http://www.supercoolrobots.com/make-a-star-wars-style-outdoor-stove/
http://www.instructables.com/id/R2D2-Style-Wood-Log-Burner/
M.A's commentary:
Really? Well outdoor BBQ’s are banned so I guess the government doesn't want all the apartment dwellers rushing out creating these works of art and grilling in the local park. Or God forbid the poor venders who actually try to stay warm in the winter by using mini stoves next to their stands have this sacred knowledge. The fact that making this from scratch in China is unrealistic for most Chinese who can actually read the English on this site, should be reason enough not to censor. Or that this type of DYI is not even something most are interested in.
What makes me sad is that my university hosted a robotic competition last week. I see no reason for the blocking of the sight. Why? There is nothing bad about China said or linked there. All things robotics should be available to inspire students trade knowledge, etc.
Indigo's commentary:
The Chinese government has strict regulations on how all scrap metal should be used. My guess is that this was blocked because the government didn't want average people to go out and try to take metal to make minor modifications to a grill so it looks like a Star War's character.
The communist beliefs have often emphasized the importance of utility and functionality over the aesthetic appeal of something. These two sites suggest taking an everyday object, and adding extra bits to it not to improve function, but for cosmetic purposes. To do so would seem like a minor violation of the government's ideals. Additionally as my mother mentioned, outdoor BBQing is illegal, and these websites could be seen as promoting that.
http://wvw.igame.com/eye-test/
M.A's commentary:
Lets be color blind in China. Really.
Indigo's commentary:
The only reason I can think of for the government censoring this is inaccurate diagnosis, or the desire to have people actually visit eye doctors rather than trying to self diagnosis online. If a student took an online color blind test, got a result that said they were in fact color blind, the student might try to claim it in school and should get special treatment. But honestly, this being blocked surprises me a little. It could be that the site has other tests or aspects the government dislikes and it was mass censored.
http://aqicn.org/city/haerbin/
Note that this site was only temporarily unavailable during Dragon Boat Day, June 19-20th.
M.A's commentary:
During dragon boat festival…people only wear 5 colored bracelets to protect them from the strongest poisons in the air on during this festival. Lets not confirm or repute these superstitions. (The bracelets are worn for protection only during this holiday)
Indigo's commentary:
I should think the reason this air pollution site was down during an predominantly outdoor festival is obvious. The government clearly wanted to ensure the festival was celebrated properly, and wanted to encourage people to go out, spend money on food, drinks and trinkets, and stimulate the cities economy. If the citizens of Harbin had seen that the air pollution was astronomical on that day, they would have stayed indoors, gotten upset about missing the holiday celebrations and possible it could have bred resentment towards the government.
M.A's commentary
Ugh…I really wanted to bake some crinkle cookies. Watch out world betty crocker will take over.
Indigo's commentary:
Uhm....reason's for banning Betty Crocker.....anti-Western sentiment? Wanting to keep Western influences like cooking from becoming to dominant within the country? Perhaps a dislike of cookies?
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