Monday, 31 December 2012
Hastings tree protest new year offensive stand firm for the trees network it
Aruuuuga tree protest near hastings new year offensive. public transport not more pollution.This is for the meeting- Defend the Trees!Come to the camp nr Adam’s Fm,Crowhurst (map on combehaven defenders website)on afternoon of 1 and/or 6 Jan for legal briefing and action meeting.If can’t stay overnight come early morning 2 and/or 7 Jan before 6.30am.Lifts possible Crowhurst Station.Further info 07926 423 033.network it on all networks
Happy New year for details of many parties check Access All Areas Network
Happy New year for details of many parties check Access All Areas Network
Elixir of Life,Boogie Temple,Small world,Whirlygig and more.
Party hard into 2013.
Access All Areas Network
Elixir of Life,Boogie Temple,Small world,Whirlygig and more.
Party hard into 2013.
Access All Areas Network
New Year's Eve party time-super secret shindig
The Super shindig-New year eve-final countdown call after 8pm for infos 07539899097/ 07539899098/ 07539899099
10 rooms ,3d deco light & laser show and much more
See you on the dance floor viva the squat party resistance keep networking
10 rooms ,3d deco light & laser show and much more
See you on the dance floor viva the squat party resistance keep networking
Homes not jails banner drop
Just spotted an amazing banner drop on commercial st, just before liverpool st station. Massive banners read 'homes not jail' and 'fuck the law'! Big up to the crew who made it happen. Solidarity
Practical squatter says it innit repairing the buildings. Why the new law?
There were/ are many reasons for the recent squat law.
A final push for the last enclosure acts,the creep of privatising everything,
the keeping the rent and property markets artificially inflated,the denial of the right to shelter, and the suppresion of alternative and community organising spaces,and many more.
But this one made me laugh a lot when we heard it............
My mate at a festival said maybe the new squat laws were about somet else as well as criminalising the homeless/squatters ,landless.
Maybe they were partly to stop home owners from squatting their own houses as the robbery recession austerity sets in.
The law he laughed was not to protect homeowners from the occasional squatter,(as laws already existed to stop homes being squatted.you can only squat an empty building as the Displaced Residential Occupier Law 1977 can be used to remove anyone squatting a residentially occupied home immediately)
The new law he said was to stop people squatting their houses as the untold homes were repossessed , by the bankster cartels.
The same bank mafia who had organised ,the boom lend ,bust repossess financial circus show.
He said many people during the miners strike when having no money for rent, thatmany homes were squatted .
my friend laughed he said the authorities were really worried that the public would start to squat there homes against the banks repossessions.
The law he said was actually brought in not as the tabloid press screamed to protect the homeowners from the squatters.
But to protect the govt and the banks from the homeowners, who could use squatting to occupy and resist in their homes under threat of possession after many years of payments.
The British housing crisis recent Proggramme on bbc I player states that every 2 and a half minutes in Britain people are being repossessed.
This is an interesting theory from my friend at a festival,one thing is for sure with 1.4 million empty buildings in the Uk why the fuck should anyone be homeless.
Squatters and tenants unite ,homes for all ,dig in for victory.
Build your dreams in 2013
Reclaim the land homes for all,we want the freedom to live sustainably as our mate Simon says in the grasp the nettle documentary.
Grasp the Nettle film by Dean Puckett footage from Kew Bridge eco village and Parliament square
http://www.indiegogo.com/graspthenettle
Sunday, 30 December 2012
Happy new year viva the resistance
London's queer social centre, House of Brag are resisting eviction on 2nd January. We need as many people as possible to come to help. Please pass this on. Arrive 10am, 56, Carlisle Lane, SE1 7LG.
Tuesday, 25 December 2012
Combe Haven Defenders tree protest now needs reinforcements
Public Transport not polluting roads -you think the govt would have learnt last time
Combe Haven Defenders
Combe Haven Defenders
Friday, 21 December 2012
Bolivian president predicts era of peace and love instead of apocalypse
Thursday 20 December 2012 19.00 GMT guardian article
Bolivian president predicts era of peace and love instead of apocalypse
Evo Morales will mark the solstice by sailing across Lake Titicaca in one of the largest reed ships built in modern times
Bolivian president Evo Morales says December 21 marks 'the end of lies, the beginning of truth'. Photograph: Martin Alipaz/EPA
Sara Shahriari in Suriqui
The looming end of the Mayan long-count calendar has prompted fervid doomsday predictions on the internet, mass arrests in China, and a small tourism boom in southern Mexico. But whereas some believe Friday's solstice will mark a fiery endpoint to the world as we know it, Bolivia's president, Evo Morales, says the date is the beginning of a new era of peace and love.
Morales will mark the day by boarding one of the largest reed ships built in modern times and join thousands of people for celebrations on the Island of the Sun on Lake Titicaca.
"According to the Mayan calendar, the 21 of December is the end of the non-time and the beginning of time," he told the UN in September. "It is the end of hatred and the beginning of love, the end of lies and beginning of truth."
The Bolivian government has hailed the solstice as the start of an age in which community and collectivity will prevail over capitalism and individuality. Those themes have long been present in Morales's discourse, especially in the idea of vivir bien, or living well. He has stressed the importance of a harmonious balance between human life and the planet, though some people question its application in Bolivia, where the economy depends heavily on mining, oil and gas industries.
Morales has attempted to shake off European cultural denomination, creating a vice ministry of decolonisation and celebrating Native American beliefs and customs.
The 15-metre totora reed boat is a replica of those that plied Titicaca's waters for thousands of years. The Thunupa is the creation of Demetrio Limachi, 67, a renowned Aymara boat builder who worked with the Norwegian adventurer Thor Heyerdahl.
Titicaca is the largest lake in South America and situated more than 12,000ft above sea level. All along the shoreline the flexible, sweet-smelling totora reeds ripple in the wind, sheltering water birds, serving as food for livestock, and providing raw material for boats. Limachi learned to dry the reed and bind it into cylinders as a child, creating the tiny craft that local people used for fishing and transport before the rise of more durable wooden or fibreglass boats. But when the Limachi family crossed paths with Heyerdahl, they became wrapped up in international adventures of epic proportions.
Heyerdahl, who had already sailed a balsa wood raft from Peru to Polynesia and attempted to cross the Atlantic Ocean in a papyrus boat, was fascinated by early sea travel. That's how a young Limachi found himself travelling to Morocco to spend three months building the Ra II, which set out in 1970 and successfully travelled from Morocco to Barbados, more than 3,700 miles (6,000km) away. The Aymara boat builders were at first shocked by the size of the boat Heyerdahl wanted them to construct, because until their boats had been just three to four metres long. But effort showed they could build bigger, and the Thunupa, now ready to sail across Lake Titicaca, is the child of those experiments.
"As our parents taught us – that's how I am teaching our children," Limachi said. It's a skill his son Porfirio has taken to heart. "Building this boat united the community," said Porfirio, as he watched young men on the island of Suriqui bind the reeds of the Thunupa tight with yellow cords under a bright blue sky. "It's preserving the values and the knowledge of the Aymara of Lake Titicaca."
Bolivian president predicts era of peace and love instead of apocalypse
Evo Morales will mark the solstice by sailing across Lake Titicaca in one of the largest reed ships built in modern times
Bolivian president Evo Morales says December 21 marks 'the end of lies, the beginning of truth'. Photograph: Martin Alipaz/EPA
Sara Shahriari in Suriqui
The looming end of the Mayan long-count calendar has prompted fervid doomsday predictions on the internet, mass arrests in China, and a small tourism boom in southern Mexico. But whereas some believe Friday's solstice will mark a fiery endpoint to the world as we know it, Bolivia's president, Evo Morales, says the date is the beginning of a new era of peace and love.
Morales will mark the day by boarding one of the largest reed ships built in modern times and join thousands of people for celebrations on the Island of the Sun on Lake Titicaca.
"According to the Mayan calendar, the 21 of December is the end of the non-time and the beginning of time," he told the UN in September. "It is the end of hatred and the beginning of love, the end of lies and beginning of truth."
The Bolivian government has hailed the solstice as the start of an age in which community and collectivity will prevail over capitalism and individuality. Those themes have long been present in Morales's discourse, especially in the idea of vivir bien, or living well. He has stressed the importance of a harmonious balance between human life and the planet, though some people question its application in Bolivia, where the economy depends heavily on mining, oil and gas industries.
Morales has attempted to shake off European cultural denomination, creating a vice ministry of decolonisation and celebrating Native American beliefs and customs.
The 15-metre totora reed boat is a replica of those that plied Titicaca's waters for thousands of years. The Thunupa is the creation of Demetrio Limachi, 67, a renowned Aymara boat builder who worked with the Norwegian adventurer Thor Heyerdahl.
