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On the surface it is an interview about Tom s work with Arabic Script. But really, it is about world culture and the effects of the war in Lebanon. I spent a good part of a saturday at his home in Amsterdam where we recorded this program with the focus being on how his interest in Arabic developed.  However don t let the title or my words here fool you, the information and stories contained here go far beyond arabic script and into topics such as the War in Lebanon, Armenians seeking asylum in the Netherlands, writing an Arabic manual for the Dutch military, the orgin of Middle Eastern hospitality, and oh-so much more. Towards the end of the program we mention the Decotype website where you can click on the presentation and see what we re talking about. Music: The Clash - Armagideon Time Billy Bragg and Wilco - Unwelcome Guest Download Standard Podcast

3 storms have left the poorest nation in the western hemisphere in an even greater humanitarian crisis. Several years after his first appearance on this podcast, Tarak joins me from Haiti to explain the situation on the ground there, what needs to be done and what factors have shaped the reality there. Topics covered: The present situation in Gonaives Access to Water and Food Different organizations and the aid money needed The role of the Haitian Government Erosion, Deforestation, and making matters worse How long recovery will take Conditions before the storms The presence and role of the US Music: Malajube - Étienne d août SLackers - The Power * note audio quality on the Haiti side is less than great. Listen closely. Download Standard Podcast

It is no secret that the post Katrina rebuilding effort has been mismanaged, but now the city of New Orleans is taking that to a new level, post Gustav. My guest on this podcast is Karen Gadbois, who writes the blog squanderedheritage.com, focusing on housing and history in New Orleans. Together we look at the city s accelerated policy of demolishing houses with minimal to no notice. Among the topics we discuss: The policy Gustav as the excuse Post Ike damage The living museum that is NOLA Grassroots action and organization The role of bloggers The other arguement, rationalizing the speedy demolitions Demographic change and development plans Wetlands resoration and the need for it Entergy Jail Music: Mof Def - Dollar Day Dirty Dozen Brass Band - Whats going on? Download Standard Podcast

Germany plans to phase out nuclear energy by 2021. But there s some question if the government will really do it. Now the news has gotten out that radioactive waste has been leaking in the storage area that was supposed to be secure for many years to come. Will this speed up the nuclear phase out? What can be done about the dangerous waste and who is to blame? Michael Scott Moore writes for Der Spiegel and has covered this issue. He also blogs at radiofreemike.com and he is the author of Too Much of Nothing. He joins me to explain what is happening and how the German media are addressing this issue. Music: REM - Supernatural Superseriou Roots - Lost Desire Download Standard Podcast

Fresh from China and out of jail, BaghdadBrian tells of his adventure having been detained by the Chinese Police and held for a week in jail.  He explains how he handled interrogation, and what he describes as very strange and ineffective tactics to intimidate him into confessing something.  Listen to this program and hear Brian also bring forth a comparison of the behavior of police at demonstrations in China as compared to the United States. Recommended links: Students for a free tibet and of course, Alive in Baghdad. Music: Pharoahe Monch - Welcome to the Terrordome The Clash - Innoculated City Download Standard Podcast

Following my guest a few weeks ago, Pauline Bax, who discussed her visit to Mauritania and her research into the issue of selling fishing rights to EU companies, several experts from around the world were quite upset.  Their frustration was related to the issue of ocean bottom trolling, a practice which has been banned in the European Union and in various parts of the world, but is now being practiced by EU fishing companies in Mauritania. Among those that got in touch with me, Greenpeace Netherlands asked specifically to be on my program and if I would like to come to their headquarters here in Amsterdam.  And so yesterday I made my way over there and spent some time with Farah Obaidullah, Oceans Campaigner with a world of knowledge and experience related to Mauritania and the ocean floor. She also explains in detail what this fishing practice does to an ecosystem, and exactly who is doing this and how. Also for background reading, from Greenpeace, here s the document entitled Holland Shelfish - Strip Mining Mauritania s Seafloor. Music: Arcade Fire - Ocean of Noise Eddie Vedder - Society Download Standard Podcast

