iTunes Store Blocked by China

Stumbling across an article from SlashDot, I discovered that over the billion who inhabit China, they are now unable to browse and download songs from the iTunes network. This came in effect due to an album “Songs for Tibet” was downloaded over 40 times from Olympic athletes who are supporting Tibets cause. The album also included songs criticising China’s internet firewall - a.ka the “Great Firewall of China“, which ironically, was the only thing disallowing access to the iTunes network in the first place.

I don’t personally use iTunes to download and purchase music, however I do use it to listen to all of my favourite songs and I find it much easier then most music players. Regarding purchasing music, I prefer to buy an album, upload it to my computer and organise it the way I want to.

If China wishes to keep carrying on this charade of criticising people who support Tibet, they will, without a doubt fall hard and flat on their face.

“People should not be afraid of their governments. Governments should be afraid of their people.” -V (From the movie: V for Vendetta)

I don’t take sides generally, but when it comes to government and power, China should really consult their position and begin thinking about the long-term effects of their actions.

Nicole Kuepper, Age 23

A bright woman by the name of Nicole Kuepper has invented a brilliant idea that allows the creation of solar panels by using a pizza oven. This would eventually bring the wonders of electricity all around the world, to areas where they just can’t afford it.

Nicole, who is 23 received her first solar-energy kit from her parents at the age of 10, and has wanted to work with solar energy ever since. She is a PhD student and lecturer in the school of photovoltaic and renewable energy engineering at the University of New South Wales.

Realising at such a young age that the world needs clean, renewable and affordable energy in countries, she decided to think outside the square. “What started off as a brainstorming session has resulted in the iJET cell concept that uses low-cost and low-temperature processes, such as ink-jet printing and pizza ovens, to manufacture solar cells.”

Nicole also believes whilst it could take up to or beyond 5 years to develop the technology, it would allow many to read at night, be kept informed of the world’s news and store vital necessities such as vaccines.

Though from my perspective, I would see it as a positive not to be informed of the negative energy that surrounds the current world today, however I do believe storing vitial necessities and reducing green house gas emissions is a big step forward.

Nicole, we need young people like you to show the rest of the negative world it’s possible to live free, clean and in abundance - the right way. Keep going strong, you have my full support!

I was reading News.com.au this morning and came across an interesting article about a young boy by the name of Blake Peebles, who has officially left school for a video game. Now this doesn’t come as a surprise for many, however he has full support by his parents. There have been many blogs writing about this, many articles with different point of views and it’s quite unfortunate that people are scolding his parents for not pushing him to continue his so called ‘needed’ education. Before you begin to think negative thoughts about what I’m saying, I will question you with the following sentence:

Follow your dreams and succeed within yourself.

Isn’t that the daily motto of successful people?

I do believe the education system is for the masses and doesn’t teach everything about life including proper financial knowledge, however, he is getting home schooled. If his parents believe this is the right direction for their son, I suppor them. I do also know, deep down all parents want the best for their kids, no matter the direction.

For more information on Guitar Hero, check out Wikipedia.org.

I was stumbling through the blog of Paul Cherry and came across one of his friends, Christian Bowman. He had a few pictures of cats caught on camera in the most unique ways. I wanted to see more of these friendly furry delights and found the website on the photo, it was Lolcats. A website I’ve never heard nor seen but I’m overly impressed at first glance. Here are just a few photos I came across:

Hilarious! Don’t you think? Imagine walking outside your house to find your cat (or someone else’s) caught in a fence. Then you get a camera, take a picture and slap the most funniest text possible on - brilliant!

I recommend you check these guys out if you need a quick laugh, something to brighten your day up or are a lover of furry animals!

Website: http://icanhascheezburger.com

How do you believe the first computer was thought up? Mind you, I’m talking about back in 1954 when people were still set heavily in the industrial age, thinking what can be made into a machine. I actually stumbled across a photo when I was studying back in TAFE for my certification IV in information technology. I now have remembered this remarkable picture and have found it on the internet, just like finding Britney Spears topless, you can find anything if you looked.

If you squint as I do, I have made it easier for viewing below:

“Scientists from the RAND Corporation have created this model to illustrate how a “home computer” could look like in the year 2004. However the needed technology will not be economically feasible for the average home. Also the scientists readily admits that the computer will require not yet invested technology to actually work, but 50 years from now scientific progress is expected to solve these problems. With teletype interface and the Fortran language, the computer will be easy to use.”

In 50 years? They have that right though I didn’t think they expected computers to get as small as the new ASUS Eee PC, or did they?

Weighing in just under 1kg, you can take this laptop anywhere you go and I mean anywhere. Have you noticed when you sit next to someone on the train or bus, you take your laptop out and they give you an evil look? With the ASUS Eee PC, you need not to worry. With it being practically 95% smaller then any generic laptop, you actually feel more comfortable typing on it - strange? I thought so. With our general society saying, “Bigger is Better”, in this case I’m afraid it completely kills that phrase.

So if anyone asks you, “When was the first computer built?” you can safely say you wouldn’t like to know due to they will most likely laugh and think it’s a joke. Inconsiderate people with no respect for technology history - argh!