International Day in Solidarity with people of Iran: July 25

   Contact:

info@portlandstandswithiran.org 

 Portland Stands with Iran, a local ad-hoc committee of non-partisan ordinary citizens, will join more than 80 cities around the world for the International Day of Action in Solidarity with the people of Iran on July 25th:

UNITED FOR IRAN
http://united4iran.org
GLOBAL DAY OF ACTION
Endorsed by:  Shirin Ebadi, 2003 Nobel Laureate *** Nobel Women's Initiative *** Iranian League for the Defense of Human Rights *** International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran *** 42 Arab Human Rights Organizations *** Human Rights Watch *** Reporters without Borders *** Amnesty International *** PeaceJam *** FIDH *** Frontline *** Physicians for Human Rights *** Portland Stands with Iran *** American Iranian Friendship Council *** Individuals including Archbishop Desmond Tutu, actor Sean Penn, Iranian singer Dariush, author Reza Aslan, comedian Maz Jobrani, Nobel Laureates Jody Williams, Betty Williams, Mairead Maguire, Adolfo Perez Esquivel, Rigoberta Menchu Tum, and Iranian poets Simin Behbahani (in Iran) and Ismael Khoii

In Portland: SATURDAY, JULY 25, 1PM
PIONEER SQUARE - DOWNTOWN PORTLAND
MASS RALLY

Speakers will include: 

Rev. Kate Lore, First Unitarian Church

Martin Gonzales, Latin America Solidarity Activist and PPS Board member

Hala Gores, Palestinian American

Dr. Catherine Thomason, Physicians for Social Responsibility

Mazen Malek, Palestinians United

Tom Hastings, Portland State University

Kelly Campbell, United for Peace and Justice

Sherry Herberts, Amnesty International

United for: end the violence, democracy and human rights for Iran, release of all those detained and support for President Obama's message of concern and condemnation while opposing direct intervention by the US or Israel

 Followed by HUMAN CHAIN IN SUPPORT OF THE GREEN MOVEMENT

FOR DEMOCRACY IN IRAN

For more information please go to www.portlandstandswithiran.org

The International Culture Shock! 2009-2010 Season


Young Professionals are teaming up with the various cultural organizations around Portland to bring you select opportunities to attend cultural events with an international twist!

Event 1: Mikhail Baryshnikov & Ana Laguna Friday, October 2, 2009:

International Culture ShockTo kick off our series we invite you to attend, for a discounted rate, White Bird's openning night of its 2009-2010 season with a special, intimate performance by two legendary dancers, Mikhail Baryshnikov and Ana Laguna. These two have teamed together for a memorable collaboration, highlighting the work of three acclaimed contemporary choreographers: Mats Ek of Stockholm's Cullberg Ballet, Alexei Ratmanksy, the former Artistic Director of the Bolshoi Ballet and now Artists in Residence with American Ballet Theatre, and Benjamin Millepied, principal dancer with New York City Ballet. We will be organizing a get-together for YPs before or after the event, so stay tuned for future announcements.


Event 2: Zimbabwe Artists Project

Executive Director Dick Adams
will have just returned from Zimbabwe with art and stories to share with WAC members. Hear the incredible stories of the ZAP artists, while perusing beautiful pieces from Weya.
ZAP celebrates the artistry and accomplishments of women from rural Weya in eastern Zimbabwe. Through education, sale of their art in the U.S., and special projects, ZAP helps women become economically self-sufficient. Women of Weya are subsistence farmers, mothers, and householders as well as artists. Most women live on their own, providing for families. Sales of their art helps women afford food, clothing, school fees, medicines, transport, seeds and fertilizer. Since the market for Weya art in Zimbabwe is extremely limited, sales in the U.S. are critical. ZAP pays more than twice as much per piece as any other buyer, delivering cash at the time of purchase. ZAP's complementary goal is to communicate with Americans about Zimbabwe's history and culture, as well as about the artists' lives. At Weya art shows in the U.S., we address issues of gender, colonialism, and globalization. Stereotypes of plighted masses give way to images of rural African women as strong, talented, and fully capable human beings.


