“We are children of the sun, walking upon the face of the earth, through the rhythms of the moon”…. Jose Argüelles.
The beauty about the indigenous people of the world is that their worldview is embedded within the midst of time immemorial. Their ancient ways honor time as sacred and enchanted, compared to our clock based time, which is linear and disconnected from nature’s celestial rhythms. Traditional indigenous cultures of the world are the keepers of ancient stories, customs and rituals that honor our living earth and the greater cosmos.
The late Mayan scholar, Linda Schele encapsulates the authentic ancient ways of the world’s indigenous people: “at its heart, is the experience of a spiritual and magical world. It is a world in which ancestors affect the fate of the living, where human beings can transform into their animal counterparts, where ritual transforms space and objects into powerful energy carriers. It is a world alive in all its parts”.
Their ancient worldview places the human being at the center of the cosmos in a reciprocal relationship that bestows humanity with the responsibility of engaging life, as an ongoing and eternal process. The past and present traumas of conquest, colonization and policies of cultural genocide have damaged the fragile threads, connecting the indigenous heart and soul to their ancestors and way of life.
In our time of great change and ecological erosion by the modern world, the voices of the indigenous are still singing and dancing the wonders of life. It’s time for all of us to reconnect to the indigenous soul, deep within us all and join in solidarity with the keeper’s of nature’s ‘lore’! Fellow citizens, let’s seek out the warmth of the fire, under the starry night sky and share through song and dance our ‘Commonwealth’!
Encuentro and friends are committed to supporting the plight of our indigenous brothers and sisters from across the world. We thank all those individuals, families and musicians that gave freely of their time last month in making the Tobas fundraiser a great success – we raised $1400 in our efforts. This money will go to an organisation founded by the legendary Argentinean singer songwriter- Patricia Sosa.
Patricia was shocked to find the once proud Tobas of Northern Argentina in a state of disrepair and was moved to act upon her convictions. Patricia’s efforts have helped to mobilise a campaign within her home country, thereby raising awareness and funds towards the Tobas’ plight. Patricia’s drive inspired us to help support the cause in Canberra and we hope that the effort can inspire fellow Australians, rediscover the richness of the Tobas culture.
Encuentro and friends are looking towards the next challenge, which is to help indigenous communities, of up to 80,000 people in Altai (Central Asia). Altai is described as the ‘Pearl’ of Central Asia and its wild rivers; rugged terrain and pristine forest, are facing the extreme pressures of a modern world hungry for resources. Encuentro and friends hope to raise awareness and much needed funds to help the Altai indigenous retain, their ancestral lands.
Finally, all enquiries to help the Altai cause in Australia can be addressed to: [email protected] – For information on Encuentro activities go to: www.encuentroinc.com – Altai campaign: www.altaimir.org – Patricia’s Tobas campaign: www.translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=es&u=http://www.patriciasosa.com/pequenosgestos
A recent study conducted by P3 Green highlighted outdoor as the most environmentally responsible medium when benchmarked against other forms of advertising, including online. While the findings are positive for the out of home industry, operators still have a responsibility to reduce the thousands of posters that contribute to landfill.
Adshel has partnered with Dalton, the largest supplier of paper to the printing industry in Australia, to create a groundbreaking poster recycling program, thereby extending Adshel’s leadership position in green practices in the out of home industry.
The partnership will see all posters printed by Adshel’s production services moving to Yupo stock, which can be recycled into polypropylene products. Post campaign, crates provided by Dalton and housed at Adshel depots will collect the expired posters. These posters will be recycled and used for a host of polypropylene extrusions such as compost bins, injection mouldings, milk crates, worm farms and even back into the crates used to collect the posters.
Adshel customers printing via third party suppliers are also encouraged to switch to recyclable stock. This allows all posters, not just those produced by Adshel to partake in the recycling program. Honda will be the first partner to test drive the initiative, due to kick off in early 2009.
"This program sees Adshel significantly reducing landfill and becoming more environmentally friendly whilst maintaining high standards of production. Not only is this attractive to socially responsible clients, initiatives such as these will come more into focus if legislation is introduced that forces companies to offset their emissions." Comments Elvira Lodewick, Marketing Director Adshel. "Implementation of this program will see Adshel recycling at least 60% of all posters, with the aim to move to 100% of all posters recycled over the longer term."
Yupo stock, made from completely recyclable polypropylene boasts a smooth surface, excellent for print production, a consistently white shade, and is durable and resistant to tearing, oils and heat.
What makes a rubble of rocks become a wonder of the world, or some chunks of metal become the most romantic place to propose marriage? After making the effort to go somewhere for sightseeing, how do you get the most out of the experience, to suit your budget, time and personality? From guidebooks to bus tours, there is a range of options to ensure that places come to life. These tips are based on experiences in Europe.
