Inspirational and good news.
A little mystery is sometimes a good thing, and nothing seems to bring out a feeling of child-like curiosity like a cosmic mystery. The Cassini-Huygens probe to Saturn has uncovered just such a mysterious gem. ESA, and NASA scientists have confirmed that the moon Enceladus has an atmosphere. As well, it’s Southern polar region seems to be a “hot-spot,” riddled with “tiger stripes.”
Human ingenuity, curiosity and exploration put to good use! And, with gorgeous photos.
“We hope the [British] Army will have more involvement next year and a float as well,” said Claire Turner.
She was not talking about the British participation in the invasion of Iraq. She is the director of the gay pride festival in Manchester, UK.
About 10 uniformed soldiers paraded and manned a recruitment stall. The ban on homosexuals in the armed forces was lifted in January 2000, but it wasn’t until last year, when some 20 RAF soldiers manned a float featuring a plane cockpit, that the first armed service joined a gay pride festival.
“They’re showing that they welcome gay people and the Army is something gay people can be interested in,” said Turner. This is very different from the situation of their gay American colleagues. In the U.S., gay soldiers – some of whom have served for many years – have been sent home because, apparently due to their gayness, they might hesitate at crucial moments.
We welcome soldiers at gay parades, and we welcome the armies’ tolerance.
(Read the full article at BBC NEWS)
The Prime Minister of India, Manmohan Singh, sees that stability is needed in Asia, and one way that India can help keep things stable is by helping Afghanistan more. Already New Delhi ranks in the top six contributors to Kabul.
On a recent visit to Kabul, Singh noted that more reconstruction is needed and has said publicly that India will continue to help Afghanistan as well as further their economic and political ties.
If I have been of service, if I have glimpsed more of the nature and essence of ultimate good, if I am inspired to reach wider horizons of thought and action, if I am at peace with myself, it has been a successful day.
Alex Noble
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.