Protesters unhappy about the Vatican's wealth clashed with police in St. Peter's Square, with one of the demonstrators scaling the towering Christmas tree.

A few dozen "indignados" protesters, from Spain, France and Italy, tried to pitch two small tents in the square and shouted slogans Saturday afternoon.

After police detained three protesters, including the tree-climber, to identify them in a space behind the square's giant Nativity scene, a clash erupted, with officers swinging clubs and dragging away some demonstrators.

Vatican spokesmen were not immediately available for comment. The "indignados" movement decries the concentration of much wealth in the hands of relatively few. The Italian news agency ANSA said one protester had a bloody nose.

Several thousand Bulgarians demonstrated across the country on Saturday against plans for shale gas exploration by US companyChevron that they say could harm the environment.

About 1,000 youngsters marched along the streets of the capital Sofia, beating drums and blowing whistles as “a wake-up call to all Bulgarians,” an AFP correspondent at the scene reported.

They urged people to push the government to impose a ban on hydraulic fracturing or “fracking”, the most commonly used method for shale gas exploration that opponents say might contaminate drinking water.

The protestors marched on the government buildings carrying banners saying “No to shale gas, Yes to nature”, and “Chevron go home” to protest the US company’s plans to extract shale gas in the European Union’s poorest member.

Similar-sized demos were held in the northeastern region of Dobrudzha, where Chevron wants to operate, as well as in the Black Sea cities of Varna and Burgas, Plovdiv in the south and Pleven to the north, national radio reported.

Environmental pressure group Fracking Free Bulgaria said Saturday it had obtained a promise from parliamentary speaker Tsetska Tsacheva for lawmakers to consider a moratorium on fracking for shale gas.

Similar legislation was already passed in France last June.

Fracking, which uses high pressure injections of water, sand and chemicals to blast through rock to release oil and gas trapped inside, has been widely used in the United States.

Bulgaria, which depends almost totally on Russian natural gas deliveries via Ukraine, has seen its shale gas potential as a possible way to diversify supplies.

Bulgaria’s government granted Chevron last June a five-year testing permit to explore a potentially huge field near Novi Pazar in northeastern Bulgaria.

The country’s reserves are estimated at between 300 billion and one trillion cubic metres of shale gas, Energy Minister Traicho Traikov had said, citing data by companies.

Environmental groups claim that some preliminary drilling was already done in the northeast as well as in the Black Sea shelf but the government has not confirmed this.

UK: Women March On Harley Street Over Implant Policy

Around 60 women have marched to Harley Street calling for private clinics to replace PIP breast implants for free.

The demonstration, which was organised on Facebook, first targetted The Harley Medical Group, which fitted the implants in almost 14,000 British women but has said it will not replace them free of charge.

The company fitted more of the implants than any other UK cosmetic surgery firm but claims replacing the banned implants would put it out of business.

The group then marched on to the office of Transform on nearby New Cavendish Street, which has also said it will not replace the implants free of charge.

Lawyers acting for women fitted with the implants, made by French firm Poly Implant Prothèse (PIP), said the clinics had a "statutory duty" under the Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982, to ensure the products they supplied were of "satisfactory quality".

PIP's implants were banned in 2010 when it emerged industrial-grade silicone had been used in them, even though they were sold as containing medical-grade silicone. Until then surgery firms were unaware of the fraud.

The Ethical Standards Command is investigating the death of a man at Labrador this evening.

Initial information indicates when police arrived at the Middle Street residence shortly after 9pm, the man, aged in his 30’s retreated to another part of the unit and suffered self inflicted wounds.

Despite medical treatment from Queensland Ambulance Service officers he later died.

The Coroner and the Crime and Misconduct Commission have been informed.

Why Oil Prices Are About to Collapse

By The Oil Drum

January 13, 2013 "Oil Price" -- All is not as it appears in the global oil markets, which have become entirely dysfunctional and no longer fit for its purpose, in my view. I believe that the market price is about to collapse as it did in 2008, and that this will mark the end of an era in which the market has been run by and on behalf of trading and financial intermediaries.

In this post I forecast the imminent death of the crude oil market and I identify the killers; the re-birth of the global market in crude oil in new form will be the subject of another post. ...

Concluding Its Work, UN Refugee Agency Closes Office In Timor-Leste: Media Release [13/1/12]

The United Nations refugee agency has closed its office in the Timor-Leste capital, Dili, after more than 12 years, a move hailed by national leaders as a sign that the country had overcome most of the humanitarian problems it has faced in its recent history.

President José Ramos-Horta convened a gathering at the presidential palace yesterday to mark the closure of the office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and pledged that his country will never turn its back on refugees because so many of his compatriots were exiles themselves.

“We are always ready to live up to our responsibilities,” he said. “That’s the best way to thank UNHCR and all the countries that all these years have assisted our refugees.”

Mr. Ramos-Horta himself spent more than two decades as a refugee in the United States and Australia between 1975 and 1999.

UNHCR opened the office in Dili in May 1999, just before the violent referendum on independence from Indonesia that sent nearly a quarter of a million people fleeing across the island into West Timor.

UNHCR helped 220,000 refugees return home and worked for reconciliation as Timor-Leste moved towards independence in May 2002.

James Lynch, UNHCR’s regional coordinator for South-east Asia, praised the country’s “impressive achievements,” pointing out that Timor-Leste was one of the few countries in the region to have signed the 1951 UN Refugee Convention.

“Even though right now it has almost no refugees or asylum-seekers, it does have national laws in effect to process their claims,” he said.

Noam Chomsky On Ron Paul [VIDEO]

Kutztown University Nov. 21, 2011

CHOMSKY: Ron Paul's a nice guy. If I had to have dinner with one of the Republican candidates, I'd prefer to have it with him -- but, his policies are off the wall.

I mean, sometimes I agree with him. I think we have to end the war in Afghanistan. But, if you look at the other policies, I mean, it's kind of shocking and principles that lie behind them (shakes head)....I don't know what to say about them.

In the Republican debates, at one point -- and this kind of brought out who he is --- he is against Federal involvement in health, in anything. He was aked something like, "Well, what if some guy's in a coma, and...uh...he's going to die and he never took out insurance. What should happen?"

Well, his first answer was something like, "It's a tribute to our liberty."

So, if he dies, that's a tribute to how free we are?

He kinda backed off from that, actually. There was a huge applause for when he said that. But later, reactions were eleswhere. He backed up and said, "Well, the church will take care of him...or charities or something or other....so, it's not a problem."

I mean, this is just savagery.

And it goes across the board. In fact, it goes through the whole so-called Libertarian ideology. It may sound nice on the surface but if you think it through, it's just a call for corporate tyranny. It takes away any barrier to corporate tyranny.

But, it's all academic. The business world would never permit it to happen because it would destroy the economy. They can't live without a powerful state, and they know it.

Melbourne - Home tennis hope Bernard Tomic beat Mardy Fish 6-4, 3-6, 7-5 to win the AAMI Classic event, the prime tuneup for the Australian Open starting on Monday.

Tomic, ranked 23th, lifted the first senior trophy of his career after winning the Australian juniors in 2008 and the US Open juniors a year later.

He is the first teenager to take the title and gets a huge confidence boost going into the major. The number 37 youngster showed more signs of his promising future, first put in evidence as he played a Wimbledon quarter-final last summer and lost a Brisbane semi-final last week to Andy Murray.

'I've never lifted a trophy before at this level,' said Tomic.

'I'm proud to have my name on a trophy like this.

'It's a good feeling and one that I'll always treasure. Hopefully this will help me do well at the Australian Open,' said a player set to face experienced Spaniard Fernando Verdasco in the first round.

'To win your first trophy in your home country is a great feeling. I want to do as well as I can at the Open. There's a lot of pressure. but maybe once - perhaps not this year - I can win that title.' ...

A resolution to an anti-coal seam gas (CSG) blockade in southern Queensland is now likely, with protesters and Arrow Energy entering negotiations.

The farm blockade was established by local landowners and anti-CSG groups at a farm at Kerry, near Beaudesert, on Thursday and has prevented Arrow workers from conducting exploratory drilling in the days since.

