[alternet-l] The Alternet News - ISSUE # 85

[Joanne Doyle]

THE ALTERNET NEWS - ISSUE # 85

This issue:

NOTE FROM THE EDITOR/
HOT SITES/
ENTITLEMENT CARDS/
EVENTS IN VENEZEULA/
FRENCH ACTIVIST SENTENCED/
RETRIAL OF "MIAMI FIVE"/
EGYPT'S DIGITAL LIBRARY/
EARTH FIRST TECHNOLOGIES?/
VIDEO ACTIVISM PROMOTED/
WAR ON WANT PETITION/
ACTIVIST NETWORK CLOSED/
PLOT OF LAND/
QUOTE/UNQUOTE/
JOBS/
FUNDING/
DIARY/

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NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

Happy New Year 2003 to all Alternet subscribers. In difficult times, it is
great to see all the wonderful events, campaigns and activities that are
being organised by some of you, the GreenNet community and wider civil
society. This edition includes many exciting events for the upcoming
months, so the future looks good! I hope you'll continue to find this a
useful e-zine in the year ahead.
If you would like to send in your news and events for inclusion in the next
edition, or interesting quotes you have come across, as usual, please send
(including a web link if possible) to actnow at gn.apc.org.
Please don't send news to the AlterNet address. Items may need to be
edited. Plain text e-mail is preferred.

Back issues are on-line at:
---> http://www.gn.apc.org/news/alternet/index.asp

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HOT SITES

Two new online voluntary sector resources:

--> www.voluntarysectorskills.org.uk and

--> www.askncvo.org.uk

Conciliation Resources has just published the 13th issue in their Accord
series: 'OWNING THE PROCESS: PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN PEACEMAKING.'
Full text is available free online at:
--> www.c-r.org/accord/peace/accord13

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ENTITLEMENT CARDS

As the Government appear set on introducing Britain's first universal 
identity card system in 50 years, Privacy International (PI) is calling for 
support to get the government to engage the public in a wider debate about 
the issue and extend the consultation period until June 2003:

"We believe the consultation document on Entitlement Cards breaches the 
Code of Practice on consultations in several key respects, including lack 
of necessary detail and a complete absence of either an impact assessment 
or counter argument. The document has failed to deliver a concrete proposal 
for public debate and has therefore failed to engage the public's interest."

You can read the full text to this letter to the Prime Minister, and sign here:

--> www.gn.apc.org/action/pi/openletter.shtml

PI has produced an FAQ on the National ID card along with historical 
overviews of the ID card controversy, which you can read about here:

--> www.privacyinternational.org/issues/idcard/uk/

Related site:
--> www.undercurrents.org/bigbrother2.htm

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EVENTS IN VENEZEULA - A PERSONAL ACCOUNT

Events in Venezuela are reaching crisis point, but the headline news cannot
express the personal realities of everyday life there. This is the story
from the inside written by a man who has lived and worked in Venezuela for
many years.

The web link takes you to the unedited letters to his daughter, who
introduces the first message. The story starts on 2 Oct 2002, as marchers
on both sides of the Atlantic march for peace, and continues to date:

More:
--> www.greendirect.co.uk/reports.htm

Sign an open Letter to Bush on Venezuela through this website:
--> www.narconews.com/Issue26/article562.html

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FRENCH ACTIVIST SENTENCED

In January 1998 activists of the French Confédération Paysanne entered a
storehouse belonging to the agribusiness firm Novartis and mixed
genetically modified corn seed with conventional seed. This non-violent
action alerted public opinion to the dangers of genetically modified food
with respect to the environment, health, and farmers' independence. José
Bové, who was then spokesman of the Confédération Paysanne of the Aveyron,
was given an 8 month suspended prison sentence.

In June 1999 activists of the Confédération Paysanne and Indian farmers who
had travelled from the subcontinent occupied a greenhouse belonging to the
CIRAD (International Centre for Research in Agriculture and Development in
Montpellier) and uprooted genetically modified rice plants before they
could be replanted in the Camargue nature reserve in Southern France. José
Bové was sentenced to six months in prison. This verdict revoked the
suspension of the previous eight-month sentence, which means that he will
spend 14 months behind bars for actions that endangered no life and caused
only minor material damage.

