Most Recent Blog Posts

• test live audio blog 1109 test live audio blog 1109

  • From: rerights
  • Description:

    here is some text as part of the test of the live audio functionality November 2009

  • Audio blog post
  • 10 months ago
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• Mayday, Mayday! Mayday, Mayday!

  • From: reRANT
  • Description:

    May 1st has been a time of celebration for centuries as the first day of Summer. May Day marks the end of the uncomfortable winter half of the year in the Northern hemisphere, and it has traditionally been an occasion for popular and often raucous celebrations. But since the Labour Movement began there has been a new tradition of protests and demonstrations all over the world. This year was no different.

    Protesters took to the streets all over Europe, in both peaceful and violent demonstrations. With the rising unemployment spreading across europe, the protests this year seemed much more intense than ones in the past. Water cannons and tear gas were fired at demonstrators in Turkey, Greece and Germany as banks and shops were trashed by the marchers. Burning flags and garbage littered the streets, lighting up Berlin and Istanbul early Saturday morning.

    The protesters were mainly made up of the unemployed who need work, and students who have no means of paying tuition. The recession is bad everywhere but has hit countries in Europe the hardest. Almost one in three young people in Turkey are without jobs, similar statistics are shown in other countries in Europe and Governments are fearing more social unrest because of the downturn.

     

    

    BERLIN - MAY 01: Rioters stand near a fire started during May Day clashes between police and mostly left-wing protesters in Kreuzberg on May 1, 2009 in Berlin, Germany. Berlin police arrested 57 people in protests that turned violent. A police spokesman said 48 police officers were injured earlier during the clashes. (Photo by Carsten Koall/Getty Images)

  • Blog post
  • 1 year ago
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• test for PA test for PA

  • From: rerights
  • Description:

    testing test testttting

     

    
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  • 1 year ago
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• Sarah McLachlan Helps SPCA Sarah McLachlan Helps SPCA

  • From: reGIRL
  • Description:

    Kudos to Vancouver singer/songwriter Sarah McLachlan for her effective use of 'sight, sound, motion and emotion' (video) to raise funds for the province of British Columbia's SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals). 

    Her stirring hit song "Angel" , as well as the melodic "Answer" blend brilliantly with images of animals in distress and receiving care.  The call to action has resulted in over $30 million having been raised for the American SPCA since 2007, and over $1 million for her province's SPCA.

    Learn more about Ms. McLachlan's efforts on her own website and in this recent Globe & Mail article.  One person can make a huge difference.

     

  • Blog post
  • 2 years ago
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• 60th Anniversary of Universal 60th Anniversary of Universal Declaration of Human Rights

  • From: CharterofRights
  • Description:

    On December 10, 1948, in the aftermath of WWII, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was brought to life.
    

    The 60th Anniversary of the historic document is being celebrated internationally, and the document faces review and reflection.

    Erna Paris writes in today's Globe and Mail that

    Despite periodic steps in the right direction, the unfortunate reality since 1948 has been six decades of human-rights failures. In May, Amnesty International reported that people are still tortured or ill-treated in at least 81 countries. They face unfair trials in at least 54 countries; they cannot speak freely in at least 77.

    A collection of images reflecting the Articles of the Universal Declaration, on display at the United Nations in New York, can be found with accompanying text from the document throughout this site.

  • Blog post
  • 2 years ago
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• Tibet Protesters Mark 60th Ann Tibet Protesters Mark 60th Anniversary of Declaration of Human Rights

  • From: rerights
  • Description:
    

     

    NEW YORK - DECEMBER 10: Supporters of Tibet yell outside United Nations headquarters while voicing their support for Tibetan independence December 10, 2008 in New York City. The supporters marched across the city as part of International Human Rights Day. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

     

  • Blog post
  • 2 years ago
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• Stephane Hessel - Universal De Stephane Hessel - Universal Declaration of Human Rights drafter

  • From: rerights
  • Description:

    Dec 8 2008 Diplomat, ambassador and former resistant Stephane Hessel poses in Paris, France on December 2, 2008. Hessel participated in the drafting of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted and proclaimed on December 10, 1948 by the General Assembly of the United Nations. Photo by Patrick Othoniel/JDD/ABACAPRESS.COM Photo via Newscom Photo via Newscom Content © 2008 Newscom . All rights reserved.

