Random Culture

The Official Portal of North Korea

"Naenara" is the official online portal for North Korea. The name translates to "my country", and the site is definitely a must-see. It's definitely not lacking in propaganda, including a section on the all-powerful North Korean IT industry. Don't believe me? Here's a quote from the website:

"KCC stays constant in putting stress in production of main   products and new products with appropriate market strategy and based on the   powerful software development group and appropriately combining the developments on order."

Wow... who can argue with that?

If that doesn't tickle your fancy, then the e-shop will. The wallpapers sold on the site will make you want to get a Kim Jong Il haircut.

Link via Waxy.org.

Goverment and Social Networking Don't Mix

Once again, we're offered proof that our government, even with the best intentions, doesn't understand technology. The example? House Resolution 5319, The Deleting Online Predators Act (DOPA). This resolution, if it becomes law, will require schools and libraries to block social networking sites and chat rooms. If they do not, they could lose federal Internet subsidies. The law might also have an impact on a far larger array of websites using social networking features. Some folks, such as social networking expert Danah Boyd, see this as an erosion of our freedoms more than a protection for minors.

I'm all for protecting minors against online predators. Like I said, I think our elected officials in the house have the best intentions. However, technology has clearly outpaced the tech skills of our representatives in Washington. What we need is more Internet savvy politicians. I think the chances are pretty high that in coming elections, we will see MySpace profiles being used as campaigning tools.

Link via TechCrunch.

The United Nations Blog

The UN Foundation has set up a blog called "UN Dispatch."  Its purpose is to "promote thoughtful discussion about the UN, and to provide an outlet for important news and views on the UN."

Looks like they are having important guest bloggers as well. Two notable NFL players, Amani Toomer and Kurt Warner, are currently talking about their trips to Indonesia and Sri Lanka.

Link via Micro Persuasion.