The Stream - Al Jazeera English

Deconstructing disability

Mon, 20 May 2013 00:00:00 +0300

Wheelchair sign in San Francisco, California. (Flickr/Creative Commons via user Man Pikin)

On Monday, May 20 at 19:30 GMT:

Some might see a disability as a challenge to overcome. But for those who are disabled, what is often the greater obstacle is overcoming society’s prejudices against them. What are the stereotypes facing people with disabilities, and what can be done to change these negative perceptions? We'll also speak to Tommy Edison, a blind film critic who's giving YouTube viewers a new perspective on how to watch movies.

What do you think? Let us know in a 30-second video or in the comments below.

Day 100 of Guantanamo hunger strike

Fri, 17 May 2013 21:18:00 +0300

A person dressed as a detainee of Guantanamo Bay detention facility sits inside a cage, outside the White House in Washington DC, 10 January 2012. EPA/MICHAEL REYNOLDS

A Twitterstorm spearheaded by the hacktivist collective Anonymous marks 100 days of the Guantanamo hunger strike. Since February, a growing number of inmates at the prison camp have refused food or liquids to protest their detention and alleged mistreatment. As of today, more than half of the inmates have joined the hunger strike.

The hashtags #OpGTMO and #GTMO17 buzzed online, and the latter made its way to Twitter's worldwide trending topics.

View the story "Day 100 of Guantanamo hunger strike" on StorifyDay 100 of Guantanamo hunger strikeAdvocates rally online and offline to protest the detention centre.Storified by The Stream· Fri, May 17 2013 12:20:37That didn't take long, #GTMO17 is #1 Worldwide. http://pic.twitter.com/tMfdznsRFSAnonymousFor those confused, OpGTMO is the operation/movement. Today's tag is #GTMO17. You know what to do.AnonymousThere's a storm coming... #GTMO17Andrew WilfordSeveral tweeted their solidarity with the hunger strikers.Today marks the 100th day of the #GTMO hunger-strike. Repatriate the prisoners, close the camp, tear down the wire. End the torture. #GTMO17Asher WolfI tweet #GTMO17 for my brother in law. Who was waterboarded. @BarackObama Charge him let the law determine his outcome.Jody Abu Zubaydah@BrandonTXNeely, a former Guantanamo guard, weighed in with his experiences while working at the prison.I witnessed a detainee at #Guantanamo get beat so bad his blood stained the concrete of his cage at Camp X-ray #GTMO17Brandon Neely More detainees have died @Guantanamo (nine) than have been convicted of wrongdoing by its military commissions (six) #GTMO17Brandon Neely It literally makes me sick to my stomach knowing I had a hand in the horrors of #Guantanamo #GTMO17Brandon Neely Neely's full testimony of his time at Guantanamo can be found here.UntitledAJstreamAs part of a joint effort, CODE Pink, along with other U.S. and UK-based advocacy groups, staged a protest in front of the White House to call for the closing of Guantanamo prison.Large group at White House of 100th day of Gitmo hunger strike demanding Obama #CloseGitmo #ajstream http://pic.twitter.com/m9HhYsfOA4CODEPINKProtest outside White House on the 100th day of the Guantanamo hunger strike #closegitmo @amnestyusareginagrossmanNow moved closer to the fence #CloseGitmo #GITMO17 #ajstream http://pic.twitter.com/fYThGFDxJdCODEPINK

Fossil fuel divestment debate heats up at US college

Fri, 17 May 2013 01:07:00 +0300

Student Testimony at Swarthmore Board Meeting [Screenshot from YouTube]

Activists fighting climate change have taken the battle against fossil fuels to US university campuses. But conservatives are targeting one liberal arts college for what they say is suppression of free speech, after students disrupted a board meeting on campus.

Student activists at Swarthmore College took over an open board meeting, which was held on May 4 to discuss calls to divest the school's $1.5 billion financial endowment from fossil fuel companies. The college says divesting flouts its responsibility to maximise investments that fund students' education, including financial aid.

Video of the student protest, which addressed a number of social issues on campus in addition to divestment, circulated online:

View the story "Fossil fuel divestment debate heats up at US college" on StorifyFossil fuel divestment debate heats up at US collegeConservatives say environmental activism at Swarthmore College is suppressing speech.Storified by The Stream· Thu, May 16 2013 15:10:15Student Testimony at Swarthmore Board Meeting - Watufani M. PoeswarthmoreinteractsThe blog Swat Overlaps also published the activists' collective statement read at the meeting, along with students' take on the college's response:over and over again, we’ve been asked to wait wait to feel safe in our own dorm rooms and classrooms wait for administrators to learn respect for survivors wait for a curriculum that reflects our diversity, that tells marginalized histories wait for the college to take action for env…ironmental justice to stand in solidarity with frontline communities.swatoverlaps.tumblr.comToday we speak as individuals, converging because of our concern for the integrity of this institution. we are here together because we see that our struggles are interconnected.swatoverlaps.tumblr.comswatoverlaps.tumblr.comA Swarthmore student published an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal about the incident, calling the school "a case study in the illiberalism that has taken over liberal arts colleges". She describes how her classmates disrupted the meeting and drowned her out when she tried to remind them that the panel was meant to air various perspectives. All of this is on video, which some classmates have posted online, exulting in the evidence of how they spoke truth to power. Meanwhile, my peers have derided me on blogs and Facebook. One accused me of "pernicious, destructive, far-reaching silencing." They give me far too much credit: I'm an English major who wants Swarthmore to be a place where ideas are freely exchanged. To me, overthrowing a meeting of board members, who are all alumni, is wrong and juvenile.online.wsj.comUsers on Twitter had much criticism for the college administration's handling of the protests: Diversity and tolerance = drowning out people we disagree with, apparently. "@DCharette43: https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=TS3Xa9UMZu8"Nathan ThompsonWhy be a run-of-the-mill lefty when you can be a real radical? Campus conservatism. The few. The brave. The smart.Swat Conservatives#Swarthmore = $56K/yr to attend a college whose gutless leaders allow student radicals to bully others: http://goo.gl/icR4KRod DreherEnvironmental activist Bill McKibben, who has helped lead the charge for universities to divest from fossil fuels, praised the students for demanding action from the administration:Divest movement @SwarthmoreMJ is such a model of reason; by now, the inaction of the admin must be maddening http://daily.swarthmore.edu/2013/05/01/op-ed-lets-be-clear-divestment-and-financial-aid/Bill McKibbenSwarthmore divestment campaign getting tired of the endless delay tactics from the administration. Divest Now! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00Med0treVEBill McKibbenOthers online felt the debate had been blown out of proportion and expressed support for the school:Only teenage radicals and aging reactionaries take campus protests seriously. http://www.nationalreview.com/corner/348110/swarthmore-spinning-out-control-videosJonathan Shainin@seenstudio I'm reconsidering my vow to never donate a cent.Jonathan ShaininBlogger G. Benjamin Bingham, who runs a firm for sustainable investment, criticised both Swarthmore's administration and the students who protested:Unfortunately, the experts on the financial boards of endowments may one day look down on the smoldering remains of Earth, and comfort themselves by asserting that at least they did their "fiduciary duty" by putting profits ahead of people or planet! Their lack of willingness to consider the passionate pleas of students to divest is just as disingenuous as activism without real debate.huffingtonpost.com

'Sexist' page undergoes feminist coup

Thu, 16 May 2013 20:22:00 +0300

Photo from feminist takeover of Bra-Buster Facebook page.

