I went to my first full day of university today. UQ (University of Queensland) One of my subjects "The West since 1789" seems to be grabbing my attention the most and Ancient Greek art and architecture is the one that seems to be putting me to sleep. I know I havent yet grasped the "appreciation" of the ancient subjects, but when you could be studying about the French/Russian/American revolution, why would you want to learn about a vase of the 4th century BC? I realise that all areas of human study have their brilliances, but I am finding it a lot harder to see those of the Classical Antiquities. Will post more later...

Tortilla Curtain

This video brings the basic ethics back to a very-much discussed issue. Accept all, love all. It is really THAT simple, yet we insist on making it difficult. It was made by a senior english class.

This post is directed mainly to the Book Hub members. Please post which book you would prefer to read. The Book Hub seems to be heading into two directions: One is the more classical and denser reads, and the other is the more contemporary stories. Balancing these two styles of books may be hard, but I don't think it will be impossible. I have to say I am a fan of both. However, in trying to achieve the aim of the book club which is to expand on our own cultural domain, contemporary tales that share/reflect upon differing cultures from our own, seem to suit best. I havent heard anything about the comic as yet, so here are some other suggestions that have been made:

1) The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood. Eventhough it is a work of fantasy it challenges our own perception in regards to the position of women in our world.

http://www.booktopia.com.au/the-handmaid-s-tale/prod9781841593012.html

2) An Ordinary Man by Paul Rusebagina: An autobiographical story of the man who saved 1,268 of his fellow countrymen during the 1994 Rwandan genocide.

http://www.bookslut.com/nonfiction/2006_06_009060.ph

3) The City of Joy: A priest ventures out to find joy in the slums of Calcutta.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/City_of_joy

4) Almost French: A much lighter read that highlights cultural differences between the French culture and the Australian culture.

http://www.femail.com.au/almostfrench.htm

My vote is The City of Joy.

Hope to hear from you all soon,

Lucia

North Bank

Burgeoning Brisbane

I cant pretend I am not excited about this new project for Brisbane. It seems that it will increase the level of tourism in Brisbane, and unite the natural ambience of the river with the buildings of the the CBD. I realise MULTIPLEX is the brainchild of this propaganda piece, and that there are many other aspects to consider in the construction of such a project, but I still cannot help but see this as a great asset to the city. The question to pose then, is Northbank a threat to Brisbane, a move that entails "very serious ramifications," as Liberal leader Bruce Flegg has stated. Or is it a step forward in the advancement of our city?

http://blogs.brisbanetimes.com.au/yoursay/archives/2007/06/north_bank_deve.html

Provides an interesting perspective.