From SchNews
Long term animal rights campaigner Mel Broughton has had his conviction for 'conspiracy to commit arson' quashed.
However, he remains in prison and now faces a re-trial. This will make it the third time that Mel has stood trial for the same offences, which are alleged to be connected to the SPEAK campaign against Oxford University's animal laboratory.
It has become clear that Thames Valley Police are pursuing a political vendetta against Mel after they were caught on tape saying they would be 'waging a dirty war' against him - 'persecute him'. (see SchNEWS 590)
Friday, 26 March 2010
Wednesday, 17 March 2010
*St. Patrick's Day.
St Patrick's Day is celebrated all over the world so its fitting there is a "World Music" version of an old classic, Danny Boy. Here it is at http://www.the-ukrainian.com
You could also check in on Stepan, the Irish Ukrainian's other recordings including the Green anthem "We all have one address - Planet Earth"
No celebrations for me. I'm off to a hustings in Walthamstow.
You could also check in on Stepan, the Irish Ukrainian's other recordings including the Green anthem "We all have one address - Planet Earth"
No celebrations for me. I'm off to a hustings in Walthamstow.
Sunday, 14 March 2010
Thursday, 11 March 2010
*Irish embassy demo
In February Pat O'Donnell was sentenced to 7 months in jail for convictions of “breach of the peace” and of "obstructing a Garda". This was for his part in the local communities ongoing resistance to Shell's attempt to impose an experimental gas pipeline on them.
While fisherman Pat O’Donnell is out of Shell’s way in prison, 2010 is set to be another year of disruption for the community. Previous years have seen continued harassment and intimidation by Gardai and Shell security, as well as the unlawful arrest and targeted jailing of key campaigners. The community has been fighting this project for over a decade. They are asking for the gas to be refined at sea which is standard practice around the world. The project as it stands will endanger their health, livelihoods & local environment; all for the profit of Shell.
Across Ireland local Shell to Sea groups have been holding solidarity protests and other events for Pat. In London on the 16th March supporters in Britain will show their support for Pat & the Erris community by holding a demonstration outside the Irish embassy demanding Pat's immediate release.
Please join us if you can. There will be a card for Pat to sign & a letter to give to the embassy.
For more information see:
www.shelltosea.com
www.indymedia.ie
Please write to Pat in prison:
Pat O'Donnell
Castlerea Prison
Castlerea
Harristown
Co.Roscommon
Ireland
While fisherman Pat O’Donnell is out of Shell’s way in prison, 2010 is set to be another year of disruption for the community. Previous years have seen continued harassment and intimidation by Gardai and Shell security, as well as the unlawful arrest and targeted jailing of key campaigners. The community has been fighting this project for over a decade. They are asking for the gas to be refined at sea which is standard practice around the world. The project as it stands will endanger their health, livelihoods & local environment; all for the profit of Shell.
Across Ireland local Shell to Sea groups have been holding solidarity protests and other events for Pat. In London on the 16th March supporters in Britain will show their support for Pat & the Erris community by holding a demonstration outside the Irish embassy demanding Pat's immediate release.
Please join us if you can. There will be a card for Pat to sign & a letter to give to the embassy.
For more information see:
www.shelltosea.com
www.indymedia.ie
Please write to Pat in prison:
Pat O'Donnell
Castlerea Prison
Castlerea
Harristown
Co.Roscommon
Ireland
Monday, 8 March 2010
Radical booksellers take on Amazon*
Fifty years ago, in the aftermath of World War Two, a group of pacifists opened Housmans radical bookshop at its current address at 5 Caledonian Road, in London’s Kings’ Cross. Ever since, Housmans has worked hard to continue its mission of promoting ideas of peace, human rights and a more equitable economy by which future wars, and all their inherent suffering, might be avoided.
At a time when independent bookshops are closing down left, right and centre, Housmans is having to fight to hold its corner. The biggest threat to independent bookshops has been the rise, and subsequent domination, of the online bookseller Amazon.com. Amazon has achieved an unrivalled supremacy over the marketplace, but this near-monopoly wasn’t achieved without the usual unethical practices that are so common to the world’s biggest corporations.