The group is calling for baseline water tests to be conducted before drilling is allowed to commence. Protest spokeswoman Heidi Ross said Arrow representatives had on Saturday agreed to negotiate with the group.

"Arrow Executive Tony Knight came to the site and agreed to start discussions with the blockade to thrash out an agreement," Ms Ross told AAP.

"So we've called a 24-hour ceasefire, as it were.

"We're very happy with the developments, even though we're not quite there yet."

Ms Ross said several members of the group would remain on the property, as would Arrow Energy's drilling equipment.

In a brief statement issued on Saturday, Arrow said negotiations were continuing.

"Discussions have continued on site with the protesters and Arrow is continuing to engage with the community on their concerns for the region," the statement said.

Meanwhile, on Saturday, 28-year-old NSW schoolteacher Daniel Robins, who spent more than 24 hours atop a seven-metre drilling rig, climbed down when his demand to speak to an Arrow executive was met.

Robins was later charged with trespass and will appear in court on Monday.

A total of 12 other protesters have been arrested at the site and charged with contravening a police direction. They will appear in Beaudesert Magistrates Court next month.

CSG Protest Continues

A school teacher has spent more than eight hours on top of a drill near Beaudesert as CSG protests intensify.

Rainforest Action Network activists took to the streets of San Francisco last night and turned every Bank of America ATM in the city into an Automated Truth Machine.

The activists used special non-adhesive stickers designed to look exactly like BoA’s ATM interface. But instead of checking and savings accounts, these new menus offered a list of everything BoA customers’ money is being used for, including investment in coal-fired power plants, foreclosure on Americans’ homes, bankrolling of climate change, and paying for fat executive bonuses. ...

The stickers also encourage BoA customers to “Stop doing business with Bank of America until they start behaving responsibly” and have the URL to this here blog (BankruptingAmerica.tumblr.com), which RAN launched along with New Bottom Line.

We’re using Bankrupting America to track all the ways BoA is bankrupting America, hence the name. We’ve received so many submissions it’s clear to us that this website was badly needed. There are lots of grievances to be aired with regard to how Bank of America is conducting its business these days, as it turns out. ...

An amusing rundown of recent news the mainstream media won't cover: Occupy New Hampshire/Occupy Worcester

A daredevil CSG protester scales a drilling rig at a coal seam gas project near Beaudesert Friday as police arrest demonstrators.

Two Northern Rivers residents have been arrested at a blockade against coal seam gas mining yesterday in Queensland.

The arrests came on day two of a blockade of an Arrow Energy drilling site on a farm at Kerry, near Beaudesert.

Wanda Halden, of Larnook, and Alan Roberts, of Kyogle, were charged for contravening a direction after they refused a police request to move.

The pair had been among 50 protesters who were blocking access to the site early yesterday morning when eight police cars arrived at the scene.

"The police explained our rights to us and said we would be arrested if we did not move," Ms Halden said.

When the police gave the order to move all but three did so.

Ms Halden then lay down on a placard to resist a police attempt to move her, after which she was picked up by five police officers and put into a paddy wagon.

So far 12 people have been arrested at the site with one protestor scaling a seven metre high drilling rig.

Daniel Robins, who climbed the rig yesterday morning, said he would not come down until he had spoken to an Arrow executive.

"I came here with a documentary film maker, and both of us said that we definitely didn't want to get arrested today, we just wanted to help the community," the 28-year-old NSW schoolteacher said.

"Then the police moved everyone out of the way and drilling was going to commence... and I jumped the fence and climbed up here.

"It was the only way I could see that was going to stop the drilling and it has."

Mr Robins said the protesters wanted baseline water tests to be conducted on local aquifers before drilling was allowed to begin.

"We need to know what is in there now, because after drilling, once it's contaminated we have to know who is responsible," he said.

An Arrow Energy spokesman said the wells being drilled at the site were being used to obtain geological information and were not to be used in gas production.

A Northern Rivers convoy travelled to Kerry on Thursday and it us understood more people from the region are currently on their way to the blockade.

All people charged have been ordered to appear in Beaudesert Court next month.

Ms Halden said she plans to return to the blockade on Monday and has invited anyone who wants to join her to contact her on 0427302725.

Governments Fail To Deliver On Forest Agreement: ACF Media Release [13/1/12]:

Environment groups said the conservation agreement released today by the Tasmanian and Commonwealth governments did not adequately deliver the first key conservation outcome of the Tasmanian Forests Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) and urged them to end logging in these unique and important forests.

“The Tasmanian and Commonwealth governments have allowed logging to continue in ancient, wilderness forests that the Premier and Prime Minister agreed would be immediately protected,” said Environment Tasmania Director, Dr Phill Pullinger.

“The IGA has stumbled at its first conservation hurdle,” said Wilderness Society Tasmanian Campaign Manager Vica Bayley. “This has severely shaken the confidence of environment groups. The Agreement clearly states that logging will be ended in high conservation value forest areas whilst those forests are assessed. The governments have failed to invoke the compensation clause.”

“Today we should be celebrating an historic milestone that protects rainforests, ancient giants and critical habitat for endangered species like the Tassie devil, but instead governments have accepted Forestry Tasmania’s business-as-usual logging in iconic forests like the Weld and Picton Valleys and Ben Lomond. Conflict in the forests and instability in markets are the inevitable result if governments will not deliver conservation outcomes as agreed.”

“Forestry Tasmania is running amok – logging in ancient forests that the Premier and Prime Minister agreed would be immediately protected,” said Environment Tasmania Director, Dr Phill Pullinger. "If the governments want this conflict solved they need to urgently pull Forestry Tasmania into line."

“Forestry Tasmania has scheduled road building in highly contentious areas such as the Weld Valley, meaning conservation values are being damaged instead of being protected ” Dr Pullinger said.

“It is not too late to fix this,” said Australian Conservation Foundation CEO Don Henry.

“We urge the two governments to ensure Forestry Tasmania assists implementation of the agreement and delivers meaningful forest protection that meets the terms of the IGA and the expectations of the broader community. We urge them to further examine the proposed logging coupes and end logging in these unique and important forests.”

The groups said protection of these forests was a cornerstone of the agreement and it was time for both governments to show leadership and deliver on their commitment.

Anti-Torture Activists Arrested At White House

Press Release: Witness Against Torture

Thirty-seven members of Witness Against Torture were arrested in front of the White House on Thursday, January 12.

Dressed in the iconic Guantanamo orange jumpsuits and black hoods and accompanied by a cage representing indefinite detention, the activists were warned to clear the sidewalk by National Park Police or risk arrest.

After occupying the sidewalk for more than three hours, they were arrested one by one.

“We came to the White House because just eleven days ago, President Obama signed the National Defense Authorization Act. It is dead wrong,” says Leah Grady Sayvetz, an activist and college student form Ithaca, New York arrested this afternoon.

“The NDAA makes Guantanamo near-permanent and expands detention powers just when this terrible and immoral detention apparatus should be being dismantled.”

The activists held signs that said: “NDAA is Guantanamo Forever,” NDAA is Guantanamo Come Home,” “Shut Down Guantanamo,” “Shut Down Bagram,” “Release Those Unjustly Bound” and pulled a full-size cage up on the side walk.

Witness Against Torture took the cage to the White House on Saturday, January 7 and began a twenty-four hour a day vigil that ended on January 11 at the end of the Ten Years Too Many National Day of Action to Shut Down Guantanamo.

Witness Against Torture, a grassroots movement to shut down Guantanamo, is completing a ten day “Hungering for Justice” liquids-only fast today.

About one hundred people—in DC and around the country—participated in the fast and engaged in daily actions in front of the White House, and elsewhere to call attention to the terrible injustice that is Guantanamo, Bagram, and secret prisons.

In a few days the Occupy Movement will be engaging in global actions centered around the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The heart of Dr. King’s vision offers wonderful inspiration for the movement – one that is deeply rooted in love. King’s approach to activism was all about “love in action.” ...

 

State Leader of Katter’s Australian Party, Aidan McLindon, today joined a blockade of Scenic Rim land owners opposing coal seam gas drilling on Brisbane’s outskirts.

The blockade, now in its second day, began yesterday as the wholly foreign-owned company, Arrow Energy, moved to commence drilling near Kerry, south of Brisbane.

