subsidizing-venture-capitalists/>

"For many readers of this blog, Uber represents a cautionary tale. While the
company attributed its initial success to cutting-edge technology—such as
dynamic pricing, matching algorithms, real-time data—subsequent analysis has

The Amazon Rainforest Approaches a Point of No Return

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 19:12:47 +1000

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

<https://e360.yale.edu/features/2025-film-contest-third-place-amazon-tipping-point>

"Under increasing threats from rampant deforestation and climate change,
portions of the Amazon now emit more carbon to the atmosphere than they absorb.
The southern Amazon, in particular, has become hotter and drier, with less soil

Glacial lake flood hits Juneau, Alaska, reflecting a growing risk as mountain glaciers melt around the world

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 19:13:41 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/glacial-lake-flood-hits-juneau-alaska-reflecting-a-growing-risk-as-mountain-glaciers-melt-around-the-world-263109>

"Each summer in the mountains above Juneau, Alaska, meltwater from the massive
Mendenhall Glacier flows into mountain lakes and into the Mendenhall River,
which runs through town.

Monarch Butterflies Are Losing Their Navigational Abilities. You Can Guess Why

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 19:15:31 +1000

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

<https://gizmodo.com/monarch-butterflies-are-losing-their-navigational-abilities-you-can-guess-why-2000642640>

"Each fall, millions of eastern North American monarch butterflies migrate up
to 3,000 miles south to the mountains of central Mexico, then return to their
northern range in the spring. These winged insects rely on a complex navigation

Scientists warn that climate change could wipe out more than half of these beloved animals

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 03:15:52 +1000

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

<https://www.vox.com/down-to-earth/457858/reindeer-caribou-climate-change-warming-decline>

"It’s bad enough that climate change is ruining the dream of a white Christmas
for many people, as warming makes snow in some regions less likely.

Children, Pregnant Women Mistreated in Immigration Detention, Sen. Ossoff Says

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 03:17:58 +1000

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

<https://truthout.org/articles/children-pregnant-women-mistreated-in-immigration-detention-sen-ossoff-says/>

"An investigation conducted by Sen. Jon Ossoff’s office (D-Georgia) has
revealed rampant human rights violations committed against immigrants in
detention in the first six months of President Donald Trump’s second term,

Please urgently help us treat our little Eva's brain cancer

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 03:20:34 +1000

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

<https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-us-find-a-personalized-treatment-for-evas-brain-cancer>

"The jewel of our life, our daughter Eva, has been through so much and now we
urgently need your help,

A cornucopia of tiny, bizarre whales used to live in Australian waters – here’s one of them

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 03:21:33 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/a-cornucopia-of-tiny-bizarre-whales-used-to-live-in-australian-waters-heres-one-of-them-262806>

"Australia is home to a unique bunch of native land mammals, such as koalas,
wombats and wallabies. These furballs evolved in isolation on this island
continent and have become Australian symbols.

‘Mind-blown’: scientists discover sex reversal in kookaburras and lorikeets with cause unknown

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 03:22:29 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/aug/14/sex-reversal-australian-birds-kookaburras-lorikeets>

"About 5% of common Australian wild birds including kookaburras and lorikeets
could have undergone a “sex reversal” where their genetic sex does not match
their reproductive organs, according to a new study.

Vape brands bypass regulations on marketing to young people by using global social media accounts

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 03:23:13 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/vape-brands-bypass-regulations-on-marketing-to-young-people-by-using-global-social-media-accounts-262691>

"Youth vaping is a major public health concern in many countries, with New
Zealand’s youth vaping rates among the highest in the world, and rising.

Victoria could save nearly $500m over 10 years by scrapping greyhound racing, estimates show

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 11:48:10 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/news/2025/aug/14/victoria-could-save-nearly-500m-over-10-years-by-scrapping-greyhound-racing-estimates-show>

"The Victorian government could save almost half a billion dollars if it
follows Tasmania in phasing out greyhound racing in the state, according to
independent analysis.

With new weapons, cash and battleground experience from Ukraine, North Korea has become much more formidable

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 11:48:47 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/with-new-weapons-cash-and-battleground-experience-from-ukraine-north-korea-has-become-much-more-formidable-262939>

"The war between Russia and Ukraine is taking place in Europe, but its security
implications are increasingly being felt in Asia, too.

More than 400 people suspected to have died from extreme heat in Arizona county

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 11:49:42 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/aug/13/death-toll-extreme-heat-arizona-county>

"More than 400 people are suspected to have died from extreme heat in Maricopa
county, Arizona, so far this summer, according to official figures, as the
brutal current heatwave enters its 12th day.

Will AI pull the career ladder up out of reach – or just change what it looks like?

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 11:50:25 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/will-ai-pull-the-career-ladder-up-out-of-reach-or-just-change-what-it-looks-like-262866>

"Once, a university degree was widely seen as a “ticket” to securing
high-paying jobs and social mobility.

Scientists rush to bolster climate finding Trump administration aims to undo

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 11:51:11 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/aug/13/climate-science-trump-administration>

"Veteran climate scientists are organizing a coordinated public comment to a US
Department of Energy (DOE) report that cast doubt on the scientific consensus
on the climate crisis.

The United States has changed. Australia hasn’t. It’s time to talk about where the relationship goes from here

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 11:52:38 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/the-united-states-has-changed-australia-hasnt-its-time-to-talk-about-where-the-relationship-goes-from-here-262943>

"Seven months after Donald Trump was inaugurated for a second term as US
president, we are facing the most important moment in Australia’s foreign
policy since the Iraq war. Australia needs to have a national conversation on

Barriers prevent severe flooding in Alaska capital after glacier outburst

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 19:37:16 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/aug/13/alaskas-juneau-glacier-flood-record-climate>

"Newly installed river barriers held back record levels of flooding and
prevented widespread damage in Alaska’s capital city on Wednesday, after an ice
dam at the nearby Mendenhall Glacier released a huge surge of rainwater and

At 50, The Rocky Horror Picture Show is ‘imperfectly’ good (and queer) as ever

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 19:39:08 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/at-50-the-rocky-horror-picture-show-is-imperfectly-good-and-queer-as-ever-261852>

"For half a century, The Rocky Horror Picture Show has lured costumed fans to
cinemas for late-night screenings. Its raunchy mix of Broadway musical, science
fiction and schlock horror was originally a box-office flop. However, after its

Spain wildfires are ‘clear warning’ of climate emergency, minister says

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 19:41:18 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/13/spain-wildfires-climate-crisis-heatwave>

"The heatwave-fuelled wildfires that have killed two people in Spain over
recent days, devouring thousands of hectares of land and forcing thousands of
people from their homes, are a “clear warning” of the impact of the climate

The discovery of an extinct shelduck highlights the rich ancient biodiversity of the remote Rēkohu Chatham Islands

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 19:42:07 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/the-discovery-of-an-extinct-shelduck-highlights-the-rich-ancient-biodiversity-of-the-remote-rekohu-chatham-islands-259656>

"Islands are natural laboratories where evolution can run rampant as plants and
animals adapt to new environmental conditions and vacancies in the ecosystem.

David Stratton, esteemed Australian film critic, dies aged 85

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 19:43:49 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/aug/14/david-stratton-esteemed-australian-film-critic-dies-aged-85>

"David Stratton, the revered Australian film critic and beloved co-host of
television programs The Movie Show and At The Movies with fellow critic
Margaret Pomeranz, has died aged 85.

Installing heat pumps in factories could save $1.5 trillion and 77,000 lives

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 19:44:57 +1000

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

<https://grist.org/energy/installing-heat-pumps-in-factories-could-save-1-5-trillion-and-77000-lives/>

"For several years now, heat pumps have outsold gas furnaces in the United
States. Instead of burning fossil fuels to generate warmth, these appliances
use electricity — ideally provided by renewable sources like wind and solar —

Lightweight and low maintenance: Australian solar pioneer unveils integrated PV for metal rooftops

Sat, 16 Aug 2025 04:09:11 +1000

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

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/lightweight-and-low-maintenance-australian-solar-pioneer-unveils-integrated-pv-for-metal-rooftops/>

"Perth based solar glass innovator ClearVue Technologies has launched a
“lightweight and low maintenance” integrated solar power solution engineered
specifically for installation on metal rooftops.

What Cyberpunk 2077 Can Teach Real-World Cities

Sat, 16 Aug 2025 04:11:00 +1000

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

https://aftermath.site/cyberpunk-urban-design

"The first time I get a good view of Cyberpunk 2077’s Night City is from the
window of a private taxi. The driverless flying car departs from a portal high
up in the side of my corporate employer’s headquarters and soars over a packed,

Postwar Japan at 80: 10 factors that changed the nation forever

Sat, 16 Aug 2025 04:13:09 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/postwar-japan-at-80-10-factors-that-changed-the-nation-forever-263039>

"This year marks 80 years since Japan’s catastrophic defeat in the Asia-Pacific
War. In 1945, the country lay in ruins. Millions had died in battle or in the
devastating Allied bombings of Tokyo, Hiroshima, Nagasaki, and other cities.

Sudan cholera outbreak kills 40 in a week as health centres overwhelmed

Sat, 16 Aug 2025 04:14:24 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2025/aug/14/sudan-cholera-outbreak-water-health-medecins-sans-frontieres-msf-war-refugees>

"The “worst cholera outbreak in years” has killed at least 40 people in the
last week in Sudan, according to the medical charity Médecins Sans Frontières.

The canary in the concrete jungle: how polluted towns make sparrows frail, anxious and old before their time

Sat, 16 Aug 2025 04:15:09 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/the-canary-in-the-concrete-jungle-how-polluted-towns-make-sparrows-frail-anxious-and-old-before-their-time-262788>

"Living in cities exposes people to all sorts of chemical pollutants. Many are
harmful even at low concentrations. But it is hard to know what the risks and
consequences might be.

After 4 years of repressive Taliban rule, Afghans are suffering in silence. Is the world still watching?

Sat, 16 Aug 2025 04:16:01 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/after-4-years-of-repressive-taliban-rule-afghans-are-suffering-in-silence-is-the-world-still-watching-262801>

"On August 15 2021, Afghanistan’s democratic republic collapsed.

As the last US and NATO troops departed the country, the Taliban swept back

Nvidia, AMD Pay A 15% Bribe To The US Treasury To Keep Selling Chips To China

Sat, 16 Aug 2025 11:23:27 +1000

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

<https://www.techdirt.com/2025/08/14/nvidia-amd-pay-a-15-bribe-to-the-us-treasury-to-keep-selling-chips-to-china/>

"If you actually pay attention you might notice the right wing’s
pearl-clutching over China is neither effective nor consistent.

‘Australiana’ images made by AI are racist and full of tired cliches, new study shows

Sat, 16 Aug 2025 11:24:28 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/australiana-images-made-by-ai-are-racist-and-full-of-tired-cliches-new-study-shows-263117>

"Big tech company hype sells generative artificial intelligence (AI) as
intelligent, creative, desirable, inevitable, and about to radically reshape
the future in many ways.

Trump Threatens Bayh‑Dole March‑In To Punish Harvard—After Refusing It For COVID

Sat, 16 Aug 2025 11:27:03 +1000

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

<https://www.techdirt.com/2025/08/14/trump-threatens-bayh%e2%80%91dole-march%e2%80%91in-to-punish-harvard-after-refusing-it-for-covid/>

"For years we’ve talked about the serious problems of the Bayh-Dole Act,
which encouraged universities to patent every damn idea that anyone associated
with the university came up with in the hopes of “commercializing” it. In

David Stratton was always ‘doing it for the audience’. In this, he had a huge impact on Australian film

Sat, 16 Aug 2025 11:28:14 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/david-stratton-was-always-doing-it-for-the-audience-in-this-he-had-a-huge-impact-on-australian-film-263202>

"Celebrated film critic David Stratton has died at the age of 85. He leaves an
indelible mark on Australian film culture, and Australian film culture left an
indelible mark on him.

Elephants call to each other by name

Sat, 16 Aug 2025 11:29:18 +1000

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

https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/articles/c988pz3q8qro

"Researchers in the US found that, like humans, African elephants in Kenya will
call to their friends with individual rumbles and grumbles.

Spiderweb silks and architectures reveal millions of years of evolutionary ingenuity

Sat, 16 Aug 2025 11:30:13 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/spiderweb-silks-and-architectures-reveal-millions-of-years-of-evolutionary-ingenuity-261928>

"Have you ever walked face-first into a spiderweb while on a hike? Or swept
away cobwebs in your garage?

Four-day work week benefits workers and employers, new study shows

Sat, 16 Aug 2025 19:11:20 +1000

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

https://www.popsci.com/science/four-day-work-week-study/

"For many people, the 40-hour work week can be an exhausting grind. But new
research bolsters the argument that the solution isn’t necessarily to focus on
improving your mindset, getting a better night’s sleep, or simply sucking it

Animal Farm at 80: why the animals really matter in Orwell’s parable about communism

Sat, 16 Aug 2025 19:13:38 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/animal-farm-at-80-why-the-animals-really-matter-in-orwells-parable-about-communism-246713>

"George Orwell’s Animal Farm (1945) turns 80 on August 17 2025. If there’s
one thing every student of history or politics knows, it’s that the novella is
not really about animals. Sure, the principal characters are pigs and horses.