Event 3: Portland Opera: Orphée
November 6, 2009

Philip Glass-the most renowned and often produced opera composer of our time-carefully follows the script of Jean Cocteau's 1949 film Orphée. Mining such rich mythology, he creates a work of remarkable power that celebrates the potency of love and loyalty.
Fresh, new love may have its distinct passion. But married love adds a depth and breadth to that passion, binding two souls tightly into a single being. Such is the love between Orphée and his beloved Eurydice-one of the deepest, truest loves of all time. The delicacy and simplicity of the music highlight the powerful range of emotions that the characters-and all of us-experience in the course of this "must see" opera. The Portland Opera/West Coast premiere of a production the New York Times called "stunning." Sung in French with English translations projected above the stage.

Meet your fellow YPs for International Beer Festival - this Sunday

International Beer Festival

Join the YPs for a fun, outdoor social event at the Portland International Beer Festival!

Date & Time: Sunday, July 19th at 2 pm sharp!

Location: Meet by the elephant statue on the park blocks, which is north of Burnside b/w NW Park Ave & 8th Ave.

Cost: Beer drinkers pay $20 for 10 beer tickets and official PIB glass and $5 cover for non-drinkers/designated drivers (included free N/A beverages).

Payment is managed at the entrance gate; no pre-payment or registration available.
For more info on the fesitval

Rotary Group Study Exchange

Time for a Vacation (YP Discussion Group)

The World Affairs Council, Young Professionals invite you to our biweekly discussion group:

Wednesday, 8 July 2009 | 7:00 p.m.

Laurelwood NW Public House, NW Kearney & 23rd (MAP)
(Upstairs in the back room.)

It's summer time and thoughts turn to vacation. Where in the world are you going? Where have you been? Where would you like to go? Come have a beer and share your stories or give travel tips for those seeking to travel abroad.

Stay Informed: The Official YP Blog
Facebook: Become our Friend!

Submit your discussion topic ideas for future meetings.

Day of the African Child

YP DISCUSSION: THE IRANIAN REVOLUTION, PART 2

The Iranian Revolution, Part 2 (YP Discussion Group)

The World Affairs Council, Young Professionals invite you to our biweekly discussion group:

Wednesday, 24 June 2009 | 7:00 p.m.

Laurelwood NW Public House, NW Kearney & 23rd (MAP)
(Upstairs in the back room.)

This week we will discuss the dramatic events following the elections in Iran. What role do the clerics, the military, the politicians, and the people play in the power struggle? We'll examine how technology has shaped the protests and what we know of them. We probably know much more than we would have without the Internet and services like Facebook and Twitter, but are we getting the full story? And finally, what will be the final outcome for the people of Iran and the region?

Stay Informed: The Official YP Blog
Facebook: Become our Friend!

Submit your discussion topic ideas for future meetings.

vigil in support of Iranian people this Friday at 7 p.m.

We are a group of Iranian Americans from the Portland Metropolitan area and from Vancouver, WA. We are heartbroken by the violence inflicted upon the Iranian people. We are also tremendously proud of our fellow Iranians for their perseverance and non-violent presence in streets demanding change and justice. We invite you to join us for a silent vigil in solidarity with our courageous sisters and brothers who have been protesting ever since the election results were announced and their will was disregarded.

 

                                                                                                    Friday, June 19 at 7 PM

            in front of the Portland State University Library

                   at Hall and SW Park Blocks

 

We request to not display flags, political party affiliations or offensive slogans in order to focus on our message of unity with the people of Iran and our commitment to non-violence and free and fair elections. Please bring candles in containers and flowers.

Portland Pride 2009 6/13-14

Be sure to mark your calendars for the Portland Pride Festival this year on June 13th and 14th. As always we will have non-stop entertainment and lots of fun planned for our lovely and diverse community.   More Info: www.pridenw.org

Nicholas Kristof on traveling abroad safely

Interesting article by Nicholas Kristof in last weekend's NYT on traveling abroad and staying safe.  Although the purpose of the column was to inspire students to take a gap year and "live a little", his advice is good for any traveler, young or old, regardless of destination.  My favorite advice of his: "No. 14. If terrorists finger you, break out singing "O Canada"!"

