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Rights Here, Right Now Women Countdown to AIDS 2010
Vienna, Austria will host the XVIII International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2010), the largest international meeting on HIV and AIDS from July 18 – 23, 2010.
Theme of AIDS 2010
The AIDS 2010 conference theme, Rights Here, Right Now emphasises the central importance of protecting and promoting human rights as a prerequisite to a successful response to HIV. The right to dignity and self-determination for key affected populations, to equal access to health care and life-saving prevention and treatment programmes, and the right to interventions based on evidence rather than ideology, are all incorporated in this urgent demand for action.
Rights Here, Right Now emphasises that concrete human rights measures need to be in place to protect those most vulnerable to and affected by HIV, especially women and girls, people who use drugs, migrants, prisoners, sex workers, men who have sex with men, and transgender persons.
Rights Here, Right Now also emphasises the location of the conference in Vienna, chosen in part for its proximity to Eastern Europe and Central Asia – a region experiencing one of the fastest growing epidemics that is fuelled primarily by injecting drug use. It also underscores this critical moment in time for the global epidemic – with the 2010 deadline that world leaders set for providing universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support on the immediate horizon. Rights Here, Right Now is a call for leadership, accountability and action.
The AIDS 2010 programme will present new scientific knowledge and offer many opportunities for structured dialogue on the major issues facing the global response to HIV. A variety of session types – from abstract-driven presentations to symposia, bridging sessions and plenaries – will meet the needs of various participants. Other related activities, including the Global Village, satellite meetings, exhibitions and affiliated events, will contribute to an exceptional opportunity for professional development and networking.
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I really dig Fred Hollows
There was always something cool about the late and great Professor Fred Hollows. So I was delighted to see his 90 second television ad has been named the world’s best not for profit television advertisement at an awards ceremony held in The Netherlands.
The Fred Hollows Foundation’s award winning advertisement has been showing on Australian television since June this year.
It features archival footage of Fred Hollows, combined with stories of people from around the world who have had their sight restored by The Fred Hollows Foundation.
It also includes music by Australian band Jet, who provided their song Shine On as a soundtrack.
To view The Fred Hollows Foundation’s winning advertisement see:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2opo45uPzkRemember 3 out of 4 people who are blind don’t have to be.
For more information go to The Fred Hollows Foundation.
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Good, Clean & Fair an afternoon with Carlo Petrini founder of Slow Food
Carlo Petrini, founder of the Slow Food movement, shares his revolutionary ideas about food with Sydney International Food Festival director Joanna Savill, followed by a short question and answer session.
In what is sure to be one of the highlights of this year’s festival, Petrini will deliver a manifesto for change based on the simple principles of good, clean and fair, which he explains as follows:
“Slow Food is good, clean and fair food. We believe that the food we eat should taste good; that it should be produced in a clean way that does not harm the environment, animal welfare or our health; and that food producers should receive fair compensation for their work.”
From humble beginnings as a protest against the opening of a McDonalds near the Spanish Steps in Rome, the Slow Food movement has blossomed internationally to include over 100,000 members – including an Australian branch.
Passionate, thought-provoking and challenging, prepare to rethink the politics of your refrigerator; after spending an afternoon with Carlo Petrini, you’ll soon find yourself saving the planet – one meal at a time.
Sunday October 18 @ 2pm
BOOK on (02) 9250 7777 or online at
http://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/whatson/carlopetrini.aspxAdult: $39
*Concession: $29
Children U16: $18
*Concession available to Australian pensioners and studentsSydney Opera House
Bennelong Point, Australia
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Topic for Blog Action Day 2009 is…Climate Change.
BAD press release…
We’re thrilled to announce that after receiving more than 10,000 votes from past Blog Action Day participants, the issue overwhelmingly voted as the topic for Blog Action Day 2009 is…Climate Change!
You can now register for Blog Action Day 09 by going to: www.blogactionday.org
To be a part of this year’s event, all we ask is that you commit to writing one post, in your own voice, on October 15, on the topic of climate change.
