Tuesday, April 26, 2011

REM: Collapse Into Now Film Project: Warner Brothers Records


Every Day Is Yours To Win, the latest film in R.E.M.’s Collapse Into Now Film Project, is currently streaming on YouTube’s homepage for 24 hours. The film features an introduction by Michael Stipe and co-director Jim McKay, who are the guest curators for the day.  Stipe and McKay are also sharing some of their all-time favorite YouTube clips, also featured on the homepage of YouTube.  Every Day Is Yours To Win was directed by McKay, Chris Moukarbel, and Valerie Veatch.



 


The Collapse Into Now Film Project is a selection of films accompanying each song on R.E.M.’s current album Collapse Into Now and directed by notable artists and filmmakers and personally curated by singer Michael Stipe. The list of directors includes Oscar-nominated actor James Franco, filmmaker, photographer, and conceptual artist Sam Taylor-Wood, and Oscar-nominated documentary filmmaker Albert Maysles.

 





 
Several films have already premiered online with more to be unveiled for viewing at broadcast and web outlets over the next several weeks, so please stay tuned to www.remhq.com for schedule and details.



For further information please contact:





 

Calling Artists/Film Makers/Animators: US Boat to Gaza

CALLING
ARTISTS/FILMMAKERS
TO CREATE
SHORT PROMOTIONAL VIDEOS


The U.S. Boat to Gaza - THE AUDACITY OF HOPE - is calling on artists, animators and filmmakers to encourage you to develop and submit a short 1-5 minute video about THE AUDACITY OF HOPE for mass distribution on Youtube and through our networks. Help us raise the profile of the U.S. Boat to Gaza in the coming months before we sail in June 2011 with the Freedom Flotilla II.

THE AUDACITY OF HOPE  is committed to carrying powerful voices from this country to the people of Gaza; those voices who are supporting this grassroots, human-rights mission which is working to help end the illegal U.S. supported Israeli naval blockade of Gaza. We need your creativity to increase our visibility throughout this country. 


The video project guidelines are as follows: 

1. The video piece should be no more than 5 minutes. (If you are inspired to make a longer film please go ahead but it would have to be considered for another type of distribution and use.)

2. The piece should raise the profile of the U.S. Boat to Gaza -
THE AUDACITY OF HOPE
  - and promote the name in order to build public awareness of this effort.

3. The piece cannot promote any affiliation to political parties, institutions or associations in the U.S. or in Gaza and the Occupied Territories.

4. The piece cannot promote or support the use of violence or anything that would undermine our commitment to nonviolence.

Please send your videos to us at videostogaza@gmail.com.  


Visit our website for more information about this project: www.ustogaza.org


Please share this message with others.



GET ON BOARD THE U.S. TO GAZA CAMPAIGN

VISIT
WWW.USTOGAZA.ORG

TO ENDORSE AND CONTRIBUTE

Thank you for your support.
 

logo

The Buffalo Infringement Festival: Submit, Endorse, Volunteer, Attend


The Buffalo Infringement Festival (BIF) is an 11-day long multi-genre arts festival in Buffalo, NY. 

It is free for all artists to participate, everyone is accepted and artists keep 100% of the profits from their projects and performances. The art that is typically Under the Radar is exemplified. 

The Buffalo Infringement Festival is a non-profit-driven, non-hierarchical grassroots endeavor bringing together a broad range of eclectic, independent, experimental, and controversial art of all forms. Visual, performing, musical, and media arts are all welcome here. Taking place in multiple venues in and around Buffalo’s Allentown District, the festival is an annual eleven-day event running from the last weekend of July through the first weekend of August. 

 http://www.optative.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/2011_frontpage_logo1.png


Every summer, the streets of Buffalo come alive with scores of events by local and visiting theatre and dance companies, puppeteers, media artists, poets, comics, musicians, cabaret acts, digital designers, and miscellaneous insurrectionists. 

The annual Buffalo Infringement Festival provides artists and audiences of all backgrounds the chance to come together, take chances, push boundaries, and explore uncharted territory because exciting art can happen anywhere, anytime, without a blockbuster budget.