Australian Council of Trade Unions says it's time for a shorter work week to boost performance and reduce burnout

Sat, 16 Aug 2025 19:14:53 +1000

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

<https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-13/unions-say-time-for-a-four-day-work-week/105644594>

"The Australian Council of Trade Unions has become the latest group to throw
its weight behind calls for a shorter working week, saying productivity gains
should be shared with workers, rather than "boosting corporate profits and

Does AI really boost productivity at work? Research shows gains don’t come cheap or easy

Sat, 16 Aug 2025 19:15:40 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/does-ai-really-boost-productivity-at-work-research-shows-gains-dont-come-cheap-or-easy-263127>

"Artificial intelligence (AI) is being touted as a way to boost lagging
productivity growth.

Tsundoku – the Japanese Art of Buying Books That You Don't Read

Sat, 16 Aug 2025 19:22:21 +1000

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

<https://freedium.cfd/https://medium.com/japonica-publication/tsundoku-the-japanese-art-of-buying-books-that-you-dont-read-46faa07f2f3b>

"Do you have a habit of buying books that you never quite get around to
reading? Turns out you are not alone. In fact, the Japanese have a word for it.

Solar panels that fit on your balcony or deck are gaining traction in the US

Sat, 16 Aug 2025 19:23:51 +1000

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

<https://apnews.com/article/balcony-plug-solar-climate-energy-renewable-trump-c162abf520da0fa155dc971270b8684a>

"When Terrence Dwyer received a knock on his door and a flyer for a solar panel
system small enough to fit on his deck, he was quickly sold. Solar systems that
plug into regular wall outlets have been popular in Europe for years and are

The Gleaning Project

Sun, 17 Aug 2025 03:42:36 +1000

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

https://www.transitiondundee.com/gleaning

"We work with local growers to harvest produce that is either surplus,
outgraded, rejected or unsellable. We then distribute this food to various
local community food projects. Through this we are able to both reduce food

Australia, why are you still obsessed with freeways – when they’re driving us away from net zero?

Sun, 17 Aug 2025 03:43:33 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/australia-why-are-you-still-obsessed-with-freeways-when-theyre-driving-us-away-from-net-zero-262129>

"From Melbourne’s proposed Outer Metropolitan Ring Road to Sydney’s recently
completed Westconnex, Australia’s addiction to mega roads continues despite the
spectre of climate change.

Four remote First Nations communities win funding to quit diesel, shift to renewables

Sun, 17 Aug 2025 03:44:27 +1000

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

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/four-remote-first-nations-communities-win-funding-to-quit-diesel-shift-to-renewables/>

"Four remote First Nations communities will be transitioned away from a diesel
powered electricity supply to solar and battery storage-based microgrids, as
part of a federally funded program supported by the Australian Renewable Energy

No Deals with War Criminals on Alaska Soil

Sun, 17 Aug 2025 03:46:15 +1000

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

<https://www.nativemovement.org/nm-blog/2025/8/14/no-deals-with-war-criminals-on-alaska-soil>

"Anchorage, Alaska – As President Donald Trump prepares to meet Russian
President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on August 15 to discuss the Ukrainian
crisis, Native Movement stands with Alaskans and those across the country who

Cherry blossoms and eucalypts: this Japanese war cemetery remembers fallen Australians

Sun, 17 Aug 2025 03:47:18 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/cherry-blossoms-and-eucalypts-this-japanese-war-cemetery-remembers-fallen-australians-262344>

"After the Great War, Australians made pilgrimages to distant battlefields of
Gallipoli and northern France. They paid their respects to the fallen soldiers
who shaped our national identity.

Meta appoints anti-DEI and anti-LGBTQ+ conspiracy theorist Robby Starbuck as AI bias advisor

Sun, 17 Aug 2025 03:49:52 +1000

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

https://www.advocate.com/news/meta-robby-starbuck-ai-bias

'The man Meta has appointed to help address "ideological and political bias" in
artificial intelligence is a conservative influencer who believes that
pesticide turns children LGBTQ+ and that the COVID-19 vaccine caused Matthew

‘A kick in the head we all needed’: beloved satirist John Clarke celebrated in new film by his daughter

Sun, 17 Aug 2025 12:21:14 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/aug/11/john-clarke-daughter-lorin-documentary-film-but-also-john-clarke-miff>

"In a career that spanned close to 40 years, the late satirist and comedian
John Clarke played thousands of people. In his native New Zealand he was Fred
Dagg, sheep farmer and gumboot philosopher. In Australia he was best known as

What do we know about the Covid-19 virus five years on?

Sun, 17 Aug 2025 12:22:10 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/07/what-do-we-know-about-the-covid-19-virus-five-years-on>

"It’s been five years since the start of the Covid pandemic. Although most of
the government mandates, from social distancing to face masks, have been
consigned to the past, the virus is still prevalent – and capable of causing

The World’s Smartest City Is a Tiny German Village

Sun, 17 Aug 2025 12:22:52 +1000

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

https://reasonstobecheerful.world/etteln-smartest-city/

"Anybody can visit Etteln with the click of a mouse. As Ulrich Ahle’s pointer
flies over the rooftops of his hometown — past half-timbered houses, the
historic church and verdant fields — it’s clear this isn’t just a sleepy German

‘It felt like a scene from The Handmaid’s Tale’: US comics on the dangers of political satire

Sun, 17 Aug 2025 12:23:56 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2025/aug/12/it-felt-like-a-scene-from-the-handmaids-tale-us-comics-on-the-dangers-of-political-satire>

"In April, comedian Jena Friedman had a strange encounter in the Vancouver
airport. She had just performed a Ted talk about the future of comedy and was
heading home to the US, when someone she thought worked for airport security

The Spark: Bringing Biodiversity to Your Own Backyard

Sun, 17 Aug 2025 12:24:51 +1000

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

https://reasonstobecheerful.world/the-spark-backyard-biodiversity/

"When Doug Tallamy bought his 10-acre property in southeastern Pennsylvania in
2000, the former hayfield was covered in invasive plant species. “I’m an
entomologist, so I always look for insects, and right away I saw that the

Arctic glaciers face ‘terminal’ decline as microbes accelerate ice melt

Sun, 17 Aug 2025 12:25:55 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/15/arctic-glaciers-face-terminal-decline-as-microbes-accelerate-ice-melt>

"“It felt really scary … like being in the middle of a burning city during a
night raid.” Dr Arwyn Edwards is not describing urban warfare but a recent hot
and foggy day on a Svalbard glacier, where record-breaking summer heat turned

‘Sponge City’: How Copenhagen Is Adapting to a Wetter Future

Sun, 17 Aug 2025 18:45:43 +1000

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

https://e360.yale.edu/features/copenhagen-sponge-cities

"In just two hours on July 2, 2011, a torrential, once-in-a-millennium storm
battered and flooded Copenhagen, pounding parts of Denmark’s capital with more
than 5 inches of rain. Critical infrastructure at the city’s largest hospital

The ultra-wealthy have exploited Australia’s tax system for too long. It’s time to ensure everyone pays their fair share

Sun, 17 Aug 2025 18:46:27 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/aug/16/the-ultra-wealthy-have-exploited-australias-tax-system-for-too-long-its-time-to-ensure-everyone-pays-their-fair-share>

"Unions want to tackle intergenerational inequality by reforming Australia’s
tax system. For the first time in living memory, younger Australians risk
facing lower living standards than those before them. This is not acceptable to

A long-awaited rule to protect workers from heat stress moves forward, even under Trump

Sun, 17 Aug 2025 18:48:12 +1000

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

<https://grist.org/labor/federal-workplace-heat-protections-osha-temperature-regulation-trump-farmworkers/>

"Last summer, the United States took a crucial step towards protecting millions
of workers across the country from the impacts of extreme heat on the job. In
July 2024, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA,

Maker or faker? Australia’s handicraft markets face rise in mass-produced goods

Sun, 17 Aug 2025 18:49:24 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2025/aug/16/maker-or-faker-australia-handicraft-markets-face-rise-in-mass-produced-goods>

"Peggy Byrne was strolling through market stalls held by artisans and makers in
Adelaide. A selection of crocheted flowers and animals caught her eye.

Take a Ride on New York City’s Future Train Line

Sun, 17 Aug 2025 18:50:47 +1000

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

<https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/07/29/nyregion/interborough-express-tour-brooklyn-queens.html>

"The Interborough Express, a passenger rail line that would connect New York
City’s most populous boroughs, Brooklyn and Queens, without entering Manhattan,
could finally become a reality. This tree-lined path, seen from Borough Park in

Australia used to lead the world on shorter work hours – we could do it again

Sun, 17 Aug 2025 18:51:45 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/australia-used-to-lead-the-world-on-shorter-work-hours-we-could-do-it-again-263120>

"In the 1850s, when Melbourne stonemasons won the eight-hour day, employers of
the day prophesied economic ruin. These standardised hours then flowed into
other industries.

Is apocalyptic thinking getting you down? This foursome has a solution

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 01:23:13 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/picture/2025/aug/16/is-apocalyptic-thinking-getting-you-down-this-foursome-has-a-solution>

"They could be onto something"

The global plastics treaty process has fallen flat. Here’s what went wrong, and how you can help

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 01:24:09 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/the-global-plastics-treaty-process-has-fallen-flat-heres-what-went-wrong-and-how-you-can-help-263189>

"Progress towards a legally binding global treaty on plastics pollution stalled
and went into reverse this week. The United Nations Intergovernmental
Negotiating Committee meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, ran overtime. It’s likely

Blue sky thinking: why we need positive climate novels

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 01:25:55 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/books/2025/aug/16/blue-sky-thinking-why-we-need-positive-climate-novels>

"Nearly a quarter of a century ago when I published my first novel,
Haweswater, about the impact of dam-building in north-west England, nature
writing felt quite different, at least for me. Several landmark novels about

Look up: five hopeful novels about the climate crisis

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 01:26:54 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/books/2025/aug/16/look-up-five-hopeful-novels-about-the-climate-crisis>

"‘Can literature be a tool to encourage something better – creating eco-topia
on the page, so it might be imagined off it?” asks the novelist Sarah Hall in
this weekend’s Guardian magazine. Climate fiction – or “cli-fi” – continues

Weaving a story of hope with nature recovery

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 01:28:11 +1000

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

<https://www.positive.news/society/weaving-a-story-of-hope-with-nature-recovery/>

"It was a family of beavers that inspired Sara King’s career choice. Now a
manager at Rewilding Britain, the charity restoring the nation’s ecosystems,
King had been working as an ecological consultant when she visited a beaver

Have men really stopped reading? We take a deeper dive into the data

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 01:28:57 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/news/2025/aug/17/men-books-reading-rates-data-statistics-women-children-australia>

"The demise of men reading books has, once again, been greatly exaggerated.

A recent ABC article about Australians’ reading habits claimed “Australians,

Regenerative agriculture isn’t misty-eyed nostalgia, it’s the future

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 12:15:29 +1000

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

<https://www.positive.news/society/regenerative-agriculture-isnt-misty-eyed-nostalgia-its-the-future/>

"“It’s like growing muesli for cows,” says Yeo Valley Organic farmer Tim Mead,
as he describes the smorgasbord of barley, peas and oats that feed the British
food brand’s dairy herd – cereals and pulses thriving side-by-side.

Seattle Renews Its Unique Approach to Public Campaign Financing

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 12:16:40 +1000

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

https://boltsmag.org/seattle-democracy-vouchers-renewing/

"Seattle is poised to continue its experiment in public campaign financing.
Voters on Tuesday renewed the city’s democracy vouchers program, which provides
each adult Seattle resident with four $25 vouchers they can donate to local

The Invisible Shield

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 12:21:36 +1000

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

https://journeysinfilm.org/film/the-invisible-shield/

"Using vivid character portraits, interviews, and archival elements, The
Invisible Shield shows that public health is a progressive and revolutionary
movement, whose successes have traditionally come from a diverse,

Former pro-democracy Hong Kong politician Ted Hui granted asylum in Australia

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 12:23:28 +1000

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

<https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-17/ted-hui-granted-asylum-protection-in-australia/105664062>

'Former pro-democracy politician Ted Hui — who is wanted by authorities in Hong
Kong — has been granted asylum in Australia.

Senior lawyer apologises after filing AI-generated submissions in Victorian murder case

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 12:24:22 +1000

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

<https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-15/victoria-lawyer-apologises-after-ai-generated-submissions/105661208>

'A senior lawyer has apologised to a Victorian judge for filing submissions in
a murder case that included fake quotes and non-existent case judgements
generated by artificial intelligence (AI).

2025 Hugo Awards

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 12:25:49 +1000

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

https://file770.com/2025-hugo-awards/

"The winners of the 2025 Hugo Awards, Lodestar Award for Best Young Adult Book,
and Astounding Award for Best New Writer were announced on Saturday, August 16
at Seattle Worldcon 2025. (The following day, the committee released the 2025

Do hot drinks really give you cancer? A gut expert explains

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 23:22:48 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/do-hot-drinks-really-give-you-cancer-a-gut-expert-explains-261256>

"When you order a coffee, do you ask for it to be “extra hot”?

Whether you enjoy tea, coffee or something else, hot drinks are a comforting

Are we letting ‘stranger danger’ get in the way of connecting with our community?

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 23:23:57 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/aug/18/are-we-letting-stranger-danger-get-in-the-way-of-connecting-with-our-community>

"About six months ago, a friend and I took our kids along to the shopping
centre in Ballarat for some school holiday activities. When I rocked up, my
friend was already deep in conversation with another mum, who was not initially

If AI takes most of our jobs, money as we know it will be over. What then?

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 23:24:45 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/if-ai-takes-most-of-our-jobs-money-as-we-know-it-will-be-over-what-then-262338>

"It’s the defining technology of an era. But just how artificial intelligence
(AI) will end up shaping our future remains a controversial question.