Mr McLindon said that thirteen people had been arrested and that he backed residents all the way in their fight against foreign-owned coal seam gas companies.

“The coal seam gas threat has well and truly reached the heart of the Scenic Rim as the foreign-owned company, Arrow Energy, rolls out its exploration permits,” said Mr McLindon.

“I am proud to stand by the local community that I was elected to represent in their fight against this flawed industry.”

“Anna Bligh and Campbell Newman have both turned a blind eye to this industry which is devastating prime rural land in a region which provides tourism and agriculture.”

"The upcoming election will be a referendum on CSG and voters will have a clear choice.”

“Katter’s Australian Party will protect Australia’s interests and impose a moratorium on coal seam gas. The ALP and LNP are happy to allow foreign mining companies to exploit our land and send profit overseas while the Great Artesian Basin and Scenic Rim are contaminated and destroyed.”

Santos To Be Pursued Over 10,000 Litre CSG Water Spill:

Greens Media Release [13/1/12]

Green MP and mining spokesperson Jeremy Buckingham has slammed Santos for taking months to disclose a leak of 10,000 litres of untreated coal seam gas water at its Narrabri Gas Project in the Pilliga Forest.

Santos released a statement today admitting 10,000 litres of untreated saline coal seam gas water had leaked into the environment. Previously Santos had denied such a spill and blamed eucalyptus leaves ‘discolouring rain water’. http://www.santos.com/Archive/NewsDetail.aspx?p=121&id=1304

The Department of Primary Industries has also released a statement saying that they were not notified of the leak when it occurred. They have described it as a breach of the exploration licence, and they are pursuing enforcement actions. http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/aboutus/news/recent-news/minerals-and-petroleum/saline-water-leak

“This leak of waste water has poisoned part of the Pilliga forest and shows how high risk the coal seam gas industry is to our land and water resources,” said Greens MP Jeremy Buckingham.

“This spill of coal seam gas waste water reinforces the need for a moratorium on any further coal seam gas exploration across the entire state. This industry is clearly not safe and continues to be shown to be failing to meet its legal obligations and its obligations to the community.

“Santos has shown it is no different to other gas companies. They are using the tried and tested model of deny, deny, deny and then when forced by overwhelming evidence into a mea culpa they claim to be cooperating with the authorities.

“The Government’s own media release fails to acknowledge that the community reported tree deaths in the area to the Department of Resources and Energy on 28 October last year. Now that the company has been forced to admit through community pressure of a coal seam gas water spill in the area the Government is trying to say they have only just be made aware by Santos.

“Barry O’Farrell cannot ignore the mounting failures of the NSW Department of Energy and Resources to monitor and regulate the coal seam gas industry.

“I have toured the Pilliga Forest and seen first hand the dead trees adjacent to gas wells and dead animals in and near unlined drilling ponds. It is clear as day that the Pilliga gas project is having a huge environmental impact on the Forest.

“The Government last year accused community campaigners of tampering with wells in the Pilliga after footage showed gas leaking from pipelines in the Forest. It was later shown that a complaint with video evidence of the same leak had been sent to the government previously and had gone un-investigated,” Mr Buckingham said.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon will depart New York today for an official visit to Lebanon, where he will meet with the country’s leaders and with United Nations peacekeepers serving in the country, according to his spokesperson.

The visit comes at the invitation of President Michel Sleiman and Prime Minister Najib Mikati, spokesperson Martin Nesirky told reporters at UN Headquarters. Mr. Ban is scheduled to confer with both leaders, as well as the Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament and the acting head of the opposition.

He will also open a high-level meeting on Arab reforms and democracy, organized by the UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), which is based in Beirut.

He will also meet with blue helmets serving in the south of the country with the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

The Secretary-General will then proceed to Abu Dhabi, where he will hold a meeting of his High Level Group on Sustainable Energy for All, and attend the World Future Energy Summit.

He is expected to highlight the need for sustainable energy policies to provide the world’s growing population with access to efficient and renewable energy, said Mr. Nesirky.

Mr. Ban is also due to have a number of bilateral meetings with visiting leaders in both countries during the trip.

On January 15, Public Enemy is teaming up with Cypress Hill, King T, The Dogg Pound, Mellow Man Ace, Sir Jinx, Kid Frost, the L.A. Posse and The Egyptian Lover to give a free concert on L.A.’s Skid Row.

The “Occupy Skid Row” concert is being organized by Chuck D and Skid Row activist General Jeff, who also happens to be a longtime Hip-Hop producer and a former member of Rodney O & Joe Cooley.

The event, which also takes place on Dr. Martin Luther King’s holiday, will be held from 1:30 to 5:30, and will be used as a way to spotlight such issues as homelessness in Los Angeles and other cities around the United States.

It’s estimated that Los Angeles’ Skid Row has a population of over 4,300 homeless people.

The concert will kick off a larger movement, which aims to also “Occupy the Radio,” in order to make radio stations play more local music.

“Then we mobilizing occupy PROTESTS on radio stations for community, 25% artist takeback.There are only a few groups that own many,” Chuck D. tweeted.

The public is urged to come out and show support.

... Great, I got up early to bring the kids down to the beach for breakfast, and now I can’t see the bloody ocean because of an annoying clump of fricking Christians. I was tempted to gather a group of pagan goat worshippers like myself to assemble farther down the beach to perform some satanic rituals. Hands were waving in the air in Jesus-enthused ecstasy, others dropped to their knees and started reading their bibles. Zoe was mildly amused and whispered in my ear ‘they must have waterproof bibles’.

It’s not like they don’t have ample time to read the the Word of the Lord. Surely in the time other young people are taking drugs, having sex or masturbating, they’re tucked up in bed with the good book. Why the sudden urge to read the bible on the beach at 10 o’clock on a Wednesday morning? Oh, I get it, because other people can see them. In fact, what is the point in praying unless you get to inflict it on the whole fricking beach?

Christians with cameras start taking photos of Christians reading bibles. What for? Are they going to upload it on their version of Facebook? Prayerbook? Imagine the status updates: ‘Read Isaiah at Wategos! POL! (That means Pray Out Loud). Then they start the baptisms. Weddings have to apply to council and pay a fee, but this busload of bible bashers just start inflicting their religious choices on the whole beach.

Groovy young tattooed ministers duck fully clothed initiates under the Wategos waves to cleanse them of their sins. I’m hoping that the evil that’s washed off our family infects them. Now I can’t swim because I don’t want to get stinky born-again christian all over me.

If you want to baptise your followers at the beach, then don’t choose peak tourist time on the world’s smallest and most popular beach. Go to Tallow. Try Lennox. There’s plenty of remote beaches where the only people you’ll see are surfers, a few fishermen, and some escaped psycho killer jerking off in the bushes. There’s a colossal amount of arrogance thinking it’s okay for 200 people to land in the middle of a crowded public beach and start performing their religious ritual.

Clearly we are a country that practises religious tolerance but I can’t help but wonder what the public reaction would be if 200 Muslims turned up, laid out their prayer mats and started praying to Allah. There is nothing wrong with prayer to the god of your choosing. Just don’t do it in my face. Most religions respect the beliefs of others by being discreet. That’s why people have churches, or temples or mosques. ...

"Two days ago Arrow Energy appeared to be listening to community concerns and pulled their recently installed drill rig out of Nindooinbah Estate Road, Kerry in the Scenic Rim area of Queensland. Community campaigners had been asking for a water study to be completed before any drilling commenced." Jacinta Green, Vice President of Lock the Gate Alliance said.

"Yesterday afternoon Arrow Energy moved the drill rig back into location. This morning workers from Arrow Energy turned up and then left the site. Campaigners were then surprised to see them return escorted by the QLD police" Ms. Green continued

Local concerned resident Sally Undery said "Arrow had indicated that they would consider taking part in a community research and testing program and a meeting to start planning was scheduled for January 31 - I for one am extremely disappointed that they don't appear to be taking any of it seriously and have started drilling before a plan can even be made."

Innes Larkin, spokesperson for Keep the Scenic Rim Scenic said "early this morning we were peacefully blockading in picnic chairs, now 9 people have been arrested and taken to Beaudesert Police station, they have been charged and are due in court on the 1st of February."