Tables have turned and turned again in an epic online battle over the content of one Facebook page.

In an attempt to bring more riveting content to his racy page 'Bra-Busters', its administrator reached out to a stranger he had 'seen around' for help. Little did he know, the stranger turned out to be a feminist, whose first act as new administrator was to revoke the old administrator's privileges and change the content.

View the story "\"Sexist\" page undergoes feminist coup" on Storify"Sexist" page undergoes feminist coupFeminists' "Whiney Dude" meme clashes with Facebook moderators.Storified by The Stream· Thu, May 16 2013 10:30:49

The photo below shows some of the images displayed on the page prior to the online coup.

feministatsea.wordpress.comBut with the help of the new administrator's friends, including the author of Feminist at Sea, the objectifying content was replaced with feminist quotes, pictures and memes.Screenshot of Bra Busters facebookAJstreamScreenshot 3 of Bra Busters FacebookAJstreamIn reaction to the change of management and content, members of the group left many angry comments. The new administrators decided to publicly shame these members by taking their Facebook profile pictures and captioning their comments in textballoons. This duo of profile picture and comment became the "Whiney Dude" meme, as well as the most popular feature of the page amongst new members.feministatsea.wordpress.comwhineydudes.blogspot.comAs the Whiney Dude meme gained popularity, Facebook locked the new administrators out for 24 hours, citing posting "pornography" as their offense. My facebook account has been blocked for 24hrs, because I "posted pornography". Reason I was really blocked: http://bit.ly/ZsLIWbFeminist at Seafeministatsea.wordpress.comfeministatsea.wordpress.comAccording to The Daily Dot, the charge of "posting pornography" was attributed to complaints of men angry about the Whiney Dude meme's use of their photos. Additionally, when the memes were compiled on an external blog, Facebook proceeded to mark links to the blog as 'spam'. Feminist at Sea claims numerous complaints against the Bra Busters page had gone unanswered, but Facebook addressed complaints against them in under 48 hours.Share your thoughts and reactions to this story in the comments below!

Meme-ifying black interviewees

Thu, 16 May 2013 20:16:00 +0300

Screenshot of gif created by ADHD.

Charles Ramsey rescued three Cleveland women held captive for a decade. Called a hero by many, he also became an online celebrity when his candid interview with local TV set off a wave of viral memes. While many enjoy the catchy auto-tuned sound bites, others warn that the laugher directed at Ramsey plays into the stereotyping of African Americans. So, are these memes lighthearted snapshots of popular culture or racist caricatures of African Americans? Join the conversation at 1930GMT.

In this episode of The Stream, we speak to:

Jamilah King @jamilahking
Reporter, Color Lines

www.colorlines.com

Jimi Izrael

Writer

www.jimiizrael.com

Ernest Owens @mrernestowens

Huffington Post blogger

www.ernestmedia.tumblr.com

Eris Zion Venia @ezvenia

Activist, poet

www.ezvenia.com

Cole Stryker @colestryker

Author and media strategist

www.colestryker.com

What do you think? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

View the story "Meme-ifying black interviewees" on StorifyMeme-ifying black intervieweesFrom Antoine Dodson to Charles Ramsey, memes straddle the line between humor and stereotypes.Storified by The Stream· Thu, May 16 2013 10:34:32Below is the interview of Charles Ramsey that sparked his online celebrity.Charles Ramsey Interview, Cleveland Man That Found Amanda BerrycollectivecheckupThe following snapshot from Topsy Analytic shows online mentions of Charles Ramsey a few days after his interview aired.Charles Ramsey viralAJstreamThis Amanda Berry story is incredible but does it make me a bad person that I'm more fascinated by Charles Ramsey?Arash MarkaziOnline parodies and memes followed:i3.kym-cdn.comdeathandtaxesmag.comNetdna-cdnThe remixed videos and memes sparked a discussion about race, class, and their role in the proliferation of viral videos online.T-Paining Too Much: The Meme-ification of Charles Ramseyilldoc1Seriously, the Charles Ramsey interviews or 911 call isn't that funny. But hey...making a mockery of Black folk on TV is what's hot.™M∆rcusthere are a lot of ugly race politics that go into these "funny" memes. charles ramsey is just another example. he can't just be a hero.beenanasThe self designed rules of classism allow us to find Charles Ramsey funny. There is nothing funny about him, he is simply brave.BlackgirlinmaineSome have identified previous examples of remixes to illustrate a disturbing trend of black interviewees being turned into viral sensations:Fidel Martinez of The Daily Dot compared the creation of Charles Ramsey remixes to a modern-day minstrel show. In particular, Martinez notices similarities with the Dead Giveaway parody and the following video:Blackface Minstrel Show Sand DanceikachinaOthers pointed to reasons beyond race as their reason for sharing. Some disagreed outright with the notion that race played a role.Charles Ramsey is famous cuz he was candid, honest, and funny in a TV interview. That's it, no racism here.Black .@TheAtlanticWire's @ConnorSimpson says Charles Ramsey is "a meme because he's black and poor." No. It's because he's funny.Dylan Stablefordif you think we shouldn't laugh with charles ramsey b/c you think he doesn't know he's funny, who's the prejudiced one?Marc MastersReal Talk, Charles Ramsey is not Antoine Dodson, he's a hero and was actually speaking some serious truth, no matter how funny it was.Tim MackA few days after the rescue, the blog The Smoking Gun uncovered Ramsey's criminal past, including previous convictions of domestic violence. One Twitter user had seen it coming:Is it just me or is Charles Ramsey a Hero but have a funny feeling we about to find some dirty about the homie.Hope he is ready for it.Michael ShawnOthers thought that digging into Ramsey's past is rooted in racism:They're digging up Charles Ramsey's past to discredit him saving 3 kidnapped girls.....y'all already know why, right? Ok, good.Phillip HenrySome1 couldn't deal with the fact that a "hero" could look like charles ramsey and not brad pitt. That is the reason his past is an issueESQ/MBACharles Ramsey's criminal record and checkered past is completely irrelevant. It should not be part of the story.TouréThe backlash was enough to cause WEWS NewsChannel 5, a Cleveland news station, to issue an apology for covering the story:

TO OUR READERS & FOLLOWERS: We heard you. Wednesday night, we made a poor judgment call in posting a story about Charles Ramsey’s criminal record and how he’s since reformed. While the story was factually sound, the timing of it and publication of such information was not in good taste, and we regret it. Your comments prompted us to quickly remove the story from our website and Facebook page, but we know we can’t erase what we’ve already done. Ramsey is a hero for his actions, and we recognize that. Thank you so much for your feedback.