_
What is wrong with using Amazon?_
In 2001 the Guardian first reported on the poor working conditions in Amazon's warehouses, and nothing much has changed since. In December 2008, a Sunday Times reporter went undercover to their Marston Gate warehouse near Milton Keynes and discovered that staff were required to work seven days a week and were punished for taking sick leave, even if they had a note from their doctor. According to Unite the Union, Amazon continues to see trade union representation as illegitimate.
But it’s not just Amazon workers who suffer at the hands of the multi-national corporation. Publishers are also squeezed for every penny, as Amazon forces them to supply them at rates so low that it leaves authors and publishers out of pocket – particularly damaging smaller publishing houses. Amazon’s dominance of the market means that publishers have little choice but to comply with their demands. Aside from the ethical considerations, this affects readers in reduced output from small presses, and diminished availability of radical titles.
_Providing an ethical alternative_
And so into this arena steps Housmans Bookshop. Housmans, in conjunction with Gardners Books, has just launched its own online bookshop to rival Amazon. Although still prioritising their stock of radical interest and progressive politics, the site is also able to provide around half a million general titles.
“Many of our most politically conscious colleagues use Amazon, and when asked why, it’s because they know of no alternative. But now, wherever they live, people will be able to support independent and progressive bookselling from the comfort of their own home. I think it’s essential that we are able to provide an alternative to help dent Amazon’s monopoly,” explains co-manager Nik Gorecki. “It’s up to sympathetic book buyers to do the right thing, and buy their books elsewhere.”
“This year Housmans celebrates fifty years of trading from our Caledonian Road address, but in order for us to be here another fifty years we have to stand up for ourselves, and trust in ethically-minded book-buyers to support independents. The staff at Housmans has fought many battles over the years for causes we believe in, and this is one battle we can’t afford to lose. Please support the shop that supports your campaigns!”
____
For more information regarding this please contact Nik Gorecki on 07950 269 286 or alternatively by email: nik@housmans.com
Housmans Bookshop
5 Caledonian Road
King's Cross
London N1 9DX
Tel: 020 7837 4473
www.housmans.com
At a time when independent bookshops are closing down left, right and centre, Housmans is having to fight to hold its corner. The biggest threat to independent bookshops has been the rise, and subsequent domination, of the online bookseller Amazon.com. Amazon has achieved an unrivalled supremacy over the marketplace, but this near-monopoly wasn’t achieved without the usual unethical practices that are so common to the world’s biggest corporations.
_
What is wrong with using Amazon?_
In 2001 the Guardian first reported on the poor working conditions in Amazon's warehouses, and nothing much has changed since. In December 2008, a Sunday Times reporter went undercover to their Marston Gate warehouse near Milton Keynes and discovered that staff were required to work seven days a week and were punished for taking sick leave, even if they had a note from their doctor. According to Unite the Union, Amazon continues to see trade union representation as illegitimate.
But it’s not just Amazon workers who suffer at the hands of the multi-national corporation. Publishers are also squeezed for every penny, as Amazon forces them to supply them at rates so low that it leaves authors and publishers out of pocket – particularly damaging smaller publishing houses. Amazon’s dominance of the market means that publishers have little choice but to comply with their demands. Aside from the ethical considerations, this affects readers in reduced output from small presses, and diminished availability of radical titles.
_Providing an ethical alternative_
And so into this arena steps Housmans Bookshop. Housmans, in conjunction with Gardners Books, has just launched its own online bookshop to rival Amazon. Although still prioritising their stock of radical interest and progressive politics, the site is also able to provide around half a million general titles.
“Many of our most politically conscious colleagues use Amazon, and when asked why, it’s because they know of no alternative. But now, wherever they live, people will be able to support independent and progressive bookselling from the comfort of their own home. I think it’s essential that we are able to provide an alternative to help dent Amazon’s monopoly,” explains co-manager Nik Gorecki. “It’s up to sympathetic book buyers to do the right thing, and buy their books elsewhere.”
“This year Housmans celebrates fifty years of trading from our Caledonian Road address, but in order for us to be here another fifty years we have to stand up for ourselves, and trust in ethically-minded book-buyers to support independents. The staff at Housmans has fought many battles over the years for causes we believe in, and this is one battle we can’t afford to lose. Please support the shop that supports your campaigns!”
