Day: 11 July 2006

Gitmo Gives in to Geneva

There are some news items that I debate about posting, this is one of them. The good news is that Washington has finally said they are going to treat the detainees at Guantánamo Bay as humans and treat them in accordance of the Geneva Convention.

The reason I’m hesitant posting that this is good news is because people should never have been treated like this in the first place. For a developed nation that purports to spread freedom to treat people this way is just wrong. Overall though it is good that they will now treat detainees well.

“The US today reversed policy when it said all detainees at Guantánamo Bay and all other prisoners in US military custody were entitled to protection under the Geneva Conventions.
The Bush administration had previously claimed terrorism suspects were “non-combatants” because they were fighting for a sect or faction and not a state and were therefore not subject to the Geneva conventions.”

Of course, this has something to with Gitmo a No-Go With Supreme Court-o

Zepplins for Communication

Large airships, like a Zeppelin, will be floating overhead and beaming cell phone calls to planet’s surface if a Swiss inventor has his way. The airship will use a new way to broadcast that produces less radiation, which is nice considering the ongoing debate about the dangers of cellphones.

Additionally, the airships will be solar powered and be robot controlled, which means that the cost will be low and nice on the environment.

“Thanks to a GPS steering system developed by the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, the 60-meter long helium-filled balloon will remain stationary at 21 kilometres above the earth.

A small-unmanned aircraft outfitted with a mobile phone antenna and other devices for transmitting digital data will be attached to the zeppelin. The X station has been equipped with giant propellers to help counter the almost constant buffeting from the wind. “

Scientists Study the Mushroom Trip

In a scientific study reminiscent of 1960’s era experimentation, researchers are delving into the effects of psylocibe mushrooms on human consciousness.

Psilocybe MushroomsIn a scientific study reminiscent of 1960’s era experimentation, researchers are delving into the effects of psylocibe mushrooms on human consciousness, the CBC reports.

The research has shown more clearly than any previous research that psilocybin produces mystical experiences in the user. 36 volunteers were tested in this modern scientific experiment, and months later they reported lasting changes in behavior as a result of the experience.

The scientists are hopeful that more research into this area will help people to deal with a number of problems such as emotional trauma and addiction.

The researchers advise against experimenting on one’s own with the drugs, as they can lead to extremely frightening experiences.