Debate | Issue 6

debate ISSUE 06 | APRIL 2015

CREDITS

CONTENTS

EDITOR Laurien Barks laurien.barks@aut.ac.nz SUB-EDITOR Matthew Cattin DESIGNER Ramina Rai rrai@aut.ac.nz COVER ART Photo by Amelia Petrovich CONTRIBUTORS Amelia Petrovich, Emma Wingrove, Orlando Werffeli, Nicole Hunt, Matthew Cattin, Ethan Sills, Jared Lanigan, Rachel Barker, Fiona Connor, Mr X, Abigail Johnson ADVERTISING Harriet Smythe hsmythe@aut.ac.nz Contributions can be sent to

debate@aut.ac.nz PRINTER Debate is lovingly printed by Soar Print

Debate is a member of

the Aotearoa Student Press Association (ASPA) 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. DISCLAIMER Material contained in this publication does not necessarily represent the views or opinions of AuSM, its advertisers, contributors, Soar Print or its subsidiaries.

3

Editor’s Letter

24

#instafriends

4

Prez Sez

25

Manifesting Terror

6

Cool Shit

26

The Graduated Global Millenial

8

Sticks and Stones

28

Interview with Jack Tame

10

A Wombling Waste Audit

30

Beauty Man-dards

13

And then I turned 22

32

Reviews

14

When I Grow Up

33

The Last Nestling

18

Photography Competition Winners

34

Recipe

20

Our Hidden Gems

36

Kids In Couch Forts

21

The Universe At Large: Part Two

37

Location Is The Experience

22

How in God’s Name

38

Puzzles

DIRECTORY

AUSM.ORG.NZ

CITY CAMPUS Level 2, WC Building ph: 921 9805 Mon-Thurs: 9am - 5pm Fri: 9am - 4pm NORTH SHORE CAMPUS (Temporary Location) AE112; Office D ph: 921 9949 10:30am - 1:30pm

SOUTH CAMPUS MB107 ph: 921 9999 ext 6672 Mon-Thurs: 9am - 3:30 GOVERNANCE & LEADERSHIP April Pokino april.pokino@aut.ac.nz

MANAGEMENT Tuhi Leef tuhi.leef@aut.ac.nz

VOLUNTEERS Romulus Swanney rswanney@aut.ac.nz

STUDENT MEDIA MANAGER Victoria Griffin vgriffin@aut.ac.nz

CLUBS Josh Tupene jtupene@aut.ac.nz

ADVOCACY Siobhan Daly siobhan.daly@aut.ac.nz

FA C E B O O K . C O M / A U S M D E B AT E

EVENTS Carl Ewen carl.ewen@aut.ac.nz

E D I TO R ' S

L E T T E R

Hello hello, Last weekend, I had zero things to do. I had zero friends available to hang out with because both Mum and Dad were busy, zero motivation to brave the on-and-off rainy weather, and zero reason to allow my pyjamas to leave my body for more than about four of the 48 hours that make up Saturday and Sunday.

So I did what any red blooded, demotivated individual would do.

I put on my fat pyjama pants (aka. not the cute ones that you can saunter to the mailbox in, the ones that you run to the mailbox in like a bat out of hell so no one will see the questionable stain on the crotch from that time you thought distributing ketchup straight from the bottle to the fry was a good idea), plunked myself down with a big ol’ bowl of popcorn, and prepared myself for an epic binge-watching sesh of a favourite television show.

Now, I’m not a huge ‘binger’, I’ve done it on occasion when I’ve been recommended a series that’s well into its second season, on a smaller scale than last weekend’s binge, but still. I usually prefer to keep on top of a show, and watch an episode a week because the anticipation of a new episode adds much more ‘enjoyment factor’ than people usually give it credit for. That being said, a crazy back-to-back marathon every now and again definitely has a perk or two. Particularly when the show you’ve decided to expose a shamefully large portion of your weekend to, is Pretty Little Liars.

Believe it or not, I’ve proved myself to be highly vulnerable when it comes to being swept up in films and television shows with a ’14 year old hormonally-overloaded’ demographic. I can’t help it. Introduce me to anything post-apocalyptic with love-triangled teenagers in a death arena/maze/divided by factions and you’ll have my attention (so long as they’re void of romantic plotlines that incorporate giant dogs and girls who look bored all the time).

So it came as no surprise when Pretty Little Liars made my list of favs.

I was a devoted follower for the first four seasons, an episode a week kind of gal, I was. I’d arrange dinner/snacks, grab the bestie, and make a real production out of it – something to look forward to on our weekend hangouts. Each episode would bring me a solid mix of thrills and frustration, as the web of clues to discovering the identity of ‘A’ (the most mysterious antagonist of all time) were spun thicker and thicker until eventually I was just left holding a ball of webbing the size of my face. I was ridiculously refreshed to be enthralled by a crime-thriller that deterred from the usual CSI guidelines, and because it’s censored to suit teenagers, I never had to be worried that an untamed willy would fling itself into a shot without warning (call me old fashioned, but spontaneous genitalia appearances just aren’t my cup of tea).

Sadly at the end of the fourth season, I got busy, dropped off the radar, got a little too fed up with the writers for never telling me who ‘A’ was, and I gave up. I’m not proud of it. But it’s the truth.

It wasn’t until a recent girl’s night out that I vowed to give PLL another go. I caught wind that questions would be answered, paces would quicken, and the ever-questioned identity would be revealed.

I can safely say, with my box-eyed retinas and popcorn-kernelled teeth battle wounds, that these promises were fulfilled. And the joy I felt as I crossed the finish line of the biggest marathon of my life, tearstained and sweaty, was inappropriately high. You know you’ve found a solid series when they can bring your fandom back from the dead like that.

Is there a point to this editorial…I wish I could say there was. All I can do at this point is recommend that if there’s a series, film, or novel that you’ve left strewn – unfinished, naked, and crying – invite it back in. Give it a warm cup of tea, an open mind, and another chance. You might be surprised what a little tender love, care, and unwillingness to leave the couch for two days can do.

Have a good week!

Laurien 3

Before the start of the semester, all new-to-AUT students were sent a Student Readiness Survey to fill out. If they filled out the survey, they were entered into a draw to win an IPad Air2. After the surveys were completed, the Student Experience Team (SET) gave the students a call to discuss the students’ answers and give helpful advice.

Chrissy was our lucky winner, and we presented her the IPad outside the WF Building because she is studying a Graduate Diploma in Business.We also asked her a couple of questions: Tell us a little about yourself?

I am a 24 year old business student. I previously studied a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Auckland and now want to go in a different direction. So now I am doing a graduate diploma in Business focusing on marketing.

S TU D E N T E X P ER IENC E T EAM SU RV EY Left to right: Saarah Abdeen (SET), Noah Gherbremichael (Student Advisor, Business), Andy Feau (SET Team Leader), Chrissy Jaynes (IPad Air winner), James Olsen (SET), Ali Hassan (Student Advisor, Business), Madona Bekhit (SET), Damian Cadelis (SET)

Why did you choose to study at AUT? I picked AUT because it offered the Graduate Diploma in Business. I also wanted to experience a different university and so far love the culture at AUT. Has the business school been able to cater for what you need as a business student?

I am loving my business papers and all my lecturers and tutors have been very helpful.

ADVOCACY: GRADE APPEALS Once your grade is released through Arion, you have 14 DAYS to appeal it. It is YOUR obligation to check Arion regularly once the semester winds down to make sure you’ve passed and take action ASAP if you’ve got any problems.

Emailing us saying “I was away on holiday and could not check my grades but I want to appeal it!” at the end of January is NOT going to help. You are out of time! So make sure you check Arion daily and your AUT emails (yes, you have an AUT email account) regularly even when you’re away on holiday!

If you get a STC (Still to Complete) grade, it may be because you had submitted a General Application to the Exam Board (see scenarios two-three) and you need to complete further requirements (e.g. re-submit your assessment) for the Exam Board to rubber stamp your final grade. Keep an eye out for this also as there are DEADLINES to complete these “further requirements”.

NOTE RE: EXTENSION These are probably the first point of call when you feel that you’re unable to complete your assessment or sit a test/exam on time AND you have a GOOD reason.

Extensions are granted for various reasons, but if you’ve got a GOOD reason, APPLY! Also, talk to your lecturer/paper leader/ program leader if you feel you’re at a dead end and facing a brick wall e.g. family issues, bereavement, mental/physical illness affecting your study. They too are there to HELP! Q: How do you apply for one?

1. Log onto AUT Online 2. Click into “My Organisations” → Your Faculty → “Extensions & UG New Applications” 3. Fill out the application 4. Produce your evidence e.g. Dr’s Certificate via Student Info Centre within THREE DAYS. If not, it will be declined!

5. If the due date is too close (i.e. less than three days) then also drop an email to your lecturer and paper/program leader to advise that you are putting through an Extension Application and explain your situation.

If you think you are genuinely eligible for an Appeal for an Exam Board’s decision, e.g. your final grade, email us on advocacy@ aut.ac.nz with your details and concern. Also, please forward any correspondence from AUT, if any, so that we can give you informed advice on your situation.

PREZ SEZ Study tip: Use highlighters when reading.

I don't know if I am the only one who is worried about the length of this half of the semester, but I do not know what state my brain will be in after 10 weeks.

It's only the second week back, and my brain is fried. I am trying very hard to drink as much water as I can. There is a water machine in the AuSM city office, and it's very nice and cold to wake me up.

Our AGM is coming up on the 19th of May, so make sure you keep an eye out for it. Your voice is important, and we want to hear it. You would be amazed how many different things AuSM can do for you, even it’s as simple as providing you with a board game to borrow and relax with, or the opportunity to hire out our lodge. Have a good look at our website to see what you can find.

If there are other things you would like me to talk about, please let me know!