For example, there you are in Paris, at the Louvre, underneath IM Pei’s glass pyramid. Looking around the lobby, the escalators lead up towards multiple entrances to the wings of the old palace, so crammed with riches beyond compare. Where to begin?
Tour types
***No tour:
You stand in front of the Mona Lisa and say ‘eh’ before moving on to the next Da Vinci ‘eh’ then a Michelangelo ‘looks like the other dude’. I did this the first time I went to the Louvre and followed the ‘quantity not quality’ method. While I did have the time to find the little figurines in the Egyptian area, did I truly appreciate them? Advantages: takes less time, go where you want, when you want. Disadvantages: how would you find out how Da Vinci got the lines so fine on such a small painting (Mona Lisa) or that some guy hacked at David’s left toe with a hammer in 1991 (Accademia, Florence)? The story behind the artwork and artist is often the entertainment more than the mere physical presence. Suited to: people on a budget, people who don’t like other people, lack of time, lone travellers
Price: nothing
***Guidebook:
Walking around with the gallery’s guide or your own book that explains who-what-when-why-how about an exhibit/place. Advantages: pick out the bits that interest you before you see them. Find out a bit more. Comes from a sole source, approved by relevant people. Disadvantages: May not discover other things. For instance, if you had never tried smoked herring for breakfast, you wouldn’t know whether you liked it or not. Or you might walk right past some Goya, when he’s the kind of artist that would really appeal to horror movie fans. Suited to: people who like to study, those who have a specific interest, lone travellers
Price: varies depending on country, usually around AUD10.
***Audio guide:
hire a device to listen to tracks for selected pieces of a gallery or museum. Follow the map/guide and play the track when you get to the piece. For example to look at the Winged Victory of Samothrace at the Louvre and clog up the stairwell with other agog tourists. Advantages: can skip bits that don’t interest you. Provides the highlights. Saves time. Disadvantages: might miss out on pieces not included in the audio guide because you walk right past it. May be bored by the voice. Last guide I had sounding like he was sucking on a prune without about as much verbal outcome… Suited to: Studious types who’d rather spend more time looking than reading, independent type or couple (shared earphones). Price: varies depending on country and level of content, usually around AUD10.
***Small group (1-5 people):
Your guide knows you by name, tailors the tour to suit your timings and interests, information is more two-way rather than purely transmit. For example, I went to Auckland in July 2006 and booked in for a day of mountain biking. Yep, it was cold, windy, rainy. I was the only person, but the tour went ahead anyway. I had Bee-Bee all to myself and while we waited for the rain to ease, she did a palm reading and predicted my future as a great writer. Lucky she was also a good guide, as the palm-reading bit is yet to reveal itself! Advantages: Get a more personal service; guide may suggest something relevant to you specially, eg for tea lovers going through caffeine withdrawal in Paris ‘you simply must go to the Mariage Frères teashop then!’ or they may suggest a restaurant near your hotel and places to avoid. Disadvantages: usually the most pricy kind of tour and a tip is also expected. If there’s a personality clash then the day could be a drag. Also, they may be in cahoots with other businesses to try and rope you into going to restaurants, for which they receive a commission. Advice:
—-Basically, take anything they suggest with a skeptical mind, but still be polite. The nicer you are, then the nicer they are.
—-Make sure you go with an agency, rather than some guy off the street who offers to take you around. They may be genuine, but even so, there is no administrative control/insurance etc. Suited to: Those who are after the genuine experience, ie the custom-made Spanish omelette rather than a McDonalds siesta burger; those who have a bit more money Price: Depends on the country. In Western Europe = around $AUD90 per person (then a tip)
***Big group:
Usually about 10-20 people wearing earphones to pick up on the guide’s voice as they lead you around, stopping you at exhibits/interests to give their spiel eg ‘ This 18th century china bowl has the utmost significance, for it was used to….’ Advantages: Makes what would be boring in a book, come to life— assuming you get a good guide. In Florence, we had Christina, an art student who truly enjoyed what she did and made sense of the iron rings hanging off centuries-old walls so forever after, I know what they mean.
If you enjoy people, sometimes the tour groups have lunch together so you can meet fellow travelers and exchange stories about dodgy restaurants. Disadvantages:
—-inconsistent information. For example in Florence, Mum and I had three tours with the same company and three different sets of information as to a what happened to the head of Primavera, a statue on the Ponte Santa Trinita. While it’s not so important to know the facts (you can get that from books) it does detract from the experience, no matter how entertaining the description of how Giuliano Medici was dramatically assassinated during High Mass in the Duomo Cathedral in the middle of a service. And the gore that followed as his brother Lorenzo tracked down the assassins and conspirators.
—-The Chic or Geek factor. For the style conscious and teenagers, you may cringe at looking like a dick walking around with stickers and earplugs. Unless you’re one of the retired Americans with Hawaiian shirts who don’t seem to care.
