Treason, Espionage, and Other Fun Words

One of the major international news stories at the moment is the ongoing prosecution of WikiLeaks' mastermind and founder, Julian Assange. There is a considerable amount of flak flying from both sides, with governments worldwide condemning the man, and a huge public following showing support.

What's interesting, is that in a lot of countries out for his blood, he may actually not have committed any crime.

The Australian Federal Police concluded an investigation into Assange's actions by advising the Government that there had been no breaches of Australian law. This of course comes after PM Julia Gillard's scathing comments about Assange, including an assertion that his actions were entirely illegal. This faux pas seems to have cost Labor a significant amount of public support - although that is neither here nor there in terms of the issue at hand. WikiLeaks has been publishing classified documents that it argues will allow the global public to better educate themselves in terms of government policy. The question that needs to be asked is whether the documents released are actually effective in doing this. In some cases, definitely, such as the proposed Australian web blacklist. However, Bill McGowan raises a very good point when he proposes that, "Naming names of diplomats who have issued candid assessments of sensitive foreign affairs and foreign leaders, under the expectation of confidentiality, will destroy or diminish the trust and credibility of our [United States] envoys, and work against candid communication and sound policymaking." McGowan goes on to suggest that continued releases of this nature by WikiLeaks would in fact produce less transparency - completely subverting its purpose.

Don't get me wrong, I'm all for freedom of speech and national transparency in every country, and respect that WikiLeaks has published many important documents that have contributed to this. One just needs to think about whether the opposite has also been achieved in some cases.

SA U20s in the Gold Coast

I thought I'd give a bit of a quick summary of the past weekend's activities.

We flew out of Adelaide at 6.15am, with only about 12 hours until our first match against the Currumbin Alleygators. After arriving in the Gold Coast we had a brief training session before eating lunch at Northcliffe Surf Club (our 'clubrooms' for the tour) and checking in to our hotel. We then departed for Currumbin, and our first showing of what the Gold Coast had to offer, and what the Junior Falcons could achieve on the paddock.

For the first game, Connor Smith was in the starting XV on the wing, whilst John Carver Jr and myself were on the bench. The game was a bit messy, something which can only be expected from a team that has never played together, but the structure which had been drilled into us in training came through, and as a result we were able to build some very aggressive rugby, in both attack and defence. As I recall, Currumbin managed to score first, but failed to convert. Instead of hanging their heads, the team struck back hard and despite a missed penalty attempt by Ashley Rio (Woodville) that fell short by less than a meter, maintained pressure for the rest of the half (which was only 30 minutes). The halftime score was 5 - 0 against us, however in the second half SA put the throttle to the floor right from the whistle, regaining their kicked ball, and quickly getting into the strike zone. Within minutes, prop Java Posala (Old Collegians) burst over the line in the right corner to level the score. The try was unconverted. Late in the second half, Carver Jr and myself were substituted on, and Smith off due to a shoulder injury. We maintained the aggression that had been prominent throughout the game, and quickly found ourselves back at the scoring end of the field, thanks mainly to a lack of discipline from the opposition, which later resulted in their captain being sent from the field for the rest of the game. After some sustained phase play, an excellent line from Matt Benger (Burnside) allowed him to cross the line between the sticks, and this was easily converted to bring the score to 12 - 5, the final score of the game.

After a day of recovery and light training in the Gold Coast heat, we arrived at Coomera to play the Coomera Crushers. We had been warned that there were plenty of islanders in the side, and the heat (the game kicked off at 12.30) was sure to play a factor. Carver Jr, Smith and myself were all starting, at 8, 14 and 6 respectively. I don't remember much of this game, probably because of the heat, however the standout moments were Connor's involvement in all three of our tries scored (setting up two and scoring one) as well as John's many line breaking runs up the field. The first try was scored off broken play, in a masterful action by Smith, where a kicked ball from SA was allowed to bounce. Smith, chasing, managed to get to the ball and kick it on the bounce into the opposing 22, where he regained it, and offloaded to center, Chris Bartlett (Old Collegians) who crossed the line near the sticks. Jack Macklin (Old Collegians) easily added the extras, and SA received the restart. At some point Jack added a penalty goal, before a bit of lax defence allowed Coomera to cross the line. The try was unconverted, and the score stood at 10 - 5. SA rallied, however, and hit back, phase play taking us to into striking distance with the forwards on the left of the field, at which point the ball was sent wide to Smith, whose trademark speed took him over the line in the right corner, however laziness by the Crushers allowed him to ground the ball only a few meters right of the posts. Macklin again added the extras and SA looked in top form with the score at 17 - 5. Coomera was not giving up easily, and in the last play of the first half launched an 8 pickup from SA's 5 meter line, and crossed the line. The conversion again failed, and the score at half time was 17 - 10. In the second half, the heat was really beginning to take its toll, as SA defence was beginning to lag, and no longer shutting down the space. Coomera managed to notch up another try, and things were looking a little bit grim at 17 - 15, however in the last ten minutes or so, Connor gave a pass to Macklin which allowed him to break the line and outrun the opposing 15 for a 50-meter try. He then added the points, and the score rested at 24 - 15.