Random fact about me this week is: I had braces for the whole second year of uni. I had always wanted them at a younger age, but my parents couldn't afford it, and said if I wanted them, I could pay for them myself. So I did. I paid them off week by week, and any extra money I got from working in the holidays went toward them as well. To me, it was all worth it! It's something I wanted, so I worked hard for it! I encourage you to do the same for the things that you want.

If you see me around campus or at events or free feeds, please don’t be shy to say hi or let me know what’s up. If you are too shy or busy, please feel free to contact me on urshula.ansell@aut.ac.nz , or come to my office at WC inside the student lounge. I’ll be there waiting.

VICE-PREZ SEZ

“Be who you are and say what you like because those that matter don't mind and those that mind don't matter” Dr Seuss

5

COOL SHIT

We’ve decided to help y’all get ready for Mother’s Day this week, because who better to celebrate than the woman who gave up years of going to the bathroom by herself for you? Pick and choose from our tips, get yourself in to win our giveaways, and you’ll be well on your way to “Favourite Child” town. We’ll see you there.

BEACH BUM MUM Is your mum a sand-and-surf kind of gal? Well, House of Travel will help you send her to paradise with a $50 gift voucher if you can come up with the best acrostic poem for the word “MUM.” Poetry can be emailed to

lbarks@aut.ac.nz

T R E AT YO ' S E L F Lush wants to help you shower Mumsy with the ultimate pamper package this Mother’s Day. Worth near $50, this basket comes complete with shower gel, a bath bomb, body conditioner, soap, and a bubble bar. Two lucky winners will soon become their mother’s number one – all they have to do is Facebook message us a photo of them and their mum being hilarious together.

YUMMY MUMMY The word ‘brunch’ has become kind of synonymous with Mother’s Day over the years, so a brioche or egg’s benny might be the safest go-to gift for Mama this year.

If you’re lost for location ideas, check out The Garden Shed in Mt Eden. It’s got pretty flowers, yummy food, and is just oozing with that unique brand of ‘frickin’ cuteness’ that mums lap right up.

MOTHERS DAY S U NDA E If you’re more of a DIY gift giver, whip up this lil treat for Mummy this year.

Layer some bath bombs/gels in the bottom of a sundae bowl, place a small bar of soap on top, next comes a fluffy bath puff, and finally, a red bath bomb as the cherry on top. A straw and a spoon tucked into the side will turn this goody into a greaty.

CINEMAMA Take your mum to the latest rom-com (or action-packed thriller if she’s badass) with two free tickets to Event Cinemas. These passes will go to the person who can design the cutest 3-frame comic entitled “A Movie with Mummy.”

Simply fill in the layout on the bottom of this week’s puzzle page with your comic, and leave it in one of our many red stands.

7

by Amelia Petrovich Do any of y’all remember that sweet, sweet classic of the early 2000s Lets Get It Started by The Black Eyed Peas?

For a long time that song was my number one jam, it played at every school disco and if I had owned an iPod back then it would have been on constant loop (side note: Were iPods even a thing that was invented? I feel like their existence stretches back to the dawn of time).

Anyhow, it was a song that I thought I knew inside out, so you can imagine my confusion when at the tender age of about ten, I discovered that the track was originally titled ‘Lets Get Retarded’ instead. Looking back now, I’m not sure why I was so perplexed. I mean, it certainly gives lines in the ‘clean’ version a little more relevance (‘we got five minutes for us to disconnect /from all intellect and let the rhythm affect’) and unfortunately morphs the uncensored version into a full-blown attack on the mentally (or just generally) ill with poignant stuff like ‘lose your mind, this is the time’ and ‘bob your head like epilepsy.’ It’s very easy to critique this song in retrospect, although there is a part of me that will always love The Peas no matter how politically incorrect they are, but my ten-year-old self had no qualms about the tune’s intended message at all. You see, the term ‘retarded’ didn’t really marginalize me at all, so I genuinely couldn’t see why it was offensive to anybody.

This is something that adults do a little too often as well, and a decade on from my Fergie and Will.I.Am stage, I’ve come to conclude that actually, in terms of offensive words, it doesn’t matter at all if you are offended or not. A word that another human being finds negative or marginalizing will make them feel crappy regardless of your perspective. So hey, lets be educated and avoid being accidentally mean to each other, yeah? Here are a few words I’ve thought of, along with some pretty good reasons to use better ones (or even avoid completely).

Midget

This is often used as a colloquial or derogatory way to refer to someone of short stature. It was popularized in the 17th century and was seemingly coined by P.T Barnum to refer to ‘General Tom Thumb,’ a performer in his circus with clinical dwarfism. Writer Dan Kennedy reckons it is “impossible to think about the word midget without placing it in the context of the freak show” and I tend to agree, it’s not very cool. Little People of America even issued an official statement against the word, saying that the organization much preferred ‘dwarf,’ ‘little person,’ or ‘person of short stature.’

Tranny

This one is somewhat controversial because, if I’m not mistaken, there have been moves made by transgender people to reclaim this and use it in empowering ways.

However, a cheeky Google of the whole debate proved enlightening in that many still seem to dislike the term due to its roots in pornographic terminology. As well as adding an extra ‘y’ to make the word a little cutesy and demeaning, the term ‘tranny’ supposedly became popular along with the existence of ‘tranny porn.’ Even now, five of the top ten Google search results for ‘tranny’ will send you to pornographic pages, indicating that the term is more about sexualizing a social group than accurately describing it.

Eskimo

This is another word that I legitimately didn’t realize was problematic until fairly recently too. Does anyone else remember the ‘Eskimo Lolly’ uproar of 2009? As it turns out, ‘eskimo’ is a term that is supposed to be used to describe some native people of Alaska/Canada, but not all. Therefore, confectionary company, Pascalls, screwed up by using a term that was far too general, and in some cases inaccurate (not to mention the fact that morphing an entire ethnic group into candy form is kind of weird anyway). I suppose it would be a bit like calling a whole group of Pacific Island natives ‘Samoan,’ for some it would be accurate, but it would also exclude people with ethnic links to Tonga, Fiji, Nuie, or any other Pacific Nation. Silly move really.

OCD

Hear me out on this one, hopefully it will all make sense soon. OCD is the official and correct abbreviation for ‘Obsessive Compulsive Disorder,’ an anxiety disorder experienced by some, and characterized by ‘recurrent unwanted thoughts and/or repetitive behaviors’ that are outside a person’s mental and physical control. Although the term itself is correct and inoffensive, more and more I hear it used incorrectly to describe everyday feelings and experiences (“Oh my god I love having a tidy room, I’m soooooo OCD!”). This is not akin to actually having Obsessive Compulsive Disorder because it describes a personal choice or preference rather than an unwanted, damaging impulse. By using OCD without needing to, the experiences of those suffering from the disorder are undermined and belittled a bit, so it’s another one I think we should be mindful of.

9

A WOMBLING WASTE AUDIT

by Emma Wingrove On Thursday 26th March, I participated in AUT’s Waste Audit in the Hikuwai Plaza, a venture that had me feeling and smelling a lot like a much smaller, less hairy womble. I also had the opportunity to learn exactly how capable AUT students are of using the correct bins. You know what I found out?

THEY’RE NOT! I couldn’t believe it.

At first I was a little bit embarrassed actually, since I too was a student until very recently. Some of my favourite people are students, studying intensely hard subjects with words almost as long as this sentence. University students are obviously not devoid of brain cells, so why is it they cannot put their rubbish into the right bin?

As well as being lazy (which is no excuse by the way, it’s just kind of selfish) I have found that students don’t seem to care. To me, this is completely incomprehensible. How can you possibly not care that you are depleting the world of the resources your children and your children’s children need, and instead leaving them with poisoned land and air? I don’t get that level of selfishness or ignorance. I will never get it. New Zealand is a country to be proud of, we should want to honour and preserve its land and culture, and in turn, our ancestors. Is this improper usage of campus bins just a plain lack of knowledge about the damage that not recycling does?

Everything you put in your general waste bins at home, at work, on the streets, campus, and everywhere else, goes into a landfill. A landfill is essentially an insanely large bin dug into the ground. When I say insanely large, I’m talking 2.5 million tonnes of rubbish per year in New Zealand. That’s a rugby field of rubbish piled almost 10 storeys high per month. Landfills suck for the obvious reasons, they are ugly, they smell, and they take up land that could be used for better things like homes (even I don’t want to live surrounded by rubbish, I’m not actually a womble), crops, or other vital infrastructure to support our ever increasing Auckland population. There are also the less visible things to consider, like the toxic gases, chemicals, and leachate that ooze out into the surrounding land, water, and air, rendering it pretty much useless to us in terms of crop growth or livestock. Among those gases are methane and carbon dioxide, which are two of the most predominant greenhouse gases contributing to climate change.

Or is it lack of knowledge about what things can/can’t be recycled and what bin certain items should be put in that is causing this gross misuse of AUT bins? I thought information about how to recycle was pretty basic stuff here in New Zealand. Primary schools teach it and there used to be a sweet campaign encouraging New Zealanders to be tidy Kiwis. It is fairly fundamental information in our plight for long-term human survival on this planet, so I thought it was pretty embarrassing if you didn’t know your soft plastics from your hard plastics by the time you were at university, and that you would look like a right arsehole if you were spotted chucking your compostable takeaway coffee cup into the general waste. I thought this to be especially true here in NZ, where we are branded as being a clean, green, and 100 percent pure country, (In actual fact NZ does not even make it into the top 10 greenest countries, and while no NZ cities feature in the top five greenest cities of the world, London, of all places, comes fifth and New York is seventh. Awkward).