Titicaca is the largest lake in South America and situated more than 12,000ft above sea level. All along the shoreline the flexible, sweet-smelling totora reeds ripple in the wind, sheltering water birds, serving as food for livestock, and providing raw material for boats. Limachi learned to dry the reed and bind it into cylinders as a child, creating the tiny craft that local people used for fishing and transport before the rise of more durable wooden or fibreglass boats. But when the Limachi family crossed paths with Heyerdahl, they became wrapped up in international adventures of epic proportions.
Heyerdahl, who had already sailed a balsa wood raft from Peru to Polynesia and attempted to cross the Atlantic Ocean in a papyrus boat, was fascinated by early sea travel. That's how a young Limachi found himself travelling to Morocco to spend three months building the Ra II, which set out in 1970 and successfully travelled from Morocco to Barbados, more than 3,700 miles (6,000km) away. The Aymara boat builders were at first shocked by the size of the boat Heyerdahl wanted them to construct, because until their boats had been just three to four metres long. But effort showed they could build bigger, and the Thunupa, now ready to sail across Lake Titicaca, is the child of those experiments.
"As our parents taught us – that's how I am teaching our children," Limachi said. It's a skill his son Porfirio has taken to heart. "Building this boat united the community," said Porfirio, as he watched young men on the island of Suriqui bind the reeds of the Thunupa tight with yellow cords under a bright blue sky. "It's preserving the values and the knowledge of the Aymara of Lake Titicaca."
Awakening as ONE lyrically challenged tonight
TONIGHT "awakening as one" @passing clouds 1 Richmond road e8 4aa off kingsland road dalston end. LYRICALLY CHALLENGED English frank, Chester p, red n pink, lyrically challenged collective, hectic beatbox, amber and Beula burlesque, Anthoney Anaxagorou, Ruarui O'b Dj shorty, Dj babyblu Dj Cheekyhalf, lady chock graff, face painting. open mic sign up 8pm make sure to arrive early!! £5 before 10 £8 after. Doors open at 8pm pass this on! Love u xxx
Thursday, 20 December 2012
The Mayan Word-film Everyone is talking about the Mayan Prophecies of 2012. But who is listening to the Maya?
Everyone is talking about the Mayan Prophecies of 2012.
But who is listening to the Maya?
This groundbreaking documentary by my friend mel from undercurrents activist videos,brings us the voices of the Mayan people as they share their perspectives on the prophecies of their ancestors and their fight to defend Mother Earth and their culture from destruction.
2012 The Mayan Word is both a message of hope and a call to action. Featuring testimonies from contemporary Mayans throughout Mesoamerica, from spiritual guides to activists, community leaders, farmers, artists, teachers, and children, this film is an extraordinary journey into the heart of Mayan struggle and spirituality.
Copy and paste link or web search it
http://www.2012mayanword.blogspot.co.uk/p/english.html?m=1
But who is listening to the Maya?
This groundbreaking documentary by my friend mel from undercurrents activist videos,brings us the voices of the Mayan people as they share their perspectives on the prophecies of their ancestors and their fight to defend Mother Earth and their culture from destruction.
2012 The Mayan Word is both a message of hope and a call to action. Featuring testimonies from contemporary Mayans throughout Mesoamerica, from spiritual guides to activists, community leaders, farmers, artists, teachers, and children, this film is an extraordinary journey into the heart of Mayan struggle and spirituality.
Copy and paste link or web search it
http://www.2012mayanword.blogspot.co.uk/p/english.html?m=1
2012 three Days of Love Event
Dear Colleagues and Friends,
Greetings from Los Angeles! Please tune in and join in this 'once-in-our-lifetime' Birth 2012 Global Event at: http://birth2012.com/tv until 9 pm Pacific Time on December 22nd. It can also be viewed on AERIEL Channel for a Better World at http://aeriel.tv. Here's the link to the broadcast Schedule: http://birth2012.com/birth-2012-broadcast-schedule.
I'd also like to share the following invitation and message from Visionary Futurist Barbara Marx Hubbard who inspired the Birth 2012 movement and will be the star of the show from Agape International Spiritual Center in Los Angeles beginning at 11:30 am Pacific time on Saturday December 22nd!
----------------------------
"My Dearest Friends, in this very moment, we are on an epic journey toward our Planetary Birth. We are placing the energy of our love, life purpose, and creativity at the very tip of the tipping point to shift the field from fear to love, to help bring forth a positive future for all.
There are global initiatives and activities happening worldwide where people are joining together to raise the awareness for the need of more love, more compassion, more unity in our world in which people are experiencing despair and pain. As we join together especially from December 20-22 I invite each of you to deepen into THREE DAYS OF LOVE, a global celebration of love and kindness. Our goal is to synchronize, coordinate and intensify resonance and heart coherence with countless others worldwide. Join me, Russell Simmons, Deepak Chopra, Marianne Williamson and thousands more in taking the pledge to help shift the consciousness field of Earth by committing to share words and actions of love for three days. Please TAKE THE PLEDGE and LOVE IT FORWARD by going to: Three Days of Love.
I am currently in Byron Bay Australia where I am launching the Three Days of Love at the UPLIFT FESTIVAL starting on Dec 20 as I debut THE THEATER OF OUR BIRTH, a multi-media presentation of humanity's New Story, from the origin of creation through the present and beyond. The Festival is a celebration of the essential unity of humanity supporting our deep understanding that each of us IS the change - it is within us, it connects us, and it begins now.
I will be returning from Australia on Dec 21 when this period of planetary shift comes to a magnificent apex in an event celebrating the new era of human evolution just dawning, on DAY ONE, BIRTH 2012, with The Shift Network's global multi-media broadcast from Los Angeles. It will be streamed live, beginning on Friday, December 21 with live feeds from more than 40 major global events woven together over the two days, seeking to connect a 100 million people in an experience of global love, unity and co-creativity.
Birth 2012 is a movement that's been building among hundreds of thousands around the globe. I will be presenting LIVE, at the two-day celebration in Los Angeles, California, on December 21-22, at Agape International Spiritual Center. I'll be joined by some of the most beloved transformational leaders of our day, including Michael Bernard Beckwith, Marianne
Marianne Williamson, Neale Donald Walsch, Lisa Nichols, Jack Canfield, and many more. We'll be marking the occasion with inspiration, music, ceremony, dance, prayer, awakening and community to mark this once-in-a-lifetime shift and bring a critical mass of people together in a spirit of unity!"
--------------------------
Blessings,
David
---
David Woolfson
Blog: http://worldfuturist.com
Web Channels: http://aeriel.tv; http://www.fanetwork.tv
Visit WorldShift 2012 at: http://worldshift2012.org/?xg_source=msg_mes_network
Peace 2012 celebration on Glastonbury Tor fri 21st dec 11.11am
So we have to find ourselves in Norfolk top of the Michael Mary ley line. on Thursday we will head down possibly via Stone henge to Glastonbury for a party at the end of time
and then to a massive ceremony on Friday morning to meet at 11:11 AM At Glastonbury Tor.
There has been a call across the world and for people gather at sites sacred to them ,
for winter solstice 2012 the end of a 26,000 year cycle at the beginning of a new cycle of transformation check the peace 2012 website link earlier on this blog for worldwide events on five continents.To hold a moment of peace across the planet.
For Information about the what the Mayan Elders And shamans are actually saying about 2012 check the excellent film by my friend Mel called the Mayan word .(web search it)
The Mayans are actually saying this is the beginning a time of transformation.
We Are informed by the druids that around this time all the planets in our solar system line up with the central sun of our galaxy (Alcyone) truly incredible.
Focus to create a peaceful brighter future for all.
One love Phoenix
and then to a massive ceremony on Friday morning to meet at 11:11 AM At Glastonbury Tor.
There has been a call across the world and for people gather at sites sacred to them ,
for winter solstice 2012 the end of a 26,000 year cycle at the beginning of a new cycle of transformation check the peace 2012 website link earlier on this blog for worldwide events on five continents.To hold a moment of peace across the planet.
For Information about the what the Mayan Elders And shamans are actually saying about 2012 check the excellent film by my friend Mel called the Mayan word .(web search it)
The Mayans are actually saying this is the beginning a time of transformation.
We Are informed by the druids that around this time all the planets in our solar system line up with the central sun of our galaxy (Alcyone) truly incredible.
Focus to create a peaceful brighter future for all.
One love Phoenix
Wednesday, 19 December 2012
Peace 2012 - a moment of peace
CREATING A PEACEFUL AND POSITIVE 2012
A GLOBALLY SYNCHRONISED EVENT FOR DECEMBER 21ST 2012
" What if, for one moment
all humanity could be united in a shared experience of peaceful gathering? "
On December 21st 2012, the Solstice synchronizes exactly with the end of a 5,125-year cycle in the Mayan calendar.
