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Damn...  Nearly missed it this year.  Normally I like to do what I can to publicise it ahead of time.
Better late than never ?

TURN OFF TV
    2008 - April 21-27 (Monday to Sunday)
AND Next Year
2009 - April 20-26

Better yet get yourself a TV-B-Gone and turn off other peoples TVs for the lulz.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TV-B-Gone
That page even has a link to where you can get a kit to make your own.


Main page for UK anti TV
http://www.whitedot.org/issue/fix_tvturnoffweek.asp

Background
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TV_turnoff

How did I not get to hear about this until now with less than 24 hrs to prepare?

www.earthhour.org
see the difference you can make 8pm March 29

Created to take a stand against the greatest threat our planet has ever faced, Earth Hour uses the simple action of turning off the lights for one hour to deliver a powerful message about the need for action on global warming.

About Earth Hour

On March 31 2007, for one hour, Sydney made a powerful statement about the greatest contributor to global warming – coal-fired electricity – by turning off its lights. Over 2.2 million Sydney residents and over 2,100 businesses switched off, leading to a 10.2% energy reduction across the city. What began as one city taking a stand against global warming caught the attention of the world.

In 2008, 24 global cities will participate in Earth Hour at 8pm on March 29. Earth Hour is the highlight of a major campaign to encourage businesses, communities and individuals to take the simple steps needed to cut their emissions on an ongoing basis. It is about simple changes that will collectively make a difference – from businesses turning off their lights when their offices are empty, to households turning off appliances rather than leaving them on standby.

Haven't posted anything in a long time... but this is interesting.

"The action I am taking is no more than a radical measure to hasten the explosion of truth and justice. I have but one passion: to enlighten those who have been kept in the dark, in the name of humanity which has suffered so much and is entitled to happiness. My fiery protest is simply the cry of my very soul. Let them dare, then, to bring me before a court of law and let the enquiry take place in broad daylight!" — Emile Zola, J'accuse! (1898)

The above just flashes before your eyes as you load the initial page to
http://www.wikileaks.org/
just before it redirects to
http://www.wikileaks.org/wiki/Wikileaks

But be wary if you aren't feeling strong in yourself as the flash video currently on the front page involves blood and possible death.  You can circumvent this by using Firefox with the Noscript addon.  I "temporarily allow"ed the page to see what the video was but I didn't lift the Flashblock addon restriction as it looks like something I don't need to see right now.
All that aside the text is worth seeing including headings like;
    *   United Kingdom atomic weapons program: The full Penney Report (1947)
    * Censored Legion de Cristo and Regnum Cristi document collection
    * Classified memo from US Maj. Gen. Kelly confirms Fallujah Gulag
    * US Army Commmercial Intrusion Detection use in Secure Compartmentalized Information Facilties (2004)
    * Censored Tibet March 2008 protest photos
    * Douglas County police report on Masha Allen vs. Faith Allen
    * Citizens Commission on Human Rights exposed as a Scientology front part 2
    * Church of Scientology collected Operating Thetan documents
    * US Marine Corps Anti Terrorism Program (2002)
    * US Air Force JDAM Tactical Manual
    * US Army NGIC report: Proximity Fuzes Found on 107mm Rockets
    * US Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures for Kill Box Employment (2005)
    * US Military Satellite Pointing Guide
    * US IED Safe Distance Reference Chart
    * Censored Tibet March 2008 protest videos - FLV format
    * Censored Tibet March 2008 protest videos - AVI format
    * United Arab Emirates Internet censorship plan (2006)
    * Jarvis letter to employees over the fatal Potters Bar rail crash
    * US Army Lessons Learned - battle of Samarra Iraq 2004
    * US Army Lessons Learned - battle of Mosul Iraq 2004
    * more...
In the section which is headed; "Fresh leaks requiring analysis"

Whistelblower cat : Long and hearty may she blow

Two things that are well worth thinking about

On intrinsic value of human life.
http://odanu.livejournal.com/320684.html?style=mine

And something we can all do in a celebratory manner with the glee and the cheer in your heart.
Buy Nothing Day
This year in the UK you can participate by not participating on November 24th
www.adbusters.org/bnd
www.buynothingday.co.uk
Spread the word and celebrate with friends!

