INSIDER 07.10.16 | VOL. 19 | ISSUE 05
STUDENT MAGAZINE
IN THIS ISSUE Cover Story
The Symbiosis between Man and Machine
Current Affairs That’s a Bingo! ¡Buen viaje!
Recipe
The Greatest Mushroom Soup ever
Reviews
J.K. Rowling: The Casual Vacancy M.I.A.: AIM Patick Ness: A Monster Calls
Insider Staff
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KAROLIINA NIEMI
RICHARD MCGRATH
SETAREH NOURZAD
ROOPE SORVO
SARAH ROSENTHAL
GRAYSON HEFLIN
MAI LAN LE
SUVI KARELL
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Insider Student Magazine South-Eastern University of Applied Sciences Paraatikenttä 7 45100 Kouvola Editor in chief: Hugh Clack INSIDER ISSN 1457-1587
EDITORIAL
Inktober Originally conceived by illustrator Jake Parker, the goal of Inktober is to draw something using ink every day. No matter how much you draw, how much time you use, or how good your end result is; the goal is to stay consistent, to enforce a habit. You can draw whatever you want, but in case you hit a blank, Parker also issues an official prompt list each year, with simple themes like “Broken”, “Box” and “Burn” Usually these sorts of one month challenges,
like NaNoWriMo and Movember, tend to fall on the dark and dull month of November, so you won’t feel bad about not going out because you’re still missing 3000 words from the day’s quota or your wouldeventually-be-moustache looks too hideous to be shown in public, but Inktober is an exception to that rule (probably because it sounds better than “Inkvember”, “Novinker” or “Novembink”). So if your October seems to be without purpose, you can still grab the ink marker and go! It will be easier to
you to keep up, since your month will be just three weeks. As of writing this, it is the third day of Inktober and I’m still hanging on, but I’m sure I’ve fallen off the wagon by the time you’re reading this. Anyway, happy reading, and try to restrain yourself from practicing Inktober on the magazine pages. Remember to check out the regulars like the recipe and the reviews!
Roope
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that’s a bingo! By Sarah Rosenthal
Bingo, a game of skill and cunning with glory only reserved for the ones most determined and steady minded. If you choose to enter into the competition you better be sure that you won’t crack under the pressure. Make no mistake, the struggle is real. It’s game for those able to keep their emotions in check and eyes fixed on the prize. Full and utter concentration is key. If you want to experience the Bingo madness you need not look farther than the city centre of Kouvola, where right on the market place you will find a lovely little bar called Downtown. Every Thursday they conduct a three round Bingo championship in which you can partake free of charge and win awesome prizes. The first four Bingos in every round offer exciting rewards such as soap bubble dispensers, glow in the dark glasses, utensils to keep your toilet in pristine condition, tickets to their next events, candies and basic equipment for those intending to start a family.
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Shoud Bingo be too nerve-wrecking of a game for you, how about one where you have to have your wits together, channel your inner Hermione if you will and present a steady flow of answers to knowledge sensitive and acoustical cues that require sorting out? You are in luck as in addition to Bingo Thursday there is a Quiz night on Tuesday. The questions include common knowledge about the universe we all share and the this special little pocket in space-time that is Finland. 25 questions that make you question your own life choices especially when you can answer less than half of them. Have I been living under a rock? Should I watch more TV? What is my life? Fortunately you’re not alone. You can take the quiz in a group of up to four people. What the big end reward is however I do not know as we’ve never won. Those social events are a fantastic opportunity to meet new people or meet up with your tandem partner and do some vocabulary exercises.
¡buen viaje!
