Category Archives: International Events

Any event that involves two or more nations.

Chinese Eco-Cities

The Guardian has reported that a few British companies have signed contracts to help build some environmentally friendly cities in China.

From the article “The eco-cities are regarded both as a prototype for urban living in over-populated and polluted environments and as a magnet for investment funds into the rapidly growing Chinese economy.”

It is arguable, and I suppose ironic, that the way that the Chinese government is structured that makes initiatives like this feasible, unlike in many Western nations. The article was also published before the recent oil spill, but the oil spill has sparked demands for more environmental action (thanks, Emily!).

For more information on the technical aspects of the first sustainable city check out the press release from Arup. This is a huge step in the right direction for China (which is notorious for poor environmental protection) and further places China in an international lead when it comes to environmentally friendly societies.

Today is Pinochet’s 90th Birthday!

Today is infamous Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet’s 90th birthday. This is not the great news. The great news is that he didn’t have the big birthday party he was planning – with artists, military bands and lots of expensive food. Yesterday, judge Montiglio ordered his (at home) arrest, so the party was called off.

Pinochet is accused of more than 300 crimes. He is responsible for the killing of some 1000 people – including democratic elected Salvador Allende – in Chile and abroad and the theft of millions of dollars from Chilean state.

Happy birthday, Mi General!

(Just a thought: where should George W. Bush, Donald Rumsfeld and Dick Cheney spend their last years?)

Picture from www.rel-uita.org

Write for Rights!

On December 10th, 1948 the United Nations presented the “Universal Declaration of Human Rights” which describes the basic rights of all people everywhere. Now known as Human Rights Day, December 10th is the perfect day for those who care about human rights issues to take part in making a difference. Amnesty International has put together an event called ‘Write for Rights’ and it is an awesome way for people to contribute a little kindness and generosity of spirit as we near the holiday season. You can write with your family or even put together an event with friends to raise awareness, money and take action against human rights abuses worldwide.

For more info you can visit http://www.amnesty.ca/writeathon/index.php

Chavez Helps America’s poor

VenezuelaMassachusetts officials have worked out a deal with Venezuela that will provide cheap oil for the state’s poor. Hugo Chavez previously offered cheaper oil to poor Americans and Massachusetts is the first state to work out an official program to accommodate Chavez’s offer. The oil is to be sold at 40% below the market rate, the oil is also to be used for heating (not gas for cars).

The Bush administration despises the democratically elected Hugo Chavez, but a Massachusetts congressman said that the cheap oil agreement is “an expression of humanitarianism at its very best”. Talks are currently underway to provide poor people in the Bronx with a similar deal.

Chinese-Canadians Get Payback

Back in 1885, the Canadian government put a $500 headtax on Chinese immigrants entering the country (an amount equivalent to 2 years’ salary), after workers were no longer needed for the railway. This was later replaced with a ban of Chinese immigrants altogether, which wasn’t fully repealed until 1967.

However, the Canadian government has now agreed to compensate descendents of these immigrants.