Letters from an American: August 17, 2025

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 23:26:20 +1000

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

https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/august-17-2025

"On the heels of President Donald J. Trump’s Friday meeting with Russia’s
president Vladimir Putin in Anchorage, Alaska, Trump will meet with Ukraine’s
president Volodymyr Zelensky Monday afternoon at the White House. According to

‘Several teachers didn’t believe in ADHD’: families speak about how students with disability are bullied and excluded

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 23:27:03 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/several-teachers-didnt-believe-in-adhd-families-speak-about-how-students-with-disability-are-bullied-and-excluded-263052>

"One student was routinely punished for her “ADHD behaviours” at school,
another was locked in a classroom, while another was sent home 85 times in a
single year.

Quiz: can you pick a Victorian from a Queenslander? How our accents change from state to state

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 23:28:48 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/quiz-can-you-pick-a-victorian-from-a-queenslander-how-our-accents-change-from-state-to-state-250908>

"In Australia, we can often tell what state someone is from based on the words
they use: whether they go to the beach in “togs”, “bathers” or “swimmers” or if
they prefer to eat a “potato cake”, “potato scallop” or “potato fritter”.

Recycle and reuse: Mandatory new rules to stop millions of solar PV panels going into landfill

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 10:33:37 +1000

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

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/recycle-and-reuse-mandatory-new-rules-to-stop-millions-of-solar-pv-panels-going-into-landfill/>

"Federal and state governments have agreed to work on a new mandatory recycling
scheme for solar modules, to ensure that millions of discarded solar PV panels
do not end up in landfill.

Antibiotic use likely fuelled the rise of a ‘superbug’ in NZ – genomics offers a defence against the next threat

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 10:34:23 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/antibiotic-use-likely-fuelled-the-rise-of-a-superbug-in-nz-genomics-offers-a-defence-against-the-next-threat-262316>

"After a routine C-section at an Auckland hospital, a mother developed severe
pain and what seemed like postnatal fatigue. It turned out to be an infection
with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a “superbug”

Here are four ways the Treasurer’s roundtable could deliver for climate

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 10:35:55 +1000

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

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/here-are-four-ways-the-treasurers-roundtable-could-deliver-for-climate/>

"We’ve seen a lot of ideas for the upcoming Treasurer’s Economic Reform
Roundtable, but not many on our climate challenge.

Preserving the Knowledge of the Ancients?

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 10:37:43 +1000

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

http://www.tubebooks.org/technical_books_online.htm

'I've found that most of the technical books published before about 1964 never
had their copyrights renewed, so now are in the public domain. So I am
endeavoring to digitize and post some selected books relating to the "vacuum

Common Sense about Negotiations

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 10:38:32 +1000

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

https://snyder.substack.com/p/common-sense-about-negotiations

"As Ukrainian and European leaders travel to Washington for discussions in the
White House this Monday about ending Russia’s illegal war of aggression,
Americans would do well to remember ten principles of negotiation."

A mind-reading brain implant that comes with password protection

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 10:39:31 +1000

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

https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-025-02589-5

"A brain implant can decode a person’s internal chatter — but the device works
only if the user thinks of a preset password1.

E-bikes could slash our reliance on cars – but overpowered illegal models on the roads make us all less safe

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 19:02:37 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/e-bikes-could-slash-our-reliance-on-cars-but-overpowered-illegal-models-on-the-roads-make-us-all-less-safe-262871>

"Since the invention of gears, nothing has encouraged more people to get on a
bicycle than the introduction of electric motors and batteries.

Wildfires rage in Spain and Portugal amid searing heat

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 19:04:39 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/18/wildfires-spain-portugal-heat-extreme-temperatures-southern-europe>

"Relentless heat and raging wildfires continue to ravage southern Europe, with
one-quarter of weather stations in Spain recording 40C temperatures, as the
prime minister urged people to “leave the climate emergency outside of partisan

Covid’s hidden impact on blood vessels revealed in global study

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 19:07:04 +1000

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

https://archive.md/XVwSj

"Covid infection may make blood vessels age faster – particularly in women –
according to new international research that included Australian patients.

Generative AI is not a ‘calculator for words’. 5 reasons why this idea is misleading

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 19:08:01 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/generative-ai-is-not-a-calculator-for-words-5-reasons-why-this-idea-is-misleading-263323>

"Last year I attended a panel on generative AI in education. In a memorable
moment, one presenter asked: “What’s the big deal? Generative AI is like a
calculator. It’s just a tool.”

The Crisis of the University Started Long Before Trump

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 19:09:21 +1000

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

<https://www.compactmag.com/article/the-crisis-of-the-university-started-long-before-trump/>

"The University of Chicago is in crisis. Under extraordinary financial strain,
it has diminished its faculty-student ratio and hired hundreds of “lecturers”:
teachers whom it pays little and whom it does not expect to do research. It has

The ‘wrong kind of sorry’: will a record fine for Qantas deter other companies from breaking the law?

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 19:10:26 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/the-wrong-kind-of-sorry-will-a-record-fine-for-qantas-deter-other-companies-from-breaking-the-law-263324>

"On Monday, the Federal Court of Australia handed Qantas a record fine of A$90
million for breaching the Fair Work Act by unlawfully terminating the
employment of 1,820 ground workers during the pandemic.

I got an AI to impersonate me and teach me my own course – here’s what I learned about the future of education

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 03:44:36 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/i-got-an-ai-to-impersonate-me-and-teach-me-my-own-course-heres-what-i-learned-about-the-future-of-education-262734>

"Imagine you had an unlimited budget for individual tutors offering
hyper-personalised courses that maximised learners’ productivity and skills
development. This summer I previewed this idea – with a ridiculous and

‘A climate of unparalleled malevolence’: are we on our way to the sixth major mass extinction?

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 03:47:17 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/aug/19/a-climate-of-unparalleled-malevolence-are-we-on-our-way-to-the-sixth-major-mass-extinction>

"Daniel Rothman works on the top floor of the building that houses the
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Department of Earth, Atmospheric
and Planetary Sciences, a big concrete domino that overlooks the Charles River

‘There’s no such thing as someone else’s children’ – Omar El Akkad bears witness to the destruction of Gaza and the West’s quiet assent

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 03:48:37 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/theres-no-such-thing-as-someone-elses-children-omar-el-akkad-bears-witness-to-the-destruction-of-gaza-and-the-wests-quiet-assent-251615>

"Review: One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This – Omar El
Akkad (Text Publishing)

A mysterious comet is shooting through our solar system. Why are scientists so excited about 3I/Atlas?

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 03:50:00 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/aug/19/3i-atlas-comet-interstellar-alien-object-where-size-speed>

"An object that came from outside our solar system is hurtling towards the sun
at roughly 61km (38 miles) a second.

Soft plastics recycling looks set to return to supermarkets. Cutting back on plastic would be even better

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 03:51:07 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/soft-plastics-recycling-looks-set-to-return-to-supermarkets-cutting-back-on-plastic-would-be-even-better-263267>

"Imagine the weight of three Sydney Harbour Bridges. Between 2022 and 2023,
product manufacturers were responsible for 540,000 tonnes (or three Sydney
Harbour Bridges) of soft plastic packaging in Australia. Even worse, only 6%

Australia aims for home-made cells, materials and packs in new $500m “battery breakthrough” fund

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 03:52:06 +1000

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

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/australia-aims-for-home-made-cells-materials-and-packs-in-new-500m-battery-breakthrough-fund/>

"Federal Labor has launched its Battery Breakthrough Initiative, offering a
share in $500 million of funding to companies making and innovating battery
energy storage system components and strengthening the Australian battery

Conservation efforts are bringing species back from the brink, even as overall biodiversity falls

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 11:15:50 +1000

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

<https://phys.org/news/2025-03-efforts-species-brink-biodiversity-falls.html>

'A major review of over 67,000 animal species has found that while the natural
world continues to face a biodiversity crisis, targeted conservation efforts
are helping bring many species back from the brink of extinction.

‘I went out and I had a cry’: what aged-care staff say about their grief when residents die

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 11:16:33 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/i-went-out-and-i-had-a-cry-what-aged-care-staff-say-about-their-grief-when-residents-die-262937>

"As our population ages, we’re living longer and dying older. End-of-life care
is therefore an increasingly important part of aged care. In Australia, around
50% of people aged over 85 die in an aged care home.

Plastics Started as a Sustainability Solution. What Went Wrong?

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 11:18:33 +1000

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

<https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-plastics-went-from-a-sustainability-solution-to-an-environmental-crisis/>

"In 1864 Scientific American published a competition launched by a
billiard-table manufacturing company: “Ten Thousand Dollars for a Substitute
for Ivory.” The owners of Phelan & Collender were pleased to see it; they wrote

Rice, two curries and dal: The Indian cafes where you can pay in rubbish

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 11:20:02 +1000

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

<https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20250818-the-indian-garbage-cafes-giving-out-food-in-exchange-for-plastic-waste>

'As I approach India's first Garbage Cafe on a cloudy and foggy winter day in
early 2025, the smell of hot samosas immediately makes the place feel cosy.
Inside, people are sitting on wooden benches holding steel plates filled with

European Colonialism in Africa Is Alive

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 11:21:25 +1000

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

<https://www.project-syndicate.org/onpoint/europe-africa-colonial-era-lasting-effects-by-stelios-michalopoulos-and-elias-papaioannou-2021-07>

"PROVIDENCE/LONDON – Last year, as the Black Lives Matter movement was
intensifying across the United States following Minneapolis police officer
Derek Chauvin’s murder of George Floyd, Europe was facing its own battles over

Cyd is now open source!

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 11:24:55 +1000

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

https://lockdown.systems/cyd-is-now-open-source/

"Lockdown Systems is excited to announce that Cyd, the app that lets you claw
back your data from the billionaire-controlled tech platforms, is now open
source! The code is available on GitHub and is released under the GPLv3

Werewolf exes and billionaire CEOs: why cheesy short dramas are taking over our social media feeds

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 23:12:56 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/werewolf-exes-and-billionaire-ceos-why-cheesy-short-dramas-are-taking-over-our-social-media-feeds-259385>

"What can you do in 60 seconds? In short dramas, or “micro dramas”, that’s
enough time for a billionaire CEO to fall in love with his contracted wife, or
for a werewolf mafia boss to break a curse.

WA lawyer referred to regulator after preparing documents with AI-generated citations for nonexistent cases

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 23:13:52 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/aug/20/wa-lawyer-referred-to-regulator-after-preparing-documents-with-ai-generated-case-citations-that-did-not-exist-ntwnfb>

"A lawyer has been referred to Western Australia’s legal regulator after using
artificial intelligence in preparing court documents for an immigration case.
The documents contained AI-generated case citations for cases that did not

AI free from bias and ideology is a fantasy – humans can’t organise data without distorting reality

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 23:14:38 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/ai-free-from-bias-and-ideology-is-a-fantasy-humans-cant-organise-data-without-distorting-reality-262523>

"In July, the United States government made it clear that artificial
intelligence (AI) companies wanting to do business with the White House will
need to ensure their AI systems are “objective and free from top-down

Perth’s water supply at ‘high risk’ from Alcoa bauxite mining, expert study finds

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 23:15:28 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/aug/20/perth-water-supply-risk-alcoa-bauxite-mining>

"Alcoa’s plan to vastly expand its strip mining of forest near Perth’s dams
poses a high risk to the water supply for the city’s 2.3 million people,
according to global engineering consultancy GHD.

Indigenous students want to finish Year 12. They need equal support and resources from schools to do this

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 23:16:12 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/indigenous-students-want-to-finish-year-12-they-need-equal-support-and-resources-from-schools-to-do-this-257895>

"Statistics showing Indigenous school students in a negative light are
regularly reported in the Australian media and policy debates. We often hear
how Indigenous students “trail” their non-Indigenous peers in NAPLAN results

The Ultra Rich Won't Survive the Apocalypse

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 23:21:33 +1000

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

<https://freedium.cfd/https://medium.com/the-panopticon-publication/the-ultra-rich-wont-survive-the-apocalypse-66572fe58106>

'In 2017, the renowned media theorist, author, and professor Douglas Rushkoff
got invited to speak at an event he assumed would be full of investment
bankers. Instead, Rushkoff was ushered into a backroom with five ultra-wealthy

Why do smart people get hooked on wellness trends? Personality traits may play a role

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 03:42:06 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/why-do-smart-people-get-hooked-on-wellness-trends-personality-traits-may-play-a-role-263041>

"If you’ve spent time on social media recently you have probably been exposed
to questionable “wellness” content. You may have been instructed to dip your
toes in icy water or let the sun shine where it usually doesn’t.

Four-day work week? Six weeks of holidays? Australians have a choice about how to bank productivity gains

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 03:43:57 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/aug/20/four-day-work-week-six-weeks-holidays-vacation-australia-boost-improve-productivity>

"One of the ideas that has captured many peoples’ attention amid the flurry of
proposals ahead of the economic roundtable is the Australian Council of Trade
Unions’ vision of a four-day working week.

Botanical time machines: AI is unlocking a treasure trove of data held in herbarium collections

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 04:03:47 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/botanical-time-machines-ai-is-unlocking-a-treasure-trove-of-data-held-in-herbarium-collections-253236>

"In 1770, after Captain Cook’s Endeavour struck the Great Barrier Reef and was
held up for repairs, botanists Joseph Banks and Daniel Solander collected
hundreds of plants.

Australian gas industry is the biggest user of Australian gas, says new report

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 04:05:11 +1000

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

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/australian-gas-industry-is-the-biggest-user-of-australian-gas-says-new-report/>

"Australia’s gas industry uses more of its own gas than any other sector of the
economy, in a self-reinforcing demand cycle, according to a new report.

