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The Australian National University Student Newspaper | 1948 - 2008 10 April - 7 May 2008 Another Liberal Intervention Party rules ANU Liberal Club AGM invalid and requests resignation of 2007 President

Robert Wiblin Editor

Serious allegations have been raised about the conduct of last year’s ANU Liberal Club Presi- dent, Aaron McDonnell, who it is claimed changed the club’s constitution to make it more dif- ficult to expel members - without ever bringing those changes to a club meeting. While the charges have not been proven it threat- ens to put a cloud over a possible political career. The issue began when some vigilant members no- ticed that varying versions of the Club’s constitution were sent out to members and used to affiliate with ANUSA through 2007/08, all purporting to be correct as of an April 7th 2006 Special Gen- eral Meeting. It was clear that the changes could have been Duped? Members of the ANU Liberal Club look on as Tony Abbott MP speaks at ‘Politics at the Pub’ during O-Week Tully Fletcher advantageous to McDonnell, as group of alienated members “conspiracy” but rather just an investigate the matter to ensure the confusion was more than the he had reason to fear expulsion impotently attempting to pro- “administrative error” and fur- that no doubts would linger on output of a lively ‘fantasy club by factional enemies within the voke an upset in club elections. ther discussion was shut down and damage the club’s credibility. constitution’ session accidentally club executive in early 2007. The Nerves clearly showed as attend- until later in the meeting. The changes had practical impli- being distributed to members. alterations also allowed the club ees were told to “cease the use of After an interminably long cations - it was not clear whether Unfortunately for those who to affiliate to ANUSA without recording devices and cameras” election for a 2008 executive, the expulsion of one student would rather bury the issue, the seeking approval from members, and McDonnell shut down chal- discussion of the constitutional present at the meeting was le- club is a special interest branch and made dissolution of the en- lenges to his explanation saying kerfuffle was ultimately muted as gitimate under the true constitu- of the ACT Liberal Party and is tire club much easier. “I’m giving you an answer al- it “did not keep the club active” tion. Ultimately, while no coher- accountable to the party proper. The issue was brought to a ready ... I don’t wish to raise my and was “really embarrassing”. ent explanation for the varying Agitators alerted the ACT Man- head at the club AGM on Thurs- voice”. It was quickly claimed that Despite the strategic decision, documents was provided, the ag- agement Committee to day the 19th of March by a small the multiple versions were not a some members wanted to fully itators were unable to show that Continued Page 2 ACT Govt puts the squeeze on booze

day. It amends several Territory the Liquor Act and to respond to Crimes Act, police officers are spaces. Under the Act it is an of- Scott Walker laws including the Liquor Act night time anti-social behaviour authorised to issue $200 in- fence to consume liquor within Law Reporter and Crimes Act. The Act gives in Canberra. Mr Corbell also an- fringement notices for offences 50 metres of a bus interchange, a ACT Policing and the Office of nounced a review of the Liquor including defacing premises, shop, licensed premises, or other Having a drink, or serving one, Regulatory Services the power Act last week and referred to public urination, offensive lan- prescribed places. may cost you more than you to issue on-the-spot fines for a Government interest in extend- guage, and excessive noise. In order to make the above know after alcohol laws got a range of alcohol-related public ing Responsible Service of Alco- Meanwhile, amendments to laws easier to enforce, a change shake-up last week. order offences. Attorney General hol (RSA) training requirements the Liquor Act enable police and was also made to allow police to The Crimes Amendment Act Simon Corbell says the measures for workers involved in the sup- liquor inspectors to issue fines assume that any person drinking 2008 was passed in the ACT are designed to reinforce the ply of liquor. of $100 for the offence of con- from a container which nor Legislative Assembly last Tues- harm minimisation principles of Under the changes to the suming alcohol in certain public Continued Page 2 Woroni 10 April - 7 May 2008

Charles Prestidge-King  News Editor NEWS

From Page 1 tion volume, which also taxes room service staff and bottle be unfairly burdened by pos- woroni mally contains alcohol is actu- at a lower rate, in addition to a shop staff,” said Mr Corbell. sible changes resulting from the ally drinking alcohol. This elimi- common sense liquor policy A three day blitz of Canber- review of the Liquor Act. This © 1948 - 2008. nates the previous law which across all of Canberra is the most ra’s licensed premises by plain concern arises from the fact that All rights reserved. required police to prove a sub- important component of any so- clothes police officers and liquor a great majority of positions in stance was alcoholic. lution to binge drinking in Can- licensing inspectors last month the liquor and licensed retail and Woroni is an official Mr Corbell’s office has -con berra,” said Mr MacOmish. further highlights the Govern- hospital sectors are filled by stu- publication of the firmed that the new legislation The possibility of increasing ment’s shake-up of alcohol in dents and other young people. Australian National will not be enforced until ap- penalties for liquor-related of- the Territory. This investigation The review is expected to deal University Students’ propriate regulations governing fences and extending the use of detected numerous problems with the serious issue that young Association. It is part their use are drafted. Further- on-the-spot-fines to liquor li- including underage drinking; workers could be forced to pay funded by a tied grant more, the Chief Police Officer censees for serving intoxicated patrons and staff smoking inside for mandatory RSA training or be from the ANU. will be asked to report to the patrons; implementation of lock- prohibited premises; overcrowd- fired. The review is also expected Attorney General on the use of outs and curfews; and the devel- ing; unlawful supply of shots; to consider the added possibility The opinions expressed the fines after 12 months and the opment of a code of conduct for and excessive noise. Moreover, that extending mandatory train- within are not necessarily ACT Ombudsman will review the liquor and licensed hospital- the Liquor Board has fined the ing will be a deterrent to young those of Woroni or the implementation of the fines ity industries are being consid- licensee of Echo Bar in Civic people entering the industry. ANUSA. for the same time period. ered in the review of the Liquor and OJO Café and Bar in Tug- Given that there are over 600 Licensee of the Wig and Pen Act. “The Government will give geranong a total of $10,000 for liquor licenses in Canberra, it is Lachie MacOmish has some in- consideration to extending the breaches of the Liquor Act. The clear that any significant change Editors teresting thoughts on the rise of mandatory training requirement Board also imposed several strict in policy has the potential not binge drinking in Australia. He to all staff involved in the service licensing sanctions. only to affect many young drink- Tully Fletcher is concerned about how liquor of alcohol including bar staff, It is feared that students and ers but also thousands of young Robert Wiblin taxation schemes which oper- security guards, floor hostesses, other low income earners will workers. ate according to production vol- Section Editors umes rather than consumption levels have encouraged the rise John Birrell of the current drinking culture Leah Ginnivan in Australia. Cross-subsidisation Erin Hill of alcohol from poker machine Alex Johnson revenue and the vicious cycle Alice McAvoy it perpetuates is another of his Gemma Nourse concerns. So too the increasing Charles Prestidge-King practice of “pre-binge drinking,” particularly by young people. It Staff Writers involves the rapid consumption of large volumes of alcohol just Alessandro Antonello before one attends a licensed Maiy Azize venue, simply because many low Emily Birks income earners cannot afford the David Butler cost of drinks at licensed prem- Lyndsay Dean ises. This can force people into Annabelle Craft drinking on the streets rather Jonathan Fisher than in the questionable safety of Jamie Freestone licensed premises. Katja Grace “An excise system calculated Cathy Haines according to actual levels of con- Melissa Jogie sumption rather than produc- Bradley Kunda Will casual drinkers and workers be hit by laws targetting troublemakers? Heather Webster Tim Mayfield David McGill Tom Stayner ANU and Melbourne Liberal Club squab- Shane Svoboda Tom Swann bles over constitution Matt Teran quit buggering about Joy Thompson From Page 1 support the newly elected execu- Scott Walker links, productive collaboration, the purported fraud. The tive who were elected by a clear and student exchange, sees an committee annulled the AGM majority under the correct con- Staff Photographers end to the unofficial rivalry that due to a failure to announce stitution.” A prominent member has dogged the universities for the location until one day be- of the club speculated that the Andrew Flint years, with both competing to be fore and was concerned that party ruling may just be the re- Heather Webster the best university in Australia. ‘establishment’ candidates were sult of intraparty personal and “A lot of the unnecessary compe- listed first on all ballot papers. factional disputes. Cartoonists tition over the years has probably They reinstated the 2007 execu- ANUSA Social Officer Sham been not necessarily destructive tive but subsequently requested Sara commented, “The allega- Marija Taflaga but certainly not adding value to that McDonnell resign as presi- tions surrounding the Liberal Samantha Vertucci what we do.” said Prof. Chubb. dent, leaving the position vacant. Club are disturbing in that they He’s not kidding, and as much McDonnell also attracted un- unmask the potential for abuse of Charles Prestidge-King as we love to hear that we’re wanted attention from McCar- the democratic provisions ANU- Printer News Editor MPD - Sydney number one, we’re even happier thyist political blogger Andrew SA requires of clubs. They not to down swords and work with Landeryou. The club must now the only one however, that for- Woroni is published another excellent university in a hold a repeat meeting early in mal complaints have been made fortnightly on Thursdays Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian range of areas, including fund- second term. Given the over- against. ANUSA will be looking during teaching periods. Chubb has announced that the ing, teaching, and consulting. whelming majority by which they at reforming the regulations in Australian National University Chubb’s ANU has looked to won and McDonnell’s current relation to clubs and societies in Woroni Newspaper and the University of Melbourne foster closer ties with other uni- lack of involvement, it is unlikely order to foster a more effective Student Facilities have signed a Memorandum of versities for years now, serving as that a repeat meeting would at all and transparent club culture.” ANU, Acton ACT 0200 Understanding (MoU), paving one of the most active sponsors change the conservative lineup Through the tea-cup scale the way for “closer ties through in the foundation of the Interna- elected at the overruled AGM. scandal the club has continued P: +61 02 6125 7546 collaboration and exchange in tional Alliance of Research Uni- McDonnell responded, “I re- its 2008 calendar apace, success- E: [email protected] areas of mutual interest and versities, a network of research- fute the claims and conspiracy fully entering the Relay for Life, benefit to both institutions.” The intensive colleges that includes theories that have been made circling repeated around a track MoU, designed to foster research Yale, Cambridge, and Tokyo. of me and my presidency. I fully to raise money for heart health. Woroni 10 April - 7 May 2008 NEWS  SRC makes the newspaper the news constitution. He said he would based on resumes and writing After approval of the Section dents don’t want to read about Maiy Azize prefer to avoid internet banking, samples, and were advertised Editors, a second motion was the newspaper in the newspaper. Student Politics and that this option is best used as such. Anya Aidman told the put forward by Jo McIntosh and We all expect the SRC to spend only over summer if trustees are meeting that she felt that Woroni Anya Aidman, pertaining to the its time debating more substan- unavailable. should favour returning money honoraria. After negotiation with tive issues of general concern.” The second meeting of the Stu- Other notable reports include to ANUSA to paying contribu- Wiblin, Rizvi and others, the mo- “It’s also important that our dent Representative Council that of Education Officer Anya tors, though Vice President Mad- tion was amended and carried readers can be confident that (SRC) was not as well attended Aidman, who reiterated her view eleine Firth felt that the Editors with little opposition, though our reporting on the Association as the first, with a number of ab- that despite the low turnout, the had been elected on a platform questions have since been raised isn’t tainted by undue influence, sentees. General Secretary Mark recent National Day of Action which included paying contribu- about why the SRC spent almost or political pressure” he said. Smyth waited twenty minutes to resulted in an excellent distribu- tors, giving them a mandate to do half of the evening debating the Most of this year’s SRC (in- achieve quorum in a meeting that tion of materials by the Educa- so. Following some discussion, editorial quality of Woroni when cluding Aidman and McIntosh) saw Woroni’s editorial and finan- tion Department and was well President Jamila Rizvi negotiated so few substantive questions had were elected on a platform that cial affairs explored thoroughly covered by the local media. In the the separation of the approval of been asked of the Executive ear- included respecting the tradi- by ANUSA representatives. This discussion that followed, it was the Section Editors from the is- lier in the meeting. tional independence of the stu- was controversial, as some felt pointed out that National Days sue of honoraria. Editor Tully Fletcher said “stu- dent newspaper. the Executive was not subjected of Action have been consistently to the same level of oversight. declining in numbers for years The meeting began with- re now and some have suggested ports from the Executive team, that the format of the event itself and featured a few highlights. may need to be reconsidered. President Jamila Rizvi handed Aidman also stated that as far as down a lengthy written report she observed, the only negative covering appeals, examination coverage the event received was periods, food in Union Court from Woroni. and the new email system, The newspaper was later tar- among others. Social Officer geted in earnest by Jo McIn- Sham Sara reported that he and tosh, Aidman and others. This the Treasurer had been finalis- followed an unresolved motion ing the figures of the profit made from the previous SRC, where from O-Week. Woroni represen- General Representative Janet tatives at the meeting enquired Mills, also President of John and were told the told the figure XXIII College, was the first to at this stage is $26,724. Given express concern over the num- the varying degrees of success ber students from Burgmann in previous years, this figure re- College in the Woroni team. This flects a properly organised and concern was repeated, with Edu- well executed O-Week in 2008. cation Officer Anya Aidman and Treasurer Alex Rafalowicz General Representative Jo Mc- told the meeting that ANUSA Intosh also unsupportive of the ‘Chubby holes’ ahoy funds are being moved into ac- Woroni Section-Editors. counts generating higher rates of The debate ranged from interest. No questions were asked whether the Section Editors University considers container housing at the meeting as to the details of should be given honoraria, as these arrangements, though Ra- promised last year, to the sug- lands is preliminary and that close to existing student accom- Tully Fletcher falowicz later told Woroni that gestion that the editors favoured forward projections show that modation and facilities” Mr Wil- Editor $500,000 would be placed in an applicants from Burgmann. “at this stage we might be able to liams said. Placing the construc- account at 8.2%, $200,000 would Woroni representatives at the satisfy the demand for [accom- tion within the ANU Exchange be placed into a Maxi Saver at meeting pointed out that the po- modation] next year” through has been suggested as the most 7.2% and $280,000 would be sitions were widely advertised in Woroni recently suggested that the existing UniLodge and the likely possibility. placed into a cheque account at last year’s Woroni, on the inter- the University purchase RMS new 500-bed ‘Student Residence When asked about the poten- 5.2%. Rafalowicz also followed net and with posters on campus. Queen Elizabeth II as a solution 2’. tial cost of construction, Mr Wil- up the issue of internet banking Editor Robert Wiblin told the to our accommodation crisis. “The idea is just to have a look liams said that “there are a range in relation to trusteeship and the meeting that the decisions were We’ve now learnt that while a at the overseas experience, to talk of options within the market. ship is out of the question, ship- to the operators, the builders and Some which appear to be quite ping containers are being seri- the students and see whether it’s cheap, and others which are ex- ANUSA student di- ously looked at as future ANU worthwhile our pursuing this,” pensive.” The increased cost of student accommodation. Mr Williams said last Friday. construction on Student Resi- Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Though it seems that demand dence 2 was cited by University aries arrive at last Chubb will send an investigative will be satisfied for 2009, Mr Accommodation Services Direc- team from Facilities and Services Williams said that Facilities and tor Marie Wensing earlier this the full diary. The expected -ar and the Students’ Associations Services were still “looking at year as the reason for that devel- Robert Wiblin rival was then delayed to the first to Amsterdam to view the latest new accommodation in the short opment’s expected high rents. Editor week of term. Forms were also in container housing later this term” in the context of the ongo- Mr Williams was also con- delivered late month. ing rental accommodation crisis cerned to reassure UniLodge, The further delays resulted The award-winning ‘Keet- in inner Canberra. Colleges and Halls of Residence The free diaries produced every from problems in shipping of the wonen’ development in Am- No location had been selected that the possible addition of a year by the Students’ Association diaries from Hong Kong due to sterdam (pictured) uses prefab- yet, but the vacant land beside shipping container apartment have finally arrived - just in time ‘Chinese New Year’ and Customs ricated self-contained shipping Bruce Hall on Daley Road was complex would not impact on to still be of some use for those delays. These have kept ANUSA container units (or ‘modules’) ruled out. Mr Williams said that their market, and said that the who haven’t bought an alterna- representatives turning thou- as building blocks in a student “it’s a fairly conspicuous site. University “would have to work tive. sands away at the door as the ex- apartment complex. Each ship- We’d have to be conscious of closely with existing halls and The holdup is due in part to a pected arrival date has dragged ping container houses a bed- having something attractive on colleges to avoid an impression last minute change made by di- out. ANUSA has secured a 42% room, living area, study and that site, not that this construc- that we’re undermining them.” ary editor Kevin Kim to correct discount from the printing firm bathroom. tion would be unattractive.” Woroni understands that it some errors in the dates. He ap- for the errors made on their part, Warwick Williams, Director “We have to make sure that if would only take three or four parently asked the company to hopefully enough to console any of University Facilities and Ser- we do proceed the sites are ap- months to construct a fully func- reprint just three pages, but the disappointed sponsors. vices, said that the investigative propriate and the preference tional ‘modular’ student resi- company mistakenly reprinted team’s research in the Nether- would be to try and site them dence. Woroni 10 April - 7 May 2008

