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imperialism & war | media criticism 03-May-2013 06:59

The Shortwave Report 05/03/13 Listen Globally

From the open publishing newswire: The latest Shortwave Report (May 3) is up at the website http://www.outfarpress.com/shortwave.shtml in 3 forms- (new) HIGHEST QUALITY (128kb)(27MB), broadcast quality (16MB), and quickdownload or streaming form (6MB) (28:59) Links at page bottom (If you have access to Audioport there is a highest quality version posted up there {35MB} http://www.audioport.org/index.php?op=producer-info&uid=904&nav=&)

This week's show features stories from Radio Deutsche-Welle, Radio Havana Cuba, the Voice of Russia, and NHK World Radio Japan. From GERMANY- The Green party in Germany has joined with the Social Democrats, ending 8 years of separation. Unemployment in the EU has reached another record high level. As Italy's new government was being sworn in a man in a gray suit and tie shot 2 policemen. The Arab League called for small land swaps to further a peace deal between Palestine and Israel. Egypt walked out of a round of global nuclear talks in protest of delays in making the Middle East a nuclear weapon free zone. Two reports on May Day activities- first a global roundup, then events in the EU.

From CUBA- May Day saw street events in most of Latin America. A session of the Venezuelan Parliament ended up in fist fights between members over the outcome of the recent Presidential election. Brazil will invest all oil development royalties into the educational system. Bolivia expelled the US Agency for International Development after accusing them of plotting against the government and Bolivian people

From RUSSIA- Venezuela arrested an American filmmaker, accusing him of being an intelligence agent and trying to provoke a civil war. The US federal government has filed a lawsuit against Novartis, a Swiss pharmaceutical manufacturer, for setting up a huge kickback scheme with doctors.

From JAPAN- Labor unions staged May Day rallies across Japan. The experimental fast breeder nuclear reactor in Japan is built on earthquake faults- the operator of the plant has determined that the faults are not active. US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said that the US does not take sides in territorial disputes, but went on to say that the US would defend the islands for Japan in its dispute with China. Japanese self-defense forces will conduct a joint amphibious landing with US forces on the California coast.

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environment 30-Apr-2013 10:28

Tim De Christopher's Peaceful Uprising

From the open publishing newswire: At a time when the debate over climate change is finally gaining post-election traction and hot topics such as fracking and the Keystone XL pipeline have captured public attention, the documentary Bidder 70 is poised to showcase a movement that has steadily gathered force, particularly among millenials, who harbor grave concerns for the increasingly perilous future. The feature-length documentary chronicles how renowned activist Tim DeChristopher's civil disobedience blazed new opportunities for the climate justice movement.
Tim De Cristopher's Peaceful Uprising

On Dec. 19, 2008, University of Utah economics student Tim DeChristopher disrupted a highly disputed Bush administration Bureau of Land Management (BLM) oil and gas lease auction in Salt Lake City. Not content to merely protest outside, DeChristopher entered the auction hall and registered as bidder 70. With no intention of paying for leases starting at $2 per acre, he outbid industry giants on 77 pristine Utah land parcels surrounding American treasures like Canyonlands National Park, and effectively safeguarded from drilling 22,000 acres of land worth $1.7 million, before the auction was halted.

Although incoming Interior Secretary Ken Salazar invalidated the auction two months later, DeChristopher's brave commitment and actions rewarded this remarkably principled young man with two federal felony indictments carrying penalties of up to ten years in prison and $750,000 in fines. Awaiting trial with the threat of prison looming, the 27-year-old environmentalist escalated his activism and evolved into a charismatic and ingenious climate justice leader. He co-founded Peaceful Uprising, a grassroots group dedicated to defending a livable future through empowering non-violent action.

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alternative media | media criticism 26-Apr-2013 12:14

The Shortwave Report 04/26/13 Listen Globally

From the open publishing newswire: A weekly 30 minute review of international news and opinion, recorded from a shortwave radio and the internet. With times, frequencies, and websites for listening at home. 3 files- Highest quality broadcast, regular broadcast, and slow-modem streaming. Radio Deutsche-Welle, NHK World Radio Japan, the Voice of Russia, Radio Havana Cuba, and Spanish National Radio.

