The Vitamin's Nonsense Page

Mistakes are fixable...

I just got the following email (seen below). Great idea by food and beverage to hold an event like this. But guess what - Club 20 is on this Thursday at the same time. But then I thought to myself, no problem, Anthony Spegel and Danielle Sheppard down at Food and Beverage must have had a conversation with Student Council about this event - they must have? Neither Bronte Campbell - our social director (also known as Bronte's brother), or Matt Cantatore - our student council president, were informed about this.

Why does food and beverage insist on competing with student run events like Club 20?

I am sure they can fix this mistake. If their intentions are good, they will.

Welcome back

Don’s Tavern

We would like to invite you to join us between

5.00pm - 7.00pm

on Thursday 2^nd November

for drinks, nibbles and entertainment

Come and see the changes and have a catch up with friends

Please RSVP to Danielle Shepherd

on ext 55067 or danielle_shepherd@bond.edu.au by

Wednesday 1^st November

posted by The Vitamin's Blog @ 12:11 a.m. 10 comments

News of the Weird and Wild.

• Last week I had a visit from Tomoko - a Jehovah's Witness. Tomoko wanted me to attend church with her. I was flattered by the invitation. In response, I invited her my birthday - apparently I shouldn't have said that. She mentioned something about someone's John the baptist and a head being chopped off. I took the head-chopping off part as a no to setting a place at the table for the birthday.
• Tuesday night is the Halloween party at Delano's. Matt Lambert, former Lick's Employee, tells me tickets are going swiftly. "Students know the success of last year's event," said Lambert. "I encourage everybody to grab a costume and make it out to the big event. Buses leave from the school bus stop area near the law school at 9pm."
• I have to quit this post to write a different one I just got word of.
  

posted by The Vitamin's Blog @ 10:39 p.m. 10 comments

Halloween Party

the CLSA Halloween Party on this Tuesday. Free buses from the bus stop (at the roundabout near the law school) leaving at 9pm sharp to Delanos - All for $5. Free drink on entry to the joint. It was a great party last year and with the support of Matt Lambert et al and the CLSA it is going to be even better this year.

Get your tickets early at the law school.

Coming soon....the death of this blog.

but first...come to the Halloween party.

posted by The Vitamin's Blog @ 7:44 a.m. 0 comments

ASCERTAIN THIS!!!!!

PPT homework.

Get a life and do something else besides reading this. I have work to do.

posted by The Vitamin's Blog @ 9:55 p.m. 0 comments

It's O-Vish-AL...

Great pick by council this week to by choosing Vish Narayan as the Post Grad Representative. Vish has a good reputation among Bond Students that was further strengthened by his campaign for Treasurer in the recent election. Vish ran one of the best campaigns but fell short against the power of the Satisfaction ticket. In doing so, council has quelled the rumbling from the more multicultural portion of Bond Students (The last part was fiction...but it sounded like something somewhat political so I added it).

I hate to do this on Vish's big day, but in other news, this F%&*ing Crow is back. It's the same one that stole my sandwich at the golf course - I'm sure of it. He's outside the law school window on a branch right now looking at me - and he just took a shit (pardon the language). He'll pay somehow...

Reader of the week is Marc Lucenti. An avid reader and fan of the blog, Marc tells me his favourite columns are about Student Council and the 'goings on' down at the Bond Council Office. Marc is known around campus for his positive attitude and someone who loves the Gold Coast. He recently said to www.gordprisco.blogspot.com, "Vitamin, I'm glad you're making a difference at Bond. You're making me proud. I look at your blog 5-6 times a day. I'm too shy to make a difference...I have a tough time meeting people. Please keep up the great work."

Lastly, President Cantatore is on the Halloween issue. Seems there's a few parties booked for the evening. The one to go to is the CLSA party at Delano's bar in Surfers. Last year it was arguably the party of the year. More to come on this...

posted by The Vitamin's Blog @ 2:13 a.m. 17 comments

Finding Nemo Dat

Here's what's going down...

1) PPT Assignment.

2) Not so new blogger on the scene...click here...

3) Still looking for a place to live...I've got some ideas.

4) Morning tea by Brendan Donoghue and LSA was good. Thanks.


