Journal
Articles
Age of the tech empires
The data-centre movement is unlike anything we’ve ever seen before. The modern internet is obviously also built on data centres, but previously, the pace at which data centres were expanding roughly matched the pace at which they were improving their efficiency. So most developed countries were seeing a flatlining in energy demand or a decline in energy demand, even as more data centres were being built. Now, the pace has dramatically exceeded any efficiency gains, so we’re seeing a historic uptick in the amount of energy that needs to be consumed globally. Almost all that uptick is due to the data centres being built. These companies have run out of land and energy and fresh water for supporting this, especially in places that have those resources, because, at the same time this is happening, climate change is accelerating.
Heart and history
Yasmin Smith is a poet and editor of South Sea Islander, Kabi Kabi, Northern Cheyenne and English heritage. Her work has appeared in Overland, Meanjin, frankie magazine, and Island. In 2024, she won the Nakata Brophy Prize for her poem ‘Dawning in the Rivulet of My Father’s Mourning’ and the Gwen Harwood Poetry Prize for ‘The Burial Feathers’. In addition to her writing pursuits, Yasmin works as an editor.
The real deal
DURING THE FIRST month of my residency I knew hardly anybody in Hanoi. Although I told my friends and...
This is my life
QUINN’S ON THE porch. I can see him over Mum’s shoulder through the smudged vertical strip of glass next...
Piggy
‘Yes. Yes. I am ready,’ I said. Unsure of what I was getting ready for. Something good. Something inexplicable....
The landlord’s son
THE LANDLORD’S SON arrived unannounced, just before dinner. Mia saw him from the window as he crossed the paddock...
This woman’s work
Life seemed easier – in the Tampon ads – like go roller-skating or scale a mountain with a heavy...
Conditions of Entry
Thirty lines max, it says. Only twenty-nine left as some wag might have quipped but who’s counting? All bags must be opened for...
Spirit Mama Bali
for Dessi, Thinker Nails (Ubud) Spirit Mama Bali wears a wet shirt. Her honey amber coconuts are unrepentant, and the crescent...
Libretti
You spend your Centrelink payment on a dinner package to the opera. Madama Butterfly. You rent a suit, tie,...
Hello weary traveller
your coming was whispered to me, long-long ago my heart warms and sizzles to have you folded at my roots your arrival...
Year of the Snake
celebrate the Year of the Snake with Penfolds! Marshall is marking this Lunar New Year with a special edition Emberton III speaker new...