Want to see Australia’s rare and remarkable species for yourself? Here are 10 standout spots

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 04:06:02 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/want-to-see-australias-rare-and-remarkable-species-for-yourself-here-are-10-standout-spots-262128>

"Australia is home to an extraordinary variety of wildlife, ranging from
striking palm cockatoos to elusive mountain pygmy-possums and remarkable
rat-kangaroos.

Ausgrid hopes new solar pilot can help “break the boundaries” on narrow network limits

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 04:06:58 +1000

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

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/ausgrid-hopes-new-solar-pilot-can-help-break-the-boundaries-on-narrow-network-limits/>

"Australia’s largest electricity network operator, Ausgrid, is testing an idea
that could challenge the rules for how energy networks operate — and in doing
so, it argues, speed up the clean energy transition.

Matcha latte for the likes: how ‘performative eating’ is changing our relationship with food

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 10:57:56 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/matcha-latte-for-the-likes-how-performative-eating-is-changing-our-relationship-with-food-262620>

"Ever ordered a salad on a first date when you really wanted the burger?

Many of us eat differently when we’re around other people, often without

Australians love batteries. They would also love efficient electric homes to go with them

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 10:59:18 +1000

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

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/australians-love-batteries-they-would-also-love-efficient-electric-homes-to-go-with-them/>

"Australians are installing household batteries in droves, with about 1,000 new
residential battery systems installed each day as of July.

The Situation: Hopscotch is Now Illegal on D.C. Sidewalks

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 11:00:38 +1000

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

<https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/the-situation--hopscotch-is-now-illegal-on-d.c.-sidewalks>

"The Situation on Thursday announced: “I will be observing the occasion of
the Alaska summit by painting a giant Ukrainian flag in front of the Russian
Embassy in Washington in sidewalk chalk.”

Capping Australia’s biggest fossil subsidy is the productivity reform we can’t afford to ignore

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 11:01:32 +1000

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

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/capping-australias-biggest-fossil-subsidy-is-the-productivity-reform-we-cant-afford-to-ignore/>

"Australia’s biggest fossil fuel subsidy is hiding in plain sight. The diesel
Fuel Tax Credit (FTC) scheme – a taxpayer-funded rebate mostly benefitting big
miners – is costing Australians tens of billions, fuelling emissions, and

These little robots are changing the way solar farms are built, saving time and money

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 11:02:45 +1000

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

<https://www.cnbc.com/2025/08/20/these-little-robots-are-changing-the-way-solar-farms-are-built.html>

"Private renewable energy projects are still moving forward despite a pullback
in government support, and new technology is making that construction more
efficient.

Political Animals: The secret life of the political pets of Westminster and Washington

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 11:04:04 +1000

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

<https://www.bitebackpublishing.com/books/political-animals-peter-cardwell>

"Larry the cat, chief mouser of Downing Street, has seen off five Prime
Ministers so far and is a national treasure. Though certainly the most famous
cat in Britain, Larry is only one of a long line of political animals at the

Iconic Antarctic species at risk amid 'regime shift', scientists say, with 'rapid and self-perpetuating changes

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 18:38:53 +1000

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

<https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-21/iconic-antarctic-species-at-risk-amid-antarctic-regime-shift/105676324>

'Scientists say there is emerging evidence of abrupt and potentially
unstoppable changes in the Antarctic environment.

Scientists make 'superfood' that could save honeybees

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 18:39:41 +1000

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

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c776kynn771o

'Scientists have developed a honeybee "superfood" that could protect the
animals against the threats of climate change and habitat loss.

Jon Ching Advocates for Six Endangered Hawaiian Birds in Vivid Detail

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 18:40:57 +1000

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

https://www.thisiscolossal.com/2025/08/jon-ching-hawaiian-honeycreepers/

"Paradise for some, Hawai‘i is a place of ecological contradiction. The islands
are known for their beautiful beaches and lush forests, and yet, they’re also
home to the largest threats to avian populations. Dubbed “the bird extinction

Data centers consume massive amounts of water – companies rarely tell the public exactly how much

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 18:42:41 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/data-centers-consume-massive-amounts-of-water-companies-rarely-tell-the-public-exactly-how-much-262901>

"As demand for artificial intelligence technology boosts construction and
proposed construction of data centers around the world, those computers require
not just electricity and land, but also a significant amount of water. Data

Collapse Isn't Coming. You're Already Living It

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 18:44:26 +1000

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

<https://freedium.cfd/https://medium.com/personal-growth/collapse-isnt-coming-you-re-already-living-it-40095a592ae1>

'"How did you go bankrupt?" Two ways. Gradually, then suddenly," novelist and
writer Ernest Hemingway wrote in The Sun Also Rises. People keep saying a
collapse is coming. It's not. It's already here. You're living in it. So am I.

We’ve been sending animals into space for 7 decades – yet there are still no rules to protect them from harm

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 18:45:18 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/weve-been-sending-animals-into-space-for-7-decades-yet-there-are-still-no-rules-to-protect-them-from-harm-263332>

"This week, Russia is expected to launch its Bion-M No.2 biosatellite from the
Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, carrying 75 mice and 1,500 fruit flies.

Another Friend Is Now Homeless

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 03:43:33 +1000

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

<https://freedium.cfd/https://medium.com/@susanleague_65352/another-friend-is-now-homeless-8db2eb03bf56>

"This morning, I opened LinkedIn and saw a gut-punch of an update. A friend in
another city, someone I've worked with in the past, posted that he's officially
homeless. Today was his last day in a weekly motel. Now, he's on the street

The most powerful tool in an astronomer’s arsenal is a lens – but not the kind you might think

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 03:44:19 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/the-most-powerful-tool-in-an-astronomers-arsenal-is-a-lens-but-not-the-kind-you-might-think-262630>

"Astronomers are living in a golden age of bigger and better telescopes. But
even our most advanced technology pales in comparison to the power of nature’s
own “cosmic magnifying glasses” – strong gravitational lenses.

Instead of ‘winners and losers’, why not build an economy that’s good for all Australians?

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 03:46:03 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/aug/20/economic-roundtable-winners-and-losers-australia-productivity>

"As pens and notepads were being laid out for start of the much-touted economic
roundtable on Monday, the chair of the Productivity Commission, Danielle Wood,
made a number of dark observations in an address to the National Press Club.

‘Green Islam’: how Muslims are powering environmental action across the world

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 03:47:10 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/green-islam-how-muslims-are-powering-environmental-action-across-the-world-261380>

"As the world grapples with myriad environmental problems, a growing number of
studies shows the role of religion is key.

Supporting freedom of expression is not wrong, Jimmy Lai’s lawyer tells court

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 03:48:20 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/20/jimmy-lai-unwavering-intent-to-solicit-foreign-sanctions-hong-kong-court-told>

"A lawyer for Jimmy Lai has argued that it is not wrong to support freedom of
expression, as he began his final argument in the prominent Hong Kong democracy
activist and newspaper founder’s landmark national security trial.

Housing can be good for productivity. Here are 5 ways we can build it better

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 03:49:11 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/housing-can-be-good-for-productivity-here-are-5-ways-we-can-build-it-better-263335>

"Most Australians invest much of their income into housing, making employment,
education and retirement decisions based on the location, timing and strength
of their housing investment.

Councils battle disinformation and fears of “self-igniting” EVs as they try to go electric

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 12:11:17 +1000

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

<https://thedriven.io/2025/08/20/councils-battle-disinformation-and-fears-of-self-igniting-evs-as-they-try-to-go-electric/>

"The high level of disinformation and misinformation remain consistent barriers
to the uptake of electric vehicles in Australia, but one local council was
astonished at the level [of] pushback from its employees when it introduced EVs

South Australia’s domestic and sexual violence royal commission recommendations should be embraced across the country

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 12:12:03 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/south-australias-domestic-and-sexual-violence-royal-commission-recommendations-should-be-embraced-across-the-country-263521>

"The South Australian Royal Commission into Domestic, Family and Sexual
Violence has released its final report. Led by Royal Commissioner Natasha Stott
Despoja, the 700-page report presents findings from extensive consultations,

BHP pushes mine fleet electrification plans into next decade, blames tech delays

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 12:12:58 +1000

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

<https://thedriven.io/2025/08/20/bhp-pushes-mine-fleet-electrification-plans-into-next-decade/>

"Australian mining giant BHP says it will delay the electrification of its
fleet of massive mining vehicles due to what it describes as the slowing in
development of some “decarbonisation technology”.

Erasing Harriet: Donald Trump’s War on History

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 12:14:20 +1000

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

https://jojofromjerz.substack.com/p/erasing-harriet-donald-trumps-war

"They tried to erase Harriet Tubman. Think about that. In the year 2025, on a
federal website about the Underground Railroad, her face disappeared. Her words
— stripped out. Her story — shrunk down and smoothed over into a Hallmark-card

Commodifying childhood: NZ children see marketing for unhealthy products 76 times a day

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 12:15:07 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/commodifying-childhood-nz-children-see-marketing-for-unhealthy-products-76-times-a-day-263418>

"Media headlines, industry figures and research confirm what many parents
suspect: marketing to children has not only grown in scale but also in
sophistication.

Trump Administration Removes Rainbow Crosswalk Honoring 49 Victims Murdered at Pulse Nightclub

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 12:16:35 +1000

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

<https://people.com/trump-administration-removes-rainbow-crosswalk-honoring-pulse-nightclub-victims-11795541>

'A rainbow crosswalk honoring the 49 victims of the 2016 Pulse nightclub
massacre was removed overnight on Wednesday, following a new directive from
President Donald Trump’s administration.

From sea ice to ocean currents, Antarctica is now undergoing abrupt changes – and we’ll all feel them

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 18:49:48 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/from-sea-ice-to-ocean-currents-antarctica-is-now-undergoing-abrupt-changes-and-well-all-feel-them-262615>

"Antarctica has long been seen as a remote, unchanging environment. Not any
more.

AEMO says wind, solar and storage keeping energy reliability “healthy,” despite leap in data-driven demand

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 18:51:21 +1000

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

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/aemo-says-wind-solar-and-storage-keeping-energy-reliability-healthy-despite-leap-in-data-driven-demand/>

"In a week where National Party senator Matt Canavan staged a one-man
productivity picnic-table outside federal parliament, sipping from a mug that
declared “I heart fossil fuels”, and calling for a return to the coal age, the

Why bad arguments sound convincing: 10 tricks of logic that underpin vaccine myths

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 18:52:04 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/why-bad-arguments-sound-convincing-10-tricks-of-logic-that-underpin-vaccine-myths-261778>

"The biggest lie those who create and spread misinformation perpetrate is that
they want you to think for yourself. They warn their target audience not to be
“sheep” and not to let themselves be told what to believe by “mainstream”

Plan to power remote coastal tourist town with 80 pct renewables gets underway

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 18:53:13 +1000

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

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/plan-to-power-remote-coastal-tourist-town-with-80-pct-renewables-gets-underway/>

"Plans to power the Western Australia coastal town of Exmouth with an annual
average of 80 per cent renewable energy are well underway, with the first
instalment in what will be 16,700 solar panels installed over the past week.

Federal judge orders closure of Trump’s ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ immigration jail

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 18:54:27 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/aug/21/trump-alligator-alcatraz-judge-ruling>

"A federal judge in Miami late on Thursday ordered the closure of the Trump
administration’s notorious “Alligator Alcatraz” immigration jail within 60
days, and ruled that no more detainees were to be brought to the facility while

Monty Python and the Holy Grail Returns to Doune Castle for 50th Anniversary Screenings

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 18:55:57 +1000

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

<https://www.medievalists.net/2025/08/monty-python-and-the-holy-grail-returns-to-doune-castle-for-50th-anniversary-screenings/>

"Visitors are being invited to celebrate 50 years of Monty Python and the Holy
Grail with exclusive screenings at Doune Castle in Scotland from Friday 22 to
Sunday 24 August.

Astronomers have glimpsed the core of a dying star – confirming theories of how atoms are made

Sat, 23 Aug 2025 03:42:45 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/astronomers-have-glimpsed-the-core-of-a-dying-star-confirming-theories-of-how-atoms-are-made-263339>

"Astronomers have glimpsed the inner structure of a dying star in a rare kind
of cosmic explosion called an “extremely stripped supernova”.

Fix the News 307: Solar is liberation. Kenya beats sleeping sickness. MPAs work. Chemosynthetic life & the wood wide web.

Sat, 23 Aug 2025 03:43:40 +1000

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

https://fixthenews.com/p/307-solar-is-liberation

"We’re kicking things off this week with our latest podcast episode, about one
of the best things happening in the world right now: school meals. We spoke to
the amazing Wawira Njiru, who’s gone from making lunch for 25 children out of a

Dingoes are not domestic dogs – new evidence shows these native canines are on their own evolutionary path

Sat, 23 Aug 2025 03:44:43 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/dingoes-are-not-domestic-dogs-new-evidence-shows-these-native-canines-are-on-their-own-evolutionary-path-262938>

"For decades, scientists, policymakers, graziers and land managers have been
locked in a surprisingly high-stakes debate over what defines a dingo. Are
these wild canids their own species? Or are they simply feral dogs?

‘Russia is targeting us deliberately’: how attacks on maternity hospitals fuelled a birth-rate crisis in Ukraine

Sat, 23 Aug 2025 03:50:07 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/21/russia-ukraine-war-childbirth-demographics-targeting-attacks-maternity-hospitals-kharkiv-sloviansk-khersonbirth-crisis>

"It was one of the most horrifying targets of Russia’s war on Ukraine so far.
Reports showed a pregnant woman on a stretcher, her face ashen with shock, legs
smeared with blood and a hand holding her bump. Behind her, the bombed-out

Extremists are targeting young Australians who crave belonging. What can we do?