All in all it was a very productive weekend in terms of getting the team a run together, with two solid wins. There were some difficulties that took some adjusting to, such as the heat, as well as "Gold Coast Rules", which allows the 8 to pick and go from uncontested scrums. Nonetheless, the overall performance was fantastic, and bodes well for the upcoming Southern States tournament, which i hope as many AURUFC players and supporters will make it to, to see a very skilled U20s side take on the best of what Victoria, Western Australia and Tasmania have to offer.

A Flawed Democracy

Right now it’s coming to the end of student elections at the University of Adelaide. And as always, it has been… interesting to say the least. Heavyweights Activate and IndyGo were challenged by a newcomer to the scene, Synergy. The international students put forwards a few strong candidates as always, and it has had all the hallmarks of a contestable student election.

That is, if enough students can be bothered going out to vote.

It saddens me a little to see that the vast majority of Adelaide’s thousands of students will spend more time working out how to avoid the polling booth than familiarizing themselves with policies, and voting. Particularly when you think about how all of them are required to vote in state and federal elections. If we have such a lack of interest in politics that directly affect us students, and only us, what are the chances we’ll show interest in far more broad-minded policies. I was a little annoyed (although, unsurprised) to see that the most recent issue of On Dit (Student Magazine) had an article devoted entirely to avoiding harassment from student politicians. Here’s my simple, one-step guide:

1. Make an informed vote.

It’s really that simple. Merely by voting, you can avoid harassment. Moreover, if you encourage your friends to vote, and keep up this voting trend throughout your time as a student, I can guarantee, ‘harassment’ will dwindle. All it takes is 5 – 10 minutes to actually see what the respective tickets have to offer, which doesn’t actually have to involve talking to the candidates, as almost every ticket has a Facebook page outlining their policies.

So, although there are only really 2 days left to vote, if you haven’t done so already, think about what I’ve said, and please act on it.

And if you really don’t want to vote, a simple smile with a “No thank you” should be enough to halt any politicians. There’s no need for all the other bollocks; it is, in a word, just plain rude.

Love, etc

~Coops

I Could Be Your Pornstar...

I'm not sure what it is about Amy Meredith, but whenever I listen to them (or indeed, Anberlin or In Fiction), I end up feeling really creative. As a result I decided to share with you the latest offspring of my creative blurb. See if you can guess its inspiration...

Inception

It first sneaks,
Sliding
Along dimly lit corridors.
Hiding from those
Who know it does not belong -
The stalwart guards
Of the mind.

But it is resilient,
And will seek root where it can.
Waiting
Growing
Evolving
Often beyond its creator's
Wildest imaginations.

Nothing
Is more dangerous
Or harder to kill
Than the only truly incurable virus
That is an idea.

Hopefully I'll be posting something a little more fulfilling soon (if my uni work allows it).

Adios.

The Classes of One-Night Stands

I thought I'd do something a bit rare and post a follow-up blog, continuing on the theme of one-night stands. Surprisingly enough, I have a collection of acquaintances who actively engage in one-night stands. Not being a veteran, I was a little curious as to some of the practices/rules/codes that govern how one acts before, during and after the event. After asking a few questions, I managed to put together a few categories, so you can classify yourself/your friend(s)/that person you woke up next to on Sunday morning.

The Empath: A confident individual who aims to make the other person feel comfortable and safe. Looks to make a connection. Relies on talking over good looks (although this doesn't mean they haven't got the goods).
- Usually one who will attempt conversation as part of their 'routine'
- Rarely off-their-face drunk when looking for a hookup, drugs unlikely
- Will buy you a drink
- Pays for the taxi (if needed) whether it's your place or theirs
- No/little expectations
- Up for pillow-talk after the event.
- Is still there in the morning (if it's your place)/Doesn't kick you out ASAP (if it's theirs)
- Offers breakfast/a shower/a ride home
- Might ask for your number (they will usually have sussed out the night before whether a) you're looking for something regular, and b) whether you're someone they would be interested in doing something regular with)
*NB: The Empath is one who, despite being the perfect gentleman/lady, is more often than any of the others to develop attachment, so be wary. Whilst you'll be looked after for the night, it might be hard to get rid of them down the track.