OK, I thought I could avoid the Facebook thing but I am weak.  I strongly objected to another exclusive gated community of web users.  Now I have joined I can see that the fencing off is necessary for privacy reasons.  That said I am still unsure exactly how far the privacy goes with the Facebook people having full access for data mining and government agencies wanting to investigate peoples links to other people who may or may not be considered. now or in the future, to be potentially subversive.
Putting all that to one side.  in a short time I had found 12 people I know and some events I'm interested in.  I have a place to put photos that is easier to upload to than LJ.  In fact it's easier still now that Flock 1.0 is out with its Facebook integration.  Flock works with Adbliock Plus too so I get Facebook for free and miss most of the adverts :P
At this rate I will soon be seriously reconsidering whether to bother with LJ atall.  Or at least drop down to an unpaid account.  i think LJ has much work to do to stay in the game.
We shall see...

PIctures taken at this years halloween skate
NOT suitable for slow internet connection


Unlike my usual, I reserve all copyright for myself and you have no permission to use unless you are featured in the picture.  If you are featured in the picture you can do anything you like with the image.  If you want me to remove your image just leave a comment to say so and I will.
Unretouched versions available on request.

Content aware image sizing technique.  That's what they call it.  But it is more... much more.
It will cost you 5mins of your life to see this presentation.  Watch it all so you see people being removed!  Like so many riddles when you know the answer it is simple.  I am imagining the fun I could have with this right now and the fun I could have with a fast enough 'puter and some video editing software with this technique.

Decided to share some inages of beautiful beetles.  As is usual for pictures I took myself they are all free to take and use if you want.  In fact to get a really good look you have to download them and zoom in.
The black ladybird pictures are apparently the melanic (black) variety of the Harlequin ladybird (Harmonia axyridis aka Multicoloured Asian Ladybird and Halloween Ladybird) which is an unwelcome intruder to the British Isles.  I wish I had known this when I found it as I was tempted to kill and keep it for its beauty but decided to set it free instead.
A trip to Wiktionary tells us that beetle comes from Late Middle English bityl from the Old English bitela meaning "biting".
The other beetle pictures are of a beetle that lived in great numbers on a lavender patch at Vauxhall Park.  The lavender patch used to be a bowling green and one day I will find out whether the patch is an ecology / bio diversity thing for creatures that love it.  There were also lots of bees busily and peacefully enjoying the lavender.
The patch has been severely pruned back recently so I wonder where the beetles are now.
The beetle porn pictures were taken on a day when almost every beetle I saw was part of a pair (24/9/07 afternoon).  Next year I shall pay special interest around this time.

I have just learned that "Laurence Corner" has closed after more than 50 years.  This is very sad as so many army surplus stores have disappeared.  You can keep your fashion nikes and pre ripped jeans I'll take army boots and camouflage trousers (real ones NOT the fashion fakes) that are comfortable, practical, cheap and last so long you can't remember where you bought them when they do finally die.  For me this marks the end of an era.  Quote from The Times Online  24/03/07 "But the world’s most famous army surplus store — the inspiration for Sgt Pepper, couturier to Michael Jackson and supplier of cheap military chic for generations of students — will close this weekend. Laurence Corner opened in 1947 when Victor Jamilly discovered that he could make a profit from the unused equipment being sold by the Army"

UPDATE:
According to comments on YouTube
The staff from Laurance Corner - Deborah, Tina and Tony - have just opened a new army surplus store in Kentish Town: 121 Kentish Town Road, London, NW1 8PB, phone 0207 485 2442.
Fingers crossed that this is for real.  :)

I went to a very hard hitting installation called "Journey" at Trafalgar Square last weekend.  It is there to get publicity about sex trafficking (and modern day slavery, mental and physical abuse, etc).  I will continue behind the LJ cut as this subject can be upsetting for many people.  If you are unsure get a friend to read on for you.
This is the first leg of a uk tour for "Journey" but I haven't yet found out where it is going next.


