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On Route to Re:publica09

I’m on my way to Re:publica 09 in Berlin! Haven’t had a chance to sit down and just think for many days and well.. the travels continue for the next few weeks. Still, I wanted to take the opportunity to mention that I’m speaking giving a workshop on thursday at Re:publica, 14h. My topic is Twitter and Journalism, how the two help each other; what problems and benefits twitter has for journalism and media work.

I don’t suppose the thing will be streaming, maybe? Someone (me or someone in the comments) will post a link if so. (8am EST)

I’m always excited to go to Berlin. But knowing that some of my most favorite hacker and nonhacker internets friends will be there, makes it all the more fun.? And of course there will be podcast interviews and topics inspired by Re:publica.? See you in Germany!

bmtv99 GDP and Public Debt

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.

Killing Fields Survivor

As I type this entry I’m listening again to a recent episode of CBC radio’s The Current podcast.? It is a profoundly sad and important interview with a Cambodian man (now living in Canada) who survived 4 years in the killing fields during the Khmer Rouge regime. There are in fact, no words to make someone understand or express why this needs to be heard, simply put – it must be heard.

Among the most gut-wrenching and ponderous points of the interview,Continue reading “Killing Fields Survivor”

5th World Water Forum

Not the sexiest topic for the mass media to cover, but over in a city I like very much – Istanbul – the 5th World Water Forum is taking place.? Essentially a meeting about addressing the state and future of the planet’s water, this is supposed to be the gathering where conflicts and concerns are discussed and hopefully solutions are found.

Looking around at what organizations and individuals are attending, one could argue that the concerns about protecting access to water, quality and affordability especially, is definitely on the agenda.? But as with the previous 4 meetings, the big name water companies like RWE and Suez will also be there, corporations that have been busy buying up water systems throughout the world for more than a decade.? Naturally if any discussions are going to take place, it makes sense that all stakeholders in the water management world are a part of them. Yet the record of many of these players call into question any serious claim of wanting water as a human right and an essential resource for life, to be protected and respected. The spirit of viewing water as a commodity is very much still out there.

Over the next 5 days I’ll gather up what I can coming from the conference and its participants. Taking a look at what gives hope and what brings concern from the 5th World Water Forum.

Niece and Nephew Cute Overload

Since it is Sunday and I haven’t posted a picture of my niece and nephew in quite some time, here you go internets:

Municipal Waste in the EU

Wait don’t leave yet. I know the title doesn’t scream exciting, but if you’re like me, you want to know about how the city you live in handles waste disposal.? The EU’s statistics office, Eurstat, has released information for 2007 from throughout the EU27, about how municipalities handle waste, and I think it is very important to analyze these numbers and figure out what is good and what needs improvement as quickly as possible.? And if you don’t live in the EU, I still think it is of interest when it comes to learning what to and what NOT to do when it comes to handling a city’s garbage.

Lets start with the positive:Continue reading “Municipal Waste in the EU”