Did Britain Just Sell Tibet?

Here's a fascinating read on Britain's history as the only major power to recognize Tibetan autonomy, and its recent decision to backpedal on that legacy.

As the essay notes, it appears linked to a massive infusion of cash China just give to the International Monetary fund.

Could the world financial crisis have the power to redraw national borders?

YP Holiday Party: Dec 5th 7pm at p:ear gallery

Please join us for for an evening of fun and cheer at the beautiful new gallery at p:ear in Old Town, Portland. Come kick-off the holiday season with your YP friends ... while enjoying world beats and learning the art of bhangra dance from the Portland dance celebrity, Prashant Kakad!!

When: Friday, December 5th, 2008; 7 - 10PM
Location/Address: p:ear gallery: 338 NW 6th Ave, Portland, OR 97209

 

Refreshments: Wine, Beer, and Appetizers Included

Admission: $12 Council Members/$18 Non-Members
Reservations: Required by December 5, 2008.  Please register at: www.worldoregon.org

Note:  Attendees have to be 21 years of age or older as of December 5, 2008 to attend the party.  All attendees will also be asked to show an id as proof-of-age at the door before entering p:ear.

About  p:ear : 

p:ear  builds positive relationships with homeless and transitional youth, ages 15 to 23, through education, art and recreation to affirm personal worth and create more meaningful and healthier lives. Each year  p:ear serve more than  500 homeless and transitional young people.  More information available at, www.pearmentor.org

We are happy to continue the tradition of giving at the YP holiday party.  This year, we are accepting 'wish list' donations for the youth at p:ear .  The current 'wish list' items are listed below.  There is no obligation to bring a wish-list item to the holiday party, however, your generosity will be appreciated throughout the  p:ear community.    

p:ear wish list items
-good quality arts and craft supplies

-$25 gift certificates to Fred Meyer's ,  Ross, Payless or Powell's 

-men's white tube socks

Dec 9th Event : Mercy Corps: The State of the World & Everything you ever wanted to know about Mercy Corps

Young Professionals of WAC and Master in International Management Program at Portland State University are proud to present to you a professional networking event with:

    

Mercy Corps: The State of the World

and

Everything you ever wanted to know about Mercy Corps

 

Mercy Corps is the best-known and the most successful international non-profit organization in Oregon, with ongoing operations in more than 35 countries.  Join Young Professionals for a discussion with the Mercy Corps staff regarding the state of affairs at Mercy Corps, challenges that lie ahead and recent programs abroad, its successes and lessons learned.

 

For those of our members who are interested in career opportunities at Mercy Corps, listen to the Mercy Corps staff discuss an ideal profile of a Mercy Corps candidate for various types of jobs available at Mercy Corps.

 

About the Speakers:

Jeremy Barnicle, Managing Director for Marketing and Communications at Mercy Corps, has been with the organization for the last four years.  Prior to joining Mercy Corps, he held positions with several think tanks, worked as a legislative liaison, an AP reporter, and served as a Peace Corps volunteer.  Jeremy will have just returned from a mission to Burma, and he will share his experiences there and Mercy Corps' other missions.

 

Sasha Muench managed several programs at Mercy Corps during the last ten years.  She is currently a Senior Program Manager, Social Innovations with Mercy Corps.  Sasha will provide an insight on a life of a Mercy Corps officer working on the ground.  She will also share her take on what it takes to make it at Mercy Corps, and the different types of jobs for which Mercy Corps hires. 

 

Program Details:

 

Date	December 9, 2008, 6.30 p.m.
Place:	Mercy Corps Headquarters, 3015 SW 1st Ave., Portland, OR 97201
Price:	$5 WAC members and MIM program students $8 general public
Refreshments:	Appetizers and refreshments will be provided
Registration:	Required by December 8, 2008.  Please register at www.worldoregon.org Or call us at 503.274.7488 to reserve your spot

 

Young Professionals of WAC thanks MIM and PSU School of Business Administration for its continuing support of its programming. 

 

 

YP DISCUSSION: GLOBAL REACTION TO OBAMA

Dear Young Professionals,

Greetings from the World Affairs Council of Oregon!