Fellow independent video blogger and friend Baghdad Brian, along with 5 other individuals, was arrested Thursday in Beijing. They are accused of being part of an overseas pro-tibet activist group. Brian was there to report about the demonstrations during the olympics as an independent journalist. Chinese authorities say they must serve a 10 day jail sentence, according to the American embassy the conditions they are living in are better than average (perhaps because they re foreigners). Since the start of the olympic games at least 400 people have disappeared as part of the continued repression of pro tibet and other human rights demonstrations. These disappeared include many journalists who are their without the supervision of Chinese government handlers. The following podcast features an interview with Brian s wife, Eowyn, who explains what she knows about Brian s situation, the group, and people who have risked their freedom and well-being in protest of the Chinese government and their disregard for basic human rights. More information can be found here. Please listen to the program and do pass on the link, otherwise all we have is the image of the mainstream press the picture perfect images of the olympic games and China on television. Music: Phil Ochs - I m Going to Say it Now Utah Phillips - Ain t it Grand Download Standard Podcast

Before the Portuguese came to the Ironbound, before the uprisings of 1967, and before the manufacturing industry moved south, my father made a life for himself in Newark.  In another of a series of podcasts that focus on my family, and the history they have lived through, this program focuses on the Ironbound through the eyes of a longtime educator and civic leader - my dad. He explains: Living situations in the Ironbound of 1960 The many cultures in the factory Social clubs and sport clubs Federal Pacific Seton Hall University Night School and the student strike The big corporations of Newark The airport before it was THE airport The Radio Program; The Voice of Portugal Portuguese Construction Workers The uprisings of 67 The Italian Militia Bringing Portuguese music to the community Music: Deolinda - Ai Rapaz Chico Buarque - Tanto Mar Vozes da Rádio - Os Índios Da Meia-Praia Download Standard Podcast

One of my all time favorite guests on the program, Ivory Coast based journalist Pauline Bax, came to visit me in Amsterdam last week. We sat down to talk about her work on the topics of people who work in the spam business in Ivory Coast and the fishing industry in Mauritania. Highly recommended, as always, her blog from West Africa We discuss: Types of news in demand in west africa What is the profile of a spam maker How do they make any money How do they rationalize what they do How did Pauline manage to get them to talk to her Mauritania, the circumstances of her visit Fishing rights, who has them Environmentalism versus Generating Income Quality of Life in Mauritania The European Union and Fishing Regulation and much much more Music: Waldemar Bastos - Kuribota Eyuphuro - Othiawene Henri DiKongué - Bulu Bo Windi Tenge Download Standard Podcast

Vermont Organic Soy is in high demand as more and more people in that part of the United States demand a range of soy products that are organic and grown locally. My guest is Andrew Meyer of Vermontsoy.com and he explains how they approach the world of soy farming.  He gets into the beauty of staying small, the importance of local, and how/why soy can and should be grown with minimal impact on the environment. That, and much more is discussed in this episode. Music: Clap Your Hands Say Yeah - Emily Jean Stock Mercedes Sosa - Pampas del Sur Download Standard Podcast

In the great tradition of stream-of-consciousness podcasters, I m breaking out of the usual format for this edition.  Instead I m in the kitchen, making a snack, and discussing the issues for the coming months, as well as a quick summary of how my talk went at the Hope conference, and some other notes for you the listeners.  So perhaps not my usual thought provoking way, but I wanted to record some thoughts and explain what is going on (and why there haven t been podcasts in a few weeks!) Topics Discussed Soy West Africa Lebanon Guests Talking to Corporations (the trouble with) HOPE Gay Pride Amsterdam and more. Music: Conor Oberst - Milk Thistle Johnny Cash - Mercy Seat Download Standard Podcast

The cityfarmer project in Vancouver began as a small group of people concerned with energy costs and reducing waste. 30 years later, those concerns have been amplified throughout the world, and cityfarmer is still there in the trenches. My guest, Michael Levenston, executive direction of cityfarmer, has been there since the beginning; in this interview we talk about how it developed. Besides the link above, further info and resources are available on cityfarmer.org We Discuss: Starting it in 1978 The concerns at that time Early source of funding Profile of who is involved The backyard Reducing waste Energy Global urban farming Being on the front page and more Music: Aqueduct - The Suggestion Box Eddie Vedder - Long Nights Download Standard Podcast

