My topic crisis is the well publicized Christmas Island Detention Center Riots, the most recent article is just two days old, and with March's detainee breakout still ringing in people's ears, and it is a hot topic. There's no denying it is a crisis, without a doubt but I believe the Labor Government is going about it all the wrong way.
At the current time it seems to most average Australians that nothing is being done, and that the Labor Government has lost control of the situation. With tax-payer money being spent to repair damages done to centers, by people who potentially want to live in our country it’s understandable to see the average Australian is rather frustrated by it.
If I were the head PR manager for the government or even PM this is what I would recommend doing. Firstly you would have to contain the problem whether that be by add more guards or taking away privileges from the detainees, whatever it is it should be done quickly and as soon as possible.
They need to put in place a new policy perhaps best summed up by the West African proverb made famous by US President Theodore Roosevelt "Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far." With that I mean treat the detainees with respect make sure they are comfortable with their stay and assist them with their attempts to join the Australian community. Whilst doing that the unruly detainees the so called "ring leaders" of these riots need to be dealt with severely. I hate to use the phase but they need to be made an example of, and enforce the notion of anti-social behavior will not be tolerated in Australia.
Whilst all these changes will be under going on I would publicly announce every detail as it came to pass and inform the Australian public of what they intend to do how they'll go about it. The whole process put be performed with absolute transparency, so the Australian people can fully understand that the government is devoted not only to protecting its citizens but offering help for those hoping to seek asylum within Australia.
In conjunction with those methods I would suggest that they seek public input organize polls, on such shows as Q&A and Dateline. The government must use the public to get idea and feel how the Australian people want to go about dealing with the issue. This will not only be great PR for the solution but the Australian public will feel like they're getting involved and that their apart of the solution. The people will more likely understand and appreciate what the government is doing if they believe they are influencing what is going on.
On a long term out it could prove vital by taking this method because it will look like they are in touch with average Australian.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Two Sides to a Coin. Part 13
Well that's it, it's over I’ve finished my last day of work experience at Football West and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it and I must say I’ve learnt a thing or two as well.
I believe I have come a long way to from that fella who got lost on his way to his first day of work experience all those weeks ago. I believe I have learnt a fair bit not only how PR functions in a working, breathing environment but a little bit about myself. I think before work experience I doubted my abilities but by basically being thrown in the deep end I think I’ve managed to swim.
Looking back I accomplished a lot in not a very large time frame, and for that I am proud of myself. It was incredibly rewarding seeing my work displayed on a state wide scale, I mean some small parts of my writing was in the same magazine as Craig Fosters, not many people can claim that.
My last day to be honest was quite routine I went there as per usual and was set to work on the around the grounds article which I did weekly, and then was tasked to finish my updating of the coordinates for the site. Unfortunately it wasn’t a very long day my mentor Chris, had to go to a conference so regrettably it was cut short. I will have fond memories of Football West, I was given a Football West shirt to commemorate my time there.
During my time there, there was one point where hit really hit that this was for real and surprisingly I wasn't behind a desk or even at Football West, of all places it was at the Leederville Hotel Night Club. I was drink with old work friends and a friend of a friend mine who I’d only had limited interaction with approached me and asked me if I was working at football west. It turned out she was a freelance football/sponsorship agent and she'd read my Around the Ground article, I was a truly humbling experience.
I believe I have come a long way to from that fella who got lost on his way to his first day of work experience all those weeks ago. I believe I have learnt a fair bit not only how PR functions in a working, breathing environment but a little bit about myself. I think before work experience I doubted my abilities but by basically being thrown in the deep end I think I’ve managed to swim.
Looking back I accomplished a lot in not a very large time frame, and for that I am proud of myself. It was incredibly rewarding seeing my work displayed on a state wide scale, I mean some small parts of my writing was in the same magazine as Craig Fosters, not many people can claim that.
My last day to be honest was quite routine I went there as per usual and was set to work on the around the grounds article which I did weekly, and then was tasked to finish my updating of the coordinates for the site. Unfortunately it wasn’t a very long day my mentor Chris, had to go to a conference so regrettably it was cut short. I will have fond memories of Football West, I was given a Football West shirt to commemorate my time there.
During my time there, there was one point where hit really hit that this was for real and surprisingly I wasn't behind a desk or even at Football West, of all places it was at the Leederville Hotel Night Club. I was drink with old work friends and a friend of a friend mine who I’d only had limited interaction with approached me and asked me if I was working at football west. It turned out she was a freelance football/sponsorship agent and she'd read my Around the Ground article, I was a truly humbling experience.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Two Sides to a Coin. Part 12
Unfortunately I was unable to attend my weekly position at football west due to coming down with the flu, it was disappointing for it would have been my second lat time there.
I was also disappointed on missing out on seeing the June edition of Beyond 90, in which I help research the main article about the West Australian members of the Matilda's which I stated on in my last post.
I am now fully recovered and very keen for my last day at Football West, it will be a sad day due to the fact that it is my last day but looking back at all I have achieved and done there I can hold my head high and be proud.
I was also disappointed on missing out on seeing the June edition of Beyond 90, in which I help research the main article about the West Australian members of the Matilda's which I stated on in my last post.
I am now fully recovered and very keen for my last day at Football West, it will be a sad day due to the fact that it is my last day but looking back at all I have achieved and done there I can hold my head high and be proud.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Two Sides to a Coin. Part 8,9,10 and 11
Seeing as I have fallen behind and gotten very slack with my posts, I've decided to do a May Mega Month, where I collect all my work from over the month of May in one blog post.
