Nursing Assistant spends weekend at Labor talkfest

The West Australian Delegation

After a few weeks in a new job I decided that it was time for a weekend away and the National Labor Women’s’ Conference in Brisbane was the perfect excuse.

All it took was a “Red Eye” flight (after a late shift at work) to propel me from one side of Australia to the other in a little under 5 hours.

This conference was a celebration of the women who make and have made a huge contribution to Australian society as well as discussion of the major issues facing Australian women today.

Thankfully, it didn’t turn out to be a bra burning and men-hating event that get associated with feminist activities but one of the big things that I learnt over the weekend was to separate men from the patriarchy.

For example, in 21st century we still live in a patriarchal society with many inequalities. Women are still paid 18% less than men and the number of women reaching senior management does not reflect the number of women in the private and non-government sectors and that more than half of people graduating from university are female.

At the domestic level, women are still expected to pick up most of the household duties despite also being employed.

One of the most interesting discussions at the conference was around why so many Generation Y women have negative connotations of feminism. Many of the answers we already knew but hadn’t spoken publicly about.

For example, it is common for gen y girls to think of short haired, loud angry women who hate all men and whose goal is for guys to do all of the house work and child care duties.

But what is sadly missing is a fight against this stereotype and not more of an appreciation of what feminism has done for women, little by little, over time.

It is the little things that we now take for granted, such as the right to vote, not having to give up work when we get married and not have to have the permission to get the signature of our husbands/fathers to open a bank account and acquire a passport.

There is also an absence of understanding of the challenges that are still before us.

Gen Y girls have grown up as equals to their brothers and they are told that they can do anything but it is when it comes to making in the professional world that the challenges start. For example, there are increasing problems with negotiating maternity leave and opportunities for advancement.

After this weekend I am more hopeful for the future. I am sure that one day in the future women are able be paid the same as men for the same day’s work and that men take on more of an equal share of the domestic responsibilities.

2011 summer reading continues well into autumn

With Autumn defiantly under way, summer reading should have been finished but I was on a roll and the more I read the more I wanted to read... 

As Catcher in the Rye is on many of the “must read” lists and I thought that it was time that I checked it out. It is a story of a boy that gets thrown out of high school and spends what seems like forever partying in NYC. I was slightly disappointed as I obviously didn’t get why people found this book so compelling because, as a piece of literature, it is no big deal. But understanding that art never operates outside the context/culture that it was created in, it is easier to see the impact of this book and to see how its perspective was a new one. The character’s spent four days plus ranting on how bad his life was and fake the people around him were and I guess that at the time, things like that weren’t really talked about. It is hard to see him as the first anti-hero and rebel.

The Nine Parts of Desire by Geraldine Brookes discusses Women in Islam and provides a close up of the lives of many women in the middle-east and as with other similar books I was left not knowing what to think about one of the world’s largest religions. I shared Brookes’ struggle with why well educated women give it all up for marriage Saudi style and why a whole generation of females could regress back to fundamentalist Islam after the progress of many of the trailblazers of the past but maybe I am missing the point!

“All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way” is the opening line to Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy and indicates that it is about unhappy families. It is essentially about the scandalous family lives of the Russian elite and how these scandals impact on the families around them.

Prior to reading the book, I had this expectation that this book would only about superficial aspects part of the lives of the characters but I was quite surprised by how human it was. For example, Levin’s and Kitty’s reaction to their brother’s death brought a tear to my eye and their reactions during their wedding ceremony were believable. The end I found a little disappointing and too existential but I am glad I did make it that far.

Its length does make it a big read but it is worth it.

Tolstoy seems to cram quite a lot in to 800+ pages and covered application of Christian values to every-day lives, the role of women in society and societal expectations. It also covers agronomy and early forms of sustainability, industrial relations on farms as well as suicide.

George Orwell’s Animal Farm was the final book of the summer. Having loved 1984 I loved Animal Farm’s allegorical style and Orwell’s depiction of the pre war Stalinist era. I thought it was an accurate depiction of human nature and how political theories begin as positive change but soon go downhill as greed and self interest increases.