It turns out that I was wrong. I have learned that there are heaps of New Zealanders, not just AUT students, who do not know all that much about recycling, and it’s not for lack of caring or brain cells, it’s because they genuinely have not been taught. This gave me hope. It means I am, in fact, not surrounded by ignorant arseholes, just people who need some information. That I can deal with. When I got the go ahead to write this article I thought it would be easy. I’ve been recycling my whole life and now I work in sustainability, so giving students the info they need in 1000 words should be simple. Boy, am I on a roll when it comes to being wrong!

It turns out that recycling is actually really complicated here in Auckland. In theory anything plastic with the recycling symbol and a number 1-7 can be recycled, but then there are things like Subway bags. Soft plastic like that can’t be recycled in New Zealand even if it has the recycling symbol. There are also some sushi containers that can be recycled and some that can’t, so you really do need to check for that symbol. Nowadays there is a huge range of biodegradable and compostable plastic alternatives which sounds great, right? I guess they are, but only if you put them in the right bin. They need to go into the compost/organic waste bin. They cannot be recycled and they will not break down in a landfill. Nothing will. Decomposition and biodegradation are processes that require oxygen and there ain’t much of that in a landfill!

Now we come to tetra paks, those Up and Go and long-life milk cartons.

Despite popular belief, they can be recycled… unless you live on the North Shore, Waitakere, or Rodney areas. I know… it gets mind boggling. Here’s the last one, I promise! Your take away coffee cups cannot be recycled, but their lids can be.

So there you have it. A little bit of light shed on a very complex topic that really shouldn’t be so hard. Do not be discouraged by how confusing it is, because the future of this planet needs your cooperation.

11

AN D THE N I T U R NE D 22

by Abigail Johnson I had always despised young people who called themselves old. All my life I've grown up around people in their 50s, 60s, 70s. People who have continued to live full, active lives on the 'other side of the hill'. So whenever a 27 year old whinged at how old they were, or professed to have any kind of aged wisdom, I rolled my eyes so hard you could only see whites.

This year it was a quiet family affair.

And then I turned 22.

Whenever I thought of this, I felt this odd pressure to LIVE more. To be more alive, more present. As 22 rolled in, I guess I wondered if I'd lived the sacred age to it's full potential.

I don't know what it was about this birthday. I know I'm still young, I know I have nothing to complain about, that the best years of my life are still ahead of me. And yet there was this quiet, niggling sadness about it.

Perhaps it was the physical quietness of it.

Last year I reached the dreamed-of age, the birthday to remember, the number which somehow makes everything legal, my 21st.

It was mad. People made speeches, or whispered with hushed excitement that my life was beginning. I guess I'll never have that sort of condensed love and attention until my wedding day (which I plan to have six, maybe seven of - thank you, divorce).

Perhaps it was the physical weight of the number 21. Ask someone what age they'd go back to. Ask someone how old they feel on the inside. Nine times out of ten, they'll answer with the big twoone (studies may or may not have been conducted here).

I know this is a first world problem. I'm not dying anytime soon (that I'm aware of ).

I'm a privileged person in a fairly good situation. This coupled with the knowledge that a) I am still in my very early 20s, and b) I had always laughed at young people who called themselves old, meant that expressing this sadness would make me a total narcissist and, even worse, a hypocrite.

But I couldn't shake it. As much as I tried to reason that my situation didn't warrant real sadness, I couldn't help feeling slightly blue. Not depths-of-depression navy.

Just... tinges of aqua (God, the older I get, the more pretentious I become).

And then I remembered a good-old Facebook quote: “Saying someone can't be sad because someone else may have it worse is like saying someone can't be happy because someone else may have it better- Unknown" As much as I had bemoaned these delusional young people, I realised I was very much one of them. You don't have to live in a third-world country to be depressed, you don't have to be friendless to feel lonely, and you don't have to be 75 to contemplate mortality.

I realised that logically, I knew I was young, but emotionally, I was sad to tick over to 22.

So to anyone quietly crying over turning 22, or 25, or 30. I get it.

You are still young. The best days of your life haven’t even happened yet. But I get it.

P.S. I jest about the divorce. I plan to have the normal amount of weddings: two or three.

FAIR TR ADE TA S T E T E S T I N G Come along to taste and learn about a variety of Fair Trade products.

• Read about the advantages • Check out the price comparison • Help us debunk the “Why I don’t buy” excuses SOUTH CAMPUS Monday 18th May 11:45am-1pm

NORTH CAMPUS Tuesday 19th May 11:45am-1pm

CITY CAMPUS Thursday 20th May 11:45am-1pm

COME FIND US BY THE AUSM FREE FEED! 13

TEACHING Eric J. George Part-time lecturer for 1 year How did you find the job?

I began studies with the university and then contacted them asking if they had any positions open, and it went from there.

Is it what you imagined it to be?

Yes, it pretty much is – from enrolling students to directing them to the right people, to helping them along with their studies and so forth.

What is a typical workday like for you?

Quite relaxed as I’m only lecturing part-time. I’m also undertaking graduate work at the same time so everything sort of rotates around my studies.

Mostly, I’ll contact students to see how they’re coming along with their course, finalize any pending enrollments, grade work sent in, reply to any potential enrollee questions, things of this nature.

What do you love most about your job?

I love that you get to help assist people with their studies and that it can be very rewarding in a personal sense as well as gaining solid experience for future academic endeavors.

Do you see yourself on the same career path in 5 years time? 10 years?

Yes, after my graduate studies I hope to gain postgraduate level qualifications.

Shirley Clunie Teacher for 14 years (currently teaching English in Abu Dhabi) How did you find your current job?

A colleague knew I wanted to work in Abu Dhabi and knew someone whose school here was looking for teachers.

What do you love most about your job?

Interacting with the students. The ‘once in a blue moon’ lesson where everything just clicks. Seeing a student ‘get it’. Hearing about ex-students who are doing well. A lot.

What is the most difficult part about it?

The stress of getting things done in time, especially paperwork that isn’t important, but has to be done before a deadline.

WHEN I GROW UP Nicole Hunt has a chat to different people in multiple fields and stages of their career to give you a better insight into what your future working life could look like.

What is the most important thing you’ve learned from your experience as a teacher?

Not to take myself too seriously! Especially the time my chair broke when I sat on it and I ended up sprawled on the floor in front of a class. All I could do was laugh.

Do you have any advice for aspiring teachers?

Don’t do it! Kidding. Just focus on doing the best for kids. It might not always be easy, but hang on to the reason you became a teacher. Most of us want to make a difference and we have to remember that.

C R E AT I V E S M i c h a e l Tu r a n o Jeweler/Artist for 4 years What does a typical workweek look like for you?

I alternate days between “making” and “selling”, usually two days of one followed by the other. On a “selling” day I make the rounds with local jewelry stores picking up and dropping off repairs and introducing new products.

What do you love most about your job?

Helping others create their art. I make parts and gems for others to use. I love what I do because my field has an infinite amount of intrigue. It is literally treasure hunting in real life.

Do you see yourself on the same career path in 5 years time? 10 years?

For life. The art of gem cutting is my family’s legacy. I hope to pass this on to my children. I can’t see myself doing anything else.

If you weren’t a jeweler/artist, what would you be doing?

High school English teacher, bass player in a casino, be in a disco band (actual former job), or a chef.

Do you have any advice for those aspiring to get into a creative field?

Criticism is important, be open to it. Develop a thick skin.

Most importantly, art is self-representation – don’t skimp on quality in the name of self-expression.

You can check out some of Michael’s work here:

www.etsy.com/shop/SterlingTurquoise

David Cumbo Artist for 12 years What does a typical workday look like for you?

Fairly constant work - drawing or writing. I used to work full-time but I left to form my own company so my day to day has changed.

What do you love most about your job?

I can make exactly what I want to make and spend my whole day being creative.

What is your biggest struggle as an artist?

I only allow my absolute best work to make it into the finished product – so, sometimes it’s extremely difficult because I’ll redo things many times until I’m satisfied.

If you weren’t an artist, what would you be doing?

Figuring out how to make a living as a bad artist.

Do you have any advice for aspiring artists?

It’s a tough thing to make it fully as an artist, but it’s possible.

For a lot of people it’s like jumping off a cliff and hoping a platform appears to catch you. But, the platform will only appear once you’ve fully jumped. Also, as soon as possible, get past the whole rebellious, anti-business attitude so common with young artists. Realize that business sense means artistic freedom and is, ironically, the best way to maintain your integrity as an artist.

You can check out David’s work here

www.dmcumbo.com

15

H O S P I TA L I T Y Luanne Hunt Bartender/café assistant at SkyCity for 1 year How did you find your job?

I found it on Seek.

What is a typical workday like for you?

Combination of slow and busy patches, like mood swings. When it’s raining outside we get super busy, when it’s nice out it feels like no one wants to know you!

What do you love most about your job?

The people I work with, the regular customers, and most of all how every day is different.

What is the most difficult part about it?

Back to back shifts, for example one day I could be doing a night shift until 3:00 am, and the next day, I could be starting at 9:00 am.

It can be a constant pattern that makes me feel really run down sometimes.

Do you see yourself on the same career path in 5 years time?

10 years?

The company has opened up the doors for me to have a taste of future roles I could see myself working in, like admin. We’ll see!

Nohine Rua Chef for 6 years How did you find your current job?

I applied on TradeMe.

What is a typical workday like for you?

Everyday is busy! Constantly on your feet, and working under pressure. Pretty much always battling time.

What do you love most about your job?

Working under pressure, keeping busy from the time I start, until finish.

What is the most difficult part about it?

Making sure that we’re up to date with stock so that we’re not behind on food orders.

Do you see yourself on the same career path in 5 years time?

10 years?

Yes, definitely!

If you weren’t a chef, what would you be doing?

Hmm, that’s a trick question. I have no idea!

Do you have any advice for aspiring chefs?

Be honest when you cook for customers. Always cook with love. If you don’t, you aren’t passionate about food.