Leah Ginnivan  Opinion Editor OPINION EDITORIAL Fear And Loathing In The Peter Baume Building

Following Woroni’s story on the gling or be they the stars of the murky events at the ANU Medi- course. If extra tutorials do help, cal School we can report that the then they should be accessible to ‘special tutorial’ program alleg- all via an open process. What is edly offered at Canberra Hospi- questionable in this instance was tal has been abruptly suspended. the selection process used to pick A medical student contacted students felt to be protégés of the Woroni to say that all fourth- school. The medical school - ap year students were subsequently pears to have fostered a culture informed via email that the tuto- where ill-will and rumours can rials, part of a School ‘research flourish, unchecked by the kind project’, had been put on hold of honesty and transparency pending a review of whether needed when making decisions they had met their own ethics that affect students’ careers. guidelines. The grave allegation that the The medical school, which ac- special tutorials were based on cepted its first enrolment only five personal likes and dislikes (one years ago, is perhaps eager not to source reported that a favoured face more scrutiny over what ap- student was invited to bring some pear to be, if not unethical, then friends) has not yet been settled, certainly non-transparent prac- despite staff member Imogen tices. If, as the allegations go, the Mitchell’s discussion post saying “special tutorials” began because that selection was “in part done the existing, mainstream cur- objectively using criteria drawn riculum “offers inadequate prep- up by Dr Subramaniam and Ger- aration” for medical students, ry Corrigan”. Even the impres- then this is a very real problem sion of favouritism and elitism that must be addressed, and we is damaging to the school, and can only hope that the medical obviously upsetting to the bulk school is reviewing this. of students not invited to partici- Yet the entire saga speaks pate in the research. David Batstone. Thirdly, write they play different roles, mean not risk sliding into a sceptical poorly for a school in which stu- An unconfirmed report says a to your favourite chocolate com- different things, in different cul- subjectivism? Are we left chant- dents who speak out do so with student wishing to join the spe- pany or politician demanding tures, indeed within the ‘subcul- ing “everything is relative”? fear for both their academic and cial tutorials was briefed before fair cocoa prices for producers tures’ of a broader society. The way forward, many have medical careers. The same stu- attending and then “humiliated and an end to child labour and Consider those ‘cultured’ types thought, is to think in terms of dent revealed that the ‘Subma- in front of the group when she slavery. We should not be getting in our society who find their col- the give and take of intersub- riners’, the select students who did go, with the group voting if rich at the expense of the poor, lective pursuit of creative arts so jective reasons, and not com- had been offered up to six hours she could join or not. They said let alone fat. intrinsically valuable that they parison to objective truths. A of extra tutorial time per week, no”. At the very least, the group Yours, Heather Watson treat the arts as an ideal of cul- rational community of compet- have been searching hard to find has been secretive and exclusive; ture. And consider those who ing values is something that we the source of the story. surely we want our future psy- Culture has many faces don’t really like art at all. can all make sense of, and aspire Obviously, there is nothing chiatrists, surgeons, and GPs to Dear Woroni, Let’s call them ‘elites’ and ‘phi- to. And this, I think, is the ideal wrong in offering extra help and leave ANU with precisely the op- “Can ANU students be both- listines’, respectively. function of our ineptly titled time to students, be they strug- posite set of values. ered with culture?” Cathy Haines Now, these elites might say: faculties of “Arts”—even when asked readers of Woroni in a pre- “you philistines impoverish your they deal with ‘the arts’ properly vious edition. Do too many of us own lives. Have better ones, like considered. Critical discourse, LETTERS belittle our faculties of the ‘Arts’, ours!” The philistines, in turn, and critique of discourse, clari- which support and interpret might tell the elites to take their fies what we mean when we talk such culture? taste regime, and stick it up their about what matters, in our lives, Just Chocolate Côte d’Ivoire. But don’t despair! I share these concerns. But I proverbials. In this case, I think our social arrangements and cul- Dear Woroni, Not only can chocolate remain also think that viewing ‘culture’ the philistines are in fact acting ture. Moreover, it helps us see As you lick your fingers and per- an essential part of your post- and ‘Arts’ in this way ignores rationally. They have been given what we should mean and what haps moan quietly to yourself, break up or exam period diet, some pervasive, contentious and no reasons to change their ways, should matter. hand on belly, ruing the fact that there is something you can do so much more important issues. much less good ones. If we want people who happen you have, once again, overin- to change the situation on co- ‘Culture’ has another meaning. The sketch is unfair and sim- to be reading the culture section dulged in the annual chocolate coa farms. Firstly, Coles, Wool- Humans are cultural animals. plistic, of course, but I think it is to get involved in the culture of orgy known as Easter, perhaps worths, some IGAs and other re- We are wielders and transmit- telling. It represents a very real creative arts at the ANU, then you should ponder where that tailers such as Oxfam (Canberra ters of dynamically open-ended dialectic in our society. More- rather than accusing them of be- delicious cocoa comes from. Centre), the ANU Food Co-op, systems of beliefs, values, norms, over, it represents the much ing philistines, it is wiser to try to 43% of it is produced in Côte As Nature Intended (Belconnen concepts, practices and symbols. more pervasive problem of cul- convince them. d’Ivoire, while another 25% is Fresh Food Markets), Dickson Culture in this sense is not tural relativism that pervades For philistines can live good grown in other parts of West Health Foods, Mooble (Bailey’s really a ‘pursuit’. Humans are al- our practical and theoretical dis- lives too. How could the arts Africa. Using false promises of a Corner) and Wilson’s Organics ways within and living through course. The polemics are well- make their lives better? better life for the child and their (Farrer shops) all stock fair trade their cultures - they help us deal rehearsed: if cultures generate Yours, Tom Swann family, or abduction of unac- chocolate-look for the blue swirly with and make sense of each oth- different ‘perspectives’ of mean- companied children, slave trad- Fair Trade symbol. Secondly, get er, the world, and ourselves. ing, then how can anyone make Send your (short) letters ers have trafficked an estimated informed at sites like www.stop- Now, creative arts play vital objectively coherent value claims to [email protected] by 12,000 children from countries thetraffik.org and www.antislav- roles in every culture, especially about another culture? And if we Wednesday 30th April. We like Mali to the cocoa farms of ery.org, or read “Not for Sale” by our own intellectual culture. But take this seriously, then do we may edit for size or spelling. Woroni 10 April - 7 May 2008 OPINION  Kevin07, Establishment08 campaign, through the clever the actual political issues for distinguishing themselves from Now, a few months after Ed McDonald manipulation of pop culture which Howard had to go. The the Howard battlers – or perhaps the election, the shirts aren’t – most notably the shirts, the rent-a-crowd at the Tally room more from the old Labor crowd. nearly so prevalent. There MySpace and the Facebook that night screaming “JULIA! A social conscience meant you are fewer comments on Kev’s friends – successfully mobilised JULIA!” weren’t focussing on belonged to something better, a Facebook wall. Aside from the support of a young, white those issues. battle against the establishment that, in 2008, Kevin07 is “so middle class. Neither the The advent of “Kevin07” was and its ignorant masses and the last year”, it is unlikely that the On the 11th of November traditional notions of ‘workers’ more a vehicle for some sort of traditional social conservatism social movement of Kevin07 2007, I lined up outside a and ‘capitalists’ nor ‘battlers’ personal spiritual definition, if they embodied. will thrive when policy and primary school to vote in the and ‘elites’ serves adequately not elevation. The movement Traditional class analysis governance turn out to be much federal elections. Aside from to define this group of people. was predicated on being part of doesn’t always account for less exciting than lofty ideals being grumpy that the polling Perhaps they could best be called a young, politically conscious the political force of a petty and promises. When Rudd’s would make me late for work, I the “aspirational” middle class. social movement for change. It and aspirational middle Labor took power, their support was quite amused when an AEC On the whole, these weren’t was a means for defining the self class. It is, however, a potent group was now in support of the official told the two girls behind oppressed workers suffering in a meaningful way, and feeling political force. The role of new establishment. It’s always me to cover their Kevin07 shirts under the yoke of AWAs. Nor like a participant in the “good the disgruntled lower middle an unusual occurrence for any while in the polling booths, much were they likely actually to care fight” against the “real issues”. classes in interwar Germany, social movement to support an to their dismay. about the war in Iraq, or make The swagger of the Kevin07 shirt trying to re-establish meaning establishment – and hence the I can imagine that such scenes real world sacrifices to reduce became all too familiar, usually and distance themselves from Kevin07 shirts might seem a little were abundant around Australia greenhouse gas emissions. accompanied by a small, self- a more traditional proletariat, out of date, without the cause that day. The election had Watching An Inconvenient Truth confident smile. Cynics might cannot be underestimated in to rally behind. Kevin07 was generated a spiritual meaning in was about as far as they would call it being a “Balmain lefty” the subsequent events. In the defined in terms of its opposition the usually apathetic Australian go. In short, the principles the – others might call it funny. years following the Keating era, to Howard. Now, without that political consciousness. It had movement embraced were In defining themselves as a Howard’s “battlers and elites” establishment to oppose, and shaped and defined an entire not likely to be upheld by its conscious, aware and righteous discourse seemed to resonate in without the idealistic stance of social movement – almost subscribers. force for good, these people this area. It seems probable that opposition, the movement will an entire social class. This But I don’t think that was were attempting somehow to the Kevin07 discourse of climate probably just fade out and its movement centred on a witty the point. Wearing a “Kevin07” raise themselves socially. They change, anti-Iraq, anti-AWA subscribers will slowly renege on slogan on a $7 white T-shirt that shirt was not necessarily about were attempting to distinguish resonated and mobilised these the progressive principles, and became almost ubiquitous – and the political issues. The closer themselves from the (perceived) same sectors of the population, complain when they don’t get tax quickly clichéd. the 2007 election came, the less fat slobs in King Gees driving who quickly latched on to their cuts at the announcement of the Kevin Rudd’s election it seemed to revolve around around in bogan utes. They were convenient cause. first budget. Woroni 10 April - 7 May 2008  OPINION Downward pressure on political discourse Some things don’t change in modern politics. Others just get worse.