Wednesday, November 19th, 7:00pm - YP Discussion Group:
TOPIC: Global Reaction to Obama: Is our new president good or bad for international relations? Will U.S. foreign policy really be all that different? Please come share your opinions with the group!

LOCATION: Laurelwood NW Public House, NW Kearney & NW 23rd (MAP), upstairs - back room.

We hope to see you at the discussion!

All Regards,



Reno J. Tibke
Young Professionals Steering Committee
World Affairs Council of Oregon Board of Advisors

YP - PDX (OFFICIAL YP BLOG)
World Affairs Council of Oregon's Young Professionals
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ScanFair at PSU Dec. 6-7

Scandinavian Heritage Foundation

24^th Annual SCANFAIR

Celebrate the sight, sounds, tastes and traditions of a Scandinavian Christmas

 

Saturday, December 6, 2008 ~ 10 am to 5 pm

ScanFair Dance, December 6 ~ 7:00 pm to 11 pm

Sunday, December 7 ~ 11 am to 4 pm

 

Portland State University

Smith Memorial Center Ballroom, 3rd Floor

1825 SW Broadway

Portland, Oregon

 

$6 adults, $5 seniors and students, children under 12 are free. For more info visit:

http://www.scanheritage.org/NewWebPage/scanfair.html

 

·         Dancers and musicians from Oregon & Washington .

·         Annual pickled herring eating contest, noon Saturday.

·         ScanFair Dance: sponsored by SHF and The Nordly's dance group. The dance begins at 7:00 with lessons for  beginning dancers and ends at 11 p.m. Admission is free with proof of admission to ScanFair, or by donation.

·         Catch a preview of the Portland Christmas Revels' show celebrating the traditions, music and folklore of a Scandinvian Christmas.

·         Delicious Scandinavian foods.

·         Handcrafted and imported items.

·         Film room with videos on Scandinavia .

·         How-to demonstrations of rosemaling, spinning, carving and more.

·         A children's craft room.

·         Beautiful Scandinavian folk costumes.

·         53rd crowning of Oregon 's Lucia Queen of Light.

 

Support health care initiatives in Peru/ Enjoy a walking 'taste' tour of the Pearl

MEJOR Communities and Pearl restaurants and cafés have banded to together to present a fun, first annual event to Portland's food lovers.

This tasty event will include a walking, tasting tour of eight Pearl restaurants and cafes, entry into fourteen raffles for gift certificates to various Pearl restaurants, a silent auction, and live music. Many of the restaurants are also donating an extra $1 per person that visits their location during the event.

All proceeds benefit MEJOR Communities' project in Peru during the next year. The program teaches basic health principles to youth , and empowers those youth to improve the health of their community.

November 16, 2008
2pm - 6:30pm
Start at the Ecotrust Building Foyer 2pm
Ending Ceremonies at Café Rocks begin 5pm

Tickets $15
For tickets please go to:
www.mejorc.org/events.html
Or contact: info@mejorc.org - 503-946-8567

Our current participants are:
Bridgeport Brewery
Cupcake Jones
Sweet Masterpiece Chocolates
Cafe Rocks
Isabel Pearl
Caffé Umbria
Palomino
Blitz Pearl

Additional raffle participants are:
Andina Restaurant
Via Delizia
Daily Cafe
The Tea Zone & Camellia Lounge
Urban Grind Coffeehouse and Roasters
Paragon Restaurant

All about Salmon: the International Fish of Mystery!

Did you know that the same species of salmon that swim in the rivers of the Pacific Northwest are also found in Russia and Japan? And that all these salmon end up mixing in that global melting pot, the Gulf of Alaska? At the "All about Salmon" event, we'll be talking about the cultural importance of salmon in different cultures around the North Pacific, the transboundary issues and treaties among all these countries and the differing sets of challenges salmon face in all these varied places.