Ok here it goes, in the month of may I wrote 4 Around the Ground articles, each one approximately three pages long so, what’s that? That’s 12 pages of writing straight off the bat for May. In those articles I covered Floreat Athena's season revival, and their historic grudge match against rivals Stirling Lions. I wrote about how Balcatta managed to maintain its season dominance over the league but only narrowly holding on to top spot by one point. I saw the NTC consistently defeated which shed light on the question, if teams are playing in a league where they don’t receive points for games, is the thrill to win lost?
In the month of May I was also assigned tasks of researching not only for Football West own e-magazine Beyond 90, but for press releases and letter's to the board. Some of the research items I looked into was the history of Stirling against Floreat this was in conjunction with a Sunday Times reporter which was very exciting at the time, it was also rewarding the fact that, on the following Sunday I looked in the paper and saw my research in a state newspaper. I've also been asked to research the Matilda's this is for a piece in the Beyond 90 June edition, with the Women’s 2011 Germany World Cup about to kick off later in the year I had to write bio's and a set of questions for four West Australian Matilda's including the West Coast player Daniel Kerr's younger sister Samantha Kerr. There were other small items like comparing our own disabilities program to that of other states, and when other clubs asked for it a summary of another club's performance.
May was also the month where Football West also received another corporate sponsor My Solar, which now has its name to the Masters, Sunday, and my very own Metropolitan Leagues. I played a small part in the rebranding of the three leagues but it was still an invaluable experience.
May was also the month where Football West's marketing manager Ben Fitzpatrick left the company, details weren't really revealed to me but I believe it was on good terms, what this meant was that in Bens absence Chris assumed both roles, needless to say I was there too. I only get a very small amount of exposure to advertising and marketing but I am very interested in it, I find the psychology and artistic flare is advertising and marketing interesting.
I was also involved in writing many press releases, most were purely internal but there was a press release that I was very proud of that was circulated amongst not only the stake holders but media outlets as well. It was concerning Football West very own inclusion program where kids with disabilities can play the world game together under supervision, whilst participating in programs to develop their football skills.
With all of the PR heavy stuff as stated above I was also given some boring yet essential office work as well, it including organising some match cards and updating the Football West sever coordinates for the grounds.
All in all I was kept very busy at Football West during the month of May and I believe I have learnt a wealth of knowledge, whilst being there and it was a great experience all the same with only two more weeks left there I can only assume there will be more of the same to come.
Ok here it goes, in the month of may I wrote 4 Around the Ground articles, each one approximately three pages long so, what’s that? That’s 12 pages of writing straight off the bat for May. In those articles I covered Floreat Athena's season revival, and their historic grudge match against rivals Stirling Lions. I wrote about how Balcatta managed to maintain its season dominance over the league but only narrowly holding on to top spot by one point. I saw the NTC consistently defeated which shed light on the question, if teams are playing in a league where they don’t receive points for games, is the thrill to win lost?
In the month of May I was also assigned tasks of researching not only for Football West own e-magazine Beyond 90, but for press releases and letter's to the board. Some of the research items I looked into was the history of Stirling against Floreat this was in conjunction with a Sunday Times reporter which was very exciting at the time, it was also rewarding the fact that, on the following Sunday I looked in the paper and saw my research in a state newspaper. I've also been asked to research the Matilda's this is for a piece in the Beyond 90 June edition, with the Women’s 2011 Germany World Cup about to kick off later in the year I had to write bio's and a set of questions for four West Australian Matilda's including the West Coast player Daniel Kerr's younger sister Samantha Kerr. There were other small items like comparing our own disabilities program to that of other states, and when other clubs asked for it a summary of another club's performance.
May was also the month where Football West also received another corporate sponsor My Solar, which now has its name to the Masters, Sunday, and my very own Metropolitan Leagues. I played a small part in the rebranding of the three leagues but it was still an invaluable experience.
May was also the month where Football West's marketing manager Ben Fitzpatrick left the company, details weren't really revealed to me but I believe it was on good terms, what this meant was that in Bens absence Chris assumed both roles, needless to say I was there too. I only get a very small amount of exposure to advertising and marketing but I am very interested in it, I find the psychology and artistic flare is advertising and marketing interesting.
I was also involved in writing many press releases, most were purely internal but there was a press release that I was very proud of that was circulated amongst not only the stake holders but media outlets as well. It was concerning Football West very own inclusion program where kids with disabilities can play the world game together under supervision, whilst participating in programs to develop their football skills.
With all of the PR heavy stuff as stated above I was also given some boring yet essential office work as well, it including organising some match cards and updating the Football West sever coordinates for the grounds.
All in all I was kept very busy at Football West during the month of May and I believe I have learnt a wealth of knowledge, whilst being there and it was a great experience all the same with only two more weeks left there I can only assume there will be more of the same to come.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Two Sides to a Coin. part 7
I had officially gotten over my dislocated toe by this week which was good because I had a fair bit of walking to do.
Once again my first task of the day was to do the write up for the Around the Grounds which by now I was getting quite good at, even Chris commented on that he had less to edit this week and that it was my best so far which is always a good sign.
Due to it being the first week of holidays Football West kept up its annual school holiday Football Clinics held every holiday. I got to get out of the office to take photos of the clinic and will most probably end up writing the piece on how it went. It was a good little break from the computer screen, and I'd never really used a large high tech camera before it was a new experience for me and I found it quite easy and fun to be honest.
After writing another press release I was asked to help out in cleaning out the back storage area, as Chris somehow managed to explain that me cleaning was relevant to Public Relations, the lesson was presentation is everything. Mind you it wasn't just me by my self there were other helping as well but I was quite glad when it was over.
