debate issue 22, 2010
DESCRIPTION
Debate Issue 22, 2010 Cover designed by Nuthon PhengsathonTRANSCRIPT
ISSUE 22 2010 1
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010
AUCKLAND UNI GLEE CLUB
INTERVIEW WITH LUGER BOA
REFLECTIONS ON VIETNAM
VIDEO GAMES- BETTER THAN LIFE?
2
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ISSUE 22 2010 3
editorSamantha McQueen
designerNonavee Dale
sub editorJared Van Huenen
contributorsMike Atkins | Sonia Aurelio | AuSM | Jo Barker | Hayley Burrows | Adam Collier | Alicia Crocket | Selena La Fleur | Vinny Francesco | Tenani French | AJ Hall | Natalie Hampshire | Brendan Kelly | Stephanie Lai | Moon Lee | Mathew St. Martin | Ming Ngoc To | Scott Moyes | Soo Park | Nuthon Phengsathon | John Probert | Heather Rutherford | Tamsyn
Solomon | Nicola Stephenson
advertising contactKate Campbell
publisherAuSM – Auckland Student Movement @ AUT (Inc.)
printerPMP Print Ltd.
all rights reserved.This publication is entitled to the full protection given by the Copyright Act 1994 (“the Act”) to the holders of the copyright, being AUCKLAND STUDENT MOVEMENT AT AUCKLAND UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED (“AuSM”). Reproduction, storage or display of any part of this publication by any process, electronic or otherwise (except for the educational purposes specified in the Act) without express permission is a break of the copyright of the publisher and will be prosecuted accordingly. Inquiries seeking permission to reproduce should
be addressed to AuSM.
disclaimerMaterial contained in this publication does not necessarily represent the views or opinions of AuSM, its advertisers, contributors, PMP Print or its
subsidiaries.
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4 AuSM Gig Guide 5 Editorial 6 Creative Corner 8 News 9 Abseiling Photos10 Sport11 How To / Recipe12 Immigration Debate13 AuSM Update14 Glee Club15 Reflections in Vietnam16 The Technological System18 Video Games features19 North Shore Stereotypes20 Bus Tips / The Future of TV21 Angelina Jolie22 Luger Boa Interview24 Quiz / Website of the Week25 Columns26 Suggestions / Horoscopes27 Agony Aunt / DVD giveaway28 Fashion Week Diaries29 Retail Review30 Reviews33 Spot the Difference34 Micro-celebs
on the coverThe Hamburger Tower
Nuthon Phengsathon
ISSUE 22this issue of
4
Mon 27 SeptemberFree Feed: ManukauSausage or Falafel on bread with fruitDodgeball 12-2pm at ManukauMonteiths Monday at Vesbar Free pool from 6pm
Tues 28 SeptemberFree Feed: North ShoreVege Fried Noodles and fruitVesbar Pub Quiz 6pmWin bar tabs and spot prizesFutsal Champs North Shore Gym 5-7pmNetball LeagueNorth Shore Gym 7-8pm
Wed 29 SeptemberVesbar hearts StudentsFood and beer combo just $7.50 all day
Turbo Touch & Handball 1pm & 12pm North Shore Gym Futsal Champs North Shore Gym 5-7pmNetball LeagueNorth Shore Gym 7-8pm
Thurs 30 SeptemberFree Feed: CityVege Fried Noodles and fruitSocial Touch GameManukau Campus 2-4pm$8 jug day @ VesbarDJ from 530pm
Fri 1 OctoberWorld Vegetarian DayHug a veggie
Sun 3 OctoberAuSM Rugby SevensHato Petera College
Coming Soon
Octoberfest@ VesbarSausage, beer maidens, oompah band and steinsBreakers Open Day 10 October at North Shore Events CentreArt in the dark15 to 16 October from 7pmwww.artinthedark.co.nzLabour Day 25 October AuSM Exam De-stress Zone26-28 October WC202Vesbar Halloween Party29 OctoberHolidays for everyoneFrom 12 November
For more Info on these events email:
[email protected] or visit:
www.ausm.org.nz
Vote for your favourite lecturer!
www.ausm.org.nz
vote
ISSUE 22 2010 5
Writing an editorial is a very self-indulgent and narcissistic task. Every week,
before the news, reviews, recipes, interviews and puzzles, there is a page filled of my thoughts and opinions about everything from scandalous politics to drunk and drug-addled celebrities to Auckland’s sporadic weather. Like most, I enjoy talking about me a bit (with the not so occasional mum references), but sometimes, the thought of churning out 600 words from the bizarre organ that is my brain is a little overwhelming. You would think that after 21 editorials over 22 issues I would be used to it, but no, it’s still as daunting as ever when I sit down at my over- cluttered desk to put pen to paper (or more appropriately, fingers to keyboard).
It’s a fine line trying to figure out what is appropriate and what is not. I try not to be too informative, because if you wanted to read a commentary about the state of the media, you’d buy a newspaper or subscribe to The New York Times. Plus, I don’t consider myself a very serious person most of the time. Sure, there are topics that hit a nerve and make me want to scream, but I try to keep that to myself. I don’t want to come off as preachy, saying that I’m right (even though those who know me at all will know that’s one of my star qualities) but I still want readers to feel like they know a bit about me. I want them to be able to wave and say hi at me when they see me walking across the quad or flick me an email just to say howdy.
So I’ve decided this email should take a little bit of a personal turn this week. Don’t worry, I’m not going to go all “Dear Diary” on your ass and use my last remaining words as a chance to whine about everything that angsty diary-writers do. Although, that would make for a great editorial topic (mental note made). Most of you should have gathered that I’m a bit of a hopeless romantic. My DVD collection hosts some of the world’s sappiest movies known to man and I audibly “awww” whenever I see old people or young children holding hands or stealing kisses. Last year for an assignment, I made a website that was all about romance films (got an A- on it too!). I’ll also (shamefully) admit that I’ve used the line “if you’re a bird, I’m a bird” and I wasn’t being funny, ironic or sarcastic. I know, sometimes even I despise me.
There is a point to this story, I promise. This week, I’m packing my oversized suitcase and heading to Christchurch. Christchurch, you ask? Didn’t they have some kind of natural disaster recently? Yes, it may be as stable as Lindsay Lohan’s acting career right now, but I’ve been frequenting Christchurch every month or so for almost four years. Why (Ooo, here’s the point of this little romantic revelation!)? The truth is, I travel 800ish kms (each way) every month for… a boy. Yes, I have just confirmed myself as the ultimate romantic cliché. I have been part of a long distance relationship for 43 out of the last 48 months. I know, someone should make a movie about me (and no, it won’t be anything like Going the Distance).
Reading back, this does seem very diary-like, but I wanted to share with you faithful readers that even though I sound like a spinster, with a depressing movie collection and lacking a cat, I’m really not.
I’m away most of this week, soaking up the South Island air for the last time this year, but I promise next week, I’ll be better behaved. Maybe I’ll try convert you all to Harry Potter?