The Buffalo Infringement Festival is dedicated to the belief that art has a greater purpose than simply to entertain or simply to make a quick buck. Unfortunately, the modern-day arts world is increasingly degenerated by commercialism, elitism, and close-minded-ness. In this climate, the vast majority of art inevitably grows more and more toothless, perfunctory, and irrelevant. To counter this, we have undertaken the task of clawing out a small niche where artists are free – both ideologically and financially – to create as they wish. 


There are many festivals – nationally and internationally – that seek to promote “alternative art.” But, all too often, these endeavors are a victim of their own success. As they grow in popularity, they become part of the mainstream and, ultimately, suffer from the same commercialism and complacency that they set out to break free from in the first place.  

To ensure that the same fate does not befall our “infringement” festival, we commit to the following ground rules:

1) Artists Participate for Free!  There is no admission fee for artists and artists keep one hundred percent of the money that their project brings in at the door. The festival provides each project with a venue to perform in, three to five performance slots (sometimes more for outdoor events), and listings in our brochure and on our website. All other costs, issues, and needs are left for the artists to tackle of their own accord. 

2) No one is Rejected!  Anyone who gets in a Project Proposal before the submission deadline – as long their project is legal and physically do-able – will be accepted. No one is empowered to judge artists’ work as “worthy” or “un-worthy.” Everything is welcome. 

3) No one is in Charge!  The “infringement” festival is a non-hierarchical collective. There is no salaried staff. There is no official in a suit and tie telling people what to do. No one is making any money off of this (other than, hopefully, the artists). Instead, the festival is organized by a volunteer committee, which is open to anyone who wants in. All decisions are made democratically. 

4) Keep it Cheap!  The only thing our artists are NOT allowed to do is charge too much at the door. In order to foster a non-commercial atmosphere, the maximum admission fee that any “infringement” festival event can charge is $10.00 dollars per ticket. Many “infringement” events are offered on a “pay-what-you-can” basis or through some other alternative admission fee. Artists are strongly encouraged to take this approach. 

What We Will Use the Money For: The biggest thing we do with the money we raise is printing our massive schedule brochure. Each year, as the festival increases in size, so does our schedule. The schedule is the number one way that we help the artists advertise about their shows as it contains a small description of each project and the times/locations where it can be seen.  We get the schedule printed in our local free arts publication, Artvoice. 

They have a circulation of more than 60,000 papers each week. Last year we had to purchase 16 pages of the issue in order to fit our schedule and this year is expected to be even bigger.  We also use the money to print up other promotional materials (postcards, posters, etc.) 

We use these materials to solicit applications, raise awareness and promote the festival. Another thing we do with the money we raise is to create merchandise to sell (T-shirts, stickers, magnets, posters, etc.)  which helps us keep money flowing into our budget from year to year, helping to make the festival self-sustaining. 

We also use some of the money to rent sound equipment and to pay people who are qualified to run that equipment for some of the venues during the festival.  When we have money to pay for these rentals, this helps keep artists from having to contribute their profits to rent their own equipment and to pay sound techs, etc. 







(We have no poets! --> shameful!) 


You have 5 days left!


VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! FEELING COOPED UP? Wanting to do something cool? Then do this!


Keep it alive people, we all know our art is often all we have.


Peace,

Sue

THANK YOU FOR HELPING TO MAKE THE BUFFALO INFRINGEMENT FESTIVAL POSSIBLE FOR 2011 AND BEYOND!






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Sunday, April 24, 2011

Help Empower Japan: Send Postcards in Solidarity (PYA)



you can live anywhere and help!



In wake of the massive 8.9 magnitude earthquake that hit the Pacific Ocean, Pakistan Youth Alliance proposed the creation of a charity project that mobilized the power of youth to participate in spreading relief to Japan.  Students and alumni from both the University of British Columbia and the University of Calgary committed to this project.  

PYA Canada is fully supporting this project and wants everyone to participate in this great cause.  This is important for students to be able to contribute with their creativity so their lack of personal funds does not hinder their compassion to help relief efforts.


Pakistan Youth Alliance


Everyone is asked to create a postcard (4" x 6" OR 5" x 7" ) with supportive, positive, hopeful and encouraging messages via pictures and text. The postcard will target envisioned recipient(s) according to age and gender: family, elderly, adults and children. The collection of art pieces will be filtered for appropriate content according to our guidelines before being sent. 






