The University Experience

This evening someone told me that you hadn't experienced 'university' until you had participated in a pub crawl. This was their justification for belittling me as I decided not to attend the Bond University Pub Crawl for 071. They didn't ask if there were reasons for this decision, they just passed judgement. Like me many of my friends decided, for a plethora of reasons, they didn’t wish to go. Likewise, I am sure many friends of the person who was so quick to judge me are going. I hope they have fun.


My choice not to go may have been related to the $30 odd dollars it costs. For this one receives a rather unattractive tee-shirt that most females cut up so it resembles something akin to a singlet or in some instances a bathing top. Most males manage to fashionably and strategically rip theirs, otherwise there is also the activity of writing offensive remarks. Alas, the thirty dollars only entitles one to a free tee-shirt and bus ride. The ‘team-leaders’ on the other hand don’t pay to go and get drink cards, which allocate them free drinks. While drinks are discounted for those wearing the pub crawl tee-shirt this is usually about fifty cents off the standard price. Apparently, the only event run by student associations that provides a free drink is Drink the Pub Dry.

Someone told me to 'stop acting so old' and go. I did have to inform them that I was old and content with that. I stopped short of telling them if I'd counted all the put crawls I'd been on then it would amount to more than the number of years they had been out of secondary school.

I hope everyone has an enjoyable time. If I am driving through surfers paradise at 2am I will keep an eye on the gutters. Furthermore, I will make sure that when you are telling me how terrible you feel on Saturday morning, I tell you how fantastic I feel.

However, the assumption that without experiencing pub crawl you haven't experienced university is what I wish to comment on. This is a farce. It may constitute an activity that could be considered important to the academic life of tertiary students, as too are enrolling, attending, partaking in, failing, passing, and topping a subject you actually still do not understand. However, I believe other activities are more significant components to this ‘experience.’ This may be related to the fact that I am sure none of the students on the pub crawl this evening will be drinking dry and dry (without the consumption of this it really isn’t a pub crawl.)

Events I consider integral to this experience include:
• taking part in a protest, even forming a picket line
• signing a petition
• be berated by a radical feminist who takes an instant dislike to you because you haven’t seen the light like them and still wear make-up, high heels, a bra, a skirt, or because you are a sexist pig
• become a vegetarian or vegan for at least a week because that’s what everyone is doing and you really think it is the right thing to do
• joining a political party
• dating someone with dreadlocks
• being thrown in jail then calling someone to bail you out, then dealing with the ramifications of suspension from University
• not attending class due to consuming far too much of what smells more like methylate spirits than vodka at a faculty ball (hey they were dishing the drinks out of green garbage bins)
• Having a crush on a lecturer/tutor and enrol in a subject they are teaching because of this infacutation

(to be continued)

Thus, I am of the opinion that in defining a 'university' experience, one needs to look at a great variety of events, situations and predicaments than partaking in a pub crawl.

What would life be like?

Sometimes I wonder what life would be like if I hadn't met some one, or didn't know some thing. If had decided to turn left, rather than right. If I had chosen to fly west rather than north. If I had chosen to say what I thought, rather than not. What I would do If I didn't have beautiful friends who put up with me. What if I could actually ignore all those things people say that you are supposed to not worry about, but you do.

I wonder what if I had never eaten duck, or seen a television. Or what Glenferrie Road would be like without Mario’s, or Lygon Street without Italian Restaurants.....

Of key concern to me today, however, is what life would be like without Cadbury favourites. These are fantastic chocolates. Your right. They are not Haighs, nor lint, nor elephants, nor Belgium delights. However, they are tried and tested, reliable, readily available, inexpensive, and provide variety in my life when, well lets face it, there isn't much.


What would life be like without Cadbury favourites, I'm not sure. But, I am sure I don't what to know. I don't think I ever would have got through University without these. So life would obviously be different. And yes, George, I am still at Bond. This is what happens when you anticipate finishing a degree quickly, proceed to get sick halfway through, reduce your course load to part-time for a year (pathetic, I know.) So when do I finish: August. If not I will take matters into my own hands. Don't worry Mum, I'll be fine.

Perhaps when I finish University I'll find out what life is like without Cadbury. I imagine it's an American company anyway. Hopefully, increased finances shall accompany full-time employment then I can give up Cadbury and limit myself to Haighs, thereby supporting Australian made and owned. Alternatively, I could just move to Belgium.