Once again my first task of the day was to do the write up for the Around the Grounds which by now I was getting quite good at, even Chris commented on that he had less to edit this week and that it was my best so far which is always a good sign.
Due to it being the first week of holidays Football West kept up its annual school holiday Football Clinics held every holiday. I got to get out of the office to take photos of the clinic and will most probably end up writing the piece on how it went. It was a good little break from the computer screen, and I'd never really used a large high tech camera before it was a new experience for me and I found it quite easy and fun to be honest.
After writing another press release I was asked to help out in cleaning out the back storage area, as Chris somehow managed to explain that me cleaning was relevant to Public Relations, the lesson was presentation is everything. Mind you it wasn't just me by my self there were other helping as well but I was quite glad when it was over.
Two Sides to a Coin. part 6
My first day back after getting my toe dislocated, and I was back into the swing of things. Starting it off was the usual around the grounds spiel about the upcoming weekend's match ups in the All Flags State League, and the finishing pre-season Night Series League.
My mentor Chris also gave me a book to have a look through whilst there, basically it was all about style of writing. Chris went through the book and pointed out where and what Football West uses in terms of style of writing and how I could implement it into the work he was assigning me.
I went through the book a bit further after finishing work, Chris allowed me to keep it till next week. I found the book to be a lot like the text book we needed in the Edit Texts unit in the Certificate IV, but personally I found it to be easier to read opposed to the Cert IV book. The book was if I recall correctly, Style.
My mentor Chris also gave me a book to have a look through whilst there, basically it was all about style of writing. Chris went through the book and pointed out where and what Football West uses in terms of style of writing and how I could implement it into the work he was assigning me.
I went through the book a bit further after finishing work, Chris allowed me to keep it till next week. I found the book to be a lot like the text book we needed in the Edit Texts unit in the Certificate IV, but personally I found it to be easier to read opposed to the Cert IV book. The book was if I recall correctly, Style.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Two Sides to a Coin. Part 5
Unfortunately I was unable to attend work this week due to getting my toe dislocated in my Sunday football game. As disappointing as it is not being able to go, at least it was in football.
On a positive note doctor's say i should be right as rain for next though.
On a positive note doctor's say i should be right as rain for next though.
Two Sides to a Coin. Part 4
In my fourth week at Footballwest it’s almost like I've started to fell into a sort of routine, I can generally expect that my first job of the day will be to write the Around the Grounds article for the Footballwest website. The Around the Grounds article in basically a summary of past results and advertising upcoming matches for the weekend ahead, focusing on two games each issue to delve into greater detail.
After completing the Around the Grounds article general I would be put to work on either researching/developing stories for Beyond 90 (Footballwest's E-Magazine) or general Public Relation tasks. For instance press releases either internal to stakeholders and board members or external.
With saying all that above I can't always predict the full roll out of the day and my fourth week was a perfect example, for i got sit in on a conference on Beyond 90 and the May edition layout and stories. My opinion was also asked although I am but a junior and novice in the field I hope that I at least made one suggestion that would be put into consideration.
After completing the Around the Grounds article general I would be put to work on either researching/developing stories for Beyond 90 (Footballwest's E-Magazine) or general Public Relation tasks. For instance press releases either internal to stakeholders and board members or external.
With saying all that above I can't always predict the full roll out of the day and my fourth week was a perfect example, for i got sit in on a conference on Beyond 90 and the May edition layout and stories. My opinion was also asked although I am but a junior and novice in the field I hope that I at least made one suggestion that would be put into consideration.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Two Sides to a Coin. Part 3
This week was a lot less hands on for in the sense that the second edition was published and released the day earlier, so it was the cool down time in the PR and Marketing area.
With saying that, there was still work to be done. It wasn't housekeeping but along those lines, I was asked to construct a sort of advertisement for the next round of premiership games. Which included past results, this is done every week. That was about the extent of my PR work that day, mind you Chris did go through the e-magazine with me and told me how it was constructed and formatted.
I was then sent to help "Beachy" with organising match cards for the junior clubs, sure it wasn't deep PR or Marketing work. Actually it had nothing to do with either but you can't be writing reports and articles that will be published all the time, you got to get your hands dirty and do the tedious, nitty gritty jobs. After all I am the work experience, bottom of the food chain, but it's better than just going home early it’s about being a part of a team. This week when I was there PR and Marketing didn’t have much on unlike the other departments so I was happy to help, and if we're busy next week I am sure if the roles were reversed they'd help in any way they could. It's all about the big t word, teamwork.
With saying that, there was still work to be done. It wasn't housekeeping but along those lines, I was asked to construct a sort of advertisement for the next round of premiership games. Which included past results, this is done every week. That was about the extent of my PR work that day, mind you Chris did go through the e-magazine with me and told me how it was constructed and formatted.
I was then sent to help "Beachy" with organising match cards for the junior clubs, sure it wasn't deep PR or Marketing work. Actually it had nothing to do with either but you can't be writing reports and articles that will be published all the time, you got to get your hands dirty and do the tedious, nitty gritty jobs. After all I am the work experience, bottom of the food chain, but it's better than just going home early it’s about being a part of a team. This week when I was there PR and Marketing didn’t have much on unlike the other departments so I was happy to help, and if we're busy next week I am sure if the roles were reversed they'd help in any way they could. It's all about the big t word, teamwork.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Two Sides to a Coin. Part 2
My second day of work experience was a lot more comfortable than my first day the week earlier, I knew were I has suppose to go and what I was suppose to do. The second day’s tasks were much along the same lines as the first days, involving press releases and developing stories for Football West’s e-magazine Beyond 90.