IF YOU CANNOT MAIL/GIVE YOUR POSTCARD IN PERSON OR IF YOU'RE OUTSIDE OF CANADA AND WANT TO PARTICIPATE:    


Please scan you postcard or send the copy of your digital postcard (jpg) at pya.canada@gmail.com   


Facebook event HERE 


 They will print it for you without any cost and will add to our collection. 


The postcards will be allocated in different shelters around various affected regions in Japan. We are currently connecting with Red Cross in Japan to aid in the distribution of postcards. Our goal is to have 500 postcards divided and distributed to reach 10-20 locations. 


For more info: http://empoweringjapan.posterous.com/



© 2011 Sana Khan International PYA Canada




Disclaimer:


Your creation, if you wish, will be posted on the internet for promotional purposes only. We do not hold responsibility if the image is taken by a third party for their personal use. You hereby acknowledge that any work posted online is liable to be stolen or misused and waive any accusation against our team.

Our pledge to you is that we will post it on the gallery of our website (i.e under the project named: Empowering Japan) with your description. This is only for promoting the project. We are not accountable if the image was used for other purposes than the above mentioned. You hereby waive the right to take legal actions against the misuse of your image once it is in public circulation.

The team holds the right to reject any postcard due to content deemed inappropriate by us. By submitting your postcard to our team, you are agreeing to these terms of use.



Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Translation Of Letter Written by Egida Beretta Arrigoni (Vittorio's Mother)




One has to die to become a hero, to hit the headlines and to have TV crews around the house, but does one have to die to stay human? 

I recall Vittorio in the Christmas of 2005, detained and incarcerated in the Ben Gurion Airport, the scars left by the handcuffs that cut his wrists, the denial of any contact with the consulate, the farcical process. And I recall Easter that same year, when just across the Allenby Bridge at the Jordanian border the Israeli police blocked his entrance in the country, put him on a bus and, seven against one (one of the seven was a policewoman), they beat him up “with skill”, without leaving any external marks, like the real professionals they are, then hurling him to the ground and throwing at his face, as a last scar to add to the others, the hair they had ripped off him with their machines.   

Vittorio was unwanted in Israel. Too subversive, for having joined his friend Gabriele one year earlier and demonstrated along with the women and men of the village of Budrus against the Wall of Shame, teaching them the lyrics and singing together our most beautiful partisan song 'O bella ciao, ciao...'.   

Back then no TV crew came by, not even when in the Fall of 2008 a commando attacked in Palestinian waters off Rafah the fishing boat he had boarded. 

Vittorio was incarcerated in Ramle and soon after sent back home with nothing but the clothes on his body. Nevertheless, I cannot but be thankful to the press and television that have approached us with composure, that have 'besieged' our home with restraint, without excesses and that have given me the chance to talk about Vittorio and about his ideals and the choices he made.   


 © Mohammed Elshamy


This lost child of mine is more alive than ever before, like the grain that has fallen to the ground and died to bring forth a plentiful harvest. I see it and hear it already in the words of his friends, above all the younger among them, some closer, some from afar. Through Vittorio, they have known and understood, and now even more, how one can give 'Utopia' a meaning, like the thirst for justice and peace, how fraternity and solidarity still stand and how, as Vittorio used to say, 'Palestine can also be found at your doorsteps'. 

We were a long way from Vittorio, but now we are closer than ever, with his living presence magnified at every passing hour, like a wind from Gaza, from his beloved Mediterranean, blowing fierily to deliver the message of his hope and of his love for those without a voice, for the weak and the oppressed, passing the baton.  

Stay human. 




____________________________________


Egidia Beretta Arrigoni | Madre di Vittorio Arrigoni


Bisogna morire per diventare un eroe, per avere la prima pagina dei giornali, per avere le tv fuori di casa, bisogna morire per restare umani? Mi torna alla mente il Vittorio del Natale 2005, imprigionato nel carcere dell’aeroporto Ben Gurion, le cicatrici dei manettoni che gli hanno segato i polsi, i contatti negati con il consolato, il processo farsa. E la Pasqua dello stesso anno quando, alla frontiera giordana subito dopo il ponte di Allenbay, la polizia israeliana lo bloccò per impedirgli di entrare in Israele, lo caricò su un bus e in sette, una era una poliziotta, lo picchiarono «con arte», senza lasciare segni esteriori, da veri professionisti qual sono, scaraventandolo poi a terra e lanciandogli sul viso, come ultimo sfregio, i capelli strappatagli con i loro potenti anfibi.


