Saturday, January 31, 2009

New cabinet reshuffle in Greece?


Faced by growing popular dissatifaction and falling opinion poll results, leader of the ruling New Democracy party, Kostas Karamanlis is said to be contemplating his second major cabinet reshuffle in a matter of months. Sources close to the prime minister say that Karamanlis is considering a radical restructuring of the government to bring in new talent to deal with the country’s worsening econmic position and get to grips with the challenges thrown up by the continuing worldwide financial crisis.

Although yet to be confirmed, Athens mayor, Nikitas Kaklamnis is said to be a sure bet as the next Minister of the Environment. Given his experience with handling ecological matters and sensitivies over green issues, Kakalmanis is thought to be the perfect replacement for Giorgos Sofoulias. However, the global nature of the problems facing Greece potential candidates from outside the country’s borders mean that others from wider afield are being considered.

Moves have been made via diplomatic connections in Tehran to invite, Iranian president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to take over at the Ministry for National Education and Religious Affairs. News of the talks came to light in the national press after video surfaced on Youtube and quickly spread throughout the Greek language blogosphere.

Even more dramatic are the negotiations being quietly held in New York between the Greek government and Bernard Madoff, ex - Wall Street financier to take over the reins at the Ministry of Economics and Finance. High ranking officials in Athens say that Madoff’s particular skill set would be a perfect addition to the cabinet and that he would be the ideal man for the government’s attempts at reforming the economy.

Rumours that the charasmatic North Korean leader, Kim Il-sung., is to replace present foreign minister, Dora Bakoyainni have not yet been officially denied according to local media sources.

http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/europe/01/07/greece.government.reshuffle/index.html?iref=newssearch


Warning: This report has a high satire content and is not recommended to people with a low tolerence to humour. Side effects include spontaneous laughter, smirking and wry smiles. Please consult your doctor if symptoms persist.

Friday, January 30, 2009

Trees are part of a communist plot to undermine our way of life

The move to bulldoze one of the last remaining parks in the Kypseli district of central Athens sparked off clashes between local residents and Greek riot police. Yesterday's decision by Athens mayor, Nikitis Kaklamanis to order the cutting down of 45 trees to start work on the construction of a car park led to day long confrontations and the use of flash grenades and tear gas by the authorities

http://my.nowpublic.com/environment/athens-residents-clash-riot-police-over-park


Πολίτες εναντίον ΜΑΤ για τα τελευταία δένδρα της Αθήνας.

Με πολύ μεγάλη συμμετοχή κόσμου και με σθεναρή αντίσταση στα σχέδια του δημάρχου Νικήτα Κακλαμάνη, ολοκληρώθηκε η σημερινή ολοήμερη συγκέντρωση στην Πλατεία Κύπρου στην Κυψέλη. Βεβαίως το κακό έγινε και περίπου 40 δέντρα αποτελούν πια παρελθόν ωστόσο, αργά το απόγευμα φυτεύτηκαν περίπου 40 νέα δεντράκια.

Ερωτηματικό παραμένει τί θα κάνει με αυτά ο δήμαρχος και αν θα ξεριζωθούν και αυτά.

Οι εξηγήσεις που δίνονται από τον δήμο είναι ελλιπείς αφού ο αρμόδιος αντιδήμαρχος Χρόνης Ακριτίδης σε δηλώσεις του σε διάφορα μέσα τόνισε πως εκεί θα κατασκευαστεί υπόγειο πάρκινγκ και από πάνω πλατεία με υψηλό πράσινο, χωρίς όμως να απαντά γιατί δεν τηρήθηκαν οι αντίστοιχες εξαγγελίες για άλλους χώρους στην Αθήνα (π.χ. κτήμα ΘΩΝ).

Συνολικά τα ΜΑΤ προχώρησαν σε έξι ή εφτά επιθέσεις προς του πολίτες καθ’ όλη τη διάρκεια της ημέρας ενώ γενική διαπίστωση είναι ότι δεν είχαν συγκεκριμένο σχέδιο άλλοτε επεδίωκαν να καταλάβουν την πλατεία (το οικόπεδο πλέον) άλλοτε απλά να απωθήσουν τους διαδηλωτές.

Μεγάλη νίκη για τους κατοίκους αποτέλεσε το γεγονός της απομάκρυνσης του φορτηγού που μετέφερε τα υλικά για την περίφραξη του χώρου ενώ για το βράδυ έχουν προγραμματιστεί ομάδες περιφρούρησης καθώς όταν αποχώρησε ο περισσότερος κόσμος, γύρω στις 9 τα ΜΑΤ δεν είχαν ακόμα φύγει.

