Palestinian Unity on agenda for Arab nations
By Mahmud Hams | AFP News
The Arab League is willing to host Palestinian reconciliation talks, Secretary General Amr Mussa said on Tuesday after a meeting with Hamas leader Mahmud Zahar in Cairo.
"The Arab League is willing to host any Palestinian meetings to push forward national reconciliation efforts," Mussa told reporters.
"There is no justification whatsoever for the continued Palestinian division," he said, stressing the need to "unify Palestinian ranks ahead the current challenges."
Officials from Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas's Fatah movement and its rival Islamist group Hamas held talks on Saturday in a bid to restart reconciliation talks.
The two have been at loggerheads since 2007 when Hamas took control of the Gaza Strip, routing Abbas loyalists.
In Cairo, Zahar said that another meeting would be held in Gaza "in the coming two days" with Fatah members. Egypt has in the past hosted several rounds of Palestinian reconciliation talks but with no success. Egypt "does not want to sponsor talks that would end in failure and we understand that," Zahar said.
The Arab League will therefore "host the talks for a defined time period until an agreement is reached, which will be announced in Cairo", Zahar said.
Gaza has been effectively cut off from the West Bank, which is under the control of Fatah, and repeated attempts at reconciliation have led nowhere.
The disunity of the Palestinians has prevented them from taking a common stance in peace talks with Israel, which are now off the table. Tens of thousands of Palestinians took to the streets of Gaza and the West Bank last week to demand that the two factions end their long-running rivalry.
Source: http://ca.news.yahoo.com
Robbie Robertson and Bob Dylan
Flag of Earth
by James Cadle, modified by inclusion of NASA image of our planet
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Syria News: Cabinet steps down, Assad remains for now
Over 60 dead as Syrian forces attack protesters
By Zeina Karam, The Associated Press | The Canadian Press
DAMASCUS, Syria - Syria's Cabinet resigned Tuesday to help quell a wave of popular fury that erupted more than a week ago and is now threatening President Bashar Assad's 11-year rule in one of the most authoritarian and closed-off nations in the Middle East.
Assad, whose family has controlled Syria for four decades, is trying to calm the growing dissent with a string of concessions. He is expected to address the nation in the next 24 hours to lift emergency laws in place since 1963 and moving to annul other harsh restrictions on civil liberties and political freedoms.
More than 60 people have died since March 18 as security forces cracked down on protesters, Human Rights Watch said.
State TV said Tuesday Assad accepted the resignation of the 32-member Cabinet headed by Naji al-Otari, who has been in place since September 23. The Cabinet will continue running the country's affairs until the formation of a new government. The resignations will not affect Assad, who holds the lion's share of power in the authoritarian regime.
The announcement came hours after hundreds of thousands of supporters of Syria's hard-line regime poured into the streets Tuesday as the government tried to show it has mass support. Protests that began March 18 and ensuing violence has brought sectarian tensions in Syria out in the open for the first time in decades, a taboo topic here because the country has a Sunni majority ruled by minority Alawites, a branch of Shiite Islam. Assad has placed his fellow Alawites into most positions of power in Syria. But he also has used increased economic freedom and prosperity to win the allegiance of the prosperous Sunni Muslim merchant classes, while punishing dissenters with arrest, imprisonment and physical abuse.
Many of the pro-regime demonstrators emphasized national unity Tuesday.
"Sectarianism was never an issue before, this is a conspiracy targeting Syria," said Jinane Adra, a 36-year-old Syrian who came from Saudi Arabia to express support for Assad.
"The Syrian people are one, there is no place for religious divisions between us," she said, flanked by her children, ages 3 and 5, carrying red roses and pictures of Assad.
Mohammed Ali, 40, said Assad was in touch with the Syrian people and aware of their need for reforms. "This dirty conspiracy will be short-lived, we are all behind him," he said, cradling an Assad poster on his chest.
The president of 11 years, one of the most anti-Western leaders in the Middle East, is wavering between cracking down and compromising in the face of the protests that began in a southern city and spread to other areas. The unrest in the strategically important country could have implications well beyond the country's borders given its role as Iran's top Arab ally and as a front line state against Israel.
Syria has long been viewed by the U.S. as a potentially destabilizing force in the Mideast. An ally of Iran and Hezbollah guerrillas in Lebanon, it has also provided a home for some radical Palestinian groups. But the country has been trying to emerge from years of international isolation. The U.S. recently has reached out to Syria in the hopes of drawing it away from Iran, Hezbollah and Hamas — although the effort has not yielded much.
Full article about Syrian Cabinet resignation on News.Yahoo.com
By Zeina Karam, The Associated Press | The Canadian Press
DAMASCUS, Syria - Syria's Cabinet resigned Tuesday to help quell a wave of popular fury that erupted more than a week ago and is now threatening President Bashar Assad's 11-year rule in one of the most authoritarian and closed-off nations in the Middle East.
Assad, whose family has controlled Syria for four decades, is trying to calm the growing dissent with a string of concessions. He is expected to address the nation in the next 24 hours to lift emergency laws in place since 1963 and moving to annul other harsh restrictions on civil liberties and political freedoms.
More than 60 people have died since March 18 as security forces cracked down on protesters, Human Rights Watch said.
State TV said Tuesday Assad accepted the resignation of the 32-member Cabinet headed by Naji al-Otari, who has been in place since September 23. The Cabinet will continue running the country's affairs until the formation of a new government. The resignations will not affect Assad, who holds the lion's share of power in the authoritarian regime.
