Once again I'm returning to a first person point of view, addressing the topic of Alcohol which has huge relevance to the generation which I am a part of.
Today, there is more information available throughout the world than ever before. My generation, heading forward will create so much more information that, within fifteen years a lot of current information will cease to have any relevance. We're also chauvinists, proudly holding our noses above older generations. Nobody can out do the way we talk, the music we listen to, clothing we wear, or the lifestyles we follow. An anything goes attitude stands strong. Truth be told, my generation aren't as clever as they assume. Despite more young people than ever attending University or pursuing apprenticeships, this alleged 'superior' generation lacks the intelligence to notice, or care about heavy alcohol consumption's damaging effects. I'm not talking about alcoholics, a problem which can impact people within any age group, no. This is about people in my generation who hold stupid parties, where copious amounts of alcohol get shoved down people's throats. Ridiculous nights out where people become a threat to everyone with their wily behaviour. Vomiting fests, passing out on stranger's lawns, fatuous schmuck talk. How stupid can we be?
Many of you young people will say "How can you say we're a stupid generation?" Good question. First, there is something that has become universally available for everyone. Information. More so than ever, people can now access information on almost every single topic possible, be it scholarly reports, expert opinions or reading reviews from users; all of this without even leaving one's house. Most people, before looking to apply for a job, do some research about the company. Who they are, what they do, their areas of expertise, their reputation, why people want to work there. Many lovely folk are smart enough to contact old employees to get their personal word. Like so, more information has come out regarding alcohol and the damaging effects which it has on the body, which are listed below. Scientists are now finding links heavy alcohol consumption at a young age has in relation to diseases picked up later on in life. Such harm continues through with young people more likely than any other age group to get behind the wheel intoxicated, believing they can overcome the law or any breathaliser which comes their way. Doctors warn that my generation does not hold enough sensitivity into the very real dangers binge drinking persists. My generation are definitely aware of the health risks but a "live it up today" urge overcomes self control and the prospect of having only a few drinks never seems good enough. An interesting picture at my old Junior High said "If the effects of smoking happened on the outside, would you still smoke" depicting a tar laden woman looking like an ashtray. If an poster was released showing the damning effects of alcohol in the same way, I think my generation would look at it smile, then carry on down to the bar, too phased to let some poster ruin their life. No surprise the generation I live in go about life with blinkers on, shutting out any signs of warning.
I never understood the selfish alcohol fuelled desires of my high school class mates, or the insolent manners which were shown to those who disapproved of it. A rather resolute mission to march forth through weekends, attempting to be as stupid as possible, drinking copious amounts of beer, wine and spirits, seeking some unobtainable sensual pleasure which obviously eluded them in their weekday lives. It befuddles me that many of my generation still find pleasure in stupid outings like this, where the coolest person is still the one who can get drunk the fastest or the slowest. Weekend after weekend, this bedlam lingered, through year 12 (11th Grade) into year 13 (12th Grade), people turning up to school on Monday dazed and confused. One such occasion a classmate of mine was telling me about his "cool" weekend. "There was a massive party I went to on Friday. We went and hung out at my mate's house the next day and then we went to his mate's party on Saturday. I only slept for four hours the whole weekend." An effervescent part of me longed to say "shame, that's what you get Mr. Coolio" but like most school boys, it was nothing new from a "good" weekend (for them) story.
The 2009 after ball was held in a conspicuous metal shed in Albany. My parents assured me they'd pick me up promptly at my calling, so I decided to stay the whole night. Apart from being the first experience I had of being among the alleged "popular" people, it was also an occasion bursting with cheap liquor, the kind I've found at other stupid high school and University parties. I can remember everyone who was there, how much everyone had to drink (that wasn't too hard to figure out) and those who misbehaved. The rather timid New Zealand police came in to check around but were far too lazy to even try arresting anyone, as most people were already intoxicated. After about thirty minutes in there I decided to avoid all alcohol. Getting drunk is a stupid person's idea of fun. It was there for the world to see that night. Girls who were classmates of which I'd never even communicated with stumbling up to me and started hugging me, their breath reeking of cheap bourbon. A rugby team mate following me for thirty minutes telling me to take a sip of his lion red beer (he was too drunk and stupid to taste such bad beer). Girls sleazily throwing away their dignity to mediocre, half wit guys who could barely stand.
What a generation I am a part of? A stupid generation who ignores all the warning's about alcohol's damaging effects. A generation which pretends to be health conscious yet brashly destroy their bodies and minds on the weekend. Blurred vision, slurred speech, bleeding throat, memory loss, breathing problems, irregular heart beat, high blood pressure, stomach ulcers, lapses in judgement, decreased reaction times. Long term effects may include liver cirrhosis and kidneys, heart problems, poor ability to remember information, respiratory deficiencies, depression, anxiety and sleep disorders. Everything people of my generation want to avoid, yet they persistently go out on weekends in the hope of getting drunk, suffering from some of the short term effects, which for quite a few will lead to long term damage down the line. The stupid generation don't ever think they'll be forty of fifty one day. Many snobbishly assert invincibility over all the elements, alcohol included.
