Month: November 2006

Lecture: “From Beirut to Baghdad: Globalization & Human Rights in the Middle East and Beyond”

Dr. Thomas Abowd, Assistant Professor of Anthropology at Wayne State University, will deliver the Faith Zeadey Memorial Lecture on Globalization and Human Rights 7pm, Thursday, November 16th, Eager Auditorium, Sullivan Building, Worcester State College.

“From Beirut to Baghdad: Globalization & Human Rights in the Middle East and Beyond.”

“Professor Abowd is a long time scholar and activist on issues of peace and justice in the Middle East. He recently returned from a trip to the region and will share his experiences and analysis about the problems it faces the possibilities for change. He will also discuss the impact of the United States’ “War on terror” and its impact on these possibilities.”

Presented by the Worcester State College Sociology Dept., and Centers for the Study of Human Rights, Service Learning & Civic Engagement and Global Studies & Media Literacy. Co-sponsored by Saints Francis & Therese Catholic Worker.

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Happy Election Day from Pennsylvania.

Military recruitment: Adam writes:

ABC News found some U.S. Army recruiters telling prospective recruits that the war in Iraq is over and that we’re not sending people to Iraq anymore. For the record, those are both lies.

BBC: “Britain is ‘surveillance society’.” This report comes out as the powers-that-be in Worcester have announced their enthusiasm for widespread video surveillance in the city.
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Saint Kermit podcast #46: Democrats, Democrats Everywhere

[download the mp3 of “Saint Kermit podcast #46: Democrats, Democrats Everywhere”]

After a sleepless night riding the bus, and a long day hanging around a hospital, Mike summons the energy to phone Jim and record a podcast. They mostly complain about the Democrats.

Then Jim interviews Service Employees International Union President Andy Stern, and Anna Burger, the chair of the Change to Win Coalition.

After Mauro DePasquale’s song “In Your Hands,” the sports crew extolls the joys of tailgating.

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Walgreens protest about labor, not needles: Some guys have been holding a protest outside a local Walgreens, with a sign calling them “No better than the neighborhood drug dealer.” Some passersby thought this was about needle legalization, but it’s actually a labor thing. I mentioned this to one of the guys with the sign, and he acknowledged that it is a confusing message.
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More McGovern: Monday night some Worcesterites asked Rep McGovern to ask the State Department to investigate the ongoing violence in Oaxaca. Indymedia and Reporters Without Borders have also called for an investigation.

Talking to the press: NECN had a clip about the opt-out and don’t-opt-out projects yesterday. This is the second interview I’ve done this week about the project. I’ve found myself increasingly describing the workings of the project to reporters, lest they think this is some massive or ambitious effort. And in an effort to explain how such a small project has produced results that look impressive to some, I’ve found myself paraphrasing sections of Getting Real, oddly enough.

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Those supervising the Halloween party at Chandler Elementary included Andy Warhol and Terrie the biker chick.
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