—-Hearing Voices. Having to hear more than one language rattled off by bi-lingual tour: by the end of a day trip to Versailles, I felt I knew Spanish. Well, I knew enough that it would be hard to understand. So fast!!! Suited to: Safe-seekers (ie non-adventurous), medium to high budget, couples and families Price: Depends on the country. In Western Europe = around $AUD90 per person for a half-day tour. More money if lunch and transport are required.
Basically,
if you’re on a budget…use your own guide book or share an audio guide
if you like people….go the small group or big group option
if you’re time poor: no guidebook. Just wander around. At least though try to read up beforehand to see which bits you need to visit.
Leonard Maltin’s 2009 Movie Guide (Plume Book, a member of the Penguin Group, 1644pp, RRP: $24.95).
By RAMA GAIND
Leonard Maltin’s 2009 Movie Guide is an indispensable manual not just for the film buff.
Regarded as the most authoritative book of its kind, now with more entries, updates and revisions for 2009, it has more than 17,000 capsule movie reviews, from blockbusters to little-known sleepers, foreign films and there are also some rarities.
Also included are more than 300 new entries and more than 10,000 DVD and 14,000 video listings. Not only is there an updated index of leading directors and performers, but camp classics and a list of 50 movies you may have missed.
Compiling the book annually has, no doubt, become an onerous task, but Maltin is proud of this all-purpose handbook.
He fondly recalls when he first got the assignment to work on the first edition of this book – 40 years ago – when it was called TV Movies.
Maltin notes that updates are constantly made to ensure a superior product.
Ably assisted by a team of dedicated contributors, Maltin has added many facts and corrections to last year’s book including accurate details on running times, changing certain terminologies, but raises questions about the reliability of online information about movies.
Never one to sit on his laurels, there is also a spin-off book – Leonard Maltin’s Classic Movie Guide – where you’ll find many pre-1960 films that once appeared and 1100 more which have never found a spot.
If you love the classics than keep this handy – as well.
The Capital Region Farmers Market, held every Saturday morning in Canberra, has launched a new website www.farmersmarket.org.au.
Tony Howard, Capital Region Farmers Market spokesperson, said the website was designed with both consumers and Market producers in mind.
“The website was designed to improve interactivity between our stallholders and visitors. Consumers can access a complete list of producers attending the Market with the range of products they sell and email them directly from the website,” Tony said.
“For a limited time, visitors registering their details on the website can enter a draw to win one of two fresh produce Christmas hampers. Winners will be announced at the Farmers Market on Saturday, 20 December at 9 am, which will be specially held at the Canberra Racecourse,” he added.
Registered consumers will also be kept up-to-date with Farmers Market news and special offers and will receive useful information such as recipe ideas and cooking tips.
To provide consumers with fresh produce for Christmas celebrations, the Farmers Market will hold a special Christmas market on Tuesday, 23 December at Kamberra Wines (Northbourne Ave) from 2 to 5 pm.
The Market will take a break on Saturday, 3 January and will return to its normal venue at the Exhibition Park on Saturday, 10 January from 8 am to 11 am.
The Capital Region Farmers Market, generally held at the Exhibition Park (EPIC) every Saturday morning, is a genuine farmers market with over 100 stalls offering a diverse range of fresh food and agricultural produce straight from the producer to the customer. Produce sold includes fruit, vegetables, meats, breads, organic and specialist products, eggs, coffee, nuts, honey, seafood, chocolate, wines and oils, cakes, flowers and more.
All funds generated from the Market are fed back into regional communities and other projects chosen by the Rotary Club of Hall which founded the Market in 2004.
For more information on Capital Regional Farmers Market, visit www.farmersmarket.org.au.
I’ve just finished reading an advance copy of the Government’s White Paper on climate change.
They aim to reduce carbon pollution by only 5% by 2020, with an option to go to only 15% if the rest of the world drags us there.
A 5-15% target means Australia is aiming for a global deal so weak scientists predict it will destroy the Great Barrier Reef, Kakadu and the Murray Darling Basin. The window is still open, however, for Australia to become a world leader on climate solutions – if we demand it.
Many Australians voted for change at the last election on the promise of strong action to solve climate change. Kevin Rudd has today failed the mandate he was given to act; but we as a community can still show him that action to combat climate change is non-negotiable.
Since the Government isn’t listening to your concerns about climate change, let’s translate it into the language they will listen to: votes. So we’re asking the entire GetUp community:
Regardless of who you traditionally support, does today’s announcement make you less likely to vote for the ALP at the next election?
The PM has said he’ll be doing some holiday reading; so we’ll collate the results and make sure they’re on the desks of every member of the Government before Christmas. Who knows how weak the targets would have been without your efforts so far, but we know 2009 will take a renewed effort – beginning with the results of this poll.
Here in Parliament House, there’s a feeling the importance of this decision will be lost in the distraction of the holiday season. That’s why we think the best Christmas present we can give the Government is a reminder of the importance of strong climate change action.