    
  • Blog post
  • 2 years ago
  • Views: 61
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• test test

  • From: Gary
  • Description:

    This is a test blog entry.

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  • 2 years ago
  • Views: 28
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• Oceans Without Fish? Oceans Without Fish?

  • From: reGIRL
  • Description:

    The environmental and animal rights movements include paying attention to the future of our oceans.   One international organization, Sailors for the Sea, is committed to programs which heighten awareness of the importance of the waters and sea creatures which surround us all.  

    Their December 2008 Essay, "Oceans Without Fish?", provides clear insight into the dangers of commercial overfishing.

    Remember the saying, “There is more than one fish in the sea?” Well, this encouraging metaphor might soon find itself frighteningly untrue. The major culprit is overfishing -- a non-sustainable practice in which the removal of fish outpaces their ability to reproduce. This can, and does occur in any body of water from a pond to our vast oceans. According to www.overfishing.org, an independent source of information about the ocean threats, notes, "a total of almost 80% of the world's fisheries are fully- to over-exploited, depleted, or in a state of collapse." The severe depletion or removal of a species from an ecosystem can also have drastic effects on many other species, as well as on the ecosystem as a whole. Although many scientists consider this a major problem facing our oceans today, it is often reversible simply by giving an imperiled stock enough downtime to heal and replenish.

    Commercial fishing, which was once largely an industry of small, close-knit fishing communities, is now an orchestrated force of high-tech fishing fleets replete with state-of-the-art technologies such as fish-finding sonar, onboard processing and packing plants, and enormous freezing systems. With such massive machinery afloat, it is a surprise that any fish could find a way to thrive. As species becomes depleted and is no longer viable, fishermen must root out replacements. Once considered “trash fish,” species such as monkfish, sharks, and squid now prove quite valuable. So valuable, in fact, they now also run the risk of falling victim to overfishing. Enough overfishing inevitably leads to job loss, which will hurt both the commercial fishing fleet and the greater marine-dependent economy that draws direct and indirect benefits from this industry. 

    Along with overfishing, mortality caused by the discarding of ‘bycatch’ (unwanted species caught while fishing for the target species) also has the potential to negatively affect marine ecosystems. Perhaps the best-known case of bycatch was the trapping of dolphins in tuna nets that drew public attention in the late 80’s and early 90’s. For a variety of reasons—limited space on vessels, permits, size, lack of market value—bycatch is typically tossed back overboard, sometimes dead or dying. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, one in four untargeted animals caught in fishing gear dies. In addition to dolphins, other species such as sea turtles, seals, whales, sea birds (including the endangered albatross), skates, sharks, and fish accidentally become bycatch in the world’s commercial fisheries. The implementation of gear modifications (e.g. turtle-excluder devices and long-line “streamers”) has helped to reduce the rate of bycatch in some fisheries. However, in many commercial fisheries bycatch remains a major issue. 

    Commercial fishing can also inflict negative impacts on marine habitats. Bottom trawls, which are massive nets dragged along the seafloor, indiscriminately scoop-up whatever is in their path and can severely damage corals and seagrasses, as well as alter structural formations on the seafloor. Fish and shellfish need these places to hide, feed, and most importantly, to breed. Fitted with “rockhoppers” (often old tires) and “iron doors,” this type of fishing gear crushes vital habitat, leaving behind a desolate, feature-less seafloor. Unfortunately, according to Monterey Bay Aquarium, once damaged, these living seafloors (including sea sponges and coral) may take centuries to recover fully. This high impact activity also comes with an enormous opportunity cost as researchers are only now discovering tremendous medical potential amidst the biodiversity of the deep ocean floor. Putting this impact into perspective, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council the area of the ocean floor leveled by bottom trawling is 150 times larger than the forest areas clear-cut each year worldwide.     