participation in the workforce. and will do anything, including each of $1 million for the com- phrases in currency with the Alessandro Antonello Whatever I might say about the destabilising the market, to get a ing budget. These institutions Rudd Government. My particu- Columnist rhetoric of inflation, this is a per- quick return. already provide substantial ser- lar favourite is ‘working families’. fectly reasonable plan to address Why, in fact, are you talking vices on small budgets, and to I think it is a more marginalising a perennial issue. about inflation so much as to suggest they could sustain such a phrase than anything about in- However, some of these points make it a self-fulfilling proph- cut in one year is deluded. Even flation. What about working sin- The West Wing’s President Jed have been drowned out in recent ecy? In the end, it seems that so, does the government really gles? I suspect they are figments Bartlett had a secret plan to fight political discourse by the domi- of our imagination. What about inflation. And now Kevin Rudd nance of fiscal restraint and the the unemployed? Even more a has a plan to fight inflation. -Ex Government’s ‘Razor Gang’. May “In just over 100 days, Kevin Rudd figment of our imagination with cept it isn’t so secret. He keeps I humbly ask the following ques- a 30 year low in unemployment. talking and talking about it. tions of our illustrious prime and his ministers have managed to If Australia thinks it has ram- Despite the good aspects of his minister or treasurer: turn the phrase ‘downward pressure pant inflation, perhaps it should premiership, he has managed to Why haven’t you been talking look at Zimbabwe. Inflation destroy my hope that govern- about personal debt? Credit card on inflation’ from a necessary there is now at 100,580.20%. ment and public discourse might debt has risen to about $42 bil- Perhaps Mugabe could cut his escape the one-liners and empty lion, and over 10% of Australians’ function of government into a torture program, or deregulate phrases that have characterised income is spent on servicing hackneyed and meaningless phrase” his department of farm dispos- it for so long. In just over 100 personal debt; the government session to put downward pres- days, Kevin Rudd and his min- even persists in giving enormous sure on inflation. isters have managed to turn the tax cuts to the same people who Hopefully everyone feels com- phrase ‘downward pressure on have deluded themselves into by talking about it so much, the think that spending money on pelled, like me, to refer continu- inflation’ from a necessary func- thinking that they can sustain government will inevitably scare building collections and provid- ally and ironically to this nation’s tion of government into a hack- this kind of debt. people into thinking the inflation ing information services is actu- attempt to put downward pres- neyed and meaningless phrase. Why haven’t you been talking problem is worse than it is. ally going to put downward pres- sure on inflation. It’s one way Rudd has a sound plan to about irresponsible and cavalier Every part of the public ser- sure on inflation? None of these we can reverse the trend of pa- ‘fight’ inflation. He will befis- borrowing by investors? It is vice has been asked to find sav- institutions is speculating wildly thetic public political discourse. cally restrained, foster a ‘culture the logic of the capitalist econ- ings by the ‘Razor Gang’. Even on the Australian or internation- I started a Facebook group you of savings’, ‘tackle’ chronic skills omy that investors, both big and the National Library, National al investment markets, and none can join, called ‘I joined this shortages and infrastructure bot- small, want increasingly larger Museum and National Gallery is bogged down in debt. group to put downward pressure tlenecks, and attempt to increase returns from their investments, have been asked to find cuts There are other meaningless on inflation’. I’ll see you there. Hopes of a right-wing fatalist The neocons have lacked gushing praise recently so Woroni goes bravely unto the breach.

didates: Clinton mark 2 and the Cain and Clinton for being elo- wanting more debates because research, provides no answers, George Ober candidate whose name sounds quent but empty, and then went she can’t afford as much airtime with no mention of policy except Conservative a little too much like the 21st on with paragraphs of eloquent as Obama, but it may just be that for a tiny, hidden tab marked ‘Is- Century’s most wanted terror- but empty examples of people she knows she has the better pol- sues’. There are, however, lots of I love John McCain. He is every- ist. Everyone knows what they’re marginalized by society and the icy and can back it up and show inspiring quotes about people thing I want in not only a presi- getting in Hillary. Her big-ticket government, offering no solution that Obama is rhetoric without power and phrases like ‘believe dential candidate, but also in a items are universal health care, to any of their problems except substance; a cult of personality, in yourself’ and how it’s Women’s president; the natural heir to one better education, strong foreign for one word: change. highlighted by the fact that a re- Month and Black Fortnight and of the greatest American presi- policy, liberal family values, and Gay Day somewhere or other to dents of all time. He loves the civil unions. clutch a few extra votes from in- War on Terror, has a vague ap- I have a friend who has backed “... but it may just be that she terest groups. preciation for the UN (Wizard!), Obama since day one and ev- Jed Bartlett (work with me is good enough on gay rights, rel- ery time we get into the which- knows she has the better policy here) was successful because atively soft on immigration and Democratic-candidate-is-better members of the GOP and the hates taxes – yay! But – and trust routine, he argues ‘til he’s blue in and can back it up and show Democrats bought into his vi- me, this is a soul-defying ‘but’ - I the face that I’m just stupid for that Obama is rhetoric without sion of a socially conscious lib- have come to the realisation that not ‘getting’ Obama. ertarian domestic agenda and my Nan has a better chance of He’s for hope and change, that substance ... a cult of personality. a compassionate take on the becoming the next President of part I understand. Like most Bush Doctrine overseas. I fail the US of A than a Republican. Democrats, he is anti-Iraq war, At a recent rally he was genuinely to understand how Obama will I’m not so right wing that I want but he can comfortably take this meet the same challenges of bi- Australia to shut all its doors and position due to the fact that he applauded for 3 minutes for partisanship without first telling close itself of to the world and wasn’t faced with the vote for or America and the world his stance negate the fact that drought in against it, and was left to create sneezing” on a wide range of issues. I pray Africa and an economic boom an opinion based on hindsight. that while Mr Obama progresses in South Korea directly impacts But what does he think of gay In contrast, Clinton spoke cent rally he was genuinely ap- through the rest of the primaries, Australia. We are ironically not marriage, of immigration, of about how she wanted to change plauded for 3 minutes for sneez- he believes in us all enough to let an island in international gover- Puerto Rican independence or American society. Like spend- ing. those concerned and interested nance so when the most power- anything for that matter? You ing more money on green-collar I just want someone, anyone, in the race to the White House, ful nation in the world goes to the genuinely have to search for the jobs to stimulate the economy to tell me what he believes in get down and dirty with some polls, I feel it’s my duty to care. answers. After his recent win but also curb climate change and besides himself. A simple glance details. He expects the American To this end my attentions turn in Vermont he spoke about the environmental degradation. at the homepage of his website, people to trust him, but does he to the remaining Democratic can- criticism heaped on him by Mc- Criticism of Hillary includes where many people under 30 trust the American people? Woroni 10 April - 7 May 2008 OPINION  A closer look at the Pal in our Pockets thing besides cheap drinks, over- of Pokit after each “solid student time before 10pm? Uma Patel sized bouncers and four floors of discount” or it’s a clever reference As Pokit has been my cul- Freshly Minted fabulous filth stacked up on top to- you guessed it- recycling. It is tural guide to the circular world of one another (much like any almost as though he wants us to of Canberra I wonder if it is ap- burger from Chicken Gourmet). believe that simply by using the propriate to tip him for his assis- As a fresh student of the ANU My favourite exhibition of coupons we are planting a tree, tance, at which point it becomes I was thrilled to have the aptly Canberran culture is the UCU choosing to walk instead of drive clear there is no need. He under- named “Pokit Pal” propelled bar’s contribution. They have or saving a whale. Why would stands my nature as a university into my show-bags, hands and of somehow managed to shrink you bother turning off your student to protect every penny course pocket at any moment of their entire ad to ten words to lights from 8-9pm when you can and besides, I think the purchase vulnerability during O-Week. make room for Pokit’s terms and instead simply buy a discounted of a burger would be much more On further analysis it be- conditions, which takes up the burger at Chicken Gourmet any- appreciated. came clear that my friend in my Who are you, PokitPal? majority of the page; a testament pocket was also a testament to to the excess of law students the culture of Canberra. On the of mascots since the No Name wandering around who don’t so foreground of the cover we are Brand decided to use a sock, but much care about what the prod- greeted by a man who I assume also an unwelcome reference to uct is but more importantly; will to be named ‘Pokit Pal’. The most pubescent teenagers’ acne ridden someone be liable? And thus, intriguing part about Pokit is his faces. To be fair, Zeffirelli have can they strangle every loophole, ambiguous ethnicity. Is he Kore- evidently done some market re- not to prevent monetary loss but an? Is he Japanese? Is he Aborigi- search as the largest print on the to show off their knowledge of nal? Is he a mix? Does it matter? advertisement includes the word the law? It is quite plausible that The answer; no, not because race “free” beating their own name Pokit is a member of the Law is irrelevant when judging the by a long shot and “wine” by a Student’s Society. This shows value of a person, the answer is slither. Canberra’s willingness to sacri- no because according to univer- As we open our pal up we find fice anything including advertis- sity culture, if a person is a non- answers to questions we never ing space for the sake of the law. anglo Australian and therefore even thought to ask. No one re- Special mention goes to Pok- the minority they must be cool, alised that there was a reason to it’s use of the word “re-usable”, especially if their origin is as in- enter Chicken Gourmet before not only used on the cover just distinct as our friend Pokit’s. 10pm until they noticed the offer behind Pokit’s purple streaked On the back we find a re-us- within and subsequently the fine hair but also on the first page able offer for Zeffirelli. Not only print which states “only before where they even go through the is the use of Nellie the pizza slice 10pm”, nor did they realise that trouble of underlining it. Either one of the least original choices Mooseheads served food or any- they assumed we would dispose Fan dancing at ANUSA Harmony Day Miriam Rizvi Woroni 10 April - 7 May 2008