AND this is not the only example of modern day slavery.  I have mentioned before about the work of "Stop the Traffik".  Particularly their campaign around chocolate made from cocoa grown by labour that includes modern child slave labour. http://www.stopthetraffik.org/chocolatecampaign/
AAAARRRRGGGHH!!!

ps I can post pictures by request but will not feel comfortable leaving them up for long.  They give little idea of the experience of "The Journey" anyway.

To celebrate 60 yrs of Pakistan Independence
Pakistan Festival
website hereParade 1:30 til 2:30 pm
Trafalgar Square show 1 til 7 pm
taster video here
FREE

Just a couple of links for   >you know who you are<   that I talked to at "Rugcutters" last Thursday where you asked for them.
Click the link as this is not of general interest.

A single voice became a choir.
A tiny spark became a flame of revolution.
A calculated action became a formidable movement...

WOW, that sums it up, just plain wow.
Saw the show behind the Royal Festival Hall and it was fantastic.  Performers mingled with and interacted directly with the crowd on the street.  I was surprised how intimidating this could be...
LJ cut for pictures

If you're here because of the flyer/e-mail - this is where you can put comments/questions and where any last minute changes/plans will appear.

A single voice becomes a choir.
A tiny spark becomes a flame of revolution.
A calculated action becomes a formidable movement...

Whatever you were thinking of doing on Saturday 21 July at 9pm cancel it
 - this will be better.

off Belvedere Rd
Around the Royal Festival Hall – on the South Bank

See over 100 dancers, circus artists, singers and free runners defy the laws of physics and physicality in an unforgettable large-scale outdoor spectacular.

THEN AFTERWARDS
10pm till 1am
We all retire to the "Late Lounge"
where the DJ will play our favourite jive tunes
(I have already spoken to the organisers about this)
The more of us that turn up, the more of our tunes he'll play

The Late Lounge is in the National Theatre at the Terrace Cafe
Overlooking the Thames, it includes a bar that serves alcohol as well as soft drinks
You just walk into the National Theatre and head for the glass lift which takes you directly there

No tickets to buy or entrance fees to pay – strictly free, gratis and no charge.
SPREAD THE WORD!
.
WHERE TO MEET picture

Farmers Market this Thursday 19th July just west of Vauxhall bridge on the south side of the Thames.
I have a photo and the time(s) somewhere which I'll put up when I find them.
EDIT
10am til 3pm
includes organic stuffs
Picture of location behind cut - I haven't managed to get to this market myself yet - the market seems to be a monthly thing as this was for Thu 21st June - picture taken from on Vauxhall bridge south side.  For
some reason there was a phone No supplied 01689 860 840

FREE FREE and FREE

Friday Evening - see Saturday

On Saturday
There is ongoing stuff with
the Coin Street Festival - Turkish Theme this weekend
Coin Street Festival, London - Turkish Festival. Sat-Sun. 14:00 - 19:00. South Bank, London SE1. Bernie Spain Gardens, next to Oxo Tower. A taste of Turkey with top Turkish music,  belly dancing, crafts, food, drink and Turkish Bazaar. 24 hour information line: 020 7401 2255
You can go to their website but I don't recommend it - www.coinstreetfestival.org/
and Watch This Space - Watery Theme this weekend
www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/wts    or ring 020 7452 3400
BOTH on the South Bank a stones throw away from each other.