Thanks for all that you do,
Simon Sheikh
GetUp National Director
PS – We’re translating community concern about climate change into the language all politicians speak: votes. Tell us: Regardless of who you traditionally support, does today’s announcement make you less likely to vote for the ALP at the next election
‘Excuse me, where is the war?’
This common faux pas of the French ‘Where is the station (guerre/gare)’ translation may end up with a laugh, a sneer or a slap, depending on which person you ask.
There’s only so much a Lonely Planet guide, language tapes and a map can help you while traveling. At some point you may need to ask for help. But who, and how?
The helpfulness of a nation’s citizens may prove as much as a drawcard as any of the seven wonders. Would you rather go to a smiley happy place, or a sneery snobby place? Olympic cities train workers and citizens to be polite and help map-tangling tourists scratching their heads at street corners. But what about the other three years and other cities of the world?
My mother was recently in Switzerland on a cycling tour, riding alone for the afternoon when she became lost and the map led her onto a dangerous autostrada. Managing to escape the fast trucks, she finally found a train station only to be thwarted by the esoteric ticketing computer. Bursting into tears, the nearby café owner came by and smiled, told her ‘no worry lady’ and showed her how to use the machine. Then a woman came by and said she was on the same train and she would show Mum how to load her bike and when to get off. By the end of the journey, Mum and Maria had a chat about things and Mum was no longer cursing the too-clever Swiss machines and Michelin Maps.
Typical problems— the little yellow box that beeps
Mum thankfully experienced the kindness of strangers and lived to tell the tale. There are many reasons why travelers might need to ask for help:
Lost: even maps can be tricky, particularly ones given by hotels where things may be distorted to make Hotel Hilton look like the centre of the universe. And finding the nearest church as a point of reference is like finding the nearest sex shop in King’s Cross. Even without a map, relying on ‘the sense of direction’ can be thrown off kilter by skyscrapers, jetlag and confusing/lack of street signs. Confused: Visitors to a foreign supermarket may wonder what those extra numbers are on the fruit signs. The mystery is revealed only when getting to the register and being garbled at, then looking back along the queue to see exasperated shoppers pointing at their banana with a barcode sticker. Oh. Oops.
And don’t forget the rail system in some European countries about validating a ticket in yellow boxes. Ah, of course, what else would they be for. But even the most obvious things are a matter of learning and knowing. Injured: Cobble stones and slippery rainforest walks are a Band-Aid waiting to happen. More serious accidents need help from other people, like pulling a crazed monkey away from your hair as it tries to eat that sweet-smelling fruit nectar hotel shampoo. Looking to make friends: there are only so many nights that one can spend alone in a hotel room eating sardines and watching bizarre game shows. Sometimes breaking the ice with the locals can mean feigning any of the above.
Who to ask
People of the same age and gender as you. Think about it—if you were an 18-year-old with a nose ring and black eyeliner, would an Italian nonna show you where the quaint 16th century convent was? Better off asking the lads outside a goth gelateria (well, good luck finding that one…but you get the idea).
Officials. As long as they look relaxed, eg they saunter along the Seine rather than fend off rioting Parisians, then put on your best innocent tourist look and ask.
Tourist staff. Go into a restaurant or hotel reception; they may have a map and may even speak English. But be careful and try to follow rule 1: try to pick a place that you look like you could afford—you could be a potential customer.
Who not to ask
It’s not all happyland and lasses in bikinis walking you up the boardwalk to your hotel. Some people may take your vulnerability and exploit it, either by charging money or worse, by robbing you… and worse. Stereotypical Russian mafia types and tattooed yobs may be the lovely chaps, and instead, the linen-suited Armani man with a poodle may actually be on Interpol’s most wanted. But generally, if they look at you like filth, or are too enthusiastic; don’t even ask for help. Don’t even make eye contact.
How to ask
• Ask with other people around. This will deter dangerous activity, and also may prompt them to ask others if they themselves don’t know.
• Have a map ready or a pen and pencil so they can show/draw directions.
• Try to use as much of their language as possible. They will appreciate the effort.
• Smile!
So next time you need help to find the train station, avoid the war and make some peace with the locals: the kindness of strangers depends on who and how you ask.
I first got into making my own aromatherapy based products after venturing in and out of many Health Food Stores and not finding what I wanted so I would buy a variety of different oils and base products and mix to create my own blend.
I would also write down the ingredients I found in many so called ‘natural’ or ‘aromatherapy’ products and research them to find out what was actually in the product – this is when I realised people were not getting what they bargained for. I found many of the products contained chemicals and alcohols that dry out the skin or cause skin rashes.
This is when I decided to do something about it & create my own. It started just for me, then for family and friends but I kept getting orders for more so Avalon Essences was created.
All of my products are derived from plants, antioxidants, herbs, fragranced oils and essential oils for their therapeutic values; and do not contain harmful ingredients.