Price: $7 for members/$12 nonmembers; price includes food such as smoked salmon and refreshments.
Register at: http://www.worldoregon.org/events/registration/ypSalmon.html

Speakers includes:
Dr. Peter Rand, Population Biologist, Wild Salmon Center, member Salmonid Specialist Group, International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN)

Matthew Goslin, Conservation Geographer, Ecotrust

Brian Caouette, Japan Program Manager, Wild Salmon Center

Nicole Portley, Russia Program Manager, Wild Salmon Center

Yuliya Klichkova, Recently with National Geographic Society in Kamchatka

Jeremy FiveCrows, Columbia River Intertribal Fish Commission

Cricket News : Tendulkar breaks Lara Record

Sachin Tendulkar, of India, recently became the highest run-scorer in International Test Cricket when he broke the record previously held by Brian Lara of the West Indies.  The below article has more information on this amazing milestone for the bed-rock of Indian Cricket for so long. 

 

http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/indvaus2008/content/current/story/373748.html

Friday-11/7: Laughter Roundup from the Middle East & After Party

YPs are pleased to bring you the news of a Laughter Roundup from the Middle East, a concert of comedians from the Middle East brought to Portland by American Iranian Friendship Council, Andisheh Center and Arab American Cultural Center of Oregon.  The concert takes place on November 7, 2007 at 7 p.m.  
 
Tickets are available through Ticketmaster, or PCPA box office, 1111 SW Broadway, Portland. 
 
PLUS, After the Show...
World Affairs Council Young Professionals invite you to join the performers at the Evil Doers After Party at Al Amir:
 
Al Amir
223 SW Stark St
Portland, OR 97204
 
Enjoy live Middle Eastern beats from celebrated local and visiting performers.  Taste Al Amir's authentic cuisine, and experience the infamous 'Lebanese Margarita"
 
*No RSVP required * No-host bar*
 
American Iranian Friendship Council, Andisheh Center and Arab American Cultural Center of Oregon present:

Evil Doers Ltd.: A laughter roundup from the Middle East.

"Muslims are harassed? ....PLEASE....if you don't like it here, go back to your Muslim country, you don't want to assimilate anything American, you don't feel welcome, you don't respect our country...why are you here? Oh yes, freedom, money, food, electricity, water, toilets, sewer systems, jobs...." From recent posts to the Portland's Willamette Week's web site (wweek.com):

These comments represent a system of attitudes and believes held by many even in the liberal island of Portland, Oregon. Educational campaigns, letters in response and sometimes protest may all be legitimate attempts to address what for the most part is simply ignorance, but it is not enough. That is why on November 7 we will partner with the Arab American Cultural Center of Oregon to present a program that intends to address the stereotyping through humor.

Newmark Theatre - 1111 SW Broadway, Portland, OR 97205

Obama wins: international reaction

This site offers a nice quick glance with audio clips of international reactions to Obama's victory: http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/news/2008/11/081103_talking_america_people.shtml

Potter's Staff Meets Mugabe's Opponents in Zimbabwe

Just back from an official visit to Zimbabwe, Mayor Tom Potter's staff reports that Portland's sister city Mutare is now run by opponents of President Robert Mugabe.

Members of the opposition party Movement for Democratic Change swept Mutare's municipal elections in March, says Austin Raglione, Potter's chief of staff. Now Mutare, Zimbabwe's fourth-largest city with 200,000 people, is run entirely by the MDC.

Raglione says the three-member Portland delegation, which made the trip despite political upheaval in the African nation, got a warm welcome.

"It was really appreciated that we had come despite what was happening in the news," Raglione says. "It was sending a signal that we support their efforts and the opposition party."

The delegation spent eight days in Zimbabwe and needed special permission to travel in the country, because the Portlanders were perceived as supporters of the opposition, Raglione says. Military checkpoints were frequent, and the team was questioned often on the road to Mutare from the capital, Harare.

They arrived in Mutare (pictured above) with 38 suitcases of supplies for the local government, schools and hospitals. They met the 19-member city council, all newly elected members of the opposition, and Mayor Brian James, a white Zimbabwean elected by the otherwise all-black council to lead the city.

A former farmer who had his land confiscated by the state, James had been accused of trying to assassinate Mugabe, but was freed from jail after a week for lack of evidence, Raglione says. At one point he was beaten and doused with diesel. But he escaped being killed.