You can learn more about the issue of climate change and see sample topics you might write about — like the connections between climate and clean energy, food choices, green products, health, transportation, and the broader economy.
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Tickled Pink in association with the Breast Cancer Network Australia
From 7 – 31 October 2009, Tickled Pink will be hosted at Artereal Gallery in Rozelle (Australia) to support Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) – the peak national organisation representing Australians personally affected by breast cancer.
The director, staff and artists from Artereal Gallery and the broader arts community have come together to organise the Tickled Pink fundraising event, which is an exhibition of work by 25 of Australia’s finest contemporary artists.
Opening night pink drinks with the artists and tasty pink treats will be served on Wed Oct 7 from 6 – 8 pm.
The art work exhibited includes sculptures, works on paper, oil paintings, photographs and mixed media works made specifically for the exhibition by leading local and interstate artists such as Kate Rhode, Claude Jones, Damian Dillon, Andrew Lavery, Christine Polowyj , Cecilia Fogelberg, Glen Henderson, Sarah Parker, Anne MacDonald, Sylvia Schwenk, Ruth Hassall, Nola Diamantopoulos and Cash Brown.
Nola Diamantopoulos has generously donated her time and expertise to hold workshops for women living with breast cancer to explore their journeys through art making and meditation. Some of these works will also be exhibited, and we gratefully acknowledge Tilly’s Art Supplies for donating the workshop materials.
Money raised from the sale of artworks and activities during the event will directly assist BCNA to continue its work ensuring Australian women diagnosed with breast cancer have the very best information, treatment and support possible.
This includes the distribution of the My Journey Kit, a free comprehensive information resource for women newly diagnosed with breast cancer. BCNA works to ensure that women diagnosed with breast cancer, and their families, receive the very best treatment, care and support possible – no matter who they are, or where they live.
BCNA acknowledges the tremendous efforts of Artereal Gallery, Art Almanac, Tilly’s Art and Office Supplies, Darling Park Wines, The Art Scene and the artists in supporting our work, and encourages the local community to participate and help to make a difference to women and their families.
Artereal Gallery
Street: 747 Darling Street
Rozelle, NSW AustraliaOpens: 6pm. Wednesday, October 7, 2009
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Demand that the slaughter of dolphins in Taiji, Japan stops now.
For the past week, Ric O’Barry and a team of activists from Save Japan Dolphins and Earth Island Institute have been in Taiji, Japan, the site of the largest killing of dolphins in the world. Their brave vigil has brought media coverage from around the world and it shone a light on the dangers to dolphins and people if we let this slaughter continue. As awareness and media coverage grew in Japan, the cove remained tranquil and no dolphins were killed.
But around 5:30 am yesterday, 13 fishing boats left Taiji’s harbor and started driving dolphins into a cove. They captured 50-100 dolphins, possibly for export to aquariums.
“Sadly, this isn’t entirely unexpected,” said Ric earlier today from Japan. “This campaign is far from over, and there’s still a lot of work to do in Japan. The good news is we’ve made progress and did garner unprecedented coverage while in Taiji. And at least one media in outlet is reporting that the captured dolphins that are not sold will be returned to the sea. Let’s hope that’s the case. If not, we will find out and report it.”
Ric, Lincoln and the Save Japan Dolphins team are preparing to go back to Japan in the days ahead. They’re intensifying the pressure. TakePart will continue to post updates as we receive them and in the meantime, here are 5 things you can do to help.
Source Takepart
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ALV announces 30 day Vegan Easy Challenge.
Here’s your chance to win $1,000!
This Spring, Animal Lib Victoria is launching Australia’s first 30 Day Vegan Easy Challenge! What a great way to discover just how easy it is to go vegan. Their challenge will set you on track to eating healthier, saving animals, saving money, saving water and saving the planet all at the same time!