That's all...for today.

posted by The Vitamin's Blog @ 2:44 a.m. 4 comments

The Minutes

Remember this moment (click here).

Based on his love and concern about the minutes of council, the good people at www.gordprisco.blogspot.com have decided to name Jim Payne the Council Minutes Critic (watch out Sadia). Payne is concerned about what is happening at Bond. Let's see what he has to say....

Well, this is my first report in regard to the Bond minutes. I’ll tell you
something; there are lots of funny people out there (or Muppets - you
decide). I have received a number of links to the minutes. And given the
interest, I suppose I will give an editorial on the new week 6 minutes.

• First, they are pretty long. Bill Gates tells me the word count is 4,641.
That cuts out half your audience (i.e. business students). You need this
thing to be accessible to everyone!
• Secondly, why did they new student council need to ‘extend
congratulations’ to themselves? I wonder if they hugged.
• Thirdly, the knives are already out. Apparently, Jess Woskett didn’t go to
any management meetings. They’ve only been in office for a week. Odds have
shortened for another early Council resignation.
• Next, the boys are on top of their colour schemes; Hooper noted the LSA
uses navy on their newsletters, and Canta notes the BSA is black.
• And finally, thank god the office is getting a clean up. I was starting to
worry! It’s been a disgrace; how did Jess Leach get anything done?

Anyway, I’m looking forward to Sadia sending me the next edition. Her
spelling was good and the document was well formatted. (Honestly, I was
expecting something like the Skuller’s blog with little hearts drawn on the
side).

Minute Critic signing off.

If you have any questions or concerns, contact James in North Tower at Student Residence.

And if you'd like to take a look at the council minutes (because you don't count on our critics' overview), click here...

posted by The Vitamin's Blog @ 11:42 a.m. 11 comments

Stylin and Profilin...

If you see a guy around campus come Monday syling new shorts, it's just me. Purchased two pairs from K-mart today.

But don't worry, I won't put the hate on you cause you aint stylin.

Peace.

posted by The Vitamin's Blog @ 3:34 a.m. 17 comments

The right track...

• Last night was the first Club 20 I've missed in 3 semesters. I was a little sick and none too pleased about it. Too bad, cause I heard I missed another good one put on by Tom Clarke and the LSA. At the reduced price of $8, I can't think of a better event for a Thursday night at Bond.
• Bond Student Council gave Club 20 a run for their money last night. We have it from a good source that when Council found out there would be no buses into Surfer's Paradise last night that they demanded something better for the students. Rumour has it that President Cantatore along with some of his trusty lieutenants worked out a deal to get $1 pots of beer, free pool until 10pm and some free finger foods. It worked. The student population was left happy. What a team. This was the 3rd Thursday in a row that Don's tavern has improved.
  
• Another great thing about last night was this - Most of the council was out last night. If you want to do something, lead by example - which is exactly what they were/are doing. That's a good sign. Visibility is important. They're on the right track.
  
• BUSA president Tim O'Loughlin was also out last night. I had to remind Tim that Saturday prior we saw him walking home when we yelled out the window to give him a ride home. As Tim jumped in the car he didn't have time to say hi before he said, "well, this is my place." four houses later. Maybe it was a kind of had to be there funny.
• President of the Plug and Wireless Association, Marc Lucenti, was also out spreading the gospel...I'm not sure what that is...but anyway.
  
• Another thing...my roommate just told me he was moving out. Guess what? That means I have to leave as well. While Sailfish Cove has been good to me, I won't miss the gunshots, squealing tires (tyres), or the tattoo parlour in house #145 that I am always tempted to go into after a big night. If anyone is looking for a roommate that doesn't want/can't afford to pay much rent, email me at jimmy_kinitzel@hotmail.com. That's also my msn address. Or if you know of any other great deals, lemme know.
• On the last note today...the Skuller. We at www.gordprisco.blogspot.com do not condone or endorse his latest antics. The staff have had a chat with the Skuller and have asked him to tone down his message. The Skuller is a good person, but when he attacks friends, we can't support that. We want to hear good ideas and healthy criticism from the Skuller and expect that in the future. enuff said...
• I leave you all on this more positive Australian note...click here...it's one of my all-time favourites.
  

posted by The Vitamin's Blog @ 8:21 p.m. 17 comments

Quick Hit...