____
For more information regarding this please contact Nik Gorecki on 07950 269 286 or alternatively by email: nik@housmans.com
Housmans Bookshop
5 Caledonian Road
King's Cross
London N1 9DX
Tel: 020 7837 4473
www.housmans.com
Sunday, 7 March 2010
*ANTIQUES ARE GREEN
I have been involved with antiques for most of my life and am delighted to see that there is now an organisation in the antiques trade to promoted the concept that antiques are green. Below is an interview with the founder and contact details. It's free to join.
_______________________________________
Early in 2009, I was talking with a few colleagues about the environmental benefits of antiques in the home. This was something that I had not previously discussed with customers in my shop but now I tried raising the subject.
After a few minutes conversation, a look of enlightenment appeared. First, the customer related antiques to recycling. Then, as the conversation progressed, it became evident that their purchase would result in minimal greenhouse gases, no rain forests would be depleted and no additional minerals would be extracted from the Earth. Customers felt comfortable about their purchase with the understanding that “antiques are green”. They could now justify their purchase and enjoy a feel good factor as well.
It seemed that it would benefit the whole Antiques Trade if the buying public were aware of this message before they came in to see us. With a suitable campaign, potential customers would know that antiques were green because they had read it in the press, seen and heard it on TV and found the same “Antiques are Green” logo wherever they went. As members of the antiques trade, we may all sell more and do our bit for the environment. By changing the perception of antiques to that of an attractive alternative to buying new goods, we might even attract new customers who previously would not have considered antiques.
In March, Antiques Trade Gazette published my letter on the subject and this led to some important contacts, including John Fiske who has himself been promoting Antiques are Green in the USA.
Following a presentation at the ATG Conference in May, an on-line vote to select a campaign logo took place in the Antiques Trade Gazette and BBC Homes and Antiques Magazine. The Trade and public voted on a selection of Antiques are Green logos and both groups chose the one that you now see on the website.
The campaign is being developed under the umbrella of a not-for-profit organisation. Its success will benefit both the antiques trade and the environment, in accordance with our formal aims and objectives.
Online Galleries have prepared this website and Dealers are invited to submit their stock.
Anyone interested or involved with the trade is invited to become a part of Antiques are Green and use this website to promote themselves, their product or their service. Please join the campaign now.
I would especially like to thank Mark Bridge and Sarah Percy Davis for their help with this project in its early stages.
Nigel Worboys
antiquesaregreen.org
_______________________________________
Early in 2009, I was talking with a few colleagues about the environmental benefits of antiques in the home. This was something that I had not previously discussed with customers in my shop but now I tried raising the subject.
After a few minutes conversation, a look of enlightenment appeared. First, the customer related antiques to recycling. Then, as the conversation progressed, it became evident that their purchase would result in minimal greenhouse gases, no rain forests would be depleted and no additional minerals would be extracted from the Earth. Customers felt comfortable about their purchase with the understanding that “antiques are green”. They could now justify their purchase and enjoy a feel good factor as well.
It seemed that it would benefit the whole Antiques Trade if the buying public were aware of this message before they came in to see us. With a suitable campaign, potential customers would know that antiques were green because they had read it in the press, seen and heard it on TV and found the same “Antiques are Green” logo wherever they went. As members of the antiques trade, we may all sell more and do our bit for the environment. By changing the perception of antiques to that of an attractive alternative to buying new goods, we might even attract new customers who previously would not have considered antiques.
In March, Antiques Trade Gazette published my letter on the subject and this led to some important contacts, including John Fiske who has himself been promoting Antiques are Green in the USA.
Following a presentation at the ATG Conference in May, an on-line vote to select a campaign logo took place in the Antiques Trade Gazette and BBC Homes and Antiques Magazine. The Trade and public voted on a selection of Antiques are Green logos and both groups chose the one that you now see on the website.
The campaign is being developed under the umbrella of a not-for-profit organisation. Its success will benefit both the antiques trade and the environment, in accordance with our formal aims and objectives.
Online Galleries have prepared this website and Dealers are invited to submit their stock.
Anyone interested or involved with the trade is invited to become a part of Antiques are Green and use this website to promote themselves, their product or their service. Please join the campaign now.
I would especially like to thank Mark Bridge and Sarah Percy Davis for their help with this project in its early stages.