Law school news

Today, is Kat's last day. As of today the coffee kart will no longer be in operation. So long until next year. What about all the people that have land tomorrow, then civil procedure, then corporations law on Friday. I think that is a little selfish of the University to shut down this valuable resource, especially given the unlucky predicament of those few tomorrow. Maybe I can get some coffee going in the LSA room. I'll see what I can do. Anyway, she's fantastic. I love seeing her everyday, and how amazing is that memory. That is something I know the Lucenti's will probably miss about Bond. I've seen Dave hanging around waiting for Kat to turn up so she, and not someone else, will make his coffee.

Some people change notes mid-stream, the day before the land exam, as the second set of notes are 'prettier.' This was overheard in the law library. No it wasn't from a female, rather a blokey Australian. Interesting. Guess who that was!

Apparently some people are so important around the University that they no longer need to wear shoes.

The majority of those that sat PPT on Monday where really happy with the exam. they felt that the knew the material and handled it well. One student that wrote the exam said this was attributable to Michael Lumpton, a great teacher. Reactions regarding the Contracts exam were mixed, as were those for Constitutional law. Those that took the early Sports Law exam thought that it was far too long, some where happy with how they did, others were disappointed that exemption clauses didn't feature. I've heard Business Associations wasn't much fun.

I've tried to keep this short, with the view it shouldn't take longer than 5 minutes to read! Apologies if it's a little on the long side.

Both sides

I am not the type of person to present a one sided story. I have been educated, I am not sure where, that it is always important to look at an arguement from a variety of angles. For me there is nothing worse than developing an established mindset that results in not being able to approach situations from different angles. I'm an outside the square person.

Accordingly, I feel it necessary to bring to your attention other accounts of life at Bond. Rather, than exposing you solely to mine, or the world labelled the 'Bond Bloggers.' The evidence to present, for your consideration include the following:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bond_University

Life at Bond

Over the last week I have engaged in dialogue about Bond University with some of my friends. Bond was Australia's first private University. It is located on the Gold Coast. I was trying to illustrate the difference, or perhaps it that should be portray the complete absurdity, between my life at Bond and theirs. I have things in common with these friends, often we will voice. similar concerns (political, social, environmental, and ecological.) However, I also believe that we respect, value and enjoy learning, developing and acquiring knowledge and entertaining different opinions.

One friend commented that the best thing at Bond was the beaches. However, there are no beaches at Bond. It is located in a suburb called Robina. This suburb is landlocked. They also positied that the University is an architectural masterpiece (obviously studying architecture.) They then added "get the dam degree and get out of there..Keep your head down low and let the shit fly."

I have commented on life at Bond, previously. However, this 'list', or account, failed to truly describe my life at Bond. Today I had an idea - I don't have these very often - I would introduce you to the small community who declare themselves 'the Bond Bloggers.' If they don't it's a label I deem applicable. Sometimes I fall into this category, other times I don't. This could be attributed to the fact that I discuss 'private' matters on my blog, well that's what someone said. Yeah right.

The one person I would love to feature here has a blog site that is not advertised. They like to keep student politics separate from their blog. This isn't a bad idea. I respect this, alas I will not be able to link you to their site.

Next, is the 'anonymous' blogger at Bond. Apparently female, she chooses to comment on the world around her but likes the mystery that comes with anonymity. I am rather entertained by students attempting to discover her identity. 'Drew.'

30% of the law school at Bond University is Canadian. This is the blog of Gordon Prisco. He is one of these. 'One of these' being a Canadian. I was banned from Gordon's blog earlier this year. Apparently, I am "a baby" and "need to loosen up" and "have a drink." Last I knew people were free in this country to choose to partake in the consumption of alcohol. I also thought it was considered a friendly thing to offer someone a lift somewhere. Usually, the passenger(s) would say thanks to the driver. Rather, in North America, the custom must be to ridicule the driver. Despite numerous requests for this ban to be lifted the person who declared himself dictator of this blog continues to refuse. I stopped really caring about this ban, sometimes ago. So be it.

There is this person. This individual, who has adopted a highly inappropriate nickname, is often reprimanded by those in charge at the University. I don't really blame them. I do not endorse anything said, done or projected on that website. Take this as a warning if you choose to select the link.

I also like this Blog. Here, a student on exchange provides an enlightening account of studying at Bond, often in contrast to the law school she attends in Canada.

There is also Brendan Donoghue's blog. Brendan comes to Bond with a background in information technology. Being the President of the LSA, I call him a VIP.

