Newsletter, July 21, 2006
From Tribewanted
Contents |
When Bengazi met Bernsen
It's only 10am but the sun is already steaming up the valley between downtown Los Angeles and the infamous districts of Beverly Hills and Hollywood as Bengazi waits to meet Corbin Bernsen. Of Major League and LA Law fame, Corbin is a familiar face in this part of the world, he is currently working on a hugely successful series called 'Psych' which requires commuting to Toronto every so often. When Corbin isn't playing the role of a retired police officer, he works on developing his business, Public Media Works, as well as throwing himself into ideas and projects that inspire him.
Today Corbin is helping build the tribe. After reading about tribewanted in USA Today, Corbin called us and wanted to know how he could get involved. A fan of the idea that online communities can actually have a positive, real world purpose, as well as being a carpenter by trade, Corbin loves the idea that tribewanted is, as he says "doing something positive and real at a time where there is so much turmoil in the world."
Corbin and I spend the day on the phone to magazines, papers and radio stations enthusing about tribewanted. It's fascinating to sit next to someone who is so passionate and articulate about turning an idea into reality and who believes completely in the potential of what we can achieve. Corbin has some great ideas for tribewanted and I'm sure you will be able to chat with him very soon at Vorovoro HQ.
A very good morning (America)
ABC's studios look straight out across Times Square. Each window is a reflection of another flashing billboard. Inside the studio flowers are arranged in orange vases, 'GMA' plasmas hang off the set and everywhere you look there's one of those TV sofas. We don't get a sofa. The tribewanted team of Shatoka, Kate, Speerfish, Sara Jane and I are seated in a 2-3 formation in the middle of the studio floor whilst cameras swing in front of us and a triple-plasma of Vorovoro footage slides in behind us. We all sat their staring at those screens – was that where we were going? Is that where I am going on next week? The pulse quickens.
"You guys are so the most relaxed interviewees we've ever had." The producer smiles and turns away. Does she mean that? Shouldn't we be relaxed? Then I see the autocue and the opening line of anchor Bill Wyats introduction to our interview, "How would you like to get LOST for real?" Ah! Ok, think…3 key messages – Adventure, community, environment. Get them across whatever he asks. "So what is tribewanted all about?" Easy. "tribewanted is a unique global project….an adventure of a lifetime…myspace with a real space." I can answer that question all day.
The rest of the interview flies by; the guys do brilliantly, give off loads of energy and get all the important points across. We celebrate with an all American breakfast at the nearest diner.
Sun Air Deal for Tribe
We now have a deal with SUN AIR (who out-bartered air Fiji). They are offering all tribe members a special tribe rate of $299FJD rtn from Nadi to Labasa (just under £100 - divide by 3).
Normal price online is about $450 - so this is a big saving.
All you need to do to book a flight is email (deleted) and in the subject write: Tribewanted Flights. Send you name, flight arrival and when you want to connect.
There are two daily flights from Nadi - 7am and 2.30pm. So you can either connect directly from your early international flight or you can spend a night in Nadi and head up the next day.
You will have to prove you're a tribe member when you check in (tribal passport comes in handy). You pay when you check in not when you book.
Sun Air will then pass on the bookings so that we pick you up in Labasa and take you to Vorovoro.
Certified to Rock! (Foreign Investment Registration Certificate)
As if by coincidence for Bengazi's arrival, we received a certificate from the Fiji Trade Investment Bureau (yawn) to 'provide short stay accommodation for tribe members' and 'eco-sustainable lifestyle development'!!!
So there you go - this was something we applied for a long-time ago and were worried that Fiji time would kick in and slow down progress. It basically means we now have permits to employ local skilled labour and services and can jump through all the red tape out here a lot easier. It may not interest many of you - but its v.important news for the tribewanted project.
On the certificate they do mention the "Tribewanted TV series", maybe they think the next series of Lost is about to hit their shores!!! This was a mistake on their behalf, but as mentioned before Shine TV are working on a documentary series that will record the incredible tribewanted journey for a wider audience to experience.
Back to Vorovoro with Ulai
"Bula sia everyone. Here we are back in my hometown. It is so small that I walked into Tui Mali meeting the provincial administrator talking endlessly about tribewanted on Vorovoro - regarding the logistics from the government's perspective.
I just wanted you to know that everyone here is really excited and surprisingly we are recognised on the street and asked about the tribewanted on Vorovoro.
So now we are going to Vorovoro to formally sketch out the plans of the tribal living area for you and to get more thoughts from Tui Mali about the start of the project.
I have just met this morning the Environmental Consultant and we are just about ready to commission the final report - they spent the day on Vorovoro last Friday checking out the site, photographing and noting the flora and fauna.
Anyway, it's all happening fast and Bengazi and I have a lot of work to do - look forward to giving you all an update very soon. Back from Vorovoro in 30 hours so see you online then tribe."
Ulai (Tui Mali's nephew and tribewanted's Fijian Community Boss man!)
And so they gathered
Primrose Hill, London
This was definitely the biggest gathering so far with about 30-40 in attendance, from the fully signed up - to the inquisitive onlookers who ventured into our tribal gazebo to find out more!
The sun was beautiful, the hill windy (the gazebo survived!) and the company perfect. Many friendships which started on the forum were confirmed in the flesh and everyone was so excited about all things tribewanted. It was touching to see the passion in people and the bonds that had formed in a matter of months for most, weeks for some.
New York
After a fantastic time at GMA a tribal gathering in the evening was the perfect way to finish the day! The members chose a great bar with a jungle themed roof top terrace which mad us feel right at home in our Tribal gear. Marilyn brought some great 'goodies' with her including shot glasses to wear round our necks, whilst others made sure that the whole bar knew about Tribewanted by handed out a number of cards and wrist bracelets.
September Chief finally announced
After much discussion, deliberation and ultimately learning here at tribal HQ we are delighted to announce that Warren Wright who was original voted in as September Chief will be there to represent you, the tribe from the September the 1st. Check out your first chief here.
Link to Warren Wright's original chief application Video
If you didn't get round to voting on this keep an eye out for future voting opportunities that will be coming your way soon, such as:
Tribewanted T-shirt design competition October Chief nominations
So much is going on as we build towards the 'first footers' visiting Vorovoro, it seems that around the world interest is growing in a project that is bringing real people together with their faults, failings, skills, experiences and passion in order to turn a mere idea into an inredible global reality.
We will keep you posted,
Tribewanted HQ