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/31/opinion/31kristof.html?_r=2&em

AsiaFest 2009

Visit the Oregon Convention Center on Saturday, May 30th to celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. Portland's AsiaFest offers the opportunity to see a show, listen to music, and experience the craftsmanship and creativity of a variety of Asian cultures. The event will also feature cuisine from local Asian restaurants, a silent auction, and more. Admission is $5.00.  For more information, visit www.ARFoundation.net. 

 

WHEN:

Saturday, May 30, 11:00 am – 6:00 pm.

 

WHERE:

Oregon Convention Center

Exhibit Hall A

777 NE MLK, Jr. Blvd.

Portland, OR

 

YP DISCUSSION: IT'S A SMALL WORLD WIDE WEB

It's a Small World Wide Web (YP Discussion Group)

The World Affairs Council, Young Professionals invite you to our biweekly discussion group:

Wednesday, 27 May 2009 | 7:00 p.m.

Laurelwood NW Public House, NW Kearney & 23rd (MAP)
(Upstairs in the back room.)

The Internet, World Wide Web, and other telecommunications technologies promise to bring the world together. Allowing people from all over the world to communicate and share information will promote understanding, right? But is that really happening? There are now nearly as many Chinese websites as English. Do you read any of them? And even in the English speaking web, what sites do you choose to read? Those that post articles that conform to your own world view? (Perhaps your search engine is helping you do so without your knowledge.) How is and will the Internet affect our relationship with the world? Will it help connect us or fragment us into our own little worlds? Start the discussion on our blog.

Stay Informed: The Official YP Blog
Facebook: Become our Friend!

Submit your discussion topic ideas for future meetings.

Fireworks tonight- Free

Presented by: Rose Festival Association About: Portland's downtown waterfront illuminates during the Fireworks Spectacular, the Portland Rose Festival's kick-off event. More Info: Billed as one of Oregon's largest fireworks displays, this thunderous pyrotechnics show soars over the Waterfront Village beginning at nightfall. Visitors can expect some special features this year -- this year's show will be choreographed to music to add excitement and 'punch' (as our fireworks experts say). HOURS: Approximately 9:45 p.m. PHONE: 503.227.2681 ADMISSION/TICKETS: Free outside of the Waterfront Village gates or $5 gate admission. Tickets may be purchased on-site.   LOCATION: Tom McCall Waterfront Park S.W. Naito Parkway and Columbia Street Portland, OR

Thanks to all who came to YP Trivia at Lucky Lab NW tonight!

YP DISCUSSION: RESURGENT TALIBAN

Resurgent Taliban (YP Discussion Group)

The World Affairs Council, Young Professionals invite you to our biweekly discussion group:

Wednesday, 13 May 2009 | 7:00 p.m.

Laurelwood NW Public House, NW Kearney & 23rd (MAP)
(Upstairs in the back room.)

As the U.S. shifts its focus from Iraq to Afghanistan in the war against Al Qaeda and the Taliban, militants are reshaping the war by taking over new areas in Pakistan. What does this mean for the U.S. strategy? Is the Pakistani government strong enough to retake control? Is Pakistan's nuclear arsenal vulnerable? Will their military use the developments as a pretext to stage another coup? And what does the new fighting mean for the people forced to flee? Is there any hope for good government and peace in the region? Start the discussion on our blog.

Stay Informed: The Official YP Blog
Facebook: Become our Friend!

Submit your discussion topic ideas for future meetings.

Trivia Night: 5/11 @ 6:30pm Luckylab NW

Join the World Affairs Council, Young Professionals on Monday, May 11th @ 6:30pm - Lucky Labrador NW for Trivia Night Do you know which European city has the largest Muslim population?   Or what is the longest river in Oceania?  Which famous German politician changed his name from Herbert Ernst Frahm?  Or the name of Lebanon's most famous salad?   Bring your friends, or come alone (we will place you on a team). Trivia Night is a fun opportunity to acquaint and socialize with fellow Portlanders who share your zest for all things international! Spaces are limited so please RSVP!    Event Information: Monday, May 11 6:30 pm to 8:30 p.m. Location: Lucky Labrador Beer Hall 1945 NW Quimby Portland, OR 97209

MercyCorps Special Invite: Visit Africa From Your Home

Greetings!

I want to personally invite you to an exciting opportunity to hear from our Board Chair Linda Mason, who recently visited our programs in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Jenny Vaughan, Head of Office in Central African Republic.