RECEPTIONCity CampusLevel 2, WC Building 921 9805 8am-5 pm Mon-Thurs 8am-3.30pm Fri
North Shore CampusLevel 2, AS Building 921 9949 8.30am-3pm Mon-Fri
Manukau CampusMB107 921 9999 ext 66729am-3:30pm Mon-Thurs
MANAGEMENTSue HigginsGeneral Manager 921 9999 ext 5111 [email protected]
REPRESENTATIONVeronica Ng LamAuSM Student President 921 9999 ext 8571 [email protected]
ADVOCACYNick BuckbyLiaison Manager 921 9999 ext 8379 [email protected]
MARKETINGRebecca WilliamsMarketing Manager 921 9999 ext 8909 [email protected]
EVENTSBarry SmithEvents Team Leader 921 9999 ext 8931 [email protected]
MEDIASamantha McQueenPublications Co-ordinator 921 9999 ext 8774 [email protected]
SPORTSMelita MartoranaSports Team Leader 921 9999 ext 7259 [email protected]
VESBARZane ChaseVesbar Manager 921 9999 ext 8378 [email protected]
For a full list of contact details plus profiles of AuSM staff and student executive visit: www.ausm.org.nz
s ent
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66
Ideas Unvoiced, Voiced by Sonia Aurelio
Lonely hours Spent wading through mess
Sigh at the mere thought Of your sweet caress
Truly emerged in passion and faith
Ties and bounds to you Feel nothing but safe
The time
Time spent pursuing you
Only ever met boundaries smothered in depression
I’m through
!"#$%!!&$'()*+,#$!-$./$0-1,#2)+* Leave me drowning in suppression
You suffocate me Unwillingly
Embracing your charm
Only your past affect leaves me speechless
Weak
One moment of clarity All that I seek
But a passion
So beautiful, wonderful but wrong
Leaves the lengths of my love for youUndoubtedly strong
by Sonia Aurelio
by Minh Ngoc / To dream by b Minh Ngoc / To dream Minh Ng / To d
by Tamsyn Solomon / Dragon dream by b Tamsyn Solomon / Dragon dream T Solo / D dr6
ISSUE 22 2010 7
ISSUE 22 2010 7
The Rain Falls by AJ Hall
Drops turn cracks into torrents Silt is no longer dust on empty streets but a speck of something that had been before headed for new beginnings
Flurry around me in the night, The rain falls up to greet my face; this life is coming at me
Don’t quicken pace to escape the rainImmersed in the present, let me not forget thisThe view from the tarmac is more real than the window...
Mind’s eye awash with ideas of new; this wet moment forces patience Just what this time needsDamp under my feet
Grounded.
by AJ Hall
WALLSTREET ABSEILING CRICKET GAMES COMEDY
GLEE BUS LUGERBOA TVSHOWS ANGELINA
by Soo Park / Illicit Angel by Soo Park / Illicit Angel
88
Winning first prize at any competition is tough, but AUT fashion graduate Sandra Tupu managed to take home not only top prize at the Westfield Style Pasifika Fashion Awards earlier this month, but the runner-up award as well.
Mother-of-four Tapu (45), who graduated from AUT in 2009, won the supreme award for a three piece outfit, Tatau, using materials which included recycled cotton flour bags old picnic and army blankets, merino and calico.
Her menswear collection, which was awarded the runner-up prize, was also inspired by tatau, which means Samoan tattoo.
“The art of tatau is deeply embedded into Samoan culture and history and my collection explores this. It’s part of my heritage, my inspiration and my passion,” Sandra said.
“The traditional shape of the tatau, when unwrapped from the body represents the Pe’a – the
Samoan flying bat. I took the physical bat shape and played around with it - creating some interesting drape shapes in parts of the garments. Drape is generally only used in women’s wear so it was a real challenge to keep a masculine look.”
Judge Denise L’Estrange-Corbet said Sandra’s pieces were “modern” and had “quirky twists” and said if they were in a shop people would buy them.
“It shows the strength of the collection. She was a stand-out winner.” L’Estrange-Corbet said.
This is the second year in a row that a former AUT fashion student has won the Supreme Award at Westfield Style Pasifika, but it wasn’t the only win AUT had on the day.
Blair Archibald was runner-up to Tupu in the Max Three Piece Collection of Day Wear category. He was featured in debate’s fashion pages earlier this year and last week, he showed his collection at NZ Fashion Week.
Tapu took home $5000 in prize money ($3000 for first prize, $2000 for runner-up), plus two return tickets to the Pacific.
AUT wins not once, but thrice at Pasifika fashion awards
Inspiring academic success within Maori and Pasifika students is the number one goal for I-MAPS, a new initiative designed within the faculty of business and law.
I-MAPS (Inspiring Maori and Pasifika Success) Hapai Assistant Bridget Dawson says Maori and Pasifika students have specific study needs that will be fulfilled by their tailored support.
“This is a space where you can come and study, analyse, discuss and examine your course work while learning in a positive environment.”
Located in WF214 on the city campus, students can come work in group or silent study scenarios with a team of Maori and Pasifika student leaders.
Te Tari Awhina will also be available in this room at various times throughout the semester to assist students with academic progress.
I-MAPs may have only launched at the beginning of semester two, but already student leaders are praising its services, saying it’s a great place not only to learn more, but also to feel more at home at university.
“The benefits that Maori and Pasifika business and law students will gain from the study rooms are they will feel a sense of belonging, where they can be comfortable in their surroundings while actively learning,” says Pasifika student leader Helen Wilson.
Maori student leader Victor Potaka adds that having student leaders as the face of the initiative means they can share their own insights and experiences to students, which will “hopefully help reassure other students that the hard work is worth it”.
I-MAPS runs every Wednesday from 10am-4pm in WF214.
New Maori and Pasifika initiative hopes to inspire
NZUSA PRESS RELEASEStudent representatives are calling on the government to listen to the thousands of voices that have spoken out against the ACT party’s Education (Freedom of Association) Amendment Bill.
The Education and Science Select Committee is due to report back to parliament by September 30. The Committee received more than 4400 submissions, with an overwhelming 98 per cent opposed to the Education (Freedom of Association) Amendment Bill.
Submitters opposed to the Bill included students, many universities and polytechnics from around the country, students’ associations, the Human Rights Commission, key players in the tertiary sector, and many on campus and off campus clubs and societies.
As well as hearing numerous submitters in Wellington, the Committee also travelled to Auckland, Christchurch, and Dunedin to hear submitters.
“From the outset, the Government said it was looking to hear from the public on this Bill. The
overwhelming and diverse response against the Bill speaks volumes about the work and value of students’ associations,” says David Do, co-president of the New Zealand Union of Students’ Associations (NZUSA).
“National have been sent a clear message by students, the tertiary sector, and the community. National and the Select Committee need to make the right decision and listen to the will of the people,” says Do.