• Club 20 on tonight. The Vitamin is under the weather today and is at home trying to do some work so he can make it tonight. Here's the good news - Club 20 back to $8. Your LSA passing on the savings to you - the law student (if only Donoghue could fix the website seen here...day 125).
  
• I had a good chat with Ari Comert yesterday. He's on top of things.
  
• The Bond School paper came out yesterday to rave reviews - 8 pages! Nice work Troy.
  
• An interesting article on page 7 from Sam Berry about comment sections on blogs at the school. He speaks to the anonymity factor of comments and how it's a veil that people hide behind. Well folks, he's right. It was a well thought out article. If you wanna have a go at anyone here, you're gonna have to leave your name or email address. I'm not banning anonymous comments, but if they show you're a chicken shit, they're not going up. So don't bother.
  
• The album of the week is Jar of Flies by Alice in Chains. The lesser known of the big grunge acts to come out of Seattle in the early 90's (others being nirvana, Soundgarden and Pearl Jam), they were probably the best.
  
• Mike Bourque informs me that in New England in early last century that prisoners were only allowed to be given lobster twice a week because Lobsters are bottom feeders and it was considered inhumane.
  
• I really don't have anything useful to say anymore.
• Oh yeah, and another guy who knows what he's doing is Will Ewing - Competitions director on the LSA. The client interview competition wasn't good....the staff student debate was great. The negotiation competition is on in week 10. I am predicting a great event as Ewing has been a quick study to what works and what doesn't.
• If you're looking for student council minutes - just ask James Payne. I'm proud to announce that he is become the third critic on this blog (following in the footsteps of the Cullinary Critic and the Alcohol Critic). His official title is Critic of Student Council Minutes. I expect his first report this weekend.
  

posted by The Vitamin's Blog @ 10:24 p.m. 9 comments

The New Mr Everything

Matt Cam must have been an observant student during his student council years.

In his latest effort, fellow students are starting to compare his influence and prodigious work habits to those of the man they used to call "Mr. everything." – Justin Tilley.

Cam is the guy, they say, who Council President Matt Cantatore trusts implicitly and whose job it is to clear away the political underbrush so that the President can focus on other, bigger things.

Example this week is Cam’s email to IT support services to get this website off the scene. In the opinion of www.gordprisco.blogspot.com it is only harmful to current and prospective students wishing to know more about clubs at Bond University. It is a disgrace and it seems as though it will be fixed.

Studying Bachelor of Commerce after finishing a Law degree, Cam has been at Bond for 9 semesters and hails from near Byron Bay.

Cam and Cantatore worked together in 2005-06 Law Student’s association. It’s just too bad Cam isn’t on the LSA today to clean up their Website issues - which ironically still has Cam's and Cantatore's photos on the page.

Remember when this site was up promising a new LSA website? Remember when they asked us to THINK? Well, that was 124 days ago. I bet LSA President Brendan Donoghue is “thinking” that he’d like to have the new Mr Everything on board to do some thinking for him.

Only three days after their election, Bond’s council is hard at work with Cam leading the way and putting the lessons of previous councils to work. Rumour has it that their inagural council meeting was 6 1/2 hours long.

Cam’s role deals with the day-to-day operational requirements of council along with helping out the various Councillors so that President Cantatore can focus on larger issues. Issues such as developing and refining a strategy for VSU, what to do with Wednesday by the Water, or how to tackle the prickly club sponsorship issue.

Sources say Cantatore also relies heavily on Cam for advice.

"I think Cantatore’s respect grew for Cam after LSA," one source said. "He didn't have a lot of flair, but Cantatore liked his congenial approach to things. Cantatore trusted him and he doesn't trust a lot of people."

Yet some have questioned Cam’s ability to have time for the position on council with his many responsibilities at school including a new role as law tutor. However, to this observer, it seems so far that Cam can handle the workload just fine.

It’s just too bad we didn’t see him one more time on LSA.

For www.gordprisco.blogspot.com, this is The Vitamin.

posted by The Vitamin's Blog @ 6:26 p.m. 18 comments

Emergency Devil Horn Treatment.

