Newsletter 23 Nov 06
STUFF HAPPENING AT JUST FOCUS
If you’ve managed to get your hands on the November issue of JET magazine you’ll have seen the article on Climate Change – thanks to Caleb Anderson and Tom Wright for writing the pieces for that. December’s issue will be the final of the 3 month Environment theme, and starting in January we’ll be looking at 3 things most of us couldn’t live without: clothes made in sweatshops, cellphones and fast food! If you’re interested in writing a short article, a movie review or doing some research on these topics get in touch with Kim ASAP! Mail info@justfocus.org.nz to let her know you’re keen.
RECENT NEWS AND EVENTS
For a change let’s start with some good news! The tiny Himalayan country of Nepal celebrated a public holiday and a peace deal yesterday, marking the official end of its bloody, decade-long civil war between Maoist guerrillas and an alliance of seven political parties. The war has killed around14,000 people. The pact involves the Maoist guerrillas locking up their weapons under United Nations supervision, and the rebels will be transformed into a national army. Also, a new Maoist party contest elections. Read the rest of the story, Nepal Celebrates Peace Deal With Rebels on the Guardian website.
Lebanon is back in the news with the assassination of a key politician and the accusation that Syria was involved in his murder. This country’s crises are complex – but here’s a great summary to help you get your head round why this tiny country has so many troubles. Read Lebanon Explained on the BBC website.
In the Pacific the big story this week is what’s happening in Tonga. Last week there was rioting in the capital, Nuku’alofa, as part of pro-democracy protests. Parliament is due to close today, and there is expectation that more trouble might break out. Follow the story People fighting back in Tonga - NZ Govt assisting the monarchy on Indymedia.
And in Aotearoa the big news this week has been about Nicky Hager’s new book, “Hollow Men: A Study in the Politics of Deception” on the dealings in the National Party, and particularly leader Don Brash. A court injunction has stopped its publication, and led to a huge debate about freedom of speech and political truth and lies. Listen to Scoop Audio to find out more.
UPCOMING EVENTS FOR YOU TO BE PART OF
There’s a Human Rights writing competition being run by the United Nations for young people. Find out more on the cyberschoolbus website.
Don’t forget that the Dear NZ submissions close at the end of this month. Haven’t done one yet? Get writing…
And it’s World AIDS day on December 1st There are lots of ways you can show your support for people with HIV/AIDS. The news isn’t all bad though - read about an example of a great initiative to help young women with AIDS on the Girl Child Network site.
Also check out the Events page on this site, and keep us posted! Have you attended any of the events advertised on the site? We’d love to hear from you what you thought of them – was the meeting interesting? Did anything get resolved? What did you learn? Was someone a great speaker? Were there actions that came out of it which you’re getting involved with? Email info@justfocus.org.nz with your stories – good or bad!
NEW STUFF ON THE JUST FOCUS WEBSITE
Hannah Newport has been busy (thanks heaps Hannah!) writing two articles. 
Here Have Some Chemicals, Do Forgive Us If We Kill You For Using Them gives the background to Saddam Hussein’s death sentence and talks about this punishment – join the forum discussion – do YOU think Saddam should hang?
And in Do Try Some Alternative Pie Hannah looks at the Freedom Shop in Wellington. Do any of you in Dunedin or Auckland want to write up something on your local infoshop?
LINKS TO OTHER INTERESTING STUFF
Voices of Youth Digital Diaries are all about young people who want to know more…do more…and say more about the world. These reports are first-person accounts by young people from around the world.
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THIS?
Have any of you seen the movie Fast Food Nation? If so, is it any good? Check out this “Backwards Burger” animation clip for the movie – some food for thought next time you’re munching on a burger… And if you have any comments post them in the forum.
There’s a really interesting discussion about anarchism happening in the forum – have a read and then have your say!
MOVIES FOR YOU
Heaps of great films (DVDs and videos) are available to borrow FREE from the Global Education Centre. Email info@justfocus.org.nz for info on how to join our library.
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.