“Submitters recognised the Bill is unworkable, not supported by students, would result in major new costs to government, institutions and students, and would cause significant disruption to the sector,” says NZUSA Co-President Pene Delaney.
“In contrast, the few who supported the Bill were mostly confined to individuals with narrow concerns regarding just one campus. The needs and stability of the tertiary sector cannot and should not be put unnecessarily at risk on the whim of a few,” said Delaney.
Students call on National to listen to the people
GREEN PARTY MEDIA RELEASEMany of the best and brightest of Auckland’s public servants—who would ensure that the Super City functions effectively after the elections—are being snapped up by consulting firms or heading overseas, the Green Party said earlier this month.
“Auckland has lost a wealth of institutional knowledge at a time when that knowledge is most needed,” Green party Super City spokesperson David Clendon said.
“For many months council staff have known there would be redundancies. Morale dropped to an all-time low and, in that environment, many people have looked elsewhere.
“While there is a major focus from Super City candidates on infrastructure development and forward planning, there is a real possibility the new Council will lack the ‘in-house’ capacity to do that work.”
Earlier in the year, the New Zealand Herald reported that consultants were already biting into the Super City’s transition budget.
Mr Clendon said costs will only get worse due to the loss of skills following resignations or redundancies.
“Given the treatment of council staff you cannot blame them for leaving.”
Auckland’s best and brightest snapped up or shipping out
ISSUE 22 2010 9
Photos: Mathew St. Martin & Adam Collier
September 21The Dorley House
Club offered abseiling off the AB building on the North Shore for
the daring.
We’re making it easier to change the world.
AUT is committed to fostering a community of postgraduate study and research with the availability of thesis-year Masters scholarships based at the AUT Manukau Campus.If you’re in your fi rst year of a Masters, about to complete a Postgraduate Diploma or fi nishing an Honours Degree, applications are now open.
Find out more at www.aut.ac.nz/scholarships,
or call the Scholarships Offi ce on
09 921 9837 The University for the changing world
1010
CRICKET JUST DOESNÕT GET A LET-UP these days. It gets far more coverage in the politics section of the paper than the sports. From match-fixing to racial abuse, I find it increasingly di6cult to foresee a future for cricket that encompasses the traditions the sport was founded upon. Bradman must be turning in his grave, and not just because his test average reads 99. However sometimes change can be for the best. Just look at the rejuvenated interest in rugby union following the new interpretation of the rules. Perhaps cricket really does need a face-lift to have any hope of surviving the approval of an impatient society.
Cricket has English roots, thus the reason the sport is popular amongst many Commonwealth nations. Internationally, it was first played competitively in 1877 between Australia and England in a series now labelled the Ashes. The series is still played today, for a rather unimpressive trophy that would fit nicely in the palm of your hand. This ‘Golden Age’ before the war entails a time of supposed great spirit, and a state of the game many hope wistfully to get back. Today, the five-day format of the game appears to be dying a painful death at the hands of the more explosive, shorter versions.
It would seem as though your Richie Benauds and Ian Smiths fear that One Day and T20 cricket takes away from the elegance cricket is generally associated with. Test match cricket has long been regarded as the most demanding format of cricket. Rather than a battle of brute strength and inventive shot-making, test matches assault your perseverance and commitment. You’ll often hear commentators speak of mini battles within a test match; Muttiah Muralitharan building pressure with his
miserly run rate, or alternatively, Michael Hussey battling to protect his wicket. Perhaps we think this mental toughness is what separates boys from men, and not Brendon McCullum’s outrageous ‘scoop’ shots against Shaun Tait. The ICC continues to put forward revolutionary ideas to revamp the oldest form of the game, many of which seem feasible but unlikely to succeed. The concept of night-time test match cricket seems to be simmering in the cauldron, although the main issue with this will always be poor visibility. Seeing as captains already take their players off when offered the excuse of poor light, this scenario seems hard to fathom (although the idea of four day test-matches has a ring to it).
One Day International and Twenty20 cricket have become so popular for two reasons. From the public’s perspective, all the action is compacted into a couple of hours of pandemonium so that they either go to bed with a grin or else hit the town with a buzz. From the players’ perspective, it provides them with the financial support for a career that ends before you turn 40 (Sanath Jayasuriya, the exception). Unlike the cricketing rock stars that hail from India, the generally poor countries of the Commonwealth that play the game cannot offer the mega bucks that the IPL can for a few T20 matches. These financial issues are probably what have brought about Pakistan’s (who are set to tour New Zealand this summer) match-fixing allegations. It highlights how easily we can be tempted into making rash decisions. With today’s sophisticated betting options, you don’t have to completely throw a match to fix it. Pakistan merely bowled a couple of no-balls to claim their loot. However, considering the bizarre circumstances that Australia beat them earlier in the year, match-throwing is not completely out of the question.
Amongst other factors, we must consider that no Pakistani players have earned lucrative contracts for the IPL, like many other international and even domestic players have. Pakistan has even won the T20 World Cup. It is these racial barriers which seem to mar international cricket the worst. John Howard recently made a bid for the ICC Presidency. Britain, Australia and New Zealand gave their support, though India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh, West Indies and South Africa all voted against the move. It is believed that this decision comes down to his tough stance against the Mugabe-led Zimbabwe. Aside from the politics involved, cricket can become a very frustrating sport when things don’t go your way, and racial abuse on the field becomes an issue. I find it ironic that not so long ago, Andrew Symonds was calling Harbhajan Singh a monkey, when he was the one with dreadlocks, zinced lips and calling up radio stations while intoxicated.
There can be no simple solution to the never-ending list of dilemmas. Personally, I feel that for the game to survive and flourish, it probably needs to expand further into other nations. This is where T20 cricket becomes an advantage. The shorter version of the game is clearly much easier to market and could potentially become a hit in places like America, where the concept of hitting a ball into the stands is already instilled with their love of baseball. As heavily criticised as T20 cricket is, it’s ultimately incredible to watch when it goes down to the wire. There can be no doubt that it attracts a wider variety of fans. However test match cricket cannot be abolished completely, as any true cricket nut will tell you. Perhaps we just need to acknowledge and accommodate the shorter versions of the game rather than exiling those who play it to prevent the sport from self-destructing.