The Cruiser: This person is easily identifiable by their easy-going nature. They don't really care (at least, they don't show that they do) whether you leave with them or not, they're just happy to have a good night out.
- Mellow personality
- Can be at any level of drunkenness (but usually has a few under their belt), drugs are a possibility
- Might buy you a drink
- Will at least go halves on the cab, if it's to their place will probably pay the whole thing
- Expectations are there, although they are probably not too fussed if you don't live up to them
- Might go into some pillow-talk, but don't expect anything too deep. Unless it's philosophical.
- Will probably be there in the morning, although it could just be because they're coming down from something.
- Will talk to you until it becomes apparent you're no longer welcome
- Probably won't get your number
*NB: The Cruiser is the modern-day stoner, someone who isn't looking for any roots (pardon the pun), and is quite happy just floating with no commitment.

The Post-Empath: This individual is very similar to the Empath, with a few slight differences; the most important one being distinct emotional unavailability, although this is usually hidden.
- Usually one who will attempt conversation as part of their 'routine'
- Alcohol is part of their night out. How much depends on the night
- Might buy you a drink
- Might chip in for the taxi (if needed) whether it's your place or theirs
- No/little expectations
- Possibly up for pillow-talk after the event.
- Is still there in the morning (if it's your place)/Doesn't kick you out ASAP (if it's theirs)
- No morning awkwardness
- Might ask for your number
*NB: The Post-Empath is one who, despite being the perfect gentleman/lady, is decidedly uninterested in anything more than a release, not from being a player, just not being in the mindset for anything more. Don't expect anything deeper, but at the same time don't anticipate a cold shoulder either.

The D@$#&! : The naming for this individual does not so much describe the person's personality, but more the words you might use when describing them to your friends. This category does cover a large variety of people.
- Might attempt conversation, might go straight for the kill
- Will probably bit drunk, perhaps pinging too
- Not interested in getting you a drink unless they think it's worth it
- Expectations
- Expect them to either leave or fall asleep
- Don't expect them to be their in the morning. Or expect an awkward morning.
- Maybe they'll ask for your number
*NB: The D@$#&! is your stereotypical 'player', someone looking for a quick night of fun and not a lot else (although maybe a follow-up booty call... If you're worth it)

So there you have it, a few categories of one-night standers. But remember: no matter who you're going with, have fun, practice safe sex, and look on the bright side: none of the above is a blanket rule.

The One-Night Stand (And Other Stories of Convenience)

I hope no-one will hold it against me me if I blatantly state that today's society is one of convenience: fast food, fast transport, 'time-saving' devices, phones that let you access your e-mail, the newspaper, read books, or even just order a pizza. We are becoming gluttons of convenience (at least in the Western world), unwillingly to wait more than five minutes in a line or for public transport (unless you're in Adelaide, in which case, hope the bus shows up). However, it seems that even in our most intimate of places - the bedroom - convenience is rearing its deceptively stylish head, in the form of One-Night Stands.

The quote that is currently echoing through my head is from Fight Club:
Single-serving sugar, single-serving cream, single pat of butter. The microwave Cordon Bleu hobby kit. Shampoo-conditioner combos, sample-packaged mouthwash, tiny bars of soap. The people I meet on each flight? They're single-serving friends.

What is most important is the 'single-serving friends'. How many people do you know like this? People you start a friendship with, for a day, a week, an hour? I've sat on a plane and talked to someone, and will almost definitely never see them again. Of course, with the growing masses of Facebook, Twitter and (lesser it seems) MySpace, it has become a lot easier to maintain that 'connection' - again, another device of convenience. What is growing more and more prolific, however, is the One-Night Stand. It seems that despite all these time-saving and convenient devices, people are as short of time as ever, so short, in fact, that relationships are unappealing, and instead and physical comfort needed should be garnered from a one-off fling with a total stranger. Now I'm all for sexual exploration, but for something like this to become commonplace just heralds the death of emotional relationships. Maybe it is just the way things are, and with divorce rates worldwide steadily increasing, perhaps it is better not to even put oneself in that situation? The adage, 'It is better to have loved and lost, than never to have loved at all' comes to mind here.

Now don't get me wrong; I'm not against ONS, I think in most cases (and indeed, for some people) they can be very healthy, but I do not think they should become a lifestyle. It could be the prude in me (of which there is very little, so when it does speak up I usually take notice), but I fail to see the reward in constantly going to a random house for a more often than not drunken hookup, then slinking off in the morning, sometimes with a phone number, sometimes with nothing more than a name. Note the use of the word 'constantly'.

But as I said, it could just be me. I do, after all, enjoy cuddles a lot.