Sat, 23 Aug 2025 03:50:59 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/extremists-are-targeting-young-australians-who-crave-belonging-what-can-we-do-263420>

"Vulnerable young Australians are being targeted and recruited into extremist
organisations. Sometimes, adult recruiters use grooming and coercion. Young
people are seen as easy targets because they are looking for a place to belong,

Italian guide collapses and dies while leading Colosseum tour in searing heat

Sat, 23 Aug 2025 03:51:42 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/21/italian-guide-collapses-and-dies-while-leading-tour-in-colosseum-amid-searing-heat>

"Tour guides in Rome have repeated their calls for a rethink of the summer
opening hours of some of the city’s biggest attractions after one of their
colleagues died of a suspected heart attack while showing a group around the

Climate change is driving a silent, sinister change in Australia’s mountain ash forests

Sat, 23 Aug 2025 12:14:18 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/climate-change-is-driving-a-silent-sinister-change-in-australias-mountain-ash-forests-255737>

"Something silent and sinister is happening in Australia’s mountain ash
forests. As temperatures rise, these ecosystems are slowly, steadily losing
their trees – and with them, their ability to store carbon.

Temperature records broken as extreme heat grips parts of Europe

Sat, 23 Aug 2025 12:15:07 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/aug/13/temperature-records-heatwave-europe-france-croatia-wildfires>

"Extreme heat is breaking temperature records across Europe, early measurements
suggest, and driving bigger and stronger wildfires.

Peatland Rewilding: Finnish Community Turns Abandoned Mine into Vibrant Bird Sanctuary

Sat, 23 Aug 2025 12:16:37 +1000

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

https://happyeconews.com/peatland-rewilding/

"A small Finnish village has transformed a barren peat mining site into a
thriving wildlife paradise, now home to over 190 bird species. The rewilding
initiative in North Karelia demonstrates how it can transform environmental

Orlando Citizens Defy DeSantis, Re-Color Pulse Memorial Sidewalk In Rainbow Colors

Sat, 23 Aug 2025 12:18:51 +1000

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

https://www.erininthemorning.com/p/orlando-citizens-defy-desantis-re

"In July, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy issued a letter to governors in
all 50 states calling for the removal of Pride crosswalks. Within days, the
Florida Department of Transportation followed suit, sending out a memo

Trump’s intel chief freezes out Five Eyes allies on Ukraine

Sat, 23 Aug 2025 12:20:23 +1000

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

<https://www.politico.eu/article/tulsi-gabbard-freeze-five-eyes-allies-on-ukraine-intel/>

'U.S. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard is blocking America's
closest intelligence allies from receiving updates on Russia-Ukraine peace
talks in a shock move that upends decades of tight cooperation.

'It's like being in Greece': The US neighbourhood where cars are banned

Sat, 23 Aug 2025 12:21:56 +1000

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

<https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20250815-the-us-neighbourhood-where-cars-are-banned>

"When Sheryl Murdock walks to her apartment in Culdesac – the US' first modern
car-free neighbourhood built from scratch – she feels transported to a
Mediterranean island. As she enters the central plaza, which serves as an al

Friday essay: The dangers of centrism in a time of crisis

Sat, 23 Aug 2025 19:20:12 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/friday-essay-the-dangers-of-centrism-in-a-time-of-crisis-262961>

"In the fight against slavery, abolitionists eventually prevailed over slave
owners. The long fight was not won in the sensible centre, but by “radical,
democratic” absolutists who risked their lives in the fight to save the lives

Revealed: Israeli military’s own data indicates civilian death rate of 83% in Gaza war

Sat, 23 Aug 2025 19:21:13 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/world/ng-interactive/2025/aug/21/revealed-israeli-militarys-own-data-indicates-civilian-death-rate-of-83-in-gaza-war>

"Figures from a classified Israeli military intelligence database indicate five
out of six Palestinians killed by Israeli forces in Gaza have been civilians,
an extreme rate of slaughter rarely matched in recent decades of warfare.

These protests want to 'take our country back'. But the real issues run much deeper

Sat, 23 Aug 2025 19:23:39 +1000

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

<https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/these-protests-want-to-take-our-country-back-but-the-real-issues-run-much-deeper/f3jcthbga>

'Groups of Australians are planning to demonstrate on 31 August for the
controversial 'March For Australia' protests, which call for an end to what
organisers describe as "mass migration" and reclamation of Australia's

Almost unimaginable beauty and opulence: the paradise pleasure gardens of ancient Persia

Sat, 23 Aug 2025 19:24:39 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/almost-unimaginable-beauty-and-opulence-the-paradise-pleasure-gardens-of-ancient-persia-259677>

"Some of the most enduring ancient myths in the Persian world were centred
around gardens of almost unimaginable beauty and opulence.

Overseas bounties, patriotic education and suppression: how the national security law is changing Hong Kong

Sat, 23 Aug 2025 19:25:19 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/overseas-bounties-patriotic-education-and-suppression-how-the-national-security-law-is-changing-hong-kong-262958>

"It’s been five years since Beijing imposed a harsh new national security law
on Hong Kong. During this time, the law has fundamentally altered the
city-state, prompting scores of pro-democracy leaders to flee overseas and

Victoria’s mountain ash forests could lose a quarter of giant trees as temperatures rise

Sat, 23 Aug 2025 19:26:20 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/aug/22/victoria-mountain-ash-forests-could-lose-quarter-giant-trees-temperatures-rise>

"Victoria’s mountain ash forests are thinning rapidly as the globe heats up,
and could lose a quarter of their “giant” trees that grow up to 80m tall in the
coming decades, research has found.

Gina Rinehart’s apocalyptic visions for bush summits just the latest in a history of climate science denialism

Sun, 24 Aug 2025 03:53:23 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/aug/22/temperature-check-gina-rinehart-herald-sun-bush-summit-column>

"You won’t be able to have a cremation because the ovens won’t be allowed to
run on fossil fuels, and hospitals will be forced to shut for more than half
the year because they have emitted too much CO₂.

How Afghan women under Taliban rule are coding their way to a brighter future

Sun, 24 Aug 2025 03:54:53 +1000

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

<https://apnews.com/article/afghanistan-taliban-greece-online-education-e8d25e4cd4bde9712a2d6a9da8478484>

"KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — One after the other, the opportunities vanished.
Like so many other Afghan women, Sodaba could do little but watch as her
country’s new Taliban government imposed a stranglehold on women’s lives.

‘These are Ukrainian lands’: people in Donetsk pour scorn on Putin’s territorial demands

Sun, 24 Aug 2025 03:56:04 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/news/ng-interactive/2025/aug/23/ukraine-donetsk-putin-territorial-demands>

"In a branch of the Ukrainian coffee chain Lviv Croissants in the frontline
city of Kramatorsk, there is a noticeboard where people leave coloured Post-it
notes with simple hand-drawn messages. One just says “Kramatorsk”, with red

China races to build world’s largest solar farm, complete with “photovoltaic sheep”

Sun, 24 Aug 2025 03:57:23 +1000

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

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/china-races-to-build-worlds-largest-solar-farm-complete-with-photovoltaic-sheep/>

"Chinese government officials have shown off what they say will be the world’s
largest solar farm. It’s on a Tibetan plateau and covers 610 square kilometres,
which is the size of Chicago.

‘Very sick and very tired’: the reality of famine for Gaza’s most vulnerable

Sun, 24 Aug 2025 03:58:18 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/23/very-sick-and-very-tired-the-reality-of-famine-for-gazas-most-vulnerable>

"In the overcrowded, rubble strewn streets of Gaza City, there was little
surprise at the announcement that UN-backed experts believed the scenes of
desperation could now be formally described as a famine.

Fix The News 308: Five wins on poverty. The Maya Forest. Quantum internet. A reverse Rose Garden. America's non-existent crime wave.

Sun, 24 Aug 2025 04:00:07 +1000

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

https://fixthenews.com/p/ftn-308-five-wins-on-poverty-maya-forest

"Fix the News has been leading a lot with environment and energy recently, so
for this edition we’re kicking off with some classic human welfare stories. And
what could be more classic than plummeting poverty? With some juicy new stats

Why wind farms attract so much misinformation and conspiracy theory

Sun, 24 Aug 2025 11:44:55 +1000

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

<https://arstechnica.com/science/2025/08/why-wind-farms-attract-so-much-misinformation-and-conspiracy-theory/>

"When Donald Trump recently claimed, during what was supposed to be a press
conference about a European Union trade deal, that wind turbines were a "con
job" that drive whales "loco," kill birds and even people, he wasn’t just

The photo sale raising money for conservation

Sun, 24 Aug 2025 11:46:09 +1000

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

<https://www.positive.news/society/a-brushstroke-of-gold-night-visions-in-the-wild/>

"In the stillness of night on Shompole Community Land in southern Kenya, a
Maasai-owned giraffe cautiously approaches a watering hole.

The story behind Devo’s ‘Whip It’ and their misunderstood legacy

Sun, 24 Aug 2025 11:47:58 +1000

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

<https://apnews.com/article/devo-documentary-netflix-whip-it-9cf460e44756f89ee04dfc14385b7b3a>

"NEW YORK (AP) — You know the band Devo, right? The guys with the funny red
plastic hats and jumpsuits? The New Wave musicians behind the silly “Whip It”
video? They had that odd, spiky ‘80s vibe? Well, it turns out you may not know

Women go from homeless to 'tiny home' owners with a once-in-a-lifetime deal

Sun, 24 Aug 2025 11:49:15 +1000

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

<https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-24/tiny-homes-houses-builds-women-homeless-home-ownership/102293760>

'Single mum Lauren De Groot was house-sitting when she saw a Facebook post
offering homeless or at-risk women $55,000 to help build a tiny house.

Denmark scraps book tax to fight 'reading crisis'

Sun, 24 Aug 2025 11:50:51 +1000

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

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/crm48mvl33ro

'The Danish government has announced it will abolish a 25% sales tax on books,
in an effort to combat a "reading crisis".

I made a Subway for My Cats!

Sun, 24 Aug 2025 11:52:07 +1000

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KRtyMCeDw8o

"Check out my latest project! A subway train and station in mini-scale!"

Via Joyce Donahue.

Martha Wells' Murderbot & More

Sun, 24 Aug 2025 19:21:08 +1000

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

<https://www.humblebundle.com/books/martha-wells-murderbot-and-more-tor-books>

"Fall for the series that inspired the Apple TV+ hit with the all-new Martha
Wells' Murderbot & More Bundle! Wells' Murderbot Diaries series tells the
on-going story of an artificial Security Unit that hacks its governor module,

Enlisting hearts and minds to save Somerset’s last eels

Sun, 24 Aug 2025 19:22:22 +1000

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

<https://www.positive.news/society/enlisting-hearts-and-minds-to-save-somersets-last-eels/>

"Vanessa Becker-Hughes remembers when eels were plentiful on the Somerset
Levels. As a girl in the 1970s she would fish for eels using a hazel stick and
worms, storing her catch in her grandmother’s bath before they would be poached

Finnish performer crowned Air Guitar World Champion after 25-year drought

Sun, 24 Aug 2025 19:23:39 +1000

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

<https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-24/air-guitar-world-title-returns-home-to-finland-after-25-years/105690596>

'Finland, the home of the World Air Guitar Championships, has produced its
first winner since 2000.

Kmart supply chains under scrutiny for potential Uyghur forced labour links in Australian court case

Sun, 24 Aug 2025 19:24:43 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/law/2025/aug/24/kmart-supply-chain-federal-court-australia-modern-slavery-laws>

"The letter was effusively polite, the allegations anything but.

“We have the honour to address you,” the seven United Nations special

Smithsonian artists and scholars respond to White House list of objectionable art

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 11:38:41 +1000

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

https://www.npr.org/2025/08/24/nx-s1-5511241/smithsonian-white-house-art

'The official White House newsletter has posted an article titled "President
Trump Is Right About the Smithsonian." It calls out some of the institution's
artwork, exhibitions, programs and online articles that focus on race, slavery,

Stop the University Ranking Circus

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 11:40:00 +1000

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

<https://www.socialsciencespace.com/2025/08/stop-the-university-ranking-circus/>

"It’s that time of the year again. Some 50 percent of your academic LinkedIn
connections share they are “happy” or even “thrilled” that their institution
went up some places on the recently published Shanghai Ranking (officially

We need a new theory of democracy — because this version has failed

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 11:43:38 +1000

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

<https://www.salon.com/2025/08/24/we-need-a-new-theory-of-democracy-because-this-version-has-failed/>

"According to polling data, 62 percent of Americans favor the government being
responsible for the health coverage of all people in the country. Sixty-five
percent of Americans polled favored the infrastructure bill passed during Joe

Solar Solutions: Jack's Solar Garden | EcoSense for Living

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 11:46:24 +1000

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

<https://www.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/solar-solutions-jacks-solar-garden-video/ecosense-for-living/>

"At Jack’s Solar Garden in Colorado, solar panels are raised to share space
with crops and animals. This video explores how combining farming and solar
energy—called agrivoltaics—can help the environment, support research, and

Escaping the chains of tethered products: the Juice Rescue project

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 11:47:57 +1000

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

<https://natematias.com/portfolio/2025-08-22-unchaining-from-broken-software-tethers/>

"Last fall, just around the time I got the news that my neighbor Mark’s cancer
treatments were going well, I read an email that transformed my year. The oaks,
maples, and hickory trees across New York’s Finger Lakes were just changing

🔭🖤🚀 Social media’s next evolution: decentralized, open-source, and scalable

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 11:51:08 +1000

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

https://newpublic.substack.com/p/how-blacksky-grew-to-millions-of

"If you haven’t been watching closely, you could be forgiven for assuming that
Bluesky is a just liberal Twitter clone, or a newfangled imitator of Mastodon.