ISSUE 22 2010 11
Chicken pilafServes 6 . Cost per serve is $2.47 . Dairy free . Gluten free if use GF stock
INGREDIENTS
2 teaspoons ground cumin2 teaspoons paprika3/4 teaspoon turmericpinch cayenne pepper or chilli to taste2 cloves OR 2 teaspoons garlic, minced2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger2 tablespoons oil1 leek, sliced (or onion if leeks are out of season)3 Ð 4 carrots diced1 capsicum, diced1 cup frozen peas500g chicken breast, skin removed2 cups of rice2 teaspoons stock powder3 cups hot water
The Indian talk about biryani, the English say pilau or pilaf, Spanish make paella and Italians create risottos. All these things are basically rice and sometimes vegetables and meat cooked in seasoned liquid. This is my version, !"#!$ "%$&'$&(&)*&(&+",'$,-$(&'.$/"--010'+$10#"20%$&'/$3&4,51%6$7,5$'00/$+,$(&80$+!"%$/"%!$&$#,52)0$,-$+"(0%$+,$*0+$+!0$#,'%"%+0'#.$1"*!+6$9!0'$:$;1%+$%+&1+0/$making I always ended up adding too much water because I thought it looked /1.<$&'/$+!0'$"+$ ,5)/$+51'$+,$(5%!$1&+!01$+!&'$35--.$=0&5+"-5)$2"0#0%$,-$1"#06$>,$+15%+$+!0$10#"20$;1%+$+"(0$&'/$+!0'$&//$(,10$,1$)0%%$"-$.,5$'00/$"+$'0?+$+"(06$@//$+!0$#!"#80'$+,$+!0$/1.$%2"#0%$&'/$+!0'$#,,8A$"+$&//%$&(&B"'*$3&4,51$+,$+!0$chicken.
I also do a super quick version of this with leftover rice. Cut vegetables, saut� in a little oil and spices (cumin/coriander/turmeric for Indian OR 1 tablespoon =511"+,C+&#,$%0&%,'"'*$("?$-,1$D0?"#&'E<$&//$"'$.,51$)0-+,401$1"#0$&'/$,'0$?$FG*$+"'$3&4,510/$+5'&$&'/$%+"1$5'+")$!,+6$
The vegetables used in this recipe can be adjusted depending on whatÕs in %0&%,'$,1$.,5$#&'$5%0$-1,B0'$("?0/$40*0+&=)0%$1&+!01$+!&'$-10%!6$
DIRECTIONS
1 Put spices, garlic and ginger into a bowl and mix together
2 Prepare vegetables H0?#02+$20&%E$&'/$25+$&%"/0$10&/.$+,$#,,8
3 Cut chicken &'/$("?$"'+,$+!0$%2"#0%$+,$%"+$ !")0$.,5I10$#,,8"'*$+!0$40*0%
4 Measure rice into a sieve and rinse until water comes off clear Ð this removes some of the starch and will help stop your rice going gluggy
5 Heat the oil in big saucepan and saut� the vegetables H0?#02+$20&%E$until the leeks are soft. Remove and put to the side to add back later
6 Cook chicken in pan
7 Add rice and stir for a few minutes
8 Add vegetables back into the saucepan, including the frozen peas
9 Add stock powder and hot water. Bring to the boil, put the lid onto the pan and turn to low
10 Cook the rice for 15 Ð 20 minutes or until rice is cooked. DonÕt lift the lid while cooking; it releases the steam and will lengthen the cooking time
1 Move your ass!7,5$ &#+5&)).$ /,'I+$ '0#0%%&1").$ '00/$ %20#"&)$ 0J5"2(0'+$ -,1$ &$ /0#0'+$ ,18,5+6$With a little creativity, activities you take for granted can become part of your cost-less routine: the point is to Òkeep movingÓ.
Go for a short walk before breakfast or after dinner. Start with 15-20min and work up to 30-40min. Get off the bus a few stops early and walk the rest of the way to school or home. Walk or bike to the corner shop instead of driving. Park farther away &'/$ &)8$+!0$0?+1&$/"%+&'#06 Walk the dog. Walk the cat if you donÕt have a dog. Throw away your TV remote controller so you have to get up and #!&'*0$+!0$#!&''0)$(&'5&)).6$7,5$#,5)/$=51'$&'$0?+1&$KL$#&),1"0%<$/020'/"'*$,'$how much you channel surf (add some bicep curls to burn additional calories). Instead of asking your mate to bring you a drink, get up off the sofa and get it yourself. Use household chores as an opportunity to work out: mow +!0$)& '<$ 00/$+!0$*&1/0'<$47("'*<$%#15=="'*$,1$&'.+!"'*$+!&+$=0'0;+%$+!0$household and also keeps the heart rate up. Walk up stairs instead of taking the lift.
2 Be MacGyver, be creative 7,5$#&'$5%0$,1/"'&1.$!,5%0!,)/$"+0(%$&1,5'/$.,5$+,$#10&+0$&$ 0"*!+$+1&"'"'*$routine. Canned goods:$M&''0/$-,,/%$#&'$=0$5%0$&%$!&'/.$!&'/$ 0"*!+%6$7,5$#&'$easily use cans in your workout when watching TV, such as bicep curls, shoulder press etc.
Water bottles$,1$(")8$=,++)0%N$.,5$#&'$&)%,$;))$52$0(2+.$=,++)0%$ "+!$ &+01$or sand and use as weights. Best of all, itÕs FREE. By adding more or less water/%&'/<$.,5$(&.$&/O5%+$+!0$ 0"*!+$+,$(&+#!$.,51$;+'0%%$)040)6
3 Play real outdoor sportsKick out your PS3 FIFA 2010 World Cup video game and do some REAL outdoor soccer instead. The idea of Wii Fit is attractive and fun but you can do better than that: call up your mates, organise a sport beach party, play Frisbee and touch rugby instead of controlling your little avatar to score in the video game.
7,5$#&'$&)%,$2)&'$-&(").$,5+"'*%$,1$4&#&+",'%$+!&+$ "'#)5/0$2!.%"#&)$&#+"4"+.$(hiking, backpacking, or swimming).
4 Be a savvy shopper Go to !"#$% &'()**% +,-**)*. AUT City Fitness Centre offers various !"!#$%&' (&)( *+&,-(.$'! ( #"/ ! 0(1&,(#/'( /$$!'2( *+&,-(.$'! ( #"/ ! ( )&+( /(cheaper rate by purchasing concession cards. Instructors in the classes offer a professional training routine that helps you to upgrade your strength and cardio .$'! ("!3!"0(1&,(/+!(*&%'*($&( 4!/$(/'2()!!"(*&&2(/)$!+4/+25 Know what to avoid. 6&7!(.$'! (-+&2,#$ (/+!'8$(4&+$9(:,;%'*0(<3&%2(9!+:/"( ,--"!7!'$ (&+(&$9!+(-+&2,#$ ($9/$(#"/%7(.$'! (:!'!.$ (&3!+'%*9$(&+(-+&7% !($&(7!"$(/4/;(-&,'2 (4%$9&,$(#9/'*%'*(;&,+()&&2(%'$/=!(/'2(!>!+#% !0(<" &(/3&%2(!>!+#% !(-+&2,#$ ($9/$()&#, (&'(&'!(:&2;(-/+$?( ,#9(/ (/: (&+($9%*9 0(ThereÕs no such thing as spot reducing.
