debate issue 7, 2011

issue 7 2011

THE RISE OF PAUL HENRY

www.ausm.org.nz

ANNABEL FAY INTERVIEW

nineties STARS GONE BY

THE DOUBLE DOWN

1.

2.

issue 07 2011

ISSUE 07 2011 5 Editorial 6 Letters 7 Creative Corner 8 News 10 Recipes 11 How To/Recipe

Alicia Crocket tells you how to have your cake and eat it too

12 Sport

Jonathan Camp reflects on his first Grand Prix experience

on the cover

12 News Quiz 13 Pres Sez/AuSM Update 14 Paul Henry Comeback

Inspiration

by Soo Park

editor

Samantha McQueen samantha.mcqueen@aut.ac.nz

designers

Deanne Antao Nonavee Dale

sub-editor

Alisha Lewis

contributors

Jo Barker | Jessica Beresford | Alicia Ma’ree Burrows | Ian Butler | Jonathan Camp | Alicia Crocket | Amelia Darby | Jess Etheridge | Ben Matthews | Nicola Monera | Ashleigh Muir | Sophie Putze | Heather Rutherford | Celia Schoonraad | Soo Park | James Wheeler | Danielle Whitburn | Rebecca Williams

advertising contact

Kate Campbell kate.campbell@aut.ac.nz

printer

Alisha Lewis looks at whether NZ will welcome Paul back with open arms

all rights reserved.

This publication is entitled to the full protection given by the Copyright Act 1994 (“the Act”) to the holders of the copyright, being AUCKLAND STUDENT MOVEMENT AT AUCKLAND UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED (“AuSM”). Reproduction, storage or display of any part of this publication by any process, electronic or otherwise (except for the educational purposes specified in the Act) without express permission is a break of the copyright of the publisher and will be prosecuted accordingly. Inquiries seeking permission to reproduce should be addressed to AuSM.

disclaimer

Material contained in this publication does not necessarily represent the views or opinions of AuSM, its advertisers, contributors, PMP Print or its subsidiaries.

debate is a member of

PMP Print Ltd.

16 Double Down Disturbia 17 The Skinny on Sizeism 18 Annabel Fay Interview

Samantha McQueen sits down with the New Zealand pop singer

20 To Subtitle or Not to Subtitle?

21 Turning the (turn)tables back in time Ben Matthews explains the pros of going vinyl

22 Where Are They Now?: Child Stars 24 Procrastination Puzzles Page 25 Columns 26 Agony Aunt/Words of the Week 27 Suggestions/Horoscopes 28 Fashion

Heather Rutherford looks at the influence of Island culture

debate magazine is brought to you by

29 What Are You Wearing 29 Fashion Blogging 30 Reviews • 10% permanent student discount* • We buy and sell second-hand textbooks* - instant cash if you sell • Over 100,000 books in stock* - no waiting weeks for books to arrive • Four stores Auckland wide • Open Monday to Friday or buy securely from our website 24/7

www.ubsbooks.co.nz www.ausm.org.nz

City Campus Phone 366 4550 Fax 366 4570 Email aut.city@ubsbooks.co.nz

Akoranga Campus Phone 489 6105 Fax 489 7453 Email aut.akoranga@ubsbooks.co.nz

3.

4.

issue 07 2011

directory

W

hen I first moved to Auckland in 2007, I didn’t have to deal with the beast that was Auckland public transport. I lived at the Wellesley Student Apartments so uni was literally a two minute stroll away and my part-time job was, absurdly, even less. I had no family up here to bludge free dinners off and every friend in Auckland lived in the same building as me, or a “painfully” long five minute walk away. Needless to say, my exploring of my new home was limited in my first year.

It wasn’t until my flatting years that I experienced the flawed bus systems, and even then, they weren’t nearly as bad as what most of you deal with on a daily basis. I’ve never had to get up at 5am to catch a 7am train to get to an 8am class or caught transport over a bridge or on water. I would rather do university by correspondence than lose precious sleep each morning. The most I’ve had to do was in second year, where I walked 500 metres so that my two stage bus ride would become a one stage and I could use my savings on a chocolate bar.

The ever-rising cost of petrol has meant more people are hopping onto buses.

I’ve seen (slightly) less congested motorways as I walk to work, and buses literally stuffed with people drive past me on Queen St. And guess what? Buses aren’t getting any bigger, meaning many are left fuming at the bus stop.

I had an experience like this on Queen St a couple of weeks ago. I was only at the third stop on the route and people were still turned away because it was full.

People were crammed together on this smelly bus, forced to listen to obnoxiously loud rap music through various people’s headphones. The people outside were flipping the bird, chasing after the bus and hurling obscenities. And why wouldn’t you? The next bus going in the same direction was 22 minutes away and in the pouring rain (a regular occurrence these days) you don’t want to be walking home.

The point of this rant? There’s a news story on page eight about the new hop cards that are being introduced over the next few months. For those who can’t even be bothered reading a 400 word news story (but can sit through this editorial), the hop card is a debit card for Auckland transport. You swipe yourself on at the start of your journey and when you get off at your stop, you swipe off and get your fare deducted. And the best part? It will be available (eventually) to use on trains, ferries and taxis as well. Finally, we can spend those coins that were only meant for the Link and get rid of our 500 concession cards.

It’s an idea Auckland should have adopted years ago. It will get people off the roads and onto all forms of transport – not just buses – and will clear up congestion all round. It sounds so painfully obvious and simple that it must have scared the Auckland Transport authorities off. An easy solution to a massive complaint?

That’s not complicated enough; let’s just build more roads or try b-line buses that are really the same timetables as before. Seriously two plus two equals four, not 11.

It’s still a wee while off yet, but if this takes off, buses will get bigger, trains will get better and Auckland will finally be able to take those steps out of the stone ages and into the 21st century.

Now, onto the broadband situation.

reception

City Campus Level 2, WC Building 921 9805 8am-5pm Mon-Thurs 8am-4pm Fri North Shore Campus Level 2, AS Building 921 9949 8.30am-3pm Mon-Fri Manukau Campus MB107 921 9999 ext 6672 9am-3.30pm Mon-Thurs

management

Sue Higgins General Manager 921 9999 ext 5111 sue.higgins@aut.ac.nz

representation

Veronica Ng Lam AuSM Student President 921 9999 ext 8571 vnglam@aut.ac.nz

advocacy

Nick Buckby Liaison Manager 921 9999 ext 8379 nick.buckby@aut.ac.nz

marketing/events

Rebecca Williams Marketing Manager 921 9999 ext 8909 rebecca.williams@aut.ac.nz

advertising

Kate Campbell Marketing & Sales Coordinator 921 9999 ext 6537 kate.campbell@aut.ac.nz

media

Samantha McQueen Publications Co-ordinator 921 9999 ext 8774 samantha.mcqueen@aut.ac.nz

sports

Melita Martorana Sports Team Leader 921 9999 ext 7259 melita.martorana@aut.ac.nz

vesbar

Zane Chase Vesbar Manager 921 9999 ext 8378 zane.chase@aut.ac.nz For a full list of contact details plus profiles of AuSM staff & student executive and information on clubs visit:

www.ausm.org.nz

www.ausm.org.nz

5.

Letter of the week wins two movie tickets for Event Cinemas!

Letter of the week: Dear Ian Robertshaw, I read your response to the letter in Debate while sitting in the cafe area on the shore and just about choked on my onlyaffordableafter3pm sushi. Are you in touch with the facilities on Akoranga campus? I looked around me in the almost deserted cafe and could see how students could possibly get ill. The tables were filthy. I walked past 4 tables before I found one that appeared clean. As for the bathrooms? Sir, I invite you to come and talk a walk around Akoranga campus and I will show you the “lapses on service” as they happen every day. I have ranted about the drinking fountains before so can show you those too.

You say that your facilities team take feedback seriously, so does that mean that for the last 3 years that I, and the majority of my class who have dutifully filled out their student survey forms complaining about the bathroom facilities have been listened to? We don’t just complete those surveys in order to win something, we believe we are going to be listened to and just maybe some action will be taken.

Regards, Bridget Watson P.S. LEAHz, we are not in high school anymore, have you not yet learnt how to spell?

Dear Gossip Girl Let’s start with your name. You do recognize that this name can only imply negative connotations about you, right? But if you’re proud to be known as a girl who spreads rumours and talks about people behind their backs, then who am I to stop you.

“Us communications students are interested in what degree you are studying, perhaps you have too much time?” – Or perhaps the degree has nothing to do with the matter. You sorely missed your mark with this comment.

“The high bun is a status symbol, that is why we wear it, and you do not.” Just what exactly did you mean by ‘status symbol’? Are you trying to imply that ‘us communication students’ are better than other students at AUT? Are the girls who prance around with the hideous high bun superior to those who don’t? Are they higher up on the social food chain? Remember at the end of your letter when you said opinion shouldn’t be stated as fact – well, you’re seeming like a bit of a hypocrite now.

“The high bun bobble is more about proportion distribution and functionality than conforming” Let’s establish one thing here, do not try to make it sound as though scientists worked on the design of the high bun – they didn’t. No engineers were involved in its birth.

One girl decided to do it and the rest followed.

That is how fashion works. I can put money on it that if everyone in the class turned around and told you your high bun looks stupid, you wouldn’t be wearing it the next day. When it comes to fashion, which is what the high bun

6.

debate letters policy: Letters need to make it into debate’s mailbox before Wednesday, 3pm each week for the following issue.

You must give us your name when submitting letters to be eligible for letter of the week, but you can use a pseudonym for publication if you wish. Any letters longer than 250 words may be subjected to editing. Spelling and grammar will not be corrected. The editor reserves the right to decline without explanation. Most importantly, the views contained on the letters page do not necessarily represent the views of AuSM. Send your letters to debate@aut.ac.nz or if you want to kick it old school, PO Box 6116, Wellesley St, Auckland.

is, functionality does not make an appearance.

Now for my favourite part, the clone rant.

Whether or not you want to admit it, when you all tie your hair up in the same fashion, wear the same predictable skinny jeans/short shorts, the same style shirts and the same style jacket, all in the same colours, you all do look like clones. And before you all raise up an army to defend your uniqueness, face the facts, if you follow fashion trends closely, it’s hard to not look like a clone.

I suggest you took offense to Red Fox’s comments not because you felt she was out of line, but because you realised the truth of her words and it bruised your huge ego. I suggest in future you go to the nurse’s office (it’s in the WB building) and get a band-aid for that bruise, rather than make ridiculous comments in student magazines.

concerned about your status; which implies you care what people think; then Red Fox’s opinion does matter to you, in which case, ditch the bobble, and start focusing on the truth, which is that your hairstyle makes you look ridiculous.

Yours affectionately, Mr. Blue.

Louise

Luke

Dear ‘Gossip Girl’, In response to your highly entertaining response – my my! How touchy. I seem to have hit a nerve. Perhaps the colt of the high bun is more serious than we first anticipated???

You asked what degree I’m studying – same as you, sunshine.

You suggested hair extensions – can I borrow yours? I’m sure you have some. Although I don’t know if platinum blonde will suit me…

You actually confirmed and reinforced everything I said in my article. People who sport hair-horns clearly do consider themselves superior to others – it’s awesome how you look like a right twat trying to get that message across ;) Do I live in Hamilton? No. Although I’m sure you wish I did.

And if people didn’t wear t-shirts, pants or shoes, they’d probably be cold this winter - in jail, for getting arrested for indecent exposure.

In conclusion, your argument is invalid. As you would probably say, ‘lol’.

Response from AuSM Hi Luke, Vesbar is a service provided by AuSM not AUT, so moving the bar to a larger premises is not as easy as just wanting to. In fact, we are lucky to have the space we do! We are always very keen to hear student feedback on ways to improve the venue, so let us know if you have any suggestions. I’m glad Vesbar is nothing like Shadows, what’s the point of having two bars the same?

Hey so student life revovles around drinking right so why the fuck is our uni bar so shit.. It’s embarssing and never a first choice. Shadows is way better just because it’s bigger. Aut isnt cashing in. So I prepose moving it upstairs where the cafe that sells the shit pies is and move that downstairs... Knock the wall down or whatever who cares but come on guys this is my 3rd year and I’m getting sick of those pricks at uoa and having to go to their cool bar so whoevers in charge do us all a favor ae

Rebecca Williams, AuSM marketing and communications manager email me: rebecca.williams@aut.ac.nz This is in regards to the $1 civic video deal.

Now I don’t know if it’s universal in all the branches but where I work (United Video Botany Downs) we have had $1 weeklies from Monday TO Thursday for quite a while now.

Not to mention half price everything on Tuesdays. So come on down if you live in the east area.

XOXO R. Fox Dear Gossip Girl, “Us” Communications students? I’m not quite sure what makes you think you are better than the rest of us, but no one elected you Queen.

As a Communications student myself, I find this argument lacking. The “high bun bobble” you describe as a status symbol is nothing more than a fad and will have no lasting consequences on your status. In fact, if Red Fox is not part of your posse, shouldn’t you heed their advice? You may not be able to see your hairstyle for what it is as you are so blinded by the sea of bobbles that surround you. You argue with Red Fox on the grounds that the bobble is not simply employed for ease of use; then claim it is used for “functionality”. Although the bobble is in fashion, I hope you don’t fall victim to every trend in the belief that it gives you a higher status than everyone else. If you are so

Regards Guy who works.

Hi Debate, I know this letter is a bit late but I had to write in after reading a certain warning in your letters section from Issue 05 2011. The letter in question was from someone called “Red Fox” warning readers that using Tumblr will give you a virus especially on a Mac for some reason.

Being both a Mac and Tumblr user I just want to inform your readers that this is an outright lie as the only way one could possibly get a virus from the site is clicking links to OTHER sites that contain viruses that the users have maliciously posted on tumblr. Obviously Red Fox is not a discretionary internet user who probably clicked on one of the many “You are the millionth visitor, claim your prize here!” advertisements that are abound on the internet issue 07 2011

and got a virus.

P.S Invest in anti-virus software anyways if you use the internet a lot.

Thank you, Mac/Tumblr user Dear Debate Hi to all the part timer’s @ AUT University of Auckland, I am writing this letter to complain to the Maxx Transport Agency, with the lack of regard to our part timer’s on campus.