 

I loved the various characters in the book; Millie could easily be a Barbie on four legs and Squealer could be a spin doctor. I laughed when pigs started walking on two legs and their mantra "All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others” is so true.

It is easy to see why this cleverly written book is considered such a classic as it says so much about humans and how we organise our selves.

The Plantation by Di Morrissey is a tale of family secrets and dramas. It is a story that covers several generations and it was set in Malaysia (or Malaya as it was known in the past) as well as Australia. It is a very easy read while keeping readers guessing of why things happened the way they did right up to the very end. It did make me want to go back and explore more of Malaysia. Note to self: book trip to Malaysia ASAP!!!

Friday on my mind… where to go on a Friday night in Perth?

If you are anything like me all I want to do when Friday finally comes around to kick back and hang out with friends. Deciding where to go and what to see can be of a little challenge, so these are a few suggestions.

The Greenhouse bar on St George’s Tce provides a good place to meet fiends if you want something super central (with its agricultural exterior makes it hard to miss) and informal.

It's commitment to sustainability gives the place an unusual vibe (make sure you visit the toilet) and while they have a good selection of wines, beers and food, it is a bit expensive.

Across the road on the corner of 111 St George’s Tce is one of Perth’s newbies that seems to be always full but not so good if you don’t want to compete with the suits or have a conversation.

If you haven't visited Wolfe Lane you must do so NOW......It is so cool that it is worth the walk. It is hard to find but it is awsome. Think Melbourne, New York, we're all good!!

After having a quick beer, it is time to move away from the river and towards Northbridge for dinner and a few more.

Moving right along past bogansville-by-another-name and over the train line, slow down when you get to the State Theatre Centre.

You can either stop off at Penang or move on elsewhere depending on your tolerance to uber cheap Malaysian food made in Australia….. it is just doesn’t taste the same.

The Bird is a relatively new music venue which seems to have been transported right out of New York or San Fran with its small bar plus a funky courtyard out the back. They really do have variety of acts because some are better than others but I guess that’s what makes it so cool. It is open from 12 noon till 2 am.

Moving right along is Ezra Pound is another small bar (minus the music) that seems to have been a gift from our cooler eastern states cousins. Has a good selection of beers and great décor. You can also sit outside at tables and admire the graffiti art.

If you are feeling a little hungry, you can, at this point, enjoy a burger at Jus Burgers which a burger fast food chain that is cooler than maccers. Enjoy the funk!!

Crossing James St you are met with typical Northbridge fair with the Brass Monkey, Universal (which does music and $10 cocktails) and the Grapevine. They are average and often quite full and if mediocrity bothers you, you might like to go elsewhere.

If Jazz is your thing, grab a couple of mates and head down to the Ellington Jazz Club. The Ellington is a performance space (plus a great bar on the 2nd floor) that has a smoky “New York, New York” vibe, so grab a drink, kick back and enjoy the show.

Hope you had a good night.

Giving up bad coffee for good

Coffee is a wonderful liquid.

While it is possible to get your hands on an excellent cup of coffee relatively easily in Perth, you just need to know where to go as it common to be served an awful cup.

My logic is that if you are going to damage your kidneys by drinking coffee you might as well do it with the good stuff.

This blog is all about knowing where to go for a superb cup so that you may give up bad coffee for good!

I obviously love the taste but what keeps me going back for more (apart from the addiction) is what it represents.

Having a cup of the blessed cup means chats with friends, taking a seat and watching the world go past and catching up with the papers. It also means getting a much needed energy boost before a shift, study session or social event. I also love the vibe of cafes and below are some of my favorite cafés in Perth.

King Street Café (number 44) is a Perth institution and one that introduced me to coffee. It serves fine food, wine and cakes. Their coffee is very good but depending on which barista is on it is sometimes less than superb. Its location makes it a good spot for people watching. It shuts late and gets very busy during ballet and opera.

Oh and another thing, this café does not accommodate children so out of courtesy for others, please refrain from bringing your ankle biters with you.