This special Mercy Corps conference call and online presentation will be held on Wednesday, May 13 (details below). Our speakers will be discussing some of Mercy Corps' recent work to fight poverty in Africa through investing in women. We're helping women to not only feed their families now - but to change their communities for the long term, despite lack of access to clean water, persistent health problems, and ongoing conflict such as the violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The presentation will be followed by a live Q&A session.

I hope that you are able to join us!

Best,

Minda Seibert, Mercy Corps Community Relations Officer
-------------------

Fight Poverty. Empower Women.
The Way Forward in Africa
A Special Mercy Corps Conference Call

Wednesday, May 13
5:30 p.m. PST / 8:30 p.m. EST
Call toll-free 1-800-761-5415 to join the call.

Join Board Chair Linda Mason, recently returned from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Jenny Vaughan, Head of Office, Central African Republic, to hear stories of the extraordinary women and communities you are helping in Africa, through your support of Mercy Corps.

Please click here to register for this event. It's easy and you'll also receive instructions for accessing the visual presentation online.

If you have any questions, or if you are unable to join the call, but would like to access a recording of the call, please contact Minda Seibert at mseibert@mercycorps.org or reply to this email.

___________________________________________

Minda Seibert
Mercy Corps
Community Relations Officer
3015 SW First Avenue
Portland, OR 97201
(503) 595-8005
800-292-3355 ext.405
mseibert@mercycorps.org

Mercy Corps helps people in the world's toughest places turn the crises of natural disaster, poverty, and conflict into opportunities for progress. Driven by local needs and market conditions, our programs provide communities with the tools and support they need to transform their own lives. Our worldwide team of 3,700 professionals is improving the lives of 14.5 million people in 37 countries. For more information, visit www.mercycorps.org.

If you are interested in attending a Mercy Corps event or fundraiser, check out www.mercycorps.org/events to see if there is an event in your area. If you are organizing an event, let me know so it can be posted.

Check out how a benefit concert that brought together four bands made up of teenagers from Portland area high schools, and hundreds of local youth raised over $6,000 for Mercy Corps' worldwide children's programs.

This email was delivered to you by Minda H. Seibert of Mercy Corps. You can take your email address off Minda H. Seibert of Mercy Corps' email list, or update your preferences and/or send comments to Minda H. Seibert of Mercy Corps. If you request to be taken off Minda H. Seibert of Mercy Corps' email list, Minda H. Seibert of Mercy Corps will honor your request. Postal address: 3015 SW First Ave., Portland, OR 97201

The Dark Side of Dubai

After an excellent presentation on Dubai by a fellow YP'er Michelle Diamond, I came across a very interesting and compelling article that appeared in early April in The Independent on the current state of affairs in Dubai.  Here is a link. For those who are interested in the daily lives of ex-pats, there is a link to a blog maintained by an Independent-affiliated writer. 

Cinco De Mayo Fiesta 5/1-5/4

The Cinco de Mayo Fiesta is a Five-day celebration that attracts 300,000 people to Waterfront Park each year. The Fiesta brings to Portland and all Oregonians the beautiful colors, cuisine, arts, music and folklore of Mexico and specifically, Guadalajara, Portland's sister city.   More info at: http://www.cincodemayo.org/

YP DISCUSSION: DISEASES WITHOUT BORDERS

Diseases Without Borders (YP Discussion Group) The World Affairs Council, Young Professionals invite you to our biweekly discussion group: Wednesday, 29 April 2009 | 7:00 p.m. Laurelwood NW Public House, NW Kearney & 23rd (MAP) (Upstairs in the back room.) Germs don't respect national borders. Swine flu, Bird flu, West Nile virus, and SARS have caused global scares. Is the world health community doing what is necessary to control these diseases? Is it too late once they've made the news? Is there anything we can do to stop them before they start? For example, is global warmingto blame? What about modern food production and trade? Or is it simply a consequence of a more interconnected world? Start the discussion on our blog. Stay Informed: The Official YP Blog Facebook: Become our Friend! Submit your discussion topic ideas for future meetings.

