There: Snow Business; like Snow Business

Last night at the Lab on Foley Street there was a good turn out of artists, political activists and interested individuals for a discussion around the notion of amateurism.

It was billed that “four artists and designers would describe their various relationships to 'Amateurism' - DIY art and technology production, designing with found materials, and design in the developing world”.

Who/What is Tactic?

Tactic is a cross national laboratory for tactical art making: Investigation, intervention, discovery, testing and application. It is a space for artists and activists to meet, inform each others practice, develop projects and engage a public.

The website: Tactic

Confrontation at Mountjoy

This evening (Wed 11th March), after the news of the 30 day sentence imposed on 55 year old Shell to Sea protester Maura Harrington filtered through, supporters converged on the gates of Mountjoy prison. By the time the van carrying Maura came into view over 30 supporters were waiting at the prison gates, matched by a similar number of Gardai.

Latest Stories About This:

Maura Harrington to be taken to Mountjoy Jail for 28 Days
* "Veteran Shell to Sea Campaigner, Maura Harrington has just been sentenced to 28 days imprisonement in Mountjoy"
Report on day in court which led to Maura Harrington's Jailing
* "Yesterday evening Shell to Sea spokesperson Maura Harrington was sentenced to 28 days in prison in relation to an assault charge arising from the incident at Pollathomais Pier on the 11th June 2007."
Political Policing sees Maura Harrington jailed for 28 days
* "This evening at Belmullet court Shell to Sea spokesperson Maura Harrington was sentenced to 28 days in prison in relation to an assault at Pollathomais Pier on the 11th June 2007."

Send Messages of Solidarity
Maura Harrington
Dochas Centre
Mountjoy Prison
N Circular Road
Dublin 7

Towards a New Economic Narrative

The Right are having a field day in the economic debate. It's time progressives take to the pitch. In 'Towards A New Economic Narrative', Michael Taft of Notes on the Front outlines a ten point programme to kickstart an alternative debate. It includes: Borrow 'Till We Drop * Tax Lay-About Capital, Not Work * Public Safety Committees * Spread It Around * Competition This! * Go On a (Social) Binge * A New Green Deal * Money's Too Tight To Mention * The Enterprise Guarantee * Reinventing Public Economic Activity

A (very basic) Summary of the "Narrative"

* Overcoming the fiscal trap by borrowing, taxing capital assets and opening up the Pension Reserve Fund to infrastructural and enterprise investment
* Increasing demand and consumption through a new pay deal, extension of welfare benefits, anti-inflation measures
* Putting our enterprise base on a new footing through a new Green deal, opening up new investment streams, an Enterprise Guarantee and new models of public economic activity.

This is not the last word. It's the first of many words. But one thing is certain: the Left must become audacious and present a bold economic package to people. It we don't, the Right will continue to drive the debate, the Left will become marginalised and the economy will continue its ever downward sprial.

Back to the Future?

An anarchist response to the attack on the British Army Barracks in Antrim

The armed and indiscriminate attack on the Massereene British Army barracks in Antrim on Saturday night is futile and counter-productive which only serves to strengthen the status-quo.

The attack has left two off duty soldiers dead, Mark Quinsey, 23, and Patrick Azimkar, 21 as well as four others injured including two pizza delivery workers.

Related Links:
Trade Unions organise Silent Protest
Original publication from Oz entitled You can't blow up a social relationship
A few thoughts on these events in the North from the Cedar Lounge
Someone from Ogra argues that A corner has been turned...

Hort Comunitari

Springtime in Europe and the Earth's life cycle is in bloom again. The 3 parts of the radio documentary capture magical moments in the recent history of one of the most exciting projects in Barcelona at present, our community garden in Gracia. This article was written after a lovely Valentine's weekend of much open, shared and participative activity; the highlight of which was our collective mural day in the garden. It is hoped that some of the life, current ideas, projects, tools, spaces, bargains, oddities, dreams, passions and goings on of the city and her peoples are communicated here-in.

Friday… Thinking about winning
Saturday… Painting pictures and feeling like we are winning
Sunday… Sharing passions, playing and doing, remembering the South

Related Links:
• The ongoing "war" against Barcelona's okupas and its social movement(s) - IMC-IE feature (October 17, 2007)
• We are thousands : Barcelona and the ongoing attack against its squatted social centres - IMC-ORG feature (29 May 2007)
• Barcelona: 3 early morning raids on 3 squats, including MAKABRA - IMC-IE article (November 20, 2006)
• Dunk's past indymedia articles