Any children that do enter will be given espresso and a free kitten!

Zekka is down the road a little further towards Wellington Street. It is a court yard at the back of a trendy shop and reminds me of the Melbourne lane ways as well as the (supposedly) methadone alleys of Surry Hills in Sydney! While having a great standard café menu, their coffees are regularly perfect. The only criticism is that it shuts at 1500 or 1600 hrs.

Going on a tangent, what is with Perth Cafés shutting at 1600? Seriously, am I the only person needing coffee after this time in the afternoon? Welcome to dullsville I guess.

Around the corner from Zekka and Kings Street is Tiger, Tiger and it is a truly a wonderful place that pulls the artsy-fartsy set. It is a groovy venue down a little a laneway (Murray Mews, off Murray Street) and must score 10/10 on the vibe scale. It consistently serves great coffee and one of the few cafés where you can have a glass without buying food. It did a great Mulled Wine one winter a few years ago and hopefully it should make it on the menu when the weather cools down a bit. It does get packed on Friday night with the after-work-drinks crowd so be prepared to share tables.

Moving right along to St George’s Terrace, Jean Pierre Sancho’s Boulangerie Patisserie is at number 111 and well worth a visit. This is an authentic French outfit that serves truly magnificent pastries and cakes, plus coffee isn’t of a bad standard. It is so authentically French that ordering in French seems to be almost expected. Its closure at 1800 is the only thing that is not authentically French. They use organic and, from memory, Fair Trade Coffee which is a total bonus.

Going out to the suburbs is well worth the effort and especially when BouBar (Hampton Road) is concerned. This is a great funky joint that is popular with the med student mob, general uni crew as well as the odd retired opera singer and Nursing Assistant. Again, they do regularly great coffee that would sort out any post-work/pre-study energy slump. I love their cold coffees!!

Fremantle just south of Perth is a firm favorite especially when it comes to the Coffee. The famous Cappuccino Strip is full of restaurants and cafés to meet the needs of the hungry and under caffeinated. Gino’s probably the most iconic, which it’s prime location (good for people watching) and “Latte Hippy” regulars. Great coffee and cocktails makes it a cool place to meet up and caffeinate before rocking on.

The Coffee Club, say no and walk away!

There also a few Espresso Bar type places which are awesome and are proving to be very popular. There are several down London Court who pump out superb coffee while playing great music.

Giving up bad coffee for good in Perth is easy if you know where to go. The above cafés are just a few of Perth’s best Cafes.

Are Teach for Australia teachers remembered for all the wrong reasons?

You never forget your best and worst teachers.

These individuals seem to have a massive impact on the decisions we make and continue to influence our lives a long time after we have left school.

I’ve always been envious of those who can teach and sometimes wished that I would be that way inclined. I especially admire those who seem to have the innate skills and true calling to teach a room of kids who don’t always want to be there.

It takes such a special person to be actually good at teaching and so many end up in this noble profession who should be doing something else.

Having recently visited the Teach for Australia (TFA) website by accident, my concern with this programme is that the Teach for Australia teachers being remembered for all the wrong reasons.

There is high praise for this programme in that it gets the crème-de-la-crème into a profession that, despite its importance, is seen as not as good as law, medicine or engineering.

But is this really an answer to assisting schools in meeting the needs of disadvantaged students?

My first reason for concern is that the children in the most disadvantaged schools need the best trained teachers with the most experience and not graduates from non-teaching discipline with only 6 or so weeks of training behind them.

The level of training is a common criticism of TFA.

Katrina Morrison and Laura Tiernan wrote an article in September 2009 has quote Laczko-Kerr and Berliner (both are vocal critics of Teach for America and authors of many papers on TFA) who argue that Teach For America teachers produced 20 percent less academic growth a year than graduate teachers with full certification as well as lack the training in class room management and adequate understanding of fundamentals of teaching.

