On March 11, if you happen to be in New York, Thomas Ponniah (who I interviewed under a tree in Porto Alegre in 2003) has organised a panel discussion about the WSF at the at the Left Forum. Speakers include Chico Whitaker from Brazil, a founder of the WSF, and Peruvian sociologist Anibal Quijano. They'll be discussing "Alternatives to Empire". Bright and early (10 am) on 7th st in Manhattan.