We @ campus have many goals to achieve, and ONE OF THEM IS TO HELP THE PART TIMER’S WITH TRANSPORT TO AND FROM AUT UNIVERSITY OF AUCKLAND, BY TRAIN, BUS OR FERRY USE. I myself use the train 3 days a week to and from South to Britomart train station. Please be aware that you at Maxx Transport Agency cater ONLY to the full timer’s on campus, thus making it harder for the part timer’s for any financial help @ all. Please give this some SERIOUS thought, as we will take some action in the near future, and will not stop until the ruling is changed.

In conclusion, we will have to have a petition against this ruling in a few months time (JULY), if this is not rectified, well before the year 2011 is over.

Regards S.Whitlow Dear Debate On tuesday 29th March, I lost my favourite pair of shades =( They were left in the WF ground level. If someone has picked it up please do return them. They were given by someone special and I’m really upset about having to loose them.

Alicia Mar’ee Burrows Untitled

From desperate Dear Debate I’m not sure if this is where I should send it but I will anyway because something funny and kind of saddening happened to me in the lifts on Monday. So I was waiting there innocently, unaware of what was about to happen, just loving life in general and then the doors opened. There were 3 other people in there and one person stepped off so in the lift there were two and then me, but as soon as I stepped into the lift it said “Maximum weight exceeded”.........I’m not THAT fat! Quite sad to be told by a lift that you need to lose weight! Anyway that is my little story.

Too big for the lift

This Week (April 11-15) MONDAY

TUESDAY

11 www.ausm.org.nz

WEDNESDAY

12

THURSDAY

13

FRIDAY

14 More AuSM events at www.ausm.org.nz

15

Join ausm1 on Facebook Join ausm1 Like “ausm1” on Facebook Follow ausm1 on Twitter

Follow ausm1 Follow “ausm1” on Twitter7.

Ian Burrows Beautiful

by Amelia Darby Students fed up with paying too much for public transport because of inflexible systems will find it easier to get their tertiary discount thanks to the Rugby World Cup. Auckland Transport is replacing NZ Bus Go Rider cards with new HOP cards from the end of April this year.

The changes are part of the Auckland Integrated Ticketing System plan, being implemented in time for the Rugby World Cup. At the moment tertiary students can only get their 40 per cent discount on bus fares, by topping up 10 rides at a time on Go Rider cards. If they want to travel a different number of stages to normal, they have to pay the single ride fare in cash, at the non-discounted adult rate.

The HOP website says the roll out will start on the North Star service, then Waka Pacific, Go West, Metrolink and LINK. Eventually the cards will be usable on all buses, trains, ferries and even taxis.

8.

HOP customer service representative Thomas Smith says the new HOP cards, which will be rolled out across different services from the end of April, can also be loaded with “e-money” and used like a debit card.

“It’s an integrated ticket you can use across all transport” says Smith.

With HOP, students will be able to receive the same 40 per cent discount on single rides, and rides of any length by scanning their HOP card and “tagging on” when they board a bus, then “tagging off” when they exit, Smith says.

The current Go Rider cards can make it hard for students to always get the discounted fare.

HOP cards with a Snapper logo will also eventually be accepted at some retailers, such as coffee shops, says Smith.

The cards can also be registered, so if they are lost or stolen, the balance can be blocked and later transferred to a new card.

“Then that card is specific to you. Any balance on it will be protected,” says Smith.

Auckland University politics student Mahala Harwood says she can see the advantage of HOP. “They are coming, so we’ve kind of just got to deal with it. There’re definitely pros and not really any cons.”

The new cards will be free for students who currently have a Go Rider card, and will be able to be topped up at the same places as Go Rider cards.

Once the buses change to the HOP system, Go Rider cards will no longer be accepted, but the exact dates of the change for each service are not yet known.

“We’re just trying to get people into the mindset of getting a HOP card as soon as possible, and when the day comes that the machines are rolled out, you’ll be ready” says Smith.

issue 07 2011

New guidelines may affect media reports on suicide

by Celia Schoonraad A new set of guidelines on how the media reports on suicides is due at the end of April, raising questions about the possibility of copycats.

Associate health minister Peter Dunne chairs the committee updating the guidelines, which were originally drafted in 1999.

As it stands the New Zealand media cannot report the method of death if suicide is suspected, unless a coroner deems the information to be safe for the public.

Publishing suicide methods raises fear about an increase in similar deaths. However, head coroner Judge Neil MacLean says responsible reporting could save lives.

CEO of Suicide Prevention Information New Zealand (SPINZ) Judi Cleements agrees, saying copycat suicides are likely but with “the right language” the media can “help increase awareness”.

At-risk individuals need to be encouraged to seek help, she says, and reminds the media that descriptions such as “completed” rather than “successful” suicide helps to subtly reinforce that suicide is not a desirable option.

“It may seem like semantics, but language is powerful.”

Accurate reporting will destigmatise suicide, says Cleements, and encourage more open communication.

A counsellor at Lifeline and a peer supporter for the District Health Board, Gary Thompson, says the lack of open communication about suicide in New Zealand is damaging to those at risk – particularly young men, specifically young Maori men.

“Maori are being removed from their iwi and cultural identity.

“The hardest people in my experience to get talking about their suicide risk have been young men, and also Asians in New Zealand where depression and the idea of suicide can be seen as shameful to their families.”

Thompson says that with more cash to inject into awareness campaigns and community support services, the suicide “epidemic” in New Zealand could be greatly reduced.

One attempt to address the issues surrounding suicide, which Mr Thompson says has been successful, is the use of public figures as spokespersons helping shed light on depression, which until recently has been a taboo topic.

“The number of males that have said to me watching an All Black speak candidly on television has helped them confront some of their own demons has been pretty interesting, and uplifting.”

AUT students to battle in world’s biggest wheelchair rugby Comp

by Rosie Tuck

While most students will be munching down Easter eggs over the break, two AUT students will represent New Zealand in the world’s biggest wheelchair rugby competition.

Journalism student Cameron Leslie and physiotherapy student Nafi Lesfono will travel to Cologne, Germany to compete in the Bernd Best Tournament, held from April 15-17.

They will be competing in the New Zealand development team known as Te Waka Hou, meaning ‘the new vehicle’ and will face off against fifty-one other teams , made up with more than 350 athletes.

Leslie says even though it is called rugby, the sport is a mix of grid iron, netball, bumper cars and basketball, played on an indoor basketball court.

Eligible players must have three or four limbs affected by some sort of disability, like missing limbs or loss of strength due to a broken neck.

Leslie was born as a quadruple amputee, which is a rare congenital disability.

“It is interesting playing with others who are limited in a similar sort of way,” he says.

This is Leslie’s fifth year playing the sport. He is also a Paralympics swimming gold medallist.

Lesfono became a quadriplegic four years ago playing rugby for his club team in Dunedin.

A tackle five minutes before the end of the game left him with a broken neck.

He knew straight away something was wrong and was told by the doctor he would never walk again.

“The first year was the hardest, coming to grips with not being able use my legs again.

“When I got to the point that I accepted my injury everything became easier.”

He says wheelchair rugby is a good form of exercise and a good way to meet other guys with similar injuries and the bonus is travel and representing your country.

This trip is to train a new team, in the hope of qualifying for a place in the 2012 Paralympics in London.

Lights, Camera, Action!

by Jessica Beresford Forty-eight hours of little sleep, high stress levels and tears may sound unappealing for most, but for budding Kiwi filmmakers, it’s one of the best times of the year.

Now in its ninth year, V48 Hours is the ‘furious filmmaking’ challenge, where film enthusiasts use make-shift film sets to create a short cinematic masterpiece in only 48 hours.

In 2010, 650 teams registered from all over New Zealand. Participants are from a range of social groups, including high school and university students, amateur film-makers and industry professionals.

Toby Sharpe, whose team was a runner-up last year with their film, Confessions of a Fabricator, says the hardest part about the challenge is coming up with the initial concept.

“We brain storm as a team until we come up with an idea that we like and think will be fun to make,” he says. www.ausm.org.nz

Sharpe is part of the idiotVision team, which is competing for the eighth time this year.

Participants are given a genre, which ranges from thriller to romance, and have to come up with a story idea, write a script, film and edit in one weekend.

AUT student Zane McLarin says last year he slept a total of eight hours during the weekend but that hasn’t put him off doing it again this year.

“It’s fun because you get to meet lots of people but also see how everything is done,” he says.

The official warm-up for the event, V48 Seconds, has already begun and requires filmmakers to re-shoot their favourite well-known movie scenes using a can of ‘V’ as a prop.

Registrations for V48 Hours have to be in by the end of April and filming this year starts on May 20.

9.

by Alicia Crocket

Serves 6

Makes 16-20 hot cross buns

Just because chocolate seems to be a prominent fixture around Easter, doesn’t mean you can forget about fruit entirely. Spice up a boring pancake with some blueberries, add a cup of orange juice and some maple syrup and you’ll be away with a spring in your step!

These are awesome for breakfast at Easter time. We normally do the second rising overnight in the hot water cupboard so that in the morning we can just pop them in the oven. Twelve minutes later, the perfect weekend breakfast to go with a cup of coffee.

This is Simon and Alison Holst’s recipe so it’s a Kiwi classic.

Ingredients

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups flour 600mls buttermilk 1/2 cup desiccated coconut 1 tsp finely grated lemon rind 1 tsp baking powder 2 cups blueberries (fresh or partially thawed frozen berries) 1 Tbsp sugar 4 eggs, separated

Directions

1. Stir the flour, coconut, baking powder and sugar together in a large bowl. Make a well in the centre 2. In a separate bowl, beat together the egg yolks, buttermilk and lemon rind 3. Gently fold the buttermilk mixture into the flour 4. In a clean bowl, beat egg whites until stiff, use a slotted spoon to carefully fold through the batter 5. Heat a knob of butter in a large frying pan and place several large spoonfuls of mixture into the pan 6. Sprinkle a spoonful of blueberries onto each pancake 7. Cook for about two minutes or until bubbles form on the surface of the pancake 8. Turn and cook the other side for about a minute 9. Keep warm in the oven, until the remaining mixture is cooked 10. Serve, topped with slices of banana, whipped cream and/ or maple syrup If you want to glaze them do so immediately after they have come out of the oven. Make a glaze of 1 tablespoon each of golden syrup, honey and water. (We can’t normally wait long enough to do this, they smell too good when they’re cooking!)

75g butter, barely melted ½ cup cold milk ½ cup boiling water 4 tsps active dried yeast 4 cups high grade flour ¼ cup honey 1 large egg ½ tsp salt ½ cup brown sugar 1 Tbsp mixed spice 1 Tbsp ground ginger 1 Tbsp cinnamon 1 tsp ground cloves ½ cup each of mixed peel and currants OR 1 cup mixed fruit

Directions

1. Melt the butter in a large bowl, then add the boiling water and milk 2. When the mixture is about body temperature (test a drop on the inside of your wrist) sprinkle in the yeast. Stir for about two minutes to ensure the yeast has dissolved 3. Then add 2 cups of the flour, the egg and honey. Stir well to make a batter like mixture. Cover and leave in a warm place for about 30 minutes 4. Measure the remaining flour and other ingredients into a bowl then add them to the risen yeast mixture. Mix to make a dough just firm enough to knead – add a little extra flour at this stage if you need to 5. Knead on a lightly floured surface for approximately 10 minutes or until the dough forms a soft ball and springs back when lightly pressed.

6. Divide the dough evenly into four pieces then each of these into four or five 7. Shape each piece into a round ball and arrange the balls in a nonstick, sprayed or baking paper lined baking pan or tray. Leave about 1cm between each bun 8. Cover with cling film and leave in a warm place until doubled in size (usually 30-60 minutes, or overnight if you want them for brekkie). Note: if you want to add pastry crosses rub 60g of cold butter into 1 cup of flour. Then add about 3 tablespoons of cold water to form a stiff dough.

Roll very thinly then cut into strips, brush with beaten egg and place carefully on the risen buns, egg side down 9. Bake at 200°C for 12 – 15 minutes or until lightly browned and hollow sounding when tapped lightly.

If you want to glaze them do so immediately after they have come out of the oven. Make a glaze of 1 tablespoon each of golden syrup, honey and water.

(We can’t normally wait long enough to do this, they smell too good when they’re cooking!)

10.

issue 07 2011

by Alicia Crocket

HOW TO HAVE YOUR CAKE AND EAT IT TOO!

by Alicia Crocket I love baking, but I am also passionate about food and nutrition and as you can imagine, sometimes these things don’t go hand in hand. Over the years I’ve experimented with hundreds of recipes to reduce sugar and fat without sacrificing taste or enjoyment. Some have failed but others have been a great success. The main culprits that you need to watch out for in baking are large amounts of fat (particularly butter) and sugar. Here is how I manage to have my cake and eat it too!

Reducing sugar

Sugar (whether white or brown) is incredibly easy for your body to digest and store as fat, so limiting how much you have is important.

With most recipes you can cut down the sugar by about a quarter and you won’t even notice the difference. My famous chocolate cake (see black magic chocolate cake recipes online in AuSM recipes) that I’ve been making for years is meant to have two cups of sugar but I only use 1 ½ cups and people still keep asking for more! You can also drop the sugar in most slice bases and biscuits as well – give it a go and see what you think.

Use oil rather than butter

Fat is a very concentrated form of energy for your body, so it’s good to cut back if you can. You can’t always cut back the fat in baking but you can change the type of fat you use. Animal/ saturated fats (mainly butter in cooking) are more likely to get stuck in your arteries and start constricting your blood vessels which increases your risk of heart disease. When you’re making cakes or slices where you melt the butter you can easily substitute canola or another vegetable oil.