Some netizens shared the following meme in response to the media portrayal of Ramsey:humorousfunnyjokes.comThe attention placed on Charles Ramsey instead of the three victims was a point of discussion:@AJStream They may but in this specific case they were used to take away the attention from the real issue-kidnapping+abuse of ppl for yearsDarakshanPeople are talking about Charles Ramsey but is anyone paying attention to the real story 3 women were held in captivity for 10 years !!!Heart of a runnerIt really is a shame that Charles Ramsey will forever be looked at as "the funny interview" rather than the hero that saved 3 women's livesJoey DurrThis screenshot of Google trends shows more searches for Ramsey than for Amanda Berry, one of the three women saved:RamseyBerry TrendsAJstreamThe Stream asked its online community if they thought memes like those of Charles Ramsey were lighthearted snapshots of pop culture or racist caricatures of African Americans. Responses varied: racist? caricature? why are you making something out of nothing?Charles Efe Oyibo Is it racist if the memes' source also pokes fun of whites and politicians (i.e. Gregory Brothers)? If we stepped outside the traditional box of viewing race everywhere we go, we'd see these memes are more classist than racist, making fun of lower-income and thus perhaps less-educated people, more of whom just happen to be black than white.Mikey Barnum it's a little of both.Joey Schüler

Israel’s fractured memory

Wed, 15 May 2013 23:47:00 +0300

Jaramana Refugee Camp, Damascus, Syria (Photo via Wikimedia Commons)

Every year while Israelis celebrate their independence day, Palestinians around the world mark the 1948 Nakba – or catastrophe – when more than 750,000 were driven out of their homes in the conflict surrounding the creation of the state. In the 65 years since, Israeli attitudes towards that event have included denial, justification and repentance. So how does today’s Israeli view the Nakba?

In this episode of The Stream, we speak to:

Adrieh Abou Shehadeh @kadrieh
Palestinian Activist

Lia Tarachansky @liatarachansky

Canadian-Israeli Filmmaker

Amos Geva @AmosGeva

Israeli Filmmaker

Ran Bario Bar-Yoshafat @ranbario

Eitan Bronstein

Director, Zochrot
zochrot.org/en

What do you think? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

View the story "Israel’s fractured memory" on StorifyIsrael’s fractured memoryAre Israelis ready to include the Palestinian Nakba tragedy in their independence narrative?Storified by The Stream· Wed, May 15 2013 11:28:10The video below describes the events of the Nakba and contains interviews with Palestinians expelled during the "catastrophe" of 1948: AL NAKBA: The Palestinian Catastrophe 1948Benny BrunnerPalestinians are commemorating the 65th anniversary of the Nakba on twitter with the hashtag "#Nakba65":My Grandma: After we heard the loudspeakers calling to leave our homes, we had to go on to the mountainside to take refuge!#Nakba65Isra MigdadThe documentary "7 Deadly Myths" explores Israel's fractured collective memory about the Nakba:Seven Deadly Myths - OFFICIAL TRAILERNaretiv ProductionsIn the clip from the film below, a former solider with the Palmach militia testifies about expelling Palestinians from their villages in 1948:SEVEN DEADLY MYTHS - Segment (Amnon Noiman)SevenDeadlyMythsIn the video below, Israeli historian Ilan Pappe describes the events surrounding the Nakba in 1948. Pappe is among the "New Historians" who first challenged traditional Israeli historical narratives about the expulsion of Palestinians during Israel's War of Independence. Ilan Pappe on "The Nakba of Palestine"alternatefocusThe debate about the Nakba in Israeli society was intensified with the passage of the "Nakba Law" which grants the Israeli finance minister the authority to impose fines on government-funded organisations that mark Independence Day as a day of mourning. Many netizens have denounced the Nakba law as an infringement of fee speech: So much for free speech in the Middle East's "only democracy." The High Court rejects petition against "Nakba Law." http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/high-court-rejects-petition-against-israel-s-controversial-nakba-law-1.405636Max BlumenthalRemembering history is literally defined as "working against the state of Israel" by supporters of Israel's Forced Amnesia Law. #nakbaAli AbunimahThe debate within Israeli society about the Nakba was on full display on May 13, as two competing demonstrations took place on the campus of Tel Aviv University. Today at Tel Aviv University: Palestinian and Israeli students standing during a minute of silence commemorating the Nakba, as part of a ceremony that was held by Palestinian and Israeli students, May 13, 2013. A right wing demonstration was held against the ceremony, as the protestors were shouting slogans against the participants, under police surveillance.
(Activestills.org)

More photos @ http://bit.ly/5xDJ9nActivestillsParticipants from both protests are interviewed in this video:Israeli Students Mourn Establishment of IsraelIsraelNationalTVAs Nakba Day approaches, Israeli organisations on both sides of the debate are engaged in campaigns to advance their preferred historical narrative. The right-wing organisation "Im Tirtzu" has been distributing a 70-page pamphlet entitled "Nakba Nonsense", which refers to the Nakba as "a lie that threatens to drown us like a tsunami":Posters stating "Nakba is a lie" are also part of Im Tirtzu's campaign:the #Zionist "Im Tirtzu" posting now on the walls Hebrew Uni' of #Jerusalem posters that states: " #Nakba Is a Lie" http://pic.twitter.com/tyL2CAGCMyAamer IbraheemThe Israeli organisation Zochrot, or "Remembering", has been distributing maps printed in Hebrew of the Palestinian villages that were destroyed in 1948: nakbahmapallfinalAJstreamThe video below shows police thwarting Zochrot's efforts to distribute information about destroyed Palestinian villages during Israeli Independence Day celebrations:Sieging ZochrotsocialtvNetizens debated whether Israel is ready to include the Palestinian Nakba in their independence narrative and whether it is possible:@AJStream Should Israelis celebrate the Arab & Palestinian failure to destroy their newly reborn state in the Arab-initiated war of 1948? NoOfir Gendelman@AJStream how can they? Wouldn't it expose the illegitimacy of their state?Deanna ديانا@AJStream Is it possible to spread awareness about the Nakba amongst Israeli Jews without undercutting founding narratives of Israel?Sana Saeed

Does LinkedIn have a prostitution problem?

Wed, 15 May 2013 22:06:00 +0300

LinkedIn logo. Photo by Flickr user mariosundar [Creative Commons]

LinkedIn is the internet's largest professional network, attracting job-seekers from all fields - including some that may be too risqué for the site.

Sex workers have a large enough presence on LinkedIn that it recently took the step of banning prostitution in its updated user agreement. The ban is not entirely new, but it has now been expanded to even explicitly prohibit prostitution in areas where sex work is legal.