In the evening Paris Rock is a possibility but no live band so I dunno


On Sunday there will be two FREE  festivals with music etc
I am currently decided to go to the Rise Festival but may be persuaded otherwise.  You will have to visit the respective websites for more details.
 15 Jul 2007 Rise Festival (London United Against Racism), London. Sunday 12:00 - 20:30. Finsbury Park. London’s biggest free music festival - hip-hop, indie, pop, jazz and reggae on 7 stages. Children’s play area, fair ground, food and drink, arts and crafts. Attendance 80,000.
I notice it includes "Big Cuba Fiesta and el Barrio Latino" - I hope that means I can get some salsa there.
http://www.risefestival.org/

15 Jul 2007 Tin Pan Alley Festival, London. Sunday. Denmark Street, Soho. Live music 11:00 - 21:00. Free.
http://www.tinpanalleyfestival.co.uk/


Sunday Evening
Hula Boogie
Map:- SE11 4LD
Just realised it's time for the monthly favourite with Miss Hula and the Reverend Boogie
ADMISSION:- £5 all night.  (but drinks can be expensive)
GUEST DJs:- Tom Tom Boogie & Rockin' Os
BURLESQUE FROM:- Mysti Vine

Are we sitting confortably?  Good then I'll begin...
Expect delays.  Allow extra time for all journeys.  Realise that there could be more security hassle but enjoy yourself regardless.
LEAVE THE CAR AT HOME - Road closures all over the place.
All the folowing stuff is FREE, GRATIS and No Charge

There is a journey planner on the Tour De France website at http://www.tourdefrancelondon.com/en/203.asp if that helps any

Tour De France - the race itself is not really my tasse de thé HOWEVER there is BUCKETLOADS of peripheral stuff that you can find out about HERE
http://www.tourdefrancelondon.com/en/festivals.asp
Seriously, do go to that link.

Friday Evening - after bicycle ballet @ 18:15
I am considering Sing London / Late at the Tate (this is a participation event - ie come to sing rather than to watch)
Tate Britain  Manton Entrance Foyer
http://www.tate.org.uk/britain/eventseducation/musicperform/9951.htm

Friday / Saturday
I hope to get signed up to be part of "The Mass" (mass as in large group) for the Bicylce Ballet on the South Bank but (unless it's cancelled due to weather) I hope to do the Ewtikins foraging expedition up Islington way so I WON'T be doing the earlier (1:15pm) performance on Saturday.
http://ewtikins.livejournal.com
The Bicycle Ballet is only one part of "The Cycle of Life" Which in turn is one weekends worth (Fri Sat & Sun) of "Watch This Space" Between the National Theatre and the river Thames.  So DO check the Website



Saturday Evening
The Event
1pm – 10pm @ Southwark Park, SE16
Music including The Real Thing & Dave Edmunds, ‘green’ roadshow, funfair, French market, sporting & children’s activities, French street performers, firework finale.
www.southwark.gov.uk/tourdefrance
Nearest tube: Bermondsey, Surrey Quays, Canada Water
http://www.bermondseybeat.com/event.html


Sunday
I hope to be doing the Bicycle Ballet at 1pm then on to...

12midday-6pm
Vintage and Retro Market
Sun Jul 8 South London Pacific, 340 Kennington Rd, London, SE11 4LD
South London's hot tiki bar hosts another vintage market with stalls selling clothes, homewares, jewelry, hats, lingerie, repro men's shoes, and many more. Food, a top cocktail bar, and DJs spinning sounds from the 1930s to the 1950s complete your day.

EDIT: Fri 6 Jul 21:00hrs
Change of plan.  I will be doing the 1:30 Bicycle Ballet on Saturday as well as the Sat eve and Sun performances.  Therefore can't do the foraging :(    hope I get another chance to forage soon.
I performed the Bicycle Ballet today and can hand on heart recommend it, particularly if you like contemporary dance or physical theatre.  I think the best view might be up on the balcony at the National that overlooks the "Watch This Space" area.