Alex Johnson  Science Editor SCIENCE Immune pruning The brain and the immune system are closer than we thought.

body. complex (MHC) molecules were rons free from metabolic wastes system. When C1q is knocked After looking at the immune among the first immune markers or by-products of neuronal sig- out in mice, too many synapses system, the brain appears deli- to be identified and character- naling. Astrocytes, a particular form in this area and the visual cate. In fact, researchers be- ised. One type of MHC, termed class of glia, are also necessary cortex does not function prop- lieved for decades that having MHC1, is found on the surface the immune system patrol the of most cells in the body and billions of cells and connections marks them as ‘self’. The immune “...even the slightest mistake in in the brain would be dangerous. system spares cells with the cor- Immune cells and molecules had rect type of MHC1 but those immune regulation can turn its no place in the cranium. expressing the wrong kind are More recently, however, recognised as foreign and dealt destructive power back on the body” some immune molecules have with accordingly. for the growth of synapses. If you erly. Joy Thompson been found to blur the bound- It was not until the 1990s that culture neurons in a dish without So if these immune molecules Research ary between the brain and im- MHC1 was discovered where it astrocytes, they form few or no are needed to curb over-enthu- mune system. What’s more, they shouldn’t have been: in the brains synapses; add astrocytes, and the siastic synapse formation, what Picture the human brain. It sits don’t seem to cause disease: they of fetal cats. MHC1 expression neurons suddenly start talking happens when they build up in aloof at the top of the body, cra- are present in healthy brains was affected by disruptions to to each other. The molecule that the brain? In neurodegenera- dled in the skull. It’s bathed in a throughout development and are the development of connections balances the stimulating effect of tive diseases like Alzheimer’s, clear fluid that both nourishes necessary to prune connections within the visual centres of the the astrocytes is secreted by the dramatic changes occur in the and protects. Most importantly, properly. brain. For instance, more syn- neurons themselves, C1q, is also brain’s organisation, including though, it’s separated from its fel- Neurons in the brain are con- apses formed in the visual cor- part of the immune armament. massive synapse loss. In both low organs by a physical defence nected by synapses, which wire tex of mice lacking MHC1 than C1q is normally part of the Alzheimer’s and glaucoma, a dis- called the blood-brain barrier. cells together into the elaborate in that of normal mice, and the complement cascade, an array ease where neurons in the retina The rest of the body, lacking electrical pathways underlying pattern of connections was less of proteins that have potent anti- and optic nerve die off, C1q lev- these impressive barriers, seems our thoughts, memory and be- orderly. Researchers now believe microbial activity. In the brain, it els are much higher than normal. vulnerable by comparison. It haviour. When the nervous sys- that MHC1, together with a part- appears to flag unused synapses It’s thought that C1q production compensates by having in reserve tem begins to form before birth, ner molecule, prevent neurons for destruction; they may then be working together on the won- an army of white blood cells: far more synapses form than are developing in this area making disposed of by yet another type ders of the immune brain causes the immune system. These spe- needed. Every subsequent spurt undesirable connections. of glia, the microglia. These are most of the synapses to disap- cialised cells tag invaders, engulf of synapse growth is followed Synapse formation is, how- the brain’s equivalent of macro- pear, which eventually causes them, or release toxic chemicals by a period when lesser-used ever, slightly more complicated phages, immune cells that patrol neuron death. that kill them. The sheer com- connections are trimmed. The than just two molecules. First of the body and engulf pathogens. Research is nowhere near a plexity of such a response means mechanism of all this neuronal all, the brain houses a group of The role of microglia is still un- cure for Alzheimer’s, but the that even the slightest mistake in re-wiring may unexpectedly in- supporting cells called glia, which certain, but C1q is certainly blending of the nervous and im- immune regulation can turn its volve two molecular markers. are known for keeping the envi- required for the formation of mune systems offers a promising destructive power back on the The major histocompatibility ronment surrounding the neu- proper connections in the visual place to start. Milk, bread, insert catheter… Making lists to guide medical procedures saves lives but is unethical, say Americans. cedures have to be done on av- stances, subsequently die. in a few weeks. Pronovost trav- should have informed consent erage. Each procedure involves The list had five steps. It elled to other cities to spread his from every patient. They even multiple steps and is performed seemed so simple as to be use- astounding results. People were judged it ‘potentially dangerous’, by a collection of professionals less. Surely people performing unenthused. However Michigan as records meant doctors’ poor struggling to keep their patients cutting edge surgery can remem- agreed to try the idea in 2003 practice might be exposed. Pro- alive as different parts of their ber to wash their hands before and in eighteen months saved fif- tecting doctors from having their body fail. Small chances of in- they do a routine job? For the teen hundred lives and two hun- performance evaluated is appar- evitable human error add up, no first month he just gave his list dred million dollars. Since then ently more ethically weighty than matter how good the doctors and to nurses and asked them to note Rhode Island, New Jersey and ensuring patients aren’t need- nurses are, amounting to about how often the doctors missed a Spain have become interested, lessly killed. two errors per patient each day. After some argument OHRP Finger pointing and suing “They even judged it ‘potentially reneged their banning this Feb- Katja Grace doesn’t work to reduce these fig- ruary, a decision made more sig- Health ures, so what will? You could say dangerous’ as records meant nificant for its allowing similar human error is inevitable and projects in future. The checklist congratulate doctors and nurses doctors’ poor practices might be is still getting nothing like the at- What if the key to rescuing hun- for keeping it as low as they do in tention and funds ineffective bits dreds of thousands of the sickest a hectic and complex situation. exposed” of equipment for similar purpos- people in the world’s hospitals Or, as Peter Pronovost, a critical es have elicited. was discovered to be the humble care specialist at Johns Hopkins step. It turned out they missed and there is a new project at the Atul Gawande, a surgeon who dot point? Michigan would take Hospital, realised, you could take at least one in about a third of World Health Organization to originally alerted the public to up the idea, Spain and a couple the same precautions with criti- cases. He then asked the nurses institute checklists internation- this story through the New York- of US states would be interested, cally ill patients as you do with to remind the doctors when they ally. er, suggests the disinterest might and then it would be banned in shopping or making a cake. missed a step. The catheter -in At the end of last year, how- be because we like the idea of gal- the US for being unethical. He made a list. It was a list for fection rate over the next year at ever, the project ceased in lant doctors deftly coping with Being in intensive care is dan- one procedure: putting in a cath- Johns Hopkins Hospital dropped America. The Office for Human the complexity and risk the es- gerous. Not only because having eter, the tube for getting fluids in from eleven per cent to nothing. Research Protections (OHRP), a teemed job entails. Standardised all your organs fail or your brain and out of people. Four per cent Pronovost made more lists bureaucratic appendage charged list checking doesn’t fit into any- bleed everywhere is unhealthy, of catheters develop infections, and asked doctors and nurses with overseeing ethics in re- one’s ideal of heroism. For what- but also because the care is, which means some eighty thou- to make their own. These lists search, decided it was unethical. ever reason, thousands of people well... intense. To look after a sand people per year in the US. proved so effective that the av- Their reasoning was that since will now die of negligence rather person in intensive care for a day, Between five and twenty eight erage length of patient stay in careful records were being kept than unyielding complexity, for a hundred and seventy eight pro- percent, depending on circum- intensive care dropped by half of results, it was research, and which we have a remedy. Woroni 10 April - 7 May 2008 ARTS & CULTURE  Extensive knowledge The Road into the of a limited world Western Canon viding an entry point into an au- for names would be a ridiculous Anthony Hall thor that, due to the sheer num- Jamie Freestone luxury where mere survival is ber and often obscurity of figures all-encompassing. The two of discussed, may be unknown to them are heading towards the Cultural Amnesia the reader. The Road coast where they hope to find Clive James One is wary of critiquing such Cormac McCarthy something better — food, other a successful collection. people, vegetation; it is unclear What hasn’t been said about However, ‘Amnesia’ may have In the year 2012 we will still be what remains beyond hope it- Clive James, author of Cultural more than title relevance, as it hearing the familiar complaints self. Save for a few horrible en- Amnesia, described as “the most is somewhat apt to describe the of students bemoaning the re- counters with other, putative, glorious prose stylist of his gen- cultural perspective presented by hashing of the same handful of humans, there is nothing more eration”? Judging by this and a James. He seems to have forgot- over-analysed, didactic texts for to the story. plethora of other glorified odes ten cinema post-1950, maintains the moral instruction of young For McCarthy fans there are is necessarily a landmark text of otherwise called reviews - any- only a hazy memory of literature people. “We’ve all read Animal still his stylistic idiosyncrasies this decade. thing critical. after 1960, cannot recall popular Farm, Brave New World, To Kill such as the lack of quotation Aesthetes among you may Seemly a one man renaissance, music at all and has omitted Afri- a Mockingbird, Lord of the Flies marks, the selective apostrophes worry that the book has de- James as an author, academic, ca, South-East Asia and the Mid- and The Road”, they will say. and the third person limited nar- scended into literature’s own poet and journalist has published dle East entirely. James’ cultural I have no doubts that this ration. But there is none of the wasteland; ungainly social criti- more than thirty works, a literary perspective is somewhat restrict- novel will be on the reading lists vocabulary or cogitation of his cism. But I would argue that the man-bag spanning novels, es- ed to his own place in the world for senior high school and un- earlier works like Blood Merid- material of the story is so basic, says, literary and television criti- – that of a middle-class, white dergraduate courses around the ian or No Country for Old Men. so fundamental to humanity’s cism, travel writing, poetry and male academic, with an affinity English speaking world. The nov- The Road benefits from this character, that it cannot help but four volumes of autobiography. for the literature, history, politics el has been lauded over the last scant, dispassionate style, al- be a comment on the responsi- Jesus only required one volume and philosophy of Europe, pre- 18 months, universally praised lowing the reader’s conscience bilities of language, narrative and for his life story, Clive. colour cinema, refined jazz and as the finest cautionary tale since to engage fully with the an- art. His latest epic –it spans from classical music. Also, for an au- Nineteen Eighty-Four. I too urge thropological concerns of the Cormac McCarthy’s art is Tacitus to Miles Davis in 876 thor with strong ties to Australia students to read this book, as ev- story. With such sparse prose flourishing at present, with No pages - Cultural Amnesia is a (James was raised in Australia, eryone else will in a short while. and almost monosyllabic lan- Country for Old Men success- work of cultural history and educated at Sydney Uni and is a Instead of being prescribed it guage, one cannot help but rush fully made into a film. The Road an intriguing autobiography of member of the Order of Austra- by a teacher and forced to fit it through the 300 pages and yet is also set to be adapted and will James’ own cultural experience. lia) Cultural Amnesia contains a to an essay question, we can ac- one is still left to mentally stall, thus follow the aforementioned Structured alphabetically as a noticeable absence of Australian cess it The book tells of a post- pondering the gargantuan moral works of Orwell, Huxley, Lee series of essays, Cultural Am- culture. It may never have been apocalyptic world, with prose as question of the book: what does and Golding. Compared as nov- nesia presents a discussion of the intention of James to provide desolate as the ash-covered land- it mean to be human? Count- els, The Road is superior to those both timeless and obscure cul- an authoritative guide to culture scape it describes. Something less paragraphs simply describe works. Whether it is as memo- tural figures, from all areas of the but the book is marketed as ‘the terrible has happened, though the remains of civilisation, but rable will depend on whether the humanities: literature, history, ultimate guide to the twentieth we are given only vague clues by do so in an utterly readable way. human race emulates the catas- politics, philosophy, journalism, century’. And news to the world the author, who hints at climate One is thus forced to engage so trophe in The Road with as much music, art and fashion among - it isn’t. change and nuclear fallout. The intensely, so entirely with any al- alacrity as we emulated the evils others. His fetish for the aphorism two characters are the boy and legorical or philosophical impli- of totalitarianism, conformity, Each essay, beginning as a also becomes a little tiresome. the father. There are no names, cations the narrative has, that it racism and violence. biographical description, evolves It is interesting on page 19 with into a varied thematic cultural “love follows lust and grows discussion covering a diversity of through knowledge’”, a little topics: the ideal of romantic love forced on page 111 with “luxury through the ages; the inverse- is a necessity that starts when ev- racism of Jazz in 1940s America; erything stops” and tiresome by the blindness or silent knowl- page 370 with “a liberated wom- edge of the German public to the an is a fish that has fought its way holocaust; the despotism and ashore.” Another not necessarily yet intuitive creativity of Mao; problematic but odd aspect of the dogmatic and somewhat Cultural Amnesia is its traces blind anti-Americanism of the of political conservatism. This is pseudo-Lefts of the world; the best evidenced in James’ descrip- bank balances of famous figures tion of Tampa refugees as queue throughout history and the ho- jumpers who could have sought moeroticism of Kafka, to name asylum elsewhere but chose only a few. Undeniably, Cultural Australia for its economic ad- Amnesia is a good read. vantages – our stunning cameo One is struck by the enormity appearance. Such conservatism of James’ cultural knowledge. His is seemingly at odds with his style is both readable and intel- strong views on the holocaust lectually engaging, maintaining and other world traumas. a balance between the popular But do not be deterred by the and the intellectual, drivel and above criticisms. Whilst not “the snobbery, along similar lines to ultimate guide to the twentieth Craig Schuftan’s Culture Club. century” Cultural Amnesia is The polyphonic nature of James’ well worth it’s $29.95 price tag. It discussion must also be praised, is readable, intellectually engag- combining biographical, the- ing and covers enough cultural matic, personal and even philo- figures and themes to make you sophical layers, with the book marvel at how one person can espousing its own philosophy not only have read and experi- of prose style. Students will also enced so much but have remem- appreciate the informal and sub- bered it to the extent that they tly inserted ‘what to read’ guide could compile it into a book. James inserts in each essay, pro- Cheers. Woroni 10 April - 7 May 2008