By Setareh Nourzad As someone who speaks five different languages (Persian, Turkish, English, Finnish & Spanish), I have realized that being multilingual has not only helped me in my own country, but also when travelling or speaking to people from different nationalities. It also opens doors to many new opportunities, it looks very good on your CV, and while travelling if you speak the local language, it would be difficult for them to sell you some overpriced item ;). There are a lot of benefits of being multilingual, but also you will face different “problems”, for example I have realized that when expressing myself, I can do it the best in English, and sometimes when trying to translate something from one language to another, I realize the meaning might change totally, because of the cultural differences associated with each language. It also feels like having different personalities, depending on the language you are speaking at the time. One year ago when I started my studies in KyUAS, I was very happy to see that there are different options of language studies, and since I had already studied Spanish in high school, it was really good to be able to continue studying it. I quit studying Spanish in high school after attending 3 courses, mainly because the teacher had
a very “unique” personality, and I totally lost my interest. I however decided to take Spanish for Beginners course, because it had been over 3 years since I had studied Spanish, and I thought it would be a good way to go through the basics once again. And while travelling in Spain, it was actually very helpful knowing the language, because I could understand most of the things people spoke to me, and I even had the courage to answer back in Spanish. Now I am more motivated to learn more. I heard many times from my classmates that they also wanted to study Spanish, but they couldn’t attend the classes because it is taught in Finnish, and they don’t speak Finnish. But the best part of the Spanish classes is the fact that it is taught mostly in Spanish, and of course the teacher uses Finnish and English sometimes also to explain. So if you want to study Spanish, or some other language, don’t hesitate! Did you know that December is Learn a Foreign Language month? You can give it a try, and at least challenge yourself to learn the basics of a new language during that month, you might end up liking the language more than you thought ;)! 5
The Symbiosis Between Man and Machine
Since the Agricultural Revolution humans have been recording their history. The passage of information was no longer limited to handing down stories from generation to generation. When we began to settle down and focus less on hunting and more on innovation and education, we evolved in a radical direction. We started to invent and improve. Desire to save time and become more efficient became paramount.
D
uring the Industrial Revolution, man created the machine, and now the machine is working to create man. Since this revolution we have come a long way in either a positive or negative light depending on who you ask. Computers have become our external brains, helping delegate our daily routines to ensure we accomplish more at a quicker pace. These behemoths of information crunching capability started as room-filling colossi. With each decade they shrink and become more manageable for the common person to approach. The first time personal computer was available to the consumer was in the form of the desktop computer.
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There are three general options of desktop computer operating systems: Windows, developed by Microsoft, Mac, developed by Apple, and Linux, developed by a wide range of organizations. Other operating systems such as BSD and SunOS exist, but are used only by niche consumers. The exception being the Sony Playstation 4, which runs on a modified version of FreeBSD.
ware, therefore the developers can predict the exact hardware which will be in the computer and the potential for incompatibilities and bugs is greatly diminished. There is a major drawback however for those who desire to either play or create games on an Apple computer. Often the graphics card is underpowered compared to their PC counterparts. It is also worth noting that
Currently Windows is leading in market share at approximately 89% which is largely a chickenand-egg situation. People continue to use Windows because programs are made for Windows. Programs are made for Windows because people use Windows. Recently Windows has been in the limelight for accusations of data-mining and common courtesy breaches. In a time where Google and Facebook track your every footstep this is not too unusual, but with the release of Windows 10, users have been upgraded without consent while they were sleeping. Granted there are those who were aware of this action taking place, but it was a rude awakening to those who just woke up to find their software no longer worked in the new environment.
DirectX, an Application Programming Interface, is exclusive to Windows. Since most people use Windows, most developers program with DirectX, further solidifying the infinite loop. The prices of Apple-designed hardware is greatly inflated but people are willing to pay the price for compatibility, ease of use, and alluring design.