Getting in shape doesnÕt have to be expensive. You are on your way to being !"#$ %!&'"()'*$$!&'"+'#,(-'"+'.,/'0!!1'.,/&+!#2'"3$%4!5
by Moon Lee
62'$ !',(#.'$ %(-'+$,11%(-'.,/'2&,7'8!%(-'*$'%+'$ !'3,+$9' !&!:+'$ !'-,,)'(!;+<'= !&!'"&!'4"&%,/+9'"#$!&("$%4!';".+'.,/'3"('0!!1'*$';%$ ,/$'&/((%(-'+ ,&$',2'3"+ 5
Be active without spending too much money! Be active without spending too much money!
12
WE ALL KNOW NEW ZEALAND IS A mix bag of ethnicities, customs and languages associated to certain groups of people. During the 1970s, large groups of Pacific Island immigrants settled in New Zealand, followed by Asians, Europeans and many others after the Immigration Act was passed in 1991. However with these immigrants, the question has arisen whether they should integrate with New Zealand’s culture and society.
Firstly, does New Zealand even have a unique culture? Back when New Zealand was colonised,
it was a blend of the indigenous Maori and the British settlers bringing their culture to New Zealand. Since then, the national identity of New Zealand has been influenced by other cultures from the Europe, America, Asia and the Pacific as we have absorbed new culinary tastes, traditions, fashions and lifestyles and combined them to make them our own. Our love for fish ‘n’ chips, tomato sauce and rugby is all thanks to our British ancestors and the concept of jandals came from the traditional wooden Japanese sandal. Can we expect immigrants in this country to integrate into a culture that is not really ours to begin with?
New Zealand has a high number of immigrants who have decided to live, study and work here. However, problems, such as race-related hate crimes, have fluctuated as a result of this. Auckland is now the largest city populated by Polynesians in the world and has the highest proportion of people of Asian origin than the rest of New Zealand. Sixty-eight per celt of all race-related incidents are directed to Asians as they now make up 24 per cent of Auckland’s population. These incidents are largely based on race, not on the lack of integration into the New Zealand mainstream lifestyle.
It is easy to categorise people based on their race, for example, all Asians are bad drivers, or all Indians own dairies. The use of stereotypes has become a way of simplifying our diverse culture and to make it easier to understand. So has the idea that all immigrants should learn the language and make an effort to fit in. Sure, there are groups of people who choose to have links with people from the same country, who speak the same language, but is this a justifiable basis to point the finger and say “hey you, you’re not making an effort to integrate in this country, go back to where you came from?”
Would this be the same case for say, an American immigrant or a British immigrant? As they speak the same language and share similarities from Western cultures, many people wouldn’t batter an eye lid if they were speaking English loudly on a bus. There wouldn’t be more of an emphasis for them to ‘fit in’ and integrate with the New Zealand culture. Without turning this into a racist debate, as I’m sure some of you thought I was, I think the reason many people kick up a fuss about immigrants coming into New Zealand and not integrating is based on two things. One: New Zealanders fail to appreciate what cultural diversity may bring to this country. Two: there is a hint of fear that these immigrants will overtake the country all together.
We can look at cultural diversity in New Zealand as if we were looking at the AUT food court in the city campus. Different variations of foods from India, the Middle East, Japan and even a German hot dog stand. All operating side by side, but yet not fully integrated into one. New Zealand is benefitting from the culturally diverse intelligence that contributes to our economy and education systems, whether we like it or not. If we forced immigrants to integrate fully into the New Zealand way of life, we would lose out on new ideas and perspectives from other countries to help boost our economy. New Zealand is still a young, isolated country and we have a lot to learn.
It is time to come to our senses and realise not all immigrants are here steal our jobs or take over our businesses; instead we should work out ways to work alongside one another. We can appreciate other cultures and celebrate festivals such as the Pasifika and Chinese Lantern Festival held each year. People would certainly benefit more and flourish if they could hold on to some of their traditions from back home when they choose to live in another country.
I HAVEN’T DONE A LOT OF TRAVEL,so my qualifications regarding the understanding of other cultures is somewhat limited – redeemed slightly by the fact that I live in Auckland. Auckland, in case you do an AUT degree by correspondence (impossible?), is the most multicultural city in New Zealand by miles. Which is pretty cool if you ask me, because meeting people from all different walks of life is a privilege that a lot of people don’t get.
Like if you come from Palmerston North. Anyway, with the luxury of multiculturalism
in our pockets, it becomes quite important for us to consider just how we interact with those from other countries, races or cultures and think about what’s best for New Zealand to move forward as a renowned, progressive nation. That reputation is, I believe, firmly rooted in our ability to embrace new ideas, new movements and of course, new people.
With the fear of sounding like a middle-aged white man, I can’t help but think it’s too easy to get into New Zealand and, by extension, become a New Zealander. While I’m all for the pursuit of happiness, when it comes at the detriment of other people we’ve got to take a second look. Auckland has the largest Polynesian population of any city on earth, and yet countries like Samoa, Fiji, Niue and the Cook Islands have issues like doctor and nurse shortages, a lack of quality teachers and shortcomings in a number of other professional areas. Seems a little backwards to me.
With that out of the way, I can start to argue my point. If New Zealand is to succeed as a country, we need to move forward together. While there are (and will unfortunately always be) issues with Maori and NZ Europeans involving entitlement and ownership, adding a whole new batch of cultures to the mix becomes increasingly di+cult if those cultures aren’t prepared to integrate or assimilate.
New Zealanders with only a basic understanding of cultural integration make remarks perceived as racist, specifically regarding the Asian population of Auckland. The key point, I think, is identifying the disparities between cultural differences and cultural ignorance. New Zealand is a predominantly English speaking nation. Fact. If you come to New Zealand with the hope of becoming a New Zealander, you’re going to have to learn English.
If my entire family moved to Turkmenistan and wanted to fit in, we would learn Turkmen and maybe a bit of Russian. To continue to speak English and demand that other people provide us with English speaking opportunities would be the double ant – arrogant and ignorant. And, probably more importantly, in that country it wouldn’t be tolerated. We’d have to integrate or we wouldn’t succeed. That’s where New Zealand lets itself down I think.
We make so many allowances for so many people that at times we look a bit doormat-y. With the Asian population more than 20 per cent and the Pacific Island population just below that figure, our government is now forced to make decisions for a populace made up of half New Zealanders, half not. I’m not against other cultures for any irrelevant reason but if I’m paying taxes, I want that money to be spent on New Zealanders. Which brings me back to where I started.
I don’t know a whole lot about culture outside of New Zealand, which disappoints me, but in writing this I’ve become aware that I don’t really know what a New Zealander is either. Do you?
Irrespective of my definition skills, if humans are going to move outside of their geographical origins, they have to integrate –they have to accept that the way they do things might not work in that country. And a lot of immigrants don’t. And I don’t see how it could work.
What do you think? Email [email protected] and share your thoughts.
JARED SELENA LA FLEUR
Should immigrants
integrate into New Zealand
culture and society?