Avalon Essences is Canberra owned and operated. Our unique aromatherapy products are hand-made fresh in small batches without harmful chemicals, animal derivatives, harsh detergents or petroleum by-products.
I am always creating and adding new exciting products to the range.
Avalon Essences can be purchased online via www.avalonessences.com.au or why not head to the following Christmas Markets to see and test the full range of products in person
Avalon Essences will be at the following markets in December
At the end of the last quarter, on average, homes with a 5 star EER were advertised for $160 000 more than homes in lower star bands, and generally, the higher the star value, the higher the advertised price. And, over the past year, the price of the half-star “lemons” has slumped.
The average selling prices for Canberra fell by 2.5% in the last quarter, according to the ABS, However, asking prices have continued to increase, as Energy Partners discovered in their end of quarter analysis of the market. This may reflect unrealistic expectations on the part of the vendors. Overall, buyers have an increased choice in the housing market, and they are choosing energy efficiency, in the form of high EER statements.
Notably, asking prices rose across all star bands in the ACT, between June and September, by 10.5%. This is unexpected, as according the ABS, average sale prices decreased by 2.5% over the same quarter, returning sale prices to September 07 levels. That represents a large discrepancy in what vendors expect the market to do, and what buyers know it has done – up to 13% of a home’s value.
Of the homes on the market at the end of last quarter in Canberra, homes with a 5 star EER were advertised at over $160 000 more than lower star bands, on average. This emphasised the trend of the last year, in which 5 star homes were advertised at $90 000 more than lower star bands. “In general, at the end of the September quarter, the value of a home increased by $5,600 for each EER star,” said Trevor Lee, of Energy Partners.
These new figures are combined with figures collected and analysed by Energy Partners over the 9 years since it was made compulsory that each property sold had an EER included in any advertisement. This shows that the increased price of high-EER homes (3+ stars) is part of a long-term trend of high EERs adding value to homes. That trend was interrupted from 2005 to 2007, coinciding with the housing boom, and a reduction in buyer choice, but now appears to be returning, with a sharp increase in the perceived value of high-EER homes compared to low-EER homes. This is particularly true over the last year, as the average asking price of high-EER homes increased 11% more than that of low-EER homes. Indeed, the average asking price of EER 0.5 homes slumped by nearly 15%!
Cost benefit analysis conducted by Energy Partners has found that investing $2000 in minor renovations, such as adding insulation, good curtains, blinds and pelmets can raise most homes to more than 4 stars. Canberrans wanting further information on how to upgrade the energy rating of their homes can access the ACT Government’s free householder energy advice service at www.heat.net.au or, for a specific question, [email protected]. Energy Strategies and Energy Partners, both of Manuka, offer individualized advice. Visit their website at www.enerstrat.com.au .
Energy Partners is a multi-disciplinary consulting practice, established in 1989. Based in Manuka, ACT, it focuses on the issues of energy and environmental impact within the built environment.
Trevor Lee, B Arch (hons) ARAIA is the Director for Buildings for Energy Partners.
Phone: 02 6260 6173 Email: [email protected]
Dangerous and deadly animals are on the move in summer
It’s that time of year again: the summer sun is sweltering, the Christmas tree is up and ready for pressies, and workers all over Australia are planning parties, barbecues and plenty of Christmas cheer! But, Christmas and summer also herald less welcome visitors than Santa Claus — it’s also the season when Australia’s most dangerous and deadly might just scuttle down your chimney or attend your backyard barbie! Some of Australia’s most formidable reptiles and arachnids are also at large during the holiday season, and because many Australians hit the beach, the bush or the backyard at this time, we’re more likely to encounter these creepy crawlies now than at any other time of the year.
“Funnel-web spiders, eastern brown snakes, crocodiles, and red-back spiders are all more active in the summer months,” agrees Ted Lewis, author of the new book A Wild Australia Guide: Dangerous and Deadly Wildlife, released this month. “For some, it’s mating season, and for others it’s simply that reptiles get their energy from the sun, so the hotter months are when they are most active.”
Already, newspapers around the country are reporting blood-curling tales of bird-eating spiders, randy red-back spiders on the prowl and crocodiles colonising backyard ponds in Australia’s north, but it is not just on land we have to watch out.
“More Australians than ever visit the beach over the holiday season, so it’s no surprise that more shark attacks are also reported over summer, but we have to remember that these animals are not just a source of fear and fascination for us, they’re also just living their lives,” Lewis emphasises. “In most cases, the danger occurs because we place ourselves in their territory or we threaten them. Most fatal attacks are provoked,” he warns, “so the best thing to do is leave these dangerous animals alone. Even animals like the southern cassowary and the red kangaroo have caused deaths when they are provoked or are in fear or in pain.”