Dear Radio Friend,
The latest Shortwave Report (April 26) is up at the website  http://www.outfarpress.com/shortwave.shtml in 3 forms- (new) HIGHEST QUALITY (128kb)(27MB), broadcast quality (16MB), and quickdownload or streaming form (6MB) (28:59) Links at page bottom
(If you have access to Audioport there is a highest quality version posted up there {35MB}  http://www.audioport.org/index.php?op=producer-info&uid=904&nav=&)

Previous Shortwave Reports posted on PIMC for April:
4/18:  http://portland.indymedia.org/en/2013/04/422921.shtml
4/11:  http://portland.indymedia.org/en/2013/04/422793.shtml

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actions & protests | labor 26-Apr-2013 12:10

Video: Save Salem Mail Protest - 5 Citizens Arrested 4.17.13

From the open publishing newswire: With the Salem Mail processing plant slated to close a protest ensured out front with speeches and chants and then the group of around 50 weaved its way to the public loading dock. This video is from that protest.

Five people were arrested for going inside with 2 banners, one banner read: Save Salem Mail.

 http://youtu.be/Ah_8JTTBp-s [42 minute video]

The announcement "before" the event is posted below:
Information about the event that was posted AFTER the event --> is below the double lines
(bottom half of this page)

"Occupation" of Salem mail facility

What: Rally, March and Civil Disobedience
When: Wednesday, April 17th, Noon - 1pm
Where: Salem Main Post Office, 1050 25th St. SE (n. of Mission)

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social services 20-Apr-2013 15:10

Opposition Grows Fierce to Austerity Cuts in Portland

From the open publishing newswire: On April 11 over 400 people packed the third public Portland Budget Hearing, which was organized by the City of Portland and which left many spilling out beyond the room where the hearing took place. More importantly, for the City Council there was an unexpected critical outpouring from the vast majority who attended. For the first time, the City Council and Mayor Charlie Hales began to lose control over their attempts to sell austerity.
This was in sharp contrast to business as usual. Portland budget hearings are generally tightly controlled, polite affairs. What are the reasons for this movement towards a more charged polarized event? [...]

Those attending the public hearing on April 11 included representatives from the Metropolitan Youth Commission, Laborers International Local 483, Portland Community College, Portland Safety Net, SUN Schools, Eastside Action Plan, Elders in Action, AFSCME Local 189, and numerous others. They came with prepared testimonial statements, t-shirts and signs defending the programs they need.

Also attending were members of Jobs with Justice, the People's Budget Project, and the Solidarity Against Austerity Committee (SAAC). These groups saw the hearing as an opportunity to begin building unity among Portland's working class communities to oppose all cuts.

Pulling this off required that attendees knew the moment they walked in that the hearing was not going to be business as usual, and that a collective approach towards defending all the programs facing cuts was to be encouraged. A colorful banner over the doors to the hearing room read, "Communities United To Stop Cuts!" [..]

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environment | health 30-Mar-2013 16:02

Oregon residents Sound the Alarm on coal dust, coal export and climate change

Raging Grannies singing coal carols at the Capitol Building, Salem From the open publishing newswire: Columbia Riverkeeper reported on their facebook page that 425 people attended the midweek rally in Salem to stop coal export. See pictures of the rally on Demotix. You can read more about the fight to stop coal export from the Pacific Northwest at Power Past Coal.

The fight against coal export is an international one. Newcastle residents in New South Wales, Australia are fighting against the T4 coal loader being built to expand coal export from the world's biggest coal port. It is the same fight to stop King Coal in Australia and in the United States. One of the three companies keen to export coal from the Powder River basin is Ambre Energy, a Queensland based company.

This youtube video by Greenpeace USA explains the issue of coal export from the Powder River Basin in Wyoming and Montana through the Pacific Northwest and the impacts this will have: Get the Coal Energy Facts: Help Us Stop Coal Exports.