Despite this setback, the blockade continues.

Police have arrested three protesters, and are trying to detain a fourth person, at a blockade against coal seam gas (CSG) exploration near Beaudesert, west of Queensland's Gold Coast.

Farmers and residents living in the Beaudesert area fear CSG mining will impact on the water table.

Arrow Energy was drilling an exploration well until yesterday when protesters blockaded the site.

Yesterday, nine protesters were arrested when they blockaded the gas drill rig.

Today the protesters are back outside the front gate, vowing once again to stop workers entering.

A protester has climbed to the top of the drilling rig.

He is refusing to climb down.

Workers who did turn up this morning were turned away and protesters saw that as a small victory.

Arrow Energy says they have two exploration drills happening in the area, with work expected to finish next month.

The company says it is not gas producing at this stage.

A camp has been set up at the entry to the drilling site, with protesters saying they have no intention of lifting the blockade.

Gold Coast City Council has appointed Paul Heaton as Director of Gold Coast Water. Council CEO Dale Dickson said Mr Heaton, appointed following a thorough selection process, would bring his extensive engineering expertise and solid leadership skills to the new role.

“As the Chief Operating Officer of Allconnex Water, Mr Heaton managed a budget of $400 million and led a team of 600,” Mr Dickson said.

“I believe Mr Heaton’s professional qualifications, experience and proven leadership skills will serve the city well into the future.”

Mayor Ron Clarke welcomed Mr Heaton to the role.

“I’m sure Mr Heaton and his team will bring an innovative and united approach to the delivery of water services for the benefit of the Gold Coast community,” he said.

Mr Heaton holds a Bachelor of Civil Engineering (First Class Honours) and Masters of Engineering Science.

His career includes working as General Manager Water Services for the Power and Water Corporation in Darwin and as a Senior Water Engineer for SKM Consulting in Townsville.

He has won the Churchill Fellowship and two engineering excellence awards.

Mr Heaton will take up the position at Council on 1 July 2012, however will be involved in preparations for the establishment of Gold Coast Water from now. Paul Heaton – brief biography

2010 - current: Allconnex Water – Chief Operating Officer
2006 - 2010: Power and Water Corporation, Darwin - General Manager Water Services
2001 - 2006: Power and Water Corporation, Darwin - Manager Water Facilities
1999 - 2001: SKM Consulting Engineers, Townsville - Senior Water Engineer
1995 - 1999: Power and Water Corporation, Alice Springs – Hydraulics Engineer
1988 -1993: Rural Water Corporation, Bacchus Marsh and Swan Hill – Dam Construction and Irrigation Engineer

Mr. Matsumura is willing to live in a nuclear wasteland to take care of the 400 cows, 60 pigs, 30 fowls, 10 dogs, 100 cats and an ostrich that the nuclear meltdown left behind. He is the Buddha of The Forbidden Zone.

This is the story of Naoto Matsumura, Tomioka City, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan–the last man standing in Fukushima’s Forbidden Zone. He will not leave; he risks an early death because his defiance of Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) and the government is his life now. He is not crazy and he is not going. He remains there to remind people of the human costs of nuclear accidents. He is the King of The Forbidden Zone; its protector. He is the caretaker or empty houses, a point of contact for those citizen who can’t return. He takes care of the animals, “the sentient beings”, that remain behind because no one else will. He is the Buddha of the forbidden zone. ...

Matsumura spends his days feeding the animals. Every morning, he goes from houses to houses in order to feed the cats and dogs that stayed in town, then he goes to feed the his pigs and wild pigs.

Ilargi: Hmm. Right, markets are up. Wonder what they're so happy about? A newfound source of suckers, perhaps, or the same old one that still has some juice left? Yeah, US jobs numbers, housing numbers, yada yada, I know. But does anyone with a sound mind have the guts to risk their wealth on that?

Merkel and Sarkozy are doing emergency meeting 1000, the next one, number 1001, is on January 20. What do they talk about by now? US jobs numbers? Hard to imagine.

Hungary perhaps? It’s fast becoming a major threat to Europe's finances, since Austrian banks are deeply embedded in the country. And in Bulgaria, Romania.

And the Magyar government pushes through one new law after the other, including some concerning the central bank that the IMF and EU don't like one bit. The central bank's independence is under threat, is their complaint. But can anyone name even one example where the IMF stood up to protect a central bank's independence from the IMF? Or doesn't that count?

Hungary’s constitution and democracy are "trampled on", say the headlines. Yes, well, what's new? Are we sure this indignation is well directed? For one thing, not that far from Budapest, Italy and Greece have installed unelected technocrat governments, under pressure from the same IMF and EU. Certainly undemocratic, and almost certainly contrary to their respective constitutions.

I have little sympathy for a government that also writes up new laws that take issues like abortion and gay rights on a journey back in time, but I do think we must ask ourselves who exactly is doing the trampling these days.

In America, anybody at all can now be arrested without any recourse at all, no lawyer, no trial, no formal accusation. Constitution, anyone? A few years back in Europe, a new EU constitution was voted down repeatedly by voters in several member countries. It still went through. Merkel and Sarkozy push hard to change that constitution again, to allow for a two thirds majority to suffice for far reaching "reforms". Democracy, anyone?

It's all just another power game, facilitated by the dire economic circumstances countries find themselves in. We live in the kind of times when the IMF and the World Bank dust off their shock doctrine playbooks, times they undoubtedly long saw coming, and precipitated where they could.

Hungary tries to fight back, and what it is fighting, in its own eyes, is debt slavery. Hungary is one of a growing list of countries that don't have access to international money markets. For them the IMF is the only game in town, and the IMF raises the stakes as the list grows and the countries grow more desperate, demanding ever more loot per dollar borrowed. Greece, Portugal, Ireland, and soon Italy, they depend on a thin veneer of Eurozone guarantees, and after that it's the IMF.

Loansharks International Ltd. Nice little country you got there, you wouldn’t want ......., would you? So, Budapest, do as we say: privatize your resources, shrink your social plans, and put up your national treasures as collateral. If we can do it with Greece, we can certainly do it with you, there’s no Eurozone protection coming your way.

Still, I’d bet Merkel and Sarkozy's main topic is once again Greece. And the extent to which its downfall will drag down Italy and France. They know it's not looking up, despite what the markets do or say. ...

 

The Thrower Bridge walkway is being constructed because its ongoing recreational benefit to the community far outweighs the inconvenience of it being inundated a few times a year during spring tides

This occasional inundation was factored into the walkway’s design which has been constructed from marine grade timber, steel and concrete.

To meet Australian construction and safety standards, it was essential to maintain a clearance of 2.4 metres between the walkway and the bottom of the bridge - No other practical option was available.

This was a principal condition by the State’s SEQ Cycle Network program which provided approximately $750,000 of the $1.8 million project cost.

Following the major flood event in January 2011, support is available for Brisbane residents who were flooded. Find advice and information, including:

* Council support for flood-affected residents
* rebuilding or developing flooded homes or property
* rates and water relief
* Micah Projects Flood Recovery Housing and Support Service
* legal and insurance advice
* financial advice
* emotional wellbeing and support
* safety in the home
* fact sheets

The People Fight Back

We are in the middle of the most inspiring revolution the the history of the human race and many people are either unaware of it, don't want to know or are just beginning to wake up. The days of uncontrolled, unfettered and environmentally destructive development are now gradually being brought to an end. These changes are being forced as ordinary people join together to confront the reality of climate disruption, irreversible worldwide economic instability and a population explosion almost out of control.

Everywhere, people are taking action to defend their quality of life and the environment. Over the past few years there has been an extraordinary increase in the number of independent citizens' and farmers' groups. They are joining together to prevent local parks, beauty spots, beaches, arable land, forests, the marine environment and other precious places from being trashed as a result of irreponsible mining, toxic fracking, clear-felling, industrial pollution and greed-driven, inappropriate sub-divisions. People are starting to fight back to stop and repair damage caused by ignorance, indifference, greed and political opportunism.

It's no accident that the very first conservationists were organic farmers and gardeners. Right from the start they pointed out that the most vitally important resource of any country - apart from people - is fertile soil. Treated wisely, it is the basic source of our food, clothing, shelter and health. Ultimately, soil fertility is the key to survival of life on earth.

