[alternet-l] THE ALTERNET NEWS - ISSUE 120

[alternet]

THE ALTERNET NEWS - ISSUE 120
May 13th 2005

This issue:

CURTAIN TWITCHERS/
IT WASN.T ME/
NO MAN.S LAND/
THE KING LIVES/
JUST GOOGLE IT/
OIL BE BLOWED!/
GENERATION NEXT/
DON.T SHOW ME THE MONEY/
YOU CAN TAKE THE BUSHMEN OUT OF THE BUSH./
TURN THE SOUND DOWN/
REMEMBER SARO WIWA/

QUOTE/UNQUOTE/
JOBS/
DIARY/


FACT OF THE FORTNIGHT:

Percentage of renewable energy consumed in the U.S. in 1970; 6.0%. 
Percentage of renewable energy expected to be consumed in the U.S. in 
2005; 6.7%.

HOT SITES:


The year 2005 - announced as Einstein Year - marks the centenary of the 
publication of Albert Einstein's equation E = mc2.
To mark this occasion, Sandy Starr at .Spiked., in association with NESTA 
and science communicator Alom Shaha, has conducted a survey of over 250 
renowned scientists, science communicators and educators, including 11 
Nobel laureates. Each was asked: .What would you
teach the world about science, and why, if you could pick just one 
thing...?.
Respondents include RICHARD DAWKINS, SIMON SINGH, COLIN BERRY, ERIC
DREXLER, SUSAN HAACK, MATT RIDLEY, JOHN STACHEL, JOHN SULSTON, RAYMOND 
TALLIS, and PAUL DAVIES.
Read the survey responses in full, and watch four accompanying films, at: 
http://www.spiked-online.com/einstein


"Development in an insecure world - new threats to human development and 
their implications for development policy" is a collection of essays that 
explores and offers policy options to address new threats to human 
security that transcend national boundaries and give rise to major 
development challenges in the contemporary world.
http://fi.oneworld.net/


>From Afghanistan to Indonesia, Iraq and beyond, countless journalists are 
supporting democracy and freedom every day by reporting stories as 
professionally, accurately, and fairly as they can. This World Press 
Freedom Day photo essay celebrates their achievements and offers insights 
into their daily efforts.
http://www.internews.org
CURTAIN TWITCHERS

The .Iron Curtain. that separated Western Europe from the communist 
countries of Eastern Europe was once one of the most dangerous places on 
earth. But in the post-Cold War era, a coalition of conservation and 
community-development groups has ambitious plans to transform it into a 
string of parks, nature reserves, and organic farms. There are parks which 
already exist in Germany, between Finland and Russia, between Austria and 
the Czech Republic and Hungary. However, there's likely to be resistance 
from governments that aren't quite on speaking terms yet (Greece and 
Macedonia for example) and many farmers are concerned about the effect 
organic restrictions may have on their livelihoods. The organisers 
envisage a largely voluntary, grassroots effort involving both public and 
privately owned land. "The idea is to interlink the needs of people and 
nature, because they're not incompatible," says Andrew Terry of the World 
Conservation Union, which is coordinating the project. "Protected areas 
should be places that allow humans and wildlife to live together."

http://www.csmonitor.com


IT WASN.T ME

It looks increasingly likely that the folly of the Iraq war, whilst not 
prohibiting him from continuing as Prime minister, will at least condemn 
Tony Blair to an early retirement. Meanwhile, his comrade-in-arms sits 
comfortably in the White House, seemingly unconcerned about the 
consequences of his own actions. On the anniversary of the publication of 
the Abu Ghraib photographs, Amnesty international expresses frustration 
that only the lowest ranks of the US military have been charged for the 
torture crimes.

http://www.amnesty.org.uk/


NO MAN.S LAND

A court in Brazil has signed a death warrant for hundreds of uncontacted 
Indians in the Amazon. The group has lost its land, had their 
constitutional protection removed and will now suffer from the attentions 
of loggers and land grabbers. Brazil is one of only two South American 
countries that does not recognise tribal land ownership. If Brazil's 
tribes were recognised as the owners of their land, it would give them 
some real protection against the individuals and businesses that take over 
their land, destroying their livelihood and often destroying them in the 
process.

http://survival-international.org/tribes


THE KING LIVES

Ornithologists writing in the journal Science have officially confirmed 
the existence of at least one ivory-billed woodpecker, which has long been 
thought extinct. The bird in question was spotted several times over the 
past year and a half, and was even filmed on one occasion. The discovery 
has been touted by one ornithologist as "kind of like finding Elvis". With 
a wingspan of three feet, the ivory-billed woodpecker is the largest in 
North America. It was once sought for its feathers, used for millinery, 
and for its bill, believed by Native Americans to have magical powers. 
Conservationists are working with the state and federal officials to 
secure the area of eastern Arkansas where the bird was sighted, and plans 
to acquire more swampland in the area are in progress.
http://sfgate.com