This creates a unique opportunity. On the very last day of this World Age we can also point to one single moment:
the exact point of Solstice
to synchronize our intentions.
The purpose of Peace2012 is to call for a global moment of prayer, meditation and intention at this time:
11.11 UT on December 21st
The Moment Of Peace
For the Moment of Peace we are calling for people to gather together and to practise and embody peace in whatever way they choose to create a global wave of united harmony. We are also calling for people to go to their local heritage sites, or sites that are sacred to them, and join us in invoking World Peace for the dawning World Age. To assist in the co-creation of the Moment of Peace, Peace2012 is working to support the rights of indigenous peoples worldwide to gather at their heritage sites at this moment and to facilitate global link-ups between these groups.
The Moment Of Peace Worldwide
London 11:11am Mexico City 5:11am New York 6:11am
Buenos Aires 7.11am San Francisco 3:11am Sydney 9.11pm
Beijing 6:11pm Tokyo 7:11pm Mumbai 3:41pm
2:11pm Cairo 12:11pm Jerusalem 12:11pm
London 11:11am Mexico City 5:11am New York 6:11am
Buenos Aires 7.11am San Francisco 3:11am Sydney 9.11pm
Beijing 6:11pm Tokyo 7:11pm Mumbai 3:41pm
2:11pm Cairo 12:11pm Jerusalem 12:11pm
London 11:11am Mexico City 5:11am New York 6:11am
World peace Event
WORLD PEACE EVENT~This Friday 21-12-12~ 6.30pm - 10.30pm Uplifting Yoga, Dance & music, 10.30pm all night till Sunrise Devotional Music & meditation, music & dance
Unity Church,277A upper street, Islington, N1 2TZ
For more information go to www.worldhealingproject.com
Unity Church,277A upper street, Islington, N1 2TZ
For more information go to www.worldhealingproject.com
Anti squatting propaganda from the evil standard.property rights over human right to shelter
http://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/antisquatting-law-must-cover-businesses-too-8282216.html?origin=internalSearch
Eric Pickles on library luvvies guardian article
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/dec/18/library-protests-luvvies-eric-pickles
Open gallery Archway today
open gallery, music session, from today at 1pm, 130 junction road, archway n195lb. Tea n coffee, everyone welcome
People's kitchen and film about Athens social meltdown
Peoples kitchen and premier of documentary "athens:social meltdown" at library street social centre ( the one near borough tube) this thursday followed by q&a with the director (fun starts from half six) free/by donation and friday food and music fundraiser for iranian earthquake survivors and refugees sgstd £3 but none turned away x
Tuesday, 18 December 2012
Guardian article on the library court case
http://m.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/dec/18/barnet-library-squatters-evicted-judge
Monday, 17 December 2012
Combe haven tree protest aruuuuuga
Emergency meeting: Defend Combe Haven public meeting - 6pm - tues 18th dec - Cowley Club, Brighton. Trees have begun to be cut in the valley in prep for road building. Over the weekend people have been there used sitting, locking on and defending the trees, but more people and urgent action is needed. Please come for updates on whats happened so far and discuss what we can do! Please forward widely
Earth First Winter Moot: 22nd-24th Feb 2013 - UK Indymedia
Earth First Winter Moot: 22nd-24th Feb 2013 - UK Indymedia
A weekend get-together for people involved in ecological direct action, from fighting opencast coal, fracking, GM, nuclear power to road building. There'll be discussions and campaign planning - with the emphasis on the tactics and strategies we use, community solidarity and sustainable activism.
A weekend get-together for people involved in ecological direct action, from fighting opencast coal, fracking, GM, nuclear power to road building. There'll be discussions and campaign planning - with the emphasis on the tactics and strategies we use, community solidarity and sustainable activism.
Sunday, 16 December 2012
Friern Barnet People’s Library in Barnet, North London, are to returnto court at 09:30 on Monday 17 December as Barnet council seekspossession of the building and the surrounding green land
+++++++FriernBarnetCommunityLibrary+++++++
Mobiles: 07592 231150 / 07722 454777 / 07769 791387
Occupied Friern Barnet Library in court Monday; Faces potential closure
Supporters of Friern Barnet People’s Library in Barnet, North London, are to return to court at 09:30 on Monday 17 December as Barnet council seeks possession of the building and the surrounding green land. [1]
"Join us in Barnet and show Barnet council that libraries and communities matter more than profits for big business."
Friern Barnet library closed in April despite the protests of local residents. The sudden closure was seen as part of Barnet council’s plan to outsource public services in the borough, and to profit from the sale of the property.
In September the library was re-opened by the Occupy movement, local people and experienced librarians in protest at the library’s closure and to provide a programme of community events as well as essential library services. 8000 donated books line shelves that were cleared by the council. The ‘People’s Library’ project is a protest and an emergency service; volunteers do not see it as a longterm solution and are united in calling for the re-institution of a publically-funded, professionally-run library at the Friern Barnet site.
Barnet community galvanised
Sinead Burke, a drama teacher resident in Barnet, volunteered to run baby and toddler sessions at the library. She explained "I chose to offer my time to run this as I attended 'Rhyme Time' sessions at the library when it was council-run [...] I am disgusted that taxpayers will no longer have access to activities for their children in Friern Barnet and commend those who are working so hard to save our library".
Local architect Maria Persak-Enefer applied to have the Friern Barnet library building recognised for its “significant contribution to the borough’s heritage and character”. On 10 December confirmation was received that the library will be added to the Schedule of Buildings of Local Architectural or Historic Interest and the Register of Assets of Community Value. Although these listings will not prevent sale of the building, they may restrict development. [2]
Investment in jobs, alternatives to austerity, and making the shift to renewable energy sources were hot topics at 'Shift: an economy for the 99%', a recent event held at the occupied library. Green Party leader Natalie Bennett and Sara Ayech of Transition Towns joined more than 60 educators, activists and community members to explore constructive resistance to current policies.
Not only libraries
Residents’ groups claim that Barnet council is aggressively pursuing an undemocratic outsourcing programme incongruously dubbed 'One Barnet'. Citing a "relentless drive for efficiency" [3] as a key principle, this programme will see the privatisation of approximately 70% of Barnet's public services, a move expected to result in large scale redundancies.
On 6 December a council meeting at Hendon Town Hall, intended to rubber-stamp the handover of ‘back office’ services to Capita, was disrupted by local activists. Protesters succeeded in derailing the meeting and held their own public assembly in the committee room. The Barnet Alliance for Public Services (BAPS) announced on 11 December that a Judicial Review of the One Barnet programme is being sought. [4]
Not only Barnet
Vicki Morris, of BAPS, encourages grassroots groups everywhere to resist outsourcing and defend public services: "It is time the spotlight was shone on these companies. This situation is being repeated all over the UK, as outsourcing companies line up to take over services. They offer cash-strapped councils promises of savings that often never materialise. Meanwhile, they exploit council employees to turn a profit".
Unite to defend
Those protesting the sale and development of Friern Barnet library and its surrounding green space have the following clear message for the council:
“Library campaign groups working with the Occupy movement and the local community share a common aim: that Friern Barnet library should be re-opened in the existing building by Barnet council and preserved as a fully funded library and community space with the direct involvement of local people in the decision making process. The occupation of the building is a direct action that has highlighted the massive community support for Friern Barnet library, and has challenged not only its closure but the entire One Barnet programme and the privatisation of our public services in general.”
The group has issued a call-out for support during the court hearing beginning 09:30 on 17 and 18 December at Barnet Civil and Family Courts Centre, St Mary's Court, Regent's Park Road, Finchley Central, N3 1BQ.
Please tweet a message of support using hashtag #SaveFBL and follow us on Twitter: @OccupiedLibrary and @SaveFriernBtLib
-ENDS-
..................................
Notes for editors:
[1] Civil and Family Courts Centre, St Marys Court, Regents Park Road, Finchley Central, London N3 1BQ
[2] http://www.times-series.co.uk/news/10093118.Library_s_listed_status_will_not_prevent_sale/
[3] http://www.barnet.gov.uk/info/920056/one_barnet_transformation_programme/904/one_barnet_transformation_programme
[4] http://www.theoutsourceblog.com/2012/12/barnet-council%E2%80%99s-mega-outsourcing-deal-sparks-judicial-review/
Mobiles: 07592 231150 / 07722 454777 / 07769 791387
Occupied Friern Barnet Library in court Monday; Faces potential closure
Supporters of Friern Barnet People’s Library in Barnet, North London, are to return to court at 09:30 on Monday 17 December as Barnet council seeks possession of the building and the surrounding green land. [1]
"Join us in Barnet and show Barnet council that libraries and communities matter more than profits for big business."