I must admit to enjoying the odd alcoholic beverage. Champagne on New Years being one of my favorites. The pleasure with alcohol lies in an amazing taste and when used sensibly works wanders at social gatherings and some post sport events, particularly in rugby. No, like anything, moderation is the key. I can only enjoy one or two drinks and leave it at that. Pushing past into a partially drunk state- pathetically known as tipsy- is not pleasant and I've spoken with enough people to know this. I've heard many excuses from people in the stupid generation as to why they persist in their ways, so here are a few. "I drink because it makes people less boring." "I drink because that's how I live my life." "I like to get drunk because one drink doesn't taste good. Six or seven hit the spot." "I enjoy drinking because it's what me and my friends do to have fun." Although many sound like squabbled excuses, each in fact presents a rather sad, inexcusable person ignoring the damaging effects alcohol has on the body.
Massey University's students magazine ran an article on the effects on alcohol. Fascinating, insightful, it dives right towards key problems with binge drinking, particularly how uneducated high school and University students are in this field. The Magazine interviewed three Massey journalism students. One student, Rachael Coomber had the following to say in response to the question 'Do you think Binge drinking is a problem in New Zealand?' "No, binge drinking is not a problem. Everyone Drinks. It's not a problem if everyone is doing it." Not only did Ms. Coomber have many other stupid things to say, she forthrightly admitted to never wanting to give up alcohol binge fests no matter how tough the government got on students allowances. "I have to budget in my goon." Rachael Coomber currently holds office as the President and spokesperson for a blinking minority who pretend there is no problem with binge drinking in New Zealand, something many students proudly put atop of the agenda in their lives.
Yet for some ghastly reason, the insufferable Green Party seeks to treat my generation with pity and make it seem as if we are not the problem. Turei's submission for the alcohol reform bill gave some ghastly and rather suspicious conclusions; one such instance says "it's simply not true" that the U25 generation are responsible for the heavy drinking culture, then giving bogus statistics to back their reasoning. In response to Mrs. Turei's belief on this, which people are making the most noise? Which people are passing out the most? Which people, time and time again feel as if their bodies can handle anything? My generation, the under 25's. It's not enough to say less than 30% (bogus stat) of problem drinkers are under 25 because these things cannot be measured among younger students, who have no families to look after, do not work full time jobs (most of them) and waste vast amounts of money again and again in search of a sensual high. Letting Generation Y off the hook for making the stupid decision to get drunk and create chaos is completely baffling and demonstrates how politicians always seek a scape goat, which can't be found here so they doggedly assume such a problem doesn't exist.
Hopefully my generation can take some accountability. It isn't enough to say "Well I'm not responsible for my actions. I got drunk because I had to. Some one made me do it." The main solutions lie in educating each other on alcohol and how to enjoy it at social occasions, rather than being stupid about it.
Monday, 6 August 2012
Friday, 3 August 2012
Helen Clark 90210
How can the United Nations go about trying to airbrush photos of Helen Clark? How thick do they want current generations to be? Putting forward heavily edited images of a leader who appears to barely look a day past thirty, not carrying any maturity lines along a truly withered old saggy face, you'd think she's trying to enter into the Miss. universe contest. All that's needed now is teeth whitening.
Yet the United Nations obsesses over image and youth, much like many other insecure adults fondle over the thought of getting plastic skin surgery to get that dream face. Not so long ago, many politicians were well into their lives, possessed wide levels of experience from different fields, had raised children and understood, with reason and conviction what they stood for. Young politicians rarely ever make a difference. No one ever pays much attention to them, they're vastly ignorant and have no choice but to default to standing up for every policy their party stands for, with dogmatic rigidness.
These ridiculous images of Mrs Clark seem rather strange, as if she is proud of emulating ignorance. Such pictures didn't belong on Labour billboards in 2008 and should be readily disposed of from the United Nations website. One place where she might be able to conceitedly display these phony images is on the walls on Dr. Rey and the team on Dr. 90210.
She ought to go under the knife. Maybe then she can proudly limn the insufferable ignorance her heart desires.
Tuesday, 31 July 2012
Why despise the dear leader and then adopt his dumbest policy?
The Olympics had not even begun and a post from Greek athlete Paraskevi Papahristou got her kicked out and sent home before the opening flame had been lit. Ms. Papahristou wrote on her twitter page "With so many Africans in Greece .. At least the mosquitoes of West Nile .. will eat homemade food!!!!" http://www.sbnation.com/london-olympics-2012/2012/7/25/3186140/greek-athlete-racist-tweet-Paraskevi-Papahristou Despite her numerous apologies over the matter, being axed was the only politically correct way to spare the hurt feelings of "outraged followers." Think such occurrences are rare in Sports? Think again. Association Football (Soccer) player John Terry faces criminal charges for "allegedly" (yes there's no concrete proof) calling Anton Ferdinand a "Fucking Black Cunt." Terry has since been found not guilty in court but faces further charges over "abusive and/or insulting words and/or behaviour." As stupid, unfunny and insulting as these remarks are, neither athlete should be branded in such an austere way for sharing an expression, however miserable it may be (these two certainly were). As has been mentioned on this blog (and will continued to be) freedom of speech is a universal human right. http://www.un.org/en/documents/udhr/. Bad jokes (it was nothing more than that) by Miss. Papahristou should not be labelled. Every view is different. Free speech remains the same.
