Author: Vanessa King

Murat Kurnaz Released From Guantánamo!

- Vanessa King

In 2001 German resident Murat Zurnaz was arrested in Pakistan and soon after shipped off to be held in detention at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. No evidence was presented against him for apparent ‘terrorist related activites’ yet he remained imprisoned for years without a trial.

The good news is that after 5 years and much lobbying by Amnesty International, his family and several lawyers he has finally been released and is back home in Germany. Not only that but during the trial a US federal judge cited his case as “illustrative of the inherant unfairness and fundamental flaws of the adminitrative review process the military authorities conduct in Guantánamo”. This case brings the unjust activity occuring in Guantanamo to light and will likely have an effect on future cases as a result.

Since Amnesty has become involved in cases in Guantanamo 16 prisoners have been released from US detention. Of those detainees transferred to their home countries, 1 remain in detention and 13 have been released indefinatly.
 

SICKO!

- Vanessa King

Documentary film maker Michael Moore is at it again with a new film hitting theaters in the coming year. It is titled “Sicko” and the film focuses on the American health care system.

A quote from his website:
“Back in February, I asked if people would send me letters describing their experiences with our health care system. I received over 19,000 of them. It was truly overwhelming as we literally took a month and read them all. To read about the misery people are put through on a daily basis by our profit-based system was both moving and revolting. That’s all I will say right now.”

It is always good when people care to speak out about the general well being of the public, however Michael Moore has also been subject to a fair share of critisism…many people have disregarded his films as extremist or incredibly one sided. Others argue that Michael Moore is extremely effective at getting his point across. One thing is for sure, the guy knows how to pack a movie theater.
The film Sicko will be released sometime in 2007. As for the past month Micheal has been keeping himself extra busy holding his second annual Traverse City Film Festival this which saw 50,000 festival goers last year. He hosts the festival as a venue for talented filmakers who’s films have gone undistributed despite the fact that they are undoubtedly deserving.

A busy guy that Michael!

Good! This Saturday

- Vanessa King

concertThis Saturday ThingsAreGood.com is one-year old, and to celebrate we are throwing a party!

It’s a fundraiser for Amnesty International, a concert of some of Toronto’s best bands, and an art show of some great local artists! All of this for only $5!

Hope to see you there!
You can view our awesome flyer here!

Toronto Hosts 16th Annual Aids Conference

- Vanessa King 2 Comments

aidsstatue.jpgThis year Toronto is the proud host of the largest HIV/AIDS conference in the world. Beginning this Sunday, the event will have an estimated 20,000 participants and wil include such keynote speakers as Bill Clinton and Bill and Melinda Gates (who recently donated $500 Million dollars to the global fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria).

People venture from all over the world to attend the conference which includes a film festival of HIV/AIDS-themed movies, related visual art and photography exhibitions, poetry and prose readings, theatrical performances, author sessions and panel discussions. There will also be art events in galleries and museums all around the city and live performances by Alicia Keys, Barenaked Ladies, Blue Man Group and many others. It is awesome to have this event happening in our own city and may not be back in Toronto again for a long time. So go on out this week and share in the awareness.

Simpsons Author Joins the Green Room

- Vanessa King

simpsons.bmpThe Green Room is a BBC series of opinion based articles about environmental issues. In a recent issue George Meyer, long time writer for the Simpsons, talks about his take on humainty and our struggle to save the environment. I found it to be really poignant and funny.

 “Let’s be real: even a well-planned move to Jupiter would be stressful, and tough on relationships. For this reason alone, we should not turn the earth into an apocalyptic hellscape.”

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