Nigel Worboys
antiquesaregreen.org
Friday, 5 March 2010
*If you thought the U.S. election was interesting, take a look at Brazil.
The Green Party of Brazil has a new voice, Senator Marina Silva. Female, black, born in the heart of the Amazon, and analphabetic until the age of 16, Marina is the heir of Chico Mendes in the struggle to preserve the forest.
Marina has left the Worker's Party after 30 years and joined the Green Party last August to pursue a more sustainable economic development strategy.
"Ms. Silva resigned as environmental minister in 2008, after expressing concerns that the government might give in to pressure from business interests to ease off emergency measures she put in place to counteract a jump in Amazon deforestation. She returned to the national Senate, where she continued to press her environmental agenda". THE NEW YORK TIMES
Marina is standing as a candidate for the presidency of Brazil in the 2010 elections. This has already un¬leashed a movement, called the 'Marina effect' by the media, which has led the government and opposition to rush to propose green public policies and intensified the struggle for leadership in sustainable development.
Of course, because she is a black woman and very charismatic, the comparisons with Barack Obama have not taken long to arise. The obvious joke is that, while Democrats in the US had to select between an African American and a woman, Brazilians can get both in Ms. Silva.
In a presidential election which was restricted to the current government and opposition, both would compete to lead the race backwards. In this context, Marina brings new and important questions to the presidential election process, giving voice to social and environmental movements who believe in a Brazil which is socially just, economically prosperous, culturally diverse and politically democratic.
The ‘Marina factor' is already reflected in the polling for the presidential race in Brazil. Even without the same space in the media as the Lula government and Governor Jose Serra, Marina is attracting 9.5% of the vote eight months before the election which will be held in October.
In the light of the new political landscape which the Green Party and Marina Silva are building in Brazil, we have to recognize that the green movement is becoming a strong new force, not only in Brazil but in Latin America generally.
Roberta Moreno
Green Party -Brazil
Marina has left the Worker's Party after 30 years and joined the Green Party last August to pursue a more sustainable economic development strategy.
"Ms. Silva resigned as environmental minister in 2008, after expressing concerns that the government might give in to pressure from business interests to ease off emergency measures she put in place to counteract a jump in Amazon deforestation. She returned to the national Senate, where she continued to press her environmental agenda". THE NEW YORK TIMES
Marina is standing as a candidate for the presidency of Brazil in the 2010 elections. This has already un¬leashed a movement, called the 'Marina effect' by the media, which has led the government and opposition to rush to propose green public policies and intensified the struggle for leadership in sustainable development.
Of course, because she is a black woman and very charismatic, the comparisons with Barack Obama have not taken long to arise. The obvious joke is that, while Democrats in the US had to select between an African American and a woman, Brazilians can get both in Ms. Silva.
In a presidential election which was restricted to the current government and opposition, both would compete to lead the race backwards. In this context, Marina brings new and important questions to the presidential election process, giving voice to social and environmental movements who believe in a Brazil which is socially just, economically prosperous, culturally diverse and politically democratic.
The ‘Marina factor' is already reflected in the polling for the presidential race in Brazil. Even without the same space in the media as the Lula government and Governor Jose Serra, Marina is attracting 9.5% of the vote eight months before the election which will be held in October.
In the light of the new political landscape which the Green Party and Marina Silva are building in Brazil, we have to recognize that the green movement is becoming a strong new force, not only in Brazil but in Latin America generally.
Roberta Moreno
Green Party -Brazil
Monday, 15 February 2010
*Snowed off.
The official launch of our target ward campaign in East Finchley came to an abrupt end on Saturday with a sudden snowstorm. However, we had already done two photoshoots with the local papers, recruited a new member, got several donations and distributed 800 leaflets. We then retreated to a local pub where we conducted the interview with the Hendon Times.
http://www.times-series.co.uk/news/5006931.Freak_weather_interrupts_Green_Party_launch/
Friday, 5 February 2010
*Christie’s Announces Green Auction “A Bid To Save The Earth”
In order to drive awareness throughout Earth Week, Christie’s International has announced the 2010 Inaugural Green Auction titled, “A Bid to Save the Earth.”
The green auction, which takes place on April 22, will include major artwork, celebrity experiences, upscale eco-vacations, exquisite jewelry, and luxury items.