Warning, while these individuals provide insight into life at Bond they should (under no circumstances) be taken to represent or stand for anyone, or anything, else except themselves.

Oh, and the library at Bond even has a Blog. However, since Homer has returned to the library, its profile has been low.

Afternoon Tea, not Morning Tea

This week the usual morning tea, discussed here, and here, is changing. It's going to be in the afternoon. This way students and staff can have a coffee break and watch the Melbourne Cup. The Student Council have changed Wednesday by the Water to Tuesday at Dons. This also coincides with the Cup. We were perplexed; should we continue with the afternoon tea. We decided that many students might not not make it to Dons so there should be an alternative. Moreover, homesick students like me can pretend the races aren't really happening and knock over a few essays, rather than knocking off a few alcoholic beverages.

Perhaps an incentive for the afternoon tea is some hot tips straight from Flemington.

Here are the details in case you missed the email (if you did could I suggest you check your student email a little more frequently.)


LAW STUDENTS AND STAFF AFTERNOON TEA
2pm - 4pm

It's a hectic time of semester; papers are due, exams are looming and the weather is a distraction.

To alleviate the frustration, the Tuesday morning tea is going to be held in the afternoon, outside the law school.

Use this opportunity to have a coffee with your lecturers or students. Venture out of the library, away from your books and watch the 'race that stops a nation' (the Melbourne Cup) on the LSA television. We may even have some tips straight from the track. If horse racing isn't your thing we'd still love to see you for a tea, coffee, Tim tam and sandwich.


As always bring your own mug if you have one. Drop by for ten minutes, half an hour or spend the entire two hours with us.

Also a huge thanks to Tannis and Zac for their assistance. We all have our weaknesses and they know mine!

I'll be making a trip to the TAB around 12 if anyone feels like a flutter!

Goings on

• It is raining today. I think it has been raining since last night. Can't complain, we do need rain. I am sitting at a computer in the library (I still have not resolved the dilemma that was my laptop blowing up.) It is still raining outside. I thought it might stop after a sentence or two. I wonder if it will flood? I have a lot of work to do.
• Tonight I am taking my brother out for a birthday dinner. His 21st birthday, no less. I was planning to cook him a celebratory dinner on his actual birthday - the 8th of November - but a few things have come up. I think he may come down to the coast the night before his birthday, so I can wish him happy birthday on the actual morning. I think he just wants to over-capitalise on birthday celebrations.
• Car Batteries and I do not get on.
• This is not good news: http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2006/11/03/1162340055442.html. To think people think global warming is not a problem.
• Mark Lucenti listens to Kelly Clarkson. His justification for this is that he 'has diverse music tastes.' Unlikely.
• This week I discovered, well actually was made to look rather foolish, that an English bull-dog is not just a breed of dog but in fact is associated with human boxing. I came across this information when I suggested to someone that rather dressing as an English bulldog for Halloween, they dressed as an American Bulldog. I think I provided a few individuals with a few moments of amusement.
• There are a lot of birthdays coming up. Not as hectic as September, but not far off. There is James , Canadian Belinda, Lizzie Andrews (from kindergarten and school - after 15 years of education together how could one forget) is the 4th, and Gordon Prisco who spring to mind.
• I want to read Jones Town. The hard copy was retailing for $49.95. I needed a new pair of shoes for Pete's wedding. We all have to make sacrifices. If anyone has bought it and read it and is willing to lend it to me. Please let me know. In the mean time I'll continue my expose into Mao's life. Oh, I found some exerts provided by the publishers. These can be accessed here.
• My Dad sent me the links for these newspaper articles, 'Songbird Swift takes flight,' and 'Greenies 'hijackers' Charged.' Dad, regarding the last article; why are you sending me propaganda? We have observed the devastation (first hand) that logging is doing to Victoria and its water catchment areas. The headline sets up the tone of the article (I learnt how to determine this in Year 10.) I read it, only to reassure myself that people in this country are often ill-informed and quick to jump on populist bandwagons.
• This information disgusts me.
• I am not happy about the sale of this house to anybody, but myself. Pity. I'm spending more money than I am earning, and I probably owe the Australian Government more money than I will ever earn.
• Typical: the rich are getting richer and the poor......
• Hysterical. My horoscope for today: "Victorian Virgos would be well advised to lock their doors this weekend to avoid the plague of devil politicians stalking their neighbourhoods on the lookout for souls. Or is that votes? Same difference. Poke your head out at your peril." That's courtesy of the Weekend Australian Magazine.