For anyone unschooled in the proper definition, the core definition is a philosophy all people of a certain race possess certain characteristics. The second definition is the prejudice and discrimination. So, with that aside, being racist is a point of view. A view which, under free speech can be expressed. Many- New Zealanders think Asians are bad drivers, Australians are very oppressive towards Aboriginals, Americans secretly loathe Hispanics, atheist Daniel Dennett says God is "not anything a sane, undeluded adult could literally believe in." Free speech has given him the right to speak, enabling Christian apologists William Lane Craig and John Lennox the chance to engage in formal civil debate with him. Just as each person has a right to express views which are unpopular. People who cover others with slime, often reverting to name calling pretend they do not enjoy political correctness but act in an obstreperous way towards anyone disagreeing with them, calling it "offensive" "bigoted" "intolerant" or anyone who disagrees with them. The other examples mentioned still stand yet remain hidden, (not very well though). The United States Government doesn't even allow people to criticise them, unless they enjoy being harassed incessantly by shady Government officials, as Alexander Ronzhes found out here. http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5054887075933965458#editor/target=post;postID=4957909100449835168
The totalitarianism which many western countries are creeping towards is alarming if banning athletes and seeking to criminalise anyone from sharing their point of view. Countries refusing entry to Holacaust deniers, people picketing against gay marriage getting arrested for alleged hate speech, whilst homosexual rights campaigners get away with assaulting them. There's supposed to be an impartial law governing all yet one side appears to hold favor with the law. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_Hammond
Pretend as much as possible that this matter will go away. Secretly these undemocratic, unjust, intolerant, free speech suppressors enjoy having high levels of power, spurting out lies that it's all about equality, when mind control is their main agenda; no view but their's can be accepted. So long as legislation continues to pass through (society have little or no input) then rights are trampled upon.
A lasting memorial of what side effects nations who impose such suppression endure need only look towards North Korea to see how disastrous these Utopias full of suppression end up. Kim Il Sung founded this single party state as the dear leader over everything in 1953, when cease fire in the Korean war occurred. He managed to subterfuge everyone into believing such a government will benefit everybody. Since then, nobody has been allowed to speak against the dear leader or risk arrest, there can be nothing but talk of the dear leader (now Kim Jong Un although Kim Il Sung remains president). Go visit North Korea today or see it on television and try believing what is shown. Are these people actually convinced a real life incarnation of (George Orwell's) Big Brother holds all the answers or are they merely asserting he's the man out of fear they may get locked up for treason?
The Soviet Union also encouraged children to spy on their parents and report them for any controversial comments they made whilst Joseph Stalin sat pretty. Such endorsements continue to happen again in America, where children are being brainwashed into believing monitoring their parents is beneficial in fighting against the war on terror. Such a ridiculous war, which to be clear was started by George Bush and Anthony Blair is now stripping parents of a right to a quiet life. Such banter must be swiftly dealt with, or else unsurprisingly there may be less parents having children in areas where such propaganda overrules the First Amendment.
People do not have to agree on everything and certainly not with noisemakers who are unwilling to engage in a civil debate. Independence of mind is fast disappearing. Hopefully people can see the message now and speak up before the transformation is complete. Time to stop pretending nothing is happening. In the words of Voltaire "I disagree with what you say but will defend to death your right to say it."
For anyone unschooled in the proper definition, the core definition is a philosophy all people of a certain race possess certain characteristics. The second definition is the prejudice and discrimination. So, with that aside, being racist is a point of view. A view which, under free speech can be expressed. Many- New Zealanders think Asians are bad drivers, Australians are very oppressive towards Aboriginals, Americans secretly loathe Hispanics, atheist Daniel Dennett says God is "not anything a sane, undeluded adult could literally believe in." Free speech has given him the right to speak, enabling Christian apologists William Lane Craig and John Lennox the chance to engage in formal civil debate with him. Just as each person has a right to express views which are unpopular. People who cover others with slime, often reverting to name calling pretend they do not enjoy political correctness but act in an obstreperous way towards anyone disagreeing with them, calling it "offensive" "bigoted" "intolerant" or anyone who disagrees with them. The other examples mentioned still stand yet remain hidden, (not very well though). The United States Government doesn't even allow people to criticise them, unless they enjoy being harassed incessantly by shady Government officials, as Alexander Ronzhes found out here. http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5054887075933965458#editor/target=post;postID=4957909100449835168
The totalitarianism which many western countries are creeping towards is alarming if banning athletes and seeking to criminalise anyone from sharing their point of view. Countries refusing entry to Holacaust deniers, people picketing against gay marriage getting arrested for alleged hate speech, whilst homosexual rights campaigners get away with assaulting them. There's supposed to be an impartial law governing all yet one side appears to hold favor with the law. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_Hammond
Pretend as much as possible that this matter will go away. Secretly these undemocratic, unjust, intolerant, free speech suppressors enjoy having high levels of power, spurting out lies that it's all about equality, when mind control is their main agenda; no view but their's can be accepted. So long as legislation continues to pass through (society have little or no input) then rights are trampled upon.
A lasting memorial of what side effects nations who impose such suppression endure need only look towards North Korea to see how disastrous these Utopias full of suppression end up. Kim Il Sung founded this single party state as the dear leader over everything in 1953, when cease fire in the Korean war occurred. He managed to subterfuge everyone into believing such a government will benefit everybody. Since then, nobody has been allowed to speak against the dear leader or risk arrest, there can be nothing but talk of the dear leader (now Kim Jong Un although Kim Il Sung remains president). Go visit North Korea today or see it on television and try believing what is shown. Are these people actually convinced a real life incarnation of (George Orwell's) Big Brother holds all the answers or are they merely asserting he's the man out of fear they may get locked up for treason?