I was also introduced to Ben Fitzpatrick the Commercial & Marketing Manager for Football West, he is much like Chris in the aspect of being laid back but also knowing his profession. Ben liaises with Chris a lot which benefits me by giving me an insight into marketing as well as public relations.
I was also asked to interview Western Australia's Paralympic football coach David Cantoni, but unfortunately he was indisposed but needless to say I was kept busy.
I was also introduced to Ben Fitzpatrick the Commercial & Marketing Manager for Football West, he is much like Chris in the aspect of being laid back but also knowing his profession. Ben liaises with Chris a lot which benefits me by giving me an insight into marketing as well as public relations.
I was also asked to interview Western Australia's Paralympic football coach David Cantoni, but unfortunately he was indisposed but needless to say I was kept busy.
Two Sides to a Coin. Part 1
I was lucky enough and privileged to land a work experience job at Football West the governing body of football (Soccer) in Western Australia. It was the field and opportunity I was hoping for, I've been playing soccer for just about 12 years now so I know the game like the back of my hand really. Working at Football West gives me the opportunity to see what goes on behind the scenes, I’ve all ways known of Football West but now is my chance to really be a part of it.
Initially after get accepted to do work experience at Football West I was thrilled, after all Sports PR is where I want to head towards. It was my birthday that day which made it all the sweeter.
Slowly the days crept by and it was the eve of my first day of work experience with Football West and to be honest I was crapping myself. The thoughts of I can't do this and what am I going to do, started to flood my brain implanting the seeds of anxiety. Other were, am I going to let Football West down, am I going to let Keith down, will they take one look at me tell me to leave?
In the end I decided to rally myself with the SAS motto of "who dares wins" and made up my mind to tackle it head on, come what may.
After a slight delay of getting my bearings lost i managed to arrive at Football West, where I was greeted by my boss and mentor, Chris Correia. He's a pretty laid back guy but he knows his stuff, if I only had half the editing skills he has it would make my life so much easier.
My first day consisted of being shown around the place, meeting everyone and doing some real hands on work. It's just like in those war movies were they say, "don't worry your training will kick in," and that's basically what happened.
At the conclusion of the day I had written up two very different media releases and done so major investigation work into a breakaway Indonesian Football League. Which I would find out later be the center piece of next month’s Beyond 90, Football West very own E-magazine.
I am looking forward to round two.
Initially after get accepted to do work experience at Football West I was thrilled, after all Sports PR is where I want to head towards. It was my birthday that day which made it all the sweeter.
Slowly the days crept by and it was the eve of my first day of work experience with Football West and to be honest I was crapping myself. The thoughts of I can't do this and what am I going to do, started to flood my brain implanting the seeds of anxiety. Other were, am I going to let Football West down, am I going to let Keith down, will they take one look at me tell me to leave?
In the end I decided to rally myself with the SAS motto of "who dares wins" and made up my mind to tackle it head on, come what may.
After a slight delay of getting my bearings lost i managed to arrive at Football West, where I was greeted by my boss and mentor, Chris Correia. He's a pretty laid back guy but he knows his stuff, if I only had half the editing skills he has it would make my life so much easier.
My first day consisted of being shown around the place, meeting everyone and doing some real hands on work. It's just like in those war movies were they say, "don't worry your training will kick in," and that's basically what happened.
At the conclusion of the day I had written up two very different media releases and done so major investigation work into a breakaway Indonesian Football League. Which I would find out later be the center piece of next month’s Beyond 90, Football West very own E-magazine.
I am looking forward to round two.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Freedom isn't Free
"The secret of happiness is freedom. The secret of freedom is courage."
- Thucydides
It's what all western societies hold most dear, their freedom to not be controlled or told what to do to have the freedom to make choices. Recently a wave of Pro-Democracy movements has swept through the Middle East in search of freedom. Should these uprising be condemn or celebrated?
In my opinion we in the West should back these so called rebels, after all the west had to fight for its freedom as well just like the Middle East is now. It would be hypocritical for Western Countries to condemn these political movements, just look back in history the British Civil War a fight for democracy. The American and French Revolutions, and of course the largest the Second World War were most of Europe was subjected to fascist oppression, and the countries all had to fight for their freedom.
Most recently the war in Libya has occurred because Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi has refused to step down and allow democracy and freedom to flourish. He's declared war on his own people the people he once served to protect and lead, he is now brutally murdering them. He has shown the world his ruthless, barbaric ways in which he has governed Libya through fear and blood. Through the dark enveloping shadow of death, oppression, tears and blood that now befalls Libya there is also a ray of light. There are those who refuse to be subjected to this oppression for no longer, they stand against Gaddafi's armies and machines of war. There fight is perhaps the most noblest and just cause any war can be fought for, they do not fight for a King or Queen, nor a Religion or Wealth, they fight for freedom and liberty, they fight for a brighter future.
The West has been slow to intervene, to avoid the righteous crusader persona, they don't want to fight the people's war for them, rather play a supporting role in the whole ordeal. Is the west only helping the Libyan revolutionaries out of a sense of justice and moral duty, or is there an ulterior motive?
Granted, the West was never fond of Gaddafi and would have jumped at any chance to take him out, much like the chance they have now. In saying that they are full filling that "revenge" motive, whilst helping the revolutionaries gain their independence and freedom.
I personally support the Libyan revolutionaries fight, and support the UN helping them gain their much wanted freedom.