When swapping, use oil equal to two thirds to three quarters the amount of butter e.g. for 125g butter use 80-95ml oil (just over 1/3 cup). Don’t use strongly flavoured oils such as olive oil because they will alter the taste of the final product.

www.ausm.org.nz

Use fruit where possible

Recipes that have fruit don’t need as much sugar and you also get a good hit of all the other goodies that are in fruit. Fruit-based desserts or fruit and vege based cakes, like zucchini chocolate cake are a great way of cutting down fat and sugar. Fruit and vegetables add natural sweetness, moisture and texture meaning that there is less need for fat and sugar If you can’t quite face changing your recipes to make them healthier, there’s one fail safe method you can try to bake your cake and eat it too. Share the love and bake for your friends and family. You’ll stay in their good books and you’ll be able to try more recipes without worrying about how much you’re eating!

Serves 6-9 Dairy free if you use dairy free margarine, gluten free if you use gluten free bread to make the breadcrumbs Cost per serve: $0.98 for 6

This is a dessert I make when I want to impress people. It has a beautiful delicate flavour and it does look (and taste!) lovely with vanilla ice cream or custard. The recipe does sound a bit fiddly, but it sounds more complicated than it is, so give it a go. You can add extra colour by not peeling the apples, which will also speed up the prep process. It’s a recipe I make from my Sundays at Moosewood recipe book and I’ve changed the spices up a bit to suit my palate, so feel free to experiment.

Ingredients 2-3 Tbsps butter or margarine 3 cups fresh breadcrumbs (about 5 slices) 5-6 large granny smith apples or other tart variety 1 large or 2 small lemons ¼ cup sugar ¼ tsp ground nutmeg ¼ tsp cinnamon Pinch each of ground cloves and ground cardamom (optional) Directions 1. Preheat oven to 220°C 2. Make breadcrumbs (see note below about making breadcrumbs) 3. Melt butter/margarine and mix into breadcrumbs. Set aside for later 4. Grate the lemon rind and mix into a small bowl with sugar and spices.

Set aside for later 5. Peel, core and slice the apples thinly 6. Juice the lemons into another small bowl and set aside for later 7. Place 1/3 of the breadcrumbs in the bottom of a baking dish (I use glass casserole or lasagne dish) 8. Cover with ½ the apples and sprinkle ½ the sugar, lemon rind and spice mixture on top 9. Cover with another 1/3 of the breadcrumbs 10 Then put on the remaining apples and sprinkle the remaining sugar/ spice mixture 11. Cover with remaining breadcrumbs and pour the lemon juice over top 12. Cover with a lid or foil (shiny side facing the food) 13. Put into the oven and immediately reduce the heat to 175°C. Cook for 35-40 minutes 14. Remove the lid/foil and cook for another 10-15 minutes until the breadcrumbs have browned up nicely 15. Serve while warm with ice cream or custard (or cold for breakfast the next day!)

To make breadcrumbs: If you have a food processor, chuck the bread in and pulse until breadcrumbs are desired size. If you don’t have a food processor leave the bread out so it goes stale and break it up into smallish pieces by hand. The pieces don’t have to be super fine. About ½ cm squares is what I normally go for.

11.

Experiencing Formula 1

(and Melbourne’s weather) Up Close

by Jonathan Camp It was a couple of weekends ago that I hopped across the ditch to the beautiful city of Melbourne for an international motorsport event I had never been to before – the Australian Grand Prix. This event has been held at Albert Park since 1996, and is ideally located close to the CBD, in the heart of Melbourne. However, it was my optimism of Australian weather that caught me out on the first day of the grand prix.

One normally associates Aussie with the scorching sun, but Melbourne is known to throw up weather that defies this stereotype with a climate and changeability that rivals Auckland. Unfortunately I had not prepared for the cold or rain, as I thought it would be overkill to bother taking a big rain jacket. How wrong I was. Day one (Thursday, March 24) was a grey day of wind and rain that at one point had me shivering in my saturated hoodie, kicking myself for not packing something waterproof.

I naively stood in a queue in the rain for nearly two hours to get an autograph from renowned drivers such as Schumacher, Button, and Hamilton. Unfortunately that wait was in vain as I never made it to the front. Despite that disappointment I had a good look around the cars in the pit paddock and watched some of the support categories such as V8 Supercars, Formula 5000’s, historic cars and so on.

1. What MP has just joined Labour, taking the place of disgraced politician Darren Hughes? a) b) c) d)

Judith Tizard Lousia Wall Mark Burton Mahara Okeroa

2. Who won the Sony Ericsson open? a) b) c) d)

Rafael Nadal Roger Federer Novak Djokovic Tomas Berdych

3. What is Charlie Sheen’s current ‘tour’ called? a) b) c) d)

Me and my Fire-breathing Fists The Truth about Tiger Blood One Man, Three Goddesses Violent Torpedo of Truth

4. Which of these is not a tertiary colour? a) b) c) d)

Red-orange Blue-green Yellow-green They all are

Friday (March 25) was marginally better weather-wise but a stroke of good luck was on my side as I managed to score a free corporate box ticket thanks to my uncle and one of his business contacts. This more than made my day as I enjoyed indulging in gourmet food atop the V8 Supercar pit complex, whilst watching the racing in comfort with a view of the last corner leading onto the main straight. The first time the F1 cars took to the track in anger just blew me away. Hearing and seeing them first-hand was nothing short of awe-inspiring. The sheer noise they emit and the speed they carry through corners as they rapidly accelerate out of them, must be seen to be believed, regardless of whether you love or loathe motor racing. Unless you’re brave (or deaf) ear plugs are a necessity. The Red Bulls and McLarens dominated F1 practice, and Jamie Whincup won the first of the V8 Supercar races of the weekend.

Saturday was just overcast and better for checking out which corner would be the best general admission spot to watch from for the GP race.

In qualifying it was great to witness Sebastian Vettel drive one of the fastest laps ever at Albert Park to claim pole position. He was trailed by Hamilton, Webber, and Button. Come Sunday the sun made a much anticipated return with not a cloud in the sky, which showed how striking Albert Park looks with a blue sky accentuated by the landscape of the city. The Aussie fans had pinned their hopes on Mark Webber to grab his first race win ever on home soil, but it was just not meant to be. Webber never had the measure of his team mate with outright pace, being out-qualified by Vettel by 0.8 seconds. He brought it home in fifth place, perplexed at the gap between his car and Vettel’s. Hamilton claimed second and Russian driver Vitaly Petrov impressed with third place, his first podium. Alonso, best of the Ferrari’s, finished in fourth.

Overall, it was a terrific event that saw nearly 400,000 people turn out over the four days, and was definitely worth the trip over for it. I implore you all to see Formula 1 in the flesh at least once in your life, and Melbourne is the closest place to do that. You won’t regret it.

5. The prime minster of which country is on trial on charges of sex with an underage prostitute and abuse of power? a) b) c) d)

Italy Germany Spain Canada

8. Which film is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year? a) b) c) d)

Singin’ in the Rain Breakfast at Tiffany’s Planet of the Apes Some Like It Hot

6. Which American zoo recently had their cobra escape from its enclosure (it has since been recaptured)?

9. Which city was last year named by AA as the most likely place to have your car damaged while parked?

a) b) c) d)

a) b) c) d)

San Francisco Zoo Bronx Zoo Houston Zoo Prospect Park Zoo

7. Sonny Bill Williams has said he will donate how much money from his upcoming June boxing match to Christchurch? a) b) c) d)

10,000 50,000 100,000 200,000

Auckland Wellington Dunedin Tauranga

10. Which Flight of the Conchords star has joined the cast of The Hobbit? a) b) c) d)

Bret McKenzie Rhys Darby Kristen Schaal Jemaine Clement

Answers: B, C, D, D, A, B, C, B, D, A

12.

issue 07 2011

Veronica Ng Lam AuSM President 921 9999 ext 8571

veronica.nglam@aut.ac.nz Greetings fellow AUT Titans, Another week of stress, sacrifice and sweat! Keep those assignments going, guys and girls! Everyone around you is in the same boat and your determination and perseverance will be the difference between failing and succeeding. We are now one week away from mid-semester break so all I can say is keep yourselves focused; the end is near and your chance to kick your feet up and relax is now within sight!

Uni Games 2011 is already buzzing with competitiveness, participation from all areas and pure fun! If you don’t already know, we have extended the entry for the games to April 13 so if you thought it was too late before you now have a second chance! So make sure you sign up!

The AUT strategic plan 2012-2020 wants YOU! This is your chance to have a say in the developing plan that will shape and drive our

university for the next eight years! There are student consultation rounds that are happening all around the university and if you have not had the chance to participate there is a survey available for you to fill out and goes towards moulding and shaping our tomorrow. The link that you can access the survey is: http://autuni.values-exchange. co.nz/ or alternatively you can email me and we can set you up in a group with other eager students like yourself who will contribute to the development of the new AUT! Clubs are now up and running! The Tongan Students Association are preparing for their annual Amatakiloa where they compete against other tertiary institutions in cultural performances, Christian items, sports and various other arenas. This will be hosted in Gisborne and so if you are interested in joining or being part of this get in touch with me and I will put you through to the clubs. Likewise, the Samoan Student Association will be travelling to Waikato to defend their title as winners of their national conference – So’otaga – and again if you are interested please let us know. Other clubs are also meeting regularly such as the Christian Club in the student lounge in the city and self defence classes.

If you want to start a new club you are most welcome to do so.

I wish you all the very best for the week ahead, try not to stay up too long doing those assignments and remember that fun and games are around the corner with one more week left before we break and before the much anticipated UNI GAMES! Ia manuia,

Veronica

AuSM Battle Of The Bands 2011

Get your band out of the practice space and onto a stage; we want you to compete in our annual Battle Of The Bands competition.

Heat winners receive a $50 bar tab. Overall winners get $100 Vesbar bar tab, Red Bull studio time and the chance to perform at Orientation 2012.

There will be three heats at Vesbar, AUT City campus – May 5, 12 and 19 (maximum of six acts per heat). Winners and runners up gain entry to the final on May 26.

Criteria for Entry

Once your entry is received we will contact you with performance dates and time.

AuSM reserves the right to cancel the event for any reason.

Entries are open now until the May 5, 2011.

Enter on our website www.ausm.org.nz or collect an entry form at the AuSM offices.

Current vacancies

One member of the band must be a currently enrolled student at AUT University.

AuSM is looking for photographers and videographers to cover University Games. Must have own camera, transport and be available to work April 26 to 29. Hourly rate is $14. Contact rebecca.williams@aut.ac.nz if you are interested.

You will need a 20-30 minute set with a minimum of three original songs.

Entertainment Books

NO entry fee.

You must supply all backline equipment except drums (which we provide) for your performance. PA and sound engineer will be provided by AuSM.

Don’t miss out on the biggest discounts this side of Tallahassee. Order on our website now.

All members of the band must be over 18, no exceptions.

www.ausm.org.nz

13.

M

aking a comeback isn’t easy. Just ask Charlie Sheen (his Violent Torpedo of Truth tour definitely isn’t WINNING), Voldemort (it took him a good 14 years to get his shit together), or any 70s band that tours with less than half its original members.

So when Paul Henry announced his return to local broadcasting, a lot of people were surprised. After last year’s controversy surrounding the racial slurs Henry made on TVNZ’s morning show Breakfast, he was literally forced into hiding because people were so angry at him. He received death threats that targeted him, his kids and even his mum, Olive.

He ‘resigned’ from the show and was pretty much the least popular person in the country for a while.

Until everyone forgot about him, that is.

The dust quickly settled and the newspapers bearing headlines of the broadcaster’s demise were soon lining rubbish bins and wrapping fish and chips. No one really cared too much about where Paul was and what he was doing. There were vague rumblings that he was negotiating with FOX News and other broadcasting companies in the United States.

There was even a rumour going around that he was going to be getting his own talk show over there, while others suggested he was considering reality TV. Whatever the rumours, we read about them, we turned the page – we moved on. Months

14.

passed and we became used to New Zealand television sans Paul Henry. It wasn’t until his face popped up in Air New Zealand’s ridiculous new in-flight safety video, which features Richard Simmons and a ton of neon lycra, that his name made its way back into conversations again.

The cameo must have been an intentional marketing move to get Henry back on the radar because less than two weeks later, TVNZ’s rival Mediaworks announced they had signed a contract with him. Paul is to host RadioLive’s drive show from July 1 and is also expected to get his own television show at TV3 as well as other special one-off TV projects.

There is speculation that TV3 has been working overtime to fund his contract – racking up some debt and taking a major gamble on the controversial broadcaster. Will the investment pay off? Will Paul be able to rise out of the ashes or is he going to crash and burn?

Can Paul Henry make a comeback?

I don’t think we can say for sure until we’re shown the goods. But if Mediaworks can deliver interesting programmes with Henry as their front man, my guess is that they’re going to do well. Because despite the controversy, the international diplomatic incident and the hate mail, the fact remains, Paul Henry actually was – and still is – New Zealand’s favourite broadcaster. And not just because he made me chuckle into my bowl of Cheerios every morning.

During the time Henry hosted Breakfast, the show’s ratings grew from a base of around 100,000 to 150,000. He won the People’s Choice Award for best presenter at the 2010 Qantas NZ Film and Television awards and his outrageous acceptance speech pulled in over 100,000 views on YouTube in one day alone.

He’s also probably the only television presenter in New Zealand with his own online fan club.

And if you search Paul Henry on Facebook – there’s no sign of the ‘Boycott Breakfast until they sack Paul Henry’ page that fuelled his scandal. The top results all include pages such as ‘Paul Henry start your own show’, ‘Paul Henry for Governor-General’ and ‘Bring Back Paul Henry NOW’ – the latter of which has over 80,000 ‘likes’.

Even more impressive though, is that even after his gig at Breakfast had ended, Henry was also recognised in TV Guide’s Best on the Box Awards. He was voted best presenter, as well as funniest person on TV. It’s a combination that’s bound to bring in some big bucks for the bigwigs at Mediaworks – he has the chops to present like a professional and still make people laugh.

And people like to laugh, especially when there are so many terrible things happening in the world at the moment. When there are earthquakes, tsunamis, civil wars and nuclear reactors exploding all over the place, Paul Henry’s comments don’t seem so shocking anymore. Personally, I think he helps us realise not to take ourselves so seriously. There’s bigger

stuff going on.

But still, there’s no escaping the fact that the racial slurs Paul made on the morning show, including remarks about Governor-General Sir Anand Satyanand and jokes about an Indian government minister’s name, hurt and annoyed a lot of people. And that Henry, as a presenter for the national broadcaster, did cross the line.

