Rock or Rave t-shirt winners We were inundated by rockers and ravers all dying to get their hands on our amazing t-shirts. We asked you which you preferred and why: rock or rave. Here are the winners’ responses, firstly those who said ROCK: ‘Because Rock rhymes with sock, and some socks are really coool like the ones with sheep on. But Rave rhymes with cave and caves are dark and scary, and even make dragons cry; dragon tears.’ Lewis Terry ‘Because if I hadn’t been rocking quite as much at the Killers performance I wouldn't have fallen flat on my back in the mud but wouldn't have had such a memorable yet muddy time at Glastonbury!’ Amanda Graham ‘Cos there’s nothing like a good mosh in a seriously muddy pit...and let’s face it, without Rock, Paper and Scissors would be lonely.’ Lara Groves And the RAVERS: ‘Because raving’s so much more fun in the mud with wellies on! (Ref: Dance Tents, Glasto 2007).’ Philip Auger ‘Glowsticks are carbon-free lighting!’ A green energy solution from Octavia Young And there is this response from Lucy Tate. Cheers Lucy, interesting train of thought there… ‘I have tried to fill this in about 5 times now and every time I start writing about how I like one, I change my mind as I think of a better reason to like the other. how am I supposed to choose? I have been pondering for quite a while now however, and I have decided to settle on RAVE... although I love rock, I just think im a raver. (by the way, if I make a spelling mistake does that inhibit my chances, because i do have trouble with spelling)... well, as i was saying, rave is my choice. i think the word 'RAVE' just generally gives very positive connotations, gives a sense of energy. and togetherness. like everyone is raving together. and i think that's a good way to go through life... together and with energy. and i know its really stereotypical and offensive but when people say the word 'ROCK' to me, i get a picture in my mind of fat, middle aged bikers, with tattoos and long hair who swear alot and have BO problms. but when you say 'RAVE' to me i think of parties and fun and colour and flashing lights, like the bit out of 'The Matrix Reloaded' when they're all in the caves having a good time and that generally is much more appealling. (if whoever is reading this hasn't seen the matrix reloaded before, don't bother watching it cos its really boring and wierd. i only watched it cos my brother was and i had nothing better to do) i wonder if anyone else has written as much as i have. i feel like im going off the piont a bit. my point is, that to rave is really fun and laidback and easygoing but can be quite intense and hardcore, and dancing is good exercise and good fun. Anyway, i think the person reading this will probably be bored by now so ill stop, and whoever is reading this, have a nice day!! Thanks x x’ posted at 9:53 AM | Permalink 0 comments

Glasto CD comp winners Kaiser Chiefs at Glastonbury 2007. Photo Pete Axford/Oxfam Congratulations to Mark Roberts, Sophie Blinstrub and Kim Gardner who all knew that we are asking people at festivals to make the I Count pledge. Each of them wins a massive stack of CDs from top Glastonbury acts so they can relive the music without the mud - enjoy! posted at 1:33 PM | Permalink 0 comments

Oxfam, Prince William - and 40,000 scouts All this week, volunteers from Oxfam are at the World Scout Jamboree, telling over 40,000 young people from around the world how climate change is hitting poor people first and worst. We'll have updates throughout the week from our campaigners - Anna tells us how they're getting on: "Today is the first official day, although we’ve been on site for five days already, building our exhibition and learning our way around this massive event. The opening ceremony was amazing. It’s hard to explain how it feels to be sat in a field with 40,000 scouts from 155 countries. It’s very colourful – most of the scouts wear a national uniform – and very, very noisy! Everyone has a strong sense of pride in their nationality, but there’s also a real feeling of togetherness. The theme of this jamboree is One World, One Promise: a movement united across the globe by their Scout Promise, and by the promise of a better world. Many of the scouts have come huge distances to participate – Australia, Brazil and China seem to be very well represented. Some have come despite really difficult circumstances, including groups from Sudan, Chad, Palestine and Zimbabwe. Today really brought home to me that scouting is more than a hobby for many scouts, and this jamboree will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for all of us. Before the opening ceremony, we were lucky enough to meet Ed Miliband (left), head of the Cabinet Office, who came for a look around our exhibition. I chatted to Ed about Oxfam’s work on climate change and the role of young people in creating a better world. He seemed genuinely interested, and he even signed a pledge card to help stop climate change and end poverty. I also managed to catch a glimpse of Prince William (above, right) as he toured the site, accompanied by masses of photographers and security. It was very carefully orchestrated, and it made me wonder how often he has a chance to really get to know the people he meets. It seemed quite a contrast from the rest of the jamboree, which is all about making friends from across the world, and swapping ideas and experiences." More photos on Flickr >> posted at 10:05 AM | Permalink 0 comments

