[alternet-l] ALTERNET NEWS # 75

Thu Jun 6 20:14:16 BST 2002

THE ALTERNET NEWS - ISSUE # 75

This issue:

HOT SITES/
STOP INDIA-PAKISTAN WAR/
THE RAINMAKER/
BUSH STILL BURNING/
ECO-COMPUTER GAMING/
COPYRIGHT FREE/
E-JUNK/
CIVIL SOCIETY SURVEY/
UN GREENWASH?/
HUMAN TRAFFIC/
JOBS/
ALLEGEDLY.../
QUOTE/UNQUOTE/
DIARY/

********************************************************************
PLEASE don't send news to the AlterNet address. Send items for inclusion,
including a web link if possible, to actnow at gn.apc.org. Items may need to
be edited. Plain text e-mail is preferred.

********************************************************************
HOT SITES

'together IT works' is the first website using British sign language.
'together IT works' has been set up to help improve the
IT skills of deaf and hard of hearing people:

http://www.togetheritworks.org.uk/

New Renaissance Magazine offers a wide selection of fascinating online
articles, including 'Spirit Matters by Michael Lerner, 'The Chalice or the
Blade' by Riane Eisler, 'Looking Back from the 21st Century' by Hazel
Henderson and 'The Nature of Beauty in Contemporary Art' by Suzi Gablik:

http://www.ru.org/

Struan Simpson is an environmental project manager who has advised on
multi-disciplinary projects across the world:

http://www.struan-simpson.net/

*******************************************************************
STOP INDIA-PAKISTAN WAR

British leaders are at odds about whether they should continue to allow the
sales of arms to India and Pakistan. 

Roger Berry, the chairman of the Commons committees investigating arms
exports, said that the conflict was "as clear a case you could get" for an
arms ban.

But Jack Straw continues to justify the sale to India of 66 Hawk aircraft on
the basis of "British commercial interests."

Arundhati Roy claims that: "Tony Blair's 'peace' mission a few months ago
was actually a business trip to discuss a one billion pound deal..to sell
Hawk fighter-bombers to India. Roughly, for the price of a single Hawk
bomber, the government could provide 1.5 million people with clean drinking
water for life."

Contact your MP and ask him/her to support an immediate weapons embargo on
India and Pakistan and to make your concerns known to Foreign Secretary
Jack Straw. 

FAX:

http://www.faxyourmp.com

Find out how to contact your MP:

http://www.locata.co.uk/commons/

Contact Jack Straw:
Fax: 020 7272 2144
Mail: House of Commons, London SW1A OAA 
Email: strawj at parliament.uk  

Contact Patricia Hewitt, Dept Trade and Industry:
Fax: 020 7215 5468
Mail: House of Commons, London SW1A OAA
Email: npst.hewitt at dti.gsi.gov.uk

Key points:

* Even a conventional war would devastate Kashmir and result in the
deaths of thousands of innocents. The UK would be especially culpable in
these deaths, since some are likely to be inflicted with British-made
weaponry.

* According to scotsman.com, BAe has sold fighter jets
to India and is currently training Pakistani troops in air combat. 
Providing aid to both sides can only 
increase the damage that will occur if war breaks out.

Once you've taken action, contact:

http://www.9-11peace.org/embargo.php3

More on the campaign to stop a war:

http://www.moveon.org/nonukesoverkashmir/

********************************************************************
THE RAINMAKER

A British scientist who pioneered wave power 30 years ago 
is now turning his talents to making rain. 

Stephen Salter, an engineer at the University of Edinburgh, 
believes his invention will not only create rain but could prevent deserts
from spreading, improve soil quality, save rain forests, and lessen the
impact of climate
change.

http://enn.com/news/wire-stories/2002/05/05232002/reu_47303.asp

********************************************************************
BUSH STILL BURNING

The Bush administration has finally accepted that global warming is a
problem in a new report from the Environmental Protection Agency.

Bush responded by saying that he’d "read the report put out by the
bureaucracy."

"I do not support the Kyoto treaty," he added. "The Kyoto treaty would
severely damage the United States economy, and I don’t accept that."

David Donniger, policy director of the Natural Resources Defense Council,
summed it up: "The government’s mouth speaks, and the ears don't hear."