Tourists, especially, are in awe of the multitude of potentially fatal creatures they may encounter in Australia, from the venomous blue-ringed octopus to the estuarine crocodile, but, in reality, people are statistically more likely to die of a bee sting than of a shark attack or snake bite, even despite the alarming media reports. “It’s also important to remember that we live in a country with the most advanced antivenom technology in the world, making us world leaders in preventing deaths caused by venomous creatures,” reassures Lewis. “In fact, if you want to worry about anything this summer, the biggest summer killer, far from being the incredible white shark or the funnel-web, is actually sunburn,” Lewis adds. “Skin cancer kills about 1600 Australians each year — far more than the combined annual total of fatalities by sharks (an average of one fatality in Australia per year), snakes (average two deaths per year), crocs (1 death a year) or stonefish (only 1 recorded death in Australia in the last 80 years) — but you still see people soaking up the sun. In my view, these animals are some of Australia’s most remarkable because they’ve all developed incredible defence mechanisms and some live truly amazing lifestyles, so if you get a chance to see some this summer, stay away, stay safe but, above all, stay aware that we really do have some of the most incredibly fierce wildlife species in the world.”
The Capital Region Farmers Market will relocate and be held at the Canberra Racecourse on Saturday, 20 December from 8 to 11 am. To provide consumers with fresh produce for Christmas celebrations, the Farmers Market will also be held on Tuesday, 23 December at Kamberra Wines (Northbourne Ave) from 2 to 5 pm.
The Market will be cancelled on Saturday, 3 January and will return to its normal venue at the Exhibition Park on Saturday, 10 January from 8 am.
Consumers can now be kept up-to-date with Farmers Market’s news and special offers by registering on www.capitalregionfarmersmarket.com.au.
The Capital Region Farmers Market is a genuine farmers market with over 100 stalls offering a diverse range of fresh food and agricultural produce straight from the producer to the customer.
All funds generated from the Market are fed back into regional communities and other projects chosen by the Rotary Club of Hall which founded the Market in 2004.
For more information on Capital Regional Farmers Market, visit www.capitalregionfarmersmarket.com.au.
The fiesty cast of 8 Women a fun feast and frenetic farce
If you’re looking for a fun evening to celebrate Christmas, the ideal night out is at the ANU Arts Centre where renowned restaurant Teatro Vivaldi and Centrepiece Theatre join forces for a fantastic musical theatre event.
A fabulous farce translated from French by director Aaron Ridgway, Centrepiece Theatre presents 8 Women, a musical murder mystery complete with eight women (of course), lots of laughter and more twists and turns than a hyperactive eel.
8 Women is a smart, sexy French comedy set in 1960s France. A wealthy industrialist is found murdered in his bedroom. The murder sends shock waves through the Avignon family, who are supposed to be celebrating Christmas. One by one the women become suspects, as it emerges that each and every one of them had a motive to bump off Marcel.
With an accomplished cast of Canberran women aged from 21 to over 80, the piece weaves comedy, music (original scores plus songs you’ll know) and a fine French feast from Teatro Vivaldi, around the mystery of Marcel’s death.
Season starts 10 December for one week. Meal and show tickets $70. Bookings essential on 6257 2718.
This report follows media and marketing aimed at the “tween” (children aged 10-15) market. It covers the response and results due to various forms of media.
IN BE“TWEEN” THE LINES
Are children passive victims of media manipulation or confident adventurers in an age of new challenges and possibilities?
The “tween” consumer is at a very influential age. In order to find themselves and their place in society they do what they can to be a part of the next cool trend. They are at a point in their lives where they are trying to develop their own identity while they are yet to be fully socialized. This makes them the perfect victims of media manipulation and influence. The media has the ability to get into the very minds of tweens by monitoring their every move online or in store. Through this information the media can develop more variety and choice to target at niche markets of unaware tweens. The media is one of the most prominent influences as it has access to its consumer nearly everywhere and anytime by advertising through technology and media manipulation.
Technology and the Media Media is an extreme force that has enveloped everyday living. This is due to the development of a vast palette of mediums on which to present ideas to society. This includes the internet which was originally fact driven and used primarily for educating university students. This is now accessible nearly anywhere anytime. It is affordable and fast, offering an endless list of opportunities for every interest, need or want. The internet has become an unstoppable force with its ability to be accessed on the run. It allows people to access most forms of media including music, movies, games, television, radio, news, magazines and shopping. Through this marketers have been able to advertise all means of things and monitor what things viewers are selecting in order to improve and create needs. Every time someone clicks on online links, information is sent to a team of researchers watching to find trends that they can target.
From constant research and monitoring online, marketing teams developed various technologies that allow individuals to access the world via mobile devices. This has resulted in the form of a laptop which was originally designed to allow business men and woman to work outside the office. This same interest resulted in other forms of communication being designed to allow a variety of communication forms. Email messages are easier to misconstrue due to the lack of tone and visuals that inform a receiver of intended messages. The creation of the mobile phone has allowed messages to be communicated verbally thus creating less chance for miscommunication. Since then communication technology has continued to grow and cash in on more market sectors. Rather than being simply for the use of business it has become availible to all members of society, including children.