S O C I A L / H U M A N I TA R I A N W O R K M a a t a M o e k a’ a Intern at Friendship House (Community/Social Services) for 1 month

Kamal Sunker Team Leader at Greenpeace for 4 years

How did you find the job?

I applied for it on TradeMe.

Through a friend/mentor at AUT.

How did you find the job?

What do you love most about your job?

What is a typical workday like for you?

Coming in at 8:30am and settling in at my desk. I get given tasks to do for the day by my work-supervisor. I’m usually always busy once I get my list of things to do.

The fact that I’m working for an organization that’s dedicated to the betterment of our environment. There is no Planet B, this is all we have and we need to take care of it.

What do you love most about your job?

What is the most difficult part about it?

What is the most difficult part about it?

Do you see yourself in the same career path in 5 years time? 10 years?

The people I work with, as cliché as that may sound. They’re a lively and funny bunch, and that makes my day so much better. Also, the environment I work in. It’s pretty relaxing and chilled out. Even though I’m mainly in the upstairs office, you still get that sense of chillaxation (is that a word?).

Resisting the urge to go downstairs and eat the food in the café kitchen.

Do you see yourself on the same career path in 5 years time? 10 years?

I do actually, maybe not more than 5 years but I actually do see myself on the same career path.

You have to be super resilient, adaptable and flexible.

Things can go wrong at any time, and you have to be able to think on your feet. If something goes wrong, the buck stops with me, so I have to be accountable for my team and their actions too.

Yes, indeed. 5 years, 10 years. I will always be in the NGO sector. I don’t think I could ever climb the corporate ladder.

If you weren’t working for Greenpeace, what would you be doing?

Probably running a youth program with a local radio station.

Do you have any advice for budding environmentalists?

Volunteer and stand up for what you believe in!

17

OUR HIDDEN GEMS:

WI

PHOTO COMPETITION

!

R E NN

“This is my happy place because my three sisters and I went on a road trip, and we had been driving for a considerable amount of time.

We started to get cabin fever, and our tummies were hungry as. We turned the corner, in what seemed like the middle of nowhere, only to discover this beautiful little caravan filled with everything our tummies desired. We bought our food and went for a wander. We wound up discovering beautiful hidden waterfalls, natural pools, and rapids – it felt like no one had ever been there before. It was an unreal experience for me that we could stumble upon the most incredible place I’d ever seen by accident." - Rebecca Pearson

RU N UP NER !

“My photo is of a frosty autumn morning at my parents’ farm in rural Clevedon. This is my happy place because it’s most beautiful early morning when it’s quiet and chilly.

When I need a break from the hustle of the city, I take a trip to my parents’ place and just chill out and listen to the silence.” - Leah Stewart

Jazz Robson

Monique Smith

Nicole Hunt

Natsha Nandabhiwat

Allan Haeweng

19

Essentially Hamilton’s only silver lining, Raglan has an eternal holiday feel.

If you do happen to be a surfer, Raglan’s breaks will probably be the biggest appeal for you. With some of the best left-hand breaks in the surfing world, it has become famous for its (at times) 600m long breaks. Even on an average day at Manu Bay, you will still likely get better rides than a good day on the east. Pure magic. On the days where it’s too monstrous for a noob like me to attempt, there is plenty of space to chill at the car park whilst watching the pros carve up a storm. Since it’s a point break too, you’ll feel right amongst it all, sitting just 10-15 metres away from the action.

OUR HIDDEN GEMS

by Matthew Cattin Arguably New Zealand’s best – and certainly its most famous – surf break, Raglan is a west coast gem that I would thoroughly recommend to surfers and non-surfers alike.

Two hours from the city, it’s a much-overlooked destination for a weekend away, usually overshadowed by the likes of Coromandel or Northland. Perhaps it is its reputation as a surfing mecca that keeps general beach goers at the quiet east coast, but in my several visits to its rugged shores, I’ve always found there to be so much more than the breaks that define it.

Essentially Hamilton’s only silver lining, Raglan has an eternal holiday feel. From its café-stacked sidewalks to its surf art-adorned streets, it emanates a vibe that says “we love it here, all we do is party and surf, please stay forever… and ever… and ever…”

If surfing ain’t your thang, then that’s cool too. With a harbour that reaches miles inland, there is plenty of calm water to swim in if the swells are keeping you from the beaches. With an estuary side walkway and a bridge too, you can take a long stroll or ride a bike around the water side. If you’re a confident swimmer though, you might like to check out Raglan’s main beach. Just be warned however, it is quite similar to Auckland’s west coast.

If you’re stuck for a place to stay, I’d recommend checking out baches, especially in the off-season months. If you get in quick, you can usually find a quaint 70s-style home with awful wallpaper, criminally ugly furniture and a great vista for a reasonable price.

Alternatively, there is a fantastic accommodation I discovered on my last trip down – it goes by the name of Solscape. Perched high up on a hill overlooking the rolling swells, Solscape offers ecofriendly accommodation with tent sites, cabins and teepees. I only spent one night there, but it was the type of place I could easily have spent a week enjoying. And w hat’s more, their porridge is mind-blowing. Just make sure you don’t bite into the star anise, hidden amongst the oats.

I suppose its only true downside is its proximity to Hamilton, but if you take the right highways, you won’t even have to drive through it. Genius. It’s the perfect spot for anybody seeking something different from the usual weekend hot spots, and I guarantee it will be a destination you won’t just visit the once.

The early episodes are about as dull as most American network television, but they are worth enduring to get a feel for the characters and watch their relationships blossom. It makes the mid-season twist all the more shocking and painful. It still has a long way to go, but it makes for decent, if occasionally average, entertainment.

Agent Carter

The MCU’s first leading lady, Peggy Carter, may not seem like your typical hero. Set in 1946, the show follows Carter as she struggles to move on from losing Steve Rogers/Captain America while being the sole female employee at the Stragetic Scientific Reserve. Her life is thrown into chaos when Howard Stark is branded a terrorist, and she alone must prove his innocence. Over the course of eight episodes, Peggy, buoyed by Hayley Atwell’s brilliant performance, pushes the character past the role of love interest and through the forced sexism of the male characters in order to create a dynamic, layered and fascinating lead.

by Ethan Sills

The show slowly evolves its wider plot over each episode, with all threads tying back toward Stark and a bigger threat from the mysterious Leviathan, allowing all other storylines to connect with one another. The small scale and budget means less grandeur than even Agents, instead letting the central figures evolve and grow on their own accord. It may not have set the world on fire, and it seems unlikely to come back for a second season, but it did provide one of the more character-based outings from the MCU, and shows that Carter/Atwell is a powerful asset that the franchise can’t afford to lose.

Part Two: Television

Daredevil

Examining Phase Two and Beyond of Marvel’s Cinematic Universe

As part of expanding their universe and to ensure people keep talking about Marvel in between movies, the studio has added a number of television shows to their roster, with three released and up to five more planned.

Agents of S.H.I.EL.D

Marvel’s first foray had huge potential going in. Bringing back fan-favourite Phil Coulson, the show followed him and a group of mismatched agents as they investigated S.H.I.E.L.D threats too small scale for their main heroes. Unfortunately, the first season started slow and dull; without the budget for the types of CGI-filled storylines of the movies, the characters were forced to battle smaller, much less threatening foes in ‘case of the week’ storylines that seemed to be going nowhere.

That was until Winter Soldier aired, revealing that S.H.I.E.L.D had been infiltrated long ago by HYDRA, and forced the show in a completely different direction. The final episodes of the first season brought together numerous threads to reveal a wider plan, and displayed the show’s true potential. The second season dropped the procedural elements and became fully serialized, with two central plotlines coursing through each episode that made for fun, exciting and tense television. It then proceeded in making itself a mainstay of the MCU by introducing alien race, the Inhumans, six years before their big screen debut.

In our post-Dark Knight world, every superhero needs a bit of grit in them to resonate nowadays, but outside of Winter Soldier, the MCU hasn’t fully embraced the Nolanesque ideology. But by launching a side project of interconnected heroes on Netflix, the studio freed themselves from commercial restraints and family-friendly ratings, allowing for their bloodiest, most violent, but probably best project yet.

Blinded as a young boy but gaining enhanced senses, Matt Murdock grows up in the grimy Hell’s Kitchen, longing to make a difference.

After The Avengers destroyed New York, developers begin to fight to take control, pushing the now-lawyer to take a vigilante approach to saving his city.

I wasn’t sure what to expect from this very different venture, but after a few days of binge watching, I am in awe of what they did here. Thirteen hours dedicated to one hero and one villain. Both characters, and all those around them were given time to fully flesh out, display personalities, and growth and play integral parts in the wider plot. With a powerful performance by Charlie Cox, and an even more intimidating and mesmerizing one from Vincent D’Onfrio as Wilson Fisk, the single best villain the MCU has ever done, this is less superhero and more bloody crime drama (with emphasis on the bloody). Not for the faint hearted, but if you prefer your superheroes closer to Breaking Bad or Game of Thrones, then this is the show for you – and it is well worth the price of Netflix.

21

S T E P H E N F R Y:

H OW I N GOD'S NAME CA N C H I L D CA N C E R EXIST?

By Jared Lanigan

What would you say to God if you died and you met him at the Pearly Gates?

Earlier this year, I watched Stephen Fry’s answer to this question. In a nutshell, he implies that he would call God evil and a maniac for creating a world where pain and injustice are everywhere, and expecting us to spend our lives thanking him for it. His two slam-dunks are child bone cancer and optical worms that burrow into people’s eyes and render them blind. I guess he’s got a point. Especially with regard to the Christian/Islamic/Judaic depictions: the all-encompassing, infinitely benevolent, omnipotent, knows our hopes and fears kind of bloke awaiting us in the sky. How could he care if these things happen to us? How could he be all-knowing and all-compassionate at once?