Student Politics

I make a point not to become involved in student politics.

I'll support ideas I deem worthwhile.

Sometimes I'll make an appearance at Club 20, Empire or something the student council does, such as the fireworks! I have observed that while student politics may, at times, be informative and entertaining, it can also be disturbing, horrific and hysterical.

I don't think my absence is noted, nor my presence recorded, at events I attend. I'm fine with this. I like taking a back seat, and observing. Sometimes people ask what I think, I'll give them my opinion. Sometimes I'll tell people what I think, just because I feel like it.

Often I like to make comparisons between politics and 'political characters' (if it can be called this and they can be labeled that at Bond) that I have observed.

Currently, I am rather annoyed at the huge amount of money used to publish a recent edition of Scope. This is not saying that the publication was not of a reasonable standard or that it didn't look good. Rather, I have become frustrated that at a time when funding for student councils/unions, student support services and activities at all Universities in Australia are dramatically impacted by VSU, this money is being spent on a student colour photograph publication. The wild rumour that has surfaced - that student council are considering painting the council offices and ordering new furniture - is also not making me very happy.

This maybe a wild rumor, if so I do apologise. If it isn't, I would hope that someone suggest to council that while spending funds generated to-date is important, so is investing some of these funds . Not necessarily for the students of today but for those of the future.

I stumbled upon a comment today. This prompted my comment, albeit brief, on student politics. As mentioned, I do try to avoid this. However, given that I do go to lengths to ensure this blog is equivocally emma, rather than unequivocally emma, I thought I really should post it!

"Get all the fools on your side and you can be elected to anything." Frank Dane.
Interesting food for thought!


On another note, while I have re-activated comments on my blog I have discretion. I can choose to publish or not to publish. HA. So if your comment hasn't been posted I presumably have a valid reason (validity determined by ME) not to publish it.

Not just Another Morning Tea - A Tim Hortons Morning Tea

Another law school morning tea is taking place tomorrow, following on from last weeks success. Remember that it's between 10 and 11.30 and if you can take along your own mug (rather than use some disposable one that will still be around when your great, great, great, great grandchildren here.) If the weather is fine it will be on the lawn outside the law school. Tim Hortons will be present. For all non-Canadians you can read about the Tim Hortons success story here, and directly access the history of Tim Hortons here.

A huge thanks to Louise Tillett who has offered to help out, as I have been stranded in Melbourne! Also to Rachel, Alex, the mysterious Bond Blogger, and Lauren who all made it last week and have offered to show up this week. Thanks so much.

While I won't be there in person, hopefully I'll be there in spirit. I had a great time last week. I got to speak to some lecturers and meet some law students I hadn't come across. There were some delightful French speaking students. A lovely German guy, who patiently waited for coffee, some new Canadians and some Australians who I hadn't spoken to before. Make of the morning tea what you will, but if I was you I'd make something positive out ouf it. Meet some new people - if only to secure some pre-exam study notes!!!

Have fun, sorry I will not be there.

Melbourne bound

From the north to the south. Or, from the top to the bottom. Gold Coast to Queensland. You've got to love great architecture and appreciate it. My Father sent me the following text message upon arrival: "Welcome to the sanity of the southern states. Enjoy being a Mexican." Completely illogical and irrational, but then that's my Dad.

Stay tuned for 'the Anderson - Let's Organise James's Party Meeting' with Sarah the Dictator, Rob the Dictator's assistant/personal comedian, and all round funny man with a Plazma screen, the spit needs eight hours. Also staring -Belinda - the i've finally met someone that goes a million miles an hour like me, good lord i created it, the baskets in there Rob, go jump in it, no i don't actually know how many are coming...rob can you ask your brother I hear he is the social secretary. Oh and Emma mm, yep sounds alright...(my family have lost the plot) so that possum's my date to the party. Then there's Victor I'll just avoid the entire meeting, chaos has a new definition and James I'll turn up on the day and hold my breath, while drinking beer and eating cow with a pole up it's bum.

Bond goes to the races: the day in pictures

thanks to Erin and Mark for providing the photos & camera

Here's hoping the birthday girl had a fantastic day

Back at Law School: the good, the bad and the down-right unfair

some of you were lucky, or unlucky, to view a list of the good, the bad and the down right unfair according to Emm,now back at law school. It has been removed.