The announcement came hours after hundreds of thousands of supporters of Syria's hard-line regime poured into the streets Tuesday as the government tried to show it has mass support. Protests that began March 18 and ensuing violence has brought sectarian tensions in Syria out in the open for the first time in decades, a taboo topic here because the country has a Sunni majority ruled by minority Alawites, a branch of Shiite Islam. Assad has placed his fellow Alawites into most positions of power in Syria. But he also has used increased economic freedom and prosperity to win the allegiance of the prosperous Sunni Muslim merchant classes, while punishing dissenters with arrest, imprisonment and physical abuse.
Many of the pro-regime demonstrators emphasized national unity Tuesday.
"Sectarianism was never an issue before, this is a conspiracy targeting Syria," said Jinane Adra, a 36-year-old Syrian who came from Saudi Arabia to express support for Assad.
"The Syrian people are one, there is no place for religious divisions between us," she said, flanked by her children, ages 3 and 5, carrying red roses and pictures of Assad.
Mohammed Ali, 40, said Assad was in touch with the Syrian people and aware of their need for reforms. "This dirty conspiracy will be short-lived, we are all behind him," he said, cradling an Assad poster on his chest.
The president of 11 years, one of the most anti-Western leaders in the Middle East, is wavering between cracking down and compromising in the face of the protests that began in a southern city and spread to other areas. The unrest in the strategically important country could have implications well beyond the country's borders given its role as Iran's top Arab ally and as a front line state against Israel.
Syria has long been viewed by the U.S. as a potentially destabilizing force in the Mideast. An ally of Iran and Hezbollah guerrillas in Lebanon, it has also provided a home for some radical Palestinian groups. But the country has been trying to emerge from years of international isolation. The U.S. recently has reached out to Syria in the hopes of drawing it away from Iran, Hezbollah and Hamas — although the effort has not yielded much.
Full article about Syrian Cabinet resignation on News.Yahoo.com
Monday, March 21, 2011
Sammy Hagar recalls being Lost In Space
Former Van Halen and Montrose frontman claims abduction by aliens
According to an article on Yahoo.com today:
Hagar and the reporter are talking about dreams he claims to have had about UFOs, and when asked whether he believed he had been abducted, Hagar answers: "I think I have."
The reporter seemed surprised. "What? Really? I was kidding. You seriously believe that?" he asks.
Hagar laughs and goes on to explain that a passage in the book described as a dream in which he is contacted by aliens from outer space in California was, in fact, reality.
The tale describes how the beings tapped into his mind through a wireless connection.
"It was real," Hagar told the reporter, according to the story on MTV's Hive website. "They were plugged into me. It was a download situation ... Or, they uploaded something from my brain, like an experiment."
Hagar goes on to describe another experience at the age of four where he believes he saw an alien space ship in broad daylight hovering over a country field where his family lived.
The rock guitarist and vocalist is no stranger to wild times. He was a part of several bands, including Montrose, during the "sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll" era of the 1970s and 1980s, and during its heyday Van Halen was among the biggest acts in rock music.
Full story on Sammy Hagar being abducted by Space aliens
According to an article on Yahoo.com today:
Hagar and the reporter are talking about dreams he claims to have had about UFOs, and when asked whether he believed he had been abducted, Hagar answers: "I think I have."
The reporter seemed surprised. "What? Really? I was kidding. You seriously believe that?" he asks.
Hagar laughs and goes on to explain that a passage in the book described as a dream in which he is contacted by aliens from outer space in California was, in fact, reality.
The tale describes how the beings tapped into his mind through a wireless connection.
"It was real," Hagar told the reporter, according to the story on MTV's Hive website. "They were plugged into me. It was a download situation ... Or, they uploaded something from my brain, like an experiment."
Hagar goes on to describe another experience at the age of four where he believes he saw an alien space ship in broad daylight hovering over a country field where his family lived.
The rock guitarist and vocalist is no stranger to wild times. He was a part of several bands, including Montrose, during the "sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll" era of the 1970s and 1980s, and during its heyday Van Halen was among the biggest acts in rock music.
Full story on Sammy Hagar being abducted by Space aliens
Friday, March 18, 2011
Foods and supplements to help prevent radiation sickness
Guide to reducing long term effects of radiation exposure
As many pharmacies around the world are quickly selling out of potassium iodide supplements such as Lugol's, Nascent and Iodoral, I decided to post some information about foods containing significant amounts of iodine. As 95% of North American diets are deficient in iodine, now may be a good time to start improving on this.
National Institute of Health (NIH) iodine dosage guidelines:
What dosage of iodine should be used for prevention of radiation sickness?
The following doses have been studied in scientific research:
BY MOUTH:
For radiation emergencies: potassium iodide (KI) should be taken just prior to, or as soon as possible after, exposure. Radiation is most harmful to pregnant or breastfeeding women and children, so KI is dosed according to amount of radiation exposure and age. Radiation exposure is measured in centigrays (cGy). For infants, babies, children, adolescents, and pregnant or breastfeeding women, KI is given if radiation exposure is 5 centigrays (cGy) or more. Tablets can be crushed and mixed with fruit juice, jam, milk, etc.
For birth through 1 month, the dose is 16 mg of KI;
For babies and children over 1 month through 3 years, 32 mg;
For children 3 to 12 years, 65 mg;
For adolescents 12 through 18 years, 65 mg or 120 mg if the adolescent is approaching adult size;
For pregnant or breastfeeding women, 120 mg.
