If at First You Don't Succeed, You're in Excellent Company

Resilience involves a lot of sacrifice.

I've always known that I had it in me to do great and wonderful things - if and when I try hard enough. I've known this as a young child. But what I didn't know was that certain individuals were not comfortable with my resilience. Or they just couldn't endure the pressure of the heat.

I often stand in the center of the fire and watch them - my family and friends - shrink back.

If at First You Don't Succeed, You're in Excellent Company. [On the "self- efficacy" concept first described by psychology professor Albert Bandura in the 1970s. Quotes Bandura.] (Wall Street Journal,Tues, 4/29/08) http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120940892966150319.html

Food Crisis and Bad Policies

Last week in my Econ class, we discussed subsidy and corn/ethanol issue and prices increasing. Here's an interesting opinion written on the topic today.

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601039&sid=arSRWU0yDL7M&refer=home

A new World Bank report states that ``almost all of the increase in global maize production from 2004 to 2007 (the period when grain prices rose sharply) went for biofuels production in the U.S.''

Save the Internet

Comcast has been caught blocking BitTorrent, Verizon has been caught blocking text messages, AT&T wants to inspect and filter Web traffic. These big companies’ efforts to discriminate online are crushing competition, slowing innovation, and endangering free speech.

Fresh out my email inbox:

Tomorrow is the day. Big Media lobbyists will certainly be showing up at the FCC hearing in Stanford. Will you?

This is a rare and critical opportunity to speak out about the future of the Internet and to send a message directly to policymakers that the public wants an open Internet for all.

WHAT: A Public Hearing on the Future of the Internet
WHEN: Thursday, April 17, 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
WHERE: Stanford University, Dinkelspiel Auditorium
471 Lagunita Drive, Palo Alto

We have maps, travel and parking info here: www.savetheinternet.com/=stanford

We’ve got Comcast worried. At the last FCC hearing, they hired people to fill the room and keep the public out (read more about Comcast's dirty tactics here).

We need as many people as possible to stand up to these big phone and cable companies that want to block, filter and discriminate online.

Want breaking news about the hearing? Join the Mobile Action Team, and we'll send updates right to your phone. Learn how to make the most out of your time at the hearing.

Sign up by texting "fcc" (no quotes) to 30644
or visit: www.savetheinternet.com/=stanford_mobile.

You can also help build momentum for the event by getting the word out. Invite your friends to attend the hearing.

This is an important opportunity for the public to be involved in deciding the future of the Internet. I hope to see you tomorrow.

Josh Stearns
Campaign Coordinator
Free Press
www.freepress.net
www.savetheinternet.com

P.S. Join our Facebook community to spread the word about the Stanford hearing.

P.P.S Can't make it to Stanford? The hearing will be available via webcast on the FCC Web site at: http://www.fcc.gov/realaudio/#apr17

"IN BETWEEN HEAVEN & HAWAIKI"

"IN BETWEEN HEAVEN & HAWAIKI"
a performance by Samoan/Aotearoa Artist and

art curator, ROSANNA RAYMOND.

De Young Museum, San Francsico

7:00PM, Friday April 18, 2008

For more info, please go to:

http://www.taulapapa.com/exhibitions.html

For more info on the museum and parking info, please go:

http://www.famsf.org/deyoung/visiting/index.asp

UNAFF 2008 Call For Entries

CALL FOR ENTRIES
11^th UNITED NATIONS ASSOCIATION FILM FESTIVAL (UNAFF) October 19-26, 2008 Stanford University - celebrates the power of international documentary films and videos dealing with human rights issues, environmental themes, protection of refugees, famine, homelessness, racism, disease control, women's issues, children, universal education, war and peace.

Celebrating the 60^th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This year we have chosen the theme BLUE PLANET, GREEN PLANET and we are welcoming films reflecting all the usual problems that we encounter living on our Blue Planet, but also films which remind us that we have to worry about the Planet’s green aspects as well.

Formats: 16mm and 35mm film; Beta SP, DVD, PAL/NTSC.
Preview on 1/2" VHS (PAL/NTSC), DVD (NTSC region 0 or 1).
All lengths are eligible.

Entry fee: $25 for films up to 30 min. (late deadline $35)
and $35 for films longer than 30 min. (late deadline is $45)
Please send a check or money order payable to UNAFF.

Deadline is June 1, 2008 (Late deadline June 10)

THE ENTRY FORM can be printed from www.unaff.org or www.withoutabox.com

Awards: UNAFF Grand Jury Award, the Stanford Video Award for Cinematography and the Stanford Video Award for Editing

Please submit screening materials and background info to:

UNAFF 2008
Stanford University
10 Alvarado Row; CERAS, Room 109
Stanford, CA 94305-3084

Questions or comments? Please use info@unaff.org or call (650) 724-5544

Candlelight Vigil