View the story "Does LinkedIn have a prostitution problem?" on StorifyDoes LinkedIn have a prostitution problem?New user agreement says the network is not for sex work.Storified by The Stream· Wed, May 15 2013 12:15:01

LinkedIn's new list of prohibitions includes the following:

Even if it is legal where you are located, create profiles or provide content that promotes escort services or prostitution.linkedin.comMany online were surprised to learn that the network hosted sex workers. Some noted that "prostitution" was an available job skill, though it is mostly listed by users who deal with prostitution from a social work or law enforcement angle. A number of LinkedIn users used the site to leave their thoughts.The world's largest professional network wants nothing to do with the world's oldest profession.linkedin.comMy question: Why did it take this long? ...linkedin.comLooks like there's a seedy underbelly to LinkedIn. Their latest privacy policy changes ban prostitution.twitter.comLinkedIn plays moral police by 'prohibiting' promotion of prostitution and escort services!"A LinkedIn rep... http://fb.me/vVF6aVSFlittleyellowbeetleOthers expressed concern for what the ban could mean for legal sex workers:Linked in not allowing sex worker profiles? Do they know linked in profiles are the most common thing clients use for screening?Kelly MichaelsSex workers should have access to @LinkedIn as long as they're not violating any user agreement.Child of ZoraDear @LinkedIn stop your discrimination of sex workers. They are people too, and don't need your puritan judgements. #SexWorkersMatterJean-Luc GothosSo, @linkedin is banning sex workers b/c of illegality in some locales. Will you also ban political activism, since many countries prohibit?Darby HickeyMost online treated the subject with humour:If @LinkedIn got rid of sex workers clients too, then there wouldn't be many ppl on LinkedIn at all.Dollymopp of LondonAre you a sex worker in need of a career boost? Maybe a @LinkedIn profile will do the trick http://ow.ly/l26Fp #oops #steamyallvoicesPeople Who Figuratively Prostitute Themselves on LinkedIn Banned From Actually Prostituting There http://thegi.st/YJf9pEsomeecardsLinkedIn bans prostitutes. Bright side? The prostitutes won't get tons of annoying emails from LinkedIn. http://dailycaller.com/2013/05/14/linkedin-is-tired-of-prostitutes-using-its-website/Alex Pappas

El Salvador's 'Savita'? Netizens campaign for #Beatriz

Wed, 15 May 2013 21:07:00 +0300

Protesters rally in support of Beatriz in El Salvador (Photo via Amnesty International)

Netizens around the world are campaigning for a 22-year-old woman in El Salvador whose life is at risk due to complications from pregnancy.

The woman, known only as Beatriz, is five-months pregnant and has been fighting for the right to terminate her pregnancy after doctors warned she could die if she carries to term. Doctors also found that her foetus is missing a large part of its brain and believe it would not survive long after birth.

El Salvador bans abortion under all circumstances, and Beatriz is now waiting for a ruling from the country's supreme court on whether to make an exception in her case. She has received support from El Salvador's ministry of health and international human rights groups.

Many online are sharing an Amnesty International petition that asks El Salvador's attorney general to ensure that health professionals are able to provide an abortion without fear of prosecution.

View the story "El Salvador's 'Savita'? Netizens campaign for #Beatriz" on StorifyEl Salvador's 'Savita'? Netizens campaign for #BeatrizWoman seeks right to terminate pregnancy after doctors say her life is at risk.Storified by The Stream· Wed, May 15 2013 11:12:06Every additional day the Salvadorian government debates the merits of her case, Beatriz and her family—including her one-year-old son, are suffering mental and physical anguish, which is further degrading her health. This amounts to cruel and inhuman treatment.takeaction.amnestyusa.org@AmnistiaOnline @AIMexico #ElSalvador juntos por salvar la vida de #Beatriz pic.twitter.com/2NaQiyMzxTYuianca#SaveBeatriz #Beatriz: el seu cos, els seus drets, la seva vida #ElSalvador pic.twitter.com/xEY0I7UNz3Amnistia CatalunyaAbortion opponents also weighed in on Beatriz' case: @Celidamagana: I don't judge #Beatriz, I ask God for her health and for her to make the best decision! But my position is the same #NoToAbortion@LuisiitaN y no juzgo a #Beatriz Pido a Dios por su salud y por que tome la mejor decisión! pero mi posición es la misma #NoAlAbortoCélida Magaña@vida_sv: There is no therapeutic abortion because pregnancy and a baby is not a disease #BeatrizNo existe aborto terapéutico porque el embarazo y un bebé no son una enfermedad #BeatrizEl vínculo... http://fb.me/2PJdFoGKvVIDA SVMany have made parallels between Beatriz and Savita Halappanavar, a woman in Ireland who died from infection after miscarrying and being refused an abortion.#Antichoice laws kill women: #Savita, #Beatriz, #Mongar. #prochoice = #prolife #Right2Life #HumanRights #Gosnell #Ireland #tlotClaudine JacquesWe already lost Savita in Ireland. Don’t let Beatriz die in El Salvador. feministing.com/2013/04/30/we-…Libby AnneFor more on Savita's case, watch our show on abortion laws in Ireland:The Stream - Ireland's abortion standoffAlJazeeraEnglish

'Buycotting' via smartphone

Wed, 15 May 2013 20:10:00 +0300

App screenshot via iTunes.

A newly-released app hopes to enable shoppers to put their money where their morals are. Buycott, designed by US-based developer Ivan Pardo, allows users to trace products back to their corporate sources. Shoppers scan a barcode of a particular item, and the app provides them with the corporate "family tree" of that product.

Users can highlight particular companies they want to support or avoid, and the app alerts them if the product they scanned falls under one of these "buycott" or boycott campaigns.

View the story "'Buycotting' via your smartphone" on Storify'Buycotting' via your smartphoneApp allows costumers to boycott products tied to corporations like Monsanto and Koch Industries.Storified by The Stream· Wed, May 15 2013 09:56:54itunes.apple.comitunes.apple.comitunes.apple.comAlthough many are labeling the app as a champion of anti-conservative causes, Clare O'Connor at Forbes is quick to point out that users can join individually-generated campaigns for or against any companies. The point was echoed by the app developer: “I don’t want to push any single point of view with the app,” said Pardo. “For me, it was critical to allow users to create campaigns because I don’t think its Buycott’s role to tell people what to buy. We simply want to provide a platform that empowers consumers to make well-informed purchasing decisions.”forbes.comMany of the campaigns listed on Buycott's website are for sustainable foods, or against large corporations like Koch Industries and Nestle. There is one campaign listed, however, against progressive-liberal George Soros Investments.Screenshot Buycott.comAJstreamCommenters rushed to both criticise and endorse the app. From Forbes commenter JJ Durgin:Great idea. lets close all our corporations. Then these brain dead libs would be happy until they realize all their needs, food ,fuel, medical, etc etc etc are now gone. Before that happens, please modify this work of genius to include Soros.forbes.comCommenter Gregladen responded:JJ, I for one prefer to see the free market work out these problems; the economists say that this is how it should be done and I believe them. Of course, for that to work, the actors in the market (consumers in this case) need to be “ideal free” actors. That does not mean actors without ideals. It means rational individuals with all the necessary information to make the choices.forbes.comFor many consumers this means making politically informed choices in their purchasing patterns. But they can’t do that without the information about which companies make what. It would be nice if there was an app for that. Something you could scan bar codes in the supermarket with and stuff. Hey, wait a minute….forbes.comBuycott is available in both the Android and iPhone markets. Though smartphone users are expressing interest in the idea behind it, the young app is not without glitches.The Buycott App is still buggy, but I'm willing to give it time to realize its full potential. It will be a huge help to me at the store.gnumoonSorry, we can't add new servers fast enough!! The app #3 in the App Store's free utilities... way more users than we can handle atmBuycottHang tough @BuycottApp - this user will be here when the dust settles. Congrats on the best problem an app launch could have - #overcapacitycerebralitchWhat do you think of Buycott? Does it enable smart-consumption or reinforce anti-corporate sentiment?