For adults 18 to 40 years with exposure to 10 cGy or more, 130 mg of KI is given.
For adults over 40 years with exposure to 500 cGy or more, 130 mg of KI is given.
The National Institute of Medicine has set Adequate Intake (AI) of iodine for infants: 0 to 6 months, 110 mcg/day; 7 to 12 months, 130 mcg/day.
For children and adults, Recommended Dietary Amounts (RDA) have been set: children 1 to 8 years, 90 mcg/day; 9 to 13 years, 120 mcg/day; people age 14 and older, 150 mcg/day. For pregnant women, the RDA is 209 mcg/day, and breastfeeding women, 290 mcg/day.
Tolerable Upper Intake Levels (UL), the highest level of intake that is not likely to cause unwanted side effects, for iodine intake have been set: children 1 to 3 years, 200 mcg/day; 4 to 8 years, 300 mcg/day; 9 to 13 years, 600 mcg/day; 14 to 18 years (including pregnancy and breastfeeding), 900 mcg/day. For adults older than age 19 including pregnant and breastfeeding women, the Tolerable Upper Intake Level is 1100 mcg/day.
Understanding nutritional iodine deficiency
Whenever iodine is under-supplied, cells in the thyroid gland break down and hemorrhage....Because the thyroid gland controls the speed at which all body activities occur, an under-supply of thyroid hormone results in fatigue, lethargy, a feeling of coldness, loss of sex interest, slowed pulse, low blood pressure, and a tendency to gain weight rapidly on few calories.
- Adelle Davis
According to the World Health Organization, iodine deficiency is the leading cause of impaired cognitive development throughout the world. Other deficiency symptoms of iodine include poorly functioning metabolism, dry, scaly skin, unusual weight gain, constant fatigue, constipation, decreased fertility, frustration, anxiety and depression in varying degrees, goiters and growth abnormalities.
WHO Micronutrient Deficiencies - Iodine
Here is a list from Wikipedia of potential risk factors that may lead to iodine deficiency.
1.Selenium deficiency
2.Pregnancy
3.Exposure to radiation
4.Increased intake/plasma levels of goitrogens, such as calcium
5.Gender (higher occurrence in women)
6.Smoking tobacco
7.Alcohol (reduced prevalence in users)
8.Oral contraceptives (reduced prevalence in users)
9.Perchlorates
10.Thiocyanates
11.Age (for different types of iodine deficiency at different ages)
Wikipedia also mentions that iodine is required not only for the synthesis of thyroid hormones, thyroxine and triiodothyronine and to prevent goiter, but also, probably as an antioxidant, for extrathyroidal organs as mammary and salivary glands and for gastric mucosa and immune system (thymus).
Wikipedia webpage about iodine deficiency info
Iodine Supplements Available
Iodine supplements are of two kinds: iodine and iodides. Iodine compounds as supplements aid in maintaining the correct level of estrogen hormone in women. Iodides on the other, hand have a direct effect on the functioning of the thyroid gland. Some of the common iodine supplements that are prescribed as hypothyroidism medication are:
Transformative Nano-Colloidal Detoxified Iodine: This iodine supplement is a nano-colloidal and nascent form of USP iodine crystals which are converted into a non toxic monoatomic iodine form. Once this is consumed, the monoatomic iodine is converted into carrier iodides inside the body. They get converted to the elemental form of iodine and bond with proteins in the muscle tissue, thus, enhancing the functioning of the immune system. Other activities of this iodine supplement include enhancing DNA integrity, maintaining metabolic and endocrine balance and boosting cardiovascular health.
Nascent Iodine: Nascent iodine is an electromagnetically charged form of iodine which is quite similar to forms of iodine naturally produced by thyroid gland.
Potassium Iodide: This iodine supplement is available as tablets, each containing about 0.23 - 130 mg of iodine. Potassium iodide usually blocks excessive intake of radio iodine by thyroid gland, thus, preventing chances of thyroid cancer symptoms. However, its assimilation into body tissues is moderate (20% approximately).
Lugol's Solution: Lugol's solution contains about 6.3 mg of molecular iodine for every drop. It contains 5% molecular iodine and 10% potassium iodide. This iodine supplement has proven to be effective in increasing respiratory tract secretions and inhibiting excessive thyroxine secretion. Overall, this supplement aids in stalling unwanted hormonal secretions in the body.
Iodine-based nutritional / medicinal products (pharmacies)
Lugol's
Nascent
Iodoral
Magnascent
Heritage
Zeotrex
Livatrex
Detoxadine
Prolamine Iodine
Iodomere
Supplements that include significant iodine (health food stores)
Nutriodine
LifeExtension – Sea-Iodine
LifeExtension – Vitamin D3 with Sea-Iodine
Cataplex F
Iodine Plus 2
Foods high in iodine
Some foods with naturally high iodine content include fish, garlic, onions, watercress, sea greens such as seaweed / kelp / dulse / wakame / kombu, Iceland moss, ager-ager, egg-yolk, mushrooms, fish liver oil, pineapple, low-fat yogurt, artichokes, sorrel, soybeans, navy beans, lima beans, potatoes, turkey breast, goat's milk, spinach, turnip greens, Swiss chard, sesame seeds, summer squash and strawberries.
Kelp / Seaweed
Kelp, also known as the sea vegetable, is one of the richest known sources of iodine. According to the World's Healthiest Foods, one-quarter cup of kelp has only 9 calories but provides 276.7 percent of your daily iodine needs.