The U.S. report is online at:

http://www.epa.gov/globalwarming/publications/car/index.html

Full story:

http://www.msnbc.com/news/761073.asp

Meanwhile Greenpeace has launched a major global campaign against
ExxonMobil, called Esso in the UK:

http://www.stopesso.org

Have fun with the StopEsso/Exxonmobil game:

http://www.stopesso.org/static/games/index.html

********************************************************************
ECO-COMPUTER GAMING

NitroGenius is the world's only computer game designed to solve the problem
of nitrogen pollution. The game incorporates state-of-the-art nitrogen
modeling by pollution planners in the Netherlands.

The game is the creation of Jan Willem Erisman of the Energy Research
Center of the Netherlands, and it's changing the way people understand the
issues.

"It's the first time they comprehended and saw the need for getting people
together," laughs Erisman. "That's perfect. Two years of lobbying and
talking didn't do anything. And a game - it works."

Full story:

http://www.gristmagazine.com/maindish/ness051002.asp?source=daily

********************************************************************
COPYRIGHT FREE

Many projects never take off because copyright holders won't license their
works, so an Internet clearinghouse has been launched to overcome copyright
barriers to creativity.

The Creative Commons, a nonprofit organization based at Stanford
University, will encourage authors and other creative people to donate
works for free exchange.

Copyright holders who choose to participate in the Commons may set general
conditions such as allowing royalty-free use only in noncommercial
settings, but they won't be able to veto individual projects.

Several groups, including the Electronic Frontier Foundation, have pledged
administrative support. O'Reilly and Associates, a technical publisher,
plans to donate some of its books, while the Internet Archive and Prelinger

Archives are planning to contribute their archives of moving images.

But the Creative Commons will need much more material to be useful. Organizers
are hoping to get more contributions over the next several months and begin
allowing exchanges by the Autumn.

More:

http://www.creativecommons.org/

********************************************************************
E-JUNK

More than 250 million computers in the United States may become obsolete in
the next five years, and those machines, along with televisions, VCRs and
cell phones are flooding landfills and incinerators. As a result,
substances such as lead and mercury are seeping into the environment. 

The US Environmental Protection Agency now plans to change its rules to
encourage re-use and recycling of electronic equipment.

But critics say the EPA's plan doesn't go far enough. Electronic junk
"recycled" in the United States is likely to be shipped to China, India or
Pakistan, where it ends up in waterways or burned in rice fields. 

Electronic waste is "the most rapidly growing waste problem in the world,"
according to Leslie Byster, communications director for the Silicon Valley
Toxics Coalition.

E-waste is expected to grow with the profusion of DVDs, pagers and cell
phones with shorter life-spans that are yet to hit store shelves.

Full story:

http://www.wired.com/news/technology/0,1282,52876,00.html

******************************************************************
CIVIL SOCIETY SURVEY
Civil Society After September 11: Any Change?

CIVICUS, the World Alliance for Citizen Participation, is conducting a
global survey on the implications of September 11 and its aftermath on the
work of civil society organisations around the world. You are invited to
assist with this survey on-line at www.rogator.de/civicus

E-mail: survey at civicus.org

******************************************************************
UN GREENWASH?

According to the 'Corporate Europe Observer', the forthcoming World Summit
on Sustainable Development (WSSD) in Johannesburg is a corporate
'greenwash' dream scenario. 

The summit is likely to focus on promoting 'public-private partnerships'
between governments, NGOs and corporations, and the 'Corporate Europe
Observer'
report claims that "Industry expects a long list of greenwash projects to
get the
ultimate seal of approval in Johannesburg".

Business is being singled out as a prime source of 'innovative financing'
for many projects, and the UN leadership is keen to promote "productive
relationships between NGOs and business."

Organisation like Business Action for Sustainable Development are keen on
the idea, but many NGO's are less enthusiastic.

Third World Network warned that business, with a much stronger economic
power than other groups, will drive the process. The Women's Caucus
strongly rejected UN-business partnerships, and refused to be in any
partnership with transnational corporations. 

They challenged the whole concept, asking "How can we be partners
on an equal footing?"

