Vaccine Helps Prevent HIV

10 10 2009

Wow – for the first time an experimental vaccine has prevented infection with HIV.

From MSNBC: The World Health Organization and the U.N. agency UNAIDS said the results “instilled new hope” in the field of HIV vaccine research, although researchers say it likely is many years before a vaccine might be available.

Obviously this is incredible news. The trial was over 16,000 patients and the new vaccine trial prevented HIV from infecting 31%. An HIV vaccine would be an amazing achievement for medial science. I only wish people’s behavior would make the necessary preventative measures as well.


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Journalism vs Social Media

9 09 2009

There was an interesting NYTime Op-Ed piece today on the difference social media is making in our concept of journalism and engagement. I agree with the author that “journalism” as a discipline has certain requirements in style and structure, but I do not think that discounts the value of social media in reporting news. While journalists may act as a lens for those of us far away to gaze into another place they are also a filter, applying their own selective biases consciously or not. There are advantages to each, but I put my preference in having the access to the unfiltered media and information to make my own decisions, or at least to suppliment the view of a journalist.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/10/opinion/10iht-edcohen.html?_r=1

Reportr.net also gives some interesting insight from the “Future of Journalism Conference.”

http://reportr.net/2009/09/09/curran-dissects-perspectives-on-future-of-journalism/


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Zimbabwe getting $500 Million

4 09 2009

BBC reported that Zimbabwe will be getting $500 Million to replenish their foreign currency reserves. From the article: ”The money has been released on the condition that Zimbabwe’s finance minister ensures the money is not diverted to other projects.”  BBC also recently reported of growing optimism in Harare since the national currency was abandoned and replaced by the US dollar.

I’m skeptical and hopeful at the same time. On one hand, Zimbabwe leadership has a terrible track record with corruption and money management. On the other, funds are required to rebuild the nation’s economy and something needs to be done. I guess right now all we can do is wait to see the results and hope that there is accurate reporting of how this changes the lifestyle of the average Zimbabwean. I would like to know how the “conditions” for the money will be monitored, I really hope there is some kind of checks and balance system in place or a regular audit of the funds.

Other recent Zimbabwe news includes the pardoning of 1500 prisoners to ease jail conjestion and the necessary steps for the nation to recover from cholera.

I’m interested to hear your comments and opinions, is this a good move by the IMF?

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