Wakame, kombu and other seaweed types are all high in iodine.
Haddock Fish
Fish and seafood (incl. cod, shrimp, tuna) in general are high in iodine, and haddock is a very rich source.
Brown rice / Whole grains
Grains are low on the food chain. Although they may have been exposed to pollution and radiation, they do not have the concentration of contaminants found in meat and large fish. The high fiber and phosphorous contents in grains is important with respect to radiation protection, and the binding ability of these substances helps the body remove all poisons.
The natural bulking factor of grains lessens the intestinal transit time, speeding up the elimination of toxins. Whole grains are neither very acid nor very alkaline. They help us maintain the middle-range pH been long proven to increase resistance to radiation. Whole grains provide vitamin B6, which is very important for the thymus. Their calcium content guards against the uptake of radioactive strontium. The vitamin E and selenium in whole grains also helps prevent the cellular damage and aging caused by free radicals.
Foods to temporarily avoid if you are utilizing iodine supplementation for nutritional / medicinal reasons
Cabbage
Some foods contain excessive levels of the minerals manganese and cobalt which interfere with the thyroid gland, extracting iodine. If you are in the habit of eating large amounts of raw cabbage you must ensure you are also getting sufficient iodine.
If you are in an area exposed to radiation, it is possible that eating cabbage may actually reduce uptake of radioactive iodine. Readers, if you have advice on this, please post in Comments section below!
Webapge with links to articles about foods high in iodine
Sugary sweets / Candy / Soft drinks
Drastically the consumption of sugar and sweets to help prevent radiation sickness from pre-existing exposure.
As the research for this piece was done over a period of several hours, please report any errors or omissions by posting in the Comments section below. Any suggestions or other helpful hints on staying healthy in a radioactive environment will also be very much appreciated.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Tokyo, lyrics by Bruce Cockburn
Words to song "Tokyo" by Bruce Cockburn
They're getting prepared to haul a car out of the river
Noise and smoke and concrete seem to be going on forever
Grinding gears and drivers getting high on exhaust
I'm thinking about the water down below and what got lost
Pachinko jingle and space torpedo beams
Comic book violence and escaping steam
Grey suited business men pissing against the wall --
Cut to crumbling guardrail, slow motions car fall
Oh Tokyo -- I never can sleep in your arms
Mind keeps on ringing like a fire alarm
Me and all these other dice bouncing around in the cup
Did you have to show me that accident scene
Didn't I get enough shaking up?
Still I'm gonna miss you...
Dragon of good fortune struggles with trickster fox
Energy and patience and the power of the buck
Tonight I'm flying headlong
To meet the dark red edge of dawn
I know somebody will be crying
And somebody will be gone
Oh Tokyo -- I never can sleep in your arms
Mind keeps on ringing like a fire alarm
Me and all these other dice bouncing around in the cup
Did you have to show me that accident scene
Didn't I get enough shaking up?
Still I'm gonna miss you...
They're getting prepared to haul a car out of the river
Noise and smoke and concrete seem to be going on forever
Grinding gears and drivers getting high on exhaust
I'm thinking about the water down below and what got lost
Pachinko jingle and space torpedo beams
Comic book violence and escaping steam
Grey suited business men pissing against the wall --
Cut to crumbling guardrail, slow motions car fall
Oh Tokyo -- I never can sleep in your arms
Mind keeps on ringing like a fire alarm
Me and all these other dice bouncing around in the cup
Did you have to show me that accident scene
Didn't I get enough shaking up?
Still I'm gonna miss you...
Dragon of good fortune struggles with trickster fox
Energy and patience and the power of the buck
Tonight I'm flying headlong
To meet the dark red edge of dawn
I know somebody will be crying
And somebody will be gone
Oh Tokyo -- I never can sleep in your arms
Mind keeps on ringing like a fire alarm
Me and all these other dice bouncing around in the cup
Did you have to show me that accident scene
Didn't I get enough shaking up?
Still I'm gonna miss you...
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Wisconsin: "Absolute corruption of democracy"
Union-busting bill in Wisconsin meets fierce opposition
AFL-CIO Leader Richard Trumka believes trade unions and social activists should utilize this "Wisconsin moment" to transform their anger into positive change. Describing the rammed-through bill as an "an absolute corruption of democracy," Trumka was referring to the move made Wednesday night by Wisconsin's Republican-controlled Senate.
"It's our job, each and every one of us, it's our job to transform the outrage and to make this moment a movement, to make sure this corruption in the Midwest doesn't stand," Trumka said.
Read more Google News articles on Wisconsin workers
AFL-CIO Leader Richard Trumka believes trade unions and social activists should utilize this "Wisconsin moment" to transform their anger into positive change. Describing the rammed-through bill as an "an absolute corruption of democracy," Trumka was referring to the move made Wednesday night by Wisconsin's Republican-controlled Senate.
"It's our job, each and every one of us, it's our job to transform the outrage and to make this moment a movement, to make sure this corruption in the Midwest doesn't stand," Trumka said.
Read more Google News articles on Wisconsin workers
Wednesday, March 09, 2011
American Idol: Dangerous Durbin, Cool Casey rock the house
Right Now: Channel hopping between MSNBC and Fox (sorry, it's Idol night!)
With the Republican's war on civic workers in Wisconsin escalating tonight, we're switching back and forth between the 2011 American Idol Top 13 and the Rachel Maddow Show, featuring Michael Moore and I'm sure he's gonna be steamed.