Only in the last few decades have people started to become acutely concerned about the way much of our food is grown and treated. Today, more and more of us refuse to buy food we suspect may be contaminated with toxic spray residues or contain genetically modified organisms. This is a major reason why alternative, community-based, organic fruit and vegetable gardens are springing up everwhere, especially in primary schools. This positive, worldwide trend has expanded only in the last few years.

Many city-based public food gardens are producing unexpected side benefits. Apart from being sources of nutritious food and healthy exercise, they have become meeting places where racial prejudices and suspicions are shattered as different ethnic groups work together. Above all, people from all walks of life are experiencing the great uniting power of the soil and the joy of sharing while learning from each other. No wonder I'm such an optimist.

Urgent Action - We Need Your Help

This morning the Kerry community and others from around the Scenic Rim established a blockade to stop drilling underway in Kerry, to allow time for baseline water studies. and an independent study into the potential impacts of coal seam gas drilling on underground water.

Why is this important?

When coal seam gas drilling in the United States allegedly contaminated underground water supplies, mining companies refused to take blame. They challenged bore-owners to prove it was them. Without test data confirming water levels/purity pre-drilling, this was very difficult. Some Kerry farmers and others in the community have been pushing for 'baseline' testing, to gain understanding of local groundwater systems and also as insurance, if something does go wrong. We know accidents happen. We are concerned that if Arrow Energy pushes ahead with drilling before tests are done, there is increased potential for less accurate data and contamination. We are also asking for an independent study of groundwater aquifers which extend from the Scenic Rim into the wider south-east Queensland area including Brisbane. We need to fully understand these systems to assess the risk gas production might pose.

How will we stop the drilling to allow for testing?

The Liverpool Plains and Gloucester have already given us the answer: late last year both communities used peaceful blockades to stop access to drill sites, while they negotiated with the gas companies. Their leverage was the expensive drill, forced to sit idle and the fact that their demands were not unreasonable. Both groups successfully stopped drilling to allow for testing.

The Detail

- WE NEED NUMBERS to maintain a blockade for days, possibly weeks
- while we would prefer only adults to start, we are aiming for an family atmosphere when estalished (we will let you know when it is suitable to bring smaller children)
- Come for an hour, a day or come to stay ... or maybe just drop in some fresh food and a few cool drinks
- all participants must register and sign a code of conduct
- no alcohol, drugs or violence, with respect for others at all times
- excellent camping space, please bring your own water
- please bring your video camera if you have one
- don't forget your sunscreen, hat, drinking water, chair and maybe a picnic or food for your stay, your 'Lock the Gate' sign and even a musical instrument for entertainment ...

Police have arrested nine anti-coal seam gas protesters at a blockade on a southern Queensland property.

Local landowners set up the blockade at Kerry Valley, near Beaudesert on Thursday morning, preventing Arrow Energy workers from conducting exploratory CSG drilling.

A police spokeswoman said nine people were arrested for contravening a police direction.

Protest spokesman Innes Larkin, of the Keep the Scenic Rim Scenic group, said about 45 people were involved in the demonstration.

Mr Larkin said the protesters were calling for baseline water tests to be conducted on local aquifers before drilling is allowed to commence.

"Landowners are really, really concerned about their water and concerned that they're not being listened to," he said.

"All of the people arrested, and I'm one of them, have never been arrested before.

"They are law-abiding citizens who have had to make this enormous step to let people know how important this issue is."

Mr Larkin said Arrow workers had been able to start work after the arrests, and that 36 people remained at the blockade.

Comment was being sought from Arrow Energy.

The nine arrested are due to face court on February 1.

A surfer walks amid rubbish on Kuta Beach in Bali on Wednesday. The rubbish was washed ashore by bad weather that has hit the island over the last few days. According to the Denpasar Meteorology and Geophysics (BMKG), the inclement weather will last until February. (Jakarta Post/Agung Parameswara). [11/1/12]

Demolition of homes sparks riots in the Philippines, The Globe and Mail [11/1/12]

Pedestrian Fatal, Roma: Queensland Police Media [12/1/12]

A man has died after being struck by a vehicle in Roma last night.

Initial investigations suggest around 11.45pm a passing motorist discovered an injured man on Bowen Road and contacted police and emergency services.

The man was transported to Roma Hospital but later died.

The driver of the vehicle failed to stop.

Traffic is being diverted around the crash scene.

The Forensic Crash Unit is investigating.

There is no further information available at this time.

Anyone with information which could assist police with their investigations should contact Crime Stoppers anonymously via 1800 333 000 or crimestoppers.com.au 24hrs a day.

Figures obtained through Senate Estimates reveal more than 112 million cubic metres - or 65 Melbourne Cricket Grounds - are proposed to be dredged from the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage area, with 52 million cubic metres already approved by the Federal Government.

A coalition of representatives from the fishing and tourism industries and reef scientists joined Australian Greens environment spokesperson Senator Larissa Waters to make the announcement today.

“The amount of dredging planned for the Reef for coal and coal seam gas export is off the charts – until October 2010, 6.5 million cubic metres of dredging had been approved in a five year period, now that’s ballooned to 112 million cubic metres on the books,” Senator Waters said.

“Australians have the right to know the devastating plans in store for our priceless Great Barrier Reef, before the Government transforms it into super highway for coal and gas tankers.

“This vast increase in dredging is recklessly endangering the World Heritage status of our Great Barrier Reef, and UNESCO are so alarmed they are sending a delegation to the Reef in March.

“The Government’s strategic assessment of development on the Reef to placate UNESCO is a farce because it will not assess any of this mass dredging or any other development already applied for.

“The Gladstone harbour crisis should be a warning for the rest of the Reef – with only two million cubic metres dredged so far, we’ve seen widespread fish contamination, greater numbers of dead turtles and dugongs and fishers and tourist operators sent to the wall.

“While Gladstone Ports Corporation continue to deny their dredging is having any impact, they’ve also demanded Gladstone harbour be removed from the World Heritage Area, a damning admission that mass dredging is incompatible with World Heritage values.

“Environment Minister Tony Burke must start listening to the thousands of Australians calling for dredging throughout the Reef to be suspended, and included in the strategic assessment, before we see the Gladstone harbour crisis repeated up and down the coast.”

So This Comes As No Surprise ...

Barcaldine Regional Council has been given permission to relocate a problem flying fox roost out of the centre of Jericho, Environment Minister Vicky Darling said today.

Ms Darling said the Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) had approved council’s application for a Damage Mitigation Permit that allowed the council to clear vegetation in the roost.

Up to 12,000 little red flying foxes previously lived in the roost, adjacent to the Capricorn Highway, but recently moved to a new roosting site on Jordan Creek.

“The permit allows the council six months (to 9 July, 2012), to carry out the work,” Ms Darling said.

“In that time, the council must also prepare a long term plan to manage vegetation at the roost to deter flying foxes from returning to the site.

“In recent weeks, DERM officers have had a number of meetings with council and members the community and took into account their concerns about the health risks posed by the flying fox colony.

"Living near flying fox roosts can be distressing and I am very sympathetic to residents’ concerns in Jericho.

“It is encouraging to see the results of successful collaboration between Barcaldine Regional Council and DERM to manage the problem.

“The council was also granted a Damage Mitigation Permit in August last year to manage flying fox populations in the town of Barcaldine.

“In Jericho, the Barcaldine Regional Council is allowed to clear, trim, lop or remove trees or vegetation over the next six months, as long as flying foxes do not return to the site or use areas adjacent to it.

“The permit applies only to the vacated roost site, and does not authorise the removal of vegetation at the Jordan Creek site where flying foxes are still roosting.

“Flying foxes, especially little red flying foxes, are highly mobile and nomadic and can shift their locations daily in search of food.

“Landowners or local authorities can apply to DERM for a damage mitigation permit to manage flying foxes if the animals are causing damage, economic loss or pose a risk to human health and wellbeing.

“However, it is important to remember that flying foxes play a crucial role in our environment as pollinators of native plants and trees.

“They are an important native Australian animal protected by Queensland's Nature Conservation Act.