Friern Barnet library closed in April despite the protests of local residents. The sudden closure was seen as part of Barnet council’s plan to outsource public services in the borough, and to profit from the sale of the property.
In September the library was re-opened by the Occupy movement, local people and experienced librarians in protest at the library’s closure and to provide a programme of community events as well as essential library services. 8000 donated books line shelves that were cleared by the council. The ‘People’s Library’ project is a protest and an emergency service; volunteers do not see it as a longterm solution and are united in calling for the re-institution of a publically-funded, professionally-run library at the Friern Barnet site.
Barnet community galvanised
Sinead Burke, a drama teacher resident in Barnet, volunteered to run baby and toddler sessions at the library. She explained "I chose to offer my time to run this as I attended 'Rhyme Time' sessions at the library when it was council-run [...] I am disgusted that taxpayers will no longer have access to activities for their children in Friern Barnet and commend those who are working so hard to save our library".
Local architect Maria Persak-Enefer applied to have the Friern Barnet library building recognised for its “significant contribution to the borough’s heritage and character”. On 10 December confirmation was received that the library will be added to the Schedule of Buildings of Local Architectural or Historic Interest and the Register of Assets of Community Value. Although these listings will not prevent sale of the building, they may restrict development. [2]
Investment in jobs, alternatives to austerity, and making the shift to renewable energy sources were hot topics at 'Shift: an economy for the 99%', a recent event held at the occupied library. Green Party leader Natalie Bennett and Sara Ayech of Transition Towns joined more than 60 educators, activists and community members to explore constructive resistance to current policies.
Not only libraries
Residents’ groups claim that Barnet council is aggressively pursuing an undemocratic outsourcing programme incongruously dubbed 'One Barnet'. Citing a "relentless drive for efficiency" [3] as a key principle, this programme will see the privatisation of approximately 70% of Barnet's public services, a move expected to result in large scale redundancies.
On 6 December a council meeting at Hendon Town Hall, intended to rubber-stamp the handover of ‘back office’ services to Capita, was disrupted by local activists. Protesters succeeded in derailing the meeting and held their own public assembly in the committee room. The Barnet Alliance for Public Services (BAPS) announced on 11 December that a Judicial Review of the One Barnet programme is being sought. [4]
Not only Barnet
Vicki Morris, of BAPS, encourages grassroots groups everywhere to resist outsourcing and defend public services: "It is time the spotlight was shone on these companies. This situation is being repeated all over the UK, as outsourcing companies line up to take over services. They offer cash-strapped councils promises of savings that often never materialise. Meanwhile, they exploit council employees to turn a profit".
Unite to defend
Those protesting the sale and development of Friern Barnet library and its surrounding green space have the following clear message for the council:
“Library campaign groups working with the Occupy movement and the local community share a common aim: that Friern Barnet library should be re-opened in the existing building by Barnet council and preserved as a fully funded library and community space with the direct involvement of local people in the decision making process. The occupation of the building is a direct action that has highlighted the massive community support for Friern Barnet library, and has challenged not only its closure but the entire One Barnet programme and the privatisation of our public services in general.”
The group has issued a call-out for support during the court hearing beginning 09:30 on 17 and 18 December at Barnet Civil and Family Courts Centre, St Mary's Court, Regent's Park Road, Finchley Central, N3 1BQ.
Please tweet a message of support using hashtag #SaveFBL and follow us on Twitter: @OccupiedLibrary and @SaveFriernBtLib
-ENDS-
..................................
Notes for editors:
[1] Civil and Family Courts Centre, St Marys Court, Regents Park Road, Finchley Central, London N3 1BQ
[2] http://www.times-series.co.uk/news/10093118.Library_s_listed_status_will_not_prevent_sale/
[3] http://www.barnet.gov.uk/info/920056/one_barnet_transformation_programme/904/one_barnet_transformation_programme
[4] http://www.theoutsourceblog.com/2012/12/barnet-council%E2%80%99s-mega-outsourcing-deal-sparks-judicial-review/
Saturday, 15 December 2012
Some late-night thoughts the time of transformation approaches
Some thoughts late in the night, busy week ahead Save the libraries Cabaret this Saturday.
Followed by the court case for the library on Monday and Tuesday
Then Wednesday and Thursday is winter solstice think will be headed to Glastonbury Tor for a ceremony to mark the end of a Mayan 26,000 cycle and the beginning of a new cycle .
the end is the beginning coming through another door.
For a real perspective on the Mayan 2012 question you should watch a film by an old friend,Google the Mayan word it is my friend Mells film. About her search and quest to find the knowledge from the Mayan elders and Shamen as to what they were saying about 2012.
A fascinating film full of knowledge and wisdom telling of the great journey you all are about to begin.
I'm told by friends from the Druids in this country ,that they are linked with many who will be doing ceremonies across the world and ancient sites around this time on five continents.
Around this time they inform me that there will be lining up of all of the planets in our solar system with the central sun of our galaxy, Alcyon.
This alignment will create something incredible what it will be, we are not sure.
A time of great change and transformation It is time for us to focus on the world we want to see create solutions for the future,for future generations.
Many watch and wait for us to decide our fate.
Some say this planet is a great experiment the results of which begin to be seen around 2012 and 2013.
Let us all enter into This portal of transformation ,with hope in our hearts and focus in our minds for a better future for all.
Followed by the court case for the library on Monday and Tuesday
Then Wednesday and Thursday is winter solstice think will be headed to Glastonbury Tor for a ceremony to mark the end of a Mayan 26,000 cycle and the beginning of a new cycle .
the end is the beginning coming through another door.
For a real perspective on the Mayan 2012 question you should watch a film by an old friend,Google the Mayan word it is my friend Mells film. About her search and quest to find the knowledge from the Mayan elders and Shamen as to what they were saying about 2012.
A fascinating film full of knowledge and wisdom telling of the great journey you all are about to begin.
I'm told by friends from the Druids in this country ,that they are linked with many who will be doing ceremonies across the world and ancient sites around this time on five continents.
Around this time they inform me that there will be lining up of all of the planets in our solar system with the central sun of our galaxy, Alcyon.
This alignment will create something incredible what it will be, we are not sure.
A time of great change and transformation It is time for us to focus on the world we want to see create solutions for the future,for future generations.
Many watch and wait for us to decide our fate.
Some say this planet is a great experiment the results of which begin to be seen around 2012 and 2013.
Let us all enter into This portal of transformation ,with hope in our hearts and focus in our minds for a better future for all.
Friday, 14 December 2012
BBC News - Nick Clegg calls for drugs law review
Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has backed calls for a royal commission
to consider decriminalising illegal drugs, despite opposition from
David Cameron.
BBC News - Nick Clegg calls for drugs law review
BBC News - Nick Clegg calls for drugs law review
ROAD PROTESTORS TAKE TO TREES TO STOP CHAINSAWS - UK Indymedia
Aruuuuuuuuuuuga Calling all Tribe ,hear the call to defend the Trees.
Work on the Bexhill Hastings Link Road started this morning (Fri Dec 14), with contractors arriving to fell trees only hours after the county council had confirmed the compulsory purchase order on the land. Protesters arrived before they did and took to the trees, leading to a standoff
Opponents of the £100m Bexhill-Hastings Link Road (BHLR) – the ‘first and the worst’ of over 190 new road projects planned across the UK [2] – have taken to the trees this morning (Fri Dec 19) to defend them from chainsaw-wielding contractors. About twenty activists are currently defending two sites in the Combe Valley, the area threatened by the Road’s construction.
Seven van-loads of contractors, and at least one police car, are believed to be involved in the tree-felling operation, which has been timed to try and pre-empt protests to block the Road’s construction.
The trees – near Adam’s Farm [3] in Crowhurst – are on the route of the BHLR.
The Combe Haven Defenders are running a pledge calling for 1,066 people to come to Hastings and peacefully resist the construction of the Link Road [4].
Gabriel Carlyle, spokesperson for the Defenders, said: “The second Battle of Hastings has begun in earnest this morning. We intend to do everything in our power to peacefully resist the Road, and urge all those concerned about the environment, the countryside, or the public purse to join us.”
[1] www.combehavendefenders.org.uk
[2]
http://combehavendefenders.wordpress.com/2012/10/30/stop-the-zombie-roads-hastings-halloween-action-on-30-october/
[3] See map here: http://combehavendefenders.wordpress.com/2012/09/28/camp-now-set-up/. Please note that there is not currently a Camp in the Valley.