Support FoE in their online campaign to pardon José Bové and René Riesel,
who was sentenced with him, here:

--> www.foei.org/cyberaction/bove.php

For more information:
--> confederationpaysanne.ouvaton.org/


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RETRIAL OF "MIAMI FIVE"

A number of British MPs have expressed serious concerns over the trial,
incarceration and treatment of the "Miami Five" - the five Cuban nationals
currently imprisoned in the U.S on various charges including espionage. To
date, 55 members have signed an "Early Day Motion" tabled by Labour MP
Michael Connarty, which calls for the U.S Government to support the motion
for a retrial. The motion was filed on 12th November 2002, including
overwhelming new evidence that a fair trial was not possible in Miami-Dade
in the year 2000 when the Five were tried and that in the interests of
justice a new trial be ordered.

For more information contact:
Cuba Solidarity Campaign
c/o Red Rose Club, 129 Seven Sisters Rd, London N7 7QG
Tel. 020 7263 6452 Fax. 020 7561 0191
Email: office at cuba-solidarity.org.uk

You can join the campaign online at:
--> www.freethefive.org

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EGYPT'S DIGITAL LIBRARY

Egypt's famed library in Alexandria is taking 21st-century form, with
digital copies of nearly every public Web page posted since 1996. The
library has two hundred Hewlett-Packard PCs, and has incorporated a copy of
the Internet Archive developed by Brewster Kahle in San Francisco, donated
to the Egyptians because Kahle was so impressed with their efforts to
reinstate their leadership role in the creation, storage, and retrieval of
knowledge. The Egyptian government has obtained support from a number of
corporate giants, including Microsoft, Oracle, Ericsson and Alcatel, all of
whom will be tenants on a new 300-acre high-tech oasis near the Giza Pyramids.

More here:
--> www.siliconvalley.com/mld/siliconvalley/4641662.htm

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EARTH FIRST TECHNOLOGIES?

A SUPERCOMPUTER TO SAVE EARTH?
The Earth Simulator handles more computations per second than there
are stars in the galaxy. And it could help scientists do a better job
protecting the little blue planet.

More:
--> http://go.hotwired.com/news/technology/0,1282,56893,00.html/wn_ascii

THE BEST COMPUTER FOR THE PLANET
It's small, powerful, environmentally conscious, and quiet. It's built
with a lead-free motherboard, NEC's patented recyclable plastic, a
processor that minimizes power usage, and a boron-free flat-screen display.

Further details:
-->http://click.topica.com/maaaLtIaaVfUpa4j9L2c/

OIL THIRSTY TECHNOLOGY
A German firm has devised a new technology that could help contain
environmental nightmares, like the recent oil spill off the coast of Spain.
The small German company has devised oil-thirsty pads that can help quickly
clean up huge tanker spills like the recent one off the Spanish coast.

Find out more here:
-->www.wired.com/news/technology/0,1282,56659,00.html?tw=wn_ascii

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VIDEO ACTIVISM PROMOTED

In a bizzare turn of events, the Tories are now promoting the work of
Undercurrents. Since 1993, Undercurrents alternative news has promoted
direct action against the Conservative Governments road building and its
draconian Criminal Justice Act.

Now it appears the Tories are reading their Video Activist Handbook. The
hand book details the protests against the Tories as well as a step by step
guide on how to use video to bring about social change.

A spokesperson for Undercurrents said-
"We find it hilarious that the Conservatives are now promoting our Video
activist handbook and we look forward to seeing Michael Howard MP dangling
from the trees with camcorder in hand"

For more details:
--> http://shop.conservatives.com/item.jsp?ID=1705

Related Site:
--> www.undercurrents.org/contact.htm

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WAR ON WANT PETITION

With unemployment among Palestinians at over 41 per cent, the need for jobs
and workers' rights is higher than ever. Thousands of Palestinians are
being prevented from returning to their workplaces by Israeli checkpoints
and border closures, with few receiving the unemployment benefits they are
entitled to. War on Want's partner, the Democracy and Workers' Rights
Centre has launched an online petition to respect the rights of Palestinian
workers.

For more information and to sign the petition, visit:
--> www.waronwant.org/?lid=3328

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ACTIVIST NETWORK CLOSED

Bowing to pressure from the Dow Chemical Corporation, the Internet
company Verio has booted the NY based activist-oriented Thing.net from the
Web. Internet Service Provider Thing.net has been the primary service
provider for activist and artist organizations in the New York area for 10
years.

On December 3, activists used a server housed by Thing.net to post a
parody Dow press release on the eighteenth anniversary of the disaster
(Union Carbide is now owned by Dow). Dow was not amused, and sent a Digital
Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) complaint to Verio, which immediately cut
Thing.net off the internet for fifteen hours. A few days later, Verio
announced that Thing.net had 60 days to move to another provider.

"Verio's actions are nothing short of outrageous," said Wolfgang
Staehle, Thing.net Executive Director. "They could have resolved the
matter with the Dow parodists directly; instead they chose to shut
down our entire network. This self-appointed enforcement of the DMCA
could have a serious chilling effect on free speech, and has already
damaged our business."