When it comes to wellbeing, what are the pros and cons of working in an office vs from home?

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 19:17:13 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/when-it-comes-to-wellbeing-what-are-the-pros-and-cons-of-working-in-an-office-vs-from-home-263540>

"So your boss wants you in the office more? If this makes you anxious, you’re
not alone.

LLMs in Scientific Research: The Error(s) of Their Ways

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 19:18:59 +1000

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

<https://freedium.cfd/https://medium.com/the-quantastic-journal/llms-in-scientific-research-the-error-s-of-their-ways-44c3e80b92df>

"Yes, I use LLMs (Large Language Models) often to do research on my geography
posts for the One-Minute Geographer and other posts.—Now that I've said that,
will Medium World kick me out? —No, I never use LLMs to do any writing.

ARCO - Official Teaser Trailer - In Select Theaters November 14

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 19:19:51 +1000

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNUkW6ywV-c

"A magical and beautifully animated journey through time, Arco is a dazzling
adventure about a 10-year-old boy from a peaceful, distant future who
accidentally travels back to the year 2075 and discovers a world in peril. As

The science of beautiful buildings

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 19:20:47 +1000

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

https://stories.theconversation.com/the-science-of-beautiful-buildings/

"If you asked someone on the street to name Australia’s favourite building,
there's a good chance it would be the Sydney Opera House.

Trump ‘manufactured crisis’ to justify plan to send national guard to Chicago, leading Democrat says

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 19:22:05 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/aug/24/trump-national-guard-chicago-hakeem-jeffries>

"Planning is underway to send national guard troops to Chicago, an official at
the Pentagon confirmed to ABC News on Sunday.

Long COVID is more than fatigue. Our new study suggests its impact is similar to a stroke or Parkinson’s

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 19:22:49 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/long-covid-is-more-than-fatigue-our-new-study-suggests-its-impact-is-similar-to-a-stroke-or-parkinsons-263623>

"When most people think of COVID now, they picture a short illness like a cold
– a few days of fever, sore throat or cough before getting better.

Boundary-pushing solar cars ready to race across the outback

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 03:01:48 +1000

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

<https://thedriven.io/2025/08/24/boundary-pushing-solar-cars-ready-to-race-across-the-outback/>

"Young solar-tech teams from around the world are set to race their innovative
and boundary pushing vehicles across the outback in the coming week in a test
of innovative technology that may drive the solar-powered vehicles of tomorrow.

AI systems are great at tests. But how do they perform in real life?

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 03:02:37 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/ai-systems-are-great-at-tests-but-how-do-they-perform-in-real-life-260176>

"Earlier this month, when OpenAI released its latest flagship artificial
intelligence (AI) system, GPT-5, the company said it was “much smarter across
the board” than earlier models. Backing up the claim were high scores on a

10 reasons why Labor’s proposed EV-only Road User Tax is bad policy

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 03:03:20 +1000

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

<https://thedriven.io/2025/08/25/10-reasons-why-labors-proposed-ev-only-road-user-tax-is-bad-policy/>

"Driving with one foot on the accelerator and the other foot on the brake isn’t
recommended.

Community energy zones can repair broken energy market, and offer fair value for solar, EVs and batteries

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 03:05:16 +1000

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

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/community-energy-zones-can-repair-broken-energy-market-and-offer-fair-value-for-solar-evs-and-batteries/>

"Across Australia, households with rooftop solar are generating more
electricity than ever, yet most are paid less than 5 c/kWh for what they
export. Meanwhile, those without solar face high and rising retail tariffs,

“Corruption, plain and simple:” Trump orders halt of nearly finished offshore wind farm, citing “security”

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 03:06:18 +1000

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

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/corruption-plain-and-simple-trump-orders-halt-of-nearly-finished-offshore-wind-farm-citing-security/>

"The Trump administration, citing supposed but unnamed “national security
interests”, have halted construction of the 704-megawatt (MW) Revolution Wind
offshore wind farm that is already 80 per cent complete.

With AI chatbots, Big Tech is moving fast and breaking people

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 03:07:37 +1000

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

<https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2025/08/with-ai-chatbots-big-tech-is-moving-fast-and-breaking-people/>

"Allan Brooks, a 47-year-old corporate recruiter, spent three weeks and 300
hours convinced he'd discovered mathematical formulas that could crack
encryption and build levitation machines. According to a New York Times

‘Leave it to nature’: how enticing insects to kill off pests helped cut reliance on pesticides

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 12:21:37 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/aug/08/insecticides-integrated-pest-management-crops-cotton-farming>

"While trying to come up with a pesticide solution to kill off bollworms, Dr
Robert Mensah had his eureka moment.

Universities have lost their way, but cost-cutting and consultants are not the answer

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 12:22:37 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/universities-have-lost-their-way-but-cost-cutting-and-consultants-are-not-the-answer-263728>

"Last week in Sydney, we saw a melodrama acted out that could stand in for the
state of Australian universities more generally. Inside Sydney’s swish
Fullerton Hotel, a glittering cast of vice-chancellors, politicians, public

Cooking for Seamus: celebrities and chefs clamour to cook for a disabled bull in this irresistible show

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 12:24:06 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2025/aug/26/cooking-for-seamus-celebrities-and-chefs-clamour-to-cook-for-a-disabled-bull-in-this-irresistible-show>

"The YouTube comedy docuseries Cooking for Seamus has an irresistible
premise: what if a huge disabled bull named Seamus was a food critic, on a
cooking show that catered entirely to his sensibilities and tastes? The result

Australia has banned 3 ‘forever chemicals’ – but Europe wants to ban all 14,000 as a precaution

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 12:24:56 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/australia-has-banned-3-forever-chemicals-but-europe-wants-to-ban-all-14-000-as-a-precaution-262802>

"Last month, Australia’s ban on the import, use and manufacture of three types
of “forever chemical” came into effect. These chemicals – PFOA, PFOS and PFHxS
– have long lifespans and resist breaking down. They’re considered harmful due

State Dept. Guts Human Rights Reporting, Removing Anything The Administration Doesn’t Think Violates Human Rights

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 12:25:52 +1000

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

<https://www.techdirt.com/2025/08/25/state-dept-guts-human-rights-reporting-removing-anything-the-administration-doesnt-think-violates-human-rights/>

"Not content to rewrite American history to better serve white people, the
Trump administration is now rewriting world history on the fly by recasting
terminal human rights violators as “not all that bad, actually” and adding

EU wildfires worst on record as burning season continues

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 19:47:30 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/22/eu-wildfires-worst-year-on-record-as-season-continues>

"Wildfires ravaging the EU have torched more than 1m hectares this year,
marking 2025 as the worst year on record, a full month before the fire season
ends.

Buckling rails and lines underwater: how Australia’s ageing train networks are crumbling as the climate changes

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 19:48:16 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/buckling-rails-and-lines-underwater-how-australias-ageing-train-networks-are-crumbling-as-the-climate-changes-263796>

"Last week’s torrential rain disrupted several Sydney train lines, in what is
becoming a familiar story for commuters. Almost one in five trains in New South
Wales ran late over the past year, and floods in May also saw a temporary

No room for the timid: setting Australia’s 2035 emissions target is a daring tightrope act

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 19:57:09 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/no-room-for-the-timid-setting-australias-2035-emissions-target-is-a-daring-tightrope-act-263802>

"Any week now, Australia will set its 2035 emissions target. It must signal the
nation’s strong ambition on climate action, to drive policy and investment. And
it must avoid being seen as either unrealistic or too costly. The decision is

Why Trump built a staff of incompetent sycophants

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 20:16:24 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/aug/25/trump-staff-incompetent-sycophants>

"Last week, Trump officials reportedly left behind documents describing
confidential planning for the Trump-Putin meeting in a public area of an
Alaskan hotel.

Until Haiti tackles systemic corruption and bad governance, its people will remain impoverished

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 20:17:15 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/until-haiti-tackles-systemic-corruption-and-bad-governance-its-people-will-remain-impoverished-262264>

"Haiti’s Patriotic Congress for National Rescue, launched by the academic
community and civil society organizations, recently held a nearly month-long
period of consultations across Haiti and its diaspora over the worsening crisis

Letters from an American: August 25, 2025

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 20:18:18 +1000

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

https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/august-25-2025

"This morning, President Donald J. Trump talked to reporters as he signed
several executive orders in the Oval Office. Trump sat behind the Resolute Desk
as he has been doing lately, seeming to put its bulk between him and the

Monsoon flooding has killed hundreds in Pakistan – climate change is pushing the rainy season from blessing to looming catastrophe

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 03:33:29 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/monsoon-flooding-has-killed-hundreds-in-pakistan-climate-change-is-pushing-the-rainy-season-from-blessing-to-looming-catastrophe-263610>

"Farmers in South Asia rely on the summer monsoon’s rainfall, but extreme
monsoon rains in recent years have been destructive and deadly.

Israel’s attack on hospital in Gaza may constitute a war crime on many fronts

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 03:34:54 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/25/israel-attack-gaza-hospital-may-constitute-war-on-many-fronts>

"Israel’s twin strike on the Nasser hospital in Gaza, which killed five
journalists including staff working for the Associated Press, Reuters, and
Al Jazeera, is a potential violation of international law writ large.

Israel’s killing of journalists follows a pattern of silencing Palestinian media that stretches back to 1967

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 03:36:55 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/israels-killing-of-journalists-follows-a-pattern-of-silencing-palestinian-media-that-stretches-back-to-1967-263891>

"Five journalists were among the 22 people killed on Aug. 25, 2025, in Israeli
strikes on the Nasser Hospital in the Gaza Strip. Following global
condemnation, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a

Fortescue says rapid push to real zero is “paying dividends,” as technology costs tumble

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 03:37:41 +1000

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

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/fortescue-says-rapid-push-to-real-zero-is-paying-dividends-as-technology-costs-tumble/>

"Iron ore major Fortescue Metals says it is making real progress on its “real
zero” ambitions, as the cost of key decarbonisation technologies like battery
storage and electric mining equipment continues to fall, pushed downwards by

We have become an authoritarian state, and our top newsrooms are in denial

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 03:38:57 +1000

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

<https://presswatchers.org/2025/08/we-have-become-an-authoritarian-state-and-our-top-newsrooms-are-in-denial/>

"The top story of the moment is the one story that our most influential
newsrooms won’t touch: That the United State has become an authoritarian state.

Big business backs 75 pct emissions target as report claims it could boost GDP by $370 billion

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 03:51:22 +1000

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

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/big-business-backs-75-pct-emissions-target-as-report-claims-it-could-boost-gdp-by-370-billion/>

"Some of Australia’s largest and most powerful businesses are calling on the
federal government to commit the country to a 2035 emissions reduction target
of 75 per cent, with new research published this week showing it could add an

Victoria launches string of small batteries to store solar, slash power bills on Phillip Island

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 13:46:10 +1000

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

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/victoria-launches-string-of-small-batteries-to-store-solar-slash-power-bills-on-phillip-island/>

"Half-a-dozen community-scale batteries have been officially launched on
Phillip Island, off Victoria’s southern coast, as part of the state Labor
government’s 100 Neighbourhood Batteries Program.

I researched every attempt to stop fascism in history. The success rate is 0%.

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 13:48:39 +1000

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

https://cmarmitage.substack.com/p/i-researched-every-attempt-to-stop

'In 1933, German conservatives thought they could control Hitler. Two years
later, they were being executed in their own homes. I spent weeks researching
this question, desperately looking for counter-examples, for hope, for any time

Frustrated with failing ID checks, migrants change their names to fit Australian databases

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 13:51:25 +1000

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

<https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-26/foreign-names-create-confusion-administration-identity-proof/105682156>

'Trang Le almost gave up her given name to prevent confusion when proving her
identity in Australia.

We’re still not measuring our reliance on nature as we rush to boost productivity

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 13:52:17 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/were-still-not-measuring-our-reliance-on-nature-as-we-rush-to-boost-productivity-263716>

"Human economies are made possible through natural capital – stocks of land,
fresh water, oceans, biodiversity and soils, among others. Farming isn’t
possible without soil or water. Manufacturing isn’t possible without raw

Summer 2025 will ‘almost certainly’ be UK’s warmest on record, Met Office says

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 13:53:11 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/aug/26/summer-2025-almost-certainly-uk-warmest-record-met-office>

"This summer is set to be the warmest on record for the UK, the Met Office has
said, after the country experienced four heatwaves.

For the first time, scientists observed the ‘hidden swirls’ that affect the flow of sand, rocks and snow

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 13:53:57 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/for-the-first-time-scientists-observed-the-hidden-swirls-that-affect-the-flow-of-sand-rocks-and-snow-262959>

"What looks like ordinary sand, rocks or snow flowing in one direction can
actually hide swirling currents that move in multiple directions beneath the
surface.

Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook to sue Trump administration over its attempt to fire her

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 23:05:57 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/aug/25/trump-fires-federal-reserve-governor-lisa-cook>

"The Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook will sue the Trump administration over
its bid to fire her over unconfirmed allegations of mortgage fraud, her
attorney has said.