Bligh Government Continues To Demonstrate Its Priorities

Gold Coast Turf Club and Racing Queensland Limited have signed an historic agreement to spend $35.4 million on upgrades to the Gold Coast Turf Club.

Premier Anna Bligh saidshe waspleased that the Gold Coast Turf Club and Racing Queensland had come to an agreement on the investment so works couldcommence as soon as possible.

“This announcement secures the future of thoroughbred racing on the Gold Coast including the Magic Millions Carnival.

“I can also confirm that Racing Queensland will not be seeking any equity sharing arrangement in the redevelopment and this has resolved one of the major sticking points that has delayed agreement on this project.

“Works are expected to begin in August 2012 and will initially focus on the redevelopment of the Member's facilities, the installation of an all weather synthetic track and an upgrade of existing training tracks.

“This will be followed by the redevelopment of the course proper in July 2013 which will be completely resurfaced and a new drainage system installed to ensure racing on the Gold Coast can continue year-round, no matter the weather.

“This project is staged to ensure no disruption to day-to-day training and major events such as the Prime Minister’s Cup and future Magic Millions carnivals.

“Without first class facilities for industry participants, and punters alike, the Queensland racing industry will struggle to attract the wagering dollar when there is so much competition for that dollar in this day and age,” she said.

Racing Minister Tim Mulherin, who toldGold Coast racing fraternity of the deal while officially opening the 2012 Magic Millions last night (Tuesday, Jan 10),said the $35.4 million upgrade formed part of the record $110 million Racing Industry Capital Development Scheme committed by the Bligh Labor Government to the Queensland racing industry.

“The injection of significant capital expenditure on racing infrastructure is contingent upon Racing Queensland and individual clubs coming to an agreement on how those funds will be spent,” he said.

“The investment of over $110 million in vital infrastructure upgrades by the Bligh Government will ensure we have a world class product well into the future.”

 

A range of statements and issues have been raised in recent times in relation to activities of Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs (OMCGs) on the Gold Coast.

I would like to take a moment to address some of these, and to put them into a context that hopefully will bring both value and perspective to this important issue.

The Queensland Police Service’s first and most important priority is public safety. This responsibility is at the very core of everything we do. The people of Queensland expect us to do everything in our power to disrupt, prevent, and where necessary, respond to illegal activity, including the illicit activities of OMCGs.

This is exactly what we do, day in and day out. We do all we lawfully can. Much of our work in relation to OMCGs remains, by necessity, covert and out of the public eye, however a lack of visibility should not be confused with a lack of activity.

The reality is that the QPS is always monitoring what is happening through the OMCGs, both in Queensland and nationally.

For example, a national gathering of the Gypsy Jokers OMCG is taking place within South Eastern Queensland this week.

The QPS is actively planning and will manage this activity to ensure public safety and address any criminal activity or traffic infringements should they occur, using resources from the regions, State Traffic, Operations Support Command and State Crime Operations Command and spearheaded by Taskforce Hydra. Taskforce Hydra is a dedicated team of intelligence and investigative officers who work closely with the regions and other specialist areas to tackle OMCGs.

Taskforce Hydra has been in operation since 2007, and in that time, 972 people, mostly members and associates of OMCGs have been charged with some 2700 offences, including serious crimes such as attempted murder, arson, torture, firearms offences, and drug trafficking. This includes investigating the arson of the Rebels Clubhouse at Albion, where members of the Bandidos OMCG were convicted and jailed.

We have very strong intelligence sharing networks throughout the country, and we make sure that we gather as much intelligence as we can, through a whole range of channels, including our own officers, who are interacting with the public every day throughout the State. As an aspect of this we regularly produce Intelligence Information Bulletins, but that does not mean that extreme violence between OMCGs is imminent. OMCGs exist throughout Queensland.

In a large and decentralised State such as Queensland, it is essential that Brisbane-based specialist units such as Taskforce Hydra exist and are able to coordinate information, intelligence and police activity and support their colleagues State-wide.

The recently announced five-officer Illegal Firearms Squad is an example of that – illegal firearms activity exists across the State also. We are always concerned and aware of the potential for conflict between OMCGs competing for lucrative illicit activities.

We took appropriate action after the recent disagreement and physical altercation between members of two different OMCG groups at a Gold Coast Nightclub. While we are monitoring – and will continue to monitor the situation very closely, we have nothing to indicate at present that there is anything more serious planned. If that changes, we will take all necessary action, including informing the public.

We are keenly conscious of our responsibilities to the people of Queensland, and our commitment to public safety is whole-hearted. Bob Atkinson APM Comissioner Queensland Police Service

Warana resident Jeremy Britton watches the sun rise from the observation deck at his local Wyanda Park beach every morning.

He usually has to peek through two matured pandanus trees to see the ocean, which he says is the best part of the view.

But yesterday his scenic morning at Bokarina was ruined when he discovered the two trees had been felled illegally and were left lying over the boardwalk to the beach.

"It looks like someone has got in there to specifically and deliberately cut down the trees with a chainsaw for a better view from the observation deck," he said.

"They were just left there hanging over the disabled walkway and it is very dangerous."

He said the trees had partly blocked the view of the beach from the observation deck.

"Even still I don't see why someone would cut them down. They did not affect any houses nor were they a safety hazard," he said.

"It is either people getting a kick out of vandalism or someone just wanting a better view for their own benefit."

Mr Britton contacted Sunshine Coast Regional Council, who told him they would investigate the felling. The council was unavailable for comment yesterday.

These gum trees on Whiting Street, Labrador are home to wildlife and provide much needed shade and beauty to the area.

Why Is Garrett So Keen For This Country To Indoctrinate A Generation Of Fundamentalist Christians?

Strong demand for Chaplaincy and Student Welfare Program

Minister for School Education, Minister for Early Childhood and Youth Media Release [10/1/12]

Thousands of schools have applied for ongoing funding for chaplaincy or student welfare services through the Government’s National School Chaplaincy and Student Welfare Program.

Minister for School Education Peter Garrett, said that under changes to the program announced in 2011, school communities can choose a chaplain or student welfare worker, and new services are being offered to up to 1,000 additional schools.

“From September 2011, schools with existing chaplains were able to apply to continue their chaplaincy or welfare services under the new National School Chaplaincy and Student Welfare Program,” Mr Garrett said.

“It’s clear that chaplains and student welfare workers are a great asset to schools and provide positive support for students, with Government receiving 2,512 applications for the continuation of services.

“Applications for the continuation of services are currently being processed and schools will be advised of the outcome in the coming months.”

Of the 2,512 applications received, 89 per cent of schools have chosen to remain with a chaplain, eight per cent have chosen to employ a student welfare worker, and three per cent are yet to decide.

Schools that do not currently have a chaplain have until 2 March 2012 to apply for one of the additional 1000 new places. The schools can receive up to $60,000 over three years to offer chaplaincy or student welfare services to their school community.

Schools in remote and very remote locations will be eligible for an additional 20 per cent loading, a maximum of $72,000 over three years.

The Australian Government has committed $222 million over three years to the program.

For further information visit: www.deewr.gov.au/Schooling/NSCSWP

New York City’s Department of Education announced plans on Monday to close two long-troubled charter schools in Brooklyn and Queens at the end of this school year.

City officials said they are seeking to revoke Williamsburg Charter High School‘s charter after the school, which was put on probation in September, did not follow the city’s recommendations for improvement.

Officials also intend to close one of two charter schools in Far Rockaway, the Peninsula Preparatory Charter School, where students’ test scores fell below the goals in the school’s charter.

These closures would bring the tally of shuttered New York City charter schools to eight.

A third charter school that was in danger of being closed, Opportunity Charter School in Harlem, will receive a two-year reprieve, according to the city’s plan, which calls for a short-term renewal of the school’s charter.

Williamsburg Charter High School, which opened in 2004, is one of three schools operated by the Believe High School Network. Even before the school was placed on probation earlier this year, it was under investigation by the office of Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman of New York for several months because of questions about its financial management. Those concerns have not abated.

In his notice of intent to revoke the school’s charter, which is not yet up for renewal, the director of the city’s charter school office, Recy Dunn, wrote that Eddie Calderon-Melendez, who founded the school and runs the Believe Network, drove the school into debt while spending money on outside consultants and a large salary for himself.