Proceeds from the sale will be divided among four non-profit environmental organizations: Conservation International, Oceana, Natural Resources Defense Council and the Central Park Conservancy.
“We are inspired and honored to convene top members of the philanthropic, environmental, business and cultural communities to benefit the environment,” said Edward Dolman, CEO of Christie’s. “We are equally pleased to present a stellar evening auction and to partner with NBC Universal in telling this exciting story with Charitybuzz in building such a compelling silent auction; and of course our four charity partners, who will do what they do best with the proceeds: advocate for the environment.”
The green auction, which takes place on April 22, will include major artwork, celebrity experiences, upscale eco-vacations, exquisite jewelry, and luxury items.
Proceeds from the sale will be divided among four non-profit environmental organizations: Conservation International, Oceana, Natural Resources Defense Council and the Central Park Conservancy.
“We are inspired and honored to convene top members of the philanthropic, environmental, business and cultural communities to benefit the environment,” said Edward Dolman, CEO of Christie’s. “We are equally pleased to present a stellar evening auction and to partner with NBC Universal in telling this exciting story with Charitybuzz in building such a compelling silent auction; and of course our four charity partners, who will do what they do best with the proceeds: advocate for the environment.”
Monday, 1 February 2010
*Same old tories.
"Of course there is a big role for us in trying to make sure that conditions are right to get more young people unemployed."
Simon Milton,(Boris Johnson's Chief of Staff) in yesterday's interview with Tim Donovan
Simon Milton,(Boris Johnson's Chief of Staff) in yesterday's interview with Tim Donovan
Sunday, 31 January 2010
Saturday, 30 January 2010
* Howard Zinn RIP
The death has occurred of one of my few heroes – the great socialist historian Howard Zinn. He was 87.
Unlike many ‘serious’ academics, Zinn had a great way of getting his point across by using humour.
You can see his interviews here http://www.democracynow.org/tags/howard_zinn
Here are a few quotes:
If the gods had intended for people to vote, they would have given us candidates.
Remember, there are some people who cannot be educated. They must be defeated.
There is no flag large enough to cover the shame of killing innocent people.
A poem can inspire a movement. A pamphlet can spark a revolution. Civil disobedience can arouse people and provoke us to think, when we organize with one another, when we get involved, when we stand up and speak out together, we can create a power no government can suppress.
Historically, the most terrible things -war, genocide, and slavery - have resulted not from disobedience, but from obedience.
Civil disobedience is not our problem. Our problem is civil obedience. Our problem is that people all over the world have obeyed the dictates of leaders…and millions have been killed because of this obedience…Our problem is that people are obedient all over the world in the face of poverty and starvation and stupidity, and war, and cruelty. Our problem is that people are obedient while the jails are full of petty thieves… the grand thieves are running the country. That’s our problem.
Unlike many ‘serious’ academics, Zinn had a great way of getting his point across by using humour.
You can see his interviews here http://www.democracynow.org/tags/howard_zinn
Here are a few quotes:
If the gods had intended for people to vote, they would have given us candidates.
Remember, there are some people who cannot be educated. They must be defeated.
There is no flag large enough to cover the shame of killing innocent people.
A poem can inspire a movement. A pamphlet can spark a revolution. Civil disobedience can arouse people and provoke us to think, when we organize with one another, when we get involved, when we stand up and speak out together, we can create a power no government can suppress.
Historically, the most terrible things -war, genocide, and slavery - have resulted not from disobedience, but from obedience.
Civil disobedience is not our problem. Our problem is civil obedience. Our problem is that people all over the world have obeyed the dictates of leaders…and millions have been killed because of this obedience…Our problem is that people are obedient all over the world in the face of poverty and starvation and stupidity, and war, and cruelty. Our problem is that people are obedient while the jails are full of petty thieves… the grand thieves are running the country. That’s our problem.
Friday, 29 January 2010
*Tickets now on sale for Green Party gig
The Green Party Spring Conference takes place between February 18th and 21st.
Venue: The Arts Depot, North Finchley, London.