[4] http://combehavendefenders.wordpress.com/2012/12/07/sign-the-1066-pledge-to-block-osbornes-roads-to-nowhere-save-the-combe-haven-valley/
ROAD PROTESTORS TAKE TO TREES TO STOP CHAINSAWS - UK Indymedia
Work on the Bexhill Hastings Link Road started this morning (Fri Dec 14), with contractors arriving to fell trees only hours after the county council had confirmed the compulsory purchase order on the land. Protesters arrived before they did and took to the trees, leading to a standoff
Opponents of the £100m Bexhill-Hastings Link Road (BHLR) – the ‘first and the worst’ of over 190 new road projects planned across the UK [2] – have taken to the trees this morning (Fri Dec 19) to defend them from chainsaw-wielding contractors. About twenty activists are currently defending two sites in the Combe Valley, the area threatened by the Road’s construction.
Seven van-loads of contractors, and at least one police car, are believed to be involved in the tree-felling operation, which has been timed to try and pre-empt protests to block the Road’s construction.
The trees – near Adam’s Farm [3] in Crowhurst – are on the route of the BHLR.
The Combe Haven Defenders are running a pledge calling for 1,066 people to come to Hastings and peacefully resist the construction of the Link Road [4].
Gabriel Carlyle, spokesperson for the Defenders, said: “The second Battle of Hastings has begun in earnest this morning. We intend to do everything in our power to peacefully resist the Road, and urge all those concerned about the environment, the countryside, or the public purse to join us.”
[1] www.combehavendefenders.org.uk
[2]
http://combehavendefenders.wordpress.com/2012/10/30/stop-the-zombie-roads-hastings-halloween-action-on-30-october/ [3] See map here:
http://combehavendefenders.wordpress.com/2012/09/28/camp-now-set-up/. Please note that there is not currently a Camp in the Valley. [4]
http://combehavendefenders.wordpress.com/2012/12/07/sign-the-1066-pledge-to-block-osbornes-roads-to-nowhere-save-the-combe-haven-valley/ ROAD PROTESTORS TAKE TO TREES TO STOP CHAINSAWS - UK Indymedia
Wednesday, 12 December 2012
A Eulogy for #Occupy | Wired Opinion | Wired.com
A Eulogy for #Occupy | Wired Opinion | Wired.com
Monday, 10 December 2012
Shift campaign Natalie Bennett new leader of Green Party to speak at the occupied library
Shift campaign Alliance for climate and jobs meeting tonight 7.30 pm at friernbarnet library Friern Barnet rd n11 3 ds (Arnos grove tube or new Southgate train) Natalie Bennett new leader of the Green Party to speak, phoenix - Occupy, Unison rep and alliance and others also www.fbpeopleslibrary.co.uk
Please network it
Please network it
New Ducted Wind Generator Design Claims Higher Output, Lower Costs : TreeHugger
Conventional wind turbines on large masts are the standard for generating clean energy from the wind, but one startup believes that their unique design can "significantly outperform traditional wind turbines".
SheerWind, a Minnesota wind power startup, states that their INVELOX system has the ability to "transform the wind industry". This ducted turbine system is claimed to be able to operate in wind speeds as low as 2 MPH, reduce the cost of wind power to less than 3 cents per KWH, because of its unique design, minimize the impact to birds, animals, and the environment.
In contrast with traditional wind turbine designs, which capture the energy in the wind with a generator on the top of a mast, the INVELOX system uses a funnel system to channel the wind and accelerate it in a tapering tunnel before passing it through a ground-mounted generator. The system is also claimed to be able to make use of multiple towers for channeling the wind into a single generator with blades up to 84% smaller than traditional turbines.
New Ducted Wind Generator Design Claims Higher Output, Lower Costs : TreeHugger
BBC News - Consider drugs decriminalisation system, MPs say
The report stated that the action currently being taken by international community is not working and the government's position must be informed by a "thorough understanding of the global situation and possible alternative policies".
BBC News - Consider drugs decriminalisation system, MPs say
Climate Talks Deadlocked in Rich, Poor Divide
U.N. climate talks have entered their final hours in Doha, but
no deal has been reached on who will pay for dealing with the
accelerating impact of climate change. The United States and a number of
other wealthy nations refused to make any new pledges on reducing
emissions or on delivering climate cash to help the poorest nations
adapt. The negotiations have been taking place in the shadow of the
devastating typhoon that struck the southern Philippines on Tuesday.
More than 500 people have died, hundreds remain missing, and 250,000
have been left homeless. Yeb Saño, commissioner of the Philippines
Climate Change Commission, urged negotiators to do more.
Climate Talks Deadlocked in Rich, Poor Divide
Yeb Saño: "We are deeply concerned also, considering the very important backdrop for my delegation, as we confront the impacts of adverse climate change and come to terms with the tragedy back home. As we speak, the death toll is rising. There is widespread devastation. Communication lines are down. Power lines are down. And hundreds are missing. Hundreds are buried behind mud and debris."
A network of squatters formed in Cardiff - Bristol Indymedia
Hello, we exist now. A network of squatters, travellers, the unrooted, homeless people, and supporters.
We’re now meeting monthly and are hosting our first event, a Squatters/Travellers Workshop & Skillshare on Thursday 20th December at 3pm, venue to be confirmed. This will be an hour discussing the law around squatting, recent changes, and how to still squat legally in commercial buildings. Followed by another hour skill-sharing how to secure and occupy spaces to live in.
We are currently organising events, planning projects, plotting against further criminalisation, setting up a squatters estate agents, and creating a support network for people currently squatting and for others interested in doing so.
Contact us at cardiffsquatters@riseup.net to get involved.
Find us at www.cardiff.squat.net to stay updated.
Love & Rage!
A network of squatters formed in Cardiff - Bristol Indymedia
BAPS: How we took over the Town Hall, 2 legal challenges to One Barnet and 8 Dec actions
On
Thursday night we took over the town hall
OK,
it was only the Cabinet meeting room, but it will not be an
exaggeration to say that it was a significant day in the history of
Barnet. video link here.
An
inspiring evening last night of a democratic community action,
despite the Cabinet voting,
as expected, in favour of awarding Capita the £750 million contract
(we still didn't work out why they say £320; maybe it's part of the
general deceit). These stone hearted sphinxes wouldn't take notice of
the majority of their voters. Read Mrs
Angry's report.
The
evening started with a big and very lively protest outside Hendon
Town Hall, with the community represented by many angry residents and
council workers, prior to going into the Cabinet meeting.
The
Cabinet meeting was watched by around 200 residents and staff members
in two rooms.
Public questions were good, but (naturally??? in Barnet
it is...) - no answer was given. This was followed by Cllr Hugh
Rayner giving Cabinet the OK to go ahead and a good speech by Cllr
Alison Moore which was dismissed by the Cabinet.
But when we realised they are going to plough ahead and vote YES on the contract with Capita - we took over!
The mood among all present was angry, defiant and determined and once the surprised councillors woke up from their shock they escaped us, their residents, once again, moving to the adjacent room to make their expected decision - we swiftly moved into their seats and held a real democratic residents' forum, unlike any of their staged shows of a shade of democracy.
But when we realised they are going to plough ahead and vote YES on the contract with Capita - we took over!
The mood among all present was angry, defiant and determined and once the surprised councillors woke up from their shock they escaped us, their residents, once again, moving to the adjacent room to make their expected decision - we swiftly moved into their seats and held a real democratic residents' forum, unlike any of their staged shows of a shade of democracy.
People
spoke freely about One Barnet, about the successful experience of
securing Coppets Woods as a nature reserve, about Friern Barnet
Library, and about Pinham Way. At the end of the Cabinet meeting
Cornelius had stepped into OUR BARNET room, apparently expecting to
address us, but although he was invited to join in our meeting he
immediately turned his back and left the room once he realised he
will have to wait his turn to speak like the rest of us.
Capita
visit Thursday 20 December 5 pm, Victoria
BAPS: How we took over the Town Hall, 2 legal challenges to One Barnet and 8 Dec actions
Friday, 7 December 2012
EARTH CIRCUS PRODUCTIONS PROUDLY PRESENTS SAVE THE LIBRARIES CABARET Saturday 15th December 2012 7pm till 10pm+
EARTH CIRCUS PRODUCTIONS PROUDLY PRESENTS
SAVE THE LIBRARIES CABARET
AT FRIERN BARNET LIBRARY, FRIERN BARNET ROAD, N11 3DS
On Saturday 15th December 2012
7pm till 10pm +
FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY.... BEFORE POSSIBLE EVICTION.
Stand Firm for this Local Library and all 250 Libraries being closed.
Stop the Cuts ….Save our Public Services by Taxing the Bankers and
Multinationals.
Occupy London and Occupy Everywhere.
