Apologies for the late newsletter! We got pretty excited about seeing the sun last week and appear to have been distracted, oops! The lovely weather didn’t last long, but we are trying not to let the rain get us down! Instead we are; working on the website- looking at some exciting new features, mailing out Global Bits to you and working with the Just Write team to tackle some of the world’s BIG issues.
RECENT NEWS AND EVENTS
The Beijing Olympics
It’s all over! You probably all watched some great sporting achievements, but the murkier side of politics cast it’s shadow over games. Check out this story which claims “We aid China’s dictatorship every day— through our government, corporations, and choices at the till” , and this one from Al Jazeera’s Dan Nolan reporting on how politics and sports mix at the Olympics.
Crisis in Georgia
The conflict between Georgia and Russia continues into its third week, with Russian MPs voting unanimously to back independence for Georgia’s two breakaway republics of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. You can find out more about what’s happening and why on the Guardian website.
Pacific Islands Forum in Nuie criticises Fiji and discusses Climate Change
Last week South Pacific leaders warned Fiji’s post-coup government it could be suspended from a regional forum if it failed to hold democratic elections in early 2009. The leaders condemned Fiji’s military chief and self-appointed prime minister, Frank Bainimarama, for breaking his commitment to hold elections in March 2009 and for boycotting the annual Pacific Islands Forum meeting in Niue. Full story on www.stuff.co.nz
And watch this report from the BBC about how devastating climate change is predicted to be for some Pacific nations.
LINKS TO OTHER INTERESTING STUFF
Artevist is space where artists come together to share their ideas on BIG issues themes (such as: AIDS, climate change, consumerism, extinction, human rights and pollution) and create wearable art with meaning and purpose. Check them out here http://www.artevist.com
Find out why 350 is the magic number
Pecha Kucha (which is Japanese for the sound of conversation) creates a forum in which creative work can be easily and informally shown, without having to rent a gallery or chat up a magazine editor. 8-14 presenters show a slideshow of 20 images, for 20 seconds each — giving a total presentation time of 6 minutes 40 seconds. Presenters (and much of the audience) are usually from the design, architecture, photography, art and creative fields, but are not limited to this. The event format has been replicated in more than 120 cities, including London, San Francisco, Seattle, Rotterdam, Shanghai and Berlin. To check out a Pecha Kucha night in New Zealand, see the website here.
UPCOMING EVENTS/ACTIONS FOR YOU TO BE PART OF
NZ International Film Festival
July to November 2008, around the country
This annual NZ International Film Festival is continuing around the country with some movies on global themes. There is a particularly strong field of films about sustainable living, eco-communities and environmental issues. And if you go along to see one of these movies why not write us a review?
From Poverty to Power — Oxfam discussion forums
Wellington, Auckland and Hamilton, September 1-3 2008
Free entry.
From Poverty to Power is the latest of Oxfam’s flagship studies on the state of global poverty. It draws on Oxfam’s experience of working in more than 100 countries around the world, and provides insight into the massive costs of inequality and poverty, and proposes real solutions. For more info visit the Oxfam website.
NEW STUFF ON THE JUST FOCUS SITE
THE OUTLOOK FOR SOMEDAY
Now in its second year, this competition challenges anyone up to 20 years old to make a short film (up to 5 minutes) on the theme of sustainability. “It can be filmed on a mobile phone or using a full-blown crew. It can be drama, documentary, animation, music video, advertisement, video blog, reality tv or even a new genre altogether,” said David Jacobs, Director of the project.
Check out the full article here.
IN THE JUST FOCUS FORUM
Beijing 08 is still a hot topic in the forum — read what others think then tell us what you think.
And what do you think about Avaaz? Are you a fan? What do you think of email campaigns?
And come on — have your say on a whole heap of topics — as Izzy’s asking — Where is everyone?!
WANNA GET MORE INVOLVED?
Want to add stuff to the next newsletter or the Events Page, or to write an article/review, or take a photo/create an image for the Just Focus website? Reply to us at info@justfocus.org.nz, it’s always great to hear from you!