Spring Trivia Night - May 11th

Young Professionals     Spring  Trivia Night      YP Social Event Monday, May 11th - 7:00 p.m.  at Lucky Labrador Beer Hall     Do you know which European city has the largest Muslim population?   Or what is the longest river in Oceania?  Which famous German politician changed his name from Herbert Ernst Frahm?  Or the name of Lebanon's most famous salad?   International Trivia Night - Eat, Drink & Win Prizes!   Bring your friends, or come alone (we will place you on a team). Trivia Night is a fun opportunity to acquaint and socialize with fellow Portlanders who share your zest for all things international! Spaces are limited so please RSVP!    Event Information: Monday, May 11 7:00 pm to 8:30 p.m.   Location: Lucky Labrador Beer Hall 1945 NW Quimby Portland, OR 97209

 

Tulip Festival in Woodburn till 5/3

Tulip Festival near Woodburn, OR till May 3rd Family and pet friendly Beautiful fields $10 per car weekend/$5 weekday (go b4 noon on weekend) http://www.woodenshoe.com/

PORTLAND’S FOOD CART FESTIVAL 4/18

Dutch tacos, vegan milkshakes, Schnitzelwiches, Italian meatball sandwiches—Portland's street-food scene has transcended the "roach coach" model and come into its own as a uniquely local gourmet movement with a side of ethnic flavor. These mobile kitchens turn out dishes that rival those of any brick-and-mortar restaurant, but faster and for less than $8. Only problem is, with upward of 170 carts in town, it's difficult to try them all.   That's where EAT MOBILE comes in. Here's your chance to celebrate Portland's street-food scene and sample dishes from some of Willamette Week's favorite food carts all in one place—for the recession-busting price of $5. The event is on Saturday, April 18, from 5:30–9:30 pm, at the Disjecta space at 8371 N. Interstate Avenue, conveniently located near the Denver MAX stop.    This year you'll enjoy samples from Al Forno Ferruzza, Altengartz Bratwurst, Cafe Velo, Fat Kitty Falafel, Flavour Spot, Garden State, Junior Ambassadors, Taqueria Los Gorditos, LeRoy's Familiar Vittles, Lulu's Confections, Moxie Rx, Nuevo Mexico, Sip, Soup Cycle, Tabor, The Grilled Cheese Grill and Todbott's Triangles.    https://www.mercycorpsnw.org/

Greek Rebetiko Festival 2009- Portland, Or.

Portland Rebetiko Festival 2009

Music of the Greek Urban Diaspora

Film

Thursday, April 23

Rembetiko

Award Winner :

1984 Berlin International Film Festival

1983 Thessaloniki Film Festival

Starring Sotiria Leonardou

Directed by Costas Ferris

Dispossessed and persecuted, a band of Rebetes, musicians and singers of the Greek "Blues," struggle in the early decades of 20th century Greece as their music evolves and flourishes. The drama follows the life of their female singer as history unfolds. Based on the life of Rebetissa, Marika Ninou, and called "one of the most absorbing and

provocative films to come out of the Hellenic Republic," Rembetiko features the score of renowned composer Stavros Xarhakos.

Dancing to Greek music follows.

Doors open 6:30 pm • Screening 7:00 pm

Alexis Restaurant, Upper Banquet Room

215 West Burnside • Portland, Oregon

$25 admission includes Hors d'Oeuvres

No-Host Bar

Lecture & Concert

Saturday, April 25

Christos Govetas & Pasatempo

Free Lecture 5:30 pm

Christos Govetas of Seattle's Rebetiko band,

Pasatempo, discusses the genre and demonstrates its techniques.

Hellenic-American Cultural Center & Museum

3131 NE Glisan Street • Portland, Oregon

Concert 8:00 pm

Pasatempo, acclaimed Rebetiko ensemble, plays storied songs of heartache, passion, exile and longing. The music emerged from the memories of early 20th century refugees of the Asia Minor Disaster and their underworld haunts. Hear them bring alive this intoxicating, powerful music and evoke the underground culture that nurtured

the Greek "Blues."

$15 admission • food & drink additional

Doors open at 7 pm

Fr. Elias Stephanopoulos Center

3131 NE Glisan Street • Portland, Oregon

Reservations

Paula Diamond 503.697.1066

gpdiamond@comcast.net

Chryssie Voreas 503.939.1469

portogirll2006@yahoo.com

Dinner in Dubai- April 28

Have you ever wondered about Dubai?
Have you seen the TV specials highlighting the most glitzy clubs, outrageous bars, fantastic beaches and out of this world real estate? If you are wondering about Dubai, its real estate market, social scene and traveling opportunities, please join us for "Dinner in Dubai" at Al-Amir restaurant in downtown Portland.