Στην εξέλιξη της υπόθεσης αποδείχτηκε πως ο δήμαρχος έκανε χρήση της θετικής για αυτόν πρωτοβάθμιας απόφασης της πολεοδομίας που εκδόθηκε το μεσημέρι της Παρασκευής και προχώρησε στο κόψιμο των δέντρων το ταχύτερο δυνατό ώστε να προλάβει την υποβολή ένστασης στη δευτεροβάθμια επιτροπή.

Ο εισαγγελέας που βρέθηκε εκεί από το πρωί αν και δήλωνε πως ήρθε για να φροντίσει για την τήρηση του νόμου στην περιοχή, ωστόσο πολλές φορές ακούστηκε να δηλώνει πως στόχος του είναι να μπει το συρματόπλεγμα γύρω από το οικόπεδο κάτι που τελικά δεν έγινε.

Τέλος προκλητική χαρακτηρίστηκε η στάση των στελεχών του δήμου, κάποιων αντιδημάρχων (Δημόπουλος και Παπαδάκης) που βρέθηκαν στο χώρο και κάποιων νομικών συμβούλων της δημοτικής αρχής, εργολάβων και άλλων ατόμων αδιευκρίνιστης ιδιότητας που κατά διαστήματα πέρασαν από την περιοχή.

Για αύριο έχει προγραμματιστεί σειρά δράσεων διαμαρτυρίας για το σημερινό «έγκλημα» όπως χαρακτηρίζεται από τους κατοίκους της Κυψέλης ενώ κάποιες εξελίξεις πρέπει να αναμένονται και σε νομικό επίπεδο καθώς συνολικά έχουν κατατεθεί 9 ή 10 μηνύσεις, δύο από παρατάξεις του Δημοτικού Συμβουλίου (ΚΚΕ – ΣΥΡΙΖΑ) και οι υπόλοιπες από πολίτες της περιοχής.

Οι εξηγήσεις που δίνονται από τον δήμο είναι ελλιπείς αφού ο αρμόδιος αντιδήμαρχος Χρόνης Ακριτίδης σε δηλώσεις του σε διάφορα μέσα τόνισε πως εκεί θα κατασκευαστεί υπόγειο πάρκινγκ και από πάνω πλατεία με υψηλό πράσινο, χωρίς όμως να απαντά γιατί δεν τηρήθηκαν οι αντίστοιχες εξαγγελίες για άλλους χώρους στην Αθήνα (π.χ. κτήμα ΘΩΝ).

Συνολικά τα ΜΑΤ προχώρησαν σε έξι ή εφτά επιθέσεις προς του πολίτες καθ’ όλη τη διάρκεια της ημέρας ενώ γενική διαπίστωση είναι ότι δεν είχαν συγκεκριμένο σχέδιο άλλοτε επεδίωκαν να καταλάβουν την πλατεία (το οικόπεδο πλέον) άλλοτε απλά να απωθήσουν τους διαδηλωτές.

Μεγάλη νίκη για τους κατοίκους αποτέλεσε το γεγονός της απομάκρυνσης του φορτηγού που μετέφερε τα υλικά για την περίφραξη του χώρου ενώ για το βράδυ έχουν προγραμματιστεί ομάδες περιφρούρησης καθώς όταν αποχώρησε ο περισσότερος κόσμος, γύρω στις 9 τα ΜΑΤ δεν είχαν ακόμα φύγει.

Στην εξέλιξη της υπόθεσης αποδείχτηκε πως ο δήμαρχος έκανε χρήση της θετικής για αυτόν πρωτοβάθμιας απόφασης της πολεοδομίας που εκδόθηκε το μεσημέρι της Παρασκευής και προχώρησε στο κόψιμο των δέντρων το ταχύτερο δυνατό ώστε να προλάβει την υποβολή ένστασης στη δευτεροβάθμια επιτροπή.

Ο εισαγγελέας που βρέθηκε εκεί από το πρωί αν και δήλωνε πως ήρθε για να φροντίσει για την τήρηση του νόμου στην περιοχή, ωστόσο πολλές φορές ακούστηκε να δηλώνει πως στόχος του είναι να μπει το συρματόπλεγμα γύρω από το οικόπεδο κάτι που τελικά δεν έγινε.

Τέλος προκλητική χαρακτηρίστηκε η στάση των στελεχών του δήμου, κάποιων αντιδημάρχων (Δημόπουλος και Παπαδάκης) που βρέθηκαν στο χώρο και κάποιων νομικών συμβούλων της δημοτικής αρχής, εργολάβων και άλλων ατόμων αδιευκρίνιστης ιδιότητας που κατά διαστήματα πέρασαν από την περιοχή.