Gemma Nourse Arts & Culture Editor ARTS & CULTURE Canberra a nourishing homely teat

This represents something gun to work its magic and inspire dence. Do I dare suggest that the are all secretly hoping to join? important about Canberrans - in them a sense of home - mainly rest of this battler-loving, un- Of course, Canberra, like we understand ourselves in an because of the people they have derdog-supporting, tall-poppy anywhere, has its frustrations. entirely different way to the rest come to know and love while be- syndrome-suffering, politically It inspires claustrophobia, and of the country. ing here. A Meeting Place. correct country finds that pro- a loss of momentum, which can I am in the unusual, though I’m not going to explain the foundly disturbing? Part of the feel closely akin to mediocrity. not unique, position of living at other half of the Canberra anal- very nature of Canberra living is You’ll find that many Canberra an ANU college despite having ogy to you. Not because I’m con- the understanding amongst its youths have a very real fear of finished high school in the ACT. scious of its being potentially residents that we are all going ‘settling’. But therein, for me, lies The Daley Rd inhabitants do in- awkward for me, but because I’m (or have at some time in the past the town’s beauty. I once read an deed understand their current decent enough not to claim to been) somewhere else. This is not article in The Canberra Times. home as the somewhat barren understand the effect a woman’s because, as misperception would It quoted some bureaucrat as and uninspiring destination of breasts have on you. But if you have it, there is something wrong saying “Canberra is a wonder- Cathy Haines overnight school field trips, while understand culture as that which with where we are; but because ful place to visit, but I wouldn’t Culture also the ideal environment for makes us who we are, then surely the essential personality of the want to live there”. He thereby “overnight” college activities to the way we think about the town city is necessarily based on a cul- described precisely the oppo- take place in (except when its size we live in is fundamental to ture of Diplomacy, politics and - site of Canberra’s point. There Once in my life I received a grade makes those ‘one-night’ stands ours. forgive me - savoir-faire. Perhaps is no point coming here unless of 110% for a piece of assessment. into recurring awkward inter- I’ve often heard people com- it sounds as if I am generalising you are going to live here. Can- It was because in response to the actions). It is barely redeemed plain about Canberrans being based only on a very specific de- berra doesn’t demand anything question; “What is the origin of by the presence of Parliament unreasonably smug. It is true that mographic. But - and I address from you the way a world city the word Canberra?” I gave the House and the Law Courts, not no-one proves themselves here - this to my ‘exclusive’ ANU audi- does. But it never fails as a base proper answer - A Meeting Place to mention the word ‘National’ the capital, like its people, has an ence with slight trepidation as in which we are nourished, and - but also the truthful one - A in the titles of various other in- innate purpose. And we live with to the integrity of your response from which we can embark. And Woman’s Breast. stitutions. But it has certainly be- that knowledge and that confi- - isn’t that the demographic you for that I, at least, am grateful. The Chaser running Four stars out Writing out of breath of what? Serial - Pt III moments when you look back and-a-half stars is a strong rec- Charles Prestidge-King Lyndsay Dean on society and go “man, we re- Jonathan Fisher ommendation, three stars is a Theatre ally are a bunch of weirdos” (see Film Critic mild recommendation. Two and Grace, the admissions officer -ex Chas’s crash course on internet a half star reviews are often the plained, wasn’t quite Raffles ma- dating), but the majority of it is trickiest reviews. I class them as terial. She never would be: she spent ridiculing a government In the last two years or so, a mildly negative review, or at doesn’t quite fit; one can’t quite I don’t really get the whole fasci- that most of us know nothing since I began reviewing movies, least a negative review with some explain. He vacillated. Hands nation with The Chaser. Sure, ev- about and the Peter Garrett gag I constantly get questions about affection for the picture. Two folded quietly on the fuzzy gleam ery now and again they come out wears thin after a while. And the star system that I (and now stars is a solidly negative review, of a hardwood desk. I don’t think with some really satirical com- then there’s the fact that the en- my esteemed colleague Lyndsay while anything beneath that is a she could explain it either, even if ment on the state of our nation’s tire Chaser crew isn’t there. In- Dean) use. Four stars? Am I cra- total write-off (although I tend to she really tried, he said. Grace sat politics, but in between waiting stead of Chris Taylor we get this zy? Surely Margaret and David, give one-and-a-half stars to films in the smallest chair in the room, for those remarks you have to random guy (Dominic Knight) with their fancy five star treat- that I think could be entertain- willing back pinpricks of heat wade through piles of inflamma- who we’re told is the “guy in ment, cannot be wrong? ing while under the influence of forming at her temples, half-re- tory statements and crass situa- the background in season two” The answer is actually pretty some kind of intoxicant). membering, half-knowing. Half- tions. At least when this formula (despite actually being a Chaser simple. The majority of the film Some respected critics, like believing. She looked out the is applied to television you don’t founder and seasoned writer). critics that I read and have read AO Scott of the New York Times window, crossed as it was with feel bad not laughing at every The only comic gold of the for the last six or seven years and Kenneth Turan of the L.A. slats and, past the glass, iron bars skit. If it doesn’t grab your atten- entire night was found in (a) the (since my love affair with the Times, have actually forgone any painted white. Her father stood, tion you can always talk to your Anna Coren segue challenge and movies began) are American. The kind of star system, preferring to pleading the case: but she’s so mate beside you about how bad (b) picking the two most random four-star rating system has been creative! Sure, she doesn’t quite it is. people possible out of the audi- a staple of the American film “ fit, but nothing does! And yet, despite the whole hit ence and giving them bells, of all industry for several decades, in Surely Margaret Nothing does! and miss nature of their show, the things. Even still, the main gripe part made popular by the highly and David, with It wasn’t enough. Mother Chaser crew unwisely decided to I have about the show is not that influential Chicago Sun-Times looking drawn, making her way use this exact formula and apply it’s lame and tacky (the Chaser critic Roger Ebert, who has been their fancy five star down bluestone steps. Grace, it to the stage. What results is an disclaim their own show saying writing with great insight and wit treatment, cannot half-comprehending, walks hour and a half of raised smiles that some of it is “kind of okay- about the movies for forty-one alongside, hand stretched up- and the minimal hearty laugh. ish”) but the fact that they treat years. Before I get jumped on for be wrong?” wards: a quick, damp little hand- That is, of course, unless you find their audience like dirt, and we blindly following the Americans, ful of knuckles in her mother’s songs about fat and hairy guys still clap. What kind of self-re- I’ll admit something here – I ac- let their reviews do the talking. I cooling fingers. Her father hangs sung by a fat and hairy guy un- specting person would clap af- tually think that four stars is a admire this and respect it, but I at the doorway, grey, refusing to beatably funny. ter being told that you’re idiots, better rating system. know that if I were to remove the be hustled away. No fugue for Canberra was the first port people hate you and you’ve been For me, the four-star system stars from my print reviews or on future success today. No treat on of call on The Chaser’s national conned out of your money in or- only really breaks down into my website (www.jonathanfish- the way home. No guarantees. tour, lampooning a new govern- der to pay for a lawyer? Shame three or four categories. It’s a lot ersmoviespot.blogspot.com), I’d Wheeling above the straight ment and raising old skits from on us. simpler to navigate as a reviewer lose a majority of my readers. It’s lines of the courtyard was a the dead (where they deservedly If you insist on trekking to the than the five-star system, which the thumbs-up/thumbs-down flock of geese. They flew over should return to) and you’d think return show sometime in May, has eleven increments. Four mentality. People like to know, the school grounds, sweeping that they’d want to start out with make sure you sit next to the stars means a film is one of the just by reading the header of my over bare trees and flagstones. a bang, not a fizzling smoke guy who laughs at how his toes best of the year, but because it’s review, if I think they should see South for the winter. Carrying bomb. Technical glitches aside look when he’s wearing sandals. not quite as dramatic as a ‘five- the movie or not. But I plead you with them all that they needed. (of which there were many), the That way he’ll laugh for the both star’ movie, it’s possible to rave to read on – every movie has its Grace watched, slowly stumbling problem with the stage show is of you while you just sit there about a film without making it good and its bad, and sometimes forwards. that it’s just not funny enough. wondering why you spent $43 to sound like you think it’s the best I’m not sure if I’m happy to have Continue the story! Email 200 Sure there are some awkward come. thing since Citizen Kane. Three- seen a picture. words to [email protected] Woroni 10 April - 7 May 2008 ARTS & CULTURE 11 ANU’s Glass Maestro Lives on in Light