At different points in the school’s troubled history, officials said, Mr. Calderon-Melendez misspent grant money, used the school’s credit card for personal purchases including alcohol, and bullied board members into leaving.

Although there has been a steady stream of complaints about Mr. Calderon-Melendez over the years, the school’s board voted on Jan. 3 to re-install him as its chief executive officer, giving him more direct control of its day-to-day operations. By keeping Mr. Calderon-Melendez in power, the school’s board has committed “a serious violation of its obligations under the Charter and state law,” wrote Mr. Dunn.

Opened in 2004, Peninsula Preparatory Charter School was founded by State Senator Malcolm A. Smith, who served as a board member until 2006. Another Queens politician, Rep. Gregory Meeks, was also a member of the elementary school’s board.

Despite its political connections, Peninsula Prep struggled from the outset. Originally located in a Far Rockaway middle school, it moved into a complex of trailers near a large real estate development owned by one of Mr. Smith’s campaign donors, leaving its students without a gym or playground. For the last three years, it has received C’s on its progress reports from the city.

Ericka Wala, Peninsula’s principal since July of 2009, said the school had been improving, albeit slowly.

“I was hoping we would be given an opportunity to continue the movement that I believe is in a positive direction, and unfortunately the decision was otherwise,” she said.

Ms. Wala said she would encourage her younger students to attend Challenge Preparatory Charter School, the island’s other charter school, which opened in 2010 and currently has grades K-2.

Peninsula’s third and fourth graders will have to find seats in other Far Rockaway schools. “Other schools are having the same struggles as us,” Ms. Wala said. “We outperformed 9 of the 10 schools our students are zoned for.”

PBS's Dishonest Iran Edit

As if tensions between the United States and Iran weren't high enough, here's PBS NewsHour anchor Margaret Warner (1/9/12):

The Iranian government insists that its nuclear activities are for peaceful energy purposes only, an assertion disputed by the U.S. and its allies. On CBS yesterday, Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta repeated international demands that Iran stop enriching uranium.

SECRETARY OF DEFENSE LEON PANETTA: But we know that they're trying to develop a nuclear capability, and that's what concerns us. And our red line to Iran is, do not develop a nuclear weapon. That's a red line for us. They need to know that, if they take that step, that they're going to get stopped.

The way that's presented you'd think that the United States has evidence that Iran is pursuing a weapon. Leon Panetta's soundbite is from his appearance on Face The Nation on Sunday. But the NewsHour removed one key phrase; right before Panetta says, "But we know," he said this:

Are they trying to develop a nuclear weapon? No.

So Panetta's statement--that Iran is not building a nuclear weapon--is being used to argue that the United States disputes Iran's long-standing contention that it not building a nuclear weapon.

UNESCO Condemns Killing Of Journalists In The Philippines And Syria: UN Media Release [10/1/12]

The head of the United Nations agency in charge of defending press freedom condemned today the recent murders of journalists in the Philippines and Syria and called on authorities to investigate the crimes thoroughly.

“I call on the Philippine authorities to shed light on this crime and bring the perpetrators to justice,” said Irina Bokova, Director-General of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

According to the non-governmental organization (NGO) Reporters Without Borders, Christopher Guarin, a presenter on Radio Mindanao Network and editor of Tatak News Nationwide, was returning home with his wife and children last Thursday when an unidentified motorcycle opened fire on his vehicle.It is crucial that such an act, which violates the fundamental right to freedom of expression, does not go unpunished.
Mr. Guarin was wounded from the first impact, but when he tried to escape, his attackers shot him five times. His wife said he had received various death threats in the past.

“This crime joins the long list of journalists that have been killed in the country since last year,” said Ms. Bokova. “Journalists who cover news in the Philippines should be able to work safely in order to provide citizens with free information and nourish an informed debate.”

Ms. Bokova also condemned the murder of Syrian journalist Shoukri Ahmed Ratib Abu Bourghoul who was shot on 30 December and succumbed to his injuries three days later. He was targeted by a group of armed men on his way home in the town of Darya, near the capital, Damascus, after presenting his weekly radio show.

Ms. Bokova called his assassination an attack on press freedom and against the rights of journalists to carry out their mission, and urged Syrian authorities to conduct an investigation to shed light on the conditions that let to his death.

Barrister Peter Lavac speaks to the media following a win in the courts defending an Occupy Sydney participant who was arrested for sleeping... [9/1/12]

 

Accountability And Justice Must Be Delivered For Yet Another Aboriginal Death In Custody: Amnesty [10/1/12]

Amnesty International is deeply disappointed by the Northern Territory Police Association President Vince Kelly’s comments alleging Aboriginal poor health and alcoholism as key factors contributing towards deaths in police custody.

“The tragic death of Terrance Briscoe last week highlights government inaction in implementing the recommendations made more than 20 years ago in Australia’s most significant inquiry into Aboriginal deaths in custody,” said Claire Mallinson, National Director of Amnesty International Australia.

“Mr Kelly’s comments simply ignore the underlying social, cultural and legal issues concerning Aboriginal deaths in custody that remain unaddressed in this county,” said Mallinson.

Amnesty International welcomes the coronial and police investigations into Mr Briscoe’s death but also calls for an impartial investigation of the highest standard, independent of the police responsible for Mr Briscoe’s custody.

“What we saw in the flawed police investigations into the deaths of Palm Islander Mulrunji Doomadgee and West Australian Aboriginal leader Mr Ward were systemic failures of authorities to deliver justice for these deaths and must not be repeated,” said Mallinson.

Amnesty International last year wrote to then Attorney-General Robert McLellend expressing concern about the outcome of investigations into the deaths of Mr Doomadgee and Mr Ward and urging him to take all possible steps to increase the protection of individuals held in police custody.

The organisation calls for all levels of government to implement the 339 recommendations made by the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in 1991.

“We are particularly concerned at the failure to implement the recommendations directed at ensuring all deaths in custody are as rigorously investigated as homicides in a transparent and impartial manner.

“People in custody must be treated in accordance with the international standards that Australia has sworn to uphold. It’s high time Federal, State and Territory Governments made sure that proper standards of care are implemented and adhered to,” said Mallinson.

Tighten Your Belt Australia And Forget About High Speed Rail, We've Got To Subsidise A U.S. Corporation

SHANGHAI – General Motors and its joint ventures sold a record 2,547,171 vehicles in China in 2011, an average of one car or truck every 12 seconds in its largest global market. GM’s sales were up 8.3 percent from the previous high of 2,351,610 vehicles sold in 2010.

GM’s Shanghai GM and SAIC-GM-Wuling joint ventures along with all of its passenger car brands experienced record domestic demand, enabling GM to remain the sales leader among global automakers in China for the seventh consecutive year.

“GM stayed ahead of the competition despite a slowdown in the growth of industry demand thanks to our broad portfolio of appealing vehicles,” said Kevin Wale, president and managing director of the GM China Group. “GM and our joint ventures introduced 12 new models in 2011 while expanding our manufacturing and product development capability to meet rising demand.”

Rising Sales

Shanghai GM was China’s passenger car sales leader in 2011. It sold 1,200,355 vehicles in the domestic market, an increase of 16.2 percent from 2010. SAIC-GM-Wuling was the domestic sales leader among mini-commercial vehicle manufacturers. It sold 1,285,820 vehicles in China last year, a rise of 4.8 percent on an annual basis. FAW-GM sold 56,132 vehicles in China in its second full year of doing business.

Among GM brands, Buick sold a record 645,537 vehicles, an increase of 17.4 percent year on year. It benefited from record demand of 253,514 units for its Excelle passenger car lineup. In addition, sales of the Excelle XT hatchback and Excelle GT sedan reached 134,800 units, and sales of the LaCrosse sedan totaled 103,366 units.

In 2011, Chevrolet sales in China rose 9.4 percent year on year to an all-time high of 595,068 units. The Cruze sedan remained the brand’s best-selling model, generating sales of 221,196 units. It was followed by the New Sail family, with 166,693 sales.