So far, James "Dangerous Durbin" blew the roof off with his version of Maybe I'm Amazed, while "Cool Casey" Abrams charmed the house with his Joe Cocker inspired take on the Beatles classic With a Little Help From My Friends.
Still forty-five minutes to go on both shows!
With the Republican's war on civic workers in Wisconsin escalating tonight, we're switching back and forth between the 2011 American Idol Top 13 and the Rachel Maddow Show, featuring Michael Moore and I'm sure he's gonna be steamed.
So far, James "Dangerous Durbin" blew the roof off with his version of Maybe I'm Amazed, while "Cool Casey" Abrams charmed the house with his Joe Cocker inspired take on the Beatles classic With a Little Help From My Friends.
Still forty-five minutes to go on both shows!
Monday, March 07, 2011
CANADA: Online form to donate to or join NDP or Green Party
If you are a young Canadian who believes in human rights, social progress and environmental sustainability, consider joining the Green Party and/or the New Democratic Party. We can all work together and use the positive energy of liberation movements globally and forge a single, effective union of the progressive political forces here at home in Canada.
Join the NDP Party of Canada
Donate online to New Democratic Party of Canada
Join or donate to Green Party of Canada
Peace 2 All,
Yuya Joe College
Join the NDP Party of Canada
Donate online to New Democratic Party of Canada
Join or donate to Green Party of Canada
Peace 2 All,
Yuya Joe College
Sunday, March 06, 2011
Ethiopia: Soul-searching for true democracy
With 2011's growing democracy movements in the news day after day, Ethiopians at home and abroad are wondering what it will take to bring a free press and fair elections to the motherland.
Ethiopian Opposition Leader Birtukan Mideksa to leave politics
Addis Ababa journalist Eskinder Nega calls for resignation of Prime Minister of Ethiopia Meles Zenawi
Online profile of Dawit Kebede, Ethiopia's leading editor and free press advocate
Large numbers of Ethiopians trapped in Libya with no embassy
Friday, March 04, 2011
Vintage Vinyl records blog a joy to behold
A brother in Barrie named Justin has developed a very cool vinyl records blog, so I thought I would share some imagery and provide a link to it:
Vintage Sound Vintage Sound vinyl records blog
The fact that he's a Dylan fan is awesome, so I intend to check back regularly, and am now running a feed from his blog to mine, so everyone can share in Justin's trip down Vinyl Lane (look over this way and you should see it--->>> --->>>).
Here are a few vinyl records pics I grabbed off the Vintage Sound Vinyl Records blog:
Muse on vinyl, very scarce!!!
Robert Allan Zimmerman, aka Bob Dylan
Vintage Sound Vintage Sound vinyl records blog
The fact that he's a Dylan fan is awesome, so I intend to check back regularly, and am now running a feed from his blog to mine, so everyone can share in Justin's trip down Vinyl Lane (look over this way and you should see it--->>> --->>>).
Here are a few vinyl records pics I grabbed off the Vintage Sound Vinyl Records blog:
Muse on vinyl, very scarce!!!
Robert Allan Zimmerman, aka Bob Dylan
Wednesday, March 02, 2011
Full text of Gaza Youth Manifesto for a United Palestine
Palestinian youth seek Hamas-Fatah unity
Here is the complete text of the updated Palestine manifesto:
“On behalf of the Palestinian Arab people, on the blood of the martyrs, widows and bereaved, orphans and thousands of prisoners in Israeli jails and all our people in the Palestinian diaspora, we call on all the Palestinian factions to unite under the banner of Palestine, in order to reform the political system in Palestine, based on the interests and aspirations of the Palestinian people in the homeland and the diaspora.
“The seriousness of the current phase of Israeli settler incursions and looting of land in our Sacred Jerusalem and the violence of the siege against the Palestinian people in Gaza require us all to stand as one against this brutal occupation.
“We have heard that the Palestinian people call for legislative and presidential elections to end the state of division. Yes, we all want to end the division, but we also want a complete re-building of the Palestine Liberation Organization, to include within it all the colors of the Palestinian political spectrum, including Hamas, and to reform it in order to fight again for Palestine’s liberation, as it was initially intended.
“We, Palestinian people in the homeland and abroad, have always heard that peaceful actions would achieve victory and restore the land, but 20 years of negotiations have not achieved the leatest demands. Our people remains under a brutal and oppressive occupation that steals land, violate the Holy sites and kills our children, and all of this while the world that claims democracy and human rights is watching and hearing! On the other hand, the resistance is stalling, leaving more than a million and a half Palestinians under Israeli blockade, choking them to the point that our patients, including the sons of the leaders of the resistance, are sent to be treated abroad.
“We must agree; it is necessary that we unite for all Palestinians here and there and everywhere, still dreaming of six million Palestinian refugees to return to their homes stolen by the Occupation that only understands the language of force! Let us be strong, let unity be our strength and unanimously agree on a unified leadership that can lead us to freedom with all pride and dignity!”
"From here we call on the governments of the West Bank and Gaza to respond to the legitimate demands of the people:
1 - the release all political detainees in the prisons of the PA and Hamas
2 - the end of all forms of media campaigns against each others
3 - the resignation of the governments of Haniyeh and Fayyad to re-build a government of national unity agreed by all Palestinian factions representing the Palestinian people.