    The actions of individuals can make a difference and effect change, and it all starts with knowledge and education. Know which species are in danger and adjust your purchases accordingly, as this can affect stores’ purchasing habits that in turn affect fishing practices in the ocean. The next time you are in the fish market or a restaurant, ask where the fish comes from and how it was caught. This encourages the purveyor to learn more about their product, and draws attention to increased consumer demand for sustainably harvested fish. It is simple economics -- supply and demand. If you’re mindful of the ecological impacts of your preferences then many more species stand a chance of survival. 

    Helpful Links:
    Please consider becoming a member of Sailors for the Sea

    New England Aquarium’s Sustainable Fisheries Initiative

    New England Aquarium’s Fish of the Month Program
    

    Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Sustainable Seafood Guide
    

    Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Resources
    

    Learn more about the US National Marine Fisheries Service

    Thanks to our friends at Sailors For the Sea for granting permission to reprint this enlightening essay in its entirety.

     

     

  • Blog post
  • 2 years ago
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• Governor General not so token Governor General not so token is she?

  • From: recci
  • Description:

    Parliament has been dissolved at the request of the Tories, so that they could re-group and try and pull the rug out of the coalition forming. Should the governor general have done this? While Harper tried to argue that a coalition pushing his gov't aside would be "undemocratic" -- the reality is that this sort of thing is at the very core of democracy... after all all those MPs were elected... remember that pesky little election Mr. Harper?  I know you'd rather forget about it as you were pinning your hopes on the warm fuzzy sweater ads (no pun intended--well maybe) garnering you a majority gov't. So here we are at a stale mate of sorts... how useful is that????

  • Blog post
  • 2 years ago
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• Post Election Letter from New Post Election Letter from New York

  • From: reGIRL
  • Description:

    Another insightful contribution by reRIGHTS.tv friend Mat:

    Letter From New York
    November 9, 2008
    History has been made, now the hard work begins…
    
    Knowing my schedule might preclude me from being home on Election Day, I cast an absentee ballot. Which was a good thing; just before Election Day I got the call to get myself to California for a long awaited network meeting. Election Day, I worked in the city and then took a 7:15 p.m. flight to LA. My main concern was that for the length of the flight, I would be cut off from knowing what was happening on possibly the most important political night of my adult life.
    
    Standing outside the gate was a young man offering wireless connectivity on the flight. Salvation! As soon as it was possible to use approved electronic devices, I logged on, watching the election returns on my laptop from 31,000 feet. Streaming video was not great but I could watch the states go red or blue. It was an amazing moment to see Obama cross the electoral threshold to victory. Truthfully, I was stunned and disbelieving until McCain conceded. Then, like many Americans, I felt tears in my eyes, grateful for the dark of the cabin. Something that had been unthinkable a few years ago, a year ago, had become not just possible but reality. America had elected a man of color to the Presidency, with the odd name of Barak Obama. As a friend said, I’ve always been proud of my country; this was something special.
    
    I tapped out an email to my friend James in London. I had spoken to him earlier; he told me that he, his wife and several friends were gathering to watch the election returns, feeling our election was as important to them as it was for us, as it seemed to be for people all over the world. In England, James told me groups were going to church to pray for Obama, frightened McCain would win. In Mumbai, there was dancing in the streets after McCain’s concession, an apparently not unusual reaction in many countries.

    In a stroke, the image of the U.S. changed around the world. From a disastrous image created over the last seven years, we have moved back, perceptually, into the fold of nations looked upon with respect by other nations.
    