One of the speakers at the Salem rally was Dr Patrick O'Herron, Trauma and acute care surgeon, Salem Oregon, who attended the rally with several medical colleagues representing over 600 health care representatives in the Pacific north-west sounding the alarm on coal exports.

His speech, which I have transcribed. Watch the video on youtube: Sound The Alarm Rally Doctor on Coal: It Will Make You SICK!:

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Updated 3/29 and on 4/5/13 23-Mar-2013 13:07

The Shortwave Report 03/22/13 Listen Globally

From the open publishing newswire:
UPDATE: NEW BROADCASTS POSTED TO PIMC ON 3/29/13 and on 4/5/13

A weekly 30 minute review of international news and opinion, recorded from a shortwave radio and the internet. With times, frequencies, and websites for listening at home.

The latest Shortwave Report (March 22) is up at the website http://www.outfarpress.com/shortwave.shtml in 3 forms- (new) HIGHEST QUALITY (128kb)(27MB), broadcast quality (16MB), and quickdownload or streaming form (6MB) (28:59) Links at page bottom (If you have access to Audioport there is a highest quality version posted up there {35MB} http://www.audioport.org/index.php?op=producer-info&uid=904&nav=&)

This week's show features stories from NHK World Radio Japan, China Radio International, the Voice of Russia, Radio Deutsche-Welle, and Spanish National Radio.
From JAPAN- There was a 29 hour power outage at the damaged Fukushima nuclear power plant, preventing the cooling of melted down fuel rods. Two-thirds of people who filed compensation claims relating to the Fukushima disaster have never received any financial assistance. France is planning to restart shipments of spent plutonium to Japan.
From CHINA- Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirate is investing large in solar power and for good reasons. On Tuesday, Syria's opposition coalition has elected Syrian born Ghassan Hitto, as an interim Prime Minister- he is a naturalized American citizen and IT executive living in Dallas Texas. On the same day Syria claims rebels fired a chemical weapon on northern Aleppo.
From RUSSIA- Russia hopes the the investigation of the chemical weapon in Syria will be made by an independent team. More on the controversy of the rebels later claiming that the chemical weapon was fired by government forces. In Afghanistan opium and heroin production has increased for the third consecutive year according to the UN.
From SPAIN- In Guatemala the trial began for former dictator Rios Montt, charged with crimes against humanity in his own country. Lawmakers in Cyprus overwhelmingly rejected an EU/IMF demand that a one time 10 percent tax be levied against all bank savings accounts in their country. The European Court of Justice ruled that Spanish mortgages violate consumer rights, and the Spanish government is changing the rules on foreclosure and interest rates. Meanwhile unemployment continues to rise as does the gap between the wealthy and the poor.
From GERMANY- A later update on the situation in Cyprus, where the banks will remain closed until next Tuesday. As the economy in Europe gets worse, the Red Cross reports that the amount of food assistance has risen to the highest levels since 1945. Final approval has been given to limit bonuses given to bankers in Europe.

All that plus times and frequencies for listening at home.

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animal rights 21-Mar-2013 06:51

Sea Shepherd comes to the rescue

From the open publishing newswire: Sea shepherd has started a coalition with Portland based ARA groups today [3/15] was the start of the "Compassion on the Columbia campaign" to save sea lions on the Columbia River.

Sea Shepherd has formed a coalition with "sea lion defense brigade" and IDA. Thankfully Sea Shepherd has arrived from out of town to provide some much needed leadership for the sea lion defenders. Since Matt Rossell has left his job at IDA and moved away there has been a minor and unorganized campaign to save the Columbia River sea lions. Both the SLDB and IDA have been nearly silent since Matt left. Now Sea Shepherd is here and they have a track record of results.