Για αύριο έχει προγραμματιστεί σειρά δράσεων διαμαρτυρίας για το σημερινό «έγκλημα» όπως χαρακτηρίζεται από τους κατοίκους της Κυψέλης ενώ κάποιες εξελίξεις πρέπει να αναμένονται και σε νομικό επίπεδο καθώς συνολικά έχουν κατατεθεί 9 ή 10 μηνύσεις, δύο από παρατάξεις του Δημοτικού Συμβουλίου (ΚΚΕ – ΣΥΡΙΖΑ) και οι υπόλοιπες από πολίτες της περιοχής.

http://www.tvxs.gr/v4034

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Thessaloniki sunset


Thessaloniki sunset, originally uploaded by Teacher Dude's BBQ.

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

She got a TV eye on me


, originally uploaded by Teacher Dude's BBQ.



Athens residents clash with riot police over park


The move to bulldoze one of the last remaining parks in the Kypseli district of central Athens sparked off clashes between local residents and Greek riot police. Yesterday's decision by Athens mayor, Nikitis Kaklamanis to order the cutting down of 45 trees to start work on the construction of a car park led to day long confrontations and the use of flash grenades and tear gas by the authorities (see here for video from the tvxs.gr independent news agency).

The sudden start of construction was, according to Greek media sources designed to forstall any possible injunction by Athens courts over the controversial project. Despite having less green spaces than any other European capital the city of Athens sent in contractors to start clearing the area despite questions over the legality of the work . As a result the forestry commision of the Attiki district, which includes the Greek capital yesterday sued the city of Athens over the destruction of the park.


Athens mayor, Nikitis Kaklamnais, speaking to Skai TV station claimed that only three trees had been cut down and that the other 40 were being transplanted. However, eye witness accounts and pictures taking by local residents seems to cast doubt on the mayor's claims.


Yesterday evening protesters planted 45 sapling to replace the pine trees cut down during the day. Work resumed early this morning however, stopped after two hours amidst protests Unconfirmed reports talk of the presence of members of Greece's ultra-right Chrysi Aygi party taking part in clashes with protesters early this morning. Three residents including local council member, Kostas Lagos have pressed charges after being assaulted.


Local residents have vowed to guard the site and prevent building work from continuing.


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Under cover of the night


Navarinou, originally uploaded by Teacher Dude's BBQ.


Hear the screams of center 42
Loud enough to bust your brains out
The oppositions tongue is cut in two
Keep off the street cause youre in danger

One hundred thousand disparus
Lost in the jails in south america
Cuddle up baby
Cuddle up tight
Cuddle up baby
Keep it all out of sight
Undercover
Keep it all out of sight
Undercover of the night

The sex police are out there on the streets
Make sure the pass laws are not broken
The race militia has got itchy fingers
All the way from new york back to africa

Cuddle up baby
Keep it all out of sight
Cuddle up baby
Sleep with all out of sight
Cuddle up baby
Keep it all out of sight
Undercover
Undercover
Undercover
Keep it all out of sight
Undercover of the night

All the young men theyve been rounded up
And sent to camps back in the jungle
And people whisper people double-talk
And once proud fathers act so humble
All the young girls they have got the blues
Theyre heading on back to center 42

Keep it undercover
Keep it all out of sight
Keep it undercover
Keep it all out of sight
Undercover
Keep it all out of sight
Undercover
Keep it all out of sight
Undercover of the night

Down in the bars the girls are painted blue
Done up in lace, done up in rubber
The johns are jerky little g.i. joes
On r&r from cuba and russia
The smell of sex, the smell of suicide
All these things I cant keep inside

Undercover
Keep it all out of sight
Undercover of the night

Undercover of the night
Undercover of the night

Undercover
Undercover
Undercover of the night

Under Cover of the Night by the Rolling Stones

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Free as a bird


Free as a bird, originally uploaded by Teacher Dude's BBQ.

1968 - Mark Kurlansky


1968 - Mark Kurlansky, originally uploaded by Teacher Dude's BBQ.

America is embroiled in a war that it can't seem to extract itself from. The Olympics take pace amidst clamp downs and mass arrests. Europe is plagued by riots and protests by students and workers unhappy with their governments. Sound familiar?

I just finished reading Mark Kurlansky's fascinating, if sometimes flawed account of 1968. I enjoyed the breadth of the story and the attempt to tell a story that doesn't limit itself to just Paris and US campuses. Its a tale told with wit and bravado but sometimes the sheer size of the task means that shortcuts have to be made.