"He was probably the most remarkable person I've ever met in my life," Raglione says. "It was just so clear that the opposition is clearly in control of the city of Mutare, and that there is so much support for what they are trying to do."

The Portland delegation found a city unable to provide basic services because of a lack of money and fuel. But the newly elected government was already using 22 used computers that had been donated from the city of Portland.

James told the delegation what his government needs most is training in how to manage the city. Raglione would like to see Portland send a team to teach them, or invite them here for training. But she rejected giving money, along the lines of the Moscow mayor's foreign policy.

"I just don't think it's an appropriate use of Portland taxpayer money to be funneling it to another government or another continent," Raglione says.

Still, she says, "The city of Portland and the community of Portland are loved in Mutare."

Comparing Portland's and Moscow's Mayors on Foreign Policy

Following up on my post last week about unrest in Zimbabwe while Mayor Tom Potter's three-person delegation was visiting the troubled country, I'm pleased to report that the team returned safely to Portland on Tuesday night after 13 days abroad.

In sending the team, which included his wife, Karin Hansen, Potter concluded that providing humanitarian aid and shaking hands in Zimbabwe did not amount to tacit support for Robert Mugabe's regime. Potter himself pulled out of the trip at the last minute, citing concerns about the financial crisis at home.

Mayor-elect Sam Adams says he plans on being even more engaged than Potter in foreign affairs, with the goal of boosting international trade. But in case you missed this excellent New York Times story Sunday, the mayor of Moscow practices an aggressive foreign policy (including millions in financial assistance to breakaway Russian factions abroad) that tops anything Portland is likely to undertake.

And that's probably a good thing, right?

—James Pitkin

YP ELECTION NIGHT PARTY!

2008 National & Local Election Party at the Cheerful Tortoise!

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, FROM APPROXIMATELY 5:00PM UNTIL IT'S CALLED!

Have you made plans to watch the election results? If not, the World Affairs Council's Young Professionals invite you to finish work on Tuesday and join us for a casual Election Night party!

Enjoy the company of your internationalist peers, playing election bingo, and immersing in the Cheerful Tortoise's complete election coverage - all screens tuned to election results! Again, this is a casual event, so come to enjoy yourself and the Cheerful Tortoise's great menu and full bar!

LOCATION:
The Cheerful Tortoise, SW 6th Ave & SW College St (MAP). Located on the PSU campus.

We hope to see you there!

All Regards,



Reno J. Tibke
Young Professionals Steering Committee
World Affairs Council of Oregon Board of Advisors

YP - PDX (OFFICIAL YP BLOG)
World Affairs Council of Oregon's Young Professionals
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Bankrupt Iceland?

I was reading the wikipedia entry on the recent Iceland Financial Crisis and was amazed at how the sub-prime mortgage crisis has affected that country. 

 

The link is worth a read if you are interested in learning more:

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008_Icelandic_financial_crisis

 

Marsh

Free networking event 11/12 6-830 pm at the MAC Club

Partners in Diversity & Multnomah Athletic Club invite you to attend Say Hey, NW

 

Wednesday, November 12th from 6:00 – 8:30 PM
The Multnomah Athletic Club:  1849 S.W. Salmon Street, Portland, OR 97207

Say Hey will be a very special and fun event on November 12th. It will be another party to welcome new professionals of color relocating to Oregon or Southwest Washington but there will also be a couple of special "twists" to make Say Hey a kick-off event for the holidays!

Say Hey will be "festive" and you are encouraged to dress-up and make it a special occasion. Newcomers often report that Oregon is "very casual" and there aren't many opportunities dress-up and feel "special". This is your chance! But most important, come to Say Hey and be a part of a special evening. Business (nice business casual is fine for men), ethnic attire, and cocktail attire will make it a beautiful evening!

There will be light Hors d'oeuvres served and a no-host bar (cash only please-no credit cards), music and lots of networking with friends and colleagues.

What else you should know about Say Hey:
Major employers in Oregon & Southwest Washington joined forces as "Partners in Diversity" in 2005 to cooperatively support diversity in the workplace and community. Say Hey was started over six years ago to honor professionals of color relocating to this area and to help them connect with a multicultural community of fellow professionals, community and professional resources.