BeachCarolina link:
 link to beachcarolina.com

FaceBook link:
 http://www.facebook.com/events/364881553631221/

SeaSheperd link:
 http://www.seashepherd.org/dam-guardians/

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actions & protests | health 17-Mar-2013 18:27

Video: No Fluoride Rally- Hawthorne Bridge 3.15.13 in Portland Oregon

From the open publishing newswire: no fluoride rally on the Hawthorne bridge

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFbFCKDNxfY [video 38 min]

Friday in Portland Oregon

www.individualsforjustice.com

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arts and culture 28-Feb-2013 19:48

Portland Co-op Shop Needs Members

From the open publishing newswire: Calling all local artists! New cooperative needs members.
(PACT) In early 2013 a small group of people got together with one goal in mind: Open up a local, handmade cooperative shop in Portland, Oregon. In just a few short months we have elected a board, found a location in the Hollywood District, (right across the street from the Hollywood Theater), and our member-artists have grown from 2 to over 30. This is where you come in.

We need at least 40 artists in order to sign our lease. Membership dues range from 45 dollars and 3 shifts in the shop per month to 100 a month and no hours in the shop.

Calling all jewelry makers, book binders, doll creators, wood carvers, print-makers, screen-printers, clock-makers, and everything in between. If you think you may be interested, please contact us as soon as you can. We are having a jury meeting this Friday, the 1st but we could arrange to meet with you whenever you are available.

homepage:  http://www.portlandartisanscoopteam.org/

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Updated 3/1 and 3/8 25-Feb-2013 06:50

The Shortwave Report 02/22/13 Listen Globally

From the open publishing newswire:
UPDATES: NEW BROADCAST POSTED TO PIMC ON 3/1/13 and on 3/8/13


A weekly 30 minute review of international news and opinion, recorded from a shortwave radio and the internet. With times, frequencies, and websites for listening at home. 3 files- Highest quality broadcast, regular broadcast, and slow-modem streaming. Spanish National Radio, Radio Havana Cuba, the Voice of Russia, Radio Deutsche-Welle, and NHK World Radio Japan.

Dear Radio Friend,
The latest Shortwave Report (February 22) is up at the website http://www.outfarpress.com/shortwave.shtml in 3 forms- (new) HIGHEST QUALITY (128kb)(27MB), broadcast quality (16MB), and quickdownload or streaming form (6MB) (28:59) Links at page bottom (If you have access to Audioport there is a highest quality version posted up there {35MB} http://www.audioport.org/index.php?op=producer-info&uid=904&nav=&)

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actions & protests | human & civil rights 17-Feb-2013 18:48

One Billion Rising PDX photos

From the open publishing newswire: Photos of One Billion Rising Portland March and Rally

Related Announcement Post:
 http://portland.indymedia.org/en/2013/02/421862.shtml

Related Video Post from Joe Anybody:
 http://portland.indymedia.org/en/2013/02/422002.shtml

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2.28.13 Matthew Duran and Katherine Olejnik: freed from detention center 11-Feb-2013 19:11

Affidavit indicates FBI targeted anarchists for being anarchists

From the open publishing newswire: The newest document released in the Pacific Northwest Grand Jury case reveals the federal government's criminalization of anarchists. On January 30, a redacted affidavit was unsealed by order of Judge Richard Jones. The affidavit can be found at: http://nopoliticalrepression.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/redacted-warrant.pdf

Throughout the document Geoffrey Maron, an FBI Special Agent assigned to the Joint Terrorism Task Force, repeatedly refers to individuals under investigation as being "known anarchists," as if the ideology alone is evidence of a crime. Maron admits that "many anarchists are law-abiding," but continuously points to the "Oregon Conspirators" as being known as part of the anarchist community. Similarly, Maron notes that some of the Portland police had seen many of those individuals at squats in Portland ? as if that had any relevance to the investigation other than that it might corroborate that the targeted individuals are, in fact, anarchists. [...]

Furthermore, according to Maron's statement, law enforcement used information gleaned from electronic records to identify "associates and conspirators" of the anarchists under investigation. By referring to "associates" (in addition to "conspirators"), Maron as much as admits that the FBI is casting its net over the entire anarchist movement, not narrowly investigating specific illegal acts.


UPDATE: POSTED TO PIMC ON 3/1/13: Good News reported: Two released for refusing to cooperate in a federal grand jury:
http://portland.indymedia.org/en/2013/03/422160.shtml

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