Vittorio era un indesiderato in Israele. Troppo sovversivo, per aver manifestato con l’amico Gabriele l’anno prima con le donne e gli uomini nel villaggio di Budrus contro il muro della vergogna, insegnando e cantando insieme il nostro più bel canto partigiano: «O bella ciao, ciao…»


Non vidi allora televisioni, nemmeno quando, nell’autunno 2008, un commando assalì il peschereccio al largo di Rafah, in acque palestinesi e Vittorio fu rinchiuso a Ramle e poi rispedito a casa in tuta e ciabatte. Certo, ora non posso che ringraziare la stampa e la tv che ci hanno avvicinato con garbo, che hanno «presidiato» la nostra casa con riguardo, senza eccessi e mi hanno dato l’occasione per parlare di Vittorio e delle sue scelte ideali.


Questo figlio perduto, ma così vivo come forse non lo è stato mai, che come il seme che nella terra marcisce e muore, darà frutti rigogliosi. Lo vedo e lo sento già dalle parole degli amici, soprattutto dei giovani, alcuni vicini, altri lontanissimi che attraverso Vittorio hanno conosciuto e capito, tanto più ora, come si può dare un senso ad «Utopia», come la sete di giustizia e di pace, la fratellanza e la solidarietà abbiano ancora cittadinanza e che, come diceva Vittorio, «la Palestina può anche essere fuori dell’uscio di casa». Eravamo lontani con Vittorio, ma più che mai vicini. Come ora, con la sua presenza viva che ingigantisce di ora in ora, come un vento che da Gaza, dal suo amato mar Mediterraneo, soffiando impetuoso ci consegni le sue speranze e il suo amore per i senza voce, per i deboli, per gli oppressi, passandoci il testimone.


Restiamo umani.

Egida Beretta Arrigoni 


***


Free Gaza:
http://www.FreeGaza.org

Iara Lee: Cultures of Resistance World Film Premiere



(NYC, Pakistan, Russia, Chicago, NM, LA, Ethiopia, Boston, Greece, Turkey, Lebanon, Togo, Ireland, Nigeria)  




Does each gesture really make a difference? Can music and dance be weapons of peace? In 2003, on the eve of the Iraq war, director Iara Lee embarked on a journey to better understand a world increasingly embroiled in conflict and, as she saw it, heading for self-destruction. After several years, travelling over five continents, Iara encountered growing numbers of people who committed their lives to promoting change. This is their story. CULTURES OF RESISTANCE explores how art and creativity can be ammunition in the battle for peace and justice.



Iara Lee, a Brazilian of Korean descent, is an activist, filmmaker, and founder of the Caipirinha Foundation, which supports projects to secure peace with justice. Iara is currently working on a variety of initiatives, grouped under the umbrella of CULTURES OF RESISTANCE, an activist network that brings together artists and changemakers from around the world.



As an activist, Iara has collaborated with numerous grassroots efforts, including the International Campaign to Ban Cluster Munitions, the Conflict Zone Film Fund, and the New York Philharmonic's groundbreaking 2008 concert in North Korea.



From 1984 to 1989 Iara was the producer of the Sao Paulo International Film Festival. In 1989 she moved to New York City, where she founded the mixed-media company Caipirinha Productions to explore the synergy of different art forms (such as film, music, architecture, and poetry). Under the banner of Caipirinha Productions, Iara has directed short and feature-length documentaries including Synthetic Pleasures, Modulations, Architettura, and Beneath the Borqa. She has also organized lectures, photo exhibits, and fundraising events related to these initiatives.


Iara Lee is a member of the President's Council of The International Crisis Group (ICG) and the Council of Advisors of the National Geographic Society, as well as a trustee to the Pyongyang University of Science and Technology (PUST), North Korea's first and only university whose faculty will be entirely composed of international professors.


Iara Lee has begun a USA film premiere. Iara were on the Mavi Marmara and has traveled the world documenting art, culture and the use of that as a tool for positive resistance.