Business Action for Sustainable Development

http://www.basd-action.net/

Friends of the Earth International's guide for the Johannesburg World Summit:

http://www.rio-plus-10.org/

Full report:

http://www.xs4all.nl/~ceo/observer11/rio.html

******************************************************************
HUMAN TRAFFIC

'Human Traffic' is an exhibition by Anti-Slavery International at the
Global Cafe, Golden Square, Soho, London from 4 - 16 June. This is a chance
to see Mike Sheil's prize winning photographs, exposing the horrors of
trafficking and slavery in the 21st century.

For more information, or for details on hiring the exhibition,
Contact: r.mccausland at antislavery.org
Website: www.antislavery.org

******************************************************************
JOBS

The Isle of Avalon Foundation - workshop centre in Glastonbury  is seeking
a new co-ordinator. 25 hours per week.Contact the office on 01458 833933
for more information.

http://www.isleofavalonfoundation.com/

...............................................................

WOMANKIND is currently seeking an Advocacy and Policy Manager 
(Maternity Cover)

Closing date for applications for the post is 12 June 2002.

This is a managerial position to cover maternity leave and will start in
August 2002 for nine months only. The ideal candidate should have at least
2 years management experience with knowledge of women's human rights at
international, regional and national level. The successful candidate will
have proven experience of lobbying and campaigning and possess excellent
written and communications skills. 

Salary in the range of £20,000 - £25,000
Interviews: 18th June 2002

...............................................................

The WWDemocracy Network is a new initiative concerned with the
transformation of our democracies, from the current incompetent economic
regimes to competent democratic systems.  

We require a graduate-level associate and co-learner to manage the
Network. We are looking for someone interested both in the theoretical
aspects of this work and in its practical application.

Salary and working hours negotiable.  Weekly meetings in London.
See: http://www.wwdemocracy.org/

******************************************************************
ALLEGEDLY...

A patent has been granted to a 'free energy device'.

A research team was recently awarded U.S. patent 6,362,718 on "The
Motionless Magnetic Generator." They intend to start commercial production
within a year, with a device capable of powering a modern home that can
sell its excess power to the grid.

Facilities for manufacturing the device are being set up in an unnamed
"friendly nation."

Robert Park, professor of physics at the University of Maryland, says,
"These claims come along every 10 years or so and nothing ever comes of
them. They’re all cases  of 'voodoo science.' " 

Model of the machine:

http://jnaudin.free.fr/html/meg.htm

******************************************************************
QUOTE/UNQUOTE

"To fulfill a dream, to be allowed to sweat over lonely labor, to be given
a chance to create, is the meat and potatoes of life. The money is the gravy."

Bette Davis (1908 - 1989)

******************************************************************
DIARY DATES

Walk in Peace for Peace
Every first Sunday of the month. Meet at Speakers’ Corner (by Park Café),
Hyde Park 10.45am for 11am. The walk will take about an hour.

If you arrive a bit late don’t worry, you’ll see the Walk on ‘Broad Walk’
going south from Speakers’ Corner.
Enquiries: Clare Brunt 020 8755 0353

The Campaign for Co-operative Socialism Campaign meet at The Global Cafe in
London's Golden Square every Wednesday from 11-1:
--> www.cooperative-socialism.org/

JUNE

4th to 9th
Climate Convention Prep. Meeting (COP7 PREPCOM) in Bonn. Various different
actions, main day J9.

7th to 15th
Faslane Peace Camp celebrates 20 years outside the Trident nuclear submarine
base near  Glasgow. Contact Faslane Peace Camp, A814,  Shandon, near
Helensburgh, Dumbartonshire, G84 8NT, Scotland. 01436 820901

www.FaslanePeaceCamp.com

8th:
National Tampon Alert Day.

http://www.TamponAlert.org.uk

http://www.wen.org.uk/sanpro/sanpro.htm

8-16 June
Stop the Arms Trade Week

http://www.caat.org.uk

15th:
Seeing Who You Really Are. Free workshop on the Headless Way.
87B Cazenove Rd, Stoke Newington, London N16 6BB.
Saturday morning, 10am - 1pm.

http://www.headless.org/

15th:
The Community Media Association's Summer Conference
The Hotel Metropole, Kings Street, Leeds LS1 2HQ
An event looking towards the future and celebrating the range and
diversity in community media. Featuring National Speakers, Examples of Best
Practice, Training, Debate and much more...
Contact: cma at commedia.org.uk
Web: http://www.commedia.org.uk/