Everyone is welcome to attend Say Hey. It is fun, multicultural, and a great opportunity for newcomers (and those of us who are "not so new") to enjoy an evening of meeting new friends and learning about what makes our community a great place to live and work.

Directions & Parking:
Parking is available on a first come basis in the MAC Parking Structure located across the street. There is a parking attendant available to direct visitors to overflow parking locations nearby if needed.
Webpage for directions (click on "Directions to Clubhouse"): www.themac.com/MACPUB/Site_Pages/About_Club/club_introductio...

For TriMet information: www.trimet.org or 503-238-RIDE

With Mayor Potter's Staff in Zimbabwe, the News Doesn't Look Good

After Mayor Tom Potter decided last week that Zimbabwe was secure enough to send his wife, Karin Hansen, and two members of his staff, the latest news from the politically deadlocked East African nation is not assuring.

As a propagandist loyal to strongman Robert Mugabe, Jabalani Sibanda is no stranger to shit-talking. But his latest announcement couldn't come at a worse time for the Portland delegation.

Citing concerns about the U.S. financial crisis, Potter himself declined to take the planned 13-day trip to Portland's sister city Mutare and elsewhere in Zimbabwe. Instead he sent his chief of staff, Austin Raglione, and his director of international affairs, Mila Greisan, to accompany Hansen.

The Harare press reports Potter's team brought much-needed medical supplies. But with instability growing, plus concerns that a trip could be perceived as support for Mugabe, was it the best time for Portland's attempts at diplomacy?

YP DISCUSSION: OPEN DISCUSSION NIGHT!

Dear Young Professionals,

Greetings from the World Affairs Council of Oregon!

Wednesday, October 22, 7:00pm - YP Discussion Group:
TOPIC: OPEN DISCUSSION NIGHT!

This particular meeting puts the YPs in direct control of the discussion topic! Attendees are encouraged to lead discussions on any international topic they enjoy. Africa? The Middle East? Canada's Jamaican Expatriate Population? All are great!

Please come share your areas of interest with the group!

LOCATION: Laurelwood NW Public House, NW Kearney & NW 23rd (MAP), upstairs - back room.

We hope to see you at the discussion!

All Regards,



Reno J. Tibke
Young Professionals Steering Committee
World Affairs Council of Oregon Board of Advisors

YP - PDX (OFFICIAL YP BLOG)
World Affairs Council of Oregon's Young Professionals
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Portland Japanese Garden - Free Admission Day 11/11

Portland Japanese Garden Presents; Free Admission Day - The Portland Japanese Garden will be hosting their fall Free Admission Day on Veteran's Day, November 11, Tuesday from 10am–4pm. In addition to sharing the lovely fall Garden with the community, the event will also benefit the Oregon Food Bank through the collection of food donations at the gate. http://www.japanesegarden.com/

UNITED NATIONS ASSOCIATION OF OREGON - COMMEMORATING THE FORMATION OF THE UN CHARTER ON OCTOBER 24

UNITED NATIONS ASSOCIATION OREGON DIVISION Invites you to commemorate the anniversary of the formation of the United Nations Charter on October 24, 1945.

SPEAKER:
Demetrios Argyriades, Ph.D, who has had a 35 year career with the United Nations and is currently working as a UN consultant will be our speaker for the evening. He will be discussing:
-The many challenges facing the United Nations as it enters its 63rd year. 
-MDG 7: Ensure Environmental Sustainability as an Essential Tool for Poverty Alleviation is an issue that has profound implications on environmental, health, and economic conditions in countries and regions across the globe.

WHEN:
October 24th, 2008
6:00 – 8:00 pm

WHERE:
Native American Student and Community Center – NAC
710 SW Jackson Street at Broadway
Portland, Oregon  97201

Music
Refreshments
No Admission Fee

Reservations recommended-space is limited · Email to emilymaehill@hotmail.com
www.una-oregon.org

How does Europe feel about Palin?

An inteteresting, brief read, on europeans' recation regarding Palin running as VP.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/10/16/europe.palin.oakley/index.html?iref=mpstoryview