- Thucydides
It's what all western societies hold most dear, their freedom to not be controlled or told what to do to have the freedom to make choices. Recently a wave of Pro-Democracy movements has swept through the Middle East in search of freedom. Should these uprising be condemn or celebrated?
In my opinion we in the West should back these so called rebels, after all the west had to fight for its freedom as well just like the Middle East is now. It would be hypocritical for Western Countries to condemn these political movements, just look back in history the British Civil War a fight for democracy. The American and French Revolutions, and of course the largest the Second World War were most of Europe was subjected to fascist oppression, and the countries all had to fight for their freedom.
Most recently the war in Libya has occurred because Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi has refused to step down and allow democracy and freedom to flourish. He's declared war on his own people the people he once served to protect and lead, he is now brutally murdering them. He has shown the world his ruthless, barbaric ways in which he has governed Libya through fear and blood. Through the dark enveloping shadow of death, oppression, tears and blood that now befalls Libya there is also a ray of light. There are those who refuse to be subjected to this oppression for no longer, they stand against Gaddafi's armies and machines of war. There fight is perhaps the most noblest and just cause any war can be fought for, they do not fight for a King or Queen, nor a Religion or Wealth, they fight for freedom and liberty, they fight for a brighter future.
The West has been slow to intervene, to avoid the righteous crusader persona, they don't want to fight the people's war for them, rather play a supporting role in the whole ordeal. Is the west only helping the Libyan revolutionaries out of a sense of justice and moral duty, or is there an ulterior motive?
Granted, the West was never fond of Gaddafi and would have jumped at any chance to take him out, much like the chance they have now. In saying that they are full filling that "revenge" motive, whilst helping the revolutionaries gain their independence and freedom.
I personally support the Libyan revolutionaries fight, and support the UN helping them gain their much wanted freedom.
Monday, March 21, 2011
What Doesn't Kill You, Makes You Stronger
As I am sure most of you have already seen the video of Casey Haynes, the kid who stood up to the bully and became an overnight legend. It now begs the question and stirs up the debate over, is Casey now no longer going to be bullied and is being bullied at school apart over growing up?
I believe that bulling isn't right and can’t really be justified, but I do also accept the fact that bulling will never stop. Anyone who would argue opposite of that point I believe is just being naive, after all it's human nature. If you look at the animal kingdom the top predators or kings of the food chain, don't just attack the larger animals but are also opportunistic and will attack an easier target, just like humans do.
We have evolved now and we no longer have to hunt for our food but the animalistic traits are still maintained within our DNA, reject it or embrace it, it's a part of us. The surprising thing is we still use those traits in modern society, you can’t tell me that at one point in time within your life you've never sized up another person or prejudged them if it came to blows, but to act on them is something else. It's what happened in the Casey Haynes case and is what happens all over the world, a person has judged another to be weaker than themselves and acted upon it. Either through psychical or psychological means in order to accomplish any number of objectives, whether it be for an advance in social standing or pride.
Personally I believe in the saying what doesn't kill you, makes you stronger which I believe applies in the case of bulling. Being bullied myself in younger years I do honestly believe it has made me a stronger person now, mind you I was bullied to a lesser degree due to my actions. Being of not an overly large stature I was always targeted by bullies at a younger age, nearly all of time it was psychical abuse but was gifted by my spartanic mind set. It was this tenacious "never say die" attitude that won me the respect of not only my peers but of my oppressors as well, this was after a number of confrontations of course.
I can see where people come from in calling for the attempted rooting out of bulling but realistically it isn't going to happen, the only way to deal with a bully is front on confrontation sure it will hurt but you'll recover and the bulling will stop. Honestly the advice kids are given is the biggest load of crap, I mean going and telling a teacher is a sure fire way to getting bullied even more and even most likely losing the respect of your peers at the same time.
Bulling is a part of the real world you'll never be rid of it your entire life, in one way or another it'll be around you maybe not affecting you directly but it will be there, guaranteed. Just remember what doesn't kill you, makes you stronger.
I believe that bulling isn't right and can’t really be justified, but I do also accept the fact that bulling will never stop. Anyone who would argue opposite of that point I believe is just being naive, after all it's human nature. If you look at the animal kingdom the top predators or kings of the food chain, don't just attack the larger animals but are also opportunistic and will attack an easier target, just like humans do.
We have evolved now and we no longer have to hunt for our food but the animalistic traits are still maintained within our DNA, reject it or embrace it, it's a part of us. The surprising thing is we still use those traits in modern society, you can’t tell me that at one point in time within your life you've never sized up another person or prejudged them if it came to blows, but to act on them is something else. It's what happened in the Casey Haynes case and is what happens all over the world, a person has judged another to be weaker than themselves and acted upon it. Either through psychical or psychological means in order to accomplish any number of objectives, whether it be for an advance in social standing or pride.
Personally I believe in the saying what doesn't kill you, makes you stronger which I believe applies in the case of bulling. Being bullied myself in younger years I do honestly believe it has made me a stronger person now, mind you I was bullied to a lesser degree due to my actions. Being of not an overly large stature I was always targeted by bullies at a younger age, nearly all of time it was psychical abuse but was gifted by my spartanic mind set. It was this tenacious "never say die" attitude that won me the respect of not only my peers but of my oppressors as well, this was after a number of confrontations of course.
I can see where people come from in calling for the attempted rooting out of bulling but realistically it isn't going to happen, the only way to deal with a bully is front on confrontation sure it will hurt but you'll recover and the bulling will stop. Honestly the advice kids are given is the biggest load of crap, I mean going and telling a teacher is a sure fire way to getting bullied even more and even most likely losing the respect of your peers at the same time.