Nonetheless, I take issue with Stephen Fry’s statement as an absolute justification for atheism. The ‘pain and suffering’ notion has been about for as long as people have questioned God’s existence. “Why does God allow suffering?” “Well, because we learn from it/deserve it” “I can’t reconcile myself with that” “Well, you’re going to hell” has pretty much been the centrepiece of the philosophy of religion for a few centuries now.

It’s cyclical and it’s well-worn. It’s not new to deny God’s existence on account of our own and everyone else’s pain. Admittedly, however, it’s easy to see why people bring it up.

But if we’re giving senseless pain as evidence for a lack of God, then what would we define as a good world; what would we take as evidence for God, for a higher purpose?

Is it the opposite, for instance? Is it a world where people are born without genetic defects; is it being perfectly safe from nature; is it our dreams being seamlessly fulfilled, or is it when we’re not being messed up by our relationships with other people? Let’s just reflect on those kinds of circumstances for a second. In theory, it is perfection, or at least our understanding of perfection – B.F. Skinner’s Grand Utopia. From a scientific, costbenefit analysis, these are the traits of an ideal world - the point at which philosophers might warm to the idea of an omnipotent, benevolent Creator.

B u t i f w e ’r e g i v i n g s e n s e l e s s p a i n a s e v i d e n c e f o r a l a c k o f G o d, t h e n w h a t wo u l d w e d e fi n e a s a g o o d wo r l d ; w h a t wo u l d w e t a ke a s ev i d e n c e f o r G o d, f o r a h i g h e r p u r p o s e ?

But let’s detach ourselves from a rational perspective on happiness ‘just for fun’. Instead, let’s reflect on our own moments of joy. When are we happy? When are we grateful to be alive?

When do we wonder, if at all, if there is a divine aspect to our lives? That there is an awareness greater than our own that looks upon humanity and all nature with compassion? Personally, I would say when I’m creating something. When I invest enough of myself to overcome obstacles and frustration to complete a project. When I get a degree. When I get over my fear and ask a girl out. When I’ve come close to unbearable levels of stress or depression or danger and come through stronger, more mindful, and fuller of love. Even if it’s as simple as enjoying a friend’s company, my happiness is experienced relative to the possibility of loneliness at other times. If pain means the absence of God, then complete lack of pain must mean presence of God. But that’s when I’m feeling neither holy nor necessarily happy. In actual fact, I’m most happy immediately after pain subsides.

I am happy after the successful manipulation of pain into contentment, significance, success.

This argument admittedly begins to struggle when stretched to child bone cancer and optical worms, but it does happen. There is scores of research that has found people to feel more alive once they’ve been diagnosed with terminal illness. Reports of significance, of tolerance, of greater love and of a sense of what it means to be mortal are more than just the exception. I have the obvious bias of being cancer-free to sit here and commentate on how life-threatening disease can change people for the better. But I would feel much more uncomfortable proclaiming people’s terminal illness as an objective remover of happiness, made possible only by the absence of a loving God, as Stephen Fry has. Either way, it’s not really up to either of us to suggest whether cancer patients should be happy or not while dealing with illness. But it does bear thinking about.

Is it proof of an evil or absent God that children are born without all their senses? Interestingly, psychologists are discovering that if we quieten our minds by dulling/focusing on our physical senses

(as with meditation, yoga or float tanks), then the electrical activity in our brain changes to patterns of restfulness and contentment. The implications of this are huge; it is now an empirical fact that happiness can be fostered by closing our eyes and being still. This is one road of many to well being that even the most physically debilitated among us are capable of taking. I don’t mean to say that all victims of illness and disability should promptly sit around and meditate themselves out of misery.

Instead, I want to show that the way Stephen Fry is defining a prosperous life (a long one where a person has all their senses, good physical health, a regular job and is without physical pain for a reasonable period of their life) is not the only path to satisfaction. To imply that people with less than these circumstances will struggle to be happy, that it is a shame the universe has given them adversity, is quite possibly offensive to such people. There are ways for us all to find value, in spite of, and sometimes because of tragedy.

We all know this instinctively, but sometimes someone with as much influence as Stephen Fry just needs to say ‘these things are evil things’ and we get all rarked up at life and God and the injustice of it all. In reality, however, the way we seem to be measuring happiness (in this case, the absence of pain and disability) is seriously questionable. Am I saying it’s a good thing for a child to become blind at birth? Certainly not.

Am I defending God? I don’t think so. What I will suggest is that our criteria for happiness, and thus for God’s existence, seem to often be influenced by culture, ignorant of our own moments of happiness, and possibly even demeaning to people who suffer and still find value in life. Even Stephen Fry’s criteria. And he is a very smart and empathetic dude.

P.S. Obviously there are people born into hellish conditions where my ramblings about inner peace and the value of adversity are pretty redundant. I just think it a bit convenient to look at things like pain and disability in undeserving people, make a moral judgement on their inherent evil and then to draw conclusions about whether there’s a Source of All Things. Just me?

23

#INSTAFRIENDS

by Rachel Barker

There are those we have come to know via social media: people whose instagrams we scroll and profile pictures we give the occasional supportive like. They are the ones that online we will double tap, but day to day do our best to gap. Who we right swipe, but in real life? We can sometimes barely acknowledge them.

It’s a funny thing really, these relationships we grow through monitors and mutual appreciation of the other’s online presence. And as products of the 21st century I am sure we all have at least one of these in our lives. It is truly a prime example of current social nuances that would baffle our grandparents, aunts and uncles alike.

So what happens when at first we make contact with them in reality… Well, this is where we fail to fulfil the pleasantries of online friendship. I have a friend- a beautiful, spunky feministwho I regularly compliment on social media, and vice versa.

We band together against assholes on the internet and support each other’s various causes/petitions/inflammatory essays. However, until summer, we had never met (and can I say we have now? Read on and make up your own mind).

Let us call her Bella.

Bella and I had unknowingly been hired as bar staff and catering staff respectively at an event, and through crowds of partygoers I recognised her choppy bob and pouty expression. So what now, I thought. Do I give her a wink and a smile, shout a loud “hey girlfriend!”? Prepare a gushing speech on my appreciation of her instagram feed? Nope.

What happened was this; an awkward glance and a few shuffling steps as we passed each other by, an under the breath “hi”. Wow. Cool Rach, cool!

And here we have the problem. This was a friendship that I was sure would blossom and flourish and grow into a beautiful flower crown worn by the both of us at the multiple festivals, dance classes and literature readings we

would attend together! But no, there is something about these friendships that is sometimes just supposed to remain internet bound. You may feel truly supportive of them, as they are of you, but sometimes the online personalities and traits you express are more compatible than the irl ones.

There is no denying, as multiple researches have shown, that we exhibit different behaviours and qualities on social media (and I am sorry if I sound like a lame 50+ year old who actually uses the phrase social media), and although they are obviously attributes of our day to day personalities, they can be amplified and manipulated as we portray them. This can create the possibility of friendships you never would have made in real life, because an amplified part of us recognises and connects with an amplified part of someone else.

You may feel truly supportive of them, as they are of you, but sometimes the online personalities and traits you express are more compatible than the irl ones.

So although you may have exchanged only a nervous nod, or almost accidental eye-contact, these friendships and relationships can certainly still continue and retain their own place to grow. Personally, I think these relationships can be good for us; they are people who get a part of us we might be fearful of conveying to those already close to us. They can be someone you consider a friend without having to back up your schedule meeting and hanging out with. It is super cool if this can translate into an actual real life human connection with an actual real life human, but if not, no worries. Shuffle on from your awkward encounter with your head held high and make sure that the moment you depart you give some love to their last selfie. xoxo

However, I will outline the common faults within the current criminal justice system and put forward solutions that can make a difference. Firstly, I realise that it can be a harrowing ordeal for any female to sit in a court room during a rape trial. They dread questions aiming to shed light upon their sexual history, level of alcohol consumption, and clothing worn during the crime. I am unmoved, no matter how eloquent a defence lawyer may put it, by the commonly repeated claim; she was wearing a mini skirt and therefore was asking for it. In fact, we should enact laws that prevent irrelevant questions from being asked. After all, is it not the behaviour of the accused that is under scrutiny, not the victim’s?

MANIFESTING TERROR

by Mr X People believe throwing money at rape will be the panacea to rid society of its wickedness. Some solutions are targeted at ameliorating poverty, relative deprivation, inequality and contributing more funding to women’s refuge and various other support groups. Let me be clear; I am not against pursing policies that are socially and morally just. In fact, I believe solving poverty, relative deprivation, inequality and supporting organisations such as the women’s refuge are noble endeavours. However, it is a troubling issue for me when social justice becomes conflated with criminal justice. We should pursue such initiatives for their intended purpose, not because we think, perhaps out of own personal beliefs, that such pursuits will end violence towards women. Take a moment to imagine the following: Offenders, who in seeking to justify their actions, will blame the women’s refuge for failing to educate women on how to dress conservatively. That is potentially what can happen if an organisation intended to support victims of crime is perceived as doing the job of the criminal justice system.

So what can we do beyond altering attitudes, as advocated by what my associates refer to as “modern day socialists” which can have an impact in the short and possibly long term? The solution has been around for quite some time; 308 years to be exact. I am referring to the solution of deterrence. Unfortunately, the solution has been forgotten and has given way to a series of errors that are far too many to list here.

Secondly, we should examine the amount of discretion judges have when it comes to sentencing. Allow me to illustrate the aforementioned point. As I recall, the maximum sentence of rape in New Zealand is a liability of a prison term of 20 years.

More often than not, individuals are sentenced with a minimum amount of time to be served before they can be eligible for parole.