In fact, his appointment with Mediaworks has already attracted fresh controversy. A group of New Zealand-based Indians are planning a protest against his appointment back into national broadcasting. The protest is being pitched by the New Zealand Indian Central Association, who has already complained to Mediaworks. This reaction however, is just a small speed bump in comparison to the general support Henry has received in regards to his new career move. Most people seem ready to bury the hatchet and give the guy a second chance.

It’s happened before, so I’m not so surprised.

Many other presenters have crossed the line during broadcasting – and in a country as small as ours, these incidents were also major news, just like Henry’s. Remember the Paul Holmes incident back in 2003? An open letter signed by over 50 prominent New Zealanders, such as Witi Ihimaera and Albert Wendt, was sent to NewstalkZB and TVNZ calling for Holmes’ resignation after he called United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan a “cheeky darkie”. However, Holmes survived the scandal and, after apologising, continued with his broadcasting career.

Fellow broadcaster Michael Laws has also been accused of making racist remarks on his RadioLive show, yet he has remained a talkback host as well as a Sunday Star Times columnist.

I think a lot of Henry’s drama was hyped up because, unlike the Laws’ and Holmes’ incidents, Henry made his comments on television – not radio – and on a show run by the national broadcaster, no less. It was bound to attract attention. He also had a history of testing the limits, such as in the infamous ‘moustache-gate’ comment when he giggled at the facial hair of Greenpeace anti-nuclear campaigner Stephanie Mills. TVNZ received a lot of complaint letters over that too.

It will be interesting to see what Paul Henry will be like on his return. Will he be bitter and more muted, or just as biting? I’d go with the latter, because since RadioLive and TV3 are not state owned, like Television New Zealand, they will be able to give Henry free rein.

MediaWorks chief executive Jason Paris even said he will not be asking him to tone it down.

“I think all outstanding broadcasters are polarising. He is known for pushing the boundaries. That’s one of the things that makes him good at his job, that’s one of the reasons we hired him.”

Whatever happens, I think that New Zealand television is about to get a whole lot more interesting.

So you better bleach those moustaches people, because guess what?

He’s back.

issue 07 2011

www.ausm.org.nz

15.

by James Wheeler Ever see that documentary Super Size Me? It’s a pretty epic film in which Morgan Spurlock, who narrated the film and was also the test subject, announced he would eat nothing but McDonald’s for 30 days. He ate every burger on the menu at least once and ate three meals per day. Everyone was shocked he would even attempt something like this, because somebody willingly doing this is simply eating themselves to death in a series of fried, deep fried and saturated fast food. Looking back at that documentary, watching him eat Quarter Pounders, Big Mac’s, Filet-o-Fish, all the classic burgers we know and love, one thing hit me: These burgers have buns.

They do! So imagine how shocked I was to learn of the calorie beast known as the Double Down. I’m not talking about blackjack either. The Double Down is the new burger on the way by KFC which features fried chicken as a replacement for bread buns. Calling it a burger would be a bit of a stretch but that’s what I’ll stick with. It features bacon, two different kinds of melted cheese, secret recipe chicken and the Colonel’s secret sauce. There are also a few fried eggs thrown in. From a health perspective there are no redeeming qualities. Come on, it’s a travesty. It’s so loaded with fat and calories that somewhere in the United States, Jared from Subway is crouching in a corner in cold sweats over it.

I think this ‘burger’ will flop for a few

16.

reasons. First of all, when people are eating their fat filled burger, most of the time they will justify it by saying the bun is from the ‘eat lots’ column or the lettuce with mayo all over it is a vegetable and should count as a 5+ a day entry (look me in the eye and say you haven’t done that). Here’s a stat to impress the ladies: if you eat one Double Down, that’s 540 calories. Yes, sounds delicious. Along with the calories, you would also be taking in 32 grams of fat. Imagine this scenario in your head for a minute. Take a look at the nearest table you’re

at. On one side you have this monstrosity, and then the other side you take a look at five Subway six inch subs. Which has more fat?

The winner by unanimous decision is the Double Down.

We could get into an argument and say that not all six inch subs have six grams of fat or less, but the point is still the same. This thing isn’t what you want to be eating.

It’s pretty astonishing to even think this product is coming out. Here we are in 2011, where the biggest food story is a burger with fried chicken replacing the bun. What comes next, a fry holder made out of chicken? I find it odd that in a world where obesity is an epidemic; fast food companies continue to think this is a good idea. I wonder if anyone

will sue KFC because this burger made them fat. I recognise that there is an appeal out there for this burger. People who love chicken are going to go crazy over it. Personally, I would be okay with a two week limited trial offer, but making this a permanent thing just begins the phasing out of buns in general.

Watch all burgers become this way in the future.

If the traditional food pyramid were to be updated to fit today’s standards, the bottom layer would still be ‘eat lots’, the middle section would be the same old ‘eat some’ and the top section would be ‘eat little’. Where things get interesting is that this new section has been built onto this pyramid just recently.

This is the secret lair where the worst of the worst food is locked up. Here we have the ‘eat NONE’. The newest addition is? You guessed it.

In the film Super Size Me Morgan Spurlock went to war against McDonald’s. He was living proof that after only a month of regular fast food and high calorie intake, his health became dramatically worse. His vital signs were off-the-charts bad and he felt other symptoms such as depression, something you wouldn’t normally associate with fast food.

The Double Down looks like no burger I’ve ever seen before. In fact, one Chicago Tribune writer refused to even call it a “sandwich”; he referred to it as a “meat-glorb”. If this is sounding enticing to you then go ahead. But if the Double Down does make its way to New Zealand, I dare someone to go to war with Colonel Sanders, because unless you want to voluntarily double up on the waistline, as far as I’m concerned, this new product gets the double THUMBS down. Excuse me while I go enjoy a proper sandwich. With bread.

issue 07 2011

S

ize. It’s a funny thing. When it comes to picking out the diamond ring you’re going to pop the question with – bigger is (almost) always better. But when it comes to the zit that makes an appearance the day of your class presentation, you’re obviously going to wish it wasn’t the size of Mt. Etna.

Men brag about ‘size’ and women have surgery to inflate – or deflate – various body parts. We all wish we had mile long legs or biceps the size of cantaloupes. It would seem we’ve developed a bit of an obsession with size. And while it can mean a lot of different things depending on the context, one thing’s clear: when it comes to the size of that new pair of jeans, smaller is most definitely better.

It’s ironic though, because as a nation, as a global society even, we’re all getting bigger. Blame KFC, blame the tub of ice cream that just happened to be sitting in the freezer after your breakup, blame your mum – but the fact remains – we’re becoming fat.

Yet our crusade against the big F is relentless, we don’t want to see what’s right in front of our faces.

We’ve embarked on a witch hunt which has ultimately led to a new form of discrimination. Sizeism. It’s discrimination based on the size of a person’s body and it basically means that lately, the old saying, “pick on someone your own size” has taken on a whole new meaning.

Many people have never heard of sizeism; it’s only just being recognised as an actual type of discrimination, yet it’s arguably one of the most prominent forms of discrimination in modern day society.

Back in 2007, Donald Trump lashed out at television personality Rosie O’Donnell, saying, “If I were running The View, I’d fire Rosie. I’d look her right in that fat, ugly face of hers and say, ‘Rosie, you’re fired’”.

Trump got away with saying this – the comment was simply swallowed up in the war of words between him and O’Donnell. But replace the word ‘fat’ with the word ‘Asian’ or ‘black’ and there would have been hell to pay.

While racism, sexism and homophobia are no longer tolerated in society, the same rule does not stand for sizeism. Rather, sizeism seems to have slipped under the radar.

It’s been a gradual progression. Fat people have always been fair game for nasty jokes and cruel taunts. It’s often the large kid at school that gets picked on. And then, even later on in life, when they think they’ve escaped the schoolyard bullying, workplace discrimination based on a person’s size is all too common.

Imagine if Trump really had been Rosie O’Donnell’s boss – she wouldn’t have stood a chance. Comments like Trump’s are allowed to fly within the workplace, leaving larger people humiliated and with very few rights when it comes to being hired, fired or promoted.

In a 2006 survey conducted by Yale University, of the 2,000 overweight women taking part, 53 per cent said co-workers stigmatised them and 43 per cent said employers stigmatised them. This basically translates into the fact that these women were not hired, not considered for promotions, fired, teased or harassed on www.ausm.org.nz

by Alisha Lewis account of their weight.

Rebecca Puhl, who co-authored the survey and runs weight stigma initiatives at Yale’s Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity, says that while weight discrimination has been around for decades, research is proving it has become even more prominent in recent years.

What is even more unfair is the fact that those who weigh in heavily end up leaving with lighter wallets. According to a study

by Tennessee State University, obese men and women can expect to earn an average of one to six per cent less than their skinnier counterparts – with overweight women being the biggest losers when it comes to incomes.

So where does this stigma come from? As usual, the main culprit is the media. The media constantly portrays fat people as clowns – objects of humour not to be taken seriously.

The Fat Girl is never the leading lady. Instead, she’s always been ‘the best friend’ – forever on hand with a tub of Ben & Jerry’s to comfort the star when her douche bag boyfriend does something douche-y. Meanwhile, The Fat Guy’s role has been to provide humour, make people laugh while the sweetheart with the six-pack gets the girl.

It’s a pretty raw deal and basically implies that

larger people don’t deserve the same privileges – or even rights – as people who weigh less.

This stigma has translated into everyday life and it’s clear that the way society views overweight people is nasty and derogatory. For example, if you Google the simple sentence starter ‘fat people are’, ignorant generalisations such as ‘lazy’, ‘annoying’, ‘bad’ and even, ‘better singers’, fill the screen.

It’s ridiculous enough to say someone’s a bad person based solely on their size – let alone to imply that large people are all Pavarottis.

It’s clear that, like most kinds of prejudice, sizeism is a product of ignorance and rigid pre-determined social norms. We tend to attack anything outside what society defines as normal.

With a rapidly growing overweight and obese global population, this fear of the ‘F’ word has caused people to lash out worse than ever.

Gaining strength from numbers however, overweight people are finally starting to fight back and speak out against sizeism. In the United States, overweight people have formed a Fat Liberation Movement. It’s been described in the media as a new civil rights movement. It’s a major deal, probably because almost a third of Americans are overweight or obese and yet America probably has the strongest stigma surrounding size.

The Fat Liberation Movement is a grassroots effort to change societal attitudes towards fat, overweight and obese people. The movement fights to expel myths surrounding fat and fat people. They are affiliated with and help organise conferences such as ‘the Association for Size Diversity and Health’, the ‘No Lose Annual Conference’ and ‘Fat Girl Speaks’ – all aimed at increasing understanding and empowering those who have been targeted.

What has been a most impressive improvement in regards to fat acceptance is the efforts made by various media to increase awareness of the issue. Online zines such as ‘Fat!So’ and ‘Figure8’ have been created, as well as blogs including ‘Big Fat Blog’ and ‘The F Word’. Performance art groups like Big Burlesqu, Fat Bottom Review and The Padded Lillies have recently emerged and star large women and men. Their relative success shows that attitudes may finally be changing.

The biggest change however, has been very recent and in our most mainstream form of media – film and television. Overweight and obese actors have been given lead roles that are challenging, inspiring and also explore the discrimination faced by fat people – such as Gabourey Sidibe’s performance in the Academy Award winning film Precious. The character of Jane in the new television smash hit Drop Dead Diva is another breakthrough role in which the lead actress is overweight. The series also discusses issues surrounding sizeism – there is even an episode in the first season which looks at employment discrimination based on size.

After years of sweeping sizeism under the carpet it seems we are finally willing to take some steps towards building tolerance and acceptance. It’s time to stop the witch hunt and put down the pitch forks. Sizeism may be a huge problem but really, all we really need is a little bit of understanding.

17.

ANNABEL FAY Annabel Fay might be classified as a “pop singer”, but her persona is anything but. She hates shopping for clothes (but loves going out to nice restaurants), loves horror films – she’s particularly excited for Scream 4 – and listens to everything from Tinie Tempah to Pearl Jam. There’s no glitter or PVC present on her outfit when I meet her; instead she’s dressed in black jeans, a charcoal t-shirt, chucks and big sunnies, tapping away on her iPhone with her Macbook open in front of her. In other words, she seems just like every other technology-crazed 23-year-old. But unlike most, she’s put out two albums, filmed a music video in Cuba, cracked the New Zealand top 10 and is part of a family whose value is worth more than you could ever win in Powerball. Not that this has helped her get onto the musical ladder (her father’s [merchant banker Sir Michael Fay] musical abilities are an “abomination”, she says).

She’s worked in studios that have been crawling with rats or lit on fire and she’s played to an empty room at the King’s Arms (she’s also played in front of 15,000 people opening for Westlife and at the Maori King’s coronation). In fact, the only thing her last name seems to have helped her with – if you can call it that – is to make her an easy target for the blogosphere whenever mentions of money or funding is bantered around. But Annabel Fay takes it all in her stride: “It sucks, but I reckon music’s music and if people want to go out and buy my music and like it then that’s why I do it, and if they don’t, stop writing blogs about me.”

I sat down with Annabel Fay on one of the last hot days in Auckland to talk about recording the new album, having a well known father, comparisons to The Lion King and Peter Andre.

18.

issue 07 2011

In a lot of the interviews about you, everyone mentions your distinct voice and there are a lot of comparisons to Joss Stone and Norah Jones. How would you classify your sound?

How did you land on Show Me The Right Way as the name of the album?

I think Show Me The Right Way’s fitting, purely because… it’s more about the title than the As someone who is starting their career, those song. It’s more about the idea of this is a very are massive names and compliments to be given, sophomore, adolescent, looking back, nostalgic which is awesome. I personally can’t hear that; kind of buzz. I write a lot about confusion and maybe that’s because I’m listening to my own I write a lot about being hurt for the first time voice. I think my sound is very… it’s pop music, and how the hell do you bounce back. Show Me which I get people are ashamed to be in that The Right Way is all about asking for help. industry, but here I don’t see the problem with it. It’s pop music, I think, but it’s got some pretty A couple of people have likened the backing valid messages in it. It’s got some pretty heavy instruments in Show Me The Right Way to a undertones and what I’m trying to say, rather song in The Lion King. than making it dreary and really horrible to listen to and depressing, I’ve kind of sent strong So have I! When we recorded it, messages, but with happy kind of melodies.