FRONTLINE CABARET & SPOKEN WORD FROM
CAT BROGAN – Winner of Edinburgh Festival Slam Poetry award,
MC ANGEL – Recently toured with Asian Dub Foundation ,
POK the BARD - of Avebury and Albion – Fresh from the French Pyrenees
YAP from One Minute Silence,
LOUISE LOUDSPEAKER
BENJAMIN CRELLIN - COMEDIAN
PHOENIX
STEPHANIE, THE ONLY POPPY and more
SOUNDS BY GEORGE SOLAR QUEST
Suggested Donation up to £5
www.fbpeopleslibrary.co.uk
Keep networking,we are winning and we are Everywhere
BBC Speechless The Collapse Is Coming by Alessio Rastani Dec 2012
Alessio rastani came to speak about the banking Cartels at the Bank Of Ideas.
Madeley meets the Squatters Video - ITV Player -
Madeley meets the Squatters -
An intresting documentary ,although heavily bias it does show a variety of the diversity of squat life.
However through very bad research it perpetuates many of the lies propaganda and myths that have been spread about the homeless,dispossesed and squatting community.
Namely the lie about squatting homes while people on holiday or shopping.
Only empty buildings can be squatted.
Did no one tell them that the Protected Intending occupier law that already exists.(Which meant the learning difficulties woman would have been a Protected Intending Occupier and the squatter would have been moved out nearly immediately under the existing law.Thus another case of the new law not needed.
Or the Displaced Residential Occupier law that means u cannot squat someones Home and displace them as the Residential occupier.
There was No need for the Law ...that was hyped up through media fear by a multi billion pound press monopoly industry.
Many things raised issues,but it was also good to see folk from the squat world creating the other perspective so many times.
This government has stated it is prepared to arrest up to 4,200 people per year for the crime of seeking shelter,an ancient right that this unjust law cannot defeat.
We have a right to have shelter in this world.
The shocking figure that 24,000 people froze to death last winter.
Those elderly and those unable to pay heating bills.Homeless and Street.
How many more will end up on the streets and homless,nomadic,dispossesed,freezing in the doorsteps of those army of salvation.
Even the Salvation Army evicted us ....they said homelessness was there biggest business.
Fuck this law .Repeal Section 144 of the LASPO Act.
Restore our Ancient right to shelter.
Big up all those Brave enough to try and put something of the squat perspective across,especially Grow Heathrow n Squash crew,Cat Brogan ,Pete the Temp and the skip diving BHAM squatter...... Whatever they say squatting will stay ..Viva the Resistance.
Video - ITV Player
An intresting documentary ,although heavily bias it does show a variety of the diversity of squat life.
However through very bad research it perpetuates many of the lies propaganda and myths that have been spread about the homeless,dispossesed and squatting community.
Namely the lie about squatting homes while people on holiday or shopping.
Only empty buildings can be squatted.
Did no one tell them that the Protected Intending occupier law that already exists.(Which meant the learning difficulties woman would have been a Protected Intending Occupier and the squatter would have been moved out nearly immediately under the existing law.Thus another case of the new law not needed.
Or the Displaced Residential Occupier law that means u cannot squat someones Home and displace them as the Residential occupier.
There was No need for the Law ...that was hyped up through media fear by a multi billion pound press monopoly industry.
Many things raised issues,but it was also good to see folk from the squat world creating the other perspective so many times.
This government has stated it is prepared to arrest up to 4,200 people per year for the crime of seeking shelter,an ancient right that this unjust law cannot defeat.
We have a right to have shelter in this world.
The shocking figure that 24,000 people froze to death last winter.
Those elderly and those unable to pay heating bills.Homeless and Street.
How many more will end up on the streets and homless,nomadic,dispossesed,freezing in the doorsteps of those army of salvation.
Even the Salvation Army evicted us ....they said homelessness was there biggest business.
Fuck this law .Repeal Section 144 of the LASPO Act.
Restore our Ancient right to shelter.
Big up all those Brave enough to try and put something of the squat perspective across,especially Grow Heathrow n Squash crew,Cat Brogan ,Pete the Temp and the skip diving BHAM squatter...... Whatever they say squatting will stay ..Viva the Resistance.
Video - ITV Player
Amsterdam to create 'scum villages' - Telegraph
THE SLIPPERY SLOPE.........
Amsterdam to create 'scum villages' - Telegraph
Amsterdam to create 'scum villages' - Telegraph
Thursday, 6 December 2012
(95) The Guardian on Facebook
The criminalising of squatters in Britain is part of a Europe-wide backlash. But with at least 10% of the world population squatting, can they really be a menace to society?
On 26 September, Alex Haigh became the first person to be jailed under section 144 of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act. His crime was one of which countless thousands of people could now be guilty: squatting. A 21-year-old from Plymouth, Haigh was arrested for living in a house in Pimlico that had been empty for over a year. He had come to London seeking work as a bricklayer; now he has a criminal record.When section 144, which makes it an offence to squat in a residential building in England and Wales, came into effect at the beginning of September, many people agreed with it, including 52% of Guardian readers in an online poll. But is squatting really a menace or a burden to society? Might it even be beneficial? And when we talk about squatting, what do we really mean anyway? Those questions are raised again this week, albeit belatedly, by a surprising new adjudicator: Richard Madeley. In Madeley Meets The Squatters, the former breakfast TV maestro turns investigative reporter, visiting squatters and anti-squatters alike, and bringing more nuance to the subject than the current administration did when it drafted section 144.
Grant Shapps, co-chair of the Conservative party, has a very clear idea of what squatters are: they are people who come and steal your home while you are on holiday. Justifying the law change in this paper, Shapps cited some well-publicised recent incidents of homes stolen by squatters, including that of Oliver Cockerell, a Harley Street doctor, which was occupied during renovation work while his wife was pregnant. Dr Cockerell blamed "gangs of anarchists and eastern Europeans". Shapps went on to describe squats as "death traps of despair" and spoke of squatters' lives as "characterised by gloom and anguish". "The gentle and romantic image of communal harmony and a counter-cultural lifestyle is an illusion," he declared.
These negative stories have dismayed many long-term squatters. Take Joe Blake and Reuben Taylor, two squatters in their 20s who live in an abandoned plant nursery near Heathrow airport. Their set-up, Grow Heathrow, is far closer to Shapps' illusory harmonious community than a death trap of despair. In fact, you could call it a squat-topia. Blake and Taylor's group – now numbering 17 or so – cleared their site of 30 tonnes of waste and repaired derelict greenhouses to live in. They grow organic vegetables, which they sell via the local grocer. They hold bicycle workshops, arts and crafts sessions and gardening workshops for the local community. They even do the gardening for the local constituency office. They have displaced no one and the neighbourhood wants them there, since they campaign against the proposed third runway.
It's a frugal existence, mind you. The only electricity is via a wind turbine and solar panels – just enough for music and the internet. It gets bitterly cold in winter. The "shower" is a Heath Robinson-like contraption consisting of a water butt on top of some scaffolding, with pipes leading to an old radiator with a fire underneath it. "We're building a roof for it so we don't get rained on while we're showering," says Blake. It would be very difficult to paint these squatters as a burden to society. They don't even have a carbon footprint.
"They completely overplayed it," says Blake over a cup of tea in Grow Heathrow's greenhouse kitchen. Shapps and co whipped up a moral panic, aided by sections of the media, then section 144 was "sneaked" through parliament during the bill's last three days, he says. "Squatters aren't very well represented in the media, so you just hear these horror stories in the papers. But most squatters want to stay somewhere for a long time. They don't want to take someone else's home."
"What you don't get is the story about the pregnant squatter who's kicked out (95) The Guardian on Facebook
BBC News - More people are sleeping rough, says Crisis charity
Homelessness in England has risen by almost a quarter, and is even higher in London, according to the charity Crisis.
The economic squeeze and a shortage of housing are leading to more people sleeping rough and seeking housing from their local authority.
The charity says young people have been particularly badly hit.
BBC News - More people are sleeping rough, says Crisis charity
Free Farm downtown San Francisco.
The Free Farm from Growing Cities Movie on Vimeo.
Check out our visit to the Free Farm right outside downtown San Francisco. This place is amazing! They grow tons of food right in the city and then give it away for free at the Free Farm Stand...no money involved whatsoever. A really amazing way to help feed people who need it most.
USA Uprising - Arrests made at Capitol; police spray protesters | Lansing State Journal | lansingstatejournal.com
Arrests made at Capitol; police spray protesters | Lansing State Journal | lansingstatejournal.com
LANSING — Michigan State Police say eight protesters have been arrested for disobeying lawful command, trying to push their way into Senate chambers.
Police sprayed chemical munitions into a crowd when it tried to rush the Senate floor, said Michigan State Police Inspector Gene Adamczyk.
“When several of the individuals rushed the troopers, they used chemical munitions to disperse the crowd,” he said. “It would be a lot worse if someone gets hurt and I failed to act.”