Visit their website for information about how to help:
--> https://secure.thing.net/backbone/

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PLOT OF LAND (For Rent or to Let)

Plot of land, 1/2 to 6 acres, with use of buildings at Sascombe Vineyards
near Newmarket, Suffolk/Cambs border. Wind and solar powered. Hopefully a
350 sq.ft cabin will be available to live in, or your own caravan.

Price depending on requirements. Purchase possible in the long term. Lots
of projects to join in with; yours should be compatible. References will be
required.

Write/phone to Adriana at:
Sascombe Vineyards
The Thrift,
Nr Newmarket,
Suffolk CB8 9JB
Tel: 01440 783100


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QUOTE/UNQUOTE

"Stand ye calm and resolute
Like a forest close and mute
With folded arms, and looks which are
Weapons of an unvanquished war."

Anarchy speaking from 'The Masque of Anarchy' - Percy Bysshe Shelley

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JOBS

RESEARCH AND COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT (7 Month Fixed Term Contract) is
sought by BRIDGE, the gender information unit of the Institute of
Development Studies, UK.

The role primarily involves: research and writing support to team members;
writing of accessible summaries that draw out key lessons for policy-makers
and practitioners; ensuring their web databases are up-to-date; and
information dissemination and publicity-related tasks. The candidate will
be an experienced and creative researcher, trained to postgraduate level,
and familiar with gender concepts and information sources.
Salary: £18,265 (notional)
Closing Date: 30 January (12 noon), Interview Date: 6 February

Application forms and further details are available from the Personnel
Office, Room 104, Institute of Development Studies, University of Sussex,
Brighton BN1 9RE. Confidential fax: 44 (0)1273 674553 and answerphone 44
(0)1273 678682. Email: personnel at ids.ac.uk
Further details:
-->www.ids.ac.uk/ids/news/recruit/index

HEAD OF CAMPAIGN SECTION - CAFOD
£31,895 to £34,895 p.a.

CAFOD needs a dynamic and visionary manager to head their campaign
work in England and Wales. With a track record of campaigning, a
passionate interest in global poverty and justice issues plus sound
communication skills, you will lead the strategic planning processes
for the current campaign on Trade Justice and subsequent campaigns.
Closes 13 January.

CAFOD are also looking for a SCHOOLS COORDINATOR ­ MIDLANDS
£22,399 to £25,049 p.a.

This new post, based in the Midlands, covers the dioceses of Leeds,
Hallam, Shrewsbury, Birmingham, Northampton and Nottingham. It has
been created to enhance the recruitment and training of volunteers,
to build relationships with Catholic schools and to develop outreach
work by the volunteers. You will need a degree (or equivalent) in a
relevant field, knowledge of the UK schools curriculum and teaching
methods, experience of working with young people and a thorough
understanding of the Catholic constituency.
Closes 29 January.

Full details for both positions:
--> www.cafod.org.uk/jobs/

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FUNDING

BT Community Connections Award (UK)

Applications are now being accepted for the third round of BT Community
Connections, the nationwide community award scheme designed to help
communities get connected to the Internet.

More information:
--> www.access-funds.co.uk/archive/2002/dec/Community_Connections.htm

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DIARY DATES

JANUARY:

WEEKEND OF NONVIOLENT DIRECT ACTION AT BRITISH MILITARY HQ
As The British military mobilises to meet George Bush's order to head for
the Gulf, anti-war activists are mobilising for a weekend of non-violent
protest and civil disobedience against the war on Iraq at the Permanent
Joint Headquarters of the British Armed Forces at Northwood, North West
London. The weekend of action January 18th -19th coincides with the
anniversary of the 1991 Gulf bombing and a protest  march expected to
number near 500,000 in Washington DC.

The weekend of action, called by direct action groups Voices in the
Wilderness UK, ARROW (Active Resistance to the Roots of War) and the
d-10 group, will include a tour of the base, a mass blockade, a mass
breaching of the Official Secrets Act, non-violence trainings and
autonomous affinity group actions.

The main events are:
Friday  January 17th 7.30pm,  Conway Hall, Holborn , London.  Public
meeting and sanctions breaking auction.

OPERATION INTERNAL LOOK- (OIL)
Saturday January 18th 12 noon. Inspecting the war machine. Activists will
bring giant binoculars, telescopes and cameras and inspect and record the
workings of the base, breaching the Official Secrets Act. Assembling
Northwood main gate 12pm.

MASS BLOCKADE and PROTEST
Sunday January 19th  11 am.
Assembling Northwood Tube (Met Line) and walking up to the base where the
gates will be blocked.