There is more to urban farming than just growing crops on empty lots in cities. In fact, there is a type of urban farming that involves growing alot more food in tall buildings, making use of the latest innovations of crop growing and energy usage. My guest, Professor Dickson Despommier of Columbia Universty explains what vertical farming is why it is so important for the future of human existance. The site for all information on Vertical Farming We Discuss: Types of crops that can be grown in vertical farms Where would they be located The costs The end of flood or disease damage Growing seasons in vertical farming Funding and who is interested Power and outside needs Problem with regular urban farming Music: Tom Waits - Lost in the Harbor Okkervil River - A Hand to Take Hold of the Scene Download Standard Podcast

While many officials might be congratulating themselves for having handled the spread of HIV-AIDS in Thailand, an under reported resurgence is taking place.  My guest for this podcast, part of my series on Thailand and Cambodia, is Mai of Teen Path Thailand.  Together we talk about the situation for teenagers when it comes to sex education, AIDS awareness, and the pitfalls in how Thai society communicates with young people. Mai also explains the different avenues Path takes in order to reach teenagers around the country, using methods and tools that most relate to their lives. Path s Website (international) Teen Path Thailand s Website (in Thai) Music: Erykah Badu - The Cell Panic at the Disco - Northern Downpour Download Standard Podcast

Friends International is a very unique organization doing some very revolutionary work in an often overlooked part of the world with the most overlooked people on this planet- street children. While in Phnom Penh I stumbled upon one of their restaurants by luck and asked about doing an interview.  One day later, I was sitting down with Sébastien Marot, the international coordinator of friends international.  Following the interview, he introduced me to actress, activist and concerned citizen Leslie Hope who also sat down for a drink with me to talk about the film she had just completed about Friends entitled - What I See When I Close My Eyes.  After this surprise interview, I joined them both at the film screening and had one of the more unforgettable nights of my visit to Cambodia. I highly recommend learning about friends international Childsafe International as well as getting your hands on and passing on word about the film: What I See When I Close My Eyes Music in this episode: The Breeders - Wicked Little Town Utah Phillips - Kid s Liberation Phil Oaks - Outside of a Small Circle of Friends Download Standard Podcast

Bophana is an organization based in Phnom Penh, dedicated to finding and archiving video, audio, and text documentation of Cambodian culture.  Throughout the decades of war and the destructive Khmer Rouge regime, much of the nation s audio-visual archives were lost. But Bophana has taken on the task of gathering this material, from private individuals in the country, or institutions and film companies abroad.  I was given an informative tour and a demonstration of how the archive works, later we recorded this podcast interview. We Discuss: What is Bophana Who is behind this organization Why should Cambodia need such a place Types of activities and areas of interest Funding sources, funding problems Difficulties with finding skilled workers for this type of work Music: Apostle of Hustle - Folkloric Field Kanye West - Heard em Say Download Standard Podcast

It is not easy to go to a country like Cambodia and develop an ecotourism project that involves preserving forests while generating income. Many obstacles will appear, not to mention the amount of people who simply don t believe it can be done right.  Katie Matlack has been working on one such project, and on one recent afternoon we sat together in a park in Bangkok, to discuss that project. We discuss: Wildlife Alliance Cambodia, the situation How the project works Downside to ecotourism Green Architecture Funding and progress And more Music: Elvis- Crawfish LCD Soundsystem - Watch the Tapes Download Standard Podcast

Alternative media is alive and well in Thailand, especially at the offices of Prachatai.com.  I spent the morning with the staff of this Thai alternative news source discussing what the big issues are for Thailand and their experience running such a media organization. We discuss: The overall media landscape in Thailand Government control, economic influence MY experience with the Royal Anthem Censorship The constitution Labor and Unions Environmentalism in Thailand Funding Music: Eddie Vedder - Rise Herbie Hancock - Tea Leaf Prophecy Download Standard Podcast

Paula and Martin run a unique Urban Farm in Victoria, B.C., Canada. They don t just manage one plot of land, their farm is scattered throughout various areas and its getting more and more popular.  In this interview Paula explains how it got started, their specific method of farming, and the growing popularity in their community and beyond. Cityharvest Spin Farming Music: Roots -Rising Down Mercedes Sosa - Es Sud America Mi Voz Note: Im posting this podcast just as I leave for the airport en route to Thailand, so any errors or further details, will have to wait. Download Standard Podcast