I could imagine myself lifting up Simba. New Zealand, what we That’s definitely what you hear listening do is we pick things apart down to the album. Were songs like River and to the nitty gritty. This song Not Enough, which are quite dark, based was fun. It was supposed to be on personal experiences or have you taken a fun song. It wasn’t supposed universal concepts? to be Mozart. And that’s the first thing people do is dig little Not Enough is specific experience, River is more digs, and when people say that I a universal concept. I think that the songs that think it’s funny.

I collaborated on [with producers Future Cut] are not specific instances, but are songs that are In your bio, there’s always a mention of how just me. I use a lot of different tools to figure out music has been the only thing you’ve ever what my words are going to be. wanted to do. So what was your first album you ever owned?

With the whole writing, recording process, what would you say would be the biggest It’s really embarrassing. Peter Andre and the All differences to this album approach?

Saints. I think I must have been seven or eight and I bought Peter Andre and the All Saints, the It’s so hard to have an artist who doesn’t really Never Ever album. I thought I was sooooo cool. know what they want. See, I was different; I knew what I wanted but I just didn’t know how Whenever there are interviews with you, your to tell people. So there are a couple of songs, like parents, especially your father, are always Jessica, which is one of my personal favourites. brought up, especially whenever there’s talk That song had been recorded probably like about music or funding. Has your father’s five different ways. And I was just like “I don’t position helped or hindered your career? know how to tell you, but it’s not right”. The difference was I was so much more in control I think it’s shot a giant, gaping hole in the with this. I knew what the messages were middle of it, unfortunately. First album I can that I wanted to sing, I wrote so much more of understand, second album now I think I feel like the album, but at the same time I kind of got I’ve got my musical chops. It just takes away a lot the confidence to speak out when I felt that of legitimacy and people make up their opinions something wasn’t right, rather than complaining more quickly and I think it just in general I about it later, like “I wish I could have have to work twice as hard with a lot of really changed that”. negative aspects coming at the same time. I think it’s hindered. Love my family, but it’s been Each song on the album is quite different a hindrance. Then you’ve got Liam Finn who’s from the last; was that a conscious decision to on the complete opposite end of the spectrum; make each track different? you knew he was going to be amazing, and he is, so it helps. It sucks, but I reckon music’s music Kind of. [Future Cut] were like what do you and if people want to go out and buy my music want to do with this album and I was like “I and like it then that’s why I do it, and if they dunno, all I know is I like that song and I like don’t, stop writing blogs about me that’s all I that song and as a work in, I really like that ask. Leave me alone! beat”. We’ve got the Indian sounding things, you’ve got some rocky tracks, you’ve got real So you read stuff about yourself? soul and I think it works purely because it is just so much more of my personal touch on it. I I’ve got a new rule: no more reading blogs. I’ve think that’s why when you’re listening to it you come to that conclusion. It’s kind of like when don’t get bored. There are so many albums that you’re told not to look at something and you I listen to that I love but some songs, apart from can’t help but look. I’m an extremely curious the title tracks, you don’t know how to tell person and I went through a phase of getting a them apart. news alert when a blog would come about me,

www.ausm.org.nz

not anything else. But some of the stuff I’ve heard written about myself is atrocious. But at the end of the day if you’re going to be in this industry, anything where you’re in the public eye, there’s always going to be people. It’s their right to have opinions so my new thing is don’t look at them. I’m like, why should I torture myself for someone? If they don’t like my music that’s totally up to them, why am I looking at it, I’m an idiot. It’s my fault that I’m upset because I went looking for it. That’s why I’m not doing that anymore.

So there are no musical talents in your family?

No. Like my dad, I find it funny that people ask about my dad in interviews, because if he was like this sick singer then I’d get it. But my dad, he’s completely tone deaf. I’ve heard him sing before, it’s an abomination. It’s like, “dad, where did I come from?”.

Most of the album was done in New Zealand but you also finished it up with Future Cut in Spain. From that brief experience recording overseas, do you find that the vibe of recording is different?

Nah, same anywhere, recording’s recording. It’s gruelling hours, it’s creative spaces. I’ve worked in studios all over the show and even if it’s not on my own stuff I’ve worked in places so all the studios, they’re exactly the same, which is cool.

It’s probably a comforting thing for musicians to kind of know what you’re getting.

So now that your second album has released, what’s the plan for the next 12 months?

Who knows? In the industry you can never make plans. I really want to tour but I need to work out how I’m going to do that because a lot of people who buy my music are under 18 so I can’t do it in bars. I’d eliminate a lot of my fan base if I did that, which I don’t want to do, so I need to be smart about how I’m going to do it so everyone who wants to see me play can see me play. I’ve been down to Christchurch a couple of times in the last few weeks and I would love to get back down there and do a show, Wellington, wherever I can pretty much. So that’s my next goal, organising a sick tour of some description.

Annabel Fay’s second album, Show Me The Right Way, is out now.

19.

by Ashleigh Muir

…That is the question.

It is easy to be put off watching a subtitled film. After all, you spend the whole movie reading what the characters are saying rather than watching what they are doing. Sometimes the subtitles move so fast you simply can’t keep up. It’s a lot of hard work, right?

Wrong. How many of you have actually watched a subtitled film from start to finish?

You end up getting lost in the film; you are sutured into the story and notice the visuals as much as the subtitles fade into normalcy. Just because a film was made in a different country, speaking a different language, we should ignore its existence?

The world of the subtitled film is vast. Believe it or not but America, England, Australia and New Zealand are not the only countries that have a film industry. Sure, they may dominate our screens and make for easy watching – no thinking required for half of Hollywood’s “blockbusters” – but why not extend your horizons with a foreign feature?

Are we simply too lazy to watch a film that is in another language? Sure, if you get distracted you can’t just listen to what is going on. It won’t make sense. Watching a subtitled film requires complete concentration. But that is a good thing. For once in our busy lives we must stop multi-tasking and take two hours out of our day.

It requires – now, are you sitting down?

– putting your cell phone down, ignoring Facebook and closing yourself off from the rest of the world. Scary thought isn’t it. I bet you’re glad you were sitting down for that one.

What is wrong with us when we can’t do that? Do we really care whether John and Jane are still in a relationship or at what time Dave cleaned his teeth? The world may continue on but Facebook and Twitter will always remember what happened in those two hours.

20.

You will not miss out on anything.

Subtitled films are obviously made in another country, with a different style of film. The subtitled film shows you a whole new style of filmmaking and storytelling. I watched a French film that was eerily silent when no one spoke.

At first it was creepy and had a sense of anxiety about it. But once you got used to it, it became peaceful and beautiful.

Foreign films don’t always adhere to the codes and conventions of our cinematic experience.

They have their own. Therefore in watching a subtitled film, you have to be aware of everything. You must work out for yourself what the silence means, how it makes you feel.

Forget everything Hollywood ever told you to feel. Start fresh.

We are constantly shown English films that don’t really mean much to anyone. They have no real deeper meaning or message. They are simply money making ventures. But a subtitled film has to be worth the subtitles to make it with an English speaking audience. Any subtitled film is worth watching. It wouldn’t be available to us if it wasn’t.

Generally speaking, the audience of a subtitled film are going to have an appreciation for film; they are going to have high expectations. They do not want to watch a foreign film that they have already seen done in English a hundred times over. Subtitled films are original, beautiful and different.

Watching a foreign story in English is like eating McDonalds at Burger King. It’s just wrong. It destroys the essence of the film. How would you feel about France making a film about a New Zealand story, with no French connection and keeping all the profits for themselves? Stories should be told by the right people. If that means reading subtitles then so be it. The film will be told accurately, with credibility and realism.

Some great foreign films to start off with: Tell No One

Based on the American thriller novel by Harlan Coben, this French adaptation is beautifully depicted and draws you fully into the story. It tugs at the heartstrings and gets you thinking at the same time. Most of my family walked out when they realised this was subtitled. Only my Dad stayed, but he loved it.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

The Swedish depiction of Steig Larsson’s bestselling trilogy. If you have only recently read the novel, I would recommend giving yourself some time before watching the film.

The book is very detailed but the film lacks the time for this. You’ll be less critical and enjoy the film more if you wait.

Life is Beautiful

This is a truly beautiful, original Italian film.

Set in WWII, a Jewish family are sent to a concentration camp where a father protects his son by calling it a game. This film is definitely not what you would expect. It is funny, satirical and heartbreaking. I have never come across anything like it.

Flame and Citron

Based on the true story of Danish Resistance fighters in WWII, this is a fantastic thriller.

Morally questionable characters question your sense of right and wrong but overall a great watch. Would highly recommend.

issue 07 2011

by Ben Matthews

T

oday’s society is expected to keep up with all the modern technology evaluable, may it be the latest iPad, iPhone, MacBook, iPod, PC or LED television screen. But for me, my preferred musical format is vinyl. There is something about vinyl everything else lacks. Although people can complain that the record player is not portable – you can’t throw it into your bag and head off to uni – that’s not the point. You listen to vinyl for the experience.

Let’s look at how the other music formats. Firstly, when you buy a CD, yes you’ve brought a physical copy, but once you’ve put the songs onto iTunes, you probably won’t ever use the CD ever again.

And most people don’t buy CDs anymore, people just download it off the internet, either through legal outlets such as iTunes, or for some (not that I support this) illegally. However, without the CD, what would happen if your computer crashes and you lose everything on your computer, including your music. You could back all your stuff up, but it can be a pain to upkeep this, with new music being downloaded onto some people’s computers at crazy fast rates. Now that the majority of the music industry has gone digital, there doesn’t seem to be any point having music stores. However, we have one last music format; the mighty vinyl is still in the game. Although the sales of CDs are dropping, the sales of vinyl are rising. Although vinyl accounts for only one per cent of all music sales, its sales itself has risen by 60 per cent in the past five years. That is an amazing achievement seeing how the music industry said that vinyl was dead.

As I said in the first paragraph, vinyl is all about the experience. Digital format may seem perfect, but with vinyl you can hear all the imperfections.

You don’t get the crisps and cracks when listening to your music on your iPod (and you can’t rewind a CD slowly to hear Led Zeppelin’s satanic messages).

Vinyl has a very organic feel about it. It is pretty difficult to explain, but once you’ve have listened to vinyl you can understand. Something about vinyl, which you don’t have with digital formats, is the

www.ausm.org.nz

idea of taking care of your vinyl. Like a car, you have to upkeep your vinyl for it to work properly. In a way, it makes it personal as well.

By now, you would think I am some old crazed fanatic, refusing to go over to new formats. But I am only 20 and I only discovered vinyl at the beginning of the year. However, before I got into vinyl, I still liked collecting music (owning over 500 CDs, my bedroom could be called a music store).

One thing I don’t like about iTunes is that you lose the idea of collecting something. Looking at 500 albums on a computer is not as impressive as seeing it in the flesh – or on the shelves. And with CDs fading out at a rapid rate, people like me need something to collect, hence my addiction to vinyl.

Already I have bought a dozen or so of them. I like the idea of having something in my hand, other than an iPod. And even more surprising is that most of the people looking in the vinyl section of Real Groovy (yep, the vinyl section has outgrown the CD section) are my age.

The reason why I have written an article on vinyl is because this Saturday is Record Store Day. Although the main purpose of Record Store Day is to celebrate indie music stores, bands are known to release limited edition vinyl on this day. The Foo Fighters, who performed here a few weeks ago, are going to be releasing an album of covers songs on vinyl, Green Day are also releasing their version I Don’t Want To Know If You Are Lonely on vinyl, along with the original version by Hüsker Dü as a b-side, and the Gorillaz are leasing a limited edition version of their new album, yet again on vinyl.

I might be called a music Luddite, but I prefer vinyl. The sound has a fuller feel. Maybe it’s just me. However, there can be a few cons with vinyl, such as needing a record player to play the vinyl (and trust me, if you are planning to go vinyl, record players are pretty expensive). But despite that, vinyl is far more rewarding than just downloading it from the internet.

PS: And The Beatles sound kick arse on vinyl.

21.

Before the days of the Biebs, Zefron, T-Swizzle and Miley Cyrus, there was another breed of child stars in the late 90s to the early 2000s that we can claim as our own. Sure, we all know about the Britneys and Christinas who remained famous from childhood right through to postpuberty, but what happens to the child actors whose light goes out prematurely? (Out on their career, I mean, not when they die.) Let’s take a trip down memory lane as we look at the top child stars of our generation and discover where they are now.

Macaulay Culkin

The epitome of child stars, Culkin starred in two of the most well-known Christmas movies of all time: Home Alone in 1990 and the sequel in 1992.

He was a bit of a child-stud after his tear-jerker performance as Thomas in My Girl in 1991. I can guarantee that of the females reading this, 50 per cent would have grown up wanting their first kiss to happen exactly how it did in My Girl. Minus the bees killing their sweetheart.

However after his Home Alone run, it was all downhill for the Macaulster. No one wanted to hire the kid that was so well known for one role. Then, puberty hit. Unfortunately Macaulay’s journey through puberty didn’t end so well on the physical side, turning this cute button-nosed sweetie into one ugly mother effer – sad but true. Black Swan’s Mila Kunis didn’t think so apparently, as the pair dated for almost a decade, but broke it off late 2010.

All Macaulay could ever seem to get publicity from was scandal. At 24, he was arrested for possession for over 17g of weed and two crap loads of strong pain killer substances. Macaulay was even called to trial in 2005 during the scandalous People vs Jackson trial. Many thought Culkin may have been inappropriately treated by the singer but MJ was found not guilty on all charges. So Culkin is now (home) alone, hasn’t made a movie since 2009, but is apparently attached to 2012 film Service Man.