Why do we ‘like a version’ so much? The history of cover songs, from Elvis to TikTok

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 23:07:06 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/why-do-we-like-a-version-so-much-the-history-of-cover-songs-from-elvis-to-tiktok-263429>

"Ben Platt’s recent cover of Addison Rae’s Diet Pepsi has gone viral on
social media.

Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2025 highly commended images range from a dramatic stand-off to alien-like slime moulds

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 23:08:17 +1000

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

<https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-27/wildlife-photography-awards-2025-highly-commended/105692826>

'A three-toed sloth, an inquisitive pack of wolves and a stand-off between two
dangerous animals are among the highly commended images in this year's Wildlife
Photographer of the Year competition.

Saul Griffith’s call to arms: He wants a consumer army to lead fight for cheapest energy system

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 23:12:25 +1000

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

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/saul-griffiths-call-to-arms-he-wants-a-consumer-army-to-lead-fight-for-cheapest-energy-system/>

"Saul Griffith wants to build an army. Not of soldiers, but of ordinary
Australians – householders, tradies, and communities – who can demand more from
the energy industry and government.

“Remarkable rollout:” Home battery installs sail past 40,000 in just 40 days

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 23:13:22 +1000

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

<https://onestepoffthegrid.com.au/remarkable-rollout-home-battery-installs-sail-past-40000-in-just-40-days/>

"The number of discounted energy storage systems installed under federal
Labor’s Cheaper Home Batteries program has sailed past 40,000, in just eight
working weeks since the rebate was launched.

This Australian utility will soon be the first to have more big battery capacity than coal

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 23:14:16 +1000

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

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/this-australian-utility-will-soon-be-the-first-to-have-more-big-battery-capacity-than-coal/>

"The Western Australia government owned energy utility Synergy is poised to
become the first traditional generation company to boast more big battery
capacity than coal, highlighting the rapid changes that are taking place in

First off-grid solar and battery system to power a mine site in NSW switches on

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 06:52:49 +1000

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

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/first-off-grid-solar-and-battery-system-to-power-a-mine-site-in-nsw-switches-on/>

"The first off-grid solar farm and battery to power a mine site in New South
Wales is fully operational, its developer says, supplying an average up to 40
per cent renewable energy with the potential to operate in hydrocarbons-off

Lithuania reportedly proposes starting Ukraine's EU accession talks bypassing Hungary's veto

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 06:54:27 +1000

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

https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2025/08/27/7528017/

"Lithuania is urging EU capitals to take decisive action to make Ukraine’s EU
membership application real and irreversible.

“Sunniest state on the planet” dumps solar plan as Trump seeks to ban another approved wind project

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 06:55:26 +1000

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

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/sunniest-state-on-the-planet-dumps-solar-plan-as-trump-seeks-to-ban-another-approved-wind-project/>

"American president Donald Trump’s war on renewables has claimed two more
scalps, including a hugely successful renewable energy mandate in Arizona and
an already approved offshore wind farm off the coast of Maryland and Delaware.

“Selling integrity:” Nearly two-thirds of Australia’s universities take fossil fuel money

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 06:56:35 +1000

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

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/selling-integrity-nearly-two-thirds-of-australias-universities-take-fossil-fuel-money/>

"New research by public policy think tank The Australia Institute shows that 26
out of Australia’s 37 universities have financial links to fossil fuel
companies.

BYD smashes EV speed records as U9 hypercar hits 472.4 km/h

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 06:57:29 +1000

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

<https://thedriven.io/2025/08/27/byd-smashed-ev-speed-records-as-u9-hypercar-hits-472-4-km-h/>

"BYD has officially broken the world EV top speed record with its first
electric supercar, the two-door U9 Track Edition test vehicle, under its
Yangwang luxury brand.

In a post-truth world, what happens if we can’t trust US economic data any more?

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 06:58:21 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/in-a-post-truth-world-what-happens-if-we-cant-trust-us-economic-data-any-more-263338>

"We may already live in the post-truth world, but are we about to enter the era
of post-truth statistics?

Why electrification must be at the heart of Australia’s building plan

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 14:15:24 +1000

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

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/why-electrification-must-be-at-the-heart-of-australias-building-plan/>

"Australia’s building sector has long been recognised as both a challenge and
an opportunity in the transition to a low-carbon economy.

Why grow plants in space? They can improve how we produce food and medicine on Earth

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 14:16:19 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/why-grow-plants-in-space-they-can-improve-how-we-produce-food-and-medicine-on-earth-263539>

"Sometime in the 2040s, humans may well reach a new frontier – Mars. To get
there, we’ll need sustainable sources of food, medicines and materials.

New Salvatore in town? Seal spotted in Yarra River brings excitement to Melbourne

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 14:17:06 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/aug/28/new-salvatore-in-town-seal-spotted-in-yarra-river-brings-good-feel-to-melbourne>

"Recent sightings of a seal in the Yarra River have sparked excitement among
Melbourne locals and revived memories of “Salvatore” from the city’s prolonged
Covid-19 lockdowns.

CDC director is out after less than a month; other agency leaders resign

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 14:18:48 +1000

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

<https://www.npr.org/2025/08/27/g-s1-85911/cdc-director-susan-monarez-ousted-leaders-resign>

'NEW YORK — The director of the nation's top public health agency is out after
less than one month in the job, and several top agency leaders have resigned.

Mr Squiggle entertained Australia’s children for 40 years. Now, he’s back in the spotlight

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 14:20:23 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/mr-squiggle-entertained-australias-children-for-40-years-now-hes-back-in-the-spotlight-263813>

"If you grew up in Australia any time between the 1960s and the late 1990s,
chances are you knew a little man from the Moon with a pencil for a nose. His
name was Mr Squiggle. Every week he would float down to Earth in his rocket to

Australia faces a home insurance reckoning – and we can learn from California’s bold move

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 05:46:53 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/australia-faces-a-home-insurance-reckoning-and-we-can-learn-from-californias-bold-move-263530>

"Climate change is making home insurance costlier and, for some, harder to
secure. According to one analysis, one in ten Australian properties will be
uninsurable within a decade.

“Flogging a dead horse:” Coal plant explosion report details unresolved issues, concurrent failures

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 05:47:40 +1000

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

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/flogging-a-dead-horse-coal-plant-explosion-report-details-unresolved-issues-concurrent-failures/>

"Queensland government plans to extend the life of the coal-fired Callide Power
Station are under renewed attack, after a new report detailed a laundry list of
“long-standing unresolved issues” that contributed to a serious explosion at

Getting rid of fossil fuels is really hard – and we’re not making much progress

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 05:48:28 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/getting-rid-of-fossil-fuels-is-really-hard-and-were-not-making-much-progress-262525>

"If miners, the media, policymakers and renewable energy companies are to be
believed, Australia is in the midst of a green energy transition aimed at
preventing the worst effects of climate change.

The need to reliably preserve our community history

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 05:50:03 +1000

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

https://lwn.net/SubscriberLink/1034849/9d882570bf481339/

"The Internet is a wonderful thing; it allows anybody to look up information of
interest. Included in all of that is the history of the free-software
development community; how we got to where we are says a lot about why things

See Earth’s seasons in all their complexity in a new animated map

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 05:51:05 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/see-earths-seasons-in-all-their-complexity-in-a-new-animated-map-262935>

"The annual clock of the seasons – winter, spring, summer, autumn – is often
taken as a given. But our new study in Nature, using a new approach for
observing seasonal growth cycles from satellites, shows that this notion is far

Were A Few Random DEI Programs Worth Killing Democracy?

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 05:51:53 +1000

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

<https://www.techdirt.com/2025/08/27/were-a-few-random-dei-programs-worth-killing-democracy/>

"Eight months ago, those of us actually paying attention—not just scrolling
outrage bait about Biden’s age or the latest campus controversy, but genuinely
tracking the systematic preparation for authoritarian rule—warned that Trump

Why TikTok is the perfect home for absurdist comedy

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 15:30:57 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/why-tiktok-is-the-perfect-home-for-absurdist-comedy-263190>

"Why do so many of the funniest things on social media make no sense at all?

How about Ashby’s stunt scenes for a back brace infomercial on a white swivel

What to do with the inconvenient truth? Destroy the evidence, and pretend it doesn’t exist

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 15:32:28 +1000

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

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/what-to-do-with-the-inconvenient-truth-destroy-the-evidence-and-pretend-it-doesnt-exist/>

"The Mauna Loa Observatory was built in 1956 on the northern flank of the Mauna
Loa volcano in Hawaii’s big Island at an elevation of 3,397 meters, or 11,135
feet above sea level.

Lydie.cc - Data Preservation In The Age of US Fascism

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 15:34:21 +1000

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

https://lydie.cc/data.html

"Important public information is being systematically removed from government
websites by the US fascist administration.

The Bubble That Knows It's a Bubble

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 15:41:30 +1000

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

https://craigmccaskill.com/ai-bubble-history

"The four words that precede every crash: “This time is different.”

Except this time, the person warning about a bubble is Sam Altman, the CEO most

Chagos study highlights value of vast Marine Protected Areas

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 15:48:25 +1000

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

<https://news.exeter.ac.uk/faculty-of-environment-science-and-economy/chagos-study-highlights-value-of-vast-marine-protected-areas/>

"Large ocean animals can be protected throughout much of their lifecycle by
huge Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), new research shows.

Polls suggest this man could become Turkey’s next president. Erdoğan is doing everything to stop him

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 15:49:34 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/polls-suggest-this-man-could-become-turkeys-next-president-erdogan-is-doing-everything-to-stop-him-263034>

"A Turkish proverb – düştüğün yerden kalk – counsels that one should arise
from where one has fallen.

In a lonely world, widespread AI chatbots and ‘companions’ pose unique psychological risks

Sat, 30 Aug 2025 00:37:30 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/in-a-lonely-world-widespread-ai-chatbots-and-companions-pose-unique-psychological-risks-263615>

"Within two days of launching its AI companions last month, Elon Musk’s xAI
chatbot app Grok became the most popular app in Japan.

Over 11 gruesome kilometres, teams fill bag after bag of marine life killed by SA’s stubborn algal bloom

Sat, 30 Aug 2025 00:38:38 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/aug/28/over-11-gruesome-kilometres-teams-fill-bag-after-bag-of-marine-life-killed-by-sas-stubborn-algal-bloom>

"The circling, squawking gulls show where the bodies are buried.

Early on a cold winter’s day, mucky foam and seaweed cover the sand at Grange

Australia’s small business shipments are caught in the US-China trade war crossfire

Sat, 30 Aug 2025 00:41:43 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/australias-small-business-shipments-are-caught-in-the-us-china-trade-war-crossfire-263943>

"Until this week, thousands of Australian small businesses that exported to the
United States relied on a simple system that had worked for decades.

Letters from an American,August 28, 2025

Sat, 30 Aug 2025 00:43:06 +1000

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

https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/august-28-2025

"On August 29, 1970, journalist Rubén Salazar died instantly when Los Angeles
County Sheriff’s deputy Thomas Wilson fired an 8-inch bullet-shaped tear gas
projectile into the back of his head. Salazar and his colleague Guillermo

Bus seatbelts can save lives. How do we get more people to wear them?

Sat, 30 Aug 2025 00:43:54 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/bus-seatbelts-can-save-lives-how-do-we-get-more-people-to-wear-them-264112>

"The recent Stonehaven school bus rollover in Victoria, in which 12-year-old
Milla Killeen was killed and many others were injured, reminds us that bus
crashes, though uncommon, can have devastating consequences.

Fix The News 309: Colours of the Moon. WASH. Solar in Africa. Childhood leukaemia. African Greys 🦜❤.

Sat, 30 Aug 2025 00:45:00 +1000

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

https://fixthenews.com/p/ftn-309-colours-of-the-moon-wash

"Hi everyone, Gus here. The WHO and UNICEF just released a report I’ve been
waiting on for over two years, and it’s even better than I was hoping. It’s an
astonishing example of human progress, about how the lives of billions of

Trump Administration Withdraws U.S. from U.N. Review of Human Rights Record

Sat, 30 Aug 2025 15:24:47 +1000

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

<https://www.democracynow.org/2025/8/29/headlines/trump_administration_withdraws_us_from_un_review_of_human_rights_record>

"The Trump administration says the United States will withdraw from a U.N.
review of its human rights record. Under the Universal Periodic Review, all 193
U.N. member states are required to present their human rights record for peer

Russia turns a Ukrainian nuclear city into a stronghold of fear

Sat, 30 Aug 2025 15:25:56 +1000

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

<https://www.reuters.com/investigations/russia-turns-ukrainian-nuclear-city-into-stronghold-fear-2025-08-29/>

"ZAPORIZHZHIA, Ukraine - The Soviet planners who founded Enerhodar in 1970
bestowed the city with a fitting name: “the gift of energy.” For decades, the
southern Ukrainian city was an affluent company town for power plant workers

Forcing Zelensky to hand Putin Ukraine’s ‘fortress belt’ in Donetsk will lose it the war

Sat, 30 Aug 2025 15:27:00 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/forcing-zelensky-to-hand-putin-ukraines-fortress-belt-in-donetsk-will-lose-it-the-war-263980>

"In the recent summit talks in Alaska designed to halt the Russia-Ukraine war,
Vladimir Putin demanded that Kyiv cede control of the entirety of its Donetsk
oblast (region) to Russia. But this would effectively be tantamount to an

Hope, joy, absurdity and marvel: there is so much more to our world story than loss

Sat, 30 Aug 2025 15:28:00 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/aug/24/hope-joy-absurdity-and-marvel-there-is-so-much-more-to-our-world-story-than-loss>

"The last great auk, it is said, was strangled unceremoniously in its sleep in
1844. Plump and penguin-like, the great auk had survived for hundreds of
thousands of years until humans discovered the utility of its soft down

Slouching Into Fascism

Sat, 30 Aug 2025 15:34:24 +1000

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

https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2025/08/slouching-into-fascism/

"The United States, just months before its 250th birthday as the world’s
leading democracy, has tipped over the edge into authoritarianism and fascism.
In the end, faster than I imagined possible, it did happen here. The precise

Queensland is creating a public child sex offender register. Will it keep people safer?