If you liked this I'd also recommend:

1968: Marching in the Streets by Tariq Ali and Susan Watkins

and

The Armies of the Night by Norman Mailer



Monday, January 26, 2009

Athens sees still more violent clashes



Athens marchers attacked by police - Indymedia Athens-Photo-01

Athens marchers attacked by police - Indymedia Athens-Photo-01

see more

Pictures from Indymedia Athens


On Saturday protest marches were held in Athens in solidarity with those arrested by police during the series of clashes which spread across Greece in December following the shooting by police of a 15 year old teenager in the capital's Exarchia district.

Protests turned violent as some demonstrators clashed with riot police near the Propylia area of downtown Athens. However, eyewitness accounts published in Greek language blogs say that the police used excessive force, throwing stun grenades into the crowds and indiscriminately beating marchers. Attacks were also reported upon riot police in Thessaloniki, Greece's second city last night in which Molotov cocktails were thrown at police vans.


Despite hopes that last year's violent confrontations have died down, the marches demonstrate that popular anger has yet to be extinguished. On Thursday (see here for video) about 1000 people marched in protest against the attack on Labour activist, Konstandina Kouneva, the victim of an acid attack in December. The 44 year - old Bulgarian trade unionist is still in intensive care after having acid thrown in her face and being forced to drink the liquid.


Lawyers representing her say the attack was prompted by her work in exposing an alleged scam by cleaning companies with contracts with the state run organisations which meant that the mainly foreign born work force received slave wages.


The duration of the confrontations has seen the rapid development of a mini "arms race" on Greek streets with the appearance of more and more protesters wearing gas masks in order to counter-act the authorities extensive use of tear gas. According to the BBC the government has responded by ordering water cannons which will be ready for action within the next two weeks.


The ruling New Democracy party also faces protests by farmers who have used tractors to block road junctions across the country in demonstration over low prices and lack of government support for the nation's agricultural sector. Attempts to placate farmers with a 500 million euro aid package have still not seen an end to the roadblocks.


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Sunday, January 25, 2009

Sunset yesterday evening



Saturday, January 24, 2009

Old man - Neil Young


, originally uploaded by Teacher Dude's BBQ.

Protests in Athens and Thessaloniki for K.Kouneva



Yesterday protest march were held in Athens to demonstrate against the attack on Labour activist, Konstandina Kouneva who was the victim of an acid attack in December. The 44 year old Bulgarian trade unionist is still in intensive care after having acid thrown in her face and being forced to drink the liquid.

Lawyers representing her say the attack was prompted by her work in exposing an alleged scam by cleaning companies with contracts with the state run organisations which meant that the mainly foreign born work force received slave wages.

Protests turned violent as some demonstrators attacked the ministry of labour headquarters and clashed with riot police. Despite hopes that last year's violent confrontations have died down, the marches demonstrate that popular anger has not been extinguished.

Picture from the Thursday's march in Thessaloniki attended by between 600 and 800 people.


In addition travel in Greece is slowly being brought to a halt as protesting farmers have blocked road junctions, ports and airports across the country in protest over low prices and government agricultural policies.See here for a video report from Reuters.

Joking while Rome burns

The massive wave of protests and riots which started in Greece last December was sparked off, in part by the widely held impression that the present ruling party, New Democracy is both incompetent and deeply corrupt. I keep on seeing the same kind of accusations levellled at the government in Iceland which has presided over the worst financial crisis in the country's modern history.

However, the popular anger felt by many people over how their own political elites have allowed the current situation to spiral out of control has also spread to other places such as Riga and probably will not stop there as unemployment and poverty starts to affect other Europeans.

The latest in-joke from Ireland:

"What’s the difference between Iceland and Ireland?

Answer: One letter and about six months.”

The latest joke from Greece

What's the difference between the present government and the boy scouts?

The boys scouts have adult leadership.

Friday, January 23, 2009

Iceland protests turn violent


Dancing, originally uploaded by vhallgrimsson.

Protests and confrontation in Iceland's capital Reykjavik escalated today when riots police and demonstrators clashed in the early hours of the morning. As a result two police officers were seriously injured and the police used tear gas for the first time in nearly 60 years to break up the demonstration.

Thousands of Icelanders have been gathering outside the parliament of the tiny Scandinavian nation to protest the present coalition government's handling of the recent financial crisis which has stalled the country's economy and left the island with debt ten times its annual GNP.

