News Skill Shot Zine

In these days of political and commercial competition for world dominance, a renewed struggle has emerged between Russia and the United States. However, whilst the two superpowers are busy grappling for position on matters of energy, national defense, sovereignty, and concepts of democracy, there are private initiatives underway to bring these two great nations together. This is through the medium of creativity and specifically, joint efforts in the creation of films about common issues to the people of both countries.

Recently completed, and now internationally released, the film entitled Captivity (directed by Roland Joffe, A RAMCO production, Serge Konov “The Konov Principle”) was just such a venture. Filmed entirely in Moscow at Mosfilm, the work was a great collaboration between the two film interests of Hollywood and Moscow, and indeed, between Russians and Americans.

A new film under production from the same group, entitled Finding t.A.T.u. is a work that tackles issues facing the youth in both countries, and indeed, in most countries around the world. The problems surrounding coming of age and the peer pressure concerning sex, drugs and individual identity are exhaustively examined in this film.

Finding t.A.T.u. is the story of a lonely American girl who finds herself in Moscow, and befriends another lonely girl on the internet. They share a common bond through the music and lyrics of singing duo t.A.T.u (a gay or bisexual singing duo), and meet in person to attend a t.A.T.u concert.

However, there are also many other factors involved, which are all brilliantly presented by director Joffe; especially focusing on the choices young people have to make today, with both the obvious, and the unexpected consequences ensuing. One of the pivotal characters in the film is played by Igor Desyatnikov. This character acts as a metaphor for those decisions that must be made in loyalty-logic conflicts whether it’s exercising one’s right to free choice or simply following a pre-destined fate.

These factors are crucial to American and Russian youth, and that the film covers them in a collaborative view is impressive. “Cooperation and not conflict between these two great countries is the real issue here”, said Konov in one discussion. He continued, “Through artistic expression, the souls of all people really speak”. Putting his philosophy to practical application, RAMCO has several more large-scale projects in the planning stage.

Finding t.A.T.u. is scheduled to be released sometime in 2008, and further projects will have been commenced prior to its release date. One of the other producers, an American named Stephan Nemeth, was quoted as saying, “This film clearly demonstrates the cooperative potential between Russians and Americans. Our similarities are exploited for enhanced benefit, and our differences viewed in a new light, bringing added tolerance and understanding. It’s a total win win situation”

Indeed, if there were more projects like Finding t.A.T.u. where Russians and Americans are working side by side in a creative effort, one can quickly understand the potential of drawing people together from these two great nations.

One of the largest networks for broadcasting in the world, the BBC brings forward programs that are not only entertaining but are informative, educational and accurate as well. With an output of 120 hours on a daily basis, B C News is a quasi autonomous body and is run on the guidelines as provided by the Royal Charter. They have the bandwidth and the sources to collect information from across the world on any subject that they wish to investigate or probe. Along with news B C also has a network of channels that cover sports, current affairs, entertainment and luxury.

One of the most popular channels under the BBC network umbrella is BB C Worldwide. This arm is run in accordance with the BBC Charter and agreement which outlines its commercial criteria’s as well as activities that they must observe. This channel provides a global platform for British artists, actors, journalists, painters, chefs, designers and presenters ad well as technicians. They have been given the Queens Award for the exemplary contribution that they have made in the field of television and the worldwide acclaim that they have brought to the BBC.

Sports news is brought to the viewers through the b c sports news. BBC sports news covers all the activities that go on in the world of sports. From covering news from major sporting events such as football, rugby, motorsports, cycling, tennis, boxing, snooker, cricket, golf and athletics, they also cover the Paralympics and equestrian sports such as the derby as well. As the sister website of BBC News Online, the BBC sports website was launched in November 1997. Each page of this website is thoroughly researched by a team of journalists who are based in the main newsroom of the BBC centre located in the west of London. Many correspondents based worldwide also contribute significantly to this arm of BBC news.

This sports site is produced by BBC Sport. BBC Sports covers many large sporting events across the world and gives sports updates, reviews, statistical data and analysis, performer reviews, coverage guides and any other sporting information that one would possibly be looking out for. All these articles are well researched as well as accurate. Along with this statistical information, BBC Sport also bring to its viewers all the drama and information about their popular and favorite sports stars. BBC Sport also lists out the important sporting dates in the yearly calendar.