PLEASE SEE SCREENING SCHEDULE


Iara Lee states, "The message of Cultures of Resistance is that people throughout the world need to rise up to create positive change. That is something I have always felt. But I never expected to see this spirit being put into action so dramatically as it is now in so many countries in North Africa and the Middle East. Hopefully that spirit of change will inspire people in many more countries to come. Cultures of Resistance is a celebration of people's power and creativity. It promotes the notion that, if we all work together, we can--as Gandhi said--be the change we want to see."







# # #


Think Twice Radio 
New York USA 2011

Saturday, April 16, 2011

Iara Lee: Cultures of Resistance Film Premiere Screening Dates


Iara Lee: Cultures of Resistance Film Premiere 
Screening Dates Global and USA


IARA LEE: http://www.facebook.com/iara.lee.filmmaker.activist has begun a USA film premiere. Iara were on the Mavi Marmara and has traveled the world documenting art, culture and the use of that as a tool for positive resistance. Her film is amazing.


CULTURES OF RESISTANCE premieres:


1. APRIL 27 @7:30pm- NEW YORK CITY - at Columbia University, Room 417, Int'l Affairs Building 420 West 118th Street- New York, NY 10027 between Amsterdam and Morningside Drive



***


2.  APRIL 29 @8:00pm- CHICAGO - at Gene Siskel Film Center: 164 N. State Street, Chicago, IL 60601 - http://www.siskelfilmcenter.org/culturesofresistance


***


3. APRIL 30 @12:15pm- BOSTON - Independent Film Festival of Boston at the Brattle Theater in Harvard Square  - http://brattlefilm.org/2011/04/30/cultures-of-resistance/
***

4. MAY 2 @7pm ALBUQUERQUE, NM - as part of People Before Profit Film Series at UNM at Mayat the UNM Student Union Building Theater - http://news.unm.edu/2011/02/peace-studies-soap-present-people-before-profit-film-series/


***

Booking in Buffalo NY and Pakistan in progress!

Please see above if you are in each city and also if you wish to review the film. Contact myself or Iara Lee. Please share and spread in your city!










# # #


Friday, April 15, 2011

Help Empower Japan Send Postcards in Solidarity!





you can live anywhere and help!



In wake of the massive 8.9 magnitude earthquake that hit the Pacific Ocean, Pakistan Youth Alliance proposed the creation of a charity project that mobilized the power of youth to participate in spreading relief to Japan.  Students and alumni from both the University of British Columbia and the University of Calgary committed to this project.  

PYA Canada is fully supporting this project and wants everyone to participate in this great cause.  This is important for students to be able to contribute with their creativity so their lack of personal funds does not hinder their compassion to help relief efforts.


Pakistan Youth Alliance


Everyone is are asked to create a postcard (4" x 6" OR 5" x 7" ) with supportive, positive, hopeful and encouraging messages via pictures and text. The postcard will target envisioned recipient(s) according to age and gender: family, elderly, adults and children. The collection of art pieces will be filtered for appropriate content according to our guidelines before being sent. 






IF YOU CANNOT MAIL/GIVE YOUR POSTCARD IN PERSON OR IF YOU'RE OUTSIDE OF CANADA AND WANT TO PARTICIPATE:   
Please scan you postcard or send us the soft copy of your digital postcard at pya.canada@gmail.com   
 We will print it for you without any cost and will add to our collection. 


The postcards will be allocated in different shelters around various affected regions in Japan. We are currently connecting with Red Cross in Japan to aid in the distribution of postcards. Our goal is to have 500 postcards divided and distributed to reach 10-20 locations. 


For more info: http://empoweringjapan.posterous.com/



© 2011 Sana Khan International CEO PYA Canada




Disclaimer:


Your creation, if you wish, will be posted on the internet for promotional purposes only. We do not hold responsibility if the image is taken by a third party for their personal use. You hereby acknowledge that any work posted online is liable to be stolen or misused and waive any accusation against our team.

Our pledge to you is that we will post it on the gallery of our website (i.e under the project named: Empowering Japan) with your description. This is only for promoting the project. We are not accountable if the image was used for other purposes than the above mentioned. You hereby waive the right to take legal actions against the misuse of your image once it is in public circulation.

The team holds the right to reject any postcard due to content deemed inappropriate by us. By submitting your postcard to our team, you are agreeing to these terms of use.



