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 attacksThis 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.

Anything is Possible!

A young woman from Canterbury, England set out to sail across the English channel this week. What makes her story so amazing is that Hilary Lister is a quadripeligic. Her solo voyage is the longest sailing record in history by a quadriplegic taking her 6 hours and 13 minutes. The mechanism used to power the sailboat is similar to one on her wheelchair with two straws connected to switches that control the sails and steer the boat with the use of her breath.

Hilary is using her voyage across the channel to raise money for sailing opportunities for others with disabilities. She is also hoping to encourage people to rethink their views about the disabled.
“We do not need wrapping up in cotton wool and can go out and do silly or dangerous things if that’s what we want to do.” She says.

With her first journey completed Hilary now hopes to sail around Britain next year.