Bulling is a part of the real world you'll never be rid of it your entire life, in one way or another it'll be around you maybe not affecting you directly but it will be there, guaranteed. Just remember what doesn't kill you, makes you stronger.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
The Female take on 183 Years of Male Rule
In 1828 the Swan River Colony was established in the name of Queen Victoria, and the British Empire. Upon which Admiral Sir James Stirling, founder of the Swan River Colony later to be know as Perth, was appointed the first Governor and Commander-in-Chief of Western Australia.
Fast forward 183 years and our current Governor Dr Ken Micheal, has decided to step down after his term finishes on the 30th of April. Governor Dr Ken Micheal has decided to step down after five years as the Queens representative for the state of Western Australia, reportedly due the decline of his wife’s health. The possibility of there being a female Governor in his wake has created quite a stir in public opinion, due to the fact that there has never been a female Governor in the 183 years of Western Australia's history. Calls are being made for our own first female Governor to be appointed, after all our Governor-General, and Prime Minster are females in positions of power, so why not?
There are probably some of you out there that have no idea of what the role of the Governor is? I, for one, had no idea until researching it. Basically the Governor is the Queens Representative just like the Governor-General but for state politics. Their roles include presiding over the Executive Council, proroguing and dissolving the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council, issuing writs for elections, appointing Ministers, Judges, Magistrates and Justices of the Peace, and finally all Bills passed by the Parliament of Western Australia require the Governor's signature before they become Acts and pass into law. In summary the Governor is important to the Western Australian political system due to the fact that he/she has the power to keep the ministers and parties in check.
I believe that, due to the current state of the world at the moment, having a women in the position of Governor isn't such a bad idea. After all females are stereotypically classed as not only being a lot calmer and passive in their approach to obstacles, opposed to a man's stereotyped aggressiveness, but they also have a apparently a calming nature as well. This being said I of the opinion that the new Governor should not be chosen purely for their gender, but for their mental resolve and attitude. It is said that the world might have been a different place if females where in positions of power earlier in humanities history.
out there that have no idea of what the role of the Governor is? I for one had no idea until researching it. Basically the Governor is the Queens Representative just like the Governor-General but for state politics. Their roles include presiding over the Executive Council, proroguing and dissolving the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council, issuing writs for elections, appointing Ministers, Judges, Magistrates and Justices of the Peace, and finally all Bills passed by the Parliament of Western Australia require the Governor's signature before they become Acts and pass into law. In summary the Governor is important to the Western Australian political system due to the fact that he/she has the power to keep the ministers and parties in check.
I believe that due to the current state of the world at the moment that having a women in the position of Governor isn't such a bad idea, after all females are stereotypically classed as not only being a lot calmer and passive in there approach to obstacles, opposed to a man's stereotyped aggressiveness, but they also have a apparently a calming nature as well. This being said I of the opinion that the new Governor should not be chosen purely for there gender, but for there mental resolve and attitude. It is said that the world might have been a different place if females where in positions of power earlier in humanities history.
Fast forward 183 years and our current Governor Dr Ken Micheal, has decided to step down after his term finishes on the 30th of April. Governor Dr Ken Micheal has decided to step down after five years as the Queens representative for the state of Western Australia, reportedly due the decline of his wife’s health. The possibility of there being a female Governor in his wake has created quite a stir in public opinion, due to the fact that there has never been a female Governor in the 183 years of Western Australia's history. Calls are being made for our own first female Governor to be appointed, after all our Governor-General, and Prime Minster are females in positions of power, so why not?
There are probably some of you out there that have no idea of what the role of the Governor is? I, for one, had no idea until researching it. Basically the Governor is the Queens Representative just like the Governor-General but for state politics. Their roles include presiding over the Executive Council, proroguing and dissolving the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council, issuing writs for elections, appointing Ministers, Judges, Magistrates and Justices of the Peace, and finally all Bills passed by the Parliament of Western Australia require the Governor's signature before they become Acts and pass into law. In summary the Governor is important to the Western Australian political system due to the fact that he/she has the power to keep the ministers and parties in check.
I believe that, due to the current state of the world at the moment, having a women in the position of Governor isn't such a bad idea. After all females are stereotypically classed as not only being a lot calmer and passive in their approach to obstacles, opposed to a man's stereotyped aggressiveness, but they also have a apparently a calming nature as well. This being said I of the opinion that the new Governor should not be chosen purely for their gender, but for their mental resolve and attitude. It is said that the world might have been a different place if females where in positions of power earlier in humanities history.
out there that have no idea of what the role of the Governor is? I for one had no idea until researching it. Basically the Governor is the Queens Representative just like the Governor-General but for state politics. Their roles include presiding over the Executive Council, proroguing and dissolving the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council, issuing writs for elections, appointing Ministers, Judges, Magistrates and Justices of the Peace, and finally all Bills passed by the Parliament of Western Australia require the Governor's signature before they become Acts and pass into law. In summary the Governor is important to the Western Australian political system due to the fact that he/she has the power to keep the ministers and parties in check.
I believe that due to the current state of the world at the moment that having a women in the position of Governor isn't such a bad idea, after all females are stereotypically classed as not only being a lot calmer and passive in there approach to obstacles, opposed to a man's stereotyped aggressiveness, but they also have a apparently a calming nature as well. This being said I of the opinion that the new Governor should not be chosen purely for there gender, but for there mental resolve and attitude. It is said that the world might have been a different place if females where in positions of power earlier in humanities history.
