Issues news
Tomorrow is International Day of Tolerance, and the world would benefit a whole lot if everyone did their bit, not only tomorrow, or the day after, but every day. We are currently in a climate where people fear fellow humans because of what they wear on their heads, or what country they were born in, and tolerance is seemingly non-existent. In the middle of this federal election, all we hear about is that to succeed as a democracy, we need to have a secure economy. However, Kofi Annan, Secretary-General of the UN, was correct when he said “no society can hope to flourish if it does not promote this essential virtue.”
With tomorrow as a starting point, Australia needs to focus on bridging the gaps between minority groups, and supposed ‘majorities.’ Whether it being more understanding of the Muslim religion, actually learning about the plight of Aboriginals, rather than just judging them, or simply being patient when someone takes too long at the petrol bowser, everyone can do their bit.
Myer and David Jones try to construct themselves as diametrically opposed entities, despite (and let's be honest here), essentially providing the same kind of products and services as one another. Much like Labor and Liberal Parties do - and equally, it can be just as entertaining to watch.
These days, Myer and David Jones are most recognisable by their appointed queens - Jennifer Hawkins and Megan Gale. These are two strong Australian personalities who have managed to make their mark above and beyond the catwalk. Ironically, since representing these conflicting brands, it appears that the relationship between these homegrown honeys is also less than sweet.
Gale has struck out at the media over its comparisons between herself and Hawkins. Apparently she does appreciate being compared with her younger, allegedly more sales-worthy counterpart. Hmm, could it
possibly be that in the image-obsessed fashion industry younger trumps older? Yegads, what a revelation!
Gale has an impressive resume, is blessed with genes to humble the majority of humankind and is happily in a relationship with funnyman Andy Lee - who would surely point out how absurd reacting to the media's evaluations is in light of what she has done, where she has been and who she is. As one of the most well-known faces in
Besides, I wouldn't worry Megan, I'm sure the gossip rags will be having a go at Jen next. Haven't you seen how Hawko has been prostituting herself to every TV show, ad campaign, magazine cover and editorial shoot around?! I mean, if you aren't old, fat, too skinny or on drugs, there is
always something negative for the media to find.
What ever happened to the good old Matchbox car or hula-hoop? At face value, Bindeez appear as another one of those new fan-dangled playthings that involve a lot of mum’s vacuuming time and something called “magic beads”- yeah, sure. However, closer inspection by Australia's more intrepid children has revealed that the beads are indeed “magic”; but in a way less suited to little Timmy’s playroom, than some darkened club of the same name on Sydney’s Oxford street. Yesterday Bindeez were pulled off shelves across Australia and NZ after it was found that the toy contained a chemical that, upon ingestion, converted into the drug GHB- or Fantasy. Given the predisposition of young children to eat things they shouldn’t, hospitals have reported a number of little ones needing treatment for states of unconsciousness or seizure. Bindeez where ironically named Australia’s 2007 toy of the year and; although they’ll probably no longer be welcome in preschools, I’m sure they could find an accepting new market in the the more stupid of the upcoming summer festival crowd.
Instead of betting on the Melbourne Cup today, why not spend your money on a new outfit and help the homeless at the same time. If you’re in Sydney, head down to The Wayside Chapel Op Shop. It sells some of the best designer gear and you only have to check out these amazing looks, YEN’s fashion director, Imogene Barron put together (using only threads from the op shop for a charity function last week) to realise how great it is. The shop is open from 8:30am to 4:30pm Monday to Friday and Saturday mornings at 29 Hughes Street, Potts Point. A big thanks also goes to Matt Reed for taking these amazing pictures at last week’s Wayside charity night. The Wayside Chapel services 2000 young, elderly, frightened and displaced people each week, so they need all the help they can get. I'll make sure I update you via YEN's website on their next event. So stay tuned. Have a great day!
In mid 2005, the Building Construction Industry Improvement Act was rushed through parliament with very little media attention (the well documented sale of Telstra, which was unfolding at the same time, kept most news outlets otherwise occupied). The Act saw the implementation of the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC), a watchdog which would exist to enforce workplace laws and address problems within Australia’s building industry. However, the experiences of many instead paint the ABCC as one that isolates and threatens the rights of construction workers; limiting their right to silence, to organise in a union, and the right to strike through fines and imprisonment.
Constructing Fear, by director Joe loh, tells the story of the reform- one which is unfamiliar to many of us, and how it affected the builders, labourers, tradesmen and safety officers at whom it was targeted. The documentary recently premiered around Australia and can now be downloaded here. It’s a fascinating story (and an ironic one, given Australia’s obsession with housing and property) that affects all working Australians and in particular, those concerned or confused by the recently introduced work choices laws.
I’m as partial to a bit of political satire as the next person and luckily for me Australia’s recently called federal election looks set to become fertile ground for such pursuits. One of the best I’ve seen so far is this little beauty from Sydney comedy trio Axis Of Awesome.
I think Mr Rudd is displaying some pretty good flow there, wouldn’t you agree?
Have you ever wondered where fast-food joint KFC get their chickens from? If you answered animal cruelty farms then you'd be correct. According to PETA this multi-national fast food chain was responsible for killing over 850 million chickens last year and most chickens were "scaled to death in feather removal tanks and had their throats slit while they were still conscious". To help campaign against this inhumane cruelty of chickens join the peta2 street team here and win yourself a limited edition "Evil Colonel Sanders" bobble-head pen. You can even use it to write a serious letter of complaint to this cruel company.