Related sites:
details of US events:
--> www.internationalanswer.org/
details of UK events:
-->www.voicesuk.org
More info on role of Northwood:
--> http://people.freenet.de/ask/e_northwood.html
Sign the pledge of resistance to the "war on terrorism"
--> www.j-n-v.org

INSPIRING CHANGE is a three-day course in active citizenship for people who
want to make a difference in the world. It is being run in partnership with
the Scarman Trust.
10am-8pm, 15, 16 and 23 January 2003, with preparation and follow-up

This 3-day course will enable you to:
1. increase your abilities to bring about change, in little ways or large;
2. clarify goals in relation to your life, work and social issues;
3. develop a project and action plan for something you want to achieve -
and begin to build support for the change you want!

Venue: Euston Square Hotel, Euston Rd/North Gower St, London
Cost: £75 unwaged, £95 volunteers, £123 for staff, including tea, coffee
and biscuits
For whom? Community activists ; Staff, volunteers & members of community
organisations;
To book or get further details email: info at inspiringchange.org,
or ring Titus on 020 8521 6977

INSTITUTE FOR RACE RELATIONS

In the wake of September 11, the Institute of Race Relations began a series
of seminars to discuss pressing issues - relating to civil liberties,
racism, globalism, etc. The first two seminars in the New Year are listed
below:

Monday 13 January 2003, 1-2.15pm*
Showing of the film 'After Jenin'
A rare chance to see the acclaimed documentary on Palestine, and talk to
its director Jenny Morgan.
(* starting promptly as the film is 50 mins long.)

Monday 20 January, 1-2pm
John Hutnyk and Liz Fekete will lead a discussion on
The role of Malaysia in the War Against Terrorism
John Hutnyk lectures at the Department of Anthropology at Goldsmiths
University and is a member of the Anti-ISA Movement UK (AIM-UK) and Liz
Fekete works at the IRR and is also a member of AIM-UK.

All seminars are held at IRR's offices at 2-6 Leeke Street (off King's
Cross Road), London WC1X 9HS.

Please let them know by phone or email if you are able to attend the seminars.
Email: info at irr.org.uk, or phone: 020 7837 0041 / 020 7833 2010

--> www.irr.org.uk

ECONOMY, CONFLICT AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR
A one day seminar organised by the Committee for Conflict Transformation
Support
Wednesday 15th January 2003, 10.30 -16.30
(10.00 coffee + registration)

Venue: St Ethelburga's Centre for Reconciliation and Peace
78 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AG
(nearest stations Liverpool Street, Bank & Monument)

The purpose of this seminar is to examine the interaction of the
economy, the private sector and violent conflict, in order to help
inform the work of conflict resolution practitioners.  The day of
reflection and discussion will be introduced by presentations from Dr
David Keen and Phil Champain.
The cost for participants will be £15.00, including buffet lunch,
coffee and tea (to be paid on arrival).

To register for the workshop, please visit the CCTS website:
-->www.c-r.org/ccts
or email: ccts at c-r.org

PERMACULTURE DESIGN COURSE
18 Jan - 1 Feb 2003
Venue: Monkton Wyld Court, Dorset

Two week residential course with practical and theoretical sessions
covering all aspects of permaculture design - ethics, gardening, local
economy, food, water, housing etc...

Cost: £625, with big reductions for low income households
For futher information contact: Louise
Tel: 01461 30141
E-mail: loumacnamara at hotmail.com

FAITH IN THE EARTH
A Christian, Druid, Muslim Conference
Saturday 25th January 2003
10.00am - 5pm
Venue: Loughborough University

What insights can we as people of faith offer,
and share together, to help safeguard the future of our planet.
Principal Speakers:
Timothy Stevens, Bishop of Leicester
Fazlun Khalid, Founder Director, Islamic Foundation for Ecology and
Environmental Sciences
Emma Restall-Orr, Chief of the Druid Network

Workshops
Faith and Bio-diversity
Faith and Resources
Faith and Pollution

Cost £7.00 including vegetarian lunch
For more information, or to book a place, contact Patricia Pinder
01509 261222, or email phpinder at fish.co.uk

CENTREPOINT CONFERENCE: Towards A National Framework For
Young Runaways: prevention, immediate care and long-term strategies,
Venue: the New Connaught Rooms in Covent Garden.

For further information, contact Neil Stewart Associates, who are
organising the conference, on 020 7689 8808 or
info at neilstewartassociates.co.uk

More Diary Dates on GreenNet:

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

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

Please note that opinions expressed in AlterNet are those of the
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