We have entertainment laid on every night. The big event is on Feb 20th with a night of music and comedy headlined by Alistair McGowan and that great radical acoustic band Seize the Day. The event is open to everyone. Tickets available here:
http://www.artsdepot.co.uk/event_details.php?sectionid=local%20companies&eventid=1164&searchid=current
Thursday night (18th)will have quiz and an Irish Bingo, while on the Friday night (19th) we have Conference Revue, with some brilliant Green party musicians and sketches. This event takes place at The Elephant Tavern, Ballard's Lane, just fifty yards from the Arts Depot.
Both these events are entry free and opened to everyone.
Venue: The Arts Depot, North Finchley, London.
We have entertainment laid on every night. The big event is on Feb 20th with a night of music and comedy headlined by Alistair McGowan and that great radical acoustic band Seize the Day. The event is open to everyone. Tickets available here:
http://www.artsdepot.co.uk/event_details.php?sectionid=local%20companies&eventid=1164&searchid=current
Thursday night (18th)will have quiz and an Irish Bingo, while on the Friday night (19th) we have Conference Revue, with some brilliant Green party musicians and sketches. This event takes place at The Elephant Tavern, Ballard's Lane, just fifty yards from the Arts Depot.
Both these events are entry free and opened to everyone.
Tuesday, 12 January 2010
*Mayor's year of controversial planning decisions
Four of the Boris Johnson's most controversial planning decisions are
in the running for the coveted 2010 "worst planning decision" award. Darren Johnson makes the award each year for the planning decision he considers to be the most damaging, in parallel to the Mayor's London Planning Awards.
The trophy is an inscribed breeze-block.
This year's shortlist for the prize (together with Darren's comments)
is:
London City Airport, Newham:
Doubling the number of flights will mean huge increases in noise for residents and increasing carbon emissions from a Mayor who claims to lead the fight against climate change.
Brent Cross Cricklewood, Barnet:
By waving through a development that will create a surge in traffic and air pollution, the Mayor has undermined city-wide efforts to improve air quality, and has done nothing to help severely affected centres in neighbouring boroughs.
Columbus Tower, Tower Hamlets:
The Mayor intervened to help this 63 storey tower go ahead on the edge of Canary Wharf against the local council's wishes, apparently because Crossrail money was at stake.
Ferrier Estate, Greenwich:
The Mayor gave no objections to this regeneration project, which will slash the number of social rented homes from 1,730 to 730 in a London borough with 13,486 households on its waiting list.
Darren Johnson commented:
"The Mayor's second year in charge of London's biggest planning decisions has revealed his true priorities. Despite all his talk about sweetening the air and making London pleasant, he is waving through developments that will increase noise and pollution. The Mayor has overruled a local council for Crossrail money, but has shown little leadership in stemming the loss of affordable housing and the probable growth in congestion."
The Winner of the 2010 Worst Planning Decision Award will be announced in March this year, the day before the Mayor hosts the London Planning Awards in City Hall.
in the running for the coveted 2010 "worst planning decision" award. Darren Johnson makes the award each year for the planning decision he considers to be the most damaging, in parallel to the Mayor's London Planning Awards.
The trophy is an inscribed breeze-block.
This year's shortlist for the prize (together with Darren's comments)
is:
London City Airport, Newham:
Doubling the number of flights will mean huge increases in noise for residents and increasing carbon emissions from a Mayor who claims to lead the fight against climate change.
Brent Cross Cricklewood, Barnet:
By waving through a development that will create a surge in traffic and air pollution, the Mayor has undermined city-wide efforts to improve air quality, and has done nothing to help severely affected centres in neighbouring boroughs.
Columbus Tower, Tower Hamlets:
The Mayor intervened to help this 63 storey tower go ahead on the edge of Canary Wharf against the local council's wishes, apparently because Crossrail money was at stake.
Ferrier Estate, Greenwich:
The Mayor gave no objections to this regeneration project, which will slash the number of social rented homes from 1,730 to 730 in a London borough with 13,486 households on its waiting list.
Darren Johnson commented:
"The Mayor's second year in charge of London's biggest planning decisions has revealed his true priorities. Despite all his talk about sweetening the air and making London pleasant, he is waving through developments that will increase noise and pollution. The Mayor has overruled a local council for Crossrail money, but has shown little leadership in stemming the loss of affordable housing and the probable growth in congestion."
The Winner of the 2010 Worst Planning Decision Award will be announced in March this year, the day before the Mayor hosts the London Planning Awards in City Hall.
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