Prime minister, Geir H. Haarde also bore the brunt of protestor's wrath when his car was surrounded by demonstrators who shouted anti - government slogans and banged pots and pans, requiring the intervention of the police before he could leave. Such protests are unprecedented in modern Icelandic history.


Thursday, January 22, 2009

Manolis Glezos


Manolis Glezos, originally uploaded by Teacher Dude's BBQ.

"On May 30, 1941, he and Apostolos Santas climbed on the Acropolis and tore down the Swastika, which had been there since April 27, 1941, when the Nazi forces had entered Athens. That was the first resistance act that took place in Greece, and probably among the very first ones in Europe. It inspired not only the Greeks, but all subjected people, to resist against the occupation, and established them both as two international anti-Nazi heroes. The Nazi regime responded by sentencing Glezos and Santas to death in absentia.

Glezos was arrested by the German occupation forces on March 24, 1942, and he was subjected to imprisonment and torture. As a result of this treatment, he was gravely affected by tuberculosis. He was arrested on April 21, 1943 by the Italian occupation forces and spent three months in jail. In February 7, 1944 he was arrested again, this time by Greek Nazi collaborators. He spent another seven and a half months in jail, until he finally escaped on September 21 of the same year."


Tonight Manolis Glezos marched with thousands of others in Thessaloniki, Greece to protest the acid attack on Konstandina Kouneva, the Bulgarian born labour activist who was fighting for the rights of ordinary people in Athens.

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

In the street


In the street, originally uploaded by Teacher Dude's BBQ.

Breaking news

Ano Poli

While I was writing about events on the other side of Europe terrible things were happening on my own doorstep. I was driving back home through Ano Poli when I saw a bunch of police hanging round outside a restaurant there. I jumped off my bike and just as I was about to ask what was happening a poor woman came out screaming with grief. She kept on saying, "why did they have to kill him, why couldn't they have just taken the money?"

The police forensic team was there and everyone entering the building had their feet covered in plastic so I'm guessing it was something more serious than a robbery. I asked the police there what was going on but they were polite but unforthcoming. Nor did any of the passers-by have any real idea what it had happened.

Icelanders riot outside parliament over economic crisis



The small Scandanavian country, blessed with abundant natural resources and enjoying one of the highest living standards in the world is hardly the kind of place one associates with economic catastrophe and riots. All that changed yesterday when thousands took to the streets to protest the present government's handling of the recent financial crisis. With gross national product down two thirds, a 45% rise in unemployment and the country defaulting on loan repayments Icelanders are faced with the worst economic crisis in living memory.


Riot police clashed with demonstators (click here for video) outside the Althingi House, Iceland's parliament after 2000 people surrounded the building according to Icelandic journalist, Iris Erlingsdottir writing in The Huffington Post. Icelandic press reports said Over 30 arrests were made, including an 11 year - old.


The target of their anger members of the government that presided over a meltdown in the banking sector and wider economy which has been so severe that a third of islanders are considering emmigration according to a report in the Economist. The coalition government has repeatedly rejected calls for elections in light of the current situation


As with the recent riots and protests in Greece, the impression that those in power have lined their own pockets while ordinary citizens have had to pay the price for financial mismangament has infuriated ordinary Icelanders.


Despite sub zero temperatures the protests have continued for a second day with members of the parliamentary opposition taking time out from debates to join the demonstrators.


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For more updates check out Iceland banking crisis video and more 2008 and 2009 blog.

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Time for change


Time for change, originally uploaded by Teacher Dude's BBQ.

Here is hoping that the presidency of Barack Obama will bring a change for the better in the world. In a time of uncertainty and crisis we need believe that there are people who can deliver on what they have promised and do not simply rely on sound bites and spin to wriggle out from their commitments.

But remember, whoever is in power, politics is too important to leave to politicians.

Social media - How to get started.

"This machine kills facists"


An introduction


Citizen reporter, blogger, independent volunteer journalist. You know that you’re at the start of a major change in the way things work when the new phenomenon spawns a whole raft of names. Although the buzz over the Internet and especially the whole web 2.0 phase has died down the fact that the technology has ceased to be cutting edge or even unusual means that the really interesting changes in the way people use it are probably happening as we speak.

One of the most visible signs of this is the changing role of the public in the way news is created and disseminated. Wider access to the Internet, dropping prices in digital cameras and the emergence of a range of ways of putting material on the net easily is transforming the way people interact with the media.

Of course, this is not a new idea as as long as the media has been round there have been those who have sought to get their story out to a wider audience without recourse to traditional channels. The difference today is the entry level and the potential number of people who can be reached.