Morrison and Tiernan later cite ‘Jonathan Schorr (1993), a former TFA teacher, describes the inadequate training and preparation that he and other TFA teachers received prior to being placed into schools. He notes, ‘just eight-weeks training is not enough for teachers’. Schorr admits, ‘I was not a successful teacher, and the loss to the students was real and large’

Courtney Trenwith argues in a Brisbane Times article in February 2010 that ‘Queensland parents and teachers this morning labelled as "inadequate" a new national initiative that would have teachers leading classrooms after only six weeks of training’

As Kristi Eaton argues, in her on article on Teach for America dropouts, ‘though some TFA corps members ultimately succeed and find the experience valuable, some corps members are unprepared and ill-trained for the challenges they face as a teacher’.

Secondly, why is it that when you mention “best and the brightest” that people suddenly start becoming interested in something?

For many years now, the number of people applying for mainstream teaching programmes has gone down but it is strange that when a teacher training programme markets itself as attracting the best and the brightest that they receive many hundreds of applications.

Thirdly, the TFA website states that the programme allows participants to discover their strengths and in what way they can contribute. TFA also offer extensive opportunities to move across to industries other than education.

With 40-50% of Alumni going on to work in the public and corporate sectors, in particular law, commerce, engineering and public policy, TFA sound like a professional gap year programme rather than a strategy to increase the number of teachers working in disadvantage schools.

Would you be happy with this figure if you were funding a programme that aimed to improve the educational outcomes of disadvantaged schools and 40-50% of graduates went on to work in other sectors?

We can only wait and see what the benefits of this programme will be. I hope that participants are planning to become teachers for the long term rather than seeing Teach for Australia as a gap year opportunity and a foundation on which to build a corporate career.

After all we wouldn’t want to see TFA teachers being remembered for all the wrong reasons. The world has enough teachers who don’t have the tools to be good at what they have chosen to do. Quality teaching in a disadvantaged school can change the lives of the children that go there and it is a wasted opportunity if teachers who are there are under-prepared and under-trained, however bright and enthusiastic.

To be better read than dead proves to be 2011’s only resolution

Throughout my teenage years I often enjoyed long lazy summers spent reading and this was the goal of the 2010/2011 summer but, as luck would have it, I was required to keep calm and carry on to deal with several of life’s little dramas.  

But despite having to deal with the odd real life drama rather than reading about them in books, I did manage to read several amazing books which often reminded me of what it means to live a good life and these are just a few of them.     

First off the rank was Captain Corelli’s Mandolin I loved so much about this book especially its meandering narrative, eccentric but strong characters that have to go through so much. It does briefly lose its way in the middle but it is an excellent story all the same!!

The Beauty Myth by Naomi Wolfe an interesting and dense book about the pressures that are on women to be defined by their physical appearance. Her argument that women were innocent victims in a society that obsesses on image didn’t convince me, after all it takes two to play a game, but I did enjoy the discussion on psychology of dieting.

It was written in the 1990s and it would be interesting to have a follow up book that looks at the rise of the glamorisation of stupidity (a.k.a Paris Hilton), the rise of “ladettes”, the sexualisation of tweens and ranche culture.


It would have also been interesting to find out her views on "Chic Lit", which by the way, I have avoided like the plage. Only because it is a genre that I find a boring and dull. Mainly because of the weak plots and characters seem to all be the same botox-ed individuals who live shallow lives while obsessed with their physical appearance.


Like Melinda Finch wrote in Vogue “stupidity has been glamorised. People aspire to be like Paris Hilton because she has captured Andy Warhol’s prophetic American dream: free fame”.

Jonathan Franzen’s Corrections is primarily about a family coming to terms with the demise of their patriarch due to parkinsonism, much of the story is about the complexity of this Midwest family and the lives of its members. At first, I was a little apprehensive that I would not enjoy this book with its annoying characters (who later redeemed themselves) but Franzen’s writing took me on a captivating journey without ever having the feeling of being lost or confused and on the rare moments where I was, the clues were only a few pages back.  It is a book well work reading a second time!!!

