Reading the daily news and stories from around the world has become somewhat of a favourite pastime and fun weekday break for me. I love reading about what’s going on in the world, and all of the wtf-ery that’s happening has my brain going at a million miles a minute wanting to discuss it all. Power points is just that, my thoughts in a few power points (okay, paragraphs), based on what I’ve read, and what I’ve found particularly thought-provoking.
Full disclosure, many articles do come from the NYT, as I am a subscriber. While I know all news outlets are biased, I find their articles to be informative and not overtly pro- or anti- anything (alright, they’re not exactly Pro-Trump). I also like their broad, global coverage, which I feel is lacking in most Aussie newspapers. Lastly, I welcome their strong lack of gossip on the front page, because I’m sick of people caring more about reality TV stars than actual peoples’ lives in other countries. I could be wrong about the bias though, and I’m happy to discuss if you disagree. But now, on to the articles.
I loved this article. It is a great reminder to take a step back from the things we obsess over in terms of how people perceive us, while also reminding us that we don’t fly under the radar as much as we’d like to think. Reading it, I was reminded about how much I used to worry about my skin breaking out, and how in every conversation I had, I was convinced that all people could think about was how unfortunate my face looked (so harsh, I know). Luke used to always tell me that he didn’t notice my breakouts, but I was convinced he was just trying to be nice.
It takes a lot of practice to let go of these fixations, the little things that we feel people are judging us on. Feeling self-conscious is a normal part of life, but I like that this article reminds us that if we can just let it go and enjoy the moment, those little things shouldn’t ruin our day. And what’s more, instead of focusing on that one little thing, we should focus on the sum of all of the little things: our overall presence. Because apparently, even when you think you’re flying under the radar, things like your body language, mood, and general presence are still noticed by others. Basically, don’t let the little things get you down. Instead stay focused on the big picture, your goals, and your general attitude toward others.
Is this the coolest girl you’ve ever heard of? I’ve spoken before about how easy it is for kids to get into coding (and why we all should), but this girl is serious goals. Her motivation and determination are so admirable, and her initiative to turn that into something tangible (and saleable!) is so beyond her years. But those things aside, the fact that she’s choosing to do such good with her skills, that she can not only recognise the things that kids her age (and older) are struggling with these days (LINK) but also is driven to create ways to help, it’s just so damn cool. Amanda Southworth is half my age, but if I can affect as much change in my lifetime as she has, I would be beyond happy. We need more girls like her in the media, and less of the reality TV stars, that’s all there is to it.
On Science Education and Climate Change:
While the climate debate is still ongoing, and is in fact further fueled by Trump’s decision to pull the USA out of the Paris agreement, this one’s a bit of a different look at the issue. With so many climate change naysayers in the States, who according to the article make up 78% of all Trump supporters, how does this affect the American education system’s ability to adapt to current climate conditions. How can they continue to report on and educate about the issues? For most of us, climate change is a no-brainer – it’s here, and it’s happening. But in the US, many people are choosing to follow the word of a businessman (who also happens to be President) instead of the scientific evidence.
Science and math teachers typically don’t have to worry about their teaching material being hotly debated. But now, apparently students are walking out of classes, and parents are supporting the decision because climate science is ‘fake’. How are we meant to enable the leaders of tomorrow to do a better job of preventing climate change than our parents’ did if they think it’s all a hoax? It’s the word of a small group of people (who have large stakes in the industries that contribute to global warming) versus scientific evidence.
And as a side, here’s a look at how much the Republican Party’s view on climate change has shifted in just 9 years.
On The Future of China’s Economy:
With the rise of China’s wealth, so comes further development and the demand for more fair wages. As the article explains, “today Chinese workers are less cheap and less willing. More young people are going to college and want office jobs. The blue-collar work force is aging. Long workdays in a factory no longer appeal to those older workers, even with the promise of overtime pay.” Is this the slow collapse of cheap labour in China?
This article follows labour in one of the factories that makes shoes for Ivanka Trump’s line, which has already begun the process of moving manufacturing to Africa to counter rising manufacturing costs. If you’re at all interested in where your clothes come from, or may come from in the future, you have to read this one. It’s an eye-opening look at the fast-fashion industry, and the conditions under which a lot of our clothes are made. It’s also seriously making me reconsider the way I spend my money on clothing. Because, yikes: “December showed that the factory required 60 hours and 10 minutes of paid work per week. Chinese laws require that workweeks average no more than 44 hours and limit overtime to 36 hours per month.”
If you’re not up to date on Middle Eastern politics (don’t worry, I’m no expert either), this is an interesting read. A number of the ME countries, led by Saudi Arabia, have all but completely cut ties with Qatar, whom they deem to be funding terror organisations in the region. This is a big deal, since cutting them off means cutting transportation (including all flights) and import of up to 40% of the country’s food, among other things. All of this is thought to have been a long time coming, however it was triggered by Trump’s recent visit to Saudi Arabia. If nothing else, have a read of this article, because I reckon there’s a lot more to come from this story in the coming weeks. (Update: It’s been speculated that Saudi Arabia also instigated this, although not sure how much truth there is to it.)
Images from Zellart, Marco Baeni via Photogrist
Leave A Reply