Up till recently media meant heavy investment in equipment, be it the printing press or the TV studio. In addition there was also a similar need for highly trained technicians to use the tools involved. As a result those capable of bearing this financial burden was limited to a lucky few.

All that is changing the cost of putting out a story has effectively dropped to zero. Even the possession of a computer is no longer a pre-requisite as access to the Internet either through Internet cafes or say, public libraries means that nearly everyone can compete on even terms.



What equipment do I need?

At the most basic level nothing more sophisticated than a notepad, pen and cell phone with a camera.

If you have the resources then I would recommend a video camera, a DSLR and a light Wi-Fi equipped sub - notebook. Looking at the prices here in Greece all this would cost you around about 700 euros.

Remember spending a whole bunch of money is not going to help you get your story out. The perfect image, a wickedly edited video clip or state of the art laptop is not what citizen journalism is all about nor can it replace your single, most important advantage - local knowledge.

What sites should I join?

There are a number of news sites that allow people to upload stories to the Internet. This is just a selection of the more popular ones rather than a definitive list. Look out for similar sites in your own area and/or language.

Indymedia (there are branches all over the world, so look for your local one)

Nowpublic.com

ireport (part of CNN)

Globalvoicesonline

Also many news sites such as the BBC allow people to upload pictures and ask for written contributions form people affected by news stories. this is often a good way to get in contact with the mainstream media.

Video

If you want to upload video then opening up an account with Youtube and Google Video is a must. Just remember that Youtube’s free account limits videos to just 10 minutes, however, longer videos can be sent to Google Video.

By posting video on these sites you make it a lot easier for people to post them on their own sites. Instead of having to upload videos to each site you contribute to you can do it just once and then embed them wherever you like.

Photographs

Both Flickr and Photobucket allow you to upload pictures onto the net, to form groups and find the latest pictures taken by people involved in breaking news stories around the world.

Blogs

Having your own site on the Internet is a great way of increasing your credibility and offers another way for you communicate your stories to a wider audience. In addition the act of keeping a blog updated is a great way of learning writing and presentation skills.

Remember also that the personal nature of blogging means that you can express more personal views or yourself in a more impassioned way.

Here are some of the most popular blog providers;

Blogspot

Wordpress

Livejournal

These are great ways to get in contact with others;

Facebook

Myspace

Hi5

What do I report about?

This is perhaps the most difficult hurdle to overcome as it requires more than learning a few technical skills and there is no simple answer as everyone is motivated by different things.

However, it is a good idea to start with what you know best, i.e your neighbourhood, profession, social networks you belong to etc.

Alternatively, you could start commenting on what you are most passionate about no matter where it takes place. On the Internet we are free to roam anywhere and learn from many different sources.

Where do I find out about news stories that are not covered in the mainstream media?

As well as our networks of friends and family there also other places on the Internet to find out what is happening in our local area. Look up your town, region in Technorati or Google blog search for the latest developments in the blogosphere. In addition check out what is happening via Twitter search. Twitter is a great source for finding out what is happening now.

Also if there a Indymedia site for your area, check out the latest events and activities.

The most important thing though is to be there. When legendary street photographer Weegee was asked the secret of his success, he replied, “F8 (referring to the camera setting) and be there”. Being on the spot is often the most important thing you can do. All the rest is detail.

How to start writing?

The first thing to remember is that writing is not necessary. A video with you speaking to camera is just as effective as an article and so allows those who do not feel comfortable with the written word to produce insightful reports which can be shared with others. However, some thoughts scribbled down and a couple of practice run throughs will make your ideas a lot easier to follow.

If you do wish to write your stories don’t let the fact that you have not had training in J-school put you off. The style used in newspapers etc. can be picked up quickly if you want to practice. Blogging is a great way of doing so without having to get everything right straight away.

Remember that writing something is infinitely preferable to nothing and people will forgive any imperfections.

On the other hand if you want to be credible then there are some journalism skills that you absolutely have to respect. Accuracy, checking sources and honesty are essential no matter who you are and where you write if you want to be taken seriously. It is not enough to be passionate if you want to reach a wider audiences. Simply repeating or accepting sources simply because you agree with their opinion or point of view will not get you taken seriously.

Double check as far as possible claims you see made in blogs, Twitter etc, go to the original sources, official accounts etc when you can. Do not blindly accept one person’s version of events no matter much you agree with them. If this is not possible then make it clear than the readers know that this story may not be 100% accurate.