Infidel by Ayaan Hirsi Ali’s was one of the most amazing books that I have read in a long time. It was an account of a Muslim Woman’s escape from the patriarchal tradition of her homeland to becoming a refugee in Holland. Ayaan Hirsi Ali’s experiences were a good reminder of how hard it is to understand a new and different culture. Her commitment to assimilating into her new environment was inspiring and her story should be read by anyone who wants a new life in another country. I found her ideas on the role of woman in Islam very interesting and it must have touched a nerve if she received death threats. After all, why bother going to all that trouble of treats if she was loose cannon?

Joanne Harris’ Five Quarters of an Orange was an unexpected story that intertwines two period of a lady’s life. It is defiantly an odd book with even odder characters (how did she dream up these people?) but an amazing one all the same.


I love any book that takes me out of my own imitate existence. I seemed to be attracted to books and movies that have a strong narrative and with vibrant and profound characters that over come adversity with hope and dignity and many of these books have done that.

The tale of 5 countries and many cities

Being able to take two months travelling around Europe was an amazing experience and the things I experienced and the things I saw will stay with me for a life time.

First stop was Geneva where I participated in the United Nations Graduate Study Programme and was a definite highlight. It taught me so much about global politics and gave me the opportunity to hang out with the most amazing passionate and group of people who all want to improve the state of the planet. Even to this day I miss their multi-lingual banter and phenomenal knowledge of international relations and global affairs.

All good things have to come to an end but not quite yet because there was some serious fun to be had in other parts of Europe.

Dublin began the backpacking segment and it was a dream come true to visit this vibrant and funky city. It was as cool as I had hoped and in between the pints of Guinness there were walking tours of the town, visits to the country side as well as to several museums and art galleries. It was also cool to meet new people from all over the world in the youth hostels and something that happens often in a solo backpacking trip.

Edinburgh was amazing! It was dark and gloomy but there was something intriguing about it. With its magical and mysterious architecture provided hours of exploration and way too many photos. I also headed to the highlands where its stark beauty often left me breathless. A visit to Lochness was a nice opportunity to get out of the city and, as usual, nessie did an epic no show. Scotland was finished up with a trip to St Andrews and while Prince William wasn’t there, it was quite pretty and well worth a visit even if you are not into golf or royalty watching.

A visit to London was squeezed in before going to continental Europe and I can’t ever go to the other side of the world without going to the capital near where I grew up. I love the place!! It is so familiar and holds so many memories which made it so hard to leave. Luckily, student accommodation in the mid of London provided a good base for visit the standard “Sights” such as Houses of Parliament, National Gallery (my all time favorite) and Stonehenge.

Next was Amsterdam which is just elegant as Paris without the attitude. Here, it was more art galleries and museums (including the Heineken Brewery) such as Anne Frank’s house. It was nice to meet up with the parental unit who I hadn’t seen for a while as well as got to meet relatives whom I only heard about but had never met. I loved Amsterdam; I found it so cute with its bicycles and canals, I could easily live there.

Finally, Paris was the last stop before my Parents 50th Wedding Anniversary in Neuchatel (Switzerland) and returning home. I love Paris and never get board of its charm and elegance. My number one mission was to visit as many galleries and museums as possible but since it rained no shop this was met easily. The highlights were the Centre Pompidou, Asian Arts and Civilization Museum, Rodin Museum as well as the Jewish Museum and the hidden jewels that are there.

A peep into another world

When you study International Relations, the United Nations and its role in global politics becomes a big focus. It was beyond exciting when I was accepted into its Study Programme  and an opportunity that was a peep into another world.

The past few weeks have seen speakers from many UN agencies and associated organizations such as the UN Environment Programme, World Food Programme, UN High Commissioner for Refugees, International Committee of the Red Cross, and the World Trade Organisation as well as many more. While they took a general approach, many briefly touched on this year’s topic which was “United to combat climate change to safeguard international peace and security”

There were memorable statement and ideas, such as Brigitte Leoni (Media Relations Officer of the UN International Strategy for Disaster Reduction) who commented that “Education makes the difference between life and death”. Another was when Ban Ki-Moon, in a speech to the 3rd World Conferences of Parliamentary Speakers, quoted Strobe Talbott who said “no famines have happened in thriving democracies”. These gave us food for thought and how the UN is important in promoting the values of peace, democracy and working towards a common good.