The Soviet Union also encouraged children to spy on their parents and report them for any controversial comments they made whilst Joseph Stalin sat pretty. Such endorsements continue to happen again in America, where children are being brainwashed into believing monitoring their parents is beneficial in fighting against the war on terror. Such a ridiculous war, which to be clear was started by George Bush and Anthony Blair is now stripping parents of a right to a quiet life. Such banter must be swiftly dealt with, or else unsurprisingly there may be less parents having children in areas where such propaganda overrules the First Amendment.
People do not have to agree on everything and certainly not with noisemakers who are unwilling to engage in a civil debate. Independence of mind is fast disappearing. Hopefully people can see the message now and speak up before the transformation is complete. Time to stop pretending nothing is happening. In the words of Voltaire "I disagree with what you say but will defend to death your right to say it."
Sunday, 29 July 2012
The pretentious word for today-PARTNER
Are romantic couples in cohabitation really fooling anyone when referring to their boyfriend or girlfriend as their "partner?" Small groups may fall for this trickery but many who can read between the lines are aware how inept anyone using this word is when answering what exactly makes them a partner. Most times, these groups admit the word partner means boyfriend or girlfriend rather than husband or wife. Merely using the words makes them seem more sophisticated and committed to the relationship than they probably are. Something seems amazingly adrift when married couples begin referring to their spouses as partners, as if using the words husband and wife is beneath them. Probably no surprise as less people choose to get married now days, drifting in and out of several relationships, unable to settle comfortably. Simply put, the word partner today stands for "current lover; good until I tire of you and/or find someone else."
The word partner can be used in many contexts. A partner in business, a dance partner, a partner in crime and of course a marital spouse. All appropriate and specific. Why jump aboard and offer sloppy colloquial alternatives in describing one's current lover? Pretend married couples (boyfriend and girlfriend) use "partner" to give themselves an elevated feeling of esteem to feel better knowing the fact they aren't actually committed to being in a lifelong relationship with each other but pretend to be so others think higher of them. After all, it sounds a lot more mature and secure than an immature bf/gf scenario. One cannot help but shudder sullenly but if people revert to using such literary iniquities to describe their partner, instead of using simple words "boyfriend, girlfriend, fiance, husband, wife." Someone ought to ask next time, to anyone using this vague word, to mention the proper status they share with this "partner."
The word partner can be used in many contexts. A partner in business, a dance partner, a partner in crime and of course a marital spouse. All appropriate and specific. Why jump aboard and offer sloppy colloquial alternatives in describing one's current lover? Pretend married couples (boyfriend and girlfriend) use "partner" to give themselves an elevated feeling of esteem to feel better knowing the fact they aren't actually committed to being in a lifelong relationship with each other but pretend to be so others think higher of them. After all, it sounds a lot more mature and secure than an immature bf/gf scenario. One cannot help but shudder sullenly but if people revert to using such literary iniquities to describe their partner, instead of using simple words "boyfriend, girlfriend, fiance, husband, wife." Someone ought to ask next time, to anyone using this vague word, to mention the proper status they share with this "partner."
Friday, 27 July 2012
South Africa: Beautiful, diverse, wild, sprawling and unique
There are few countries in the world which are as diverse as Sotuh Africa. From the heavily urbanised province of Gauteng, to the mass desert landscape of the Northern Cape. Very few people are lucky enough to experience everything this beautiful country has to offer, either being unaware of it, or not having the required funds to whiz around in a car or plane due to the country's vast size (its 25th worldwide for land mass). If a trip to South Africa has been planned for the future, save up; a chance to visit such a country means the most must be made with the time available to see every pulchritudinous feature within.
Should South Africa only be a stopover destination, try booking a transit flight through Cape Town, the country's "most livable city." Built around the majestic Table Mountain, Cape Town offers many attractions which could entrap any uncanny tourist for weeks, even months. A trip on the Gondola up the flat mountain will leave many people marveling over how dulcet, along with soothing the ride is. Once the ascension is complete, a 360 degree view of the city allows for countless photos everywhere.
Perhaps among the finer photos which can be taken is the Indian and Atlantic Ocean merging together at the Cape of Good Hope, the concrete playground engulfing an ironically beautiful City Bowl, or the barren land surrounding the city, impeded by a meager long stretching road. Cape Town in not just dependent on mass hoards of crowds shooting up Table Mountain to keep it going tourist wise. Daily visits to Robben Island are made, where people can experience for themselves, the torrid life Nelson Mandela had to endure whilst imprisoned, from his microscopic prison cell to the courtyard where he baked under the sun performing hard labouring tasks. Inspiring and uplifting it leaves many people appreciative of how lucky they are. Former Springbok Captain Francois Pienaar said "It amazes me how someone could spend so long in here and come out so ready to forgive." Travelling further down, nothing is more intimidating than a small area near seal island. No, seals in masses isn't very scary but the lurking finned dangers which Steven Spielberg used to great effect in Jaws. Yes those Sharks have been known to put on a grandiose show whenever those helpless seals dare lurk out into their territory.