Such sentences are determined individually. In other words, not everyone will get the same deal. This, I think, is a huge flaw that weakens the deterrent force of the criminal justice system. It also inflicts an injustice on offenders, who are left to wonder why their sentence is longer than others, despite being guilty of the same crime. I may now be expected to propose an ideal length of imprisonment, but that is a task for another time, though I will say this: Longer sentences will implicitly force jurors to ponder whether it is worth returning a guilty verdict, and when they do, Judges will use their discretion to counter the decision of the jury. What I have described above is a fundamental flaw which is a disservice to victims and offenders. Rather than the outcome being the result of a rational decision arising from the law of the land, the victim’s desire for justice and fate of the accused are left to a den of gamblers.

Others may think I am being cruel, but that is for them to judge.

All I know is this: leaving so many individuals of a wicked nature to walk free is a terrible idea. Some of you may feel that I am merely using the indignity women suffer at the hands of men to send more people to prison. Not at all, for I can assure you that is not my intention and I realise that our prison system is far from perfect and that reforms are long overdue, but to do nothing in the present does not help us at all. We must not ignore the beneficial qualities of punishment: Certainty, swiftness and incapacitation will always be the enduring attributes that allow deterrence to have a greater effect on society. It is the certainty of punishment, and the swiftness at which punishment is delivered that weighs heavily on the minds of humans rather than its length.

If the thought of victimisation manifests itself as a great terror in the minds of victims, then at an abstract level, fear of punishment should become a great terror in the minds of offenders.

25

THE GRADUATED GLOBAL MILLENIAL

By Orlando Werffeli

Completing my business degree at AUT University last year, I, like all other graduates, was left with the difficult yet exciting task of deciding what to do next. Tapping into the vast options and an overwhelming amount of information that we millennials have access to, I got to work trying to further develop my skills, education and experiences and increase my employability.

During my final year I worked for an Auckland digital advertising agency, Contagion, where I developed campaigns within social and mobile platforms and interactive technology. I started to build a fascination for the tech industry that is gradually growing in New Zealand, but dominating in countries like America, China and Europe. I knew my next challenge would be one set in a foreign environment, and fast-tracking that transition, I was fortunate to receive an AUT interNZ scholarship. The scholarship connected me with a New Zealand startup, Booktrack, which has an office in San Francisco.

Having left New Zealand with my new degree and a bit of experience under my belt, I can’t help but notice my new and developing understanding of the global business environment puts me in a strong position. I’ve learned – and will continue to learn – an incredible amount about the San Francisco culture. Once I removed the ethnocentric views I arrived with, I was in a position to see a wider picture. I was under the impression that Auckland was diverse, until I got a taste of what that really meant. The wide variety of cultures in San Francisco is completely mind-blowing, it’s rare to meet a born-and-raised local of this city.

This diversity is partly due to the city’s appeal and demand for young business people from all around the world. In 2014 San Francisco’s per capita income was NZD$20,000 more then Auckland’s. However the cost of living in the city has also increased with already dramatically high house prices growing a further 10% in the last year. This has resulted in an incredibly intelligent, hardworking and passionate group of people in the city.

The way people network in San Francisco is also very different. In New Zealand, it’s common to lay a lot of social groundwork before you ask for something. Here people don’t tend to beat around the bush, and this took a little bit of getting used to. These, among many other experiences, are beginning to separate me from my original modus operandi.

As Kiwis, we value the opportunities that international markets offer our local businesses.

We’re a creative and hardworking bunch, and we love competing in a global marketplace that’s so far removed from our little New Zealand. And we’re now seeing an ever-increasing desire for the world to come to us. A former Coca-Cola chief executive explained the change in his company’s globalisation strategy. “We used to be an American company with a large international business,” he said. “Now we’re a large international company with a sizeable American business.” This is why, as Kiwis, during the key educational phase in our lives we are driven to take opportunities to remove ourselves from what’s comfortable and travel to the likes of Europe, America, Asia and Africa. This is more than just an experience for the fun of it – it gives us the ability to truly understand how the world works, and how different yet significant we are as a nation.

It’s now more important then ever for employers to get their hands on internationally experienced people and consider their international environment in their business plan, opening up potential markets and tapping into customers they might not know exist. As millennials, having exposure to international business environments to complement our degrees will provide a competitive edge for us and for the organisations that employ us.

Orlando Werffeli is in San Francisco through an AUT interNZ International Scholarship, which is designed to fast-track AUT graduates into the world of work through immersion in a new market and culture. He is a 2014 Business School graduate interning at Booktrack. Join the AUT interNZ Facebook group to follow his and other AUT interNZ' journeys and be in the loop for future opportunities.

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JACK TAME Interviewed by Fiona Connor

Even as a young fella, Jack Tame had a flare for television. At Cashmere High School in Christchurch during Jack’s fourth form year (more commonly known as ‘yur tun’), an opportunity fell at his feet.

One of TV’s most notable and respected personalities, Jason Gunn, and his company Whitebait Productions came knocking on the door looking for new talent. The production company was hoping to gain the rights to produce the long-running children’s show What Now. Gunn and his team were looking for a fresh face for the pilot episode. A competition was held and young Jack took it out. The win came in the form of being cast in a skit about a boy being dragged along by his dog. For the joke, Jack was filmed being pulled behind the back of a 4wd, all in the name of entertainment. Although the video didn’t seal the deal for Gunn’s pledge for the show, Tame not only gained new insight to the industry, but a valuable friend.

After completing high school, Jack set his sights on New Zealand’s Broadcasting School. Aided with a glowing reference from Mr. Gunn himself, Jack was unstoppable. He was determined to create a career for himself in TV, and had the right mindset to get there. He took work experience opportunities as they came, graduated from NZBS and eventually made the move to Auckland City to the TVNZ headquarters. This is where Jack was to make himself a household name.

Fast forward a few years and Jack is the American Correspondent for One News, has his own radio show on Saturday morning’s Newstalk ZB, is a contributor for the Herald, and quite frankly, an all-around nice guy. So just how did he end up finishing so far from last place? It would appear a combination of hard work, passion, and integrity from the beginning got Jack Tame right where he wanted to be.

Jack answered some questions for me on just what it took then and what it takes now.

NO MATTER THE STORY, GOOD OR BAD, I KEEP COMING BACK TO THAT WORD: PRIVILEGE. You’ve been determined and motivated from a young age and you've always sought your own opportunities, looking back at your days working with Jason Gunn, did you ever think you would have the success you have found?

Ha! There’s no way I would’ve foreseen that I’d ever get the opportunities I’ve had. Honestly, so much of it is down to plain good fortune. When I started working in TV, we were still recording and editing everything on tape. Tape! It meant I’ve been working in media throughout the large part of the digital revolution when being young, cheap and adaptable has been ideal.

Now 28, you have definitely made some impressive steps to a successful and bountiful long-term career, where would you like to see yourself in another 10 years? Mike Hosking’s chair perhaps?

I dunno. I get a great deal of satisfaction filling in for Mike – it’s a privilege. Honestly though, I don’t know about the future. I love what I do at the moment and it’s not as though I’m having a grand existentialist crisis or anything, I’m just like plenty of other yo-pros (young professionals) in their twenties in that I'm just taking things a few months at a time. I want to make sure I get everything out of this opportunity.

When you were younger who inspired you to pursue becoming a reporter and how have they influenced your approach to your profession today?

I used to like watching Holmesy, and as a kid I was a little newsnerd. I used to get excited every morning about reading the paper. They were simple pleasures in the Tame household! As well as that though, I loved storytelling and I remember a period in primary school where every day the teacher let me sit up the front and tell everyone a five minute story. Each night I’d go home and think about a story for the following morning. So I guess reporting was a natural progression.

Are there any issues you feel passionate about that you don’t get to shed light on within your role, or topics you wish had more/less coverage?

I’m not Al Gore, but it destroys me that we’re still questioning the human impact on climate change. It’s really nothing short of the defining issue of our existence. Notice how deniers are almost always older people? Convenient, that. Any time I mention it on air, I get a heap of whinging emails and texts. The science is as good as settled, right? So why are we flat-footed? We don’t have bigger questions. It’s an issue of absolute responsibility and so far I think our leaders - globally - have failed us, and the media have failed to make us care.

How did the Christchurch earthquake impact you personally, and did the reality of it being personal to you effect the way you covered it in any way?

I was living in Auckland at the time and arrived in Christchurch late on the night of the 22nd. My colleagues there had been through an extremely traumatic experience and our building was ruined.

Like most people in Christchurch, I knew many people who died or were gravely injured. People I knew lost their homes, and four years on, my own family home is still waiting on some pretty significant EQC repairs. But in Christchurch, that's nothing special or unique.

All in all, my earthquake experience was one of privilege. I wasn’t there for the quake itself. After a few weeks or months in Christchurch, I had the luxury of returning to another city and to stable ground. Like many in the CBD over those first few days, I experienced some tough shit, but I also saw some remarkable things – the last survivor being plucked from the Pyne Gould building. And at a time when many people felt hopeless, I had a daily purpose. I felt like my job helped people. We should all be so lucky.

I was very pragmatic at the time, and my cameraman and I ran every day to clear our heads. I remember it was a few weeks before the adrenalin and shock of the moment wore off, and I found myself getting quite upset. It was devastating. I’m proud of my reporting in Christchurch and I’m profoundly proud of Christchurch.

Did it change how you cover any other stories or remind you that, at times, what you are reporting on is a reality for someone else in any way?

For sure. It was as personal as can be. I remember doing a story down there about a young guy from CTV whose remains couldn’t be identified. There were 12 victims in the same situation, and the Chief Coroner raised the possibility of placing all the unidentifiable human remains in a mass grave. This young guy’s parents were incredible: Brave, wise…I dunno, plain old adjectives don’t do it. But I think about them and I think of that story, often.