The police blocked the entrance to the Capitol, leaving several hundred people outside waiting to get inside.
Adamczyk said later the building wasn’t at capacity, but that the protesters were so heavily concentrated in a few areas, including jam packed outside the Senate, that they didn’t want to add to that crush of people.
State police have blocked the outside doors to the Capitol, saying no more people are being let into the Capitol for fear of the building’s structural integrity.
Democrats said they have filed a lawsuit seeking to lift the lockdown.
A State Journal reporter witnessed one woman being escorted away in handcuffs.
Just before 1 p.m., union members were forming a line surrounding the state Capitol as part of demands that they be let inside. An estimated 700 to 1,000 people are inside the Capitol.
About 500 people are in front of the Capitol.
State police said two platoons of 32 state police officers are stationed at Capitol today.
Kathleen Gray of the Detroit Free Press contributed to this report.
LANSING — Michigan State Police say eight protesters have been arrested for disobeying lawful command, trying to push their way into Senate chambers.
Police sprayed chemical munitions into a crowd when it tried to rush the Senate floor, said Michigan State Police Inspector Gene Adamczyk.
“When several of the individuals rushed the troopers, they used chemical munitions to disperse the crowd,” he said. “It would be a lot worse if someone gets hurt and I failed to act.”
The police blocked the entrance to the Capitol, leaving several hundred people outside waiting to get inside.
Adamczyk said later the building wasn’t at capacity, but that the protesters were so heavily concentrated in a few areas, including jam packed outside the Senate, that they didn’t want to add to that crush of people.
State police have blocked the outside doors to the Capitol, saying no more people are being let into the Capitol for fear of the building’s structural integrity.
Democrats said they have filed a lawsuit seeking to lift the lockdown.
A State Journal reporter witnessed one woman being escorted away in handcuffs.
Just before 1 p.m., union members were forming a line surrounding the state Capitol as part of demands that they be let inside. An estimated 700 to 1,000 people are inside the Capitol.
About 500 people are in front of the Capitol.
State police said two platoons of 32 state police officers are stationed at Capitol today.
Kathleen Gray of the Detroit Free Press contributed to this report.
DEMONSTRATION TO SAVE FRIERN BARNET LIBRARY!!
STOP PRESS
Court date may have moved to the 17th now,more as we get it.
DEMONSTRATION TO SAVE FRIERN BARNET LIBRARY!!
VIDEO: Voices from the Cooper Union Occupation in New York City
Twelve students have barricaded themselves inside a campus building of New York City’s Cooper Union demanding the school affirm its commitment to free education. Cooper Union recently approved graduate student tuition for the first time in its 110-year history, and students fear the undergraduate program may be next. The students received additional support from faculty members, while the administration has avoided direct communication with them. On Tuesday, Democracy Now!’s Martyna Starosta and Nemo Allen visited Cooper Union to interview student supporters, alumni, faculty and Cooper Union President Jamshed Bharucha, who walked away after being asked, "Will Cooper Union remain tuition free?"
Plebs occupy offices of "plebgate" MP Andrew Mitchell - UK Indymedia
Plebs occupy offices of "plebgate" MP Andrew Mitchell - UK Indymedia
Wednesday, 5 December 2012
Capita and the Outsourcerers: Poof! Goes the Welfare State | Occupy News Network
In just the first half of 2012, Capita: The British Government’s Favourite Outsourcerer, won over £900m
of contracts to provide services previously delivered by the public
sector. This is three times the business it won during the same period
just one year earlier. However, the latter half of this year has seen
this ‘achievement’ dwarfed by the news that Capita has been selected as
the preferred bidder for a £1.7bn contract
to provide ‘educational support services’ for schools across
Staffordshire. With Capita poised to gobble up even more of Britain’s
public services, today’s article shed light on who Capita are, how much
of Britain they own, and why we should all be paying better attention to
the rise of the Outsourcerer.
......................................................
...........................CLICK ON LINK BELOW FOR FULL ARTICLE............................
Today, the outsourcing market for public services stands at over £80bn, with the Coalition Government announcing a further £70bn
of services soon to be opened out for tender. This, together with the
visceral attacks on the provisions of the welfare state, is somewhat
reminiscent of the Poor Law Amendment Act of 1834, which heralded the Workhouse.
Indeed, what is happening today in the UK, rather than being a
modernisation, as it is billed, is infact a regressive step back in
time. The ideas of private companies delivering education, health,
transport, post, energy and other services is not new. It is old. It
is how things used to be done. It failed miserably. The idea that
private services operate fairly and that philanthropy, charity and
voluntarism can deliver a fair society belongs in the past along with
its workhouses and its pauper lists.
The Welfare State rose out of the failure of this approach, to
ensure that through our contributions in tax and national insurance,
every citizen was guaranteed access to healthcare, education and all the
other supporting elements of the social contract. If this was
breached, the electorate could hold those offices of state to account.
Not so in 2012. So, it seems, we are called to repeat history and take
back the services which we all need, out of the hands of private
interests, and into the hands of those with a stake in the public
interest.
Get Involved
Join Residents of Barnet to protest Capita’s ever growing slice of the Council Budget – here
Keep up to speed on the latest sell offs at Corporate Watch – here
Organisations to watch:
[1] All figures and information in this section sourced from: http://www.capita.co.uk/about-us/pages/our-history.aspx
Today, the outsourcing market for public services stands at over £80bn, with the Coalition Government announcing a further £70bn
of services soon to be opened out for tender. This, together with the
visceral attacks on the provisions of the welfare state, is somewhat
reminiscent of the Poor Law Amendment Act of 1834, which heralded the Workhouse.
Indeed, what is happening today in the UK, rather than being a
modernisation, as it is billed, is infact a regressive step back in
time. The ideas of private companies delivering education, health,
transport, post, energy and other services is not new. It is old. It
is how things used to be done. It failed miserably. The idea that
private services operate fairly and that philanthropy, charity and
voluntarism can deliver a fair society belongs in the past along with
its workhouses and its pauper lists.
The Welfare State rose out of the failure of this approach, to
ensure that through our contributions in tax and national insurance,
every citizen was guaranteed access to healthcare, education and all the
other supporting elements of the social contract. If this was
breached, the electorate could hold those offices of state to account.
Not so in 2012. So, it seems, we are called to repeat history and take
back the services which we all need, out of the hands of private
interests, and into the hands of those with a stake in the public
interest.
Get Involved
Join Residents of Barnet to protest Capita’s ever growing slice of the Council Budget – here
Keep up to speed on the latest sell offs at Corporate Watch – here
Organisations to watch:
[1] All figures and information in this section sourced from: http://www.capita.co.uk/about-us/pages/our-history.aspx
Climate: Driving Toward Extinction - UK Indymedia
Climate: Driving Toward Extinction
Are we on the road to climate extinction? Dr. Guy McPherson lays
out the case in this speech at Bluegrass Bioneers in Kentucky. Then the
World Bank says "Turn Down the Heat". Daphne Wysham on their coal
addiction, and Olivia Maria
Serdeczny from the Potsdam Institute in Germany, authors of the report for the Bank. Is collapse our best way out of a Hellish world? Radio Ecoshock 121205
Serdeczny from the Potsdam Institute in Germany, authors of the report for the Bank. Is collapse our best way out of a Hellish world? Radio Ecoshock 121205
Download Radio Ecoshock (1 hour) in CD quality 56 MB
http://archive.org/download/ES121205Show/ES_121205_Show.mp3
Download in Lo-Fi (faster download, lower quality) 14 MB
http://archive.org/download/ES121205Show/ES_121205_Show_LoFi.mp3
This week on Radio Ecoshock, more revelations of coming climate disasters, as the fossil fuel bubble expands. Even the World Bank, which funded plenty of big coal plants, admits we are headed for a world 4 degrees Celsius, or 7.2 degrees Faherenheit hotter.
We talk with Olivia Maria Serdezny from the Potsdam Institute in Germany, authors of the report for the Bank.
I also include a short clip as Daphne Wysham explains the World Banks sorry record of funding big coal plants in Kosovo, South Africa, and India - lending billions of dollars. Isn't it a bit late to ask what happens when you fund all that coal burning?
But first, I toss you into the deep end. If our recent broadcast of Kevin Anderson of the Tyndall Institute shocked you, Dr. Guy McPherson will blow you away. As recorded at the Bluegrass Bioneers conference in Louisville Kentucky November 2, 2102, courtesy of film-maker Ben Evans (at yert.com)
I'm not so sure our industrial system will collapse anytime soon, but I fact-checked everything McPherson said about runaway climate change. He's got it right. You need to hear this.