Emily Birks Art

Stephen Proctor: Lines through Light A Drop in the Ocean (1997) Seeds of Light (1992) Canberra Museum and Gallery Stephen Procter Stephen Procter until 8th June. ment completing a degree. How- vessels and to contemplate the pale oil colours on board gives Procter found in his work and Free. ever, until I win the lottery, I am works assembled on the gallery the impression of pale sunrises what he successfully intends the content to frequent glass art ex- walls. Knowing only of Procter’s over flat, bleached landscapes. viewer to feel. In his later work, Glass is a fascinating medium. hibitions, such as the retrospec- glasswork, I was surprised to It is clear from the retrospective Procter was still interested in Incredibly fragile, yet consider- tive of Stephen Procter’s work see a substantial collection of that Procter was interested in the how line would impact his work. ably strong. Clear or opaque. now on at the Canberra Museum paintings, drawings and prints way light effects landscape, and In a series of coloured vessels, he Practical and artistic. Formed and Gallery. included in the exhibition. Many how this could be expressed in engraved landscape images based from the application of the el- Procter moved to Australia had been inspired by his sur- his glass works. on his ink drawings into the lay- ements – fire, earth and air. If from England in 1992, where he roundings just outside Canberra. Clear glass vessels with the ers of glass, creating sculptural you’ve ever watched glassblow- took up the role of the head of the With the flick of a brush Procter curves of shells catch and reflect ‘drawings’. ers in action, you will know that Glass Department at the ANU is able to convey peaceful, engag- the light, while Procter’s sand- This is a beautiful, medita- there is a certain ‘dance’ to cre- School of Art, where he worked ing landscapes with a minimum blasted and cut glass forms have tive exhibition on the qualities of ating these works of art. Given until his death in 2001. This ret- of lines. In his ‘Taiwan’ series a tactile appeal. Titles such as light and line in a gallery space the time and money, I’d be over rospective of his art is beautifully Procter uses thick black and grey ‘The Gatherer’, ‘For Giving and that allows for the viewer to be at the ANU School of Art in the curated, with plenty of space ink lines to suggest mountains or Receiving’ and ‘Regeneration’ alone with the work, which is es- award-winning Glass Depart- to move around his sculptural clouds. In his ‘Line’ series, using show the meditative quality that sential to the appreciation of it. The Reel Deal returns to Canberra

ideal. Mal Webb is possibly improvisatory vehicle and words Archive’s Folk Recording of the lead: community participation is Australia’s answer to vocal ge- as a tangible communicative Year Award. an integral and vital force in mu- nius Bobby McFerrin; through 5 device. However, through their With so much cross-cultural sic making. There is, however, performances and a workshop, unique re-interpretations of folk collaboration and fusion rep- only so much one can stand of Webb demonstrated how flexible melodies, they added yet another resented in folk music, it seems hearing the National Folk Festi- the voice could be, with witty and hue to the spectrum of fusion- appropriate to characterise the val Choir. And the National Folk comical originals that featured infused folk. idiom not by what is played but Festival Fiddle Orchestra. And pygmy yodelling, throat singing, Branching further out into instead by how it is played. For the National Folk Festival awards harmonics, body percussion, the realms of quirkiness was me, the folk musician is a com- recipients… beat boxing, and falsetto. All the Spooky Men’s Chorale. Liv- municative vehicle that, through On a final note, this festival is this fed through a loop machine ing true to their title, this group music, connects an idea with always worth your buck simply Bradley Kunda (called Derek) allowed Webb to is re-defining choral music in those in reach, either participat- because of the variety of acts, Music solo with the trombone or slide a frightening way. With occa- ing or listening. It is not, nor can the huge range of activities and trumpet, mbira or guitar. sionally off-pitch and muddled it be, an opportunity for a per- the benevolent and participatory Review: National Folk Festival Pacific Curls (New Zealand / harmonies, they gave theatrical former to exude godlike virtuosi- festive atmosphere. This year’s Exhibition Park, Canberra Scotland) also represented the renditions of original songs and ty, if indeed that is even desirable, festival, however, seemed to fea- 20-24 March, 2008 fusion camp, with a progressive arrangements through their witty or self-centralised expressivity, ture a disproportionate number mix of world roots, traditional and at times suggestive lyrics and because so much of the music is of singer/songwriters, rather The National Folk Festival is one Mâori, Pacific and Celtic music. choreography. Love them or hate based on repetition and improvi- than larger groups, which did get of Canberra’s biggest music fes- This energetic female trio played them, they did not fail to amuse sation, and it is so often rooted in tiring after four days. Neverthe- tivals, with thousands of people a colourful array of instruments, with their cover of Cole Porter’s collective song or dance. less, if you are an Arts or Music flocking to Exhibition Park for from violins and tambourines Everytime We Say Goodbye, for This is why some acts stood student, consider enrolling in the the Easter weekend to see over to taonga pûoro (Mâori instru- which they afforded the audience out – for all the wrong reasons. 6 unit, 2 week long ‘Folk Music’ 150 acts from around the world. ments) and a djembe. Woven an opportunity to ‘lovingly insert Women in Docs, for example, en- course at the School of Music, if The festival’s title can be mis- through their sultry vocal har- their tongues into another’s ear.’ joyed emphasising the sound of only for the free season pass. leading. To call something ‘folk monies was a strong climate More festival highlights in- their Austrayan Twang as they Photo page 16 music’ is as dubious as calling change message. cluded Canadian group Gentico- emphatically bopped along to J.S. Bach ‘classical music’ or Ravi Canberra’s own Griffyn En- rum, which blended the songs of their rather monotonous songs. Brad’s Pick Shankar ‘world music.’ While the semble, comprising largely ANU their native Quebec with more Sadly, Women in Docs remained WEDNESDAY LUNCHTIME LIVE Irish fiddles were in abundance, School of Music graduates, was traditional North European folk a rather pale imitation of Missy Every Wednesday 12:40pm many acts exemplified how mal- an interesting addition to the styles in a fun and rhythmi- Higgins or The Waifs – with the – 1:20pm leable the folk idiom has become programme. As one of the only cally addictive way. Australia’s accent minus the good songs and Wesley Music Centre, 20 by fusing different musical styles acts that read from music scores, traditional Irish band Trouble audience appeal. National Circuit (Corner Sydney Avenue), Forrest into a homogeneous perfor- their performance contrasted in the Kitchen, boasting the in- While the closing concert was, mance aesthetic that sees musi- with most others in that it was credible talents of fiddle player by contrast, full of humble and See some great performances cians as communicative vehicles; bereft of the spontaneity that Adrian Barker and flautist Ben merry folk performers, it was by ANU School of Music this is the real stuff of folk. typifies performances where the Stephenson, was the recipient disappointing for seemingly the students in the beautiful Wesley Music Centre. $2 entry. Numerous acts typified this instrumentalists use form as an of the National Film and Sound opposite reasons. Do not be mis- Woroni 10 April - 7 May 2008

Alice McAvoy 12 Community Editor COMMUNITY Planeteer Alert: Where do I Boogie?