Spectacular and terrifying are the only words needed. Truly a gem of South Africa, the marvelous beaches full Golden sand, warm weather, great crowds and lively waves make them a must. Bear in mind, that if you're on the Atlantic side) going for a swim may prove a tad cool, with the water temperature often hovering between 14-18 degrees annually. Ratanga junction provides an amusement park of fun for the whole family, whilst the boardwalk provides shopping and dining experiences aplenty, bringing local culture to life.
The other cities have their attractions. Johannesburg by far, is the least interesting of the big cities, providing mere glimpses of mass poverty than anyth
ing else. It has its charms though. If history is what you seek, a trip to Apartheid museum provides an interesting glimpse into the racial segregation regime that oppressed non-whites. The northern suburb of Sandton is a must go for any serious shopping tourist, with Sandton City and Nelson Mandela Square occupying 144,000 square metres of shopping space, making it one of the largest shopping centres in the southern hemisphere.
Aside from those attractions, Johannesburg or Joburg just lacks everything else (except a high crime rate of course, so be very wary). Should a more old fashioned cultural experience be required, bartering with the locals at the Durban market is definitely the place to go. Negotiations can be made over hand made crafts, conga drums and local cuisine. Durban, like Jozi, has also found itself with a monstrous shopping mall, with every single shopping store possible, including food court after food court after food court.
Being the southernmost coutnry on the African continent, and among the most western and urbanised, South Africa still carries some of the finest Wild Game parks in the world.
Kruger National park, the biggest and most popular of these, has far reaching tours and trips for all types of people and budgets. Whether that is the casual day visitor who wants to go game spotting, or the serious outdoors man/woman needing the full African experience, Kruger is very flexible. Chances of seeing wild game within the park are 100%; many animals develop an intriguing infatuation with the moving hunks of metal. Outside of Port Elizabeth is Scotia, another wild life park offering half day Safari tours.
Elephants, Giraffes, Rhinos, Lions, Springbok, Kudu, Wildebeest, Leopards, Hippos, Crocodiles, Hyenas, Snakes and many more animals lurk around both parks. Each different experience and encounter with the animals is fascinating and unique. Any predisposition about their wild, outrageous behaviour will be removed by careful observance and a well detailed by the tour guides about the nature and personalities with each animal. One good example is with Lions, who go through five different stages before making any such attack on a human. Also interesting to note is the deadly nature of the hippopotamus, who kill more people each year than crocodiles. Taking these Safari tours gives one a profound appreciation and respect for the natural environment and the animals which roam within it and once did so freely before man began urbanising vast spaces.
Are mountains more appealing? Take a hiking tour on the Drakensburg mountain range. Carrying a profound reputation for being largely untouched by human activity, these mountains remain as beautiful and natural today since when they first came into existence. Hiker Ian Shooter provides opportunities to spend days exploring this uniquely spread mountain range and even the chance to ascend up its highest peaks (provided you're crazy enough).
Prefer a more tranquil and relaxed rafting experience? Look no further than the Breede river, a river popular for holding river rafting tours. Tourists are able to spend the night camping in rooms right next to the river, with excellent service and local friendliness shown to every person.
The next day, in the morning the journey down the river begins; barring an hours pause for lunch, plain sailing with the current amazes and reveals the natural green and yellow desert and forest landscape. Small rapids come and go, which may relieve many sweating participant. Temperatures remain hot annually, making a wee dip refreshing and rejuvenating.
South Africa is the most diverse country in the world. Unlike New Zealand or Switzerland, where most of the major activities and attractions can be done within a four week holiday, someone could travel through South Africa for four months and still run out of time to do the major activities and sights.
The 2010 Soccer World Cup brought through a new generation of tourists, who have since returned home to tell their families about how diverse the country is. South Africa is the most diverse country in the world and should definitely be atop the list of places to visit in any tourists looking to experience a "unique" holiday.
Should South Africa only be a stopover destination, try booking a transit flight through Cape Town, the country's "most livable city." Built around the majestic Table Mountain, Cape Town offers many attractions which could entrap any uncanny tourist for weeks, even months. A trip on the Gondola up the flat mountain will leave many people marveling over how dulcet, along with soothing the ride is. Once the ascension is complete, a 360 degree view of the city allows for countless photos everywhere.
Perhaps among the finer photos which can be taken is the Indian and Atlantic Ocean merging together at the Cape of Good Hope, the concrete playground engulfing an ironically beautiful City Bowl, or the barren land surrounding the city, impeded by a meager long stretching road. Cape Town in not just dependent on mass hoards of crowds shooting up Table Mountain to keep it going tourist wise. Daily visits to Robben Island are made, where people can experience for themselves, the torrid life Nelson Mandela had to endure whilst imprisoned, from his microscopic prison cell to the courtyard where he baked under the sun performing hard labouring tasks. Inspiring and uplifting it leaves many people appreciative of how lucky they are. Former Springbok Captain Francois Pienaar said "It amazes me how someone could spend so long in here and come out so ready to forgive." Travelling further down, nothing is more intimidating than a small area near seal island. No, seals in masses isn't very scary but the lurking finned dangers which Steven Spielberg used to great effect in Jaws. Yes those Sharks have been known to put on a grandiose show whenever those helpless seals dare lurk out into their territory.