While it was fairly intense during the day, by night and on weekends were spent exploring Geneva and more of Switzerland. Trips to the maternal ancestral home of Le Paquier and the town-with-the-amazing-views of Interlaken were great opportunities to refresh and clear the mind after a week of grappling with the great issues of our time.

There were also outings to World Cup, drinks on the lake and the most memorable would have to be wandering around Geneva in the middle of the night trying to find somewhere open because, like Perth, have early closing times.

Apart from the location, the people also made a great impression, with their ability to switch languages in the middle of conversation and their knowledge of global issues.

While it is sad to finish the programme and say good-bye to new friends, there is a new chapter that begins and a backpacking trip that will cover 5 countries.

Thanks must go to the City of South Perth and Ms Lisa Baker MLA for their financial support.

UN centre of backpacking adventure

The eve of my departure is filled with excitement of the adventure that will unfold over the next two months. Launching this adventure is a few days in the father land however; the big ticket item is participating in the 48th UN Graduate Study Programme

The title is “The United Nations: United to combat climate change to safeguard international peace and security” and will be held in at the Palais des Nations in Geneva.

The programme will consist of an intensive three-week series of lectures and panel discussions on the United Nations. Participants will get together in working groups to participate in simulation exercise aimed at developing negotiating and management skills. A final document will be developed on the basis of the working groups' discussions.

The working languages are English and French and no interpretation will be provided.

Being a student of Diplomacy and Trade as well as having undertaken a 7 week internship at the Australian High Commission in Malaysia I am keen to learn more about such a key player in international relations.

It will no doubt be an adventure to remember and I can't wait to leave.

Steven Spielberg quits as cultural advisor to games: A sign of further protests?

This is an old story but a good one all the same.

EVENT: Steven Spielberg resigns as Olympic Cultural Advisor over China’s lack of diplomatic efforts in solving the conflict in the Darfur region of Sudan.

SIGNIFICANCE: With Spielberg’s resignation and increasing global concern over Tibet, protests at the 2008 Olympic Games seem increasingly likely. Spielberg’s resignation as cultural advisor to the Games has highlighted the lobbying done by several Human Rights Organisations (such as Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International and smaller specific groups such as Team Darfur and Dream for Darfur) in regards to the conflict and China’s relationship to the Sudanese Government. With conflict likely to occur, China might well try to limit freedom of speech and especially regarding their nation’s political record. Australia’s policy of allowing freedom of free speech to all its athletes, any retraction on the expression of ideas would limit Team Australia’s pursuit of recording their experience and their thoughts. More importantly, Australia has a moral responsibility to encourage China to do what it can to promote a quick solution to the conflict.

ANALYSIS:

Background to China’s involvement in Sudan

For quite a while now, ‘China has played a critical role in the oil-felled boom in Sedan. After Bashier [Sudan’s Head of State] visited President Jiang Zemin in 1995, co-operation blossomed. Sudan now supplies 10% of China’s oil. Production has risen from 500,000 barrels-per-day….This year’s revenue from oil will exceed $4 billion’ . As a result from such an involvement, many in the international community believe that China should lobby the Sudanese Government to resolve the conflict in Darfur.

Why Director Steven Spielberg resigned

In a statement to the Chinese Ambassador and Chinese Olympic Committee, Spielberg argued that ‘Sudan's government bears the bulk of the responsibility for these ongoing crimes but the international community, and particularly China, should be doing more to end the continuing human suffering there….China's economic, military and diplomatic ties to the government of Sudan continue to provide it with the opportunity and obligation to press for change.’ He strongly believes that China’s involvement in the region leaving them in a position to promote peace and reconciliation among the waring parties.