    The unthinkable has happened due to a confluence of events that could not have been predicted even a year ago. The weariness with the war has grown and while everyone I know is proud of the troops on the ground, there is no pride in the Administration’s decisions that put them there. No one expected the financial tsunami of a century to wash across the land. Since the crisis erupted, McCain has seemed at a loss as how to deal with it while Obama has sounded steady and knowledgeable. McCain’s decision to suspend his campaign and return to Washington to “deal” with the crisis resulted in his appearing panicky as opposed to steady, which is what the country needed.
    
    Millions of middle class supporters were eventually won over by Obama as he laser focused on the financial issues facing them, including health care, sounding at every step more credible than McCain. On Election Day, exit interviews indicated that even though many were uncomfortable with his color and his name they were even more uncomfortable with the opposing team. A surprising number of voters who moved into the Obama ranks did so because they were eventually appalled by the thought McCain could die and Palin would be President. That trumped color and name.
    
    We’re not done, to be sure, with Ms. Palin. I think we’ll be living with her for a long, long time.
    
    And while we have elected Obama and it has resulted in a plethora of powerful, positive responses, it doesn’t alter we are facing the most dangerous political and financial time in more than a century. At least, post Election, a sober American public seems to understand that and to accept it will take Herculean efforts to eradicate the incompetency that has been inflicted from the top. We also seem to understand we, the public, must be part of the solution.

  • Blog post
  • 2 years ago
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• Lest We Forget - Let Freedom R Lest We Forget - Let Freedom Reign

  • From: rePETE
  • Description:

    The 90th Anniversary of the end of World War I was marked today around the world.  In major cities from Belgium to Australia... and in small towns internationally, those who fought in the 'war to end all wars' and those who did not return were honoured. 
    
    This video was taken at the conclusion of the ceremonies at the Cenotaph in Owen Sound, Ontario, Canada.  The city boast three Victoria Cross recipients, including the famous WWI flying ace Billy Bishop for whom the regional airport is named.
    
    There are no remaining WWI veterans in Owen Sound, but their memories, and the memories of the veterans and victims WWII, Korea, and the current conflict in Afghanistan were recognized today.
    
    In Owen Sound, the speakers noted the importance of Freedom of Assembly, Freedom of Speech and the ability to practice the religion of one's choice, due in large part to the efforts of veterans.
    
    I liked one line I heard today, "If you can read this, thank a teacher; if you are reading this in English, thank a veteran."
    
    Check out the Vigil 1914-1918 project... and thank a veteran today (and every day).

  • Video blog post
  • 2 years ago
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• California Giveth; California California Giveth; California Taketh Away

  • From: reGIRL
  • Description:

    I shared a conversation of dismay and disbelief this morning with a friend of mine regarding the results of the vote on California's Proposition 8 -- banning same-sex marriage in the west coast state.   Over 18,000 legal marriages are now in limbo.  Though democracy is a good thing, how is it that voters can even change a state law... is that not what we elect legislators to do?  I guess I will need to read up to understand the background fully.  This one is likely to be in the courts very soon.

  • Blog post
  • 2 years ago
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• Barack Obama Holds Election Ni Barack Obama Holds Election Night Gathering In Chicago's Grant Park

  • From: rerights
  • Description:
     
    

    Nov 4 2008 CHICAGO - NOVEMBER 04: U.S. President elect Barack Obama waves to his supporters after giving his victory speech at an election night gathering in Grant Park on November 4, 2008 in Chicago, Illinois. Obama defeated Republican nominee Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) by a wide margin in the election to become the first African-American U.S. President elect. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

    
    
  • Blog post
  • 2 years ago
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• Ellen Spiegel Wins in Nevada Ellen Spiegel Wins in Nevada

  • From: reGIRL
  • Description:

    While Obama and McCain were grabbing headlines internationally, thousands of other political battles were being waged throughout the United States.  Democracy was at work on the state, district and municipal levels.

    In Henderson, Nevada, Ellen Barre Spiegel entered the election as the Democratic candidate for State Assembly in District 21.   It was a close race, but Spiegel appears to have achieved a narrow victory over the Republican candidate, Jon Ozark.