Is the New York Times biased against Chavez?

Wed, 15 May 2013 19:50:00 +0300

The late Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez greeting crowds on September 9, 2012. EPA/DAVID FERNANDEZ

The New York Times eXaminer, a self-described "antidote to the paper of record", is taking Margaret Sullivan, the New York Times (NYT) Public Editor, to task. From Noam Chomsky to Michael Moore, the publication has rallied the support of leading Latin America and media experts who have signed a petition questioning the fairness of the New York Times' coverage of Venezuela and Honduras.

US Congresswoman stops deportation

Tue, 14 May 2013 21:45:00 +0300

Protesters seeking the halt of deportation proceedings of Rene Rivas march. (Joe Cavaretta, Sun Sentinel)

An 18-year-old's last minute effort on Monday to prevent the deportation of his father from the US back to Mexico proved successful...for now.

View the story "Congresswoman stops deportation" on StorifyCongresswoman stops deportationSon's emotional last-minute plea buys his family some time.Storified by The Stream· Tue, May 14 2013 11:50:13Despite being told to keep his question short at the North Miami immigration forum, Carlos Rivas plunged into the story of his father's impending deportation to Mexico, only hours away, and followed with a plea for help. His story moved Florida Representative Frederica Wilson, one of the four members of Congress in attendance. She proceeded to make late night phone calls to immigration officials, ultimately halting the deportation of Carlos' father. miamiherald.com

Carlos' mother Ana Rivas, pictured above with her family, told The Stream that her husband, Rene Rivas, was arrested on March 29 in an undercover US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation.

The Obama administration announced in 2011 that it would focus its deportation efforts on violent offenders, gang members and drug traffickers. While Rene has no criminal record of his own, he was arrested in an ICE operation that targeted a co-worker who reportedly did have a criminal record.

Earlier on Monday, before the immigration forum, the Rivas family was joined by many in protesting in front of the Pompano Beach detention center where Rene is being held. Protesters seeking the halt of deportation proceedings of Rene Rivas march… (Joe Cavaretta, Sun Sentinel )AJstreamAll for Rene Rivas today! #11MillionDreams #Immigration #Not1More http://pic.twitter.com/fS1A5KcBiaDiego N. SanchezWhile Representative Wilson's move to suspend Rene's deportation may have only bought the family an extra week, many applauded Wilson for her determination to serve her constituents.Constituent services doin' good work! “@MarcACaputo: How Rep. Wilson stopped 4 am deportation of father of 4 http://hrld.us/12rKNZp”tasha carvell@RepWilson THANK YOU FOR KEEPING RENES' FAMILY TOGETHER #not1more #timeisnow #immigrationreformJose A. MachadoWith over 1.5 million US deportations in the last 4 years, some pointed to the story as another example of how the immigration system breaks families apart, and emphasized the need for immigration reform.A family thinks dad could be deported in a week. Court records say he might have a month. Welcome to immigration http://hrld.us/12rKNZpMarc CaputoGreat result, bad system. It shouldnt take Congressional intervention 2 keep families safe&together http://miamiherald.typepad.com/nakedpolitics/2013/05/rep-frederica-wilson-gets-4-am-deportation-of-dad-stopped.html h/t @MarcACaputoDavid LeopoldIt is not enough to say "we r working on reform" when every day we see the effects of out of control enforcement - @lorellaluciana #Not1MoreB. LoeweTwo of Ana's children were born in the US, and two others are in the process of becoming naturalised citizens. Ana told us that she hopes for the implementation of immigration reform that would allow for her husband to stay, by virtue of being the father of American citizens."We only came to work", she said, "we are hard-working people looking out for the prosperity of our kids".

Kenyans #OccupyParliament

Tue, 14 May 2013 19:42:00 +0300

Piglets and pig's blood are seen during a demonstration against lawmakers' salary demands outside parliament in Nairobi, May 14, 2013. REUTERS/Thomas Mukoya

Activists in Nairobi protested outside Kenya's parliament buildings on Tuesday, calling on Members of Parliament to drop a proposed law that would increase their salaries. To symbolise what protesters called the MPs' greed, they released nearly three dozen pigs and covered the pavement in blood.

Kenyan police arrested at least 10 people, including protest organiser Boniface Mwangi, who wrote on Twitter that he was charged with animal cruelty.

View the story "Kenyans #OccupyParliament" on StorifyKenyans #OccupyParliamentActivists release pigs to protest proposed salary increase for MPs.Storified by The Stream· Tue, May 14 2013 10:00:03Update: We are going to be released and report back at the cop station on friday. The charge is animal crueltyBONIFACE MWANGIThis story was suggested to us by Mbabzi Annet Ntezi (@quirkything) from Uganda. @AJStream are you onto this? #occupyparliament in Nairobi.Mbabazi Annet Ntezi Many Kenyans on Twitter shared photos of the demonstration using the hashtags #OccupyParliament and #MPigs.Pic of the day #OccupyParliament #MPs #MPigs #Kenya http://pic.twitter.com/1sGLBfXckWJaymoh Kamau#MPIGS http://pic.twitter.com/xryZBjfBJeMuiru Wa MwauraThe symbolism is overwhelming #occupyparliament http://pic.twitter.com/MJEY5iJs9pGeorge GacharaThey also criticised the MPs for attempting to raise their own wages from $78,500 to $126,000 in the first proposed legislation since Kenya's March election.#LINTURI #KOT #OccupyParliament #MPIGS pigs in parliament >> http://pic.twitter.com/pq46x3pSltTell It Like It IsIf MPs really want to help the poor they should pass a Poor Relief law. Not increase their salaries #OccupyParliament #KenyaKen Opalo#occupyparliament is today at 10am, meet-up at freedom corner. http://pic.twitter.com/KZjgucrS0tFelix Ochieng WereCurrently MP's earn 1.2 million shillings a month,attached a breakdown of their salary http://pic.twitter.com/I5a5lgPOsvBONIFACE MWANGIOthers on Twitter lashed out at the protesters for using pigs in their demonstration.Did you have to use animals to emphasize the cause?I understand the term #MPigs but I really sympathize with those animals #OccupyParliamentChris KirubiWhat has pissed me most about this #OccupyParliament is the use of pigs!! Why would you want an animal to go through that!! Very unnecessaryBrother Paul#OccupyParliament Why use live pigs to drive the point home? The poor animals don't deserve this.Carole NyamburaWhat do you think? Is this an effective form of protest?