I should say though, while some stories are tough and you’re with people during the most upsetting moments of their lives, it’s a yin and yang situation. I’ve travelled extensively and covered World Cups and Presidential elections, I've shared bottles of red with Attenborough, and taken selfies with Miley Cyrus! No matter the story, good or bad, I keep coming back to that word: privilege.

If you weren't working in the media (that’s covering all your streams of contributions TV, radio, print), what other professions would you like to see yourself in one day?

Man, I don’t know. I think I’m quite observant and I’d like to think I’m good with people. Run a café, maybe? That way I could chat to people and eat heaps of ginger slice.

29

BE AUT Y M A N - DA R DS

by Matthew Cattin Body image is a term not often associated with males. With so much societal pressure on women to always look their best, and an unspoken onus on men to care very little about their appearance (if, of course, they are a ‘real’ man), it is easy to see how male body image issues slip by under the radar, undiscussed, and therefore unrecognised.

But male insecurity exists. Of course it does! Perhaps it’s not as prevalent as it is with females, but then again, it could be even more widespread, and we’d never know because males simply do not talk about it. It’s a matter of pride. To show insecurity, is to show weakness, and to show weakness, is to ‘be a pussy.’ And this is the culture that has to stop.

When a male asks his mates if his bum looks big in his chinos, will he be greeted with the truth, a straight faced white lie, or laughter?

I think most of us would agree it would be the latter. It’s expected of males to be untroubled by such ‘womanly’ burdens as fashion! But this, of course, is wrong on so many levels.

So, in support of my fellow fellas, I thought I would address a few of the many expectations placed upon the hopefully broad (and hairless) shoulders of men everywhere.

A Big Ol’ Dickey.

Let us start first with the most obvious of body parts – the penis. Now, penis size is something many fellas find hard to swallow, and it’s easy to see why - the size of the snake has often been wrongfully linkead with ones manliness. But let’s be honest, having a humongous hog’s head won’t make you more of a man, oh no. And for that matter, it is not ‘the motion of the ocean’ either, it’s having confidence in what you’ve been given, and having sense enough to damn well use it respectfully. Penis size isn’t something one can really change, so learn to love whatever it is you’re packing down there and don’t let anybody make you feel small (emotionally).

Cheek Bones.

Now this is one I have never really understood…

But since I started college, girls seemed to simultaneously launch into a cheek bone frenzy, and it has been happening ever since.

Is there a cheek bone hormone in the female body that activates at puberty? Do chiselled cheek bones represent the ability to store more nuts over winter?

You tell me, because I actually have no idea.

The V.

No, not that V… I’m talking about the V shape a fella’s hips make when they’re ripped. If you don’t know quite what I am talking about, check out your nearest underwear billboards and you’ll notice it straight away. Maybe it’s not the V that gets people excited, but the promise of a big ol’ pot of gold at the bottom, but the V is yet another attribute of the ‘perfect’ male form.

Hair Here (Or Not).

Male body hair would have to be the most confusing of all grooming issues for men… Some ladies go wild for a good love rug, and others are repulsed.

Back hair is cherished by few and despised by many.

Beards too draw a fairly even mix of awe and eww.

And if trying to keep the ladies happy isn’t confusing enough, body hair removal generally gets a raised eyebrow in the changing rooms, from other blokes.

If you’re brave enough to wax your chest or back to keep your love interest happy, chances are you will get hell for it from the fellas. It’s lose lose!

In my humble and hairy opinion, do whatever makes you happy and comfortable, and wear your

body hair (or lack of ) with pride, because no matter what you do, there will always be haters - and if haters gonna hate? Get Taylor to tell you what to do.

Such Great Heights.

This one bothers me a fair bit, because it is discussed so openly, as if nobody could possibly be offended by it ever. Height is just one of those things you can’t change – it’s the hand you were dealt. You can’t hit up the gym and bulk up your vertical reach. Yet if I had a dollar for every time I heard a sentence resembling “oh, no he’s too short for me”, I’d be on permanent vacation. Even the classic description, ‘tall, dark and handsome’ is an unfortunate blow to shorter fellas.

So who’s to blame for all of these expectations? Well, I’d say for the most part we can blame advertising and Hollywood, two industries where average bodies are generally underrepresented. But also, I’d say we all share part of the blame. From the competitive boys who strive for more pronounced Vs at the gym, to the girls who chat about defined cheek bones, to the porn stars with eight inch destroyers, to the short kid getting picked last in gym class. Our society is so image-conscious, it is impossible to escape judgement or comparison. So what can we do?

It can be a difficult thing to look in the mirror and love what you see, and furthermore, those that actually achieve this extraordinary feat are often branded arrogant. So it seems like a bit of a lose lose, really… However, I fully believe that the first step to being comfortable with your reflection is to quit comparing yourself to others. No matter how pronounced your V, or how long your schlong, there will always be somebody bigger, stronger, or more pronounced. Unless of course you have the biggest D… But I saw that documentary, and his life looked hard…

Anyway lads, no matter what hand you’ve been dealt, try your best to play it with pride. Stand tall, sculpt, shape or tone whatever makes you feel good, and try to win over the only person that really matters – your reflection.

31

WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH

by Ethan Sills Critics have been raving for years now about the Golden Age of Television we are currently living in, with marvels from HBO, Showtime, AMC and Netflix turning the once-derided medium into a showcase for talent in front of and behind the screen. But while cable networks are making waves, American network television is lagging behind, still relying on crime and medical dramas in order to get their precious ratings.

The shows may be commercially beneficial, but for the most part, they are all shit.

One of the few beacons of hope that network television may have some future is The Good Wife. It may have a dumb name that makes it sound like some terrible Nicholas Sparks novel, but it is up there with the likes of Game of Thrones in terms of quality, transcending the typical legal drama stereotype to provide intense cases of the week. Cases built around much wider, overarching storylines, making for fascinating, intelligent and wellacted television.

Currently playing from the beginning on Vibe, streaming on Neon, and airing its fourth and sixth seasons on TV3, there are a lot of opportunities to dive into this brilliant show, and here are just some of the reasons why.

The What: Alicia Florrick had a perfect life as wife to a

respected District Attorney, raising her two children in luxurious Chicago suburbia. But all that changes when her husband’s affair with a prostitute is exposed and he is arrested, forcing Alicia and her family into the public eye while sending her back to work as a lawyer to support her children. Working aside college lover and competing for a permanent job against an ambitious younger rival, Alicia has to juggle her private and public lives while coping with her husband’s betrayal and trying to keep her job.

The Who: Original ER cast member, Juliana Margulies,

returned to TV as Alicia, a role that has won her a Golden Globe and two Emmys. The rest of the cast is made up of her bosses, Will Gardner - her semi-love interest, and Diane Lockhart, her embattled husband, Peter, his campaign manager, Eli Gold, and, easily the best character, Kalinda Sharma - the manipulative and mysterious investigator. A show of this pedigree attracts high quality guest stars that are constantly appearing, most notable amongst them is Michael J. Fox as one of Alicia’s key rivals, though he is just one of the dozens and dozens of guest stars who constantly recur.

Why You Should Watch: The Good Wife is hands

down one of the best shows on television. It combines the procedural aspect of a different case each week while also juggling multiple overarching storylines that connect everything together. This is not in-your-face drama like plenty of other shows out there. Instead, the storylines are slow-building and intense, demanding your attention in every scene as the cases are intersected with the personal drama and relationships that make up the characters. Plus, the acting is outstanding: Margulies deserves every award she has won, and more. The supporting cast is made up of a plethora of talented people who have all received accolades for their work here, as well. It has some of the best writing on television, and despite having twenty two episode seasons, the quality never falters.

Final Thoughts: Cable television still dominates

network by a long shot, but The Good Wife has remained longer than expected, proving you can still tell a fantastic story over more than just thirteen episodes - and without dressing it up with blood, sex and violence. If you enjoy smart, well-acted, and wellplotted television, then this is definitely the show for you.

REVIEWS In 2009, there was an animated film that flew criminally under the radar – the Australia-made Mary and Max. With themes of mental illness, addiction, bullying, loneliness and obesity, it’s probably not one to plop the kids down in front of, but my-oh-my, with the perfect blend of humour and emotion, it’s a film that will steal your adult heart.

'

Mary Daisy Binkle is an eight-year-old lass living in suburban Mount Waverley, Australia. Her eyes are the colour of muddy puddles, her birthmark, the colour of poo. Bullied, lonely, and with distant parents, poor Mary’s only friends are her ‘Noblets’ figurines. One day, she decides she would like to know where babies come from in America, since as she understands it, in Australia they are found at the bottom of beer glasses. She chooses a random name from a phone book, pens a letter, and sends it over the seas to…

Max Horowitz is a middle-aged obese Jew with a list of social anxieties larger than his waistline. Living in a small apartment in New York, Max too has a love of The Noblets, as well as other interests such as eating chocolate hotdogs and caring for his pet fish. You couldn’t find a stranger pairing than Mary and Max, but they dao share one thing in common – they’re both lonely. A beautiful friendship develops through their letters, a friendship that lasts a lifetime.

MARY AND MAX Film directed by Adam Elliot Starring Toni Collette, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Eric Bana Reviewed by Matthew Cattin

What unfolds is a black comedy drama, presented beautifully in outstanding Claymation, but aesthetics aside, Mary and Max’s oomph lies in its story and themes. Dealing heavily with Asperger’s and depression, it provides a snapshot of mental illness and portrays it not as a disability, but as an aspect of character that needs to be accepted and understood. It portrays the importance of friendships, no matter how unconventional, and the significance small gestures can have on a hard life.

Growing up, Spongebob was undoubtedly one of my favourite shows.

With its madcap group of characters and its bizarre, surreal plotlines, it was a highlight. When the first movie came out eleven years ago, the much longer, much stranger madness on display was so intoxicating, I saw it twice in cinemas - one of the few movies I’ve ever gone back for a second screening.

