15 February Newsletter
STUFF HAPPENING AT JUST FOCUS
Things are getting busy here with the Media that Matters film event looming ever closer. We really hope all of you in Wellington will be able to join us…. and the rest of you, if things go well here and then in Christchurch, we hope there will be a Media that Matters event coming to a town near you soon!!
If you’ve been keeping up-to-date with JET magazine you would have seen the first two articles on ‘things we can’t live without’ - clothes and sugar; thanks to Hannah and Nicole for their fabulous writing! Keep an eye out for Anna Wu’s writing debut on cellphones, Addicted 2 da Fone, in the March issue. The next three articles are about prejudice; sexism, ageism and racism. If you’re interested in writing a short article, a movie review or doing some research on these topics get in touch with Jennie.
The BIG news in the office is that Kim has had her baby!! A healthy little girl born on Valentines Day… no name yet, but we’ll keep you posted.
RECENT NEWS AND EVENTS
North Korea has agreed to move towards dismantling their nuclear capabilities in return for aid, while Iran’s uranium enrichment programme continues to fuel speculation about their nuclear aspirations. Threats from the US have been shrugged of by Mr Ahmadinejad, who believes the possibility of attack is low, he thinks ‘that there are wise people in the US that would stop such illegal actions.’ Mmmmm!?
However, when a bomb went off in the city of Zahedan yesterday an official Iranian source was quick to state that the attack had been perpetrated by a group “with support from the US.” It’s hard to know exactly what is going on, what with all the talk of military superiority, but there doesn’t seem to be a simple solution. If the US attacks Iran, the world will be a more dangerous place. If Iran continues along this nuclear path, the world will be a more dangerous place. Have a listen to what Scoop’s Selwyn Manning has to say about the US’s intensified military presence in the Persian Gulf. Or to get a better understanding of America’s stand point check out today’s press conference with President Bush.
While protesters and whalers clash in Southern Ocean over Japans scientific whaling programme, closer to home Greenpeace activists handed out Valentines day cards and flowers yesterday to Japanese tourists arriving in the country in Christchurch and Auckland with the message: “We love Japan – but whaling breaks our hearts.”
Helen Clark set out an ambitious programme in her first address to parliament yesterday, vowing New Zealand would become the first country on the planet to be entirely carbon neutral! While today, just prior to John Howard’s arrival in New Zealand, the Greens issued a press release calling for Ms Clarke to urge the immediate withdrawal of Australian troops from Iraq. “John Howard has been listening to the wrong crowd. The best advice he could get from his real mates here in New Zealand is: get out of Iraq now.’
UPCOMING EVENTS FOR YOU TO BE PART OF
Media that Matters Aotearoa
Organised by Just Focus, MTM Aotearoa shows a collection of short films, many produced by young people, on issues ranging from identity to global warming As well as films there will be speakers, prizes and discussion and information to support action.
Where: The Film Archive – corner of Taranaki & Ghuznee Sts
When: Thursday 15 March 6-8:30 pm
Cost: Free! (koha appreciated at the door) Places are limited!
Environmental Film Fundraiser
The Auckland Green Party is proud to host the timely environmental documentary film of 2007, directed by Chris Paine. WHO KILLED THE ELECTRIC CAR? chronicles the life and mysterious death of the GM EV1, examining its cultural and economic ripple effects and how they reverberated through the halls of government and big business.”
When: Monday, 19 February 2007, 7.50pm.
Where: Academy Cinemas, Lorne Street, Auckland
Cost: $15 tickets from Auckland Green Party Office
Also keep an eye on the Events page.
NEW STUFF ON THE JUST FOCUS WEBSITE
Forum member Fairy Priest shares some thoughts about the Information Age in the creative corner and Lizzy Pernham asks What’s up with Coke? in the first of a two part article about one of the world’s most recognisable brands.
LINKS TO OTHER INTERESTING STUFF
A wise wombat tells us “All is One” and our intergalactic hero Cuke tries to spread the seeds of the organic rebellion.
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THIS?
Back by celebrities and the British Prime Minister Global Cool is a new charity hoping to enlist one billion people into the battle against climate change They claim to be a one-stop-shop for a cleaner, more energy efficient life and they challenge us all to be cool!? What do you think?
Also take part in the poll - Should whaling still be illegal? and have your say about the current threat to a global whaling ban.
NEW STUFF FOR YOU
The Atlas of War and Peace; By Dan Smith, Earthscan, UK
This classic reference book takes you beyond the headlines, providing a global overview of the causes and consequences of war today and the dynamics of peacemaking.
This book and heaps of other great books, guides and films are available to borrow FREE from the Global Education Centre. Email Eva for info on how to borrow them.
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.
Not member yet? Join Online!