The open access to these technologies has resulted in many cultural changes especially in younger generations, as they are becoming prominent targets of the media. Products designed for adults are now being marketed towards children in ways that make them feel a sense of independence and social acceptance. Mobile companies originally used schemes that advertised the products to play on the mind of worried parents, and what better way to ensure your child’s safety than to have them contactable via mobile phone. Phone companies appeared to work in the best interests of families. Once this trust was built companies could begin targeting the tween market directly as they had already won over the parents.
Availability and Access to Media
Children in today’s society have access to most media forms. A large number of them have televisions or computers in their rooms, some even have both. This allows them to access the internet and watch any show without a parent or guardian monitoring them on a regular basis. This makes them an easy target of media influence. A great number have their own mobile phone which allows them to encourage or be encouraged by other friends to watch or look up things that may not be appropriate. These products come with standard features such as photo and video sharing, ringtones that include songs that make sexual references, and instant communication to whoever they choose. These features work in conjunction with computer technologies allowing teens to easily advertise their lives on you tube, facebook and myspace. The technology allows tweens to access adult information from any online website. To avoid law suits online advertiser ask to, “Tick this box if you are 18yrs or older.” And with a click of the mouse or button you have access to information and images that are aimed specifically at adult audiences. There is nothing to stop tweens accessing this kind of material.
Advertising
Advertising comes in two forms, direct and indirect. Direct advertising uses the brand or product as the protagonist, while indirect advertising uses information that promotes the brand. In the case of indirect advertising, marketers are likely to opt for the product to be advertised in an action image that creates a connection between the product with beauty and desirability. Product placements throughout movies, television, online and at public events promote lifestyles, feelings and values. These ideas are what give meaning to consumers, and cause them to feel like they are buying an idea rather than a product in itself.
Mobile advertising is cashing in through advertising aimed at tweens. The proof is in the rise of advertising online, on television and via short message service (SMS). The majority of this advertising is to cash in on ring tones that include the ‘top hits’ in music, catch phrases from popular television shows, animations, relationship raters, perfect match, erotic images and competitions. These features are incredibly popular in tween groups. Without them the hopes of popularity is doomed, at least this is what phone companies want teens to believe.
The relationships of the themes presented with the product are what make them lasting and successful. Take Nike for example. It is one of the most recognized and bought brands. It is recognized solely by a signature tick, but it is what that tick has been developed to represent. “Just do it!” the slogan for Nike appears at sporting events and in movies, worn by some of the most famous basketball stars. It gives people the impression that with their shoes you can do anything. By wearing the Nike logo you become a part of a group of people who value the culture that is prescribed by the Nike brand. Brands signify a person’s taste and communicate cultural identity through the meanings linked to the product.
Media Manipulation
Through movies, television and magazines tweens are introduced to a world of opportunity, but how real is that opportunity? Magazines encourage the possibility to dress and be noticed like the stars. Pictures of famous stars wearing the latest looks are often used as the centre focus of a page. These images make tweens expect that by getting the look they will win the boy. And without them they’ve got no hope. By advertising certain celebrities at an affordable cost, young consumers are more likely to take notice then when placed on nameless models. They want to buy things that relate to them. The advertised product is less important, while the advertised lifestyle and overall package that links to a product is what sells. Subconsciously audiences get influenced by what the image entails and expect the impossible, only to be let down.
“Satisfied customers are those who have bought ‘good feelings’ and ‘solutions to problems”.
Advertising uses likely consumer anxieties or creates further insecurities through advertising that portrays “desirable” looks. They attack body image, self worth, desirability and health by picking on “flaws”. Marketers cause fear in consumers by threatening the possibility of a perfect lifestyle, in order to create consumers that seek a solution to their “problem”. For example products that imply the possibility to achieve impossible results. Fake tans are marketed in a way that suggests to the consumer that by using the product you will grab the attention of the opposite sex and cause jealousy of friends. Other products “promise” to free you of pimples and imperfections overnight and shampoos that make hair glisten like a celebrity. Products suggest they will take you from drab to fab with as little effort as possible.
“Don’t sell me products or services…Sell me ideas, a better self-image, freedom from fear and want and a philosophy that will help me achieve my potential as a human being.”
Media Effects on Tweens
The repetition of unrealistic “perfection” presented through television and film cause children to be unsatisfied with their self-image. They become so used to viewing images of perfect figures that they see them as normal and achievable. Through the familiarity of the culture presented through film, children easily relate to the people and the places. Their sense of reality is easily distorted by these visions, and before they know it, a mirror becomes their worst nightmare.