This has never happened. Two Devil Horn Treatment's in less than a week! Today we honour LSA President Brendan Donoghue. I was reminding Donoghue that it had been 122 days since he was elected and there has been no action on changing the LSA website seen here. He flipped! How can you have an Law Student's Association website when the people aren't even on the LSA website anymore? It's like saying to an Australian, "you should write a letter to Prime Minister Gough Whitlam if you want changes." Well, bad example, but hopefully you get the point.

Donoghue replied to me, "we've had one of the best weekends for Bond and you want to talk about this!" He then stormed out of the library.

Many observers wondered why Donoghue threw such a hissy fit. From my experience in crisis management, it wasn't the best way to handle the situation. We at www.gordprisco.blogspot.com want to offer every bit of assistance to help get the LSA website off the ground. Not only that, we'll offer free tech help. I have just the person on my staff.


In other news...

This email was sent to me...

Hey guys,

I am currently in the process of re-creating the tutor's database to correlate with the launch of the new LSA website. If you achieved higher than 80% in any subject (including core and electives) during your law degree and wish to make some money by tutoring please fill your details into the attached Excel file and email it back to me.

Kind Regards,

Brendan Scandrett (not to be confused with the aforementioned devil horn recipient).

Brendan, please permanently take me off this list. I am too busy thinking about Club 20's, Pub Crawls, Palavers, Grape's Hops and Jazz, and Thursday nights at Don's to waste my time with this. Furthermore, the day I am a tutor at this school is the day the school should close down.

thank you.

posted by The Vitamin's Blog @ 2:19 a.m. 39 comments

Satisfaction Guaranteed - Updated

Reporting, not so live, from the Student Ball the Satisfaction ticket conquered the 2006 elections with a clean sweep, pushing aside all competitors. While credit has to be given to all the independents, it was tough to compete against the combined strength of a ticket. Congratulations to Matt Cantatore and the rest of the team. We'll see how they do...and we'll be keeping an eye on them.
This is quite an embarrassing page. Shouldn't this be fixed? I wonder if we can get a guarantee that it will be fixed? Let's see if anything's done about it? I hope (and can almost guarantee) that it will be fixed before this page...how many months has it been? Pretty lame is you ask me.

Apparently it was quite a Student Ball. My roaming reporter "C" tells me that the high of the evening was Sam Marash's Flashdance - we need a copy of this video. "C" isn't reporting a low to the evening...
The Vitamin attended the after-party - which started pretty lame - but picked up after 1am.

Oh...and by the way....here's my favourite memory from the campaign...

(thanks to Jess Leach for the Photos)

posted by The Vitamin's Blog @ 12:28 a.m. 11 comments

The Devil Horn Treatment and the Bond Revue

• Every once in a while at www.gordprisco.blogspot.com we give something called the Devil Horn Treatment. It's usually given because someone is being a stubborn fool, or has done something moronic. In this case Jack "The Skuller" Blackburn has deserved it. Why? Because he can't spell, and refuses to learn. It's a disgrace. Mistakes once in a while are ok in casual msn chat or email, but not as much as he does it. Lunch is not spelled "Luanch", what is not spelled "wat" I know is not "I kno". This treatment is well-deserved.
  
• Sorry to the Bond Revue to have to deal with this picture, but it had to be done today. Anyway, detailed info on the revue can be found on Drew's blog. Good job to her.
• My highlights consisted of Hooper doing Dennis Ong, Marash dressed like a fool (but very good), the band was damn good, and the movie on Bronte and subsequently Bronte's brother. What a show!
• Tonight is student ball where the results of the election will be released. I won't be attending. The $90 ticket is out of the Vitamin's budget at the moment - but I will hopefully be attending the after-party.
  
• Sun is shining. Work then beach.
• Oh, and by the way...the Bond Yearbook has been released. It's a nice momento and a good read.
  

posted by The Vitamin's Blog @ 10:38 p.m. 8 comments

The good, the bad, and the ugly...

From the last week...