Native Oregonian, Michelle Diamond will be speaking about her three-month visit to Dubai and her travels around the Middle East this past winter. The evening starts at 7pm. The event costs $20 and includes a fabulous Arabic dinner and a complimentary glass of wine. We look forward to you joining us for a night of story telling, question answering and Middle Eastern flare.

 

Spaces are limited so please RSVP!

Details: 
April 28, 2009, 7 p.m.
al Amir Lebanese Restaurant, 233 SW Stark Street

Obama's European Tour (YP Discussion Group) The World Affairs Council, Young Professionals invite you to our biweekly discussion group: Wednesday, 15 April 2009 | 7:00 p.m. Laurelwood NW Public House, NW Kearney & 23rd (MAP) (Upstairs in the back room.) President Obama just returned from his first trip overseas and he covered a lot of ground, not just geographically, but policy-wise as well: the global economic crisis, repairing relations with our European allies, extending a hand to Turkey and the broader Islamic world, formulating a bold new goal in nuclear non-proliferation, and visiting the troops in Iraq. Was the trip a success? Is Obama on the right track with how he is trying to recalibrate U.S. foreign policy? Some of his efforts were part of a larger emerging strategy to change the way the U.S. engages and influences the rest of the world. Will it work? Start the discussion on our blog. Stay Informed: The Official YP Blog Facebook: Become our Friend!

SPRING BEER & WINE FEST this weekend

Friday, April 10 & Saturday, April 11, 2009 at the 15th Annual Spring Beer & Wine Fest. Hop aboard the Tour de Cheese Mingle with artisan brewers, vintners, distillers & cheese makers Nibble on tasty gourmet delights Get schooled at the Chefs Stage - and eat your homework Groove to tunes from hot NW bands Admission is free the first two hours each day. Starts at noon. http://www.springbeerfest.com/

Human Trafficking (YP Discussion Group)

The World Affairs Council, Young Professionals invite you to our biweekly discussion group:

Wednesday, 1 April 2009 | 7:00 p.m.

Laurelwood NW Public House, NW Kearney & 23rd (MAP)

(Upstairs in the back room.)

Hundreds of thousands of people fall into slavery each year (some estimates even put the figure into the millions). According to the CIA tens of thousands are brought to the U.S. each year (including to Oregon). Recent movies have highlighted this brutal trade (such as Taken andSlumdog Millionaire) where people are used as domestic servants, beggars and thieves, laborers, and in the sex trade. Part of organized crime, human trafficking is often associated associated with the drug and arms trade, such as along the Mexican-U.S. border. What are the conditions that lead to this practice? Why is it so difficult to stop? How many of these victims wind up here in Oregon? Start the discussion on our blog.

 

Stay Informed: The Official YP Blog

Facebook: Become our Friend!

Submit your discussion topic ideas for future meetings.

CLINIC: Budget World Travel 3/25/09 7pm REI FREE

Somewhere between hostels and luxury hotels is the sweet spot of travel. REI adventurer James Hetland shares tips on how to have a better experience while spending less wherever in the world you?re headed. Learn how to save money while staying in nice places, eating great food, and never getting ripped off. James will share tips that are applicable to travel anywhere in the world: plane tickets, exchange rates, lodging, food, transportation, and more. In the last six years, James has: Lived in Germany for 4 months. Traveled in Venezuela for 3 weeks. Spent over a week each in Japan, Turkey, Spain, Portugal, France, England, Italy, Greece, and Mexico. Spent smaller amounts of time in Latvia, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Switzerland, Belgium, Luxemburg, Austria. He and his wife will be leaving for a month in Chile and Argentina a week after this presentation. Location:REI Portland, 1405 NW Johnson St. Contact:Customer Service, 503-221-1938 Cost: Free Registration Required? No. http://www.rei.com/category/4500012