While many focus on the global food price and the fate of food exports, in many places around the world, groups of people are growing and selling food locally.  Mill Creek urban farm in Philadelphia is one of these places. My guests, farm founders Jade and Johanna explain how Mill Creek works, and how they relate to their community, the city, and even the global picture. They also recommended the following article about small farmers and their role in feeding the world. We Discuss: - The activities of the farm - Relations with the community - Funding of the project - Reflection on the global food crisis - Changes in demand and interest in Urban Farming over the past years - Access to green spaces in cities - Gentrification and the survival of the urban farm - Other forms of Urban agriculture Music: Pinback - Blue Harvest The Roots - Criminal (feat. Truck North & Saigon) Download Standard Podcast

Soy is often looked at as the alternative bean, beloved ingredient for vegetarians and concerned citizens worldwide. Yet what do we know about the soy industry? How is soy being produced, by who, for who, and to what effect? My guest, Nina Holland of the Corporate European Observatory, sat down with me to explain how it all works, and what we should know about our soy. Discussed: Soy as food/feed/fuel Genetically Modified Soy Who Owns the Farms Situations in different parts of South America Comparison to Europe GM Soy Lobby in the EU Labeling So-called responsible soy Independent farmers Solutions/Advice for People Links: ASeed.net corporateeurope.org The Report on Responsible Soy put out, co-authored by Nina Music: Vinicious Cantuaria - Corre Campo Tom Brosseau - In My Time of Dyin Download Standard Podcast

Following the recent podcast on licences, filesharing, and the pirate bay, I received alot of strong feedback with both opinions that were similar and also very different from those that Peter brought forth.  This podcast features musician and podcaster Michael Harren aka Mikeypod, who talks about things like licenses and artist rights according to his experience and opinions. We Discuss: Creative Commons The Artist s Choice and Empowerment Money, making it, deserving it, expecting it Filesharing in terms of music Arists Using CC Music: Lou Rhodes - Greatness in a Speck of Dust Spreepark - A Trampoline I am Not Download Standard Podcast

The German minister who famously believes in law and order and high security and knowing as much about citizens as possible, has now - himself- been fingerprinted. Whats more, the fingerprints are being distributed all over the world as part of a very strong statement and critique of what is supposed to be such a safe and secure method of identification. This podcast is recorded at the CCCB in Berlin, and it features the participation of some very kind and socially conscious hackers. As we sat around assembling the magazines, finger prints and all, I took out the recorder and asked them to explain how it is they got hold of the German interior minister s finger prints and what the larger meaning of this action, will be. By the end of the recording they realized we hadn t spoken in detail about many of the OTHER examples of what the German government is trying to do when it comes to data retention and privacy. Below is a list of links they recommended I include for better details about what is going on. EU-Wide implementation of the data retention German minister defends Trojan horse spy tactic as needed to fight terror Schäuble: Facts Obtained Through Torture Should be Used Oh and as a bonus, the Finger Print story in Wired. Music: Tom Waits - Everything You Can Think Utah Phillips - All Used Up Download Standard Podcast

As the producer of one of the best information sources coming out of Iraq, BaghdadBrian is passionate about raising awareness about what life is really like for regular Iraqi s living under occupation. While attending the Republica Conference last week, he and I had a chance to walk around Berlin and even do some tourism. Just as you ll hear us comparing in this podcast, we often found ourselves comparing the divided post war Germany days to the situation in Iraq today.. specifically when it comes to dividing a city with walls. His site: Alive in Baghdad The Stasi Headquarters Museum Alive in Mexico Music: Henri DiKongué - Wen Te Mba Wenge Stars - In Our Bedroom After the War Download Standard Podcast

In some parts of the world people still use the term steal to describe getting music through bittorent or other systems. At the same time, many people use the term filesharing or downloading to describe that same process. Laws might get passed and moral judgements might be imposed, but how logical are such views when it comes to the sharing or copying of digital material. My guest today is Peter of the Pirate Bay, one of the most popular sites on the internet, period. Moreover, someone who has a strong commitment to struggle and educate people when it comes to the nature of filesharing. Looking beyond scare tactics and the manipulation of governments by large corporate interests, Peter has alot to say when it comes to how we think or could think about the world reknowned practice of downloading things from the internet. I also recommend the most recent Yeast Radio, which features Peter in a debate on intellectual property. And a previous edition of Chaos Radio International which provides alot of essential information about pirate bay, why and how it does what it does. Music: Common - They Say Rilo Kiley - Breakin Up Download Standard Podcast