Spectacular and terrifying are the only words needed. Truly a gem of South Africa, the marvelous beaches full Golden sand, warm weather, great crowds and lively waves make them a must. Bear in mind, that if you're on the Atlantic side) going for a swim may prove a tad cool, with the water temperature often hovering between 14-18 degrees annually. Ratanga junction provides an amusement park of fun for the whole family, whilst the boardwalk provides shopping and dining experiences aplenty, bringing local culture to life.
The other cities have their attractions. Johannesburg by far, is the least interesting of the big cities, providing mere glimpses of mass poverty than anyth
ing else. It has its charms though. If history is what you seek, a trip to Apartheid museum provides an interesting glimpse into the racial segregation regime that oppressed non-whites. The northern suburb of Sandton is a must go for any serious shopping tourist, with Sandton City and Nelson Mandela Square occupying 144,000 square metres of shopping space, making it one of the largest shopping centres in the southern hemisphere.
Aside from those attractions, Johannesburg or Joburg just lacks everything else (except a high crime rate of course, so be very wary). Should a more old fashioned cultural experience be required, bartering with the locals at the Durban market is definitely the place to go. Negotiations can be made over hand made crafts, conga drums and local cuisine. Durban, like Jozi, has also found itself with a monstrous shopping mall, with every single shopping store possible, including food court after food court after food court.
Being the southernmost coutnry on the African continent, and among the most western and urbanised, South Africa still carries some of the finest Wild Game parks in the world.
Kruger National park, the biggest and most popular of these, has far reaching tours and trips for all types of people and budgets. Whether that is the casual day visitor who wants to go game spotting, or the serious outdoors man/woman needing the full African experience, Kruger is very flexible. Chances of seeing wild game within the park are 100%; many animals develop an intriguing infatuation with the moving hunks of metal. Outside of Port Elizabeth is Scotia, another wild life park offering half day Safari tours.
Elephants, Giraffes, Rhinos, Lions, Springbok, Kudu, Wildebeest, Leopards, Hippos, Crocodiles, Hyenas, Snakes and many more animals lurk around both parks. Each different experience and encounter with the animals is fascinating and unique. Any predisposition about their wild, outrageous behaviour will be removed by careful observance and a well detailed by the tour guides about the nature and personalities with each animal. One good example is with Lions, who go through five different stages before making any such attack on a human. Also interesting to note is the deadly nature of the hippopotamus, who kill more people each year than crocodiles. Taking these Safari tours gives one a profound appreciation and respect for the natural environment and the animals which roam within it and once did so freely before man began urbanising vast spaces.
Are mountains more appealing? Take a hiking tour on the Drakensburg mountain range. Carrying a profound reputation for being largely untouched by human activity, these mountains remain as beautiful and natural today since when they first came into existence. Hiker Ian Shooter provides opportunities to spend days exploring this uniquely spread mountain range and even the chance to ascend up its highest peaks (provided you're crazy enough).
Prefer a more tranquil and relaxed rafting experience? Look no further than the Breede river, a river popular for holding river rafting tours. Tourists are able to spend the night camping in rooms right next to the river, with excellent service and local friendliness shown to every person.
The next day, in the morning the journey down the river begins; barring an hours pause for lunch, plain sailing with the current amazes and reveals the natural green and yellow desert and forest landscape. Small rapids come and go, which may relieve many sweating participant. Temperatures remain hot annually, making a wee dip refreshing and rejuvenating.
South Africa is the most diverse country in the world. Unlike New Zealand or Switzerland, where most of the major activities and attractions can be done within a four week holiday, someone could travel through South Africa for four months and still run out of time to do the major activities and sights.
The 2010 Soccer World Cup brought through a new generation of tourists, who have since returned home to tell their families about how diverse the country is. South Africa is the most diverse country in the world and should definitely be atop the list of places to visit in any tourists looking to experience a "unique" holiday.
Monday, 23 July 2012
Mainstream music's screechy symphony
*Warning the following article contains profanity
Ever since the emergence of rap music in the 1970's, mainstream music has turned into a circus of whom can sing the most outrageous song. People unwilling to join this boggy movement repeatedly say "why are you listening to these songs? The message is terrible" to which the masses respond "Because it sounds good or You can't tell me what to listen to." Many songs today contain empty messages of self indulgence, hedonism and lies. Most musicians preaching these messages pretend they are good people but there is no fooling anyone when such words are leaving their mouth, irrespective of whether there's a catchy beat.
Mainstream music has spiraled into a prose of abject humiliation. Rather than adding beauty and elegance to the world, these degrading, obscure, and lackluster tunes stream through the radios again and again. Messages that it's ok to do whatever you like and nobody (especially your teachers, parents or the police) can tell you what to do holds firm as a high priority. Take Nicky Minaj in her lyrically ghastly song Starships.
"But Fuck who you want and fuck who you like
Dance how I like, there's no end in sight"
Apart from brief moments of butchering "Twinkle, Twinkle Little star" Minaj seems intent on promoting hedonism. Wait, putting a catchy instrumental score behind it suddenly allows vulgar sentiments to not only be accepted, but praised as "true music." People feebly make efforts to defend these singers, stating these artists are putting personal matters out into public foray as if that's all it takes to be forgiven. Ed Sheeran believes the best way to feel "just a little love" after splitting with his girlfriend (in the song) is by retrogression.
"Should I, should I?
Maybe I'll get drunk again
I'll be drunk again
I'll be drunk again
To feel a little love"
Full of the nostalgia, which may or may not find favour with the public, Sheeran appears to be promoting drunkenness as acceptable when these low points in life come by. Such a puerile belief must not be praised and should instead be met with narrow eyes. People ought to be encouraged not to pursue such unhealthy actions, for their own good.