Distinguish between opinion and fact. Too often people present their ideas on a story as fact and seem to assume that others will share their view. On the Internet this simply is not true as most of those reading will be neutral and so your impassioned accounts may come over as a rant. A dispassionate tone is more likely to get you the kind of coverage you want.

Of course, if you wish to post to your personal blog and not a news site then you have more flexibility in the way you approach a story.

How to catch people’s eye?

Content is the most important thing. You should aim to make your stuff as interesting as possible. This can be done by using a mix of different media; video and pictures accompanied by text is the ideal combination.

Link to people. If you blog then link to sites that the think other should read, ask them to reciprocate. If you mention other sources in your posts make sure you link to them. This also means that you ranking on Google’s search pages will increase.

Tag everything. Tags are the key words that help others find your stories so whenever you add text, pictures or video make sure you add tags that let others know what is being talked about.

Use RSS. Most sites now allow you to use RSS automatically, it means that people can follow your blogs, Flickr page etc far more easily.

Post widely. If you have a story to tell then post it on as many different sites as possible. Don’t just leave it languishing on your blog. Also join blogging aggregating sites such as Technorati, Icerocket and Del.icio.us. These allow others to find you more easily.

Post regularly. People will quickly stop turning up if you post infrequently and your ranking in Google’s search engine will suffer accordingly. Once a week if you can.

Be credible. If you prove to be a reliable source people will search you out to find out the latest updates on a story.

Be sociable. Join groups on the Internet which share your views and interests. They will help get your message out as well.

Monday, January 19, 2009

Coming back


, originally uploaded by Teacher Dude's BBQ.



I arrived back yesterday and it's strange being back. There is a sense of unreality about everything I do. I started back with my lessons and everyone has been so kind and that has really helped me in this difficult time.

Protests in Bristol over Gaza

Saturday see protesters across the globe demonstrate against the Israeli invasion of Gaza. I happened to be in the Bristol when I came across a "die-in" outside various shops in the Broadmead shopping centre.

The idea of those involved was to bring to wider public attention to the fact that some stores have strong economic ties with Israel and are, according to anti - war organisations helping the war effort.

Thank you

I would just like to say thanks to everyone who sent messages of condolence over the last week. No words can change what has happened but knowing that people have taken the time and effort to comment has been a great comfort.

Sunday, January 11, 2009

The rest is silence

I won't be blogging for some time as I have to return back to England today. My mother died yesterday and as you can imagine it has come as a shock. Originally, I was planning to go next week but when I phoned the hospital to talk to her the doctors told me not to wait.

Unfortunately, her condition deteriorated so quickly that I was unable to get there in time.

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Anti - government protests - Thessaloniki, Greece

Thousands of students and other groups took to the streets of Athens and Thessaloniki yesterday to protest the present Greek government and its policies.

The government has announced that it has decided on a policy of zero tolerence in dealing with Greece's recent wave of unrest and the change in the ruling New Democracy party's change in tactics was seen in a more aggresive stance on the part of the MAT (Greek riot police) on Friday.

However, the change has proved to be less effective than hoped for as most of the arrests carried out the Athens authorities turned out to be lawyers acting as volunteer legal advisors to those taking part in yesterday's march. The 18 lawyers have filed a suit against deputy minister for law and order, after the head of the riot squad that detained them said that he was carrying out a "political decision", according a report on the Greek TV station Skai's, web site.

In addition the Athenian union of newspaper correspondents (ESIEA) have officially complained to the ministry of law and order over the beating of journalists and other members of the media by the police during yesterday's march.

http://my.nowpublic.com/world/greek-protests-resume-after-holiday-lull







Also the independent Greek news agency tvxs.gr posted video of riot police intimidating innocent citizens after the march. If you fast forward to 9 mins you'll see them harrassing a senior citizen who dared to question their authority.

Friday, January 09, 2009

Oscar Grant

There is something eerily reminiscent about the shooting of Oscar Grant in Oakland, California in the early hours of New Year's Day. According to reports the 22 year old was shot whilst being arrested in a BART (metro) station. Video footage was has come to light shows that Grant was on the ground with his hands handcuffed behind his back when the police officer fired his weapon.

BART officials have said Grant was unarmed and implied the shooting was an accident, saying the officer's gun discharged while he and four other officers responded to reports that two groups of young men were fighting on a train that had come from San Francisco and was en route to the Dublin/Pleasanton station.

As with the Alexis Grigoropoulos shooting the first reaction of the police was to blame the victim to officially state that the person killed had caused the incident. In both situations it seems that these organisations have forgotten that respect for the law doesn't come from the barrel of a gun.