Abercrombie for the homeless

Tue, 14 May 2013 18:43:00 +0300

Abercrombie & Fitch Gets a Brand Readjustment #FitchTheHomeless.

Clothing retailer Abercrombie & Fitch works hard to project an exclusive brand, but a new campaign is striking back on behalf of those left out by the company's practices.

After reading reports alleging that the company safeguards its affluent image by burning unsold clothing rather than donate it to those in need, writer Greg Karber launched "Fitch the Homeless". The video calls on consumers to do the donating themselves in order to make Abercrombie & Fitch "the world's number one brand of homeless apparel".

Twitter users discussed the campaign with the hashtag #FitchTheHomeless.

View the story "Abercrombie for the homeless" on StorifyAbercrombie for the homelessCritics of retailer's exclusive branding spread clothing line to new demographic.Storified by The Stream· Tue, May 14 2013 08:58:07I was so mad at Abercrombie & Fitch I made this video to change their brand. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O95DBxnXiSoGreg KarberIf you wanna do some good, get all the Abercromie clothing you can find and donate it to the nearest homeless shelter. #fitchthehomelessMatthew BlanfordGive Abercrombie & Fitch clothes to the homeless. Then buy from a better company. Like. #FitchTheHomeless http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O95DBxnXiSoChristopher RyeLet's #FitchTheHomeless and change that awful brand's terrible status. http://youtu.be/O95DBxnXiSoCatherine ElhofferSeveral YouTube and blog commenters debated whether the campaign was insulting to its homeless recipients.The best way to destroy a brand is to have homeless people wear it, isn't that a bit insensitive?youtube.comIrony is that you are employing the exact same logic/ideology as Jeffries; just for different reasons. Jeffries is excluding the 'uncool' to keep a brand 'cool' and you are including the 'uncool' to make a brand 'uncool'. You both are instrumentalizing people you perceive as unworthy for a certain goal.youtube.comThe best way to destroy a brand is to act against its own ideal. Homeless people = opposite of "rich cool kids". Simple as that. Not insensitive, just playing with the idea. And I doubt that these people will complain for receiving free, clean & rather good clothes ;)youtube.comAre you all just upset that the CEO admitted his business plan publicly? As a private company they are free to make clothes for whoever they want. If they want to limit their customer base, and their income that is their choice. Contrary to popular belief companies do not have to make products for everybody.tastefullyoffensive.comSome linked the campaign to another controversy surrounding the company over statements by Abercrombie's CEO against selling plus-size clothing, also mentioned in the video.The only thing better than the #fitchthehomeless campaign would be to alter the clothing by adding panels to make them 3XL.Because More Is MoreIf I had cloths by A&F I would donate them #fitchthehomeless (un)fortunately I wear XL and they don't sell my size. http://j.mp/10F6nXmMerretta

The true cost of fashion

Tue, 14 May 2013 00:20:00 +0300

A Bangladeshi family member holds up the portrait of a missing relative believed to be trapped in the rubble of an eight-story building collapse in Savar, on the outskirts of Dhaka, on May 13, 2013. AFP PHOTO/ Munir uz ZAMAN

With more than 1,100 dead, the building collapse is the worst accident in Bangladeshi history. It has caused the nation anguish and again drawn attention to the unsafe conditions of the country’s poorly regulated $20 billion garment industry. What is the responsibility of Western companies whose products are manufactured in these factories? Is the consumers’ addiction to cheap clothing to blame? Join us at 1930GMT.

In this episode of The Stream, we speak to:

Judy Gearhart @ILRF
Executive Director, International Labor Rights Forum
ilrf.org

Elizabeth Cline @thegoodcloset
Author, "Overdressed: The Shockingly High Cost of Cheap Fashion"
overdressedthebook.com

Reaz Bin Mahmood
Vice President, Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association
bgmea.com.bd

Taslima Akhter
Activist and photographer
taslimaakhter.com

What do you think? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

View the story "The true cost of fashion" on StorifyThe true cost of fashionIs consumer addiction to cheap clothing to blame for poor labour conditions?Storified by The Stream· Tue, May 14 2013 09:34:35More than 1,100 people died in the collapsed building, which housed several brands, including British label Primark and Canadian retailer Loblaw Companies. The incident occurred just months after a fire at a factory in November killed 112 people.Suman 912 los muertos de derrumbe en Bangladeshdiariodeorizaba.com/noticia/21249/… pic.twitter.com/iIjbdjhiWpDiario de OrizabaThe image below, captured by Bangladeshi photographer and activist Taslima Akhter, shows two of the deceased in an embrace beneath the rubble. The image went viral across social media.A photograph of a couple embraced in the rubble of the building that collapsed in Bangladesh. :' that's love xx pic.twitter.com/sci7N5DB2qInês CorreiaTwo weeks after the collapse, a fire at another garment factory caused the deaths of eight people. Since 2005, at least 1,800 people have been killed in factory fires and building collapses in Bangladesh.Bangladesh Garment Factory Fire Kills 8 - http://www.pentagonpost.com/bangladesh-garment-factory-fire-kills-8/8347618 http://pic.twitter.com/xWuSh3hfqQPentagon PostMore than 2,500 people have been rescued from the debris of Rana Plaza. Below, rescue workers assist 19-year-old seamstress Reshma Begum, who survived buried beneath the rubble for 17 days. Rescue workers in Bangladesh pulled a female garment worker from the rubble after 16 days. pic.twitter.com/Xq1hdFJXcMGihan ALike Begum, many women take jobs in garment factories to support their families. The video below describes the situation of many of these women:Do you know where your clothes come from?careinternationalukBangladesh is one of the world's poorest nations and boasts some of the lowest labour costs in the world, making it an attractive destination for garment manufacturers. The graphic below illustrates the average cost of a $14 shirt in Canada.Prix d'un T-shirtPrix des larmes & du sang #Bangladesh... www2.macleans.ca/2013/05/01/wha… … pic.twitter.com/O4xcl9FPuamaldonpeople in Bangladesh live off $37 a month making clothes. and some people spend that weekly on one shirt. lol those people make me wanna GAGCeccoweenyI hope the clothes stained with blood of Bangladesh workers are really comfortable.Magnus SkogAlthough China remains the largest recipient of foreign direct investment in the developing world, rising labour costs have made other nations in Southeast Asia more attractive to retailers. Below, workers assemble clothes in a factory in Sri Lanka, the world's second-largest garment exporter.Foundation Garments Sri Lankasankidin88Many netizens took retailers like Mango, Benetton, and Joe Fresh to task for what they said was their responsibility in the collapse, expressing frustrations on the companies' respective Facebook pages. Instead of speaking of how saddened you are & sending condolences...put your money where your mouth is. Actions speak louder than words.Marlene T. Musiol Stand out from the crowd, pick up a pair of pants that people were killed for making...UCB...kills again.Micheal Cosby Guess you need to fire your auditors and develop new standards or maybe Mr. Weston would like to star in the Undercover Boss show and work in Bangladesh for a week.George MerchantOthers, however, put the focus of the issue back on consumers, making reference to Bangladesh's widespread poverty and the basic of principles of supply and demand. Yes, take the jobs away from poor Bangladeshi workers, let them go back to hunger and homelessness! Very smart idea.Clayton Tang The retailers only give you what you ask for,if you want made in this country,pay the price, every designer and clothing maker jobs out,take a good look at the tag on your clothes, all big names do it.Teri Casestfu about garment workers conditions unless you, yourself are willing to stop buying cheap clothes made in those countries.dan!sh If you want "Made in Canada" be my guest and pay $40 for a T-shirt. Right or wrong, I bet half of most people's closets are made in Bangladesh.Mariko Sormon

Are the roots of radicalisation online?