Too many of Rihanna's songs advocate strong sexual immorality. Even the title of her 2007 Album "Good girl gone bad" shows how proud she is to be thought of in this way. Take the chorus from S&M.
"Cus I may be bad but I'm perfectly good at it
Sex in the air I don't care I love the smell of it
Sticks and stones may break my bones
But chains and whips excite me."
Rihanna, much like Nicky Minaj likes to pretend she's a role model for young girls and teenagers. She is in fact the champion for promiscuity and only a genuine role model in the eyes of pornography owners and immoral lynchpins. Is this really the kind of person parents want their children to listen to on the radio, at concerts, in the car, on the bus?
A young woman who is proud to dance around on stage with just about no clothes on, talking about sex like men talk about sports, mentioning it frequently in interviews, putting it in just about every single song and encouraging people to go ahead and do it without thinking about the consequences. It remains a very meretricious message. Sexual intercourse, has and remains the highest form of intimacy which men and women can use to embrace each other, something which should take place if the intimacy is there. Rihanna has poisoned and polluted the message and meaning of sex and she shouldn't be surprised that so many stalkers and sexual predators are lusting after her like ravenous wolves.
No, the decline in mainstream music does not end there. Many other singers and bands continue to make more unpleasant music. Many metal bands perform on stage as if each member is having an epileptic fit, with all of the singers in dire need of a lozenge to clear their throats. Other artists, who can't even sing but are pretty faces, fitting the "image" of a modern singer, record every single album song under auto tone, only to bumble along in a patchy live performance. Hardly a surprise old school performers like Lionel Richie sounds no different live than they do on record. The same cannot be said for singers like Katy Perry and Justin Bieber, who are merely eye candy for their large contingents of fans.
With American Idol, X-Factor, (Country name here)'s got Talent shows coming through and drawing respectable audiences, the best answer for people following these shows is with a hope for talents to break through who not only sound fantastic live and recorded but who can sing a song without talking encouraging drug consumption, promiscuity, or swearing. Taylor Swift, whilst very repetitive and monotonous, stands out as one of the few examples of a modern singer with any dignity.
Hopefully more singers with an honest heart and good intentions will come through soon. They're long overdue.
Ever since the emergence of rap music in the 1970's, mainstream music has turned into a circus of whom can sing the most outrageous song. People unwilling to join this boggy movement repeatedly say "why are you listening to these songs? The message is terrible" to which the masses respond "Because it sounds good or You can't tell me what to listen to." Many songs today contain empty messages of self indulgence, hedonism and lies. Most musicians preaching these messages pretend they are good people but there is no fooling anyone when such words are leaving their mouth, irrespective of whether there's a catchy beat.
Mainstream music has spiraled into a prose of abject humiliation. Rather than adding beauty and elegance to the world, these degrading, obscure, and lackluster tunes stream through the radios again and again. Messages that it's ok to do whatever you like and nobody (especially your teachers, parents or the police) can tell you what to do holds firm as a high priority. Take Nicky Minaj in her lyrically ghastly song Starships.
"But Fuck who you want and fuck who you like
Dance how I like, there's no end in sight"
Apart from brief moments of butchering "Twinkle, Twinkle Little star" Minaj seems intent on promoting hedonism. Wait, putting a catchy instrumental score behind it suddenly allows vulgar sentiments to not only be accepted, but praised as "true music." People feebly make efforts to defend these singers, stating these artists are putting personal matters out into public foray as if that's all it takes to be forgiven. Ed Sheeran believes the best way to feel "just a little love" after splitting with his girlfriend (in the song) is by retrogression.
"Should I, should I?
Maybe I'll get drunk again
I'll be drunk again
I'll be drunk again
To feel a little love"
Full of the nostalgia, which may or may not find favour with the public, Sheeran appears to be promoting drunkenness as acceptable when these low points in life come by. Such a puerile belief must not be praised and should instead be met with narrow eyes. People ought to be encouraged not to pursue such unhealthy actions, for their own good.
Too many of Rihanna's songs advocate strong sexual immorality. Even the title of her 2007 Album "Good girl gone bad" shows how proud she is to be thought of in this way. Take the chorus from S&M.
"Cus I may be bad but I'm perfectly good at it
Sex in the air I don't care I love the smell of it
Sticks and stones may break my bones
But chains and whips excite me."
Rihanna, much like Nicky Minaj likes to pretend she's a role model for young girls and teenagers. She is in fact the champion for promiscuity and only a genuine role model in the eyes of pornography owners and immoral lynchpins. Is this really the kind of person parents want their children to listen to on the radio, at concerts, in the car, on the bus?
A young woman who is proud to dance around on stage with just about no clothes on, talking about sex like men talk about sports, mentioning it frequently in interviews, putting it in just about every single song and encouraging people to go ahead and do it without thinking about the consequences. It remains a very meretricious message. Sexual intercourse, has and remains the highest form of intimacy which men and women can use to embrace each other, something which should take place if the intimacy is there. Rihanna has poisoned and polluted the message and meaning of sex and she shouldn't be surprised that so many stalkers and sexual predators are lusting after her like ravenous wolves.