The Good:

• Every candidate that put their name on the ballot for school election.
• Vish Narayan, Troy Smith, Mike Truce who went above and beyond this week in campaigning. These guys deserve a lot of credit for doing what needed to be done.
• Final Figures not in, but significantly more people voted this year than last year. Again, credit has to be given to the people that went above and beyond.
• The Student debate team of Jodie, Brendan and the Vitamin who beat the Staff dream team of Duncan Bentley, Jo Hintz and David Field.
• Don's Tavern last night...and the week before. With all the doom and gloom over voter apathy and the death of Don's Tavern - I think we may be on our way to becoming better than ever. Don't forget Brett Cadman's email last semester about getting people out - he started it.
• Nitay Levi and Bronte Campbell for taking a keen interest into the affairs of the school and writing them on this blog.
• The Plug and Wireless Association who failed to bring their issue up with the candidates at the Presidential debate. Rumour has it that President Marc Lucenti may be impeached from his Presidency of this crucial Bond organisation.
• Joe Corrigan and George Raptis on Bond TV (not sure if this one would go under good, bad, or ugly...mainly because James and I were on).
• Thanksgiving dinner made by a few Canadian girls...fantastic!
  
• Bondstock. Great events so far. Tonight at the Cerum theatre is something else...I'll be there.
  

The Bad:

• Wednesday by the water. I thought we paid our activity fee so we could get a hamburger or sausage. Why are their students lining up that haven't paid their fees? What was the point of me paying my fee if people that haven't paid are getting the same benefits?
• 5 Uncontested positions for school council.
  

The Ugly:

• James Payne demanding, at the Presidential debate, that the minutes from council meetings be posted from now on! (they've been posted online for a few semesters...)
• The weather. Where's the sun? The staff at www.gordprisco.blogspot.com needs a beach day.
  

posted by The Vitamin's Blog @ 8:23 p.m. 17 comments

The day that will be (UPDATED)

posted by The Vitamin's Blog @ 8:09 p.m. 4 comments

The great debate

Another exciting day at Bond University...here are the highlights:

• Staff vs Student debate held tonight with the law faculty's best on hand to try and defeat the student team of The Vitamin, Brendan Donoghue, and Jodie Freestone. The topic was Is Corporal Punishment for Juveniles acceptable? We had the negative side. The staff team was made up of Torts Prof Jo "I'm not adverse to a good spanking" Hintz, Crim Prof David "I've urinated almost everywhere" Field, and Dean of Law Duncan "Julius Caesar" Bentley. It was a spirited debate - but when the points were tallied, the students came out on top. A great crowd turned out to watch in the Princeton room.
• The polls opened today for the Bond University student elections. Apparently the turnout wasn't as good as hoped. www.gordprisco.blogspot.com and all the staff here remind people to get out and vote.
• Tonight The Vitamin and James Payne were the guests on Bond TV with hosts Joe Corrigan and George Raptis (known famously for Raptor's Rant in the Scope). James and I discussed politics on campus and voter apathy at Bond University. Look for the podcast of this program soon to appear on this blog. The show is just as disgraceful as this blog...with that said, I hope they have me back.
  
• Wednesday night Bondstock week is the hypnotist. The Vitamin may attend, however, we at www.gordprisco.blogspot.com are looking forward to Empire and Don's Tavern this coming Thursday.
• The Plug and Wireless society led by someone who claims never to read my blog, yet, finds a way to comment on it more than most (Marc Lucenti), has had their concerns heard by the LSA and Brendan Donoghue. Look for further expansion of wireless internet at Bond University in the coming weeks.
• Tomorrow afternoon 55 live chickens will be released under the arch in a chicken catching contest.
  
• Never believe a thing that is written on this blog
• Bronte's brother was seen again.
• Did anyone get James Payne the council minutes yet?

posted by The Vitamin's Blog @ 8:11 a.m. 12 comments

Love is in the air...

Is it true? Is the Skuller in love? read more here!

Homer has been liberated from watching the reserve books in the law library. He was seen at Don's tavern - more here.

posted by The Vitamin's Blog @ 7:29 p.m. 1 comments

Post debate breakdown...

This is the last of my posts that talks about the coming election...In fact I am not sure I want to even talk about it now...ok fine, I will.