News of the killing sparked off riots which resulted in hundreds of arrests. Once again blogs, Youtube Twitter, Flickr and other internet sources have been at the forefront of events. Thanks to Lane Hartwell for being part of the effort to get the story out.

Here is video of the incident taken from the train.



Here is video taken by a passer - by.

Thursday, January 08, 2009

Lydia


Lydia, originally uploaded by Teacher Dude's BBQ.

Taking time out for the important stuff.

"A trolling, a trolling we will go."


ibook, originally uploaded by Teacher Dude's BBQ.

You know you've arrived in the grand world of blogging when you start getting trolls come to your site. For those unaware of the term, a "troll" is, according to Wikipedia;

"someone who posts controversial, inflammatory, irrelevant or off-topic messages in an online community, such as an online discussion forum or chat room, with the intention of provoking other users into an emotional response or to generally disrupt normal on-topic discussion"

Actually, I think that this is unfair to our diminutive, magical bretheren as those who indulge in such behaviour have much more in common with bar room bores. You know the kind of guy who thinks that half a dozen shots of Jack Daniels has turned them into Plato.

I'm sure many of us have experienced this, cornered by some very earnest drunk at a party/bar/office do who just has to tell you that masons are controlling the government/ floride in water is eroding moral values in schools/ NASA didn't actually put men on the moon etc, etc.

Like drunks, trolls swerve from politeness to vitriol in the blink of an eye, they also share the tendency to repeat the same points again and again. Also like people driving under the influence their conversation is liable to swerve at unexpected moments making them hard to follow. Unfortunately, they feel that the ability to hector and belittle is the same as being right and that if you heckle and deride people into silence, then somehow, you have "won" an argument.

I've decided I'm not going to engage them in debate as they are no more capable of responding appropriately than someone on their second bottle of Johnny Walker.

Comments, negative ones included are more than welcome, provided you maintain a modicum of politeness and understand that this is a blog and not a platform for you to lecture people on whatever you feel is wrong with the world.

Wednesday, January 07, 2009

Concert for Palestine


Concert for Palestine, originally uploaded by Teacher Dude's BBQ.

Tonight there was a concert in the centre of Thessaloniki in support of Palestinians under siege in the Gaza Strip. For the latest news updates from Al Jazeera click here and from the BBC click here.

Concert for Palestine

Cracking Up

When I was younger I thought that the Jesus and Mary Chain were the best thing since sliced feedback, Noisy, rude and completely disrespectful of everyone, including their own audiences I just loved them. The raw, aggressive sound was everything an angry young twenty something could ask for. Absolutely guaranteed  to annoy anyone over thirty.

Still, Cracking Up was recorded in the 1998 but they still had it then.

Monday, January 05, 2009

"Solidarity with K. Kouneva - Silence is complicity "

Konstandina Kouneva, a labour activist in Athens was the victim of an acid attack last week. Although no longer in danger, Konstandina has lost sight in one eye and will be permanently scarred.

The attack has prompted the occupation of public service offices which had cleaning contracts with the agency she worked for and had accused of illegal employment practices.

Sunday, January 04, 2009

Snow in the city


A change of subject. The weather has worsened and it has started snowing heavily in the city. Strange though it sounds, I never so much snow till I came to Greece. To see the forecast for Thessaloniki in English check out the BBC's weather site here.

Saturday, January 03, 2009

Gaza Strip invasion - protests in Greece

Palestinians and Greeks protest Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip

"Israeli ground troops have started to enter the Gaza Strip, Israeli military officials have confirmed, a week after the offensive against Hamas began.


An Israeli military spokeswoman said the intention was to "take control" of areas from which Palestinian militants have been firing rockets into Israel"

BBC just now


Earlier today there were mass protests in Athens and demonstrations in Thessaloniki. See here for the news in Greek from Skai.gr

UPDATE

The video below shows the protests in Athens yesterday. There were also demos in Britain, France, Australia, Turkey, Holland, Israel and Spain.

Palestinians and Greeks protest Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip

Taken during a demonstration by Greeks and Palestinians in Thessaloniki over the recent bombing campaign by the Israeli government. For more details on the latest events in the Gaza Strip click here.

Friday, January 02, 2009

Ground control to major Tom

Thursday, January 01, 2009

The stories behind the pictures

I thought I'd try a variation on a theme and talk about some of my favourite pictures from 2008 using Voice Thread, which allows you to provide an online narrative to accompany your photos.



And here is 2007 in pictures as well. What a difference a year makes. Looking back I feel that these images belong to a different decade from my life or something I read about when I was much younger. I think that if I didn't have these photgraphs I wouldn't believe what has happened.