4 - the restructuring of the Palestine Liberation Organization to contain all the Palestinian factions and get back to its initial aim: Palestine's freedom
5 - the announcement of the freeze of negotiations until the full compatibility between the various Palestinian factions on a political program
6 - the end of all forms of security coordination with the Zionist enemy
7 - the organization of presidential and parliamentary elections simultaneously in the time chosen by all the factions"
Events will start on Tueseday, 03/15/2011 at 11:30 pm and will continue until the achievement of all goals. We will be gathering in the following places (modifications possible):
Gaza: the Unknown Soldier Square
Ramallah: Manara Square
Tulkarm: Roundabout Gamal Abdel Nasser
Jenin: complex of garages near the old Cinema Jenin
Hebron: in front of the governor's office
Bethlehem: Church of the Nativity Square
Nablus: Martyrs Square
Jordan and Lebanon: no location yet
All over the world: in front of the Palestinian embassies, in coordination with the Palestinian communities abroad.
Please join our page.
Palestinians United Facebook webpage
Gaza Youth Breaks Out
Abu Yazan
Here is the complete text of the updated Palestine manifesto:
“On behalf of the Palestinian Arab people, on the blood of the martyrs, widows and bereaved, orphans and thousands of prisoners in Israeli jails and all our people in the Palestinian diaspora, we call on all the Palestinian factions to unite under the banner of Palestine, in order to reform the political system in Palestine, based on the interests and aspirations of the Palestinian people in the homeland and the diaspora.
“The seriousness of the current phase of Israeli settler incursions and looting of land in our Sacred Jerusalem and the violence of the siege against the Palestinian people in Gaza require us all to stand as one against this brutal occupation.
“We have heard that the Palestinian people call for legislative and presidential elections to end the state of division. Yes, we all want to end the division, but we also want a complete re-building of the Palestine Liberation Organization, to include within it all the colors of the Palestinian political spectrum, including Hamas, and to reform it in order to fight again for Palestine’s liberation, as it was initially intended.
“We, Palestinian people in the homeland and abroad, have always heard that peaceful actions would achieve victory and restore the land, but 20 years of negotiations have not achieved the leatest demands. Our people remains under a brutal and oppressive occupation that steals land, violate the Holy sites and kills our children, and all of this while the world that claims democracy and human rights is watching and hearing! On the other hand, the resistance is stalling, leaving more than a million and a half Palestinians under Israeli blockade, choking them to the point that our patients, including the sons of the leaders of the resistance, are sent to be treated abroad.
“We must agree; it is necessary that we unite for all Palestinians here and there and everywhere, still dreaming of six million Palestinian refugees to return to their homes stolen by the Occupation that only understands the language of force! Let us be strong, let unity be our strength and unanimously agree on a unified leadership that can lead us to freedom with all pride and dignity!”
"From here we call on the governments of the West Bank and Gaza to respond to the legitimate demands of the people:
1 - the release all political detainees in the prisons of the PA and Hamas
2 - the end of all forms of media campaigns against each others
3 - the resignation of the governments of Haniyeh and Fayyad to re-build a government of national unity agreed by all Palestinian factions representing the Palestinian people.
4 - the restructuring of the Palestine Liberation Organization to contain all the Palestinian factions and get back to its initial aim: Palestine's freedom
5 - the announcement of the freeze of negotiations until the full compatibility between the various Palestinian factions on a political program
6 - the end of all forms of security coordination with the Zionist enemy
7 - the organization of presidential and parliamentary elections simultaneously in the time chosen by all the factions"
Events will start on Tueseday, 03/15/2011 at 11:30 pm and will continue until the achievement of all goals. We will be gathering in the following places (modifications possible):
Gaza: the Unknown Soldier Square
Ramallah: Manara Square
Tulkarm: Roundabout Gamal Abdel Nasser
Jenin: complex of garages near the old Cinema Jenin
Hebron: in front of the governor's office
Bethlehem: Church of the Nativity Square
Nablus: Martyrs Square
Jordan and Lebanon: no location yet
All over the world: in front of the Palestinian embassies, in coordination with the Palestinian communities abroad.
Please join our page.
Palestinians United Facebook webpage
Gaza Youth Breaks Out
Abu Yazan
Eve of Destruction lyrics, Eastern World is exploding
Eve of Destruction
by Steve Barri and Phil Sloan
As sung by Barry McGuire
The eastern world, it is exploding
Violence flarin', bullets loadin'
You're old enough to kill, but not for votin'
You don't believe in war, but what's that gun you're totin'
And even the Jordan River has bodies floatin'
But you tell me
Over and over and over again, my friend
Ah, you don't believe
We're on the eve
of destruction.
Don't you understand what I'm tryin' to say
Can't you feel the fears I'm feelin' today?
If the button is pushed, there's no runnin' away
There'll be no one to save, with the world in a grave
[Take a look around ya boy, it's bound to scare ya boy]
And you tell me
Over and over and over again, my friend
Ah, you don't believe
We're on the eve
of destruction.
Yeah, my blood's so mad feels like coagulatin'
I'm sitting here just contemplatin'
I can't twist the truth, it knows no regulation.
Handful of senators don't pass legislation
And marches alone can't bring integration
When human respect is disintegratin'
This whole crazy world is just too frustratin'
And you tell me
Over and over and over again, my friend
Ah, you don't believe
We're on the eve
of destruction.