NO YES
ISSUE 22 2010 13
THINGS THAT MAKE AUSM HAPPY:
Passing 3,000 likes on Facebook and 600 followers on Twitter. We haven’t decided how to celebrate but we hope there’s cupcakes involved!
eSomeone finally coming up with an AuSM rap. YouTube ausm rap or check out our Facebook page.
eHearing that students get free access to international TV via: www.e-cast.co.nz/education. If you’re keen log-in as aut student with password Student@AUT
eRevive giving us a whopping 50 per cent discount for our Mates Rates cardholders! Register for a card on our website if you haven’t already.
Our diary cover comp going off! Thanks to everyone who voted and commented on Facebook. Extra special thanks to Gordon Harris for providing the prizes.
eVeggie noodles at Free Feed North Shore and City campus this week
eAJ Building (behind the library) opening on the North Shore. It was designed with student loitering in mind. Check it out, it will make you happy too.
e
Dorly House abseiling off another AUT building. More info: www.thedorlyhouse.com
e
Hooking up a mega Big Day Out promotion for you. Details in the last issue of debate for 2010 (that’s number 25).
SUMMARY OF ACHIEVEMENTS IN 2010
In 2009, we welcomed a new sport co-ordinator, Kate Lowden, who is based in Manukau. Kate has developed new casual sport activities for students on all three campuses such as boxing, Zumba, pilates, kickboxing, turbo touch and many more.
Uni Games were held for the first time in Invercargill this year. Despite the small team of 53 competitors, the AUT Titans won four gold, three silver and one bronze which placed the team sixth overall.
The Northern Tertiary Challenge was again hosted by Waikato University in Hamilton and the AUT Titans won one gold in football and one bronze in touch. We placed fourth Overall.
AuSM continues to provide sporting events on campus for AUT students including AUT Tennis Open, AUT Table Tennis and AUT Indoor Bowls. One of the biggest sporting events of the year is our AUT Futsal Champs, which involves around 100 students over a three month period. The other big one is the AUT Sevens, which is the biggest sevens event offered in the Auckland Region.
AuSM is also the major sponsor of the newly founded and a+liated AUT Football Club and AUT Cricket Club. The AuSM Sport department help both clubs to enter social competitions in the wider
Auckland Region and both teams were able to come back with major results.
The AUT Cricket Club came runner-up in the senior men 6th division competition of Auckland cricket, while the AUT Football Club were able to top their 6th Division in the Auckland Sunday Football League and to win the 2010 ASFA Plate Championship.
Meantime, the AUT Football Club won the Plate Championship at the Labour Weekend social tournament in Tauranga last year.
AuSM is also involved in the recruiting and management of the AUT Titans participating in the Inter-Tertiary League. The League involves AUT, Massey Albany, UNITEC and MIT. The Titans are currently leading the league to the finals.
AuSM is also the solo sponsor of the new multi-purpose Tiger Turf complex over on Manukau campus which allows students, staff and the wider Manukau community to enjoy tennis, volleyball, basketball, futsal, handball, netball and badminton.
For more information on AuSM sports email: [email protected] or visit: www.ausm.org.nz
14
When was the glee club formed?Katie: At the start of the year in first semester. We set up a little stall in O-week and got our members. It started off with a Facebook page first.Hannah: There was like a group of us that kind of knew each other through work – a few of us work down at The Edge ushering and stuff - so we kind of knew of each other, so we all banded together and formed like a core community.
Am I right in assuming that this club was formed as a response to the television show Glee?Katie: Yeah, kind of. There’s nothing like that at uni; no musical theatre groups of anything, so it was kind of a response to that and filling the void between hard out groups like the choir and orchestra and the rock bands. Also Glee made it a bit cooler, raised our profile.
So what are your thoughts on the show? Katie: We probably watch it the opposite way to how most people watch it. Most people watch it for the storyline and the drama, and I know people who hate the songs, but we’re the opposite; we just watch it for the songs.
In terms of members, how many members do you have at the moment and did they have to go through an audition process?Katie: First of all it was open and anyone could join, but then it got too big. We had like 70 members and have new members joining every week, and we couldn’t do anything with that amount of people.
Hannah: We always wanted to have it as a middle of the road, mixed membership, so people who wanted to get that performance experience could, because there’s no other way of doing it just purely by the limitations of other groups [on campus].
What type of students are members?Hannah: Literally all kinds; it’s not all drama kids. In fact we probably have less of those people than any other because those people already have their things that they’re doing. It’s quite a cool outlet for people who want to do something creative but aren’t studying something creative.
How often do you guys practice and for how long does it take to perfect musical numbers?Katie: We rehearse weekly during normal term time, but when it came to the show, a couple of weeks out from it we were doing three or four times a week.Hannah: We had big group numbers and those take the longest because you’ve got so many people. So those numbers we started working on them at the beginning of semester [one].We try and keep it not too pressurised because we don’t want it to become a stress for people but at the same time if you’re going to do a show and you’re going to have a paying audience a little extra practice is needed.
Talking about the showcase, what songs did you perform?Hannah: As far as song choice went, it kept chopping and changing a little bit. We knew basic stuff because you’re limited when you’re going to do a song with 60 people. We just tried to give as much variety as we could. Katie: We did some Michael Jackson, and we did Seasons of Love from Rent, and Hairspray.
Did you guys have quite a good turn out?Katie: About 460 people. We got a standing ovation from people at the end. It was a feel good show; it just really came together and everyone had a great time.
How do you think that the show Glee has changed the perceptions of people towards show choir?Hannah: I think it’s just been more accessible. I don’t think it’s necessarily made it any more popular… no it probably has… but now you get more extreme opinions about it; you get the people who strongly hate it and strongly love it.
On the show, glee club is constantly against the powers that be for funding and space, so in that respect what has the support been like from the university and the student association and the public?Katie: There have been a couple of individual people that have taken it on themselves to help us, to take us under their wing. There was one lady – Megan Fowlie – at the creative institute department that helped us with our promotion. She was really helpful at getting flyers out and in school newsletters and stuff. But apart from that, we didn’t have any lecturers say “can we help?” and the music department wouldn’t let us use practice rooms. We had a big battle finding rehearsal spaces. We move around. Last week we used a lecture theatre.
Do you know what the future is for Glee club next year?Hannah: We’re just about to do elections. It’s tricky to know what’s going to happen. Now that we’ve done the show and we’ve got through most of the year we have a better idea of where key people are needed and what positions are needed. Katie: We’re both graduating but I think I’ll come back just for Glee, because we put so much effort into it that I don’t want to see it go to waste. I don’t want it to be a fad thing.
Final question: what songs would you most want to see performed on the show in the future?Hannah: It’s hard to know. The Rocky Horror Show one is going to be quite cool.Katie: I like the mash ups. I think they need more mash ups.Hannah: I’d like to see some really cool musical theatre love songs done out of context somehow. I’d like to see them do some Coldplay actually; something like Viva La Vida or one of those big songs. Endless possibilities.
