Something to:
Watch
The Post-Oppenheimer Cinematic Universe
Feeling left with some existential dread after Oppenheimer? Great! Let’s make it worse. First off the block ought to be Grave of the Fireflies, a movie so emotionally devastating that it’s pretty much a once-off. Most important one on the list. Then there’s the Chernobyl series, which details the only other time a nuclear bomb has been detonated post-WWII. It’s also a triumph of science communication and an all-round excellent 5-part series. Finally, for some levity, tune into Shin Godzilla, the 2016 remake of the classic film. There are many remakes, but the original Japanese cut is the only good one and stands alone in its own right. It provides great commentary on the inefficiency of bureaucracy when faced with true evil. Also, if you didn’t know, Godzilla is an allegory for the bomb. Enjoy.
Read
The Room
In my sardonic moments, I wonder how some people are smart enough to read Shakespeare, Hemingway, and Dickens, yet are incompetent enough to be blind to our inevitable social norms. If you’re speaking to someone and they respond with a frown, or a sigh, or a “FUCK OFF”, do us all a favour and read the room. Reading and writing requires a functioning cerebrum, while reading the room is perhaps easier for those who have been lobotomized. If you learn to read the room, you’re setting yourself up for a much easier ride in life. If you don’t, well, just cross your fingers and pray that you don’t bump into me on a dark night on Castle Street.
Listen To
I'll Come Too - James Blake (music video)
Ok, slightly cheating here because you have to watch this too, but this music video is made with archival footage from BBC Earth, and is brilliant. It's of Buller's albatrosses and macaroni penguins on New Zealand sub-antarctic islands and the editing is gorgeous. Somehow the song and footage create an adorable story with these creatures and at many times they're literally dancing to the beat.
Go To
Auahi Ora
Why did no one tell me Auahi Ora was actually good? I don’t know why I had such low expectations for the food at the Uni’s restaurant in Central Library, or why it took me so long to try it, but I’m mad no one corrected me until now. The food is yum and way cheaper than your average Dunedin restaurant, and it’s right there. Chicken katsu burger and a massive heaping of fries for cheap? The Uni may be running many things into the ground, but Auahi Ora is not one of them.
Support
Fair Pay Agreements
We all know hospitality sucks, but the upcoming Fair Pay Agreement negotiations for hospo workers means your job could get less sucky (except with shit customers. Can’t do much about that). However, the Fair Pay Agreement can ensure you secure hours, decent rosters, better paid leave, and regular rests among other improvements. So look out for your emails, ask your employer about a union contact or email hospofpa@hospofpa.nz, so you can bitch about your job and monetise it (you deserve it, queen).
Cancel
Massive highway projects right through cities
Just one more lane bro, just one more lane and all that traffic will go away. Don’t worry about giving people transport alternatives. Don’t worry about the climate impacts, or the health impacts, or the road deaths, or the social impacts, or the costs. Don’t even worry that it will only make traffic worse in the long-term. It’s all worth it because it will get the auto industry some more money and me some more votes, right? Right? Yeah, right.