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Nick's prototype articles
Hi David... I just thought I'd borrow my family for the purposes of these articles :) If you want something different, tell me. P.S. These are real things and you can let Markle know it will be no problem to actually do things like this.
1.Protection for our Oceans
Over the last 30 years, the world's oceans have faced growing threats. As technology improves, we can exploit resources from deeper and deeper under the water. But sometimes this risks destroying fragile environments and special fish. Today, Australia is at the forefront of Ocean management - taking into account the sometimes conflicting goals of Industry and Nature. This involves negociating between governments and is based on new principles of international law that say everyone in the world - whether you live on an Island, or a land-locked nation, owns the sea. My step-aunt, Bernadette O'Neil is the Director of Marine Consultation and Communication for the Australain Federal Government, and what follows is an interview with her...etc etc Bernie will join Nation1 for a chat at @504 tomorrow, click here... etc etc.
Related site: http://www.oceans.gov.au
2. When school fails, where do you go?
Barry is a 15 year-old teenager from Melbourne. Barry is my friend.
He doesn't like school and he's leaving at the end of the year, two years before the end of highschool. The problem is that youth unemployment is at record levels, and without practical skills OR even highschool qualifications, Barry is chance of getting a job is just about zero. Especially when he turns 18 and becomes expensive to employ. Recognizing that the problem that is youth unemployment, and as part of an effort to make my state of Victoria a 'knowledge hub', the government has recently done a lot of research to work out how they can provide alternative ways of learning that Barry might find enjoyable and relevant. My step-mum, Pam, is a member of the implementation team and she says "blah blah blah" and "blah blah blah". Barry says "Blah Blah". Hopefully, this will make a difference.
NOTE: The government of Victoria wants to hear your views. Fill our this survey (click) and chat to Pam and other young people at @734 (click). Tell them how you think school should change.
Related link: http://www.deet.vic.gov.au/postcomp.htm
3. When Nien Diem came to Australia from Vietnam, she was escaping from the what she believed was certain death. She was looking for a better life for herself and her four children. But today, she works 18 hours a day at home, making caps and t-shirts for Nike. When they get home from school, her children help too. Not only are these bad conditions - they're illegal. Michelle O'Neil (my step-aunt) is the Secretary of the Textile Clothing and Footwear Union, which has recently been payed thousands of dollars by Nike in an out-of-court settlement. Nike had broken an agreement with the Union which mandated proper and safe working conditions. She says it's the first time Nike has ever been successfully challenged in Court over it's employment practices. "blah blah blah" says Michelle. "blah blah blah" says Nien. "blah blah and no comment" says Nike. Nien and Michelle will join young home-based workers from around the world in Nation1 Chat at @294 TODAY. They are also available as Adult Mentors for young home-based workers. Link to related site: http://vic.uca.org.au/fairwear/nikearchive.htm
http://www.nike.com