Think of all the hate there is in Red China
Then take a look around to Selma, Alabama
You may leave here for 4 days in space
But when you return, it's the same old place
The poundin' of the drums, the pride and disgrace
You can bury your dead, but don't leave a trace
Hate your next-door neighbor, but don't forget to say grace
And… tell me over and over and over and over again, my friend
You don't believe
We're on the eve
Of destruction
Mm, no no, you don't believe
We're on the eve
of destruction.
Tuesday, March 01, 2011
Twat or Tweet? Charlie Sheen's recent Twitter posts
Here are Charlie sheen Twitter posts from March 1st, 2011:
ChuckSheen: http://groups.myspace.com/dsotmprivate
ChuckSheen: I refuse Facebook..because, To all those who suggest it? Good to know.
ChuckSheen: I had the print..good friends in the movie, bad script. WTF was with Deadpool? Welcome to Hollywood. Better than most, I suppose.
ChuckSheen: Obviously, updating this..and screwing around on MySpace like I'm 18. (Wishful thinking)..hope everyone enjoyed the season. CS\
ChuckSheen: Hope everyone is having a good weekend. Just got the new Iphone..nice. How do I post a link?
Weblink to Charlie Sheen's Twitter page
ChuckSheen: http://groups.myspace.com/dsotmprivate
ChuckSheen: I refuse Facebook..because, To all those who suggest it? Good to know.
ChuckSheen: I had the print..good friends in the movie, bad script. WTF was with Deadpool? Welcome to Hollywood. Better than most, I suppose.
ChuckSheen: Obviously, updating this..and screwing around on MySpace like I'm 18. (Wishful thinking)..hope everyone enjoyed the season. CS\
ChuckSheen: Hope everyone is having a good weekend. Just got the new Iphone..nice. How do I post a link?
Weblink to Charlie Sheen's Twitter page
Upcoming democracy protests: Tuesdays in Iran, Sundays in China
You can't tell the players without a program, so it's great to see some regularity in the freedom protests scheduled for coming weeks and months. Iran has set up Protest Tuesdays (watch for March 15th), while Chinese democracy protesters have designated every Sunday as a Day of Protest.
Summary of democracy protests - North Africa and Middle East
Algeria
After 19 years, the government officially lifted a state of emergency in February following strikes and protests. But protest marches, which were not allowed under the state of emergency, continue to be banned in the capital, Algiers. Some viewed the move as a "ruse" to placate protesters, who have continued to turn out despite large numbers of police.
Bahrain
After a violent crackdown on protesters in the capital, Manama, that killed several people, the crown prince in February called for a national dialogue between the Sunni-led government and the mostly Shiite protesters. But demonstrators have been reluctant to take up the government's offer without more concessions. So far, the government has released some political prisoners, and the king has fired four Cabinet ministers.
Egypt
Protesters took to Egypt's streets in January, demanding the ouster of President Hosni Mubarak after three decades of rule. Mubarak supporters clashed with demonstrators in Tahrir Square, which became the focal point of protests in the capital, Cairo. More than 300 protesters were killed in the uprising. Although Mubarak pledged not to run again, fired his government and appointed a vice president for the first time in his three decades of rule, the protests intensified until Vice President Omar Suleiman announced that the president had handed over power to the military. Protesters have continued to demand that the military rulers carry out reforms.
Iran
Tens of thousands of demonstrators turned out Feb. 14 for the biggest protests the country has seen since the aftermath of the disputed re-election of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in 2009. After clashes between security forces and the protesters, hard-line lawmakers called for opposition leaders to be put on trial and put to death. On March 1, protesters rallied in Tehran to demand the release of opposition leaders Mir Hossein Mousavi and Mahdi Karroubi, who supporters say have been moved from house arrest to prison. Riot police used tear gas and batons to break up the demonstrations, according to witnesses and opposition websites.
Iraq
Small, scattered protests, focusing on unemployment, corruption and a lack of services, have been taking place in Iraq since early February. Protests intensified in the city of Sulaimaniyah — where demonstrators are opposing the leaders of Kurdistan, the semiautonomous region in northern Iraq — and in Basra, where the governor resigned. A nationwide "Day of Rage" called for Feb. 25 turned violent in Mosul and other cities, leading to the deaths of more than a dozen protesters.
Jordan
Protesters have been gathering on Fridays to demand more of a voice in government — some want the power to elect their prime minister and Cabinet officials. King Abdullah II fired his Cabinet in February and appointed a new prime minister, tasked with carrying out reforms. More than 400 Muslim militants took to the streets of Amman on March 1 to demand the release of their jailed colleagues — the first public protest by Salafis, an ultraconservative Muslim group banned in Jordan.
Libya
Protests challenging leader Moammar Gadhafi have led to a bloody crackdown. Hundreds and perhaps thousands have been killed. Pro-democracy rebels now largely control eastern Libya, including the city of Benghazi, where the anti-Gadhafi uprising began Feb. 15. The rebels have fought off forces loyal to Gadhafi in Zawiya and Misrata, two cities near the capital, Tripoli.
Morocco
On Feb. 20, demonstrations were called by a coalition of youth groups, labor unions and human rights organizations demanding greater democracy in the North African kingdom. Several thousand people marched through the capital, Rabat — one of several cities across the country where protests were held. Some trouble arose in the cities of Tangiers and Fez on Feb. 19, but overall, demonstrations were mostly peaceful.
Oman
Protests began in the seaside town of Sohar in late February, resulting in deadly clashes with police. Demonstrators are calling for higher salaries, jobs and the dismissal of some government officials. Oman's ruler, Sultan Qaboos bin Said, has ordered 50,000 new jobs and a monthly stipend for the unemployed, and has reshuffled his Cabinet.