Mon, 13 May 2013 23:36:00 +0300

On Monday, May 13 at 19:30 GMT:

Is radicalisation via the Internet a myth or dangerous reality? Investigators say the Boston Marathon bombing suspects were self-radicalised online, finding easy access to bomb-making instructions and Al Qaeda propaganda. But to what extent does surfing the “jihadi web” lead to violence? And what can be done to address it without hurting civil liberties or free speech online? Join the conversation at 1930GMT.

In this episode of The Stream, we speak to:

Haris Tarin @HarisTarin
Director, Washington, DC Office, Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC)
mpac.org

J.M. Berger @intelwire
Analyst and Founder, Intelwire
intelwire.com

Mubin Shaikh @NatSecIntelType
Former Undercover Operative, Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS)

What do you think? Let us know in the comments below.

View the story "Online radicalisation " on StorifyOnline radicalisation Storified by The Stream· Mon, May 13 2013 10:52:48US investigators believe the Tsarnaev brothers carried out the attack according to instructions posted online. The brothers allegedly learned to assemble homemade explosives after reading Inspire and the Lone Mujahid Pocketbook, two online publications believed to be published by Al Qaeda which encourage "do-it-yourself terrorism". Lone Mujahid PocketbookAJstreamIn the days following the attacks, the online profiles of the brothers were examined. Foreign Policy posted the YouTube favourites of Tamerlan, the older brother. His list included one music video that implores listeners to "Devote (their) life to Jihad". Tsarnaev favoritesAJstreamDead Boston Marathon Bomber has 22 videos posted online, all radical Islamic videos, calling for the killing of all infidels ...The Sounding BoardYounger brother Dzhokhar also admitted to watching the videos of Anwar Al Awlaki with his brother. Al Awlaki was an US-born Al Qaeda cleric who was killed in a 2011 US drone strike. Below, a screenshot from one of his videos published posthumously:Al Awlaki grabAJstreamBeyond YouTube, speech promoting religiously motivated violence can be found on popular social media networks including Twitter and Instagram.Instagram user omarb21:AmazonawsIn January, the Twitter account of Somali group Al Shabab was suspended, leading to various conversations about the limitations of free speech online:@TammiSharpe @ForeignPolicy @HSMPress how would you even regulate that? How would you decide who is a terrorist or not? this sounds fishy!Monica Curca@peaceforsale @foreignpolicy @hsmpress Fully agree. Protecting freedom of speech is difficult but vital.Tammi Sharpe@Brianmwforever You can TALK about whatever you like, but to ACTUALLY do or promote a heinous act is not supported by #FreeSpeech!Brian M.W.(OFFICIAL)Some argue that suspending online accounts does not stop groups from continuing their violent speech under the guise of a new account:so twitter suspends @hsmpres & kuffar declare victory....if only that easy, kuffar....MYC Press OfficeAfter Twitter suspended Al Shabab's original account (@HSMPress), the group simply started a new one:There shall be no safe haven for apostates or Crusaders in Mogadishu. We're with you. It's Islam or sword, the choice is yours!HSMPressThe Stream asked its online community: To what extent does violent content online contribute to radicalisation and violence? Many said the internet is one of many factors.@AJStream it isn't really a myth. I think people first decide to become radical, it isn't by chance; the internet just makes it easieragyeno@AJStream the web is used as another platform/medium with which to spread and incite extremist doctrine #ajstreamish@AJStream its fairly strong. Tamerlan Tsarnaev for example was radicalized by online influences. The price of having a free society i guessRuss Clark@AJStream if people can honestly be programmed that easily then that's society's faultDerick Jackson

Saudis, the FBI, and pressure cookers

Mon, 13 May 2013 22:24:00 +0300

Photo via Okaz

What brings the FBI and the Saudi rice dish Kabsa together? The answer is: a pressure cooker.

Talal Al-Rouqi, a Saudi student in Michigan, claims he was questioned by the FBI after neighbours reported seeing him walking with a pressure cooker similar to those used in the recent Boston bombing. Speaking last week to the Saudi Gazette, Al-Rouqi said he was transporting the cooker filled with rice and meat to a friend's apartment for dinner. The next day, he was reportedly interrogated by FBI officials.

“When they found nothing unusual, they cautioned me not to venture out again with the pressure cooker," Al-Roqui said.

In an unrelated incident, a Saudi man was arrested on Monday at the Detroit Airport on charges that he lied about his reasons for traveling with a pressure cooker, according to federal agents.

Netizens were quick to react to the news of the arrest:

View the story "Saudis, the FBI, and pressure cookers" on StorifySaudis, the FBI, and pressure cookersCooking device lands two men in hot water.Storified by The Stream· Mon, May 13 2013 12:25:59So apparently owning a pressure cooker is suspect behavior. Especially if your a Saudi man. #letsgethystericalAndy Storm@NewsBreaker What is he being charged with? Carrying a pressure cooker while being a Saudi?Matthew BattleWe need background checks on pressure cookers! @nypost: Man traveling from Saudi Arabia busted with pressure cooker at Detroit airportSmithereensAnother day of fbi mischief with the Saudi and the pressure cooker. Gee, i wonder when the slippery slope will continue.Jason Leimer

A rockstar in space

Mon, 13 May 2013 19:09:00 +0300

Screenshot from Hadfield's "Space Oddity" music video.

Since arriving in December, Canadian Colonel Chris Hadfield has turned the International Space Station into a hub of viral social media material. In honor of his final day in space, Hadfield stepped beyond his usual tweets, reddit posts, and YouTube videos, and released the first-ever music video from space. Below is his cover of David Bowie's 'Space Oddity'.