The BBC network is funded by the license fee that is given by all the households in the United Kingdom. With this fee the network provides 8 national television channels, forty local radio stations, 10 national radio stations and an exhaustive website. They currently face competition only from Sky news as a competitor channel because of their new appeal and coverage.

BBC News is currently headed by Helen Boaden who, after the merger between BBC and the BBC Journalism group, continued her role as the Director of this arm.

In some ways South Africa is different from the rest of Africa as there is less poverty and strife here. South Africa is home to some of the most spectacular game reserves and landscapes. Considered as the adventure capital of the world, South Africa offers many pleasures from the Gold Reef city in Johannesburg to hiking across the scenic route of N12.

It is known as the rainbow nation and has a diverse range of activities to offer and places to see. One of the most popular destinations in South Africa is the Kruger National Park, which is the icon of African Safari.

The Kruger National park is home to several lion prides, herds of wild elephants and thousands of other small and bid animals and birds. From spotting the elusive leopard at Sabi Sands to watching the lion pride enjoy a meal in the Mala Mala, this national park is one fairy tale ride. The Sun City and the Garden route are two attractions that you can afford to miss. The garden route is a natural theme park that is home to Dolphins and whales and if you are lucky enough, you might end up with a pearl of your own.

Why Volunteer In South Africa

South Africa lies deep in a myriad of colors that vary from the different cultures to the different flora and fauna that lies in the heart of this magnificent country.

Types Of Projects Available in South Africa

As a part of volunteering in South Africa, you will get to choose the kind of project you are interested in. The different types if projects available include:

- Wild Coast wildlife conservation project: This is one of a kind project, which will bring out the best in you. As a part of volunteering in South Africa, you will be surrounded by the stunning and awe-inspiring wild coast that stretches from Durban to East London. Situated in the Transkei homeland, it has some dramatic coastlines and will including working at the base camp as well as on the field. The age requirement for this project varies from 18-40 years.

As a part of volunteering in South Africa, you will get different opportunities to work with wildlife under this project. You will get the opportunity to learn about the South African big cats and other wildlife during your stay. The different activities that you will be involved with as a part of volunteering in South Africa includes:

1. Patrolling the fence and looking for and removing snares and any other threat to the wildlife. Also assist in fence management as well as maintenance.

2. Assist in removing any alien vegetation and help towards controlling soil erosion

3. Wildlife research as well as monitoring their activity

4. Interaction with the locals and other monitoring activity of elephants

5. Working at the rearing centre for lion cubs

6. Attending as well as giving lectures on environmental issues and wildlife management

7. Participating in bush walks and taking game drives to help in identification of different species and interpreting their behaviors.

8. Assisting in cultivation of indigenous plants in a nursery. These plants will later on be used for rehabilitating the erosion sites.

9. Creating a catalogue of birds by monitoring their activity, breeding and behaviors.

- Wildlife Research and Rehabilitation: As a part of volunteering in South Africa, you will be handling different wildlife research activities. You will be assisting field supervisors in the following:

1. Capturing of wild animals for collar tags and releasing them in the wild.

2. Observing complex procedures done on wild animals especially if they are injured

3. Grooming horses

4. Rehabilitation work on various animals including lions and cheetahs

5. Learning the coastal systems as well as the ecology and developing an understanding of the coastal dynamics

6. Assisting other volunteers and staff on various local community projects

7. Working with experienced staff in wildlife identification and identifying behavioral changes

Volunteer in South Africa Requirements

Age: The minimum age for volunteering in South Africa should be 18 or older.

Volunteer in South Africa Fee and Other details

There is a fee attached to each of the projects that you volunteer for. The fee is charged in advance and is charged for the following:

1. Accommodation

2. Emergency evacuation services

3. Food/meals

4. Travel insurance

5. Transportation within the region

6. Emergency support

7. All types of training material

8. Supervision by local staff

9. Orientation on arrival

10. Local sightseeing & recreational activities

Conclusion

South Africa is one of the magnificent countries in Africa that has abundance of flora and fauna. Volunteering in South Africa will provide you with limitless opportunities and it will be highly rewarding experience.