JUST GOOGLE IT

France's decision to create an online repository of European Literature 
received critical backing from five other European nations this week when 
the heads of Germany, Hungary, Italy, Poland and Spain joined French 
President Jacques Chirac in asking for support from the European Union. 
European media reported that a letter signed by the leaders asks EU 
President Jean-Claude Juncker and European Commission President Jose 
Manuel Barroso to coordinate the effort and, more importantly, to fund it. 
The letter comes after the national libraries of 19 European nations 
agreed to support the plan.

http://www.washingtonpost.com


OIL BE BLOWED!
Despite Norway.s huge oil reserves - it is the world's third-largest 
exporter of oil - the price of .black gold. is high for Norwegians and 
carries a hefty tax. They also pay up to $395 a year per vehicle in car 
taxes, and import duties substantially jack up the prices of SUVs and 
large trucks. As a result, Norwegian per capita oil consumption rests at 
around 1.9 gallons a day, compared to America's three gallons. Incredibly, 
(to the Americans at least, who view cheap oil as a birthright) the 
Norwegians appear perfectly happy with the set up. "There is no political 
will to change the system," states radio announcer Torgald Sorli. 
Economists argue that gasoline prices and other auto taxes in Norway are 
not so expensive when measured against the annual incomes of Norwegians, 
which are among the world's highest.
http://www.nytimes.com/

GENERATION NEXT

With an energy crisis looming and national governments slow to adopt (or 
even consider.) clean, renewable sources, some small communities are 
creating their own solutions. Beddington Zero Energy Development in South 
London (aka .BedZED.), is a carbon-neutral sustainable-housing estate 
employing "microgeneration," or small-scale, local, renewable power 
production. BedZED's eco-village uses green roofs and well-insulated walls 
and windows; all lighting is low-energy, and water-saving washing 
machines/low-flush toilets reduce water wastage. Energy needs are met by 
solar panels and the community's 130-kilowatt generator, which is fueled 
by landscaping waste. BioRegional Development Group, the independent 
organization responsible for BedZED, is now working on plans for an 
eco-tourism project based on the same principles in Portugal.
http://www.time.com/
DON.T SHOW ME THE MONEY

Brazil has turned down the offer of $40 million of HIV grants from the 
U.S. because of a Bush administration requirement that organisations must 
pledge to oppose commercial sex work in order to qualify for funding. 
Brazil's AIDS program, considered a model by many around the world, cannot 
be successful "with principles that are Manichean, theological, 
fundamentalist and Shiite," said a top Brazilian official.

http://www.kaisernetwork.org


YOU CAN TAKE THE BUSHMEN OUT OF THE BUSH.

Kalahari ecologist Arthur Albertson recently informed Botswana's high 
court that the Gana and Gwi Bushmen's lives were better in the central 
Kalahari, where they could hunt and gather, than in the government 
eviction camps. Albertson said the Bushmen have little impact on wildlife 
levels in the Kalahari, and that wildlife in the area was in fact 
increasing. The Bushmen's historic court case against the Botswana 
government recommenced this week, with the court due to sit until 16 June. 
They are fighting for their right to return to their land in the Central 
Kalahari Game Reserve, and to hunt and gather freely.

http://www.survival-international.org


TURN THE SOUND DOWN

The ocean's fish, animal and marine mammal life are all under direct 
threat by the world's militaries, specifically the United States Navy. The 
key issue is noise pollution, which can physically disrupt and even kill 
sea animals. The US Navy, NATO and other navies are constantly blasting 
the world's oceans with damaging sound waves as part of their tracking 
systems to detect enemy submarines.
Low, mid and high frequency active sonar, used by 60 percent of the US 
Navy's 300 ships and submarines, are introducing powerful and highly 
intrusive new sounds into the ocean environment, directly affecting the 
health and well-being of all sea creatures.
Recently, the US Bush Administration has pushed through legislation that 
exempts the US military from core provisions of the Marine Mammal 
Protection Act (surprise, surprise), leaving the armed forces much freer 
to harm ocean marine mammal life in the course of using and developing 
their underwater sonar.
There is an overwhelming need to establish a global environmental
authority with international criminal court jurisdiction to arrest, 
prosecute and incarcerate the military commanders and strategists who 
persist in using this technology without thought to the damage it causes.

http://www.nrdc.org/wildlife/marine/nlfa.asp


REMEMBER SARO WIWA

On November 10th 1995, Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight Ogoni colleagues were
executed by the Nigerian state for campaigning against the devastation of 
the Niger Delta by oil companies, especially Shell and Chevron.
A coalition of major environmental, human rights and development groups, 
supported by the Mayor of London and co-ordinated by PLATFORM, have come 
together to launch a memorial project for Ken Saro-Wiwa in London called 
Remember Saro-Wiwa.  Remember Saro-Wiwa, led by curator David A. Bailey, 
is seeking innovative and radical ideas from artists, activists and others 
to create a unique mobile public art initiative in London .The Living 
Memorial. to mark the 10th anniversary of the executions, and draw 
attention to the ongoing crisis in the Niger Delta.
Ideas must respond to the brief, available in English, French and
Spanish.