Show blog published Wednesday at http://www.ecoshock.info with all the links.
http://archive.org/download/ES121205Show/ES_121205_Show.mp3 Download in Lo-Fi (faster download, lower quality) 14 MB
http://archive.org/download/ES121205Show/ES_121205_Show_LoFi.mp3 This week on Radio Ecoshock, more revelations of coming climate disasters, as the fossil fuel bubble expands. Even the World Bank, which funded plenty of big coal plants, admits we are headed for a world 4 degrees Celsius, or 7.2 degrees Faherenheit hotter.
We talk with Olivia Maria Serdezny from the Potsdam Institute in Germany, authors of the report for the Bank.
I also include a short clip as Daphne Wysham explains the World Banks sorry record of funding big coal plants in Kosovo, South Africa, and India - lending billions of dollars. Isn't it a bit late to ask what happens when you fund all that coal burning?
But first, I toss you into the deep end. If our recent broadcast of Kevin Anderson of the Tyndall Institute shocked you, Dr. Guy McPherson will blow you away. As recorded at the Bluegrass Bioneers conference in Louisville Kentucky November 2, 2102, courtesy of film-maker Ben Evans (at yert.com)
I'm not so sure our industrial system will collapse anytime soon, but I fact-checked everything McPherson said about runaway climate change. He's got it right. You need to hear this.
Show blog published Wednesday at
http://www.ecoshock.info with all the links.
Homepage:
News from the Hambach Forest: Eviction and resquatting - UK Indymedia
News from the Hambach Forest: Eviction and resquatting
During the last week happend a lot. On the 13th of November the
police started to evict the camp area near the hole. It took till
saturday17th early morning to get out the last persons.
There was some attention lokaly and in the whole press and TV in this language zone. On a press conference we gave on the 19th of November we anounced the we have since quiete a while another area. South of the forest.So we wasnt rally completly evicted and resquattet inside a week:) On Wednsday 21th of November police came to evict this new area, but didnt had any paper work, it happend that the owner of the area came to see his land , during this police action.
There was some attention lokaly and in the whole press and TV in this language zone. On a press conference we gave on the 19th of November we anounced the we have since quiete a while another area. South of the forest.So we wasnt rally completly evicted and resquattet inside a week:) On Wednsday 21th of November police came to evict this new area, but didnt had any paper work, it happend that the owner of the area came to see his land , during this police action.
He was taken in custedy by police, what wasnt such a good press
for them :) It seems he got angry on the police and RWE by this and
doesnt want to evict us from his ground.
This days its windy and security cars are going in the neigbourhood, there are even more people supporting,
its quiete much more known, be welcome.
Squat more. Resist here and everywhere.
Any time they hit us we come back much stronger :)
This days its windy and security cars are going in the neigbourhood, there are even more people supporting,
its quiete much more known, be welcome.
Squat more. Resist here and everywhere.
Any time they hit us we come back much stronger :)
e-mail:
The Hambach Forest is one of the oldest forests in Germany. He was 5.500 h 30 years ago. Now there are 1.000 h left, and in 5 to 10 years it's all gone. There are a lot's of villages that get destroyed by the open cast mining.
The open cast mining in the area is the biggest climat killer in europe. 1 Million tonnes of co2 a year gets into the air from the 3 large open cast mines. The Hambach open cast is the biggest and deepest (500 meters) in Europe. Also the open cast mines are radioactive and destroying the health of the people.
Come over and help us stopping this nightmare.
It's close to cologne and the german-dutsh baorder...
News from the Hambach Forest: Eviction and resquatting - UK Indymedia
New Amazon Logo Unveiled - #Dec5 - UK Indymedia
New Amazon Logo Unveiled - #Dec5
Captain Swing |
04.12.2012 23:21
| Public sector cuts
| Workers' Movements
Make stickers, post on Facebook etc, help yourselves....
Save Public Services, Tax the Multinationals! Join the Protest -
London Strand, assemble Kings College, Strand, London WC2, 5.30pm Weds
Dec 5th
https://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2012/12/503649.html
https://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2012/12/503649.html
Shift Campaign -Natalie Bennet New leader of the Green Party to speak at the Library Mon Dec 10th 7.30 pm
The SHIFT campaign is helping organise another THE ECONOMY FOR THE 99% - SHARE IDEAS & TOOLS TO MAKE IT HAPPEN event, this time on Monday the 10th of December, at 7.30 pm, in Friern Barnet library. Please refer to the attached leaflet for further details and circulate as widely as you can.
Rabbi Jeffrey Newman, who helped set up the Earth Charter UK (www.picturesofsuccess.org) in 2007, is one of the key organisers, Rabbi Newman, says 'we have to get on with it - better late than never, and SHIFT seems a really promising new alliance, pushing all the right buttons'.
It is apt that the meeting is being held in the Friern Barnet Library, which was closed down earlier this year by Barnet Council, a Conservative-run London borough with a fierce cuts policy. Its “One Barnet” strategy involves outsourcing nearly everything the council currently does – resulting in up to £1billion of contracts.
Eight occupiers entered the north London library early in September and since then it has been run by ‘community’ librarians who are keeping it open for 6 days a week. The council removed the stock of books but now thousands of books, fiction, non-fiction and children’s titles are stacked neatly on shelves, all donated by the local community.
The main speaker at the event will be Natalie Bennett, leader of the Green Party. Other speakers include Keith Sonnet (ex-Deputy General Secretary of UNISON), Phoenix (Occupy Movement), Sara Ayech (Transition Towns) and Peter Robinson (Secretary, Alliance for Jobs & Climate). There will be lots of opportunity for discussion and if you can come early, you will be able to meet the occupiers and they will tell you what they have been doing.
The Alliance for Jobs and climate is keen to organise similar events in other parts of the country. Have a look here for videos from the Camden event: http://jobsandclimate.org/videos-from-camdenshift/ Please email us at alliance@jobsandclimate.org if you are interested in helping set up similar events elsewhere.
And if you can get to Bristol on Saturday December 8th (11.00 am-4.30 pm) Charles Secrett, former head of FOE is organising a meeting for activists and organisation representatives that is being held in order to take the first steps towards building what he has called the ProActive Sustainability Movement in the UK. His paper is attached and his email address is cmsecrett@btinternet.com.
Tuesday, 4 December 2012
Push the boat out party on MS Stubnitz sat dec 8 th
Push the Boat Out Naughty Nauticals party, strictly Fancy Dress. Sat Dec 8, 8pm till dawn on the good ship MS Stubnitz, London E16 2BU, Pontoon Dock DLR. £10 on the door or presale £5 from www.pushtheboatoutnaughtynauticals.blogspot.co.uk
All activists welcome for a riotous night!network it tickets via www.accessallareas.org
All activists welcome for a riotous night!network it tickets via www.accessallareas.org
Richard Cornelius defends One Barnet on BBC Sunday Politics 2 Dec 2012 -Filmed in part at the Library a small interview with Phoenix
Its always intresting over the years how much the media films and how much they edit and put out.The interviewer on the studio show seemed very easy on the council and did not hear all the speakers in the studio.
There were 3- more interviews in the library biut they cut it to someone painting an anti one Barnet sign and my much edited interview.
In short usual BBC.
Sunday, 2 December 2012
Criminalise squatting in commercial premises, say Tory MPs | Society | The Guardian
........................
It could soon be chucking out time at the Black Bull. The disused inn, around the corner from Chelsea's football ground in south-west London, has been occupied by squatters for two weeks. The landlord wants his property back.
The confrontation comes as Conservative MPs are pressing for the criminalisation of squatting to be extended to commercial premises to prevent abandoned pubs, empty offices and warehouses being targeted.
The demands are an attempt to prevent an influx of those who fear being driven out of houses and flats by changes in the law that came into effect on 1 September.
Making the occupation of residential properties with permission a criminal offence has coincided with a crisis in the pub trade. An average of 18 pubs a week are closing down. Shifting drinking patterns, competition from supermarkets and a rise in beer tax have been blamed.
Abandoned pubs have been selected as squatters swap sites to avoid risking a criminal record. Among them have been the Cross Keys in Chelsea, the Tournament in Earls Court, both in London, the Upper Bell Inn near Chatham, Kent, and the Bute Dock Hotel in Cardiff. Bar areas are classified as commercial, but any upstairs landlord's flat may be deemed residential.
Criminalise squatting in commercial premises, say Tory MPs | Society | The Guardian
Saturday, 1 December 2012
Save the Libraries cabaret sat dec 15th
Earth Circus Network Presents Save the libraries Cabaret on sat 15 th dec 7-10 pm at the occupied friern Barnet people's library 250 libraries, beacons of knowledge and free learning to be closed .forward the great libraries revolt. network it tell your friends safeguard the libraries for all future generations www.fbpeopleslibrary.co.uk
Love phoenix
Love phoenix
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