Chances are you haven’t made it through this year without hearing the word Glee mentioned at least once. The breakout Fox comedy (or perhaps dramedy !"#"$%&&%'"&%'()"'%*+',%,"!&%--#'"'#& ./!"+0%'"&1%"2#!&"3%#'4"5 &1"&1% '"!%#!+."+.%"6.#-%"$' ./ ./" ."(+'%"&1#."77"( -- +."0 %5%'!" ."&1%"89:9"#-+.%9";."<==>"&1%3"1#,"<?"! ./-%!"+."&1%"@ --$+#',"*1#'&!"A"&1%"(+!&"! .*%"B1%"@%#&-%!" ."7>CD"A"#.,"&1%3"!+(%1+5"(#,%"E+F'.%3"*++-"#/# .9"G%-%$' & %!"$%//%,"&+"$%"#"2#'&"+H"&1%"!F**%!!"#.,".+'(#-"H+-I"!2%.&"&1% '"5%%I!"$%-& ./"+F&"&1%"&F.%!" ."#.& * 2#& +."H+'"&1%".%J&"%2 !+,%9"K0%'"#&"&1%"8. 0%'! &3"+H"LF*I-#.,4"a group of students have brought Glee to the grounds, having launched their very own glee club,"51 *1"*F''%.&-3"1#!"#'+F.,"M="(%($%'!9";"!#&",+5."#&"#"!%( N*-+!%,"*+HH%%"shop with glee club president Katie Flood and musical director Hannah Bartlett"O#"H+'(%'"L8B"/'#,F#&%)"&+"6.,"+F&"#$+F&"&1% '"'%*%.&"LF/F!&"!1+5*#!%"#.,"what happens behind the music.
by Samantha McQueen
Glee - not just for TV
ISSUE 22 2010 15
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It was a typical day at the Australian Taskforce Base (ATF) in Nui Dat, South Vietnam. Heat and humidity unrelenting, waiting for the daily monsoon rains around 1600 hours. The ATF was located in what had once been a productive rubber plantation before this tragic and fertile country became torn apart by conflict which had endured over too
many years. It was February 1969; I had just turned 25 and was serving as a Corporal in
the Australian Force Vietnam, Military Police Unit. As a regular soldier I was proud to be serving and too involved in daily realities of being in a theatre of war to concern myself with any politics surrounding it.
Our detachment of 12 under the leadership of a Sergeant lived in the typical tents of the day; ridgepole and fly, brailed for what breeze was about to have some effect, and sandbagged two deep all around. Detachment HQ was a simple wooden structure with no doors or glass windows. It included a communication and o#ce area, mess area with fridge able to keep cold some cans of Fosters, Melbourne Bitter and FourX beers. The secure area with ark-mesh and grills held our ammunition, rifles, two general purpose machine guns (GPMG) and other items. At all times we carried on our web-belt a securely holstered 9mm Browning automatic pistol.
To carry out our required duties of forward observation and placing of signs (vehicle tactical signs) ahead of units relocating to a new fire support base, we had three land rovers with GPMG mountings and field radio communications.
A significant role was to hold up to 10 prisoners for a maximum of 48 hours before they were moved to a secure location further away from the task force. The tents that made up this area were surrounded by a three metre high wire fence held securely by timber posts and star pickets. With our detachment was an interpreter with passable English, who was a Sergeant in the ARVN – Army of the Republic of Vietnam.
On the day in question, it was around 1400 hours and our radio informed me that an infantry section (six soldiers led by a corporal), was approaching our detachment with two prisoners to be detained and initially questioned.
Being on duty at the time I alerted our ARVN interpreter and stood at the door of our HQ squinting into the unforgiving sun as a cloud of fine powdery dust indicated the vehicle was inside the Taskforce perimeter and only moments away.
The long-wheel-base land rover came to a halt some few feet from me and I observed a very hot, dusty and tired section; obviously glad today’s mission for them was over and hoping this night would not bring a call for them to be activated again! I noted, almost too late, that the soldier with the GPMG was in the front passenger seat and had not yet removed the ammunition belt from the weapon! It is worth noting that land rovers stripped down to bare essentials for operation duties have their doors and tail-gate removed. Therefore this loaded automatic weapon was about 10 feet from me!
In the back were two black-clad and blindfolded males of uncertain age who were about to be assisted out of the vehicle and led to our POW area.
Whether it was the corporal who was driving who noticed first, or the soldier with the automatic weapon realising he had not unloaded and made-safe is hard to recall all these years on, but I do remember as if it was yesterday, the yelling and its aftermath!
Failing to lift up the weapon cover and remove the belt, the tired and confused soldier engaged the trigger and up to six bullets thudded into the timber just above my head as I flung myself full length into the Nui Dat dust! From my prone position I watched the corporal knock the soldier’s arms upwards and remove his trigger finger from its deadly position. He then calmly went through the drill of removing the ammunition belt from the
weapon, firing the action and applying the safety catch.As I slowly regained my feet, the unfortunate soldier lurched from the
vehicle and was violently sick. He was reminded by an angry and shaken section corporal, in language which would be familiar to any who have served in the Australian Armed Forces, that he would face disciplinary action for his breech of safety regulations. While all this was taking place the two POW’s shaking in fear were led to the security of their holding area.
As I looked at the splinted timber above the opening where I had stood, I became fully aware of just how close I had come to certain death with more than one bullet entering my forehead!
As I spoke with the corporal, who was muttering apologies, I said I did not wish to add further charges, being fully aware of what the soldier already faced, but would complete my report on the incident later that afternoon.
I had always been a person of faith and belief that life had purpose and meaning. This incident, and some others like it as I completed by tour of duty in South Vietnam, made me determined to fulfil my life and its purpose in positive and effective ways. As I reflect back today I trust I have in some measure lived up to my potential in my personal and professional life.
A corporal’s reflection during
South Vietnam in 1968/69
SPLINTERED TIMBER MAKES A STATEMENT.
by !"#$%&!'(&)
1616
In my youth I was a very active person. Like many children, I had little concern for work and viewed life very much as a constant “playtime”. When I was five I joined a touch rugby team, in intermediate I played cricket, when I was 13 I played basketball
at a representative level and in my last years of high school, I played social soccer. However it was not for any kind of prestige or goal that I played, because as soon as there is an overarching goal, it becomes work. Of course there are “rules and regulations”, but these are limited to the game and designed to enhance the end of play.
Because our biological necessities are easily fulfilled in a state of society, we do not need to bother exercising, and so we engage in surrogate activities, like sport. This is a good way of socialising folks, as well as maintaining fitness and engaging in exercise. Over time, through my journey towards adulthood, “physical activity” has had less and less importance and presence in my life.
This is because the journey towards “adulthood” is socialisation towards work. With all the pleasantries modern industrial society and the wider techno-industrial complex provides, why engage in physical activities? “Physical activities indicate lower-class, and those who treasure the value of intellect see this to be true”. The whole purpose and reason for “societies” advent is because of this mentality... “I am not satisfied with nature; this chaos, and the suffering that arises from discomfort and insecurity”.