a fan, not only do I question your pit of boogie that is Academy. and get swept away all over again thriving little nightlife. Really it Matt Teran ability to live a full and content As host to some of the bright- by the whirlwind of boys kissing does. And if you can people, try Canberra life, but I secretly hope Gaia, the est young sparks and hottest DJs girls, girls kissing girls, boys kiss- to go somewhere other than Civ- spirit of the Earth and Captain on the dance scene, this hotspot ing boys, friends kissing strang- ic once in awhile. I know, I know, Planet’s biyatch, materializes be- regularly inflames the passions ers and strangers kissing her. I the ease of stumbling into the I hate reading reviews of Can- fore you and give you a good arse of Canberra’s rump shakers and always knew Linka was a player. city and then paying a measly five berra night life. I think they an- kicking. nearly always sizzles on Saturday Gi, our final planeteer, can bucks for a taxi home is a hard noy me because they position When she could no longer nights. So, if you want to burn often be found in the stream of pattern to escape, but Kingston the writer as an all knowing party stand the terrible destruction the floor with Wheeler, smoul- people waiting to enter Mooseh- and Manuka have their merits as god (which I would never claim plaguing our planet, Gaia gave der with a stranger, melt into a eads. With the power of water, well (or so I am told). And you to be) and because, well, this top- five special rings to five- spe Vodka Sunrise and kindle the Gi is used to braving the gush may notice that I have omitted ic has been done to death. cial young people. Introducing embers of that primitive drive of eager club goers that flows one planeteer from my appraisal In an attempt to avoid the Kwame, who was presented with within you that can always find heavily down London Circuit - Ma-Ti. He is nothing to me. I’m inevitable cliché and monotony the power of earth. When chillax- the beat, then this is the place for and trickles round the corner to sorry but the power of ‘Heart’ that has riddled other reviews, I ing in the Canbamberra, Kwame you, you little hottie. Northbourne. Inside, at any of is utterly useless and lame. So will appraise some of Canberra’s feels at home at King O’Malley’s If you go with the flow and give the given depths or levels, be it lame it hurts. His very existence hippest night spots in relation to Irish Pub in Civic, affectionately yourself over to the currents of the pool bar down below or the annoys me to no end. And to a theme that makes only limited known as Kingo’s. This down-to- the night, you may find yourself dance floor upstairs, Gi encoun- suggest this ridiculous power is sense in this context –the Plane- earth bar and beer garden is the blown past the merry-go-round ters liquids of various descrip- capable of saving the world and teers from Captain Planet. If you perfect place to ground oneself to Cube, Canberra lone gay club, tions – the sweat of anonymous a necessary component in con- were born in the 80s, not only for an lazy afternoon of sipping buying a cool Bacardi Breezer sleazes, the thin bile vomit of just juring up such a fantabulous have I got love for you, but I dare on that all-natural beloved brown for a planeteer named Linka. legal girls, the unmentionable on superhero as Captain Planet is say you were a Captain Planet beverage, and indulge in some At Cube, Linka uses the power a couch tucked away in the cor- an insult not only to little kiddy fan and to this day retain a little dirty discussions with familiar of wind not only to protect the ner, the tears of emotional drunks cartoon viewers, but more im- of that studly green-mulleted friends and sturdy sidekicks. planet but to dance up a storm, and the warm, putrid blood of portantly, to the pub/club going man in your heart. If you were With the power of fire, flick her hair in the gusts of me- freshly carved moose flesh. Yep, Canberra public. The power (to never exposed to this program as Wheeler descends on the dank chanical air, catch her breath on Mooseheads ra-hocks. party) is yours! a child, I pity you. If you did see and somewhat sinister stairs off the plush leather lounges, only This is by no means an- ex Trust me. For I am your town- the show and just never became Bunda Street into the blazing to drift back to the dance floor haustive review. Canberra has a ie. And I love you. UAS Considers Culling Weak

ing vision, aligned with the give first years the best possible and their performance reviewed if at all. An appeals process has Adam Brereton university’s, that keeps chang- experience they can have.” Even by the Head, who would choose not been considered and Marie Shane Svoboda ing.” Currently that means that though it seems as though all whether they would be allowed explicitly stated that it is not on Ignis Draconis, Bruce Hall UAS must endeavour to provide UAS decisions are yet to be re- to return. No criteria were of- the agenda for consideration. a range of accommodation op- viewed at an impending meeting, fered by UAS beyond the state- Ms Wensing’s justification for tions to “meet the personal and the participation requirement is ment that “[we would] consider the participation requirement Later-year college residents may professional development of stu- is that college students view on be the real losers in the struggle dents.” Ms Wensing puts this on “Ms Wensing’s justification for the campus accommodation as a University Accommodation Ser- a scale of independence, rang- cheap option. She doesn’t want vices (UAS) faces in honouring ing from Ursula and Bruce Hall participation requirement is that college later-year students to “see this the first-year guarantee. The as the most supported, through students view on campus accommodation as an answer to an affordability option of culling later-year stu- B&G and Fenner, with UniLodge issue as opposed to community dents through the use of a ‘par- and ANU rental properties at the as a cheap option. She doesn’t want later- living.” In a territory with a 2% ticipation requirement’ to free least supported end of the scale. year students to ‘see this as an answer to an vacancy rate in the rental market, up places is under serious con- This system would offer first where students must compete sideration. Accounting for UAS’ year undergraduates the option affordability issue’ ” with public servants, families traditional reluctance to be frank to choose an accommodation op- and other students, it remains with student leadership and in tion that suited their desired life- under serious consideration as the individual needs of students. to be seen whether staying on light of the huge amount of ap- style, if only there were enough an option to ensure first years get Everyone recognises it has to be campus is an affordability issue plications for college places, this places. Instead, UAS has had to a place and to ease the pressure fairly clear.” It is not clear what or a basic one of having a secure may prove to be an uphill battle resort to stop-gap measures. on UAS to find beds. effect black marks against a stu- place to live. for residents. Ms Wensing is adamant in her Under the participation re- dent’s name would have on their Hall and College Residents’ Marie Wensing, head of UAS, view that “whether the [college] quirement students would be re- chances of returning, nor is it Associations and the Interhall claims that her vision for student structure stays depends on the quired to re-apply to their hall or clear how this policy will apply Council are currently developing accommodation is “an emerg- market but colleges are vital to college at the end of every year, to the privately owned colleges, a proposal to UAS on the issue.

Inter-Hall Arts Ladder Chess Trivia Public Speaking Total Fenner Hall 20 Points 20 Points 16 Points 56 Points John XXIII 16 Points 20 Points 12 Points 48 Points Burgmann 8 Points 2 Points 20 Points 30 Points Bruce 12 Points 12 Points 4 Points 28 Points Burton & Garran 2 Points 8 Points 8 Points 18 Points Ursula Hall 4 Points 8 Points 2 Points 14 Points Woroni 10 April - 7 May 2008 COMMUNITY 13 Earth Hour a big success...

lights for just one hour, others down the road.) University stu- you take into account 24 hour Hour to reduce carbon emis- David McGill even pointed out to organisers dents in general are hardly at the lighting, in-room computer ac- sions overnight or change global Halls & Colleges that their choice of paraffin oil forefront of carbon neutral liv- cess and shared heating, cooking patterns of energy consumption candles and a motorised crane ing, a fact that is highlighted by and washing facilities individu- but they can help to convince When the lights were turned were hardly carbon neutral. Very the ever-increasing demand for ally register a carbon footprint the Chancelry that students are down across the globe for Earth few of those who criticised the parking on campus. similar to that of a small African genuinely committed to a sus- Hour a small but enthusiastic event were willing or even able The other truth about energy village. This is why it is vital for tainable campus. crowd of ANU students and staff to suggest more appropriate sus- consumption for university stu- students to demonstrate a wide- Critics of Earth Hour may met on Fellows Oval to mark the tainability ideas. A quick tour of dents is that some of the factors spread desire for change. In or- have grasped the exceedingly global climate initiative in their the university’s accommodation contributing to our so-called der to be truly ‘green’ university obvious point that a one hour own way. showed that many residents pre- ‘carbon footprint’ are not direct- students need to push for a more demonstration doesn’t ‘fix’ cli- Around 150 people braved the ferred to mark the occasion by ly under our control. 24-hour sustainable campus. While the mate change, but they have failed cold to see 2000 candles shaped watching the Canberra Raiders lighting and computer access on ‘Green Shield’ concept may be a to see that Earth Hour is an offer into a 40m globe and the let- defeat St. George Illawarra on the campus is arguably student little naff it hopes to achieve this to those with greater, collective ters ANU across the grass. The television (A game they could related. This is especially true aim. It certainly isn’t possible power to co-operate in achieving pre-earth hour festivities also have seen live only 5 minutes for campus residents; who, after for demonstrations like Earth real, quantifiable change. included a BBQ and musical performances by the Bruce Hall choir and a local Drum ensem- ble. ANU Green representative Jennifer Zhu said the event was designed to “involve students in the wider Earth Hour and also demonstrate the kind of fun you could have without the lights on.” While Woroni can think of a few other things to enjoy with the lights off the idea certainly was a novel one. This year ANU Green and its college offshoots are hoping to change campus attitudes towards energy consumption and waste creation by staging the first -In ter-hall ‘Green Shield.’ The shield will be awarded to the hall or col- lege that shows the greatest per- centage reduction on its energy consumption over the academic year. Along with reducing elec- tricity usage, the shield aims to increase participation in ‘green’ events such as Earth Hour and Clean Up Australia Day. However, some who attended Earth Hour (along with many more who didn’t) questioned the effectiveness of turning off Many hundreds of ANU students congregated on Fellows Oval for a light show to celebrate Earth Hour Andrew Flint ...but at what exactly? Sydney Morning Herald glowed (Eight!) stitutions had clear incentives critical edge it implicitly claims with the predictably fatu- ‘At least we’re doing some- to get ‘officially’ involved. Apart for itself. And yet this is precisely ous headline: “Our Gift to the thing!’, the less cynical voices ob- from saving some portion of an what is needed. World.” ject. ‘Look at the strong message hour’s energy costs, they could In the nexus of production The organisers of the event, no we sent!’ An admirable message, attach their name to the dark- and consumption, both play an doubt, deserve every tipped hat to be sure. It will be even more ness, or at least avoid defecting eliminable role. Just as we must they have received, for pulling admirable next year if projec- brightly from the implied social push for political impositions, off such a huge and visible affair. tions for one billion participants contract. we must also publicly and criti- But the participants? The event next year become even vaguely Why was this opportunity cally re-examine the way, as indi- itself? What did Earth Hour ac- correct. available to them at all? Why did viduals and as a community, we Tom Swann tually achieve? Indeed, it would have been so many get so excited about re- choose to live. Columnist No one, I hope, was daft more admirable still had it been flecting good intentions off the Our economic-ecological sys- enough to think that the reduc- taken up a decade ago at a frac- half-unbleached city sky for one tems change too fast to properly Just one year after its inception tion in energy use was signifi- tion of the rate, when action hour, once a year? Because it let predict, much less to efficiently in Sydney, Earth Hour has taken cant in its own right. A yet, every wasn’t almost too late. But now, us hope that the syrupy-sweet control. We are denizens of an off in a big, globally mainstream, news story reported a measure of in the light of cold, calculative stew of sentiments would cause inherited social and technologi- kumbaya way. energy reduction, as if to prove economic analysis, when the is- something to happen, and it let cal arrangement that we now all The Canberra Times lauded that there was indeed a posi- sue has no possibility of dropping us hope this without asking any agree cannot last. the event as “the largest volun- tive story to tell here, for once. from the agenda, doesn’t the ex- tough questions. (Why must our The critical reflection and vir- tary energy reduction event” in The ABC news presenter almost pansion of Earth Hour, seeming- cities must be so illuminated in tue required of us to live well in human history; it was surely also smirked as he read that Canber- ly without resistance, signal that the first place?) the face of our epochal tragedy of the largest public demonstration ra’s national-best effort was the getting everyone involved in this It would not have been so easy the commons cannot be gained of concern about anthropogenic equivalent of taking no less than way was all too easy? to generate such an expression with a flick of all the switches in climate change. Meanwhile, the eight cars off the road for a year. Business and government in- of public will if the event had the a city. Woroni 10 April - 7 May 2008 14 COMMUNITY

Exotic belly dancers put on a colourful show at the Canberra Folk Festival Matt Withers Building Rome away from Home

