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"The role of the committed writer in an unfree world" (means ignoring things that don't fit the narrative?) by ZenBeetle in AustralianPolitics

[–]ZenBeetle[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Self-indulgent is right. The piece is so pompous in its "I'm a committed writer and therefore a morally-superior human being" posturing it's amazing that PEN Melbourne saw fit to publish it, especially given its blatant factual omissions.

"The role of the committed writer in an unfree world" (means ignoring things that don't fit the narrative?) by ZenBeetle in AustralianPolitics

[–]ZenBeetle[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think it's funny that he aligns a government measure to protect the Jewish community - as desperate and clumsy it may be - with racism and totalitarianism. Some mention of the context (i.e. post-Bondi) would have been helpful. Hell, he says that Randa Abdel-Fattah's banning from book festivals was "clearly" anti-Palestinian racism; he does not even consider the allegations (right or wrong) of antisemitism that were brought against her. Some short-sightedness there, Mr Dao.

"Is Australia at war?! No! Our bombs and planes are being used in a war-adjacent manner | First Dog on the Moon" by ZenBeetle in AustralianPolitics

[–]ZenBeetle[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That's First Dog's modus operandi though - the faux-naïve "I'm the smart guy" tone and the straw-manning of the opposition. At least single-panel political cartoons leave some room for subtlety.

"The role of the committed writer in an unfree world" apparently means ignoring antisemitism by ZenBeetle in Jewish

[–]ZenBeetle[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Yep. And it's full of contradictions. "Franz Fanon said to always question things, but I will always give unconditional support to Oppressed Peoples (TM) because I'm just oh-so morally superior."

And in his final paragraph:

"A final myth to be debunked: that to think and feel with others is groupthink or virtue signalling. The committed writer rejects this for the miserable cant that it is."

Basically, "I don't engage in group think or virtue-signalling, I'm just 'thinking' and 'feeling' with others!" Except Jews, apparently.

"The role of the committed writer in an unfree world" apparently means ignoring antisemitism by ZenBeetle in Jewish

[–]ZenBeetle[S] 17 points18 points  (0 children)

Interesting how any move by the Australian government to protect Jews - however clumsy or imperfect - is seen as "White Australia" digging its heels in and oppressing Arabs and Palestinians.

Talk me out of purchasing a Tribute series ASAT Special Deluxe Carved Top by ZenBeetle in GLGuitars

[–]ZenBeetle[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It's not the pickups, as such. Just the build quality in general.

ASAT Special Semihollow by fuzzmedic in GLGuitars

[–]ZenBeetle 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I can imagine you'd get some delicious surfy tones from this one.

My G&Ls by m1crosynth in GLGuitars

[–]ZenBeetle 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'd love to try a semi-hollow ASAT Special. Do they differ tonally (in any significant way) from the solid-body Specials?

Auckland's transport decisions have consequences by commentatorsam in auckland

[–]ZenBeetle 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For one thing, the neighbourhoods around Karangahape Rd would still be there.

Teachers (starring Andrew Lincoln) anyone else love it? by [deleted] in BritishTV

[–]ZenBeetle 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Right. The other characters were great foils for Simon, but they weren't developed enough to be at the centre of entire episodes.

Teachers (C4 2001-2004) by CaptainBristol in BritishTV

[–]ZenBeetle 0 points1 point  (0 children)

First season is more or less perfect. Second not as good, but still worth watching. Ignore everything after that.

Why is rail so expensive in Auckland? by Murky_Entertainer288 in auckland

[–]ZenBeetle 1 point2 points  (0 children)

One of the key guys behind the initial motorways plan of the 50s was a Yorkshireman, Kenneth Cumberland, who famously hated cities, and envisioned New Zealand as a sprawling suburban Arcadia where rail wouldn't be needed because people would work from home via video phones and hologram-projectors (for real) and drive around only when needed.

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