ALV chefs will provide you with a fantastic range of recipes that are not only healthy and easy to prepare but mouth watering delicious. Every participant will save the lives of numerous animals during the 30 days. So there are lots of winners! You’ll get a full 30 day menu which includes varieties from Mushroom Risotto and Tofu Turkey through to Vegan Trifle and Lemon Cheesecake. ALV’s VeganEasy Challenge website will also let you know great places to shop, how to spot what’s vegan and links to good nutrition.
By joining up for ALV’s 30 Day Vegan Easy Challenge you will be in the running to WIN $1000 plus other fabulous prizes! Don’t miss out on this great chance to make a difference. All participants receive a free info pack, recipes and a Vegan – You Can’t Get Greener keyring.
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Mercy Corps: Healthy Food Carts For Kids
“Food carts seem to line nearly every street in Jakarta. Indonesia’s capital is home to 13 million people, many of whom rely on these ready-to-eat foods sold in neighborhood streets and alleys. The low cost and convenience make them an attractive option for families who are often too busy to prepare food or lack facilities, fuel or transportation to purchase and prepare raw foods…many [children] get a food allowance from their parents, which they usually spend on the vending carts lining the school property, hoping to get a cut.
The options are pretty unhealthy….
…Mercy Corps is working with five entrepreneurs to build food carts that serve nutritious snacks using recipes designed by our health team. The carts are being designed…according to criteria that should make them attractive to small children. For instance, the carts will be colorful, clean and showcase their offerings at a child’s eye level.”
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Tetris Playing = All-Round-Yayness
I’m sure all rampantly-addicted tetris boffins suspected this:
“A new study published by the big thinkers at Mind Research Network has found that “practicing Tetris” can actually improve brain efficiency and lead to a thicker cortex in other areas of the tabula rasa. In short, the study was done in order to show that the brain can change with stimulation, and that “a challenging visuospatial task has an impact on the structure of the cortex.” Of course, this is far from the first published report to use the quarter century-old title as its testing tool, but it’s certainly one of the best for getting your mum and pop to believe gaming really is good for the gord.”
[from Endgadget]
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Livewire Launches Siblings Community To Support Brothers & Sisters
Livewire Siblings, a new online community, where young people aged over 10 and under 21, who have a brother or sister living with a serious illness, chronic health condition or disability can support and connect with one another.
Livewire Siblings (http://siblings.livewire.org.au) is a free, safe and supportive community where young people can meet and chat online with other siblings who understand what they are going through. The site allows them to share experiences as well as gain skills and knowledge to help them feel more in control of their situation.
Currently, there are approximately 585,000 siblings, aged over 10 and under 21, of people living with a serious illness, chronic health condition or disability in Australia. These young people often face unique teenage challenges, and suffer a heavy emotional burden – experiencing feelings of isolation from the rest of their family and their peers; as well as guilt, confusion, anger, jealousy.
Many siblings are as emotionally vulnerable as their brother or sister as they deal with feelings of loss, anger and sadness, and come to terms with the consequences of their family’s situation. What’s more, they often receive less parental attention than their ill siblings and take on increased household responsibilities as they help their parents cope with looking after their sick brother or sister.
Prominent child and adolescent psychologist, Dr Michael Carr-Gregg, says “The sibling relationship is the single most important relationship that a chronically ill young person will have – in terms of its duration and intensity – and the psychological impact on the sibling can be as significant, if not more, than the psychological impact on the patient.
“Up until very recently, siblings needs have been overlooked and ignored, and I commend Livewire for recognising the importance of this formerly invisible group,” he concluded.
As part of Livewire Siblings, young people can chat online with other siblings, create blogs, read content and information created just for them, check out the latest music and games, post in forums and have their say!
About Livewire.org.au
Livewire.org.au is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Starlight Children’s Foundation and is supported by funding from the Australian Government under the Clever Networks Program, Starlight Children’s Foundation and in-kind support from Livewire’s launch partners.
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