Cadillac also made the record book on sales of 30,008 units in 2011, an increase of 72.8 percent from the previous year, as sales of the SRX luxury utility vehicle totaled nearly 20,000 units. GM’s imported Opel brand had sales of 4,864 units, up 51.1 percent from 2010. The new Antara SUV was the best-selling Opel model in China.

The Wuling brand generated all-time domestic sales of 1,193,708 units, for 3.9 percent growth. The Sunshine minivan accounted for 48.0 percent of Wuling sales. The new Baojun passenger car brand, which entered the market in August 2011, ended the year with sales of 21,854 units.

December Results

General Motors and its joint ventures had record December sales in China of 196,797 vehicles, an increase of 9.8 percent on an annual basis. SAIC-GM-Wuling’s domestic sales were up 35.7 percent on an annual basis to 113,491 units. Shanghai GM’s domestic sales declined 10.8 percent to 77,699 units. Domestic sales by FAW-GM in December totaled 5,268 units.

Growing Product Lineup

GM and its joint ventures in China introduced several significant products in 2011. Buick rolled out the LaCrosse with eAssist, LaCrosse 2.4 and New Regal 2.4 sedans. Among Chevrolet’s introductions were the new Aveo, new Epica, Camaro and Malibu sedans, the new Captiva SUV, and the Volt electric vehicle with extended range capability. Cadillac debuted the CTS Coupe and SLS 2.0 turbo luxury sedan. Opel brought to China the new Antara SUV. The N300 pickup series was introduced by Wuling and the Kuncheng pickup was brought to the market by FAW-GM. In addition, SAIC-GM-Wuling began sales of the Baojun 630 entry-level passenger car.

Expanding Presence

All of GM’s manufacturing joint ventures continued to expand production capacity to keep up with growing demand in China and in export markets. Shanghai GM (Shenyang) Norsom Motors broke ground for its new manufacturing facility in Shenyang, Liaoning. Shanghai GM Dong Yue Motors began pilot production at its third phase project in Yantai, Shandong. SAIC-GM-Wuling completed the second phase expansion of its plant in Qingdao, Shandong, and began construction of its new passenger car base in Liuzhou, Guangxi. FAW-GM opened its new plant in Harbin, Heilongjiang, and began production at its plant in Changchun, Jilin.

Shanghai OnStar, which provides a range of in-vehicle safety, security and communication services, kept up its impressive growth as well. It now has more than 400,000 subscribers across China. In May, OnStar received more than a million subscriber calls for the first time in a single month. To address rising demand for its services, Shanghai OnStar opened a second call center in September.

GM also continued to grow its dealership network. It now operates more than 2,700 dealers, which cover all of mainland China’s provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities. GM also expanded its reach into an important new area, as the first used-car hypermarket launched by its Shanghai Chengxin Used Car Operation and Management joint venture opened for business in December.

Driving Sustainable Transportation

GM took a major step toward achieving its vision of a sustainable future for the automotive industry in September, when it opened the first phase of the GM China Advanced Technical Center (ATC) in Shanghai. The ATC will serve as the home of GM’s China Science Lab, Vehicle Engineering Lab, Advanced Powertrain Engineering Lab and Advanced Design Center. The second phase of the ATC, which will become an important GM R&D base for China and the world, will open in the second half of 2012.

As a sign of China’s importance, GM Chairman and CEO Dan Akerson visited China three times in 2011. In addition, the GM Board of Directors met in Shanghai in September.

“This year will be equally promising for GM in China,” said Wale. “We expect the market for both passenger and commercial vehicles to continue to expand, particularly in China’s Tier 3 and Tier 4 cities. With our leading sales position and the strong performance of our brands, GM is well positioned to capitalize on the growth opportunities.”

General Motors traces its roots to 1908. GM has 11 joint ventures, two wholly owned foreign enterprises and more than 35,000 employees in China. GM and its joint ventures offer the broadest lineup of vehicles and brands among automakers in China. Passenger cars and commercial vehicles are sold under the Baojun, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Jiefang, Opel and Wuling brands. More information on General Motors in China can be found at GM Media Online.

Australian Parliament: Protect Julian Assange From Being Extradited

War on the Internet
Trades Hall Melbourne cnr Victoria & Lygon
Saturday January 21, 2012
3PM-5PM

Special Guests:
Jacob Appelbaum (Computer Security Researcher/Hacker, @ioerror)
Bernard Keane ('Crikey' journalist, author, @bernardkeane)
Scott Ludlam (Australian Greens senator, @senatorludlam)
Suelette Dreyfus (Author and researcher on whistleblowing, @sueletteD)

Information:
Jacob Appelbaum is a core member of the Tor project for online anonymity. Based at the University of Washington, he has been repeatedly targeted by US law enforcement, who sought a court order for access to his Twitter account and have detained him multiple times for his work and his association with WikiLeaks.

He's in Australia for a short time only - come along and hear from someone who has a lot to say about sane alternatives to war on the internet.

The response of governments and corporations to WikiLeaks, Anonymous, the occupy movement and the Arab Spring has been defensive and warlike.

More information on the link: http://i.imgur.com/1FZOw.jpg

 

B'Tselem 2011 Video Project Summary [VIDEO]

In 2011, volunteers in B'Tselem's camera project filmed over 500 hours of footage in the West Bank. There are two minutes we collected from it, in order to sum up the passing year.

 

Neither Malaysia nor Nauru; Lift the refugee quota, without conditions

Tuesday 10 January, 1.00-2.30pm, 398 Hamilton Rd, Fairfield West

Speakers include: Ian Rintoul (RAC), Jenny Haines (Labor for Refugees), Senator Lee Rhiannon (Greens, NSW), Hadi Hosseini and Iraj Moghadam (recently arrived refugees)

The refugee rights movement is appalled that Immigration Minister Chris Bowen responded to the most recent boat tragedy that saw 200 people drown by escalating his relentless push for the failed policy of offshore processing.

“Not only is Mr Bowen continuing to flog the Gillard government’s ‘Malaysia Solution’ dead horse, he is bending over backwards to win the Liberals’ support in parliament for offshore processing”, said Mark Goudkamp from the Refugee Action Coalition.

“Yet even Labor’s offer to re-open detention centres on Nauru and Manus Island—hallmarks of John Howard’s ‘Pacific Solution’ which caused so much needless misery and suffering for people eventually found to be refugees—has been rejected by Tony Abbott. In the lead up to the re-opening of Parliament, one wonders how much lower Bowen can go in seeking the Liberals’ support for offshore processing.

“It’s incredible that Nauru is still being considered. The Nauruan government says that one of the former detention centres is now a primary school. Neither Abbott, nor now it seems Bowen, are perturbed by uprooting these Nauruan kids in so that Australia can again dump asylum seekers there.

“Julia Gillard should recall what she, as Shadow Immigration Minister, said in 2002: ‘The Pacific Solution is an expensive failure…Stay tuned for the removal of the multi-million-dollar a day naval blockade of asylum-seekers and the closure of the multi-million-dollar a day camps on Nauru and Manus Island.’

Ian Rintoul from RAC said:

“It is completely mistaken to think that you can ultimately uphold the rights of refugees by systematically undermining them by sending asylum seekers to Malaysia or Nauru.

“During the years of John Howard’s Pacific Solution, asylum seekers still took boats to to Australia. The UNHCR estimates that around 1600 asylum seekers tried to get to Australia but were diverted to Nauru—plus another unknown number on boats were turned around or towed back.

“There has always been a humanitarian policy option, but Gillard and Abbott are too concerned with domestic politicking at refugees’ expense. A number of refugee advocacy groups, including the Refugee Action Coalition and Labor for Refugees and The Greens have advocated processing asylum seekers in Indonesia and guaranteeing refugee re-settlement from there. If this happened far fewer people would need to get on a boat.

“And if people-smuggling was decriminalised, boats could be prepared in the open. They could be equipped with life-jackets. They could inform the authorities when they were ready to sail, so they could be tracked or even escorted.”

But the Australian government has turned its back on refugees in Indonesia. Shamefully, despite promises of resettlement, 40 Tamil refugees stranded in Indonesia since October 2009 have been rejected by Australia and will be holding a protest in Medan next week.

“We are calling on the Minister to make good the Labor government’s promises to the Merak Tamils and bring them to Australia,” said Rintoul.

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