As a result, we opt for a matrix of comfort, and leave our “bodily life” behind, and instead of bodily creatures, we become “social” creatures; beings of intellect. With intellect as society’s highest value, physicality becomes a taboo. For instance, engagement in physical action of the “violent” variety is seen as a lower-class; true humans utilise their intellect rather than their fists. Consequently, with bodily life being devalued in favour of intellectual treasury, maintenance of the body becomes unimportant. Society is fulfilling your biological necessities, but you are dependent. Dependency reduces autonomy. No one in this life is “independent”, because we are all depend on simple thing like breath, which depends on atmospheric existence.
In modern agriculture certain animals have been selected, because they are favourable for enslavement. Actually there are very few animals that are optimal for farming; that is why pig meat, cow meat, sheep meet and chicken meat dominate. A farmer provides a cow with grass and water, and the cow is satisfied. Though her brothers and sisters have been sent to the slaughter house for generations, as an individual, they are living “independently”. In the same way
almost all roosters are slaughtered at birth within farms. Still the collective goes on under servitude, because as individuals, they are apparently being cared for and looked after.
Similarly, we are given the option of having our biological necessities supplied and in return, we must join the system. If you take step back and look around, you can see how a lot of humanity’s achievements are rooted in the fear of death and the desire for gratification. Is that humane or animalistic? Through our membership in the techno-industrial complex, we are offered many “advantages”, and as a result, society has created the mindset that what they have is not enough.
Therefore change has occurred, and this we give the name “progress”. However the culmination of change easily amounts to devastation. Because the desire underpinning society (specifically
the technological element) is artificial, so too is society. Therefore we place our trust and solace in these artificial, surrogate activities, and neglect our most fundamental and vital tool for material existence; our body. Why invest in the maintenance of body, when you can engage in an “enjoyable” surrogate activity and overcome animal life.
I think that is one reason why people believe they are so distinguished from animals. As I see it, the formulation of the techno-industrial system is an attempt to forge heaven on earth; to create a spiritual realm on a material planet. However that is by definition impossible, and those who believe this have been cheated. The finality of this is being cheated into servitude and subservience
to “society”, and forgetting about individuality.People can be tricked into thinking they need not live near fresh
flowing rivers or flora and fauna, or that living in the city is seen as being in closest proximity to providence, when actually you are furthest away. In societal life, the defining feature is involvement unintentionally by association in all sorts of evil and disruptive shit; through passive endorsement.
Does anyone actually want this? I am doubtful. There are those who do not mind this, but I doubt anyone wishes for this. What has happened is people have sacrificed their individuality in favour of modernity and comfort, so that they can live at ease in their phony sheltered life. This didn’t have to happen, but it has. Why? Because a small change seems favourable individually, but the culmination of change built on top of each other creates a chain of dependence.
Sedentary lifestyle
and modern societyAn intellectual thought process by Vinny Francesco
ISSUE 22 2010 17
Just donate a tithing of your surrogate earnings, and you can live in solace under the TRUE opiate of the masses; societal life under the techno-industrial system. Trade in yourself and become a consumer. Purchase insurance to sooth your insecurity. Pay tax and you may just retire to a holiday of a few years after your life of slavery to the system. Don’t look after yourself, or maintain your body, because you don’t need that, for you have society as caterer. Don’t be “violent” or engage self-defence; the judiciary and the police will save you from evil-criminals.
Autonomy and slavery cannot co-exist, it’s all or nothing. The first step to regaining autonomy is overcoming your “slave body”, which has been accepted by the mind, on the basis that people bring providence and not nature or God. I realise now spiritual fitness, mental fitness and intellectual fitness mean nothing in the absence of physical fitness, and the same for health in general.
I used to make excuses, and say fitness did not matter, I only require intellect to live and have a great life. I looked down upon those engaged overwhelmingly in physical fitness, those who looked after their bodies, as animalistic and unintelligent. Actually it was my own feelings of inferiority that caused this thinking. Thinking that intellectual masturbation is the road to success and a life of pleasantries, and through intellectual development I could gain autonomy and happiness.
Those who felt physical aptitude to be important I looked down upon and denied merit, because this created psychological conflict (the sort that has to do with core beliefs, the kind that almost no-one wants to ACTUALLY confront). When I stepped back and thought about it, it is actually the intellectuals who are the animals.
We exclaim human rights as the greatest virtue, while we hypocritically shove our hamburger in our mouth in order to gratify the tongue, derived from slaughter of many kinds. I feel sickened when people (mostly girls) claim to care about “cute fluffy wuffy” animals, yet when it comes to the crunch, they glorify the sensuous taste of its so-called “cute” flesh. Even though I am vegetarian, I respect the hunter, for he is intellectually honest. He may kill animals, but he does not lock them up and pretend to be their friend, all the while planning on slaughtering them. He accepts freedom and autonomy, and that sacrifice and cost is part of living in this world.
In my opinion those who actually engage directly in the killing of animals probably have a greater respect for them, than any of these insincere “cutesy fluffy lamb” mentality holding bitches. I have come to the conclusion that when it comes to the crunch, I would probably kill anything nutritious in order to survive. However, in
a state of society, I see no reason to consume flesh and bone, when fruits and vegetables are provided bountifully.
Death is regarded as the ultimate loss and the ultimate sin, but is it not slavery and servitude? We need to regain autonomy over our self. This starts at the individual level with regaining a healthy, skilled, maintained body. It ends with the destruction of the techno-industrial system.
18
Ò Video games are a waste of time for men with nothing else to do.Ó
- Ray Bradbury on why his books are good but he is still a dickface
Ò You know, whatÕs really exciting about video games is you donÕt just interact with the game physically...youÕre not just moving your hand on a joystick, but youÕre asked to interact with the game psychologically and emotionally as well. YouÕre not just watching the characters on screen;
youÕre becoming those characters.Ó - Nina Huntemann on why her quote is better than Ray BradburyÕs
There are many things that are possible in the virtual world of video games that are entirely impossible in real life. Alternate realities that taunt us from the screens of our televisions and computer monitors that allow us to kill aliens, evolve Bulbasaur to Ivysaur, and enter the cheat that lets you see your SimÕs hoohah in the shower; unattainable visions of majesty and wonder. For years the dreams pushed upon us by video game developers have continued to evade us. So much so that I decided to break the amateur journalistÕs !"#$!%$&!'!()*$+'"$,)-.#$+$/-0.- /#$+1!(.$-.2$3&+'4%(//5*$,-.&$.&#$ )#+.-!'$!%$.&-0$/-0.*$67#$!%$.�#$")#+80$+)#$'!,$!(./-'#"$-'$ /#+)$"#.+-/$to remind us all of exactly what we will never be able to have.
by Brendan Kelly
issue 22 2010 19