Sat, 30 Aug 2025 15:35:23 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/queensland-is-creating-a-public-child-sex-offender-register-will-it-keep-people-safer-263807>

"The Queensland government will this week table legislation creating
Australia’s first public child sex offender register.

World maps get Africa’s size wrong: cartographers explain why fixing it matters

Sat, 30 Aug 2025 22:15:53 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/world-maps-get-africas-size-wrong-cartographers-explain-why-fixing-it-matters-263833>

"The African Union has endorsed the #CorrectTheMap Campaign, a call for the
United Nations and the wider global community to use a different kind of world
map. The campaign currently has over 4,500 signatures.

How Sweden’s ‘secondhand only’ shopping mall is changing retail

Sat, 30 Aug 2025 22:17:13 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/how-swedens-secondhand-only-shopping-mall-is-changing-retail-260459>

"As a fashion sustainability researcher, finding the ReTuna shopping mall in
Eskilstuna was a delightful surprise. Stepping into this Swedish shopping
centre felt refreshingly different – it is the first in the world to sell only

What will happen to the legal status of ‘sinking’ nations when their land is gone?

Sat, 30 Aug 2025 22:18:57 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/what-will-happen-to-the-legal-status-of-sinking-nations-when-their-land-is-gone-263559>

"Small island nations such as Tuvalu, Kiribati, the Maldives and Marshall
Islands are particularly vulnerable to climate change. Rising seas, stronger
storms, freshwater shortages and damaged infrastructure all threaten their

Riding the Trump Train to the End of the American Line

Sat, 30 Aug 2025 22:20:24 +1000

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

<https://sjgenco.medium.com/riding-the-trump-train-to-the-end-of-the-american-line-74a4ff0173e8>

“It is difficult to find a plausible explanation for the policies of the
second Trump administration.” — Margaret MacMillan, Professor Emeritus of
International History at Oxford University

The climate case for planting trees has been overhyped — but it’s not too late to fix it

Sat, 30 Aug 2025 22:21:11 +1000

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

<https://theconversation.com/the-climate-case-for-planting-trees-has-been-overhyped-but-its-not-too-late-to-fix-it-259998>

"The climate benefits of planting trees may have been greatly overestimated,
but swift action could ensure reforestation meets its potential to curb
dangerous emissions, new research has found.

Amsterdam’s squatter wars are back – and wealthy Dutch homeowners have only themselves to blame

Sat, 30 Aug 2025 22:22:23 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/aug/26/amsterdam-dutch-squatter-wars-homeowners-property>

"The late Dutch author and Holocaust survivor Marga Minco once wrote about an
empty house in Amsterdam where she and a group of artists and students took
refuge towards the end of the second world war. Last month, the house she lived

Japan has opened its first osmotic power plant – so what is it and how does it work?

Sun, 31 Aug 2025 05:20:02 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/25/japan-osmotic-power-plant-fukuoka>

"Japan has opened its first osmotic power plant, in the south-western city of
Fukuoka.

‘Plastic Cup’ Competitions Are Cleaning Up Rivers in Hungary

Sun, 31 Aug 2025 05:21:34 +1000

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

<https://reasonstobecheerful.world/plastic-cup-competitions-cleaning-up-rivers-hungary/>

"Hundreds of muddy plastic bottles, chunks of Styrofoam, car tires and even the
odd refrigerator are piled high on a raft afloat on the river Tisza, about 90
miles northeast of Budapest, Hungary. Every now and then, a canoe pulls up to

Collapse of critical Atlantic current is no longer low-likelihood, study finds

Sun, 31 Aug 2025 05:22:40 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/aug/28/collapse-critical-atlantic-current-amoc-no-longer-low-likelihood-study>

"The collapse of a critical Atlantic current can no longer be considered a
low-likelihood event, a study has concluded, making deep cuts to fossil fuel
emissions even more urgent to avoid the catastrophic impact.

Red dust, road trains and tornadoes: Why the world solar challenge is a real test

Sun, 31 Aug 2025 05:23:39 +1000

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

<https://thedriven.io/2025/08/29/red-dust-road-trains-and-tornadoes-why-the-world-solar-challenge-is-a-real-test/>

"On Thursday this week I was fortunate enough to be in Tarntanya, hosting the
first EV meet-up in Adelaide, sponsored by the RAA. It was no coincidence that
this coincided with the arrival of the first finishers in this year’s

In Prabowo’s Indonesia, the military is quietly creeping back into civilian life

Sun, 31 Aug 2025 05:24:40 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/28/indonesia-president-prabowo-subianto-military-civilian-affairs>

"“A big nation like us,” Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto told the rank
and file before him, “needs a strong military. No nation can be independent
without having a strong military.”

Yutong: The world’s biggest bus maker you’ve probably never heard of

Sun, 31 Aug 2025 05:25:44 +1000

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

<https://thedriven.io/2025/08/29/yutong-the-worlds-biggest-bus-maker-youve-probably-never-heard-of/>

"“At this moment I can already say that 100% of city buses are already electric
in China, and they are already going from EV to second generation EV, not from
diesel to EV.”

At least 23 dead in overnight Kyiv attack as UK and EU summon Russian envoys

Sun, 31 Aug 2025 18:40:40 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2025/aug/28/uk-summons-russian-ambassador-over-british-council-missile-damage-in-kyiv>

"The UK and European Union have summoned their Russian envoys after overnight
missile strikes on Kyiv killed at least 23 people and damaged the city’s
British Council and EU offices, in the deadliest aerial assault on the

Plugging Cruise Ships Into Shore Power Is No Small Feat

Sun, 31 Aug 2025 18:41:28 +1000

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

https://reasonstobecheerful.world/cruise-ships-shore-power/

"On a brisk February morning in Miami, Matthew Creswell watched as engineers
wrestled thick power cables at a cruise ship terminal. The ship was about to
plug into the electrical grid — an event far less ordinary than it sounds.

Step back and take it in: the US is entering full authoritarian mode

Sun, 31 Aug 2025 18:43:37 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/aug/29/us-authoritarian-donald-trump-national-guard>

"If this were happening somewhere else – in Latin America, say – how might it
be reported? /Having secured his grip on the capital, the president is now set
to send troops to several rebel-held cities, claiming he is wanted there to

Australian government criticised over ‘disgraceful’ $400m deal to deport foreign-born former detainees to Nauru

Sun, 31 Aug 2025 18:44:53 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/aug/30/australia-signs-400m-deal-to-deport-foreign-born-former-detainees-to-nauru>

"Human rights lawyers, refugee advocates and the Greens have accused the
Albanese government of striking a “discriminatory, disgraceful and dangerous”
deal to deport hundreds of foreign-born former detainees at a cost of almost

“Weaponised incompetence:” Littleproud urged to meet scientists after “peddling climate denial”

Sun, 31 Aug 2025 18:46:08 +1000

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

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/weaponised-incompetence-littleproud-urged-to-meet-scientists-after-peddling-climate-denial/>

"The Nationals leader David Littleproud has been urged by the Climate Council
to listen to climate scientists after making extraordinary comments about
climate mitigation and adaption on Friday.

ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2025 shortlist

Sun, 31 Aug 2025 18:48:32 +1000

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

<https://www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/astronomy-photographer-year/galleries/2025-shortlist>

"The shortlist for the ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2025 competition
has been unveiled.

Australian Geographic nature photographer of the year 2025 winners – in pictures

Mon, 1 Sep 2025 03:34:33 +1000

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

<https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2025/aug/31/australian-geographic-nature-photographer-of-the-year-2025-in-pictures>

"A painterly, macro view of a cauliflower soft coral by Ross Gudgeon has taken
out top prize in the Australian Geographic nature photographer of the year
competition. ‘This is an exceptional photograph that skews perception and

First look at Wildlife Photographer of the Year 61

Mon, 1 Sep 2025 03:35:31 +1000

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

<https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/news/2025/august/first-look-at-wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-61.html>

"Wildlife Photographer of the Year is back, celebrating the most extraordinary
life with which we share this planet while spotlighting the many threats they
face.

Macquarie Island’s Ecological Upheaval

Mon, 1 Sep 2025 03:37:50 +1000

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

<https://www.amusingplanet.com/2025/08/macquarie-islands-ecological-upheaval.html>

"Macquarie Island, a windswept outpost in the south-western Pacific Ocean
between Tasmania and Antarctica, is a place of staggering natural wealth.
Millions of seabirds once nested in its tussock grass and burrows, while seals

Letters from an American: August 30, 2025

Mon, 1 Sep 2025 03:39:15 +1000

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

https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/august-30-2025

"Just days before Labor Day, a holiday designed to celebrate the importance and
power of American workers in the United States, the Transportation Department
cancelled $679 million in funding for offshore wind projects, and the

The challenge of maintaining curl

Mon, 1 Sep 2025 03:40:39 +1000

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

https://lwn.net/SubscriberLink/1034966/211fbb4c26d179a3/

"Keynote sessions at Open Source Summit events tend not to allow much time for
detailed talks, and the 2025 Open Source Summit Europe did not diverge from
that pattern. Even so, Daniel Stenberg, the maintainer of the curl project,

Glass Wings Blog: August 2025

Progress on "Closing the Gap" is stagnant or going backwards. Here are 3 things to help fix it

Fri, 1 Aug 2025 12:31:30 +1000

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

Every Scientific Empire Comes to an End

Fri, 1 Aug 2025 12:45:50 +1000

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

How migrant business owners turn their identity into an asset, despite some bumps along the way

Fri, 1 Aug 2025 12:46:41 +1000

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

"The Man from Hong Kong" at 50: how the first ever Australian–Hong Kong co-production became a cult classic

Fri, 1 Aug 2025 12:49:15 +1000

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

Bright Green Futures Ep. 35: Hopepunk and Horror [IF THIS GOES ON (DON'T PANIC)]

Fri, 1 Aug 2025 12:50:33 +1000

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

Espionage cost Australia $12.5 billion in 2023-24, ASIO boss Mike Burgess says

Fri, 1 Aug 2025 12:51:24 +1000

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

Hong Kong democracy campaigner accuses UK police of asking her to ‘self-censor’

Fri, 1 Aug 2025 19:25:54 +1000

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

Friday essay: libertarian tech titan Peter Thiel helped make JD Vance. The Republican kingmaker’s influence is growing

Fri, 1 Aug 2025 19:27:16 +1000

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

I Saved a PNG Image To A Bird

Fri, 1 Aug 2025 19:28:00 +1000

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

You can't fight enshittification

Fri, 1 Aug 2025 19:29:32 +1000

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

Industrial-scale deepfake abuse caused a crisis in South Korean schools. Here’s how Australia can avoid the same fate

Fri, 1 Aug 2025 19:32:20 +1000

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

CSIRO posts AI-fake climate article with made-up quotes

Fri, 1 Aug 2025 19:33:41 +1000

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

Homeless people at Sydney’s Central station have belongings removed with advocates condemning ‘heavy-handed’ tactics

Sat, 2 Aug 2025 03:11:19 +1000

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

Everyone Hates Trust & Safety. Everyone Needs Trust & Safety. This Is A Problem.

Sat, 2 Aug 2025 03:13:22 +1000

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

US government may be abandoning the global climate fight, but new leaders are filling the void – including China

Sat, 2 Aug 2025 03:14:03 +1000

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

Judge Pulls Opinion Full Of AI-Style Hallucinations, But No One Is Willing To Say It Was Written By AI

Sat, 2 Aug 2025 03:15:03 +1000

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

The African activists who challenged colonial-era slavery in Lagos and the Gold Coast

Sat, 2 Aug 2025 03:16:19 +1000

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

ICE, Georgia Sheriff’s Office Combine Forces To Keep A Salvadoran Journalist Locked Up Indefinitely

Sat, 2 Aug 2025 03:17:51 +1000

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

Rockabye baby: the ‘love songs’ of lonely leopard seals resemble human nursery rhymes

Sat, 2 Aug 2025 12:40:04 +1000

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

Credit Card Companies Fielding A Ton Of Complaints Over NSFW Games Disappearing On Platforms

Sat, 2 Aug 2025 12:42:15 +1000

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

Library Startup Briet Wants to Revolutionize E-Book Sales, Not Licensing

Sat, 2 Aug 2025 12:45:43 +1000

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

Senate launches inquiry into who is funding fake astroturf anti-renewables groups

Sat, 2 Aug 2025 12:46:35 +1000

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

The heartbreak of watching a parent fall for fraud: ‘Dad, this is a scam – have you given her money?’

Sat, 2 Aug 2025 12:49:07 +1000

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

AGL commits to new giant 2,000 MWh battery after big fall in battery prices

Sat, 2 Aug 2025 12:49:51 +1000

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

Going to waste: two years after REDcycle’s collapse, Australia’s soft plastics are hitting the environment hard

Sat, 2 Aug 2025 19:15:17 +1000

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

Australia’s real economic challenge isn’t welfare dependency — it’s inequality

Sat, 2 Aug 2025 19:16:22 +1000

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

Joyce and Canavan call for new coal plants to replace renewable energy projects