Mac OS is the second most common operating system among desktop computers. Consumers are loyal to the brand because it is marketed to be the most user-friendly of the lot. Major design applications are produced both for Windows and Mac OS but those working in fields such as graphic design, photography, or video editing tend to prefer Mac because of the continuity of their design. Computers which run Mac OS X or macOS are designed by the same company which makes the soft-
The third largest OS for desktop computers is Linux, strolling in with a market share of 2.2%. Linux was originally developed in the early 90s by a Finnish man named Linus Torvalds. Because it is at its core an open-source platform, Linux now consists of hundreds of different forks, or flavors. Those who choose Linux want more control, more stability, and less restrictions. Although it seems like Linux is small game, it is the most commonly used operating system for those hosting websites, running supercomputers. Linux brings upon the weight of freedom, with great power comes great responsibility. If something goes wrong, you are the one to blame, because you chose to head into the forest with only a flashlight. As we improve our technology, technology improves our minds. Just fifty years ago, contacting someone across the world was considered tedious. One would
need to write a letter and send it. Days or weeks later, they would get a response to their questions or comments. It is now possible to video call someone across the same distance instantaneously; To see their expressions as you ask them the very same questions. This may dilute some of the deep thought and imagination which embodies a hand-written letter but when time is crucial the marvel of modern technology cannot be ignored. Those supercomputers which took up an entire room, now fit in the palm of our hand. With two sides of a coin comes two sides to ideas. On one hand there are those who wish to distribute their philosophy with their name attached to it for others only to use. Conversely there are those who want only to share their ideas with the world, focusing away from attribution, and instead on education. The point where this metaphor crumbles is when it is taken from a further perspective. A flip of a coin is random; It will land either on heads or tails. However, when it comes to intellectual property, randomization is far from the core. The analogy builds back some credibility when given a new perspective. What if the coin lands on the ridge? It is neither heads or tails, or maybe it is both Yin and Yang. This should be the approach we take when it comes to intellectual property. Ideas can be claimed as one’s life work and their contribution to society. Society can then contribute to one’s life work and the idea strengthens. As Aristotle said “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.” When we work together instead of in a melee situation, great endeavors will be surmounted and mankind will prevail. 7
the greatest mushroom soup ever As it is autumn and the Finnish forests have been bursting with beautiful and tasty mushrooms, let’s enjoy a nice bowl of mushroom soup made from mushrooms - freshly picked from the supermarket! This delicious, creamy soup can be served as a starter just as well as a main course; it’s your choice. By Suvi Karell What you need:
What to do:
• • • • •
1. Brush the mushrooms clean, then finely slice. You can also
• • • •
1l mushrooms 50g butter 2 tablespoons wheat flour 2dl cream 100g processed cheese (green pepper- flavored) 1 big onion 0,5l vegetable bouillon salt and pepper fresh parsley
chopp them if you prefer smaller pieces.
2. Peel and slice the onion. 3. Heat the butter in a large saucepan (medium heat), add onion and the mushrooms. Pop the lid on and cook until softened.
4. Add the wheat flour and mix it WELL with the mushrooms and 5. 6. 7. 8.
onion. Add the vegetable bouillon and the cheese. Cook over medium heat for 15 minutes. Add cream and pepper, parboil. Add salt if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Enjoy with bread and maybe a glass of medium dry white wine. 8
J.K. Rowling * 31.07.1965 Joanne “Jo” Rowling, pen names J. K. Rowling and Robert Galbraith, is a British novelist, screenwriter and film producer best known as the author of the Harry Potter fantasy series. Her other works including The Casual Vacancy (pen name: J.K.Rowling), The Cuckoo’s calling (pen name: Robert Galbraith),...
Text by Lan Le J.K.Rowling has become worldwide famous after her seven-book-series "Harry Potter" was published. The "Harry Potter" series has always been so popular that people usually stick Rowling's name with it and (kind of) ignore her other works. The Casual Vacancy, published in 2012, was a big novel about a small town. However, if you expect to meet Rowling's Harry-Potter-writingstyle in this novel, you will be disappointed. The Casual Vacancy is the plain truth, not a fantasy world. It's not about any grand battle between good and evil, or any significant confrontations, or any remotely heroic feats. It's simply realistic. It all began with the death of Barry Fairbrother. His unexpected death resulted in a "vacancy" in the Town council of Pagford. This vacancy in the council started a war for the empty seat. His death also ignited wars which had already been smoldering underneath the surface of this seemingly peaceful town of Pagford. Rich at war with poor, teenagers at war with their
