Syrian President Bashar Assad, who has come under a lot of international criticism lately, released 190 political prisoners on Novemeber 3rd.
Category: Mind Space
Vatican Says Yes to Science
The Vatican has urged the faithful followers of Catholicism to respect science. Cardinal Paul Poupard warns that religion risks becoming “fundamentalism” if scientific reason is ignored.
In a similar vein, Copernicus’ body has been found.
Pakistan Helps Victims, Stops Order of Weapons
Pakistan is postponing the purchase of American F-16 fighter planes because the money can be better spent on helping victims of the recent earthquake.
It is predicated that rebuilding the earthquake damaged area will cost up to $5 Billion, a single F-16 costs 18.8 million.
Empty Houses in Britain to be Occupied
If a law passes in April next year councils in England can start seizing empty houses and convert them into social housing. The houses can then be renovated and leased out for up to 7 years before the houses are returned to their owners.
This strategy for repurposing housing is predicted to help those who need subsidized housing and help to fight crime. Of course, before the property is seized negotiation will be attempted with the property owner.
Royal Society Issues IP Charter
Slashdot has a great short post about a good proposition for dealing with intellectual property from the Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufacture and Commerce in Britain.
Essentially they feel that intellectually property is helping the few, opposed to helping the public good, and that this needs to be changed – in fast. Power to them!
Thanks, Ben Powers!