13 June 2008 Newsletter
It’s busy busy busy, here at Just Focus! Jennie is putting the finishing touches to the Just Write mentoring programme. She’s been getting some top names in Journalism signing up to mentor our young writers! Watch this space for future updates.
Two of our young writers, published stellar articles in this month’s edition of Tearaway magazine. Sylvie Admore explores religious diversity, and Hannah Robson discusses life after Peak Oil Check ‘em out!
Will is getting ready for the Media that Matters Film Festival, which is screening in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch in the next few weeks (see below for more info). The screenings are looking pretty sweet, with awesome speakers, giveaways, games and prizes to boot!
RECENT NEWS AND EVENTS
Cuba to abandon salary equality
Cuba, a communist country since its revolution in 1959, is to end its system of equal pay for all and allow workers and managers to earn performance bonuses. Currently, all workers, from doctors to farm labourers – earn the same amount which is about $20 (NZ$28) a month.
Commodity tax proposed to fund “Bank of the South”
Ivory Coast’s president, President Laurent Gbagbo, has proposed introducing a special tax on developing countries’ exports of raw materials like oil and cocoa to finance a “Bank of the South” to fight world poverty.
Update on Fiji from an anarchist perspective
In December 2006 the military of Fiji, led by Commodore Frank Bainimarama, took control of the country in Fiji’s 4th coup in little over 19 years. Auckland anarchist Ryan Bodman has recently been living under military dictatorship in Fiji. To read his analysis of the situation, visit Aotearoa Indymedia and read his article Democracy Beaten Black and Blue.
LINKS TO OTHER INTERESTING STUFF
Human impact of climate change highlighted through Google Earth
Explore and learn about the impacts of climate change and find out how you can make a difference with Climate Change in our World. Check out this interactive animation showing how climate change and global temperature rises could affect our world over the next 100 years.
Spiderman vs Climate Change
World-renowned solo-climber (climbing without ropes or any safety equipment) Alain Robert – aka ‘Spiderman’ to the media - has been at it again, but this time his high-risk stunts are in the name of sustainability. He recently scaled the New York Times skyscraper, using only his bare hands, in an effort to raise awareness about Climate Change. Check out the story here or the activism website he linked to here.
Video game consoles the worst energy users
According to a recent study, the Playstation 3 console uses 5 times as much energy as a fridge … in standby mode! For those gamers concerned about sustainability, take heed: it may be time to cut down on gaming hours!
UPCOMING EVENTS/ACTIONS FOR YOU TO BE PART OF
MATARIKI FESTIVAL: MĀORI NEW YEAR
One of the most significant celebrations in the Māori calendar is Matariki – the indigenous New Year for Aotearoa and the Pacific. Find out about Matariki and get some ideas for how celebrate. For events in Auckland check out www.matarikifestival.org.nz and in Wellington Te Papa is celebrating. Nationwide events are listed on www.nzlive.com
MEDIA THAT MATTERS AOTEAROA 2008
Media that Matters is a premiere showcase for short films on the most important topics of the day. Local and global, online and in communities around the world, Media That Matters engages diverse audiences and inspires them to take action Just Focus has the privilege of overseeing the festival here in Aotearoa. Screening in Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland in the next 3 weeks. For more info keep an eye on this site…
NEW STUFF ON THIS SITE
Just Write’s William Zhang looks at ProductRed, a global initiative by multinational companies and a health NGO to raise money and awareness of Aids and Malaria and TB through purchasing red versions of products including iPods, credit cards and even greetings cards. Read the two-part piece: (RED)Selfish Giving? and Please Don’t Bash (Red)! and then join other forum members to discuss the issues with William in the forum.
IN THE JUST FOCUS FORUM
Have your say: can cigarettes be ethical?
One of the most viewed and replied to threads is the one on Feminism. Find out what others think and offer your two cents!
And what do you think about the Iraq war?
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.