Research has proven magazines and movies have been associated with the development of many mental and physical disorders in young girls. Statistics have found that 1 in 100 adolescent girls will develop anorexia nervosa due to the illusion of perfection portrayed through the media. “It is the third most common chronic illness for adolescent girls, causing more deaths than any other psychiatric disorder. Some authorities estimate that as many as one in five female students are bulimic.” Sensationalized images of thin, sexualized, digitally enhanced “women are linked with…poor body image, depression…anxiety and eating disorders. The images contribute to self-harming behaviours and not performing well academically.”
Sexualized Media
Media is constantly pushing the boundaries of film and television codes of conduct. This includes ignoring the restrictions on certain themes that are not deemed suitable for children under the age of 15, and allowing them to be aired during hours that they may be subjected to it. Advertising has a huge part to play in developing ideas of right and wrong. It seems advertising has turned a blind eye to the results of their messages and set out only to make money. Sexual themes have become so common in the media today that society has become desensitized by it. Sexual images of men and woman appear on television the internet, in movies, music videos, magazines and video games.
These images alter perceptions of attractiveness and sex appeal, making girls feel the need to meet the standards portrayed in order to be desirable or popular. This puts girls at risk of objectifying themselves to predators. Not only are celebrity influence having effects on children, but so too are toys. For example Bratz dolls come in the form of highly made up, scantily dressed figures. The lifestyles that are depicted to 3yrs+ are equally unsuitable. They include hot tubs, references to alcohol, punk and gothic themes, and bratty attitudes. Other toys on the marketed are also unsuitable to tweens. For example the game of “spin the bottle” can be found in the children’s section of stores, in the form of a plastic battery operated machine that instructs you on what you have to do.
The themes expressed throughout television and advertising have proven to have negative effects on childhood relationships, the way they dress and the attitudes they employ. Schoolyard sexual harassment has risen along with teen pregnancy. Yet corporations seem to be ignoring the dangers that are a result of advertising.
Tweens are portrayed false self image through the advertisement of products marketed to them, causing them to chase illusions.
Times are Changing
“The greatest unsatisfied need within the community is the need for satisfaction…the demand is unlimited.”
Media not only affects tweens, but has a prominent affect on all groups of society. It has caused many cultural changes over the years. Media manipulation proves to have control over many adults, therefore it is only certain that the affect it has on un-socialized, influential minds of children, is even greater. Technology has been a huge influence worldwide, causing irreversible change to the norms of society. The wide spread of interests and accessibility has changed the values and way in which people think forever. Media will continue to change culture both for the better and for worse. In order to prevent children from falling into the trap of media manipulation and unrealistic expectations, parents need to teach the difference between reality and fantasy. The power lies in parenting. Media is out to make money, “The purpose of business is to create customers. Customers create profits. Business survives only on its customers.” In order to protect the health and safety of tweens parents need to monitor access and content to avoid the effects of media manipulation.
Bibliography:
Collis, Jack, 1998, When your customer wins, you can’t lose, Harper Collins Publishing, Australia.
Lucas, Gavin & Dorrian, Michael, 2006, Guerilla Advertising: Unconventional brand communication, Laurence King Publishing, United Kingdom
Rohner, Kurt, 1996, Marketing in the Cyber Age: the why, the what, and the how, John Wiley & Sons Ltd, England
Melinda Tankard Reist, 2007, Chasing an illusion: young women and magazines, viewed 10 October 2008,
BBC/AFP, 2007, Sexualisation damaging young girls: report, viewed 10 October 2008,
Unable to find author and date, Children and Media Violence, viewed 27 October 2008,
Information from online lectures and course notes, webCT.
As a first time Foreshore goer, I was disappointed. Lucky for me, I went free thanks to the winning of a bunch of tickets. We arrived at the entrance when it was mostly clear. Drunken partiers were already leaving disappointed. “Don’t bother, it’s not worth it!” The line consisted of about 6 people. But still we had to wait while tickets were checked. Once in it was a question as how to get anyways, let alone get out! It was a maze to get to any of the three stages, with security at every entrance directing back the way you just came. Every stage had an entry and an exit on opposite sides, and if you tried to go against the grain, think again.
For a ticket that costs $90 it was far from worth it. Two of the stages consisted of stage and dance floor, music pumped into the night air, which luckily was dry. Disappointingly the music that pumped was techno, over mixed music that can be heard in clubs in Canberra for free every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. When it came time for the main act we were there to see, we were directed back to the other side we had just come from, past the empty toilets we didn’t realise were there after having waited more than 30mins at the central toilets, back over a metal structure of stairs, a danger to someone sober let alone drunk. We made it to the entrance to the main stage which by this time was blocked by a wall of people who blocked entrance and vision. By this time highly frustrated having lost our friends and patience, we headed back over the metal bridge in search of an exit. But to our dismay in the game of opposites the exit was back over the bridge in the opposite direction from where we came in.
No loss to us though, a bit of exercise and strengthening of the bladder we left not short of a dollar. For those that did pay some had a great time, while others where disappointed. At least in future I will know not to bother!