Thursday, April 14, 2011

Vittorio Arrigoni, Riposi in Pace VIK #Gaza #Palestine #Italian #Journalist


* This is a celebration of a life 
fully lived for humanity *


Arrigoni loved, lived & died for peace in and he will always be remembered as one of the many fallen heroes on The Strip.

- Mohammed Elshamy








Friday 15 April 2011

Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank unite in mourning of slain activist Vittorio Arrigoni

Palestinians across the Gaza strip and the West Bank will join today in mourning slain activist Vittorio Arrigoni. People will gather both in the Al Manara square in Ramallah and at Al Jundi al Majhull, the unknown soldier park, in Gaza City. Mourners will be received at up by the ISM and local popular committees and BDS and civil society activists.

Gaza
16.00, Al Jundi AL Majhoul - demostration will move towards al Jundi al Majhoul, the unknown soldier park. A mourning tent will open at the fisherman’s port Al Mina al sayadeen


Ramallah

16.00, Al Manara square - gathering to commemorate Vittorio The crowd will then march to Al Bireh where mourners can pay their respect at an event held at the Al Bireh Municipality hall.



© VA

Further events will take place across the West Bank and the Gaza strip. Protest demonstrations have taken place fallowing the Friday prayer across from the UN head quarters in Gaza. The villages of Bil'in and Al Masara have dedicating their weekly demonstrations to Vittorio today. Tomorrow in Nablus the poplular committee has called for a commemoration in the centre of the city with political parties in condemning Vittorio's killing and celebrating his work.



© VA Immortalando lo storico sbarco



April 14, 2001 - Today, friend and colleague, Vittorio Arrigoni, a journalist and human rights defender working in the Gaza Strip, was kidnapped by Salafists, members of a very small extremist group in Gaza.


© VA


Vittorio has been active in the Palestine cause for almost 10 years.  For the past two and a half years, he has been in Gaza with the International Solidarity Movement, monitoring human rights violations by Israel, supporting the Palestinian popular resistance against the Israeli occupation and disseminating information about the situation in Gaza to his home country of Italy. 

He was aboard the siege-breaking voyage in 2008 with the  Free Gaza Movement and was incarcerated in Israeli prisons several times. He was in Gaza throughout Israel’s brutal assault [Operation Cast Lead], assisting medics and reporting to the world what Israel was doing to the Palestinian people. 

He has been arrested numerous times by Israeli forces for his participation in Palestinian non-violent resistance in the West Bank and Gaza. His last arrest and deportation from the area was a result of the Israeli confiscation of Palestinian fishing vessels in Gazan territorial waters.

Vittorio frequently writes on the issue of Palestine for the Italian newspaper, IL Manifesto and Peacereporter. Additionally, he maintains Guerrilla Radio and on Facebook.
 
Khalil Shaheen, a friend of Vittorio and Head of the Economic and Social Rights Department at the Palestinian Center for Human Rights said, "This is outside of our traditions. We are calling for the immediate release of my best friend. 

Vittorio Arrigoni is a hero of Palestine. He was available everywhere to support all the poor people, the victims. I'm calling on the local authorities here in Gaza, and all security departments, to do their best to guarantee his safety and immediate release."





Vittorio was granted honorary citizenship for his work on promoting the cause of the Palestinian people. Members of Gazan civil society are demanding his release; tomorrow at 4:00pm there will be a mass demonstration in Jundi Square.


For more information, please contact:


1. Inge Neefs, ISM Gaza, English, 00 972 597 738 436

 

2.  Silivia Todescini ISM Gaza, Italian 00 972 595 447 660


 
3.  Nathan Stuckey, ISM Gaza, English, 00 972 597 650 864


 
4.  Huwaida Arraf, Free Gaza Movement, English & Arabic

00 972 598 336 215
 

5.  Adie Nisterooly (close friend of Vittorio's), ISM Gaza, English,

0041799407215






 Traduzione ed edizione per la terra d'Albione concepita con materna cura da Daniela Filippin

 International Solidarity Movement (ISM) is a Palestinian-led  non-violent resistance movement committed to ending Israel's illegal occupation of Palestinian land.  We call for full compliance with all relevant UN resolutions and international law.
 
For specific media inquires such as interview requests, photo usage, etc. please email the ISM Media Office at media@palsolidarity.org


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