Chevron trial begins today in San Francisco

Opening statements begin today in San Francisco, in what is sure to be a historic and internationally significant trial. Chevron is based in San Ramon, which is why this case, based on a protest/hostage situation that occurred in the Niger Delta, is being heard in the San Francisco high court. Judge Susan Illston, will preside, she heard the famous BALCO steroid case. Lawyers representing the 19 protester plaintiffs were compiled from several firms including the non-profit Earth Rights International, the Centre for Constitutional Rights, as well as several private firms. Chevron is accused of colluding with a notoriously violent military force to quell the protest. The case represents a 21st century application of one of the nation's oldest laws, the Alien Tort Claims Act.

Passed by the first Congress in 1789, the law lets foreigners file damage claims in U.S. courts for international human rights violations anywhere in the world. Originally focused on sea piracy, the law took on new life with rulings in the 1980s that allowed survivors of foreign torture to sue military leaders who entered the United States.

To learn more about the case's particulars listen to this. Or take a look at these articles

This is yesterday's clip from San Francisco based channel 5 eyewitness news. I completely forgot about Dana King. So fierce. I can't find any footage of the opening statements, so if anyone finds it please let me know.

Amy Sedaris on Chelsea Lately

I wish we got Chelsea Lately up here in Toronto. But I caught this clip with Amy Sedaris, whose new book I might just have to buy.

Perino refuses to coment on US bombing in Syria

White House press secretary Dana Perino, the original sexy Sarah, although way scarier because Perino is actually smart, refused to comment on reports of a US bombing on the Iraqi-Syrian border. For those who don't follow the White House press briefings this is more of the same from an administration that has responded with no comment more than Britney Spear's publicist.

Cabaret alive and well in New York

love this

Done and Done

I read Pillars of the Earth last spring and loved it. So I was thrilled last month to see Follett's follow up at Indigo. Despite these books being upwards of 800 pages, they are amazing. If you like architecture, history, or just plain old good storytelling you'll love them.

Last.fm

So as I mentioned a few posts back last.fm is the shit. If you don't know about it already be sure and check it out. If you go the whole nine and become a subscriber, which is free, you can create custom radio stations. All you do is type in an artist you want to listen to and last.fm will play songs by that artist, and like artist. From there you can further customize your radio station by skipping, loving, blocking songs and artists you like or dislike. I have been hearing so many jams I've never heard before, and so many more that I had completely forgotten about. And the best part is that there is no audio commentary or advertising to interrupt your radio station.

More nostalgia