Monday, February 28, 2011
In School Forever
Lifelong Learning, is the continuous building of skills and knowledge throughout the life of an individual. This is either for personal or financial gain, through lifelong learning you not only learn a varied amount of skills but you also discover elements about yourself.
The following is a list of 10 general benefits of Lifelong Learning:
10.) Lifelong learning helps fully develop natural abilities.
9.) Lifelong learning opens the mind.
8.) Lifelong learning creates a curious, hungry mind.
7.) Lifelong learning increases our wisdom.
6.) Lifelong learning makes the world a better place.
5.) Lifelong learning helps us adapt to change.
4.) Lifelong learning helps us find meaning in our lives.
3.) Lifelong learning keeps us involved as active contributors to society.
2.) Lifelong learning helps us make new friends and establish valuable relationships.
1.) Lifelong learning leads to an enriching life of self-fulfillment.
As sourced from:
http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/Top_10_Benefits_of_Lifelong_Learning.html
People who devote their lives to lifelong learning develop certain attributes. The Chinese have a set of proverbs, who many believe reflects what lifelong learning attributes are.
1.) Continue to Learn in The Journey of Life
“Huo Dao Lao, Xue Dao Lao”
In every life stage, there are more things to learn. It shouldn't stop.
2.) There Are No Limits To Learning
“Xue Wu Zhi Jing”
You should not limit the fields of what you learn, in life.
3.) The Love For Learning Never Tires You
“Hao Xue Bu Juan”
Learning is dynamic, it is ever moving, ever changing.
4.) Only After Learning, Do You Know What You Do Not Know
"Xue Er Hou Zhi Bu Zu”
Self-reflection creates a sense of insufficiency and thus generates a want to learn.
5.) Three Persons Walking One Is Bound To Be My Teacher
“San Ren Sin Pi You Wo Shi”
We can all learn from one another regardless.
The above quotations are sourced from:
http://www.career-success-for-newbies.com/lifelong-learning.html
In my opinion lifelong learning requires absolute dedication, and a passion to know more. It's in our DNA to want to know more, if our ancestors never learn how to walk upright and never strove to discover ways to better their life, our existence would be very different indeed. It’s these people who advance our species far beyond what the natural world could have ever expected from mere mammals.
I believe that people like that who devote their lives to lifelong learning are truly pivotal to our society.
The following is a list of 10 general benefits of Lifelong Learning:
10.) Lifelong learning helps fully develop natural abilities.
9.) Lifelong learning opens the mind.
8.) Lifelong learning creates a curious, hungry mind.
7.) Lifelong learning increases our wisdom.
6.) Lifelong learning makes the world a better place.
5.) Lifelong learning helps us adapt to change.
4.) Lifelong learning helps us find meaning in our lives.
3.) Lifelong learning keeps us involved as active contributors to society.
2.) Lifelong learning helps us make new friends and establish valuable relationships.
1.) Lifelong learning leads to an enriching life of self-fulfillment.
As sourced from:
http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/Top_10_Benefits_of_Lifelong_Learning.html
People who devote their lives to lifelong learning develop certain attributes. The Chinese have a set of proverbs, who many believe reflects what lifelong learning attributes are.
1.) Continue to Learn in The Journey of Life
“Huo Dao Lao, Xue Dao Lao”
In every life stage, there are more things to learn. It shouldn't stop.
2.) There Are No Limits To Learning
“Xue Wu Zhi Jing”
You should not limit the fields of what you learn, in life.
3.) The Love For Learning Never Tires You
“Hao Xue Bu Juan”
Learning is dynamic, it is ever moving, ever changing.
4.) Only After Learning, Do You Know What You Do Not Know
"Xue Er Hou Zhi Bu Zu”
Self-reflection creates a sense of insufficiency and thus generates a want to learn.
5.) Three Persons Walking One Is Bound To Be My Teacher
“San Ren Sin Pi You Wo Shi”
We can all learn from one another regardless.
The above quotations are sourced from:
http://www.career-success-for-newbies.com/lifelong-learning.html
In my opinion lifelong learning requires absolute dedication, and a passion to know more. It's in our DNA to want to know more, if our ancestors never learn how to walk upright and never strove to discover ways to better their life, our existence would be very different indeed. It’s these people who advance our species far beyond what the natural world could have ever expected from mere mammals.
I believe that people like that who devote their lives to lifelong learning are truly pivotal to our society.
To Central or To Uni?
The age old question of should I go to Central (TAFE) or University, and which is better looking on the resume. At the moment generally kids coming out of high school tend to try and go into University, due to buying into the common misconception of Central or TAFE is where the dumb people go. In all honesty Central being a place for dumb people is the furthest from the truth you can get.
Granted, University has its own culture, massive campuses, and varied range of courses available but what is does lack are practical examples of the work that you are studying, being carried out. It’s one thing to sit and study for four years about a certain subject and then be expected to do these certain tasks in a real world scenario. At Central you work as you learn, you actively participate in many actually physical examples of your chosen field of study, not only is it an invaluable experience but gives you a sense of accomplishment, and sense of "Hey, I can do that".
If you look at all the available work positions across many different fields, they all have one thing in common and that is they want people with experience, they want people to already know what they’re supposed to be doing, they want them to hit the ground running. With a University degree you just don’t have that real world experience, opposed to the people that went to Central. If it came down to one with a university degree but no experience, and one with a Central diploma but with sufficient experience I'd have to say 70% times they would take the Central student.
In short a University degree in whatever field is great but it just can't compare to real world experience.
