10 July 2008 Newsletter
STUFF HAPPENING AT JUST FOCUS
Media that Matters 2008 is over, and what a rollercoaster ride! The screenings in Wellington, Christchurch and Auckland were all fantastic in their own unique ways. Awesome films, onto-it speakers, poets, activists, musicians, LOTS of prizes, and some unexpected twists and turns for every night! All up we had over 250 people attending the screenings, and everyone walked away feeling inspired.
If you missed out on participating in this year’s Media that Matters, watch this space! The project has proved so popular that we will probably be taking it to the next level, perhaps even organising more screenings this year! If you wanna be involved with the project, just email will@globaled.org.nz
RECENT NEWS AND EVENTS
The G8 (the Group of 8 richest nations’ leaders) is currently meeting in Japan and has agreed to impose sanctions against Zimbabwe’s leadership because of violence during the widely condemned re-election of President Robert Mugabe. Read the article on Reuters. Mugabe’s response? He has warned the G8 over ‘meddling’ – full story on Al Jazeera.
Also at the G8 summit, George Bush has finally signed up to a G8 deal vowing “to consider and adopt” a target of at least a 50% cut in carbon emissions by 2050. But the deal, agreed at the G8 summit in northern Japan, was immediately rejected by the big five emerging economies, including China and India, because they believe it does not go far enough.
Meanwhile a group calling itself the D8 (a group of 8 developing nations) met and announced that it will aim to increase food production in an attempt to tackle shortages which have provoked unrest.
Sick of watching/reading the same old new stories? Why not have a read of the news round up on the Guerrilla news network titled East is East (and follow the links to the original stories if they interest you) – with summaries of events from many countries rarely reported about in Aotearoa’s mainstream news - including Mongolia, Sri Lanka and Nigeria, as well as the old faves Zimbabwe, Israel and Lebanon and Afghanistan.
LINKS TO OTHER INTERESTING STUFF
Food is a really hot topic at the moment. Well here is an amusing, if a little concerning, look at the development of fast food- Food bags. And speaking of food do you remember Anna Wu’s article about cellphones Addictd 2 da fone? Well here is another thing to worry about when it comes to our handy pocket sized friends! UPDATE: This is actually a hoax. It was part of a viral marketing campaign for Cardo Systems, makers of Bluetooth headsets.
Are you a young professional? Intersect is about fostering sustainability, it brings together young professionals to share ideas, nurture our leadership capabilities and grow our networks. Find out more or join the network at www.intersect.org.nz.
UPCOMING EVENTS/ACTIONS FOR YOU TO BE PART OF
WORLD POPULATION DAY
July 11
World Population Day draws attention to population issues like gender equality, reproductive health and sustainable development. See the United Nations Population Fund website for more info, a Resource Kit and ideas for activities to promote the message of the day.
TE WIKI O TE REO MĀORI 2008 - MĀORI LANGUAGE WEEK
21 - 27 July 2008
Te Wiki o te Reo Māori provides a time for special events to celebrate and promote the Māori language. The theme this year is ‘Te Reo i te Kāinga - Māori Language in the Home.’ For more info about Māori Language Week go to www.koreromaori.co.nz.
THE OUTLOOK FOR SOMEDAY
Deadline: 19 September
The Outlook for Someday is a sustainability film challenge for young New Zealanders. Anyone up to the age of 20 can make a film on sustainability of any length up to 5 minutes, of any genre they like – drama, documentary, animation, music video, advertisement, video blog, reality tv. The prizes are awesome – laptops, cameras, even a short course at a film school! Deadlines for films are end of September this year. For more info check out: www.theoutlookforsomeday.net
NEW STUFF ON THE JUST FOCUS SITE
Houston Paea and Megan Elder from the Just Write team looked at what does (and doesn’t) make us happy. Check out I’d like to Buy some Happiness Please and A Happy Planet.
IN THE JUST FOCUS FORUM
Vote in the poll: Should the world change? One rule though - if you vote you have to post your opinion (major Socratic discussion wanted!) as to why and what ideas you have.
And what do y’all think of celebs doing humanitarian work and supporting various causes? Does their name help raise awareness of issues which the media has lost interest in unless it has a famous face attached? Or are you more cynical and think it’s just extra self-promotion? Join the discussion.
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.