parents, wives at war with their husbands, teachers at war with their pupils. The death of Barry destroyed the fragile balance among the people of Pagford. There is almost no theme that this book did not touch. There were unhappy marriages, failed relationships, dysfunctional families ... there were issues of depression and cutting, bullying, teenage delinquency -- in short, this is a book about life. This book is a drama. A slow-paced, characterdriven drama ; an in-depth look at the lives of multiple people. There is no main character in The Casual Vacancy. Instead, we look into the lives of a number of residents of Pagford, we make our own decisions on their personalities, which is one great strength of this novel, and we get to see reflections of our own society - perhaps our own selves - in the inhabitants of Pagford. Started with Barry Fairbrother's death, Rowling has shown the naked truth of a small society and the "vacancy" in the soul and personality of the people who live within. 9
Genre Hip Hop Release Date September 9, 2016 Producer M.I.A., Blaqstarr, ADP Rating /miauk @miauniverse @miamatangi Text by Roope Sorvo English rapper and political activist Mathangi Arulpragasam, better known by her stage name M.I.A., is one of the most highly acclaimed and controversial musicians of the new millennium. She made her breakthrough with her third studio album Kala, which was listed as one of the best albums of the 2000’s. It also spawned the smash hit “Paper Planes” which still can be heard regularly anywhere from malls to swimming halls. M.I.A. claims that her fifth studio album, the either very cleverly or very lazily named AIM, will be her last. The album opens with the single “Borders”, which in its lyrics questions things like politics, police brutality and the refugee crisis. Unfortunately most of the questioning literally happens by adding “What’s up with that?” after each word. 10
The subtly catchy track will stay in your head for weeks. Then it quickly goes downhill from there. “Freedun” features guest vocals from One Direction graduate Zayn, who gives a surprisingly good performance compared to the mess that is his solo career. Same cannot be said about Dexta Daps on “Foreign Friend”, whose melodramatic belting seems rather comical next to M.I.A.’s deadpan delivery. Combined with the awkward timing their lines are intertwined, it almost seems like the two artist were not aware of each other. A lot of AIM reminds me of Kanye West’s recent Life of Pablo, also an acclaimed and controversial rapper’s highly anticipated album, manifested as nothing more than an unfocused collage of half-finished drafts and ideas. “Fly Pirate” is a prime example, encapsulating all the album’s problems into two and half minutes: it has interesting soundscape and great production, a good hook, and about a verse and a half’s worth of decent lyrics. Then it just devolves into repeating “fly pirate” for the next two minutes without really going anywhere. It is as if M.I.A. literally gave up halfway through the song. And it doesn’t end there: “Bird Song” is literally noth-
ing but a compilation of bird-based wordplay and puns, played over about five-second sample of an 80’s Bollywood song “Oru Kili Urugudhu”. There are a handful of good tracks, like the polished “Finally”, the noisily distorted “A.M.P.”, and the cleverly self-referential “Visa”, but they’re not enough to keep the album afloat in the sea of incoherence. Disappointingly, half of the promising promotional singles like “Swords” and “The New International Sound” are missing from the standard version of the album. These omissions become much more severe crime after a few listens through AIM, when it becomes apparent that these singles would’ve been some of the best tracks on the album. The album closes with “Survivor”, a pleasant-sounding, mellow and slow number, though placed at the end of the album it kind of feels like a jab at the listener: Congrats, you made it! Given M.I.A.’s prior works, AIM is a disappointing swan song: it gets points for experimentation, but too often those experiments lead to borderline catastrophes. If this truly her final album, her career goes out with a sour note.
I saw the movie at Helsinki International Film Festival. First movie festival I’ve ever attended and it was honestly just like going to the cinema in general, except the screenings were at a stage theater called Savoy. Text by Tuomas Kiiskinen A 13-year old boy tries to cope with his mother’s terminal illness by escaping into a dream reality where he meets a surprisingly helpful tree monster.
Genre Drama, Fantasy Director J. A. Bayona Writers Patrick Ness Rating
I anticipated this movie for over a year and boy did it now let me down. It delivered on all of my expectations, but that is mostly because I knew what I was in for. A Monster Calls is on the surface similar to Pan’s Labyrinth and Bridge to Terabithia in a way that all of them look fantasy-driven, but they’re actually rooted in real life human drama. This is an important film. The movie deals with mortality and impending grief in such a way that it’s almost therapeutic. It’s perfect for adults and it’s perfect for early teenagers who may have not yet have had to deal with tragedy. It tugs at your heartstrings, but it earns all the emotions
it entices out of you and it doesn’t come off manipulative nor hollow. Outside of the borderline psychopath bully, all the characters feel like real people and their relatability makes the story all the more immersive. J.A. Bayona previously directed The Impossible and The Orphanage which along with A Monster Calls have earned him the job to direct the Jurassic World sequel. With this one Bayona gets the most out of his cast, but the real area where he shines is the visual look of the movie. The locations are limited, but distinctive. He pays more attention to detail on a small scope and keeps the story focused, rather than getting sloppy and too ambitious. Most of the flair is left for the monster and it does look amazing. Might even earn the movie an oscar for best visual effects. 11
Eventlist Fri, 07.10. Profane Omen + Volucrine + Vacancy Sat, 08.10. Gettomasa + Jontti & Shaka Sat, 15.10. Seremonia + Mansion + Cauchermar Every Tuesday at 20h Quiz Night Every Thursday at 20h Bingo Night
8€ 10€ 7€