Granted, University has its own culture, massive campuses, and varied range of courses available but what is does lack are practical examples of the work that you are studying, being carried out. It’s one thing to sit and study for four years about a certain subject and then be expected to do these certain tasks in a real world scenario. At Central you work as you learn, you actively participate in many actually physical examples of your chosen field of study, not only is it an invaluable experience but gives you a sense of accomplishment, and sense of "Hey, I can do that".
If you look at all the available work positions across many different fields, they all have one thing in common and that is they want people with experience, they want people to already know what they’re supposed to be doing, they want them to hit the ground running. With a University degree you just don’t have that real world experience, opposed to the people that went to Central. If it came down to one with a university degree but no experience, and one with a Central diploma but with sufficient experience I'd have to say 70% times they would take the Central student.
In short a University degree in whatever field is great but it just can't compare to real world experience.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
The Great Price War
As most of you probably know the big four banks are "braking up" it was all instigated by National Australia Bank (NAB). They originally came out saying that they will pay for members of other banks to cancel there mortgage with their current lender and join NAB. Unbeknown to me when i choose this article to write about that the day after NAB came out with a clever advertising campaign, basically saying its splitting up with the big four.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBoXvgysltw&feature=relmfu
In response to NAB's advertising campaign and deals to steal other banks customers, the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) has fought back with up to $1200 in cash to NAB customers looking to switch loans.
CBA will also offer new customers deep discounts off their home loans.
Is this really a warm hearted approach to promote healthy competition amongst the the big four banks in which the customers are the real winners?, or is it just a clever ruse by NAB to try and convince the general public that their no longer that bank that almost doubled the reserve banks interest rate recommendation. No longer the banks that had a "technical glitch" where customers couldn't get the money out for 24 hours because NAB had to pay some bills.
In my opinion i believe that it's a bit of both, they are trying to shed that negative preconception of banks, as greedy low life's that are only interested in making as larger profit as they can. By appearing as the knight in shining armour charging forward to offer fairer deals and give the customer the better deal, despite having to turn on there fellow banks.
Finally i believe it's a small step in the right, direction but there is a very, very long way to go till they can shed there stigma, mind you the fact is it might never actually go away. The damage is done.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBoXvgysltw&feature=relmfu
In response to NAB's advertising campaign and deals to steal other banks customers, the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) has fought back with up to $1200 in cash to NAB customers looking to switch loans.
CBA will also offer new customers deep discounts off their home loans.
Is this really a warm hearted approach to promote healthy competition amongst the the big four banks in which the customers are the real winners?, or is it just a clever ruse by NAB to try and convince the general public that their no longer that bank that almost doubled the reserve banks interest rate recommendation. No longer the banks that had a "technical glitch" where customers couldn't get the money out for 24 hours because NAB had to pay some bills.
In my opinion i believe that it's a bit of both, they are trying to shed that negative preconception of banks, as greedy low life's that are only interested in making as larger profit as they can. By appearing as the knight in shining armour charging forward to offer fairer deals and give the customer the better deal, despite having to turn on there fellow banks.
Finally i believe it's a small step in the right, direction but there is a very, very long way to go till they can shed there stigma, mind you the fact is it might never actually go away. The damage is done.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Looking Forward Again
It's another year, with new objectives and goals to strive for but before i delve into that I'll re-introduce myself.
My name is Hartley Akhurst, I am of English and New Zealand decent I was born and raised in Perth, Western Australia, my loyalties lie with Australia in sporting and patriotic affairs. I was born on the 14th of March 1992 making me 19 in March this year. I attened Doubleview Primary school and then Churchlands Senior High School where I graduated from in 2009. I then attended Central Institute of Technology and ascertained a Cert IV in Public Relations in 2010.
I love my sport in particular I love Soccer (football), I've played with my local club of Wembly Downs for 12 years now and still continuing. This year i am going to be playing in the Amature Division which is basically the adult league, which I looking forward to challenging myself in.
Why am I in this course ? It's a good question I believe that PR is one of my choices that actually looks appealing to me as a possible career, I like the whole communication aspect involved in the PR industry and believe I could be good or at the very least competent in the field. Whilst I admit haven't made up my mind on what career I want to pursue, a career in PR is up there with the viable candidates. If i were to pursue a career in the PR industry I would like to perhaps work in the field of sporting clubs or in a government sector. Out of the the two opinions stated previously I would prefer to work with a Football club (soccer) where i have a passion for the game and would be helping the club. If that means moving to Europe where all the major clubs are then so be it.
My name is Hartley Akhurst, I am of English and New Zealand decent I was born and raised in Perth, Western Australia, my loyalties lie with Australia in sporting and patriotic affairs. I was born on the 14th of March 1992 making me 19 in March this year. I attened Doubleview Primary school and then Churchlands Senior High School where I graduated from in 2009. I then attended Central Institute of Technology and ascertained a Cert IV in Public Relations in 2010.
I love my sport in particular I love Soccer (football), I've played with my local club of Wembly Downs for 12 years now and still continuing. This year i am going to be playing in the Amature Division which is basically the adult league, which I looking forward to challenging myself in.
Why am I in this course ? It's a good question I believe that PR is one of my choices that actually looks appealing to me as a possible career, I like the whole communication aspect involved in the PR industry and believe I could be good or at the very least competent in the field. Whilst I admit haven't made up my mind on what career I want to pursue, a career in PR is up there with the viable candidates. If i were to pursue a career in the PR industry I would like to perhaps work in the field of sporting clubs or in a government sector. Out of the the two opinions stated previously I would prefer to work with a Football club (soccer) where i have a passion for the game and would be helping the club. If that means moving to Europe where all the major clubs are then so be it.
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