Inside North Korea's nuclear complex

By Manasi Kakatkar

Bob Woodruff of ABC News was recently inside North Korea's Yongbyon nuclear complex. Not so long ago North Korea had one of the most secretive nuclear programs, and a guided tour of the any plant for a US journalist was an impossibility. Some might be skeptical of the disablement process, but this video is an achievement in itself.

It is also informative for those of us who have never been near a nuclear plant. Looking at it from inside is interesting. You also get a glimpse of the 'uranium rods' that we hear of in almost every discussion of.

Link to the video.

Talk on Liberia's war affected children

UMD Student Pugwash will host Joe Wiah, Deputy Director, Don Bosco Homes, Liberia on Wednesday, 27 February at the School of Public Policy VMH 1113 from 12.15pm to 1.30pm. The topic for Joe Wiah's talk is "From War to Peace: Education, Training and Family Reunion for Liberia's War-Affected Children."

Joe Wiah is a Liberian social worker who specializes in child protection and youth development. Mr. Wiah joined the staff of Don Bosco Homes in 2000 and has served as the Street Shelter Supervisor, Assistant Head of Child Protection Unit, DDRR Coordinator, and Coordinator of the Skills Training Program.

Don Bosco Homes was founded in late 1992, during the civil war, in response to the needs of disadvantaged Liberian children and youth. Its initial focus was to provide protection for street children. It has since been actively involved in the disarmament, demobilization, resettlement, and reintegration of Child Soldiers. Don Bosco Homes also works in HIV/AIDS, agriculture, and juvenile correction. It currently chairs the child task force on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission that has started hearings of wartime atrocities and crimes. Don Bosco Homes now works in five counties viz. Montserrado, Grand Bassa, Bomi, Cape Mount, and River Cess, directly reaching about 2,000 children/youth at a time. The event is free and open to all.

A chance to test.

Here is an interesting take on the striking down of the spy satellite.

Richard Rhodes at Google

An interesting talk by Richard Rhodes at Google and a quick summary if you don't have the time for the approx one hour talk.