This week, as I continue to suffer under the oppression of Dutch internet providers and the demands of my new employment, I bring you a lost episode of this podcast. Recorded the first day of 2008, this is Emmanuel Goldstein of 2600, his radio work as well as 2600 have long been an inspiration and a huge influence on the kind of journalist that I strive to be. This is a brief conversation we recorded on a train platform at Alexanderplatz in Berlin. Most importantly, we talk about The Last Hope, the big hacker meeting in NYC this July (no I wont be there)In addition we mention: The arctic and the political battle for control of it The CCC and experiences at the congress Public transport in Berlin and more Music: Dialated Peoples - Kindness for Weakness The Shins - Sleeping Lessons Download Standard Podcast

Imagine having no rights, no home, and no country. Now imagine that on top of that, you live amongst hundreds of thousands of other people in a makeshift camp for over 30 years. This is just part of the story that the people known as Bihari s endure everyday in Bangladesh. My guest, documentary film maker Shafiur Rahman has made a film on this very topic, helps explain the past, present, and all the details that the world seems to ignore on a regular basis, of how an entire population can be declared stateless and without rights. His film, The Promised Land (available via amazon.uk) His blog, Imperfect World The wikipedia entry on the Bihari people Music: Courtesy of Shafiur, from the film. note: (there is alot of white noise in this recording as I was recording it under unfamiliar circumstances and Im under alot of stress these days so no need to complain about it, thank you.) Download Standard Podcast

While in Copenhagen last week I sat down with my friend and international vlog evangelist Raymond, to look at what is happening with video online and what is lacking when it comes to video online. Based his work on DLTQ and political campaigns in Denmark and Norway, Raymond provides insight on the good and bad when it comes to campaign vlogging and more. In many ways this podcast is an extension of the arguements and discussions brought forth in my podcast with Jay and Ryanne as well as with John Aravosis last December. We Discuss: The State of video online YOutube The depth of conversation and engagement with an audience The political campaigns he worked 0n The shortness of time and value in the world of blogs The longterm struggle of todays vloggers Besides DLTQ you can also occasionally find evidence of Raymond s alter ego on evilvlog.com. Music: Erykah Badu -  My People Libertines - Tell the King Download Standard Podcast

Why are two very needed hospitals in the city of Newark, NJ under threat of closing down? Money, politics, business.. what are the reasons being given and how do they hold up under some real scrutiny? My guests: Ken Walker of the Daily Newarker and Christina Hilo of the NUSSJ and SaveStJames.com help dissect the situation. We Discuss: St. James and Columbus hospitals The hospital debt and funding Cathedral Health, who they are Possible Scenarios Uninsured Patients The difficulty of organizing in an immigrant community Latest Meetings Music: Jonathan Richman - Orgin of Love Okkervil River - Our Life is not a Movie or Maybe Download Standard Podcast

During my visit to Copenhagen, I went over to Christiania in hopes of speaking with people who could share their experience, living there and observing or taking part in events as they ve unfolded over the past 3+ decades.  I found myself at an art exhibit opening where kind Christianians pointed me to Mr. Morten Nielsen.  We sat and talked for about thirty minutes. I was, admittedly, surprised and pleased that he was willing to tell his story and his experiences living in the community since 1974. (3 years after it was established). Sidestreet Throughout the interview I tried to ask questions related to all the rumors and stories that I ve come to know through either word of mouth here in Central Europe or through the media where occasional stories appear about how Christiania is changing or will end or.. name your rumor. The following is a podcast of that interview, complete with loud gentleman arguing some point in the background. A fitting backdrop (or otherwise forgive the background yelling, he quiets down eventually) for a conversation about a place where people are free to think and live in a very different way. Our Topics Include: The Founding of Christiania Schools and Children The materials and structure of houses Work, What do people do? Drugs, Drug addiction, and Drug rehabilitation in Christiania Infrstructure; water, electricity, communal money Community rule enforcement and activists Relations with the city of Copenhagen The various plans and agreements between the city and Christiania The disagreements among residents about change and the plans Sustainability, now and with the future changes. Music: The Shins - A Comet Appears Joe Strummer - Willesden To Cricklewood Download Standard Podcast