August 2005: Announcement of shortlist of five.
Oct/Nov 2005: London exhibition of the five shortlisted proposals.

10th Nov 2005: Living Memorial winner announced.
Commission fee: £10,000

http://www.remembersarowiwa.com


QUOTE/UNQUOTE

"Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored"
  . Aldous Huxley

JOBS


Research & Campaign Assistant, Afganistan
Amnesty International - International Secretariat
Salary: £20,778 per annum
Location: London, UK
Closing Date: 25.05.2005
http://www.oneworld.net/job/view/11227

Regional Technical Advisor, Asia
Health Unlimited
Salary: HU terms and conditions for international staff will apply, 
including competitive salary, housing, pension and health insurance
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Closing Date : 27.05.2005
http://www.oneworld.net/job/view/11226

Country Manager, Sierra Leone
Health Unlimited
Salary: The successful candidate will be offered an attractive 
remuneration package in accordance with qualifications and experience, 
including 30 days annual leave. For expatriate staff there is also an 
annual return flight home
Location: Kamakwie, Bombali District, Sierra Leone
Closing Date: 23.05.2005
http://www.oneworld.net/job/view/11225

Director of Communications
International Institute for Environment and Development
Salary: £39,965 - £49,912 pa + benefits
Location : Euston, London, UK
Closing Date : 06.06.2005
http://www.oneworld.net/job/view/11222

Programme Funding Manager
Catholic Institute for International Relations
Salary: 27,560 year
Location: UK
Closing Date: 19.05.2005
http://www.oneworld.net/job/view/11221

Fundraising and Database Assistant
Homeless International
Salary: c£17,500 pa
Location: Coventry, UK
Closing Date: 20.05.2005
http://www.oneworld.net/job/view/11216

Administrative Assistant
Consumers International
Salary: £17,500
Location: London, UK
Closing Date: 19.05.2005
http://www.oneworld.net/job/view/11206

EVENTS


Rejuvenation Day: Healing Benefit for the G8 Resistance.
Come along and enjoy a rejuvenating day of healing and support the G8
Resistance!
The Tribe of Brigid presents a magical day of healing, workshops, music, 
film and delicious food. Treat yourself to an array of reiki, massage, 
kundalini meditation, shiatsu, chi kung, endorphin magic workshops, 
healthy food, live music and much more...
Sunday 15th May 12 noon til 10pm.
The Circle Community Centre
St Georges Theatre
49 Tufnell Park Road, N7
Cost: Donation on entry and donations per healing session.
All the money raised will be going towards the G8 Dissent convergence
centre in Scotland and the Tribe Of Brigid healing space at the G8.
If you are a healer and want to get involved please:
Email Brigid at dragonnetwork.org
Visit http://www.dragonnetwork.org/brigid/
Or Phone: 07974 427 419



Hackney Palestine Solidarity Campaign invites you to a public meeting on 
Wednesday 18th may at 7:30 pm, the round chapel, lower clapton road E5. 
(Buses: 38, 48, 55, 106, 242, 253, 254, S2)
PALESTINE / ISRAEL
IS THERE A PEACE PROCESS? WHERE IS IT GOING?
Speakers:
HUSAM ZOMLOT, Member of Palestinian delegation, Political Counsellor to 
the UK.
Palestine: the facts on the ground and the way forward;
Israel is waging a war of concrete and land, and the two state solution 
may not be available much longer. Scenarios for the future are put 
forward.
www.ism-london.org



War on Want, Palestine Solidarity Campaign and ISM are joining forces to 
campaign against Caterpillar across the UK. We would like to ask you 
whether you would be prepared to help organise a local action in your town 
centre?
Caterpillar supply bulldozers to Israel knowing that they subsequently 
armour them and use them as a military tool to destroy
Palestinian homes, schools, agriculture and sometimes even lives.
As a result, we are asking supporters to boycott Caterpillar shoes
and clothes. John Lewis Department Store is one of the largest
stockists of Caterpillar products in the UK. They have been unwilling
to meet with us to discuss our concerns. We are therefore targeting
them through electronic postcards on our website and a series of
actions across the UK.
Get involved . see www.waronwant.org/caterpillar



See SchNEWS events at http://www.schnews.org.uk/pap/yourarea.htm

Add diary dates at http://www.gn.apc.org/calendar/calindex.shtml and
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listing in PN, groups can email nfp at gn.apc.org with details).

This edition of AlterNet is edited by Lucie Evans for GreenNet.

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