Global pressure has so far not deterred the Chinese’s current strategy as they continue to support the trade arms with the war-ravaged country (having sold the Sudanese authorities $55 million during the 2003 – 2006 period ) as well as act as a major importer of their oil recourses. There are no signs of any change in approach as a result of global pressure to do so despite the fact that the world’s eyes will be upon them in August.

In response to Spielberg’s comments, a Chinese official in America states that "As the Darfur issue is neither an internal issue of China nor is it caused by China, it is completely unreasonable, irresponsible and unfair to link the two as one.’ This highlights the strategy used by the Chinese to avoid any responsibility for participating in the conflict in the Sudan and their attempt to reduce the number of negative political issued discussed during the lead up to the games. However, this is unlikely to deter individuals and human rights organisations from protesting, unless the Chinese make drastic changes to their approach – which seems unlikely.

Other forms of protests being undertaken by Political Institutions

There are several UN Security Council resolutions that deal with the issue of China’s involvement in Sudan; however, since China is a permanent member of the Council, it is unlikely that they will be passed.

What is done by Non-Government Organisations and other Activists

Since the uprising in Tibet in recent days, there have been renewed reports concerning China’s political stances. Such as Activists will demonstrate in Beijing during the Olympics to press China to help end bloodshed in Darfur, a group said Thursday, adding to the government's public relations headaches as it tries to quell protests in Tibet.’

To be more specific, these groups have announced that ‘We are planning some actions during the games themselves in Beijing," Dream for Darfur's executive director, Jill Savitt, said in a conference call with reporters. Savitt said the group was keeping details secret "for fear we would not be able to pull off those events.’ While these are only two groups, it is presumed that they will not be the only ones that are planning protests at the games.

Having looked at the Dream for Darfur’s website, it appears that much for their action seems to be surrounding the provision of information and lobby as well as physical protest, however due to the Chinese crackdown on descent, details of any action, is at present, unclear. But they take the interesting approach of asking the sponsors of the games (such as Coke a Cola, McDonalds and Rolex) to also pressure the Chinese Government into action. There are also broadcasts from refugee camps by actress Mia Farrow and an invitation to the public to refrain from watching the sponsors’ commercials on television.

While these actions might not work in Western Countries, in image conscious China where loosing face must be avoided at all costs, negative campaigns could be what is needed to ensure that the government does something to solve the conflict.

It is also important to remember that many Athletes will also have opinions and express their views on political views. After originally banning their athletes from saying anything, the British have allowed their athletes to speak publicly and the Australians are given freedom of speech and opinion so some athletes may choose to speak out on a range of issues.

Team Darfur is a good example of athlete taking action to bring global attention to particular issue. The organisation began when Olympic Gold medallists speed skater Joey Cheek and UCLA water polo player Brad Greiner ‘$1 million in 2006 when he announced he would donate his medal bonuses to relief in Darfur, and encouraged other athletes and sponsors to do the same’ . Their approach is not so much “causing trouble and embarrassment” to the Chinese Government, although they would prefer them to change their policies but they seem to lead by example by donating their prize money to helping the Sudanese Children. They are also strong in proving information regarding the relationship between the Chinese Government and Sudanese Authorities.

Conclusion: The Olympic Games, despite the ideal of being above politics, will always attract protest and scrutiny of the host country. However, some countries attract more scrutiny than other and China, with its poor human rights record (both nationally and internationally); will no doubt have experience high levels of critique and protest.

Steven Spielberg’s resignation will be among the first acts of protest in the lead up to the games and there will be protests not only in regards to the Chinese – Sudanese relationship but also regarding China’s human rights record.

However, there are reports that ‘China's envoy for Darfur, Liu Guijin, began a five-day visit to the country to push for peace. China has come under increasing pressure to use its influence with Sudan to end the fighting…..‘My [Mr Liu, China’s envoy to Darfur] message to the media and to the world is that the Chinese government and people are ready to help Sudan and to help the international community to find the solution of the Darfur issue", he said. ’ .

The article continues to state that the recent developments have not persuaded Steven Spielberg to reconsider his position.