Haley Joel Osment

Most of you will recognise Osment from the mindblowing film, The Sixth Sense (for those of you that haven’t seen the film– go rent it. Now). Osment’s performance in The Sixth Sense was so heartwrenchingly good that it earned him an Academy Award nomination for best supporting actor at only 11 years old. Following this, he starred in A.I and Pay It Forward, making critics declare him as the “one to watch for the future”. Well we’ve been watching, but for some reason, he hasn’t made it to our future. So what happened? Osment, now 22, has sadly tumbled into the fallen child star category. He is now the official voice of Sora, the main character in the Kingdom Hearts video game series. He’s also leant his voice to The Jungle Book 2, and appeared in a failed Broadway play. He’s still hoping he’ll one day get his Oscar… yeah right.

22.

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen

The Olsen twins made their debut at nine months old on the TV series Full House.

Even when the series finished in 1995, the Olsens had already taken over the world. Under their 1993-founded company Dualstar, they released 13 twin-based films (all featuring matching haircuts and outfits), along with Olsen twin Barbie dolls, fragrances, clothes, books, games and anything you can think of! But after the release of New York Minute, the twins decided to put acting on hold and pursue their passion for fashion. They started off with a young girls’ clothing line called “Mary-Kate and Ashley: Real fashion for real girls” that sold in Walmart. From here, they moved onto high-end fashion, releasing five more successful lines, including The Row. The twins became CEOs of Dualstar and have shifted from “tween” products to teen.

Mary-Kate made a comeback of sorts into acting again, having guest-starred on Weeds and playing a scary ass witch in the Vanessa Hudgen’s Beastly adaption.

issue 07 2011

by Jess Etheridge and Nicola Monera

Brittany and Cynthia Daniel

Haven’t heard of these two before? These two played the Wakefield twins in the television adaptation of the Sweet Valley High series in the mid-90s. The books were an international hit and were read by teen girls everywhere. A show eventuated and Brittany and Cynthia landed the roles of Jessica and Elizabeth, respectively.

From 1994, the show gave life to two girls who defined a generation, but unfortunately the show was canned in 1997 due to - what else - poor ratings. A shame, really, as it was a lot better than some of the crap teens watch these days (iCarly, anyone?)

Brittany Daniel has had a pretty good career, to be honest. She’s made appearances on Dawson’s Creek, That 70’s Show, Joe Dirt, White Chicks, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia and starred in 2010’s Skyline.

The same can’t be said for her sister however, as she retired after Sweet Valley High was cancelled. She’s now a photographer and is married to an ugly actor who makes movies with Vin Diesel. Yeah.

For Sweet Valley High fans, the spin-off, Sweet Valley Confidential, hits shelves this year.

Devon Sawa Tia and Tamera Mowry

More twins! The Mowry twins first came to prominence around the same time at the Daniel twins with their Emmy Award-winning show Sister, Sister. Sadly for the Mowry twins, the show was cancelled after only a year, however the show developed a cult following through the late 90s.

The twins moved on and became 90s icons, popping up in commercials, TV shows and a few movies including Seventeen Again (not the Zac Efron one), Twitches, Twitches Too and The Hot Chick.

Tia Mowry currently stars in troubled television show The Game, which has gone through numerous cancellations and revivals, but started screening in January. Tamera went the dramatic route with successful stints on Strong Medicine and Roommates. If you miss the twins too much, follow them on Twitter: @ TiaMowry and @TameraMowryTwo.

www.ausm.org.nz

I’m getting tingles just thinking about Devon Sawa. That sounds really creepy but this is an over-share-friendly student magazine, I think you deserve to know!

Sawa started his acting career in 1992 in The Odyssey TV series but didn’t hit it big until Little Giants. The combination of pee wee football, underdogs and an up-and-coming teen heartthrob was a sure winner.

Sawa’s performance helped him lock in the title character of the 1995 film Casper (only the human form though, he didn’t voice Casper). Still, to star opposite Christina Ricci is a big deal and being part of a film that pulls over $200 million worldwide ain’t a bad job. He appeared in Now and Then before fading into obscurity in the late 90s.

He did a few random films but regained relevancy in 2000’s Final Destination, a franchise that only concluded last year that’s what they say anyway. He’s voiced a few animated characters and guest starred in NCIS: Los Angeles but here’s hoping for another comeback, Devon!

23.

ACROSS 1. Students apparently put on an average of this many pounds during their time at university 3. The name of the new Auckland public transport card; also associated with the Easter bunny 4. AuSM’s signature colour 5. Some students are eligible for this with Studylink 6. Name of Annabel Fay’s second album, Show Me The ____ Way 7. The sporting event taking place at AUT on April 26-29 9. Type of measurement, often found in the back of homes 12. Most students have to complete these to pass their courses 13. First capital of New Zealand 14. John Key was born here 17. Only happens in the calendar once every four years 18. This singer is famous for Purple Rain and 1999 19. Holiday not traditionally celebrated in New Zealand, but given a parade in America DOWN 1. A state in America, also known as the sunshine state 2. A loud, piercing cry; the name of a 90s movie trilogy which has recently been revamped 8. An alcoholic beverage or a common tool 10. Cows produce this and you can also buy it from this type of shop

24.

11. This food is supposed to scare off non-sparkly vampires 15. A technology conglomerate which also hit Isaac Newton on the head 16. Type of flooring; you can also listen to music on this

issue 07 2011

by Ashleigh Muir You don’t have to be a fantastic artist to be able to craft. You simply have to take what skills you do possess and make the most of them. It is all about finding the right project for you.

Depending on what you are good at or feel comfortable doing, you can adjust most craft projects to suit. This week’s craft can be adjusted to suit anyone. If you can paint, draw, copy or print this is perfect.

It can be really hard to find affordable art to fill the blank spacess of any room, so this week I have a couple of ideas that will leave your walls bright, cheerful and inspiring.

Who doesn’t love photographs? But filling your room with hundreds or frames clogs up a lot of space, and photos by themselves always end up bending out of shape. Photo boards are a cheap and easy way to have lots of photos on display. They also make for great presents (especially with a little Facebook stalking).

Canvases come in a range of different shapes and sizes. You can paint them in a single colour, or if you’re super talented and patient you can try a fancy design. Fabric can also be stretched and stapled at the back of the canvas. Tightly attach ribbons across the canvas to hold the photographs into place (failing this, use double-sided tape to stick them to the ribbons).

Pin boards can be picked up pretty cheaply from The Warehouse and your local emporium. Again, this can be painted or covered with fabric before the photos are pinned to the cork.

If I was rich and famous; or even just rich, I would have a whole wall in my house dedicated to inspirational art. You know those ‘stone’ plaques with inspirational quotes about dreaming, believing, laughing and loving? I would have them all. But for now I settle for bright, funky ones I make myself.

If you have any oversized frames hanging around, they will be perfect for this. Otherwise you can pick up brightly coloured frames from The Warehouse for a reasonable price. Take a piece of cardboard and decorate. If you can paint the Mona Lisa, go for it, but if you’re like me, find a pattern online and copy it onto the card. Cut and paste stripes of coloured paper into stripes or checks. Go wild.

Decide on a word or phrase. If your background is colourful, you want this to go on white or black paper and vice versa. Choose a font, or multiple fonts if you want, and copy or print your letters before gluing them to your background. Put in the frame and hang. Art never was this easy.

Craft isn’t necessarily art. It’s about realising where your strengths lie and taking full advantage of them. You don’t need to be a budding artist to create beautiful things. Just because you aren’t very good with a paintbrush doesn’t mean you’re going to be terrible with a stapler and a canvas.

Believe.

by Jess Etheridge Wow, you guys. We’re almost at mid-semester break! It’s fair to say I’m a wee bit excited because it means I’ll have a lot more time to catch up on what’s going on in the film world and discuss new things with you in this here bit! Not long to go, so hold on and you’ll be having sleepins in no time.

Something I want to do this coming mid-semester break is reconnect with my nerdy youth. A few weeks back I saw the new Nick Frost and Simon Pegg film, Paul, which is about two Brits who travel to America for a huge alien-oriented road trip (they just happen upon an alien and take him with them). All throughout the actually hilarious film - which I highly recommend you go see ASAP - were references to great sci-fi films of the past.

Flashbacks and homages included Indiana Jones, E.T, Men in Black (not that great but I still love it) and one scene even included the Cantina band song from Star Wars: A New Hope! I started squealing and dancing in my seat. The people sitting around me had no idea what I was on about, but you honestly have no idea how excited I was. They didn’t judge me though; they were enjoying the flick and its nerdy quips just as much as I was. It reminded me why I love the sci-fi genre so much: Nothing is too “out there” and nerd jokes are all good.

But nerds seem to be the butt of too many jokes. It’s not film, but The Big Bang Theory is based around making fun of nerds and geeks for their unique personality traits, such as Sheldon sitting in the same place on the flat couch each time or his huge obsession with technology and not girls. This is perceived as “not the norm”. In Paul, the two leads we constantly asked if they were in a homosexual relationship because they liked comic books more than plucking up the courage to chat to the girl of their dreams. This is all supposed to be ‘funny’ and I don’t really know whether this perception is going to change. The good thing I liked about Paul, however, was Simon Pegg’s character, Graham, ended up with the nerdy girl. She wasn’t popular, she wasn’t especially beautiful, but he still fell in love with her. There aren’t many films where this case, of nerd-to-nerd love, exists.

I was reading on Jezebel.com* the other day a column about screenwriters hating nerd love. All too often, the nerdy guy or girl, who is best friends with the lead character, is there for comic relief instead of being the main character. Take 10 Things I Hate About You, for instance. Michael, the nerdy guy who talks to Cameron, the attractive new guy, falls down a cliff while driving his scooter. Ok, I’ll admit I’m actually laughing remembering that bit but that doesn’t mean it’s ok! And then eventually Michael ends up with the really nerdy girl, which is fine because it’s cute and fuzzy and yada yada.

However if Michael was the nerdy lead character, would he end up with the same nerdy girl? No, because the nerd always has to win the preppy girl. I can count on my hand the amount of times the nerdy lead characters end up with each other. That’s not a good sign.

I’m done with this rant. Nerd love in film annoys me to no end.

Duckie should have won Andie’s heart and Blaine should’ve just moved towns. Can you tell I bear a grudge against the film Pretty In Pink? * I just love Jezebel way too much and because I agree with them all the time, means I’m more likely to mention them here, ok?! Ok.

www.ausm.org.nz

25.

Dear Agony Aunt

Do you think I need to have a flu vaccine? I’m a fit guy and don’t seem to get sick often. I think for me this might be unnecessary.

From Fit

Dear Fit

This Agony Aunt column is brought to you by the team at Health, Counselling and Wellbeing. If you have a question you would like answered email debate@aut.ac.nz and put Agony Aunt as the subject or drop it in to the Health, Counselling and Wellbeing office.

Dear Agony Aunt

I came off my skateboard a week ago and scraped the front of my thigh. I washed it as soon as I got home and thought it would be okay. It’s really sore now and is red and angry looking. I don’t feel too good either. Do you think I need to see a doctor?

From Skateboarder

Dear Skateboarder

Yes, I think you do need to see a nurse or doctor to get checked out.

Grazes caused through accidents where your skin scrapes along the ground at speed are usually difficult to clean and you really need to give the wound a thorough scrub to get out all the debris and dirt.

Sometimes it’s impossible to get all the grit out of the wound and you can get an infection (cellulitis). If the infection is not treated you can become unwell. A course of antibiotics will usually do the trick. To book an appointment with a nurse or doctor call Health Counselling and Wellbeing counsellor.

You’re never too fit to get hit. Everyone is at risk of getting influenza regardless of age or fitness level. Influenza is more than just a ‘bad cold’ and if you become infected with the virus you are likely to become very unwell. This can mean up to a week in bed often feeling run down and tired for several weeks after the virus has gone. This is likely to impact significantly on your ability to keep up with your studies and you will most definitely have to take time off uni/work.

Influenza is extremely contagious and is spread from person to person by sneezing, coughing and by handling objects touched by someone with influenza. When you are at university or spending significant periods of time in the same room as numerous other people, you have a high chance of catching influenza from anyone who has the virus.

Regardless of whether you have the vaccine or not it is very important to do your bit in preventing the spread of influenza this winter. To do this you must cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing, make sure you throw away used tissues in a waste bin, wash your hands regularly and thoroughly and stay away from university if you are sick.

If you are sick make sure you have someone around to look after you or at least let someone know that you are feeling ill. See a doctor if your symptoms are severe or if you are worried about yourself or someone else. Be mindful of meningitis as this often starts with cold or flu symptoms. If in doubt get medical attention.

You can make an appointment to get an influenza vaccine at Health Counselling and Wellbeing centres. Phone (09) 921 9992 for the City campus or (09) 921 9998 for the North Shore campus. For more information on influenza and vaccine go to www.fightflu.co.nz

by Katie Montgomerie

TGITLWOT!!!

Perhaps it’s not as succinct as TGIF – Thank God it’s Friday – but I think everyone is thinking the same thing... Thank god it’s the last week of term!

So just like all of you AUT students, debate is also taking a two week break so you won’t have your weekly fix of up and coming slang words for a while. Don’t stress too much though, if you ever need a top up, just head to UrbanDictionary.com!

Now to get on with it, this is a word for all of those tutors out there who have had to painfully sift through our references at the end of an assignment only to find... A Wikipedia reference!

We all know how frustrating this seems to be for them so I found this word on UrbanDictionary.com:

Wikiot

Any fool who believes all the information found on Wikipedia is accurate and true.

26.

Example of a Wikiot: Well, let’s be honest... most students who are new to a tertiary degree.

“I re-checked that students’ Wikipedia references and do you know what I found? An article claiming that monkeys used to fly a few hundred years ago... FAIL.” Well that may be a bit harsh, I’m sure there are lots of students who were rapped on the knuckles at school for using Wikipedia and discontinued that habit. However, there are still those people that may not use Wikipedia for essays, but definitely bring up info directly sourced from the great site of disparity in general conversation. That person is a:

Wikintellectual

Someone who only reads Wikipedia for information but considers himself well-versed and enlightened in any given subject. Generally in the age bracket of 17-22.

Example “Wow, what a wikintellectual! He just regurgitated the information from that page about flying monkeys that got deleted for misinformation six months ago!”

