Adam Clare

China’s Firewall

Harvard’s Law School is trying to figure what which websites China’s internet firewall is blocking. They have provided a page where you can go and test if a website is blocked. They also have documentation on internet filtering worldwide.

At the time of this posting it is unknown whether or not ThingsAreGood.com is blocked. A list of sites known to be blocked is also online. Harvard is looking into China’s firewall (and other places are too) to better understand why China is blocking them.

It is also a good resource for people to see how constraining internet censorship can be, and maybe provoke people to voice their concern. The list is used be other organizations that are always looking to get around the firewall.

Iran (not so) Far Away From Negotiations

Iran has taken a firm stance on continuing its nuclear ambitions, but recently they have shown interest in further negotiations with the EU. Nukes are no fun Iran has decided to come up with its own plan about how to go about the nuclear issue. Important to note that Iran has openly expressed interest in getting other nations involved.

Previously the EU ended negotiations and currently they are preparing for sanctions on the nation. France is open to more talks.

Uzbekistan Tells U.S. to Leave

The Uzbek government has given the American military six months to leave Uzbekistan. Infrastructure supporting the base has cost the state upwards of $160 million US, which the US has not contributed to.

The American government was going to contribute about $20 million, but withheld it because the way Uzbek government handled May protests. Troops fired on a crowd of peaceful protesters and the government has not launched an inquiry into the incident which killed 750 people. Russia and China have also called for an inquiry, hopefully China and Russia will have success where the American’s didn’t.

Removal of the air base in Uzbekistan will help ease political tension in the area since China and Russia are both rightly concerned of the American military presence. The demilitarization of the world is always good.

MRI Machines to Detect Diabetes

Research done at Joslin Diabetes Center and Massachusetts General Hospital has proven that is possible to detect type 1 diabetes. diabetes attacks This is a good development because it was previously very difficult to visualize inflammation through non-invasive technology. At least in mice.

“The researchers applied the MRI-MNP technique to determine whether they could predict which mice would develop autoimmune diabetes and monitor the effectiveness of immune therapy aimed at reversing diabetes.” Reports Science Daily. The drugs the mice were given (to help the MRI technique) is similar to one currently being given to people with diabetes.

Japan Executives do Good

Ashai.com has a groovy article about Japanese executives helping out charities. The article points out that in Japan “philanthropy is still below the levels in the United States and Europe” but that is starting to change.

Corporate talent is helping out NGOs and charities with talent and money. Japanese NGOs generally rely on membership fees and a few projects that generate revenue, so philanthropy is needed.