View the story "A rockstar in space " on StorifyA rockstar in space Colonel Chris Hadfield releases the first music video from space. Storified by The Stream· Mon, May 13 2013 09:12:18Space OdditytGG8ucQgEJPeUPhJZ4M4jAMany online felt the cover was 'out of this world', and praised him for the video.CHRIS HADFIELD SINGS SPACE ODDITY IN SPACE!“Hallo Spaceboy...”Commander Chris Hadfield, currently on... http://fb.me/24sZNW5lyDavid Bowie Official@Cmdr_Hadfield That is one of the most wonderful things I have ever watched. Thank you so much for doing it.Jack of KentChris Hadfield http://pic.twitter.com/6ktG7SeFRQygreck@Cmdr_Hadfield THIS MADE ME CRY! Mother Earth says "Welcome home!"Amy B.ImgurSome netizens reflected on Hadfield's time in space, and thanked him for providing glimpses of the great beyond.Col Hadfield,Not since Apollo 11 has any astronaut so captured the imagination of millions and reveled in the human, emotional experience of space flight. Thank you for sharing your wonder of your time there in a way that has touched millions.8cubanAstronaut G-Suit - squeezes blood out of my legs and abdomen up into my head, where I need it. Fashionable, too! http://pic.twitter.com/NJg1EMU6AvChris Hadfield@Cmdr_Hadfield seriously, thank you for all you have shared and for taking all of us to space with you!lisa churchIt's people like you, Commander, that make manned missions relevant again. It seems that there is a lost generation that has forgotten why we are up there, and its importance. Thank you for bringing a connection to the space program back to terra firma. Godspeed tomorrow!Vladius28With each new @Cmdr_Hadfield photo-from-space, I worry that it'll be the last one. This is a very sad day. Will someone else on ISS step up?Mike Taylor@MikeTaylor @Cmdr_Hadfield Agree someone else needs to keep doing this - fantastic pictures - I look forward to seeing new ones everyday...meThe southern UK, as-seen from the ISS. http://pic.twitter.com/luFk9ZhZGSChris HadfieldJust saw @Cmdr_Hadfield's Space Oddity video. Going to miss this guy's space antics. http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=KaOC9danxNo&feature=plcpAudrey DodgenWringing out Water on the ISS - for Science!canadianspaceagencyMixed Nuts in SpacecanadianspaceagencyTears in Space (Don't Fall)canadianspaceagencyOthers used his mission's end to remind the world of depleting funding for space programs. Safe travel back to Earth @cmdr_Hadfield You have been amazing & set a high bar. Go on tour with BNL & DB to fund space program! @csa_ascBethRitterGuthI agree. He totally made space exciting again. Incorporating social media into the ISS is a move that will do a lot in bringing publicity and interest in space programs across the world. Hopefully this can lead us into an era of better funded space programs and speed up space exploration!cheechw

Ai Weiwei films Beijing street brawl

Mon, 13 May 2013 18:42:00 +0300

Chinese artist and activist Ai Weiwei posted a dramatic video on Sunday showing a violent brawl in the streets of Beijing.

Ai wrote on Twitter that the fight broke out after Han Chinese restaurant owners destroyed a stall run by Tibetan street vendors. Witnesses later told Reuters that security workers refused to allow the vendors to set up shop outside the restaurant.

There are a reported 10,000 Tibetans living in Beijing, and Han Chinese make up 92 percent of China's population.

Teenager takes US hackathon

Fri, 10 May 2013 21:03:00 +0300

Photo courtesy of Hill Holliday/Ross Daly.

Seventeen-year old high school student Jennie Lamere beat out 80 other developers last month at the Hill Holliday's TVNext Hackathon, for creating an app called "Twivo" which blocks TV spoilers on Twitter.

Lamere has been coding for years and signed up for the competition just days before submissions were due. She was the only female coder to submit a project, and took her category's top prize, as well as the hackathon's "Best in Show" award.

View the story "Teenager takes US hackathon" on StorifyTeenager takes US hackathonContest's only female presenter wins 'Best in Show' for her Twitter app.Storified by The Stream· Fri, May 10 2013 11:00:51Lamere spoke with The Stream about her win:Jennie Lamere speaks to The Streamajstream

Twivo keeps users from stumbling across information about their favorite TV shows on Twitter before they have a chance to watch the newest episodes. Users click "block" on the Twivo plug-in to remove certain key terms from their Twitter feeds while their shows are on air. Later, when they are ready to watch the episode, they can unblock those terms and the tweets will stream in, just like a live TV viewing experience.

Since her win, Lamere has been approached by at least one tech company to take her app from demo to final product. She received a $2,500 prize and an outpouring of attention online.

Who'll run the world? Jenny. #tvsync #TVnext congrats to the 17 years old developer! pic.twitter.com/JsFvn5QcnfKelly Love Le

From the Director of the US White House Office of Digital Strategy:

“Internet: Meet the reason we need more women in tech." http://www.motherjones.com/media/2013/05/meet-17-year-old-saving-you-game-thrones-twitter-spoilersMacon Phillips (EOP)Take a look at the other finalists from the 2013 TVNext Hackathon:TVnext 2013: TVnext Hack "Best In Show" ShowdownhillhollidayWhat do you think about Lamere's app? What impact will her win have? Let us know in the comments below.

Ethiopians want freedom of #Demonstration4every1

Fri, 10 May 2013 21:00:00 +0300

Screesnshot from Google Maps

Ethiopians on Twitter have started a campaign to demand the right to peaceful protest. Using the hashtags #Demonstration4Every1 and #Assembly4Every1, a group of online activists are calling on their government to respect an article in Ethiopia's constitution guaranteeing freedom of assembly for citizens.

According to human rights groups, the Ethiopian government has led a crackdown on political protests since declaring a state of emergency after the 2005 elections. There have also been accounts of media censorship, including reports that Al Jazeera's English and Arabic websites have been blocked since July 2012.

View the story "Ethiopians want freedom of #Demonstration4every1" on StorifyEthiopians want freedom of #Demonstration4every1Online activist group calls on government to respect freedom of assembly.Storified by The Stream· Fri, May 10 2013 11:06:20#Ethiopians at home can't demonstrate due to z repression. They are campaining online #Demonstration4Every1 bc they can't do it offlineMesfin NegashAnything less than a genuine national attempt to respect citizens human right is repression in diff names. #Demonstration4Every1 #EthiopiaMesfin NegashWhat we are asking is to impliment the constitution #Ethiopia #Demonstration4Every1#Assembly4Every1assaye deguWe can’t speak up, we can’t demonstrate, we can’t gather. #Demonstration4Every1MahiዬThe Stream asked the protesters about their main demands:We're following hashtag #Demonstration4every1 out of #Ethiopia. Are you taking part? What are the demands of the protest?The Stream@AJStream Hall providers are threatened both directly and indirectly not to hold political meetings. #Assembly4Every1 #Demonstration4Every1Natnail F. Aberra ናቲ@AJStream We are demanding our right to demonstrate peacefully. 8yrs passed since #Ethiopia has ever seen peaceful demonstrationendalk2006@AJStream After 2005 election no one is allowed to demonstrate & assemble unless the theme of the gathering is pro #Demonstration4every1abel wabellaFor more on the human rights situation in Ethiopia, watch our 2012 interview with exiled journalist Abebe Gellaw and Berhanu Nega, former mayor of Addis Ababa.Food without freedomAlJazeeraEnglish