Oxfam at the World Scout Jamboree 2007 It’s not just woggles and rubbing sticks – the scouts are supporting Oxfam’s work on climate change at their whopping world jamboree, which starts tomorrow. The event, to celebrate 100 years of being prepared, will be attended by around 40,000 scouts and scout leaders from around the globe, who will spend what is bound to be a damp week under canvas at Hylands Park, Essex. If you thought the scouting movement was a thing of the past you’d be wrong. The organisation is massive - there are about 400,000 scouts in the UK alone, and over 28 million worldwide. Founded originally as a way for Edwardian boys to have fresh air and fun, these days the scouts (both male and female) are more relevant to today’s multicultural society and can explore faiths and beliefs as well as learning about important issues facing the world. As part of the World Jamboree event, the scouts have organised a Global Development Village, where Oxfam and other organisations will have exhibitions showing what people can do to end poverty and protect the environment. Scouts will be able to learn more about climate change and we’ll be asking them to pledge to take action – it could be something as simple as recycling, or switching a light off. Find out more >> posted at 10:03 AM | Permalink 0 comments

Stereotypes: join the debate Are you a happy hippy that loves to hug trees and eat tofu? Or maybe you look like a goth but actually prefer Mozart to Marilyn Manson. Read what our Your Say writers think about stereotyping: Emma Fowler gives her take on being an unconventional hippy whilst Danni Thompson is proud to represent a stereotype. Whether or not you conform to a stereotype, how does it feel to be stereotyped? Do you enjoy challenging people’s perceptions of you or are you fed up of being banned from town centres just for wearing your hoodie? What do you think? Join our debate and add your comments below. posted at 10:20 AM | Permalink 1 comments

Get 250 quid for your Oxjam event and get on XFM XFM and Oxfam have teamed up to offer 200 of you £250 towards the cost of putting on your Oxjam event. The money could be spent on anything from venue hire and paying a soundman to printing up flyers and posters for your event. As well as the cash, bands performing at the 200 XFM Oxjam shows will also have the chance to be featured on XFM during October. DJ John Kennedy, the station’s champion of new music, said: “This is a fantastic way for the stars of tomorrow to get themselves in the spotlight at the same time as doing their bit to fight poverty around the world.” The events are being funded by v, the youth volunteering charity whose mission is to inspire a new generation of volunteers through activities such as music. More info and how to apply >> posted at 10:27 AM | Permalink 0 comments

Be green and get into Leeds and Reading festivals free! Yes that's right, you can get into Leeds or Reading festivals absolutely free, by joining an army of ‘green messengers’ encouraging people to act responsibly. Mean Fiddler - the organisation behind Leeds and Reading – wants festival goers to think about the environment by not burning their tents and possessions when they leave the site. For anyone who wants to apply the application deadline has now been extended to 27 July. To volunteer you will need to pay a deposit by cheque of £145 which will be reimbursed once you have completed your shifts. And don’t worry if you have already bought your tickets, you can still apply and be paid for your shifts. Find out more and apply now >> posted at 10:09 AM | Permalink 0 comments

Walking 100km to end poverty Over 400 teams braved the elements this weekend to compete in Oxfam’s biggest ever Trailwalker. The event - to raise funds for Oxfam and the Gurka Welfare Trust - is a 100 kilometre day and night walk across the South Downs. Despite a massive thunderstorm, the walkers soldiered on throughout the night. The winning team QGS 1 crossed the finish line in an impressive 10 hours, 37 minutes and 8 seconds - nice one. Respect to everyone who took part. Did you take part? View and share your Trailwalker pics here >> posted at 11:39 AM | Permalink 0 comments

Join the veggie debate Are you a veggie or a carnivore? It’s an argument that’s been going on for years. Not only is being vegetarian supposedly better for your health, it has environmental benefits too. Read both sides of the argument from our Your Say writers and then have your say. Victoria is vegetarian and proud and says it is the best way to save the planet, whereas Peter loves his meat and he’s not afraid to say so. What do you think? Join our debate and add your comments below. posted at 4:06 PM | Permalink 6 comments

Live Earth On Saturday 07/07/07 a monumental music extravaganza will take place across the globe to raise awareness about climate change – Live Earth. Organiser, former US Vice President Al Gore, is hoping to achieve the same scale of awareness that Live 8 did in 2005 to put pressure on the G8. Live Earth will bring together more than 2 billion people to combat the climate crisis. The top line-up will include: Madge, Razorlight and the Black Eyed Peas at Wembley, Lenny Kravitz and Pharrell in Rio, Kanye West and Akon in NYC and Snoop Dogg over in Hamburg. 24 hours of music will span seven continents, with concerts also taking place in Johannesburg, Shanghai, Tokyo and Sydney. Profits will go to the Alliance for Climate Protection. The aim of Live Earth is to deliver a call to action to combat the climate crisis. In addition to raising awareness of global warming, the Live Earth Call to Action will urge people to demand that their country joins an international treaty within the next two years (to cut carbon emissions by 90% in developed countries) and to convince people to take personal action by reducing individual CO2 pollution and offsetting the rest to become ‘carbon neutral’. More about Oxfam and climate change >> posted at 2:47 PM | Permalink 1 comments

Tony talks One of the last things Tony Blair did whilst in office was to send a response to our G8 Wait campaign. Over 6,500 of you waited for him, and other world leaders, to respond to their promises made about poverty at Gleneagles in 2005. Mr Blair responded with encouragement for the campaign; “We would not have achieved what we did - at Gleneagles or Heiligendamm - without campaigns like G8 Wait, so please continue to hold leaders to account. Working together, we can and will make poverty history.” Thanks to all of you who joined the campaign, even Tony agrees they really do work. Watch the video and read the full response >> posted at 12:05 PM | Permalink 0 comments

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