16th: 
Stop the War Coalition Activists Conference to be held in Central London 
(venue to be confirmed soon). Please put that date in your diaries - the aim 
is that we get groups of people coming from as many of the local coalitions 
as possible - so get the word around. office at stopwar.org.uk 07951 235 915

20th:
Big Euro Debate: Europe, Workers and the Euro. Should we vote yes to the 
Euro? Speakers: Yes - Hilary Wainwright (Red Pepper), 
Abstain - Martin Thomas (Alliance for Workers Liberty/ Soc Alliance National 
Exec), No - Alan Thornett (Int Socialist Group) 7.30pm, St Johns Church 
Hall, Grainger Street, Newcastle

22nd:
Demonstration in support  of refugees, commemoration of the anniversary of
the death of 58 Chinese people who suffocated in a lorry in Dover. Central
London

22nd:
WHAT NEXT IN COLOMBIA? AFTER THE ELECTION OF HARD RIGHT CANDIDATE ALVARO
URIBE VELEZ TO PRESIDENT
Public Rally - 6.30pm Saturday 22nd June
Conway Hall, Red Lion Square, London WC1 
(nearest tube Holborn)
Speakers: 
ALEXANDER LOPEZ - former President of SINTRAEMCALI, leader of the
successful 36-day occupation to stop privatisation and Member of Congress
elect for the Cauca Valley province (Social and Political Front)

CARLOS OLAYA - International Representative for SINALTRAINAL,  foodworkers
union taking Coca Cola to court for murdering 6 trade unionists.
Music and Colombian food.  Entrance £10 waged / £5 unwaged. Spaces are
limited, so book early!

Organised by Colombia Solidarity Campaign

E-mail: colombia_sc at hotmail.com

23rd
Camden Green Fair. 12-6pm
St James Gardens, Camden

24 June - 7 July
Join with Palestinians in nonviolent direct action to challenge the
occupation of Palestine, with the 

International Solidarity Movement. For more on the International Solidarity
Movement see 
-->www.palsolidarity.org or www.rapprochement.org

26-28 June
G8 Meeting, Kanannaskis, Alberta, Canada. Protests planned 
--> http://g8.activist.ca

JULY:

5th to 12th:
Marxism 2002. A week debating and discussing all the key issues on the left
marxism at swp.org.uk

SUMMER FESTIVALS:

Sunday 14 July:
Finfest 2002, the Finsbury Park Community Festival, from 1 - 7 pm.  The
lineup will include a world stage, with musicians from Finsbury Park and
beyond; youth entertainment; a photography contest; sports contest; a space
for acoustic music and poetry; a children's village; market stalls; and a
grand finale of a carnival procession.

To get involved as a volunteer, performer, exhibitor or sponsor, or to
book a stall for your organisation, contact Hazel Saunders on
info at finfest.org or call 020 7527 5123.

Buddhafield
July 17th to 21st Devon.
Free tickets are available to contributors, total numbers are limited and
advance booking strongly recommended. For more information contact
info at buddhafield.com or check www.buddhafield.com

Big Green Gathering
24th to 28th July

http://www.big-green-gathering.com/

Welsh Green Gathering 8th to 11th August

http://www.big-green-gathering.com/wgg/WGG2.html

Eastern Green Gathering 
August 29th, 30th & 31st. Near Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk

http://www.easterngreengathering.com/

More Diary Dates on GreenNet:

--> webboard.gn.apc.org:8086/default/

******************************************************************

The AlterNet News is edited by Adrian Harris for GreenNet:
---> www.gn.apc.org

Please note that opinions expressed in AlterNet are those of the
contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the GreenNet
Collective.

To subscribe or unsubscribe see:

http://mailman.greennet.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/alternet-l

For more information on this service and how to use it, contact
adrian at gn.apc.org

****************************************************

Alternet-l mailing list
Alternet-l at gn.apc.org

http://mailman.greennet.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/alternet-l

_______________________________________________
Alternet-l mailing list
Alternet-l at gn.apc.org

http://mailman.greennet.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/alternet-l