It’s time to gain some wisdom more productive in your studies. when I practice good time man- projects. It takes a considerable Melissa Jogie about adjusting to a new life- Relaxation does not mean drink- agement. Treats extend from length of time to know them International Community style. For some of you Canberra ing way to much alcohol and stay- a piece of Koko Black to a gor- properly. is home away from home. For ing out until 5am. Proper relax- geous standing lamp. Take the As an international student others, particularly students like ation time means spending some time to pat yourself on the back I’ve had to learn the hard way myself who have had to cross time, preferably alone calming for a job well done. Bad time that sometimes people see what The idiom “Rome wasn’t built in thousands of miles of ocean, your mind. Find a spot in your management means enduring they want to see and they derive a day” comes to mind three times Canberra becomes home, with- room where you put something unnecessary stress. Be good to some obnoxious opinions of your in ones life span; when studying out a long weekend alternative. that reminds you of home. Or at yourself. foreign nature. Don’t let the few to get into University, when in Like all things in life, par- and far between miscreants taint University and when paying your ticularly like marriage, the hon- your adventure. Just remember mortgage after University. eymoon period of University is “Well, maybe University life isn’t as that now is your moment to take Yes, our ambitions tend to hum- pretty sweet, until the domestic this wonderful opportunity at ble us in most endeavours. The realities set in and we are all run- bad as a marriage; at least we get the the ANU to enjoy your transi- better the college the harder the ning around avoiding commit- summer break” tion from a young grasshopper work. The best University trans- ments. Well maybe University to a long robed Jedi. lates to higher pass rates. The life isn’t as bad as a marriage; at least create a spot in your room Knowing yourself and main- So at the end of all things Ferrari and Penthouse apart- least we get the summer break. that makes you feel calm. Do taining self-preservation is vital home really seems to be what ment in any city central gener- Any way you look at it you are not make this area your intense to your mental stability. In many you make of it. Yes, home is ally means you’re on your way adapting and adjusting trying to study zone. Make this spot your ways you are still new in a for- where the people you love dwell, to dead broke or tied down to a maintain a healthy and balanced time out, your relaxation bubble eign environment, which means where the faces and the places high-risk job for approximately physical and mental lifestyle. where you can imagine yourself you are eager to be accepted by are familiar. However, nothing ten to twenty years. Neverthe- When the demands of your in Barbados drinking a tropical your new friends and you want good or bad is meant to be forev- less, we accept these challenges, studies begins to wear you down fruit punch. Your room sets your to swaddle yourself in this new er. Change exists on a conscious lose our hair and gain weight it is important to do a few things frame of mind and it should be culture. My advice to you is to state and the effects are mostly over the demands of gargantuan to get you on the right track. the one place you can escape the embrace the culture shock and felt in our hearts. On the bright dreams and understand that to Being by cleaning you room. world and seek mental solace. understand there are differ- side it hardly ever rains in Can- whom much is given much more Simple organization has a way of Even international students ences. Whoever said being dif- berra so you can’t possibly have is expected. making us gain clarity and more deserve a break. If you are any- ferent was bad? Different is just that many gloomy days. So it’s 2008, although we are importantly perspective on what thing like me, it means you re- what it means - different. You are When the going gets tough a quarter way in the new school is priority. quire some self-indulgence from not inferior because you do not and your passion dwindles just year, it is not too late for change. While your assignments and time to time. In my many years know. Many people will be open bear in mind that situations do Now that you’ve sworn to keep reading material may pile from at University I have never once to learn about your culture so get better. Home really isn’t that your unfulfilled commitments the floor to the ceiling, be sure missed a deadline or pleaded for speak up and share. Build your- far away and for everything else like handing in assignments on to remember how to relax. Know an extension. I’ve managed this self a sense of values and prac- in between, what can I say, “Hey, time and attending all tutorials. that a relaxed mind makes you by granting myself little treats tice them. People are long-term Rome wasn’t built in a day!” Woroni 10 April - 7 May 2008

John Birrell SPORT Sport Editor 15 IB deflowering delayed From Page 16 only shared Scott’s cocaine strat- Pole – the flags of Australia, When the Burgmann team someone handed him a cup of using a Class A drug on that egy now that IB has been post- New Zealand, Britain, the US, was told that IB would not hap- tea, shortbread biscuits and gave journey was understandable. poned. No wonder. For getting and Norway. The first two own pen this week, there was under- him the chance to snuggle up in Mainly because walking over pearly-eyed for IB was my plan large sections of Antarctica. The standably much disappointment. front of the fire to watch ‘Touch- ice for months would otherwise too. Here also lies the first lesson second two pour money into However, I also noticed relief. ing the Void’ with someone other be dead boring, and with a cruel to take from Scott’s experience. the area. But Norway? The fact Some competitors I think felt than his male travelling partner anti-climax. While IB’s postponement may be that Amundsen was a Norwe- like the subject of an infamous who hadn’t shaved, showered, or Scott: ‘Is this it? It looks ex- disappointing – cocaine will not gian does not explain anything – picture of another failed Antarc- changed underwear for 95 days. actly like what we’ve been travel- make it any better. rather it is just another concrete tic explorer, Sir Ranulph Fiennes, I would imagine that even while ling over for the last month and My criticism of Scott’s love example of Norway’s aggressive after he was air lifted to safety in medical experts were prodding a half.’ for all varieties of powder foreign policy. the last few days of his attempt his ribs and taking pictures of Captain Oates: ‘That’s dis- snow doesn’t mean that I think The second example of -Nor to cross the Antarctic continent. his naked body, that being in a appointing. Let’s finish the co- Amundsen was the better of the way’s suspicious involvement in In this picture, Fiennes stands room warm enough to be naked caine.’ two, and by deduction nor does our hemisphere is the HMAS totally naked after 95 days of in- in without suffering from frost- So when Captain Oates, Scott’s it mean that IB this week would Sydney incident. The story is adequate food. It is not a pretty bite to a usually covered body team member, delivered the im- have been the best option. This is that during World War II a Ger- sight, and I doubt that I looked part would still be comforting. mortal line ‘I may be some time’, because I have always been large- man ship disguised as a Norwe- much worse after the last 30km So while you may be a little dis- his thoughts were not in fact he- ly suspicious of Norway’s inten- gian vessel opened fire and sunk IB training run. appointed – go on, admit that roic. Rather he simply thought tions in this part of the world. the HMAS Sydney. But No. Too Although probably a little an- there’s a part of you that will that riding to Mars and back on a There are two big examples complicated. Often the clearest noyed at being pulled out less enjoy doing nothing more than Unicorn may take a while. that I will use here. The first is explanations are the best. It was than a week before the end, walking to Civic this Thursday You should note that I have the selection of flags at the South a Norwegian ship. imagine Ranulph’s delight when night.

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To make the next edition, email [email protected] by 5:00pm sharp, Wednesday 30th April. Woroni 10 April - 7 May 2008 16 SPORT Legally Bound To Stay Indoors

Diwa Hopkins Sports

On Wednesday 26 March, In- ward Bound (IB) Organiser, Ben Patricks and Inter-Hall Sports Club (IHSC) President, John Birrell, announced to the IHSC that IB would be postponed un- til September or October. This postponement is the culmina- tion of a myriad of mounting re- quirements on the IB organisers and IHSC from the ANU. Despite the Daley Rd specula- tion of imminent cancellation of IB, Birrell and Patricks were both “confident that it can be resched- uled to later on in the year”. As the actual secret IB cours- es are implicated in Birrell and Patricks’ reasons for the post- ponement, such reasoning to the IHSC at the aforementioned meeting was shrouded in vague- ness. However they did reveal that there had been “miscommu- nications with key external stake- holders,” ultimately preventing the running of IB on April 4th and 5th. Birrell and Patricks did reiterate that IB has only been postponed – that courses have been set and now it is the legal and insurance issues that have to be resolved. Organisers assure us the sun is not setting on IB; a team arrives home exhausted last year Diwa Hopkins This is the first year the IB have been formally approached the wee hours of the morning. liable on the behalf of the IHSC IB as an ANU associated event. organisers have engaged in seri- about the event. Such occurrences have resulted since its affiliation in 2006. Hopefully the efforts of the- or ous and continuous consultation In previous years external in police involvement and have This year looks to be a - tran ganisers will lay the foundations with the ANUSRA and ANU stakeholders, namely unsuspect- also flagged the issue (among a sition year for IB and its or- for the continuation of IB, an in- Legal Department regarding the ing property owners, have en- mountain of others) of trespass- ganisation. The conditions have stitution in itself along Daley Rd, safe and lawful implementation countered burglar-esque IB par- ing during the IB races, obvious- changed – the ANU has expand- amidst what seems to boil down of IB, a 46-year-old event. This ticipants traipsing across their ly of concern to the ANU and the ed their involvement and raised to increasingly litigious condi- is also the first year in the history respective properties during ANUSRA. Bodies that are now their requirements to approve tions. of IB that external stakeholders Girls Maintain Johns Pride My deflowering delayed Johns men lose to Fenner but girls pull through. be about Antarctic explorers. James Dawson Instead of Amundsen this article packed IB runners, we found the batting team, the Johns’ balls IB Virgin will be about the person he beat Rose Tabeni ourselves witnessing what could found the stumps just a little to the Pole, who then died on the Sport have been another strange and too often and as the sun sank, return journey – Captain Scott. shocking twist in the Inter-Hall so did Fenner aspirations. The Inward Bound has been post- His story, the hard work and dis- Despite the shock loss to Fenner Sports Calendar. Daley Road girls went on to limit poned due to difficulties finding appointment, is the story of ev- in the Men’s Cricket Final the Fenner, determined to capi- Fenner to 46 to claim the Shield insurance, and will hopefully ery IB competitor this year. diehard fans and Friday after- talise on an opponent still reel- and nicely round off an undefeat- take place in term three. There Many say that Scott’s fail- noon procrastinators amongst ing from their male counter- ed Cricket season. have been suggestions that I ure should come as no surprise. the Johns’ College populous were parts’ surprising defeat in the With this strong Johns’ vic- should continue to write this While Amundsen used dogs to out in force to watch their girls Men’s Final a week before, came tory Term 1 Inter-Hall Sport bit IB journal in Woroni until then. drag his equipment, Scott’s team claim victory over Fenner Hall in out fighting and were praised by the dust. Basketball, rugby and Admittedly this suggestion has pulled the sleds themselves. the Women’s Final. both camps for their agility and softball are lined up for next come from me. Nonetheless, it However, upon review of the Before the first thwack of that enthusiasm. Oh, and the very term and while Johns may have is a valid suggestion. Please take equipment that Scott was pull- synthetic cricket ball the play- intense wicket keeping from a surprised absolutely no one with note, Mr Sports Editor. ing, his failure becomes more in- ers suffered a pre-match scare certain Fenner sports rep really its’ early position atop the Inter- For this article I had planned teresting. Yes, his sled contained in which it appeared Fellows must get a mention. Hall ladder, if Fenner’s cricket- to change your life with an inspi- the usual equipment, such as was to host the first non-back- At a score of 77 ten overs later ing skill and Burgmann’s hockey rational piece about the first per- food and a tent. But the sight of yard/beach cricket game sans Johns was looking tentatively strength are any indication, this son to the South Pole, Amund- the amount of cocaine he carried umpires, stumps or boundary. secure but Fenner, known for writer does not predict an easy sen. But with no IB it would be would have made Snoop Dogg However our fears were soon al- its astronomical batting totals, ride for any residence this year. inappropriate, like salt in the cry. layed and instead of cheering, as was not to be underestimated. wounds, to make this piece mo- In Scott’s defence, I think expected, the blindfolded, back- Despite rampant boundaries by Full sports results page 15 tivational. However it will still Continued Page 15