Tunisia
The unrest in this North African nation began in December, apparently after a 26-year-old man committed suicide when police confiscated the fruits and vegetables he was selling. Anger at a lack of employment and at a leadership viewed as corrupt exploded into demonstrations and clashes with police. A United Nations mission says at least 219 were killed in the weeks of protests. President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali fled to Saudi Arabia on Jan. 14. In late February, Mohamed Ghannouchi, who served as prime minister for 11 years, bowed to protesters' demands and resigned after clashes between demonstrators and riot police.
Yemen
Yemen first saw protests in late January, with more sustained demonstrations beginning in February. Demonstrators are calling for the ouster of President Ali Abdullah Saleh, who insists he will not step down before the end of his term in 2013. Several people have been killed in demonstrations. Amid the protests, civil service and military salaries have been increased, along with social services and tuition assistance.
Source: NPR.org
Chronology and timelines of 2011 Revolutions
Summary of democracy protests - North Africa and Middle East
Algeria
After 19 years, the government officially lifted a state of emergency in February following strikes and protests. But protest marches, which were not allowed under the state of emergency, continue to be banned in the capital, Algiers. Some viewed the move as a "ruse" to placate protesters, who have continued to turn out despite large numbers of police.
Bahrain
After a violent crackdown on protesters in the capital, Manama, that killed several people, the crown prince in February called for a national dialogue between the Sunni-led government and the mostly Shiite protesters. But demonstrators have been reluctant to take up the government's offer without more concessions. So far, the government has released some political prisoners, and the king has fired four Cabinet ministers.
Egypt
Protesters took to Egypt's streets in January, demanding the ouster of President Hosni Mubarak after three decades of rule. Mubarak supporters clashed with demonstrators in Tahrir Square, which became the focal point of protests in the capital, Cairo. More than 300 protesters were killed in the uprising. Although Mubarak pledged not to run again, fired his government and appointed a vice president for the first time in his three decades of rule, the protests intensified until Vice President Omar Suleiman announced that the president had handed over power to the military. Protesters have continued to demand that the military rulers carry out reforms.
Iran
Tens of thousands of demonstrators turned out Feb. 14 for the biggest protests the country has seen since the aftermath of the disputed re-election of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in 2009. After clashes between security forces and the protesters, hard-line lawmakers called for opposition leaders to be put on trial and put to death. On March 1, protesters rallied in Tehran to demand the release of opposition leaders Mir Hossein Mousavi and Mahdi Karroubi, who supporters say have been moved from house arrest to prison. Riot police used tear gas and batons to break up the demonstrations, according to witnesses and opposition websites.
Iraq
Small, scattered protests, focusing on unemployment, corruption and a lack of services, have been taking place in Iraq since early February. Protests intensified in the city of Sulaimaniyah — where demonstrators are opposing the leaders of Kurdistan, the semiautonomous region in northern Iraq — and in Basra, where the governor resigned. A nationwide "Day of Rage" called for Feb. 25 turned violent in Mosul and other cities, leading to the deaths of more than a dozen protesters.
Jordan
Protesters have been gathering on Fridays to demand more of a voice in government — some want the power to elect their prime minister and Cabinet officials. King Abdullah II fired his Cabinet in February and appointed a new prime minister, tasked with carrying out reforms. More than 400 Muslim militants took to the streets of Amman on March 1 to demand the release of their jailed colleagues — the first public protest by Salafis, an ultraconservative Muslim group banned in Jordan.
Libya
Protests challenging leader Moammar Gadhafi have led to a bloody crackdown. Hundreds and perhaps thousands have been killed. Pro-democracy rebels now largely control eastern Libya, including the city of Benghazi, where the anti-Gadhafi uprising began Feb. 15. The rebels have fought off forces loyal to Gadhafi in Zawiya and Misrata, two cities near the capital, Tripoli.
Morocco
On Feb. 20, demonstrations were called by a coalition of youth groups, labor unions and human rights organizations demanding greater democracy in the North African kingdom. Several thousand people marched through the capital, Rabat — one of several cities across the country where protests were held. Some trouble arose in the cities of Tangiers and Fez on Feb. 19, but overall, demonstrations were mostly peaceful.
Oman
Protests began in the seaside town of Sohar in late February, resulting in deadly clashes with police. Demonstrators are calling for higher salaries, jobs and the dismissal of some government officials. Oman's ruler, Sultan Qaboos bin Said, has ordered 50,000 new jobs and a monthly stipend for the unemployed, and has reshuffled his Cabinet.
Tunisia
The unrest in this North African nation began in December, apparently after a 26-year-old man committed suicide when police confiscated the fruits and vegetables he was selling. Anger at a lack of employment and at a leadership viewed as corrupt exploded into demonstrations and clashes with police. A United Nations mission says at least 219 were killed in the weeks of protests. President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali fled to Saudi Arabia on Jan. 14. In late February, Mohamed Ghannouchi, who served as prime minister for 11 years, bowed to protesters' demands and resigned after clashes between demonstrators and riot police.
Yemen
Yemen first saw protests in late January, with more sustained demonstrations beginning in February. Demonstrators are calling for the ouster of President Ali Abdullah Saleh, who insists he will not step down before the end of his term in 2013. Several people have been killed in demonstrations. Amid the protests, civil service and military salaries have been increased, along with social services and tuition assistance.
Source: NPR.org
Chronology and timelines of 2011 Revolutions
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