Ten years on, I am long past the time of actively watching Spongebob and his adventures, but I thought taking my cousins to see his newest movie might make for some decent entertainment. The plot revolves around the Krabby Patty formula being magically stolen by a pirate, forcing the characters to go on dry land to retrieve it.

SPONGEBOB: SPONGE OUT OF WATER Film directed by Paul Tibbet Starring Tom Kenny, Antonio Banderas, Bill Fagerbakke

Reviewed by Ethan Sills

Sadly, the movie was a very incoherent, nonsensical mess, and not in a good way. About five different plots were crammed together, including a time travel storyline that contributed nothing, and they didn’t go above water until the last half hour, despite it being the most promoted part of the movie. There were definitely some funny moments, but this obvious cash grab is made even more bitter by the lack of effort put into coming up with anything original. For people looking to keep their childhood nostalgia in check, or just anyone over the age of ten, this one should definitely be a miss.

33

THE LAST NESTLING

by Laurien Barks

Premature packulation I was finally getting comfortable with the idea of the big move. I’ve really gotten to know it over the last several weeks, and the more I’ve sat with it, the more it’s seemed like the right thing for me. So, I’ve been slowly taking my participation in the whole ordeal to the next level. It started with a bit of fancy finger work on my keyboard, searching for housing ads. Before I knew it clothes (that I wanted to give away before the move) were strewn about my bedroom floor in a flustered frenzy. But, just as things were getting real hot and heavy, just as my excitement for change and thrills and independence was reaching an all-time high…

Boom. Premature packulation.

It’s a very real problem for a lot of women my mum’s age, and most loving daughters say it’s not a big deal.

But when it happens to you, and becomes the reality you live with, it can be hard to accept.

It’s two and a half months before my family leaves the country, and I’m being instructed to start packing our belongings into boxes. I can’t be the only person who finds that to be as strange as it is inconvenient. It’s thrown off my whole ‘Que Sera’ attitude and morphed it into a ‘K, Seriously?’ whingitude.

Packing is messy, packing is inconvenient, packing is just all around gross. That’s why, when I’m in charge of it, I follow the ‘1/24th’ rule.

However long you’re planning on leaving, divide it by twenty four, and that number is how far in advance you need to start packing. A week-long holiday? That’s seven days, 168 hours – packing should commence seven hours before departure. Overnight trip? 24 hours pack one hour before. So mathematically speaking, my family is moving away for infinity, which automatically gets rounded down to the “one year” category (as the amount of stuff taken is about the same), therefore the packing start gun should be fired on the two week mark.

Mum is two months early.

Packing when you still have to live in a house for two and half months is a nightmare for the whole family. I mean, how am I supposed to make a charmingly handmade card for a birthday party when all of my stickers and paper are in a box on the top shelf of our garage? My craft quota is getting dangerously low. And when that happens, everyone loses.

I guess it makes sense in her head, makes her feel at ease and prepared. But it’s having the opposite effect on me. I don’t want to live in a room with bare walls, or find our kitchen cupboard stripped of everything but four of each dish. It’s weird. Can we please just leave the cheese plates we never use, the spare shoes we never wear, and the trinkets we never look at in their rightful homes for a little while longer? Is that too much to ask?

RECIPE

ALL-IN-ONE CHICKEN CURRY Extract from One-dish Dinners by Penny Oliver An easy ‘all done in one pot’ chicken curry flavoured with aromatic Thai spices sitting in a coconut soup.

Preparation and Cooking Time: 30 minutes Serves 4-6 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

½ teaspoon ground coriander ½ teaspoon turmeric 1 teaspoon chilli flakes ¼ teaspoon ground cumin pinch of ground cinnamon sea salt and ground black pepper to taste 2 × 400ml cans coconut milk 1 tablespoon palm sugar or brown sugar 1 tablespoon fish sauce 3 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 shallots, finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, grated 1 ½ tablespoons fresh grated ginger 1 inner stalk of lemongrass, thinly sliced 450g chicken (breast or thigh), cut into bite-sized pieces 350g Agria potatoes, peeled and diced 250g round green beans, trimmed and halved coriander leaves and lime wedges to garnish

Mix together spices, salt and pepper. Combine coconut milk, sugar and fish sauce.

Heat oil in a large saucepan over a low heat, then cook shallots, garlic, ginger, lemongrass and spices for 1 minute. Stir in the coconut milk mixture and gently simmer for 10 minutes.

Drop in chicken and potatoes and simmer until cooked through and tender (about 10–15 minutes). Add beans for the last 3 minutes of cooking.

Serve in bowls with fresh coriander leaves on top and a lime wedge to squeeze over.

Reproduced with permission from One-dish Dinners by Penny Oliver. Published by Penguin Group NZ. RRP $40.00.

Copyright text © Penny Oliver, 2015. Copyright photography © Manja Wachsmuth, 2015. Available nationwide

35

LOC ATION IS THE EXPERIENCE

by Matthew Cattin

My bedroom is set up for three things; sleeping, watching films, and listening to music. My bed sits in the middle of the room, the headboard against the back wall. Next to the bed is my dressing table, and on top of that sits my uncle’s stereo (which I’m hoping he has forgotten about) and my vinyl collection (mostly inherited from my folks and friends’ parents). Against the opposite wall is a television, and between that and my stereo sits two hand-me-down chairs and a homemade coffee table. With a ten dollar auxiliary cable, I connected the TV to the stereo for poor man’s surround sound – a little bit genius if you ask me. I call it the den – not in a creepy way – but in a cosy, homely way. Like a panda bear’s den!

Complete with blankets, pillows and warmth.

The point I am slowly getting to is this; when I listen to an album or watch a film, I strive to make it an experience. The same way you probably wouldn’t plan your first time to be in a filthy club’s bathroom cubicle, you shouldn’t watch a classic film on a laptop, with a piddly screen and pathetic speakers. And don’t even get me started on the impatient bastards who download new releases that have been filmed in cinemas on handheld cameras… The power of Christ compels you!

Ever since invasive handheld technology permeated our lives, popular media – whether it’s television, films or music – has suffered.

I’m not talking about the effect downloading has on the industries, I’m talking about the actual experience of consuming media – it’s gone to the dogs. It seems we have become so impatient, and so eager to consume, we have completely forgotten to set the table before tucking into our media meals. We binge watch television series on our laptops alone in bed, blinds closed to the world. We shuffle through albums on the bus, or Spotify artists at work, our brains multitasking. And of course, perhaps the most heinous crime of all, watching beautiful cinematography on a pixelated streaming website.

As preachy as I am, I sure ain’t perfect. I’ve been known to stream, watch films on my laptop and in general just be a horrible person, a pop culture-spoilt by-product of the digital age… But I do make an effort! And that’s all I ask. Turn away from low quality streaming and embrace the experience. Hit up the cinemas (it’s cheap as chips

if you’re a student). Force yourself to sit down and experience an album start to finish, with no distractions, the way it used to be.

Rekindle the lost art of experiencing art in its intended form.

Last year, alt-J released their stellar album This Is All Yours, and like many artists these days, they decided to stream the album a week or so before its official release. There was, however, one small catch; you had to download an app which would direct you to specific locations where you could listen to the album in full. The locations were out of the hustle and bustle, in the parks and beaches around cities and towns. It was designed to get listeners out of their offices and homes and into nature, forcing them to have an experience with the music, rather than just chucking it on in the background. Albert Park was one of the locations to pick up the stream, and although I didn’t get there because of limited data, the concept really struck a chord with me.

Back in the day, the only way to experience an album was to purchase it on vinyl, take it home, and pop it on the record player. Albums were even recorded with the record-flip in mind. Classic concept albums like Dark Side of the Moon, for example, have a lull between the middle two tracks, a natural breather which politely disrupts the continuity of the tracks to allow you space to flip the record. Don’t get me wrong, I love having my music portable, and the experiences new technology provides, but I must say, the days of album-listening parties, and popping on a record just to listen to its tale, well those days need resurgence!

We have a world of media at our disposal, closer to our fingertips than ever before, but I can’t help but feel this oversaturation has made us glassy eyed and spoilt. Cinemas are recording some of the lowest attendance rates in decades, albums aren’t selling, and streaming is becoming ever more popular. I think, in short, it’s just too easy to cheat. Who wants to wait a whole week between episodes when they can download the season and binge on it later?

Who bothers to buy an album when they can listen to its singles on Spotify? Well, I do… And it’s great! So, I implore any of y’all who don’t listen to albums or hit up the cinemas every once and a while.

In such a fast paced world, I think we owe it to ourselves to stop and smell the moth-eaten vinyl collection…

37

S

PUZ ZLE F O O D GA S M I C C H E E S E C A K E F L AVO U R S

Brownie Batter

Reese’s

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Carrot Cake

Churro

Key Lime

Orange Chocolate

Salted Caramel Apple

Nutella

Snickers

Banana Nut

Irish Cream

Red Velvet

S’more

Pina Colada

Crème Brulee

Cinnamon Toffee

Pumpkin Oreo

Maple Walnut

Two free Burger King cheeseburger vouchers [222 Queen Street] Yipee!

Circle all the words in the wordfind, tear this page out & pop it into the box on the side of the red debate stands, and you could win this motherflippin’ sweet prize:

Name:

Email:

A Movie With Mummy Design us a comic & you could win a Double Pass ticket for Event Cinemas! Pop your entries into a red Debate stand on campus.

Name:

Email: 39

PERSONAL SAFETY PROTECTION AT THE TOUCH OF A BUTTON In a world-first initiative, AUT and 2Life have made available nationwide 24/7 Personal Safety Protection, FREE of charge to currently enrolled AUT students.

To take advantage of this great deal, follow these simple steps below and create a 2Life Account.

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