    In recent weeks, the active Democrat received international attention.  Canada's Toronto Star quoted her regarding her party's efforts to get out the vote.

    "My mom is in Palm Beach County, Fla., where they've had numerous election issues," says Ellen Barre Spiegel, a Democratic candidate for the Nevada legislature. "She will be 74, and she's never worked for an election before. She and her friends said, `From now until the election we're not playing mah jong any more.' Instead they're phone-banking for Obama," Spiegel said, referring to volunteerswho use the phone to reach possible Obama supporters.

    And it seems to have worked.  Despite the fact McCain won Florida, nationally Obama received 52% of the popular vote and a resounding 349 electoral votes, and is now President Elect of the United States of America.

    Certainly, every vote counts.  From the national presidential race to the battle for the Nevada Legislative Assembly seat in District 21, democracy was at work in the USA yesterday.

    Perhaps reRIGHTS can convince newly minted Assembly representative Spiegel to share her adventure in politics here?  Ellen??

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  • 2 years ago
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• "Change Has Come to America" "Change Has Come to America"

  • From: reGIRL
  • Description:

    Obama's acceptance speech at Chicago's Grant Park was stirring, inspiring, and humble.   He said he looks forward to renewing the promise of the future by working with the Republican party.  He also applauded the millions of people who volunteered and those who voted.  Obama recognized there is a great "new energy to harness"and there are many "alliances to repair".

    The crowd repeatedly shouted "yes we can".

    Senator McCain's speech was equally inspiring, respectful of the efforts of his party faithful and congratulatory to the Obama camp.

    This was an historic night for the United States.  Now the REAL work begins.

    Image - HD Net

     

  • Blog post
  • 2 years ago
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• Obama Wins - Crowds in Chicago Obama Wins - Crowds in Chicago Cheer President Elect

  • From: reGIRL
  • Description:

    

    Party time at Chicago's Grant Park!

    Party time in the U.S.A!

    Congratulations President Elect Obama!

    A spectacular nod to those who fought for civil rights in decades past.

    Bravo America!

    Image - NBC News

  • Blog post
  • 2 years ago
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• John McCain Votes John McCain Votes

  • From: rerights
  • Description:

    

    Nov 4 2008 PHOENIX - NOVEMBER 04: Republican presidential nominee Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) (C) ) and his wife Cindy McCain (R) turn in their absentee ballots at their local polling place, the Albright United Methodist Church November 4, 2008 in Phoenix, Arizona. With Election Day at hand, McCain is planning two final campaign stops in Colorado and New Mexico. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) Content © 2008 Getty Images . All rights reserved.
  • Blog post
  • 2 years ago
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• Obama Votes in Chicago Obama Votes in Chicago

  • From: rerights
  • Description:

    

    Nov 4 2008

    CHICAGO - NOVEMBER 04: Democratic presidential nominee U.S. Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) and his wife Michelle vote November 4, 2008 in Chicago, Illinois.. Voting is underway in the US presidential elections with Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) leading in the race against the Republican presidential nominee Sen. John McCain (R-AZ). Turnout is expected to be near or above record levels. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

    Content © 2008  Getty Images . All rights reserved.

  • Blog post
  • 2 years ago
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• Teen Rape Victim Stoned to Dea Teen Rape Victim Stoned to Death in Somalia

  • From: rerights
  • Description:

    The Sydney Morning Herald reports today of a horrific tragedy in Somalia.  According to the Herald

    AN ISLAMIST rebel administration in Somalia ordered that a girl, 13, be stoned to death for adultery after the child's father reported that she was raped by three men. 

    The story goes on to report 1,000 spectators witnessed the event, that an innocent boy was killed as a bystander when several of the witnesses attempted to assist the young girl and, that none of the three men accused in the rape have been arrested.

    The murder occured in Kismayo, a southern port city of Somalia.

    Reports from Associated Press.

     

     

  • Blog post
  • 2 years ago
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