No, the decline in mainstream music does not end there. Many other singers and bands continue to make more unpleasant music. Many metal bands perform on stage as if each member is having an epileptic fit, with all of the singers in dire need of a lozenge to clear their throats. Other artists, who can't even sing but are pretty faces, fitting the "image" of a modern singer, record every single album song under auto tone, only to bumble along in a patchy live performance. Hardly a surprise old school performers like Lionel Richie sounds no different live than they do on record. The same cannot be said for singers like Katy Perry and Justin Bieber, who are merely eye candy for their large contingents of fans.
With American Idol, X-Factor, (Country name here)'s got Talent shows coming through and drawing respectable audiences, the best answer for people following these shows is with a hope for talents to break through who not only sound fantastic live and recorded but who can sing a song without talking encouraging drug consumption, promiscuity, or swearing. Taylor Swift, whilst very repetitive and monotonous, stands out as one of the few examples of a modern singer with any dignity.
Hopefully more singers with an honest heart and good intentions will come through soon. They're long overdue.
Thursday, 19 July 2012
It's not about equality anymore
Time and time again there are voices from rash feminists who are forever complaining about men having far too much input in society, occupying too many of the high paying jobs, responsible for "ruining everything" that's supposedly good for a society. Anyone who speaks up against them is labelled intolerant, rigid, bigoted; such women are unable to see how they've described themselves perfectly. How amazing are Western countries, where feminism still runs rife, with the leaders of these bullying gangs repeatedly complaining about inequality between the genders, backing up their reasoning with statistics which are often bogus and out of context. The main problem with these feminists is that they live in a selfish mindset, putting themselves and their ideas above the welfare of others.
Think carefully about how many female only gyms there are which exist within towns and cities throughout the world. There are a plenty, occupying many street corners and busy districts, regularly advertising the appeal of being inside a safe, secure women's environment with a focus on female dynamics. Now think about the men. How many male only gym's exist compared to female only gyms? A sensible guess would be 10:1. Very scant and minute. In Auckland, there are Contours and Configure with a Curves too, and a Women Fighter's Mania too finish off the slew. Does Auckland have a male equivalent to Contours? No. Are there any male only gyms at all in Auckland. If you try, like many already have, a google search will bear no results. Any sense of moral outrage for men not being entitled to have their own fitness centres has been made passive. Scornful feminists happily enjoy the perks of going to women only gyms, only to scoff at the idea that their male counterparts can even think about running a similar operation. "How dare they!" many exclaim. "It's sexist and it's wrong." There are many physical activities and workouts suited more for men, just like other activities suit women better. Men are entitled to the same rights to open and franchise. Feminist scorn and complaints about inequality just doesn't budge.
Feminists in particular are complaining that as a whole, women in society are not earning as much as men. This is true. A study shows women, on average earn 3-35% less then men. http://www.neon.org.nz/eeoissues/payequity/. On a job to job basis, no form of discrimination should be used to reduce the wages of an employee; the gender excuse is far too tacky. The case which is made against pay inequality is heavily misconstrued and never properly put into context. Women who have children often put their careers on a temporary hold to raise and foster their child until they become toddlers (on most occasions.) Many young mothers seek jobs which offer work flexibility, allowing them to work jobs which comfortably allows them to spend as much time as possible playing with the kiddies. Often unmentioned by raging vernacular feminists preaching information which is wholly misleading and ultimately wrong. The average women in society on average earns less then men because most men continue working straight after their child or children are born, not requiring any time for maternity leave, instead providing for the family. Former author and essayist Christopher Hitchens endured a small grilling when he said he'd rather have his wife stay at home and look after the children, as if he were some deluded mad man for saying such a thing. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpA7pfR0FIc. One cannot begin realising these women are fighting to dominate wherever they can.
It's difficult to mention one Hitchens brother (now dead) without bringing up the other. Peter Hitchens (who has an informative Mail on Sunday column) wrote about Danish Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt saying "She thinks it a waste of well-educated women to bring up their own children." http://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-2109744/PETER-HITCHENS-Fireman-Sam-day-freedom-went-smoke.html#ixzz2141rLb8w.
It seems as like "Thorning-Schmidt" has little regard for anyone but herself. The biggest danger with feminism is that it's not about equality anymore. Women in western society have had that for the last twenty five years. Their agenda is all about encouraging individual achievement, all in the name of women. It's about feeding through affirmative action to the (once again as Peter Hitchens puts it) "Headquarters of Political Correctness, the Human Right's commission" that women are not represented well enough and ought to be. Many men (and women) have had enough of the feminist movement. The simple answer to alleviate them of their woes is to set these feminists free into their Utopia. Go off and seek equal pay; put yourself first, work long hard hours climbing up the corporate or political ladder and get to the pay level most wealthy men have right now, sacrifice 60-70 hours a week, long periods of time away from home on Business trips, secretly despise men at every opportunity. Then they can be free to complain about men having it easier in life.
A few things need to be addressed. Men ought to be entitled to open gyms rightly for them. Women deserve equal pay but should not have feminists confusing average pay vs actual pay (there's still a gap but it's not as big as many say it is. Women must only be given more senior positions if they have the right skills (just like with any man). Forget the affirmative action dogma which riddles society and is beginning to discriminate against men in Scandinavian countries. The feminists agenda must be looked at closer and any lies they tell must be exposed if liberty and justice are to remain core tenants of the Western countries.