While the Chinese Government might be reluctant to be active in bringing about peace, they are in a perfect position to do so and Australia should continue to pressure to them to use their influence to make a difference in the conflict in Sudan.

References available on request

The benefits of completing an internship

Gain global exposure.

It is often said that we now live in a global market place and having an international background is vital to being successful in it. By undertaking an international placement you will develop an understanding of the big picture and gain a different prospective as well as international contacts.

International Internships help you stand out from the crowd.

Completing internships in another county is an experience that is both a rewarding and challenging one. Doing an internship in overseas requires an extra set of skills such as operating in a new culture, overcoming culture shock and cross cultural communication. Your experience as an intern in overseas will show your adaptability, drive and focus.

Develop real skills.

During your internship in Malaysia, you will able to use many of the skills that you have learnt at university and apply them to international situations. You also aquire work experience and skills which can assist you to secure perminant employment in the future.

Evaluate your career path and the skills you need to get there.

It can be hard to know what its really like to work in a particular industry and how to progress onto a career path within that area. By doing an internship, you’ll be in a better position to understand your own strengths and weeknesses as well as evaluate your own choices and adjust your plans accordingly.

False expectations surrounding Bachelor of Arts highlights need for more internship programmes

It has been reported that Arts students have faux expectations of their qualification after they graduate. In a study for the Deans of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities (DASSH) lists the career testimonials for arts graduates as authers, editors and news producers as well as diplomats and actors. The report found that in reality, arts graduate often are found in adminstrative roles as well as in teaching and liberian positions.

Professor Nick Harvey, executive dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at Adelaide University is developing stratagies to remove the myths surrounding the job prospects of an Arts graduate as well as building on previous parliamentary, environmental and media internships at the University of Adelaide to include an arts internship.

This article states the importance of his work with almost a quarter of Arts grads who are not in full time work 4 months after graduation as compared to 15% of graduates of other disaplines. However Professor Nick Harvey did stress that Arts graduates long term outlook was as successful as many other graduates in other disaplines.

http://www.campusreview.com.au/pages/section/article.php?s=Faculty+Focus&ss=Humanities&idArticle=13568

www.dassh.edu.au/projects/projects_progress

At internship midway point, Intern describes experience as “best time ever”

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 3. Being approx 6 weeks through her 3 months through her internship Aussie Intern Gabs seems to have pack in more than most during the last 6 weeks.

With a slight change of placement and with university over for the year, a window of opportunity presented itself for spontaneous trip to Hong Kong, Georgetown and Malacca.

“I just want to make the best of my time away from Perth and explore more exciting places before settling back into my internship programme” she says.

This week saw the start of a new internship placement at the Australian Education International which is located at the Australian High Commission. Her role is, among other things, to start a journey into the blogoshere and bring Australian education into this brave new world. “Its all very exciting and I love every minute”.

Of course being at the High Commission does equal to heavy socializing, but not that is ever a problem for Aussie Intern Gabs.

“Oh, it's great, seriously” she says heading out to another event. “last week there was a farewell do, networking drinks and a Murdoch Uni Alumni dinner. As for next week, who knows?” We know for one that there will be a race that stops the nation and we are sure it will stop the diplomatic lot too.

However, there have been a few challenges. “The mozzies were awful at first, it looked like I had chicken pox”, she says pointing to the scars. “Living in a backpacker for 3 weeks was another” but we are assured that things are almost sorted now. Being confined to solitry confinement for a month (which seemed like a life time) was also a challenge but things soon picked up when Aussie Intern Gabs came down from the jungle to the city. She was always a city girl ;)

We are also told that while this internship is part junket, "I am here to work” she says, chaining herself to her desk.

We have also noted that she always eats out and catches taxis everywhere. Who does she think she is??

“Well, with food costing what it does and KL transport being what it is, why would you do anything else?”

Aussie Intern Gabs is looking forward to the next 6 weeks and learning as much as possible about everything. All we can say is “back to work, Aussie Intern Gabs”.

For more information visit http://gtrenbath.blogspot.com