These people generally try to disguise the fact that they’re using and abusing the information on Wikipedia but really they should be saying this at the start of their sentence:

Wikiparently

According to Wikipedia Example “Wikiparently monkeys could fly with little wings that sprung from their spinal cord 200 years ago.

They stopped flying because they discovered they could climb trees!”

That’s all for the next few weeks so take care, be safe, and I’ll see you next time!

issue 07 2011

Now that’s what I call

horoscopes ARIES (March 21-April 19)

Now Eating

Volume Seven

Cadbury Caramello Mini Eggs

Ever since Cadbury changed their creme egg recipe, I have been hunting for a new chocolatey treat to devour each Easter. These caramello mini eggs are that treat. They’re small enough that you can have a couple without feeling guilty but not so rich that you feel sick afterwards (I’ve had many a creme egg regret). If you’re a baker, use these in the middle of your chocolate muffins. They are perfection. I love this time of year.

Now Wearing Onesies

Now that the cold has well and truly made itself known, it’s time to start bundling up. And what better head-to-toe comfort than an onesie? Most popular with people under the age of three, onesies have been making a comeback over the last few years, due to the fact that they cover all of your body without letting icy air in. Sleepwear designer Peter Alexander has five types available (but when I checked online, two had already sold out) but you can get cheaper (and warmer) ones from good ol’ Kmart or the Red Shed. Don’t confuse it with a slanket or a snuggie, which are blankets with sleeves. They may keep you warm while you are watching TV, but when it’s time to stand up, your behind is severely exposed.

Now Loving

The end of Daylight Saving

A lot of people gripe about the darker evenings, but I find it much more comforting waking up to sunshine instead of the pitch black skies we had been getting. It’s also a lot warmer when walking to work, because only a couple of weeks ago it was an hour later in the day. Plus we gained an extra hour of sleep, which can only be a good thing on a Sunday. Make the most of the light before it disappears and we’re left in darkness from 5pm.

Now Watching

The Royal Wedding

Since this is your last taste of debate until May 2 (I know, an eternity away), the royal wedding needs to be mentioned. Even though the whole tradition of royalty and having a monarch is a touch outdated, it’s going to be great to see an event of this scale take place during our time. In 30 years, when you have sproutlings of your own, you’ll be able to sit them down, put on your nostalgic specs and tell them all about the wedding, including what you were doing when it aired.

Since it’s showing in the late hours of Friday night/wee hours of Saturday morning gather up a group of friends and make it a tea party. Whether you’re drinking tea of the English Breakfast or the Long Island kind, make sure you toast to the happy couple. bridgeadvert 1 29/03/11 3:03 PM If you think you’re oncopy.pdf the pulse with what’s happening in Auckland, email debate@aut.ac.nz with your own Suggestions.

Ask lots of questions this week, but don’t be a dick and wait until five minutes before the lecture ends.

Everyone hates THAT guy.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20)

Hitler, Liberace and Cher all share your sign. You might as well just give up now.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21)

There is a 100 per cent chance that you didn’t win Powerball on the weekend. This horoscope would have been more helpful last week, huh?

CANCER (June 22-July 22)

If you think people are using you this week, it’s because they are. But it’s your own fault for installing MySky and then broadcasting it on Facebook.

LEO (July 23-August 22)

Spend this week pretending you live in the 60s, because that was the last time you could be naked in public without being arrested.

VIRGO (August 23-September 22)

Absence may make the heart grow fonder but it also means a fail in your course.

LIBRA (September 23-October 23)

Need some cash this week? Start a fight club. They’re legit legal. Wait, did I say legal? I meant illegal. And did I say cash? I meant jail time.

SCORPIO (October 24-November 21)

Famous Scorpians include Bill Gates, Pablo Picasso and Lou Ferrigno. In other words, you are a badass artistic genius. Add it to your business card.

SAGITTARIUS (November22-Dec21)

Unleash your inner man this week. Chop firewood, eat raw steak, don’t shower and piss outside. Even if you’re not a man.

CAPRICORN (December 22-January 19) The stars see laughter and general merriment in the next seven days. This would be awesome if you didn’t have that public speaking gig and that sweating problem.

AQUARIUS (January 20-Febuary 18)

Holidays are approaching. Mentally prepare yourself for next week by taking this week off. Two weeks just isn’t enough.

PISCES (Febuary 19-March 20)

You will achieve great things in life, like Andrew Jackson, Jack Kerouac and George Harrison. Also like them, most people won’t have a clue who you are.

Learn and play Bridge.

Many young people do.

Meet in the Auckland University Engineering Department Cafe (basement floor, Symonds Street) 5.00PM - 7.00PM on Wednesday during term time CONTACT:www.ausm.org.nz Richard on (09) 232 8494 rksolomon@xtra.co.nz

27.

Bridgette Talei Tuipulotu (Honour Year Fashion Design)

Sarai Voi (Bachelor of Fashion Design – second year) What is your cultural background?

My cultural background comes from Samoa where my parents were born and raised.

How did this influence your work?

My inspiration is a traditional dance that is performed by a village prince (manaia) or village princess (taupou) who is wearing a grass and flax skirt.

The traditional Samoan dance is the Taualuga. The name is the Samoan word for jumping; the performer, dressed in pants (called tuiga) composed of leaves and human hair, usually sits and portrays an everyday action. The dance represents the relationship between ali’i, a ruler, and his tulafale.

Explain the process used in your work.

The process was really difficult knowing that we had to keep our designs simple. So what I did was I took an image of a taupou and picked out a few of the details that I could apply onto my designs, e.g. the shape of the ula nifo (originally made from whales’ teeth, are now made from bone pieces, white plastic and threaded onto a nylon line) and the idea of the printed flax that was my main design focus.

What was the process that went into making your collection last year?

In the beginning I based the ideas around these two pictures that I had taken from around where I lived. One was a close up of an old tree trunk and the other was of a manhole in the pavement. These two pictures put together created this tension between something that could be manmade and something that felt organic. From here, it became a question of how could I create this tension in a fashion context and the wood was referencing the organic nature of the first picture as well as the organic traditions of my Tongan background. Wood was ideal as it created optimum tension so there was little movement when it was put on the figure.

The next stage was simplifying the garments to ensure that a) the wooden pieces did not end up looking like costume and b) that the quality of the execution in regards to the detailing, construction, patterning and overall design complemented these references of my culture but was able to be appreciated as a collection of garments that were timeless, elegant and wearable. The process was a huge learning curve for me as it put me in a position where I had to be in complete control of my work and disciplined enough to edit what was not required.

How do you think Pacific Island fashion fits into the New Zealand mainstream?

I don’t know whether Pacific Island ‘fashion’ exists to be honest. I think, like any designer, using your culture as the core for your ideas, there are limitations as it needs to be put in a Western fashion context. There has to be a degree of sensitivity towards the subject matter, which I don’t think is something Do you think people of Pacific Island origin you see in the t-shirts you buy from the have a different approach to fashion? flea market or souvenir shops. That, I feel, I believe that people of Pacific Island origin do is more social commentary on the person’s have a different approach to fashion. Culture surroundings but not necessarily a comment is who they are and what they apply to their on their culture. I wouldn’t consider myself daily lives but fashion doesn’t mean much to an ‘island’ designer- I’m a designer whose them for e.g. what a girl wears to church is point of difference is my cultural background a pea, and for men a iefaikaga. If they’re not and my interpretation of that culture. As for at church they will normally be wearing a the traditional clothes such as tupenu (male lavalava and a t-shirt. Fashion for people of formal dress) or the pule taha (female formal Pacific Island origin means barely showing dress), I wouldn’t consider it fashion; more any skin, to cover up. attire for a particular occasion.

As for New Zealand mainstream, Pacific What are your future goals and aspirations?

Island designs have been used with the Being born and raised in New Zealand, I t-shirts and so on and so forth. I don’t think don’t know much about my culture. But I do appreciate being a Samoan and I aim to learn there is any difference between what a ‘New Zealander’ wears and what an ‘Islander’ wears. more and apply all that knowledge in my designs so that people know more about who If anything, it’s been the other way round.

New Zealand mainstream has had a huge we are and where we come from. influence on what Islanders wear that but it’s

by Heather Rutherford still attire, not fashion.

Everyone knows when you sit too close to a painting, you can’t properly make out the full What are your future goals and aspirations? image. Everything becomes abstract, blurry and random. When you realise this and take Want to travel overseas. Learn my craft and a few steps back, you begin to notice how the little bits and pieces fit together to create a discipline from the best and maybe one day if whole that is distinct and comprehensible. Having never lived in another country before, it all works out, create my own label. Not yet to me, everything we see in New Zealand fashion must be the norm. But sitting in a lecture though. There’s so much to learn and do that on Pacific Island fashion the other day, it occurred to me that while to us, the influence it would a shame to let those opportunities of Pacific Island culture in New Zealand may seem ordinary, it is one of the factors that pass by. In regards to my studies, I want to get distinguishes us from the rest of the world. Like sitting too close to a painting or television, my masters but whether it happens next year many of us fail to realise what a distinct flavour this aspect of cultural design brings to or later down the track remains to be seen. fashion in our country. I spoke to two fashion design students of Pacific Island origin whose work is influenced by their culture:

28.

issue 07 2011

HIN CHAN Bachelor of Fashion Design (third year) T-shirt: Complex geometry Jeans: Stolen Girlfriends Club Necklace: Gift Favourite item that you’re wearing: T-shirt

SOHPIE KWAN Bachelor of Communications (third year) Shirt: Can’t remember Shorts: From Asia Belt: Urban Outfitters Favourite item that you’re wearing: Belt

There is a blog for everything nowadays. A quick Google search of topics from ‘cooking’ to ‘lesbians that look like Justin Bieber’ will confirm that for you. When I am not reading magazines or books offline, chances are you will find me checking my favourite blogs to see if there is a new post, waiting to be devoured. So, what makes a blog worthy of daily reading? As Phoebe Montague of ‘Lady Melbourne’ points out, it is establishing the balance

MAZ FAKAOASI Bachelor of Business (first year) Hoodie: Gift Jeans and t-shirt: Don’t remember Shoes: From USA Favourite item that you’re wearing: Shoes

between images (not too many, not too dominating), and text (short and simple for the generation that always have something else to get on with).

This week I decided to take a look at some of the fashion blogs I visit more frequently and work out what makes them tick. Be aware that this is only a tiny portion of the countless that I read, but these are probably the most well known ones, and hence are more regularly updated.

FIFI LAPIN

LADY MELBOURNE http://ladymelbourne.com.au

http://tavi-thenewgirlintown.blogspot.com

Who she is: This is one of the online fashion world’s greatest mysteries. As this blog is ghost written and illustrated nobody really knows who the face behind Fifi is! Although a quick scan of her posts does suggest she may be British.

Who she is: Phoebe Montague, a post-grad journalism/fine arts student, lecturer on social media and blogging and style chameleon. She hails from her namesake city and has been blogging for five years.

Who she is: Tavi Gevinson, a 14 (yes, 14) year old blogger from Chicago, a regular attendee of New York Fashion Week and supporter of numerous fashion campaigns, such as ‘Rodarte for Target’.

What she posts: Illustrations of a bunny rabbit kitted out in the latest runway trends and how she incorporates them into her everyday lifestyle.

What she posts: Lady Melbourne’s content is made up of largely her lookbook for days of the week but she also regularly posts Friday videos, book suggestions, illustrations and etiquette.

Where else have you seen her work?

Everywhere! From the pages of Vogue magazines worldwide to cards for Topshop. Fifi has just recently published a style guide called, What Shall I Wear Today?.

Where else have you seen her work?

Phoebe has been featured on many a blog, even ones on our shores like NZ Girl. She was on the cover, as well as featured in Peppermint’s summer 2009 issue and was recognised with an award for ‘best fashion blog’ that same year at the Australian Blog Awards.

What she posts: This blog started out solely fashion oriented, but over time it has gradually moved away from that. When she is not providing in-depth analyses of designer collections she discusses zines, pop cultures and shares mood boards which reflect her outfits, just to name a few.

http://fifi-lapin.blogspot.com

Why should you visit? For doses of cuteness as well as style advice from “fashion’s most stylish bunny” (ELLE). www.ausm.org.nz

THE STYLE ROOKIE

Where else have you seen her work?

Tavi frequently contributes to Teen Vogue and was more recently in the latest issue of Lula magazine.

She is regularly profiled on popular style sites, namely Style.com.

Why should you visit? Phoebe’s lookbook is Why should you visit? This blog is like the easy to replicate with her combinations of bargain intellectual icing on the fashion blogosphere’s cake, finds and more expensive pieces. A must-see! you will feel intelligent just reading it!

29.

Paul

bible-hugging father, Graeme and Clive are chased by two homophobic hicks and the FBI Film Review by Samantha McQueen (B+) are tailed by a voice that has defined the sci-fi genre. It is these obscure (mostly 70s) references that will leave audiences not acquainted with the sci-fi genre feeling rather isolated. Close Encounters, E.T., Alien, Star Wars and Star Trek all rate a mention; the latter of the lot when Graeme asks Paul if he’s using a universal translator so that they can understand what he’s saying. His reply? “I’m speaking English, you fucking idiot.”

From the dry-witted Britons who brought Foul language is almost another character in Hot Fuzz and Shaun of the Dead to our screens this comedy. When Ruth is shown “the light” as comes Paul, a foul-mouthed, sci-fi tribute that such, she spills out gems like “fuck-a-roo, that will have fans of Spielberg, Scott and Star Wars was the best titty-farting sleep I have ever had” holding their sides with laughter.

The film follows Graeme Willy (Simon Pegg) and “you bet your hairy love eggs”. For Paul, a and Clive Gollings (Nick Frost), two sci-fi nerds simple “fuck” does the trick.

For sci-fi fans, Paul ticks all the boxes. There’s who have made the journey from England to aliens, odes to genre greats and Sigourney America for – what else? – Comic Con. After the appropriate amount of fanboying, they pack Weaver, all wrapped up in British humour. But the sometimes limiting jokes will prevent the up an RV and head on a good, old-fashioned rest of the audience phoning everyone (not just road trip across America to the famous UFO home) to say how great this film is. sites. What they weren’t expecting to find was Paul (Seth Rogen), an oddly conspicuous Rio alien on the run from the government, who Directed by Carlos Saldanha jumps on board. And let’s not forget Ruth, the one-eyed trailer park girl who wears t-shirts of Film Review by Samantha McQueen Jesus blowing up Darwin that the gang of geeks accidently abduct from Pearly Gates caravan park.

