CitizenReporter.org

The Union of Concerned Scientists put out a report recently which runs down the last decade of genetically modified crops. As you know thats a topic that greatly concerns this website; what genetically modified crops have done to and for the world.

Although GMO crops have only been in use for about a decade, the  report looks at this decade in terms of yield/production  as well as the impact these crops have had on the environment. The results, as you can read and hear about, are poor for a technology that is supposed to save the world from hunger. In fact, it turns out there are a few other methods that have proven far more productive than genetically modified crops.

In this video entry I go over the biggest conclusions of the report. I recommend you also have a look for yourself, don’t just take my word for it.

 Podcast Video [5:10m]: Play Now | Download

cross posted on the Metroblogs Global Conspiracy

It has been more than a month since CurrentTV journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee were detained by North Korean authorities on the China-North Korea border. Yet relatively little has been made public about what their status is as well as what the US government or their media corporation is doing to ensure their fast and safe release. If convicted of the crime of entering the country illegally, they face something between 5 and 10 years in a North Korean prison. The following video entry explains the situation.

(click play on the viewer or the link below)

References in this video include:

Huffington Post on Laura Ling and Euna Lee’s arrest.

Reporters Without Borders

 Podcast Video [3:46m]: Play Now | Download

My second visit to Istanbul has been filled with interesting encounters with old and new friends, and exploring places in the city that I didn’t get to on my first brief visit last month. This is a vlog just to say hello and reflect somewhat on the trip so far.

(click on the player on the right or the link below)

 Podcast Video [7:24m]: Play Now | Download

I don’t claim to be an economist. I don’t claim to be able to tell you with 100% certainty and a completely fool-proof explanation of what is wrong with the global economic system.  But, I will claim to be able to see signs when they are in front of me.  To question what is given by those in power as an explanation to a crisis they helped cause.

This video entry was inspired partly by that edition of This American Life that Ive so often referred to in the last month. Its also inspired by economist and professor David Beim who has pointed to the fact that in the US the amount of GDP is now equal to the amount of public debt. Last time that happenned, 1929. Moreover he calls into question something the mainstream media isn’t willing to do, our way of life.  This way of life that call for more borrowing, spending money you don’t have, and gambling with other people’s money.  Tough questions that would force people to look at both themselves and the larger system that we’ve been taught is the only way to live by.

So here’s the video, just a citizen reporter on the internets, looking at data and being critical.

 Podcast Video [8:10m]: Play Now | Download

At long last, a short vlog entry that features clips from my first-ever visit to Istanbul. Complete with brief introduction featuring my new “Downloading is now a Crime” shirt from shirtcity.com (thanks!).

Note: As mentioned in the vlog entry, I’ll be returning to Istanbul in April to work on more content relating to press freedom, alternative media, and other quality of life related topics.

 Podcast Video [5:17m]: Play Now | Download