Fair Trade Festival: 3/28 FREE

The Fair Trade Federation is holding a fair trade festival at their annual conference. Shop your values while learning about the fair trade movement and how it impacts poor communities around the world. Join Global Sistergoods and 44 other vendors from around the country at this exciting and fun event! March 28, 2009, 3:30-6pm, Cascade Ballroom, Doubletree Hotel,1000 NE Multnomah FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC! for more information: http://www.fairtradefederation.org/ht/d/sp/i/9668/pid/9668 -- Kristi Jo (KJ) LewisGlobal Sistergoodswww.globalsistergoods.com, 503-737-1956 cell

Portland Film Crew Ambushed in the Congo

Willamette Week is reporting that a movie crew from the local outfit Spin Films has been rolled by FARDC thugs in the Congo.

The crew was filming a documentary urging a stop the DRC's 10-year civil war. It looks as if they suffered a major setback, losing all their primary equipment.

We wish them well.

A Multipolar World (YP Discussion Group) The World Affairs Council, Young Professionals invite you to our biweekly discussion group: Wednesday, 18 March 2009 | 7:00 p.m. Laurelwood NW Public House, NW Kearney & 23rd (MAP) (Upstairs in the back room.) Fareed Zakaria, who spoke at our most recent International Speaker Series event, writes about the changing dynamics of world power in his latest book, The Post-American World. What will this world look like, especially as China and India (among others) continue to grow their economies? Will the U.S. loose influence in the world? Will solving the world's problems be easier or more difficult as a result? Start the discussion on our blog. Stay Informed: The Official YP Blog Facebook: Become our Friend!

Attacks on lesbians in South Africa

In the last decade or so, South Africa has become infamous for violent crimes committed there- kidnapping, murder, burglary, rape.  It now appears that rape and killing of lesbian women is becoming more of a norm rather than a grisly exception to a crime pattern.  The Guardian has a compelling story of South African problem with rape, as highlighted by a gruesome gang rape and murder of a famous South African football star who was openly lesbian.  Perhaps more appalling than the murders is the police's failure to do much about this. 

Chinese Censors Confounded by Grass-Mud Horse

Those of you who attended the event on the Chinese Internet last summer will find the following interesting and very funny:

NYTimes.com - A Dirty Pun Tweaks China's Online Censors

Ah, the trials of the grass-mud horse!

This reminds me of other stories of folks circumventing censors, such as fairy tale movies in German-occupied France poking fun at the Nazis in a way best understood by the locals. (For example, see comment by metaphor-2 here and the description of Continental films here.)

19th Annual Kells Irish Festival

19th Annual Kells Irish Festival - Kells Irish Restaurant & Pub THE SIGHTS, THE SOUNDS, THE TASTES OF IRELAND! Kells' 19th Annual Saint Patrick's Day Party begins: Friday, March 13, 2009 Welcome to the 19th Annual Kells Irish Festival! The venerable Kells (Portland) is once again celebrating Irish-Style, beginning Friday, March 13th thru Tuesday, March 17th, 2009, Saint Patrick's Day! Get 'Irish' with a few thousand of your best friends and experience one of the biggest Saint Patrick's events, in the Northwest! EVENT DAY(S): 03/13/09 - 03/17/09 LOCATION: Kells Irish Restaurant & Pub 112 SW 2nd Avenue Portland, OR 97204 HOURS: www.kellsirish.com PHONE: 503 227 4057 ADMISSION/TICKETS: www.kellsirish.com

Mercy Corps Gets Funds for Gaza

Willamette Week is reporting that Mercy Corps has received a $10 million grant from Qatar Charity to help rebuild Gaza.

Let's hope the cash infusion helps both the war-torn region and the budget-torn local nonprofit.

Global Food Supply (YP Discussion Group) The World Affairs Council, Young Professionals invite you to our biweekly discussion group: Wednesday, 4 March 2009 | 7:00 p.m. Laurelwood NW Public House, NW Kearney & 23rd (MAP) (Upstairs in the back room.) Food: It's a good thing. Will it last? As the world's population grows, will the food supply keep up? Are "frankenfoods" the answer, or a real problem? Should we really be diverting valuable calories into the fuel supply? Do you know where your lunch comes from? We will be pondering these questions and more as part of the Great Decisions series. Start the discussion on our blog.   Stay Informed: The Official YP Blog Facebook: Become our Friend!