This is Pegg and Frost’s third pairing together, both on screen and off (they also penned the script) so it’s no wonder their chemistry resembles that of an old, married couple, complete with nicknames, jealously and It’s hard not to like an animated film. They white terry bathrobes. They’ve spiced up their are usually well directed, visually spectacular partnership though, bringing in Greg Mottola and have a cast with more star power than (Superbad, Adventureland) in place of Edgar the top cinematic masterpieces. Rio is one of Wright (who was off filming Scott Pilgrim). these movies. It’s not the most groundbreaking Mottola has made a good film, but it doesn’t animation you’ll ever see, but its festive and leap off the screen with pizzazz and have you light-hearted look at some of South America’s talking about it for days afterwards like a most colourful creatures will make it near Wright number. impossible to walk out of the cinema without a Fortunately for Mottola – and unfortunately smile on your face. for audiences – the most disappointing aspect The film’s opening sequence really sets the of the film comes from the title character mood for the entire 96 minute duration. Set himself. Rogen has become somewhat of a in the colour saturated jungles of Rio, brightly poster boy in the last five years for the dope comedies and his distinctive voice is even more coloured birds sing and samba the days away grating when it’s the only part of him that’s on while Blu, a tiny blue macaw, hasn’t even spread his wings before he’s snatched up by smugglers. display. Despite the fact that’s Paul is entirely CGI, they’ve still Rogen’s can’t-be-arsed persona Shipped to the starkly darker – and colder – town of Moose Lake, Minnesota, where the on display, and predictably, there’s a toking up only warmth comes from the red traffic lights, scene. he is rescued by Linda, a bookish young lass, What this film has done well though is delivering genre references while doing a whole who grows up with Blu drinking marshmallow hot chocolates and happily soaring around on lot of chasing. Paul is chased by the men in wheels, rather than wings. black (Jason Bateman, Bill Hader and Joe Lo It’s not until a chance run in with Truglio), Ruth is chased by her gun-toting,

Directed by Greg Mottola

30.

ornithologist (translation: bird lover) Tulio, which leads to a trip to Rio that the storyline really heats up. In the ultimate of first date pressures, Blu is told to repopulate his species with the only female blue macaw on the planet, Jewel, who just wants to be free. Not even Lionel Richie and mood lighting can save this awkward encounter. Then there’s a has-been star cockatoo (Jemaine Clement), who is working for another set of smugglers determined to get top dollar for these feathery creatures. By the time Blu and Jewel escape (the first of many) they are chained together. Let’s not forget that Blu can’t fly, making for a series of hilarious encounters with members of the South American wildlife.

Despite starting off slow (due to the sleepy nature of Moose Lake), the storyline is quickpaced, both in terms of action and comic timing.

Jesse Eisenberg achieves the perfect blend of sardonic wit and neurosis, and even though he’s paired with the vocal powerhouse, Anne Hathaway, he surprisingly comes off as the stronger lead. Kiwi Jemaine Clement definitely steals the show though, with his clipped flat tones and menacing cackle, while his musical number in the back room of the villain’s lair sees a pleasing reminder of his Flight of the Conchords days.

Director Carlos Saldanha is no stranger to the animation genre, having directed the Ice Age trilogy, and he’s put on a film that’s bursting with vibrancy. Despite the fact that Blu is as flightless as our native bird, we are treated to some breathtaking scenic animation from up top, particularly in the scene atop of a hang glider and when a flock of birds descend from an airplane over the Atlantic Ocean. And let’s not forget the way South American culture is represented. Everyone, from the drooling dog to the dim-witted villain, gets into the spirit of Carnivale, with feathers, floats, sequins and samba.

Rio hasn’t taken flight with a new level of animation, but audiences will be happy gliding along the Brazillian coastline, soaking up the authentic atmosphere that is on display.

Sucker Punch

Directed by Zach Snyder Film Review by Rebecca Williams

(D)

After watching Sucker Punch you will leave the cinema wondering how many hours Zack

issue 07 2011

As expected, Awesome as F**k features a selection of Green Day’s biggest hits. Green Day perform some of their hit singles such as Know Your Enemy, far longer than the studio version, American Idiot, a song famous for criticising the Bush administration, 90s classic When I Come Around, and the acoustic Good Riddance. The album also has a few more obscure songs, such as ¡Viva la Gloria! a piano ballad, Who Wrote Holden Caulfield and Going To Pasalacqua, songs from their Lookout! era, and Burnout, the song that opens their 1994 album, Dookie.

A note of interest is the song Cigarettes and Valentines. For those unaware, Cigarettes and Valentines was the title track to the legendary album that Green Day scrapped so that they could record American Idiot instead. Although the song is catchy, it would have been nice to actually hear what the studio version sounded like.

Although the album is well mixed and the songs flow together well, as if you are listening to just one concert, the album feels a bit tame. Green Day are an awesome band live yet the energy that is created in a concert has been lost in the recording of this album. Although it is better than some other live albums, it is not spectacular.

Causal listeners won’t be interested in this album, but if you are a hardcore fan, this album will at least keep you happy until they release their next studio album.

care what you think. It knows where it comes from. You feel, when reading this text suffused with so much of this daring misery, that perhaps you actually lived in the place.

Love becomes a theme of the novel in many ways: it explores different forms of legitimate or illegitimate love, why we need love, love’s history, love’s spaces, love’s unpredictability, and also the irony of loving somebody you expected to hate (and maybe already have, with a seething, uncontrollable, Mr Burns sneer).

It is not really romantic, however, which is surprising. I am grateful for this lack of romanticism: if we wanted it, we’d be in 18th century romanticism (an area most feel they’ve done with quickly).

Loss in the text is wise, but also dramatic and passionate in Morrison’s novel, depending on who is experiencing the loss. Again, the loss is surprising. Again, it is not always romantic.

It is an interesting point raised in these pages that romantic love and loss just aren’t that much of a big deal, in comparison to what life has to offer otherwise. People cheat, people find other people they like more, people never really liked each other that much in the first place, yada yada.

Instead of the traditional whinge, it is nice to embrace that sadness and make it boldly beautiful. It is the way in which Morrison does this in the novel that also reminds me of the singer Tracey Chapman: her unashamed Jazz by Toni Morrison desperation and focus on family, heritage, Published by Vintage; and grassroots, with the odd bit of romance First Plume Printing Edition shunted in. Soul sisters indeed.

Book Review by Danielle Whitburn For those that like a little verse, it is also quite poetic. I would like to take this statement to point out that’s it’s not actually a new book; I Green Day like to think of it as a classic that injects a little Awesome As F**k sassy flavour into the bookshelf. However, if Album Review by Ben Matthew

you like your John Clancys and your Danielle Steeles, don’t touch it with a 10 foot sewer pole. It is not plain spoken. It’s too beautiful for $30 Whitcoulls shopfronters. You might have to search on Amazon for it, but it is well worth the read. Plus, when you do, there are An avid reader, I often find when reading a book several brothers and sisters of the text that Live albums are a funny thing. Some people that you’ve heard it all before. Boy meets girl, boy advise, inform, and strum the violin along with love them, others loathe them. It depends loses girl in stupid accident that is all boy’s fault, it. Desperate poetry. though on what band releases them, and how boy finally wins girl back. It’s all a bit Jennifer well it is done. Naturally, a live album will Aniston for me. This week, I present to you a not sound as good as a studio album, and will corny sentence but a great book: it’s all about feature songs already released. Despite this, adding a little Jazz into your life. bands are known to release a live album after Jazz is a story of love and loss in the Africana tour, and this album is no different. A live American ghetto of the 1920s. Rhythmic and album is usually a recording of one concert, yet catchy, it centres much around the blues Awesome as F**k is a collection of live tracks movement starting out at the time, and steals recorded throughout their 2009/2010 tour, much of its passionate sadness. This passionate with performances in Japan, England, and sadness is blunt and stares in your face. It doesn’t the U.S. Snyder spent playing Dungeons and Dragons while masturbating to Japanese anime as a teenager.

Depending on your kink, this may be a good thing. For the rest of you, not so much.

Before I begin, I will give credit where credit is due. The actors are all great, except that annoying lady from Entourage (Carla Gugino) who can’t pull off dominatrix, and the soundtrack is excellent.

The story… leaves absolutely nothing to the imagination.

Baby Doll is sent to a mental institution where she dreams up an alternate reality. For some reason, this reality is a brothel/burlesque parlour where her friends Sweet Pea, Rocket, Blondie and Amber wear dancer outfits but never dance. In order to escape, they have to collect four items from various other worlds inhabited by everything from steam-powered Nazis to baby dragons. There were even a couple of orcs in there.

It will only hurt your brain and waste your life to try and find some hidden meaning amongst all that.

The glass half full side of my brain asked me to tell you that there is a high entertainment factor with this film that many people will enjoy and perhaps a storyline would have only detracted from the visual stimulation.

I’m also reminded that unlike most films in the sci-fi action genre, this is 100 per cent original. I will give Zack a special clap for that.

To conclude, this is a great film to see if you are hiding from someone. No way will they come looking for you there.

www.ausm.org.nz

31.

brings you...

MES A G I Y UN T I C ER P U S

tr y

it w

e ic l ub p

10 $

ev

, R 18

en

@ friday 29th april 7pm - late

en

t

fre e

WITH SPECIAL GUEST DJ h un ig am es a cc re di ta tio n

32.

CLOSIN G PAR TY

or o d n o ry t n

issue 07 2011

Spot the Difference

Correctly identify the five differences in the two photos then circle them and drop your entry into your nearest AuSM office, or the box on the side of the red debate stands, or post to debate PO Box 6116 Wellesley St before 12pm Thursday. What’s up for grabs? Two “squawk burgers” vouchers for Velvet Burger on Fort St, Auckland CBD. Congratulations to our issue 5 winner, Jason Bruce from North Shore campus, and to our issue 6 winner, Anita Fu from City campus!

Name Phone # Email Campus

7easterpartyquarter.pdf

1

7/04/11

1:28 PM

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

Holidays Chocolate Child stars Twins Onesies

www.ausm.org.nz

Wedding Blogs Buses Obesity Motorsport

33.

Andrew Kinzett

Bachelor of Business

What was your first email address (and what was the meaning behind it)? little_jim_bob@hotmail.com. I think it was suggested by the website What do you think of Paul Henry returning to the media?

Bring it on How many assignments do you have due before end of term (and how many have you not started yet)?

Blank. I really have no idea. I’ve obviously started zero then. But I don’t think I actually have any What do you have planned for the Easter break?

Camping and fishing What’s your most creative method of procrastination?

Building tree huts

Tim Hall

Bachelor of Business

What was your first email address (and what was the meaning behind it)? timtheslimone@hotmail.com, because it rhymed. And I wasn’t fat What do you think of Paul Henry returning to the media?

I’m keen. I think it’s awesome How many assignments do you have due before end of term (and how many have you not started yet)?

Three. And none What do you have planned for the Easter break?

I’m going to an Easter camp and I’ll also be hanging out with my girlfriend who’s on holiday here from England What’s your most creative method of procrastination?

Basket weaving

Ngawai Tito

Bachelor of Arts

What was your first email address (and what was the meaning behind it)? nemo_nazg_naz@hotmail.com... I just loved Nemo so much What do you think of Paul Henry returning to the media?

Who’s Paul Henry?

How many assignments do you have due before end of term (and how many have you not started yet)?

Far, I’ve got three. Two due tomorrow and I’ve started one. That’s not a lie What do you have planned for the Easter break?

Work What’s your most creative method of procrastination?

Facebook

Aliana Tahaafe

Diploma of Travel and Tourism

What was your first email address (and what was the meaning behind it)? ahlii1@live.com, because it was my first email.

What do you think of Paul Henry returning to the media?

Paul Henry. Who’s that?

How many assignments do you have due before end of term (and how many have you not started yet)?

I’ve got one and I haven’t started it What do you have planned for the Easter break?

Work What’s your most creative method of procrastination?

Facebook

Watchout for debate around campus - you could be the next micro-celeb!

34.

Macky Sepulveda

Bachelor of Communications

What was your first email address (and what was the meaning behind it)? macky_capricorn@hotmail.com, because I’m a Capricorn. I think I was like nine What do you think of Paul Henry returning to the media?

I think it’s fair enough. He pretty much just said what everyone was thinking. It was rude and all, but everyone deserves a second chance How many assignments do you have due before end of term (and how many have you not started yet)?

Two more assignments left and one that I haven’t started What do you have planned for the Easter break?

Um, my boyfriend’s sister is coming back from Australia so we’re just gonna hang with her and show her around What’s your most creative method of procrastination?

Facebook. It’s creative because I go on games, unlike most people. Like ‘Baking Life’

Saud Alshaifi

Bachelor of Computer Science

What was your first email address (and what was the meaning behind it)? al3asheg_alwahaan@hotmail.com. Somebody made it for me when I was nine What do you think of Paul Henry returning to the media?

He’s stupid How many assignments do you have due before end of term (and how many have you not started yet)?

None. All done What do you have planned for the Easter break?

Studying, partying, shopping, sleeping What’s your most creative method of procrastination?

YouTube. It’s disturbing me every day. And Blackberry Messenger. And Facebook issue 07 2011

www.ausm.org.nz

35.

WE’RE HERE TO HELP YOU SUCCEED!

We have a huge range of revision and study aids 10% student and staff discount* See in store for details *

AUT City Campus AUT Akoranga Campus 55 Wellesley Street East, Auckland City 90 Akoranga Drive, Northcote Tel: 366 4550 Fax: 366 4570 Tel: 489 6105 Fax: 489 7453 Email: aut.city@ubsbooks.co.nz Email: aut.akoranga@ubsbooks.co.nz Web: www.ubsbooks.co.nz Open Monday to Friday or shop securely online 24/7

36.

issue 07 2011