The fact is this - while it was a healthy debate between all the candidates, not enough people showed up. Everyone that was there had probably made up their mind anyway - at least that was the feeling (kudos goes to the people that did show up).

Anyone who didn't show missed Alex Stratigos' sing a song for introduction. While I thought to myself, "well, this is going to be a disaster," it wasn't. It's something people will remember. She's a little nuts, but I think it was the singer Seal that said, "you know we're never gonna survive, unless we are a little crazy." Maybe Alex has got it down?

As for the Skuller, we were looking for more from him. Nothing has changed. Laz is still in the lead, and it looks like he's gonna walk away with it unless the Skuller can make a real dent in the next few days - which is not impossible. But he'll have to totally redeem himself.

I wanted to remain as neutral on the presidential debate, but I cannot support a presidential candidate that says he'll choose his GPA ahead of the council. It's very important to lead our council. It's important to students. We need someone that sacrifices for the betterment of the student body. We can't afford to have someone the will cut and run. While Chad Burnell seems like a good guy (and this is nothing personal), in the view of www.gordprisco.blogspot.com there is only one choice, and that is Matt Cantatore - he's got what it takes and he'll be there when we need him most.

Troy and Joe both sounded like they were capable candidates - what more can I say?

An interesting race is heating up for the Treasurer position. Vish, Julien and Ash will certainly pull their own factions out to the polls in the coming days. Which one of them can get those few extra that it will take to put them over the top?

The hottest race, however, remains the race for Secretary. Sadia Stathis and Mike Truce are also running close to each other. Same thing goes for them. Mike Spoke with passion today at the debate. It seems like he wants to do more than just be secretary. Sadia was a little too scripted in her speech. We didn't get to see real passion. But the people I spoke to think Sadia was meant for the job. We'll see who comes through in the final few days.

How about Dylan Translating to his German opponent Felix...classic moment.

Bronte's brother also attended the debate.

Can someone please get James Payne the minutes from the council meetings?...He's been sitting in North Tower all semester stewing to why council won't release them - James has subsequently started his own site called www.releasethedamnminute.com.

Maybe I've found my calling in life...maybe I should be a full-time commentator on student politics. My life has got to find a little more meaning than this...I've hit rock bottom...

By the way....more analysis here...

I hope everyone comes to the staff student debate in the Princeton room Tuesday evening at 5:30. Apparently there will be free BEvERages. You can heckle me as much as you'd like.

posted by The Vitamin's Blog @ 7:10 a.m. 7 comments

The Critic...

Here's two things that I thought of today...

1) Now, in reality, the world have paid too great a compliment to critics, and have imagined them to be men of much greater profundity than they really are.
- Henry Fielding

and the best one...

2)Theodore Roosevelt's Man in the Arena Speech - 1910

It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by the dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions and spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who, at worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly; so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory or defeat.

That's all....

posted by The Vitamin's Blog @ 9:19 p.m. 5 comments

This and that...

• Here's something you can't tell girls: 1) you just finished watching four Star Trek movies 2) You read comics 3) You read online comics 4) You think captain Kirk was the best starship captain in the galaxy 5) You can't go out tonight because you're watching the entire 5th season of Dr. Who.
  
• Staff v Student Debate being held on Tuesday in the Princeton room at 5:30pm. Yours truly will be representing the student team along with Jodie Oleary, Brendan Donaghue. We'll be battling Dean Duncan Bentley, David Field, and Jo Hintz. We are definitely the underdogs. How can we be expected to compete with that talent...but we'll give it a shot.
  
• Candidates debate is Monday 4pm in the Cerum theatre. With that said, here's the first www.gordprisco.blogspot.com election poll:

1) UPDATE for presidential race: Cantatore leads Burnell, but new numbers will be coming out after tomorrow's leaders debate.

2) The race for Treasurer is heating up with Vish having a huge week. He started from far behind with a lack of publicity, but has climbed up right near the lead. Julien du Vergier still leads at 39% of decided voters, while Vish is at 33% and Ash Armitage close behind at a respectable 28%. This race is far from over and just heating up.

3) The hottest race in the election is the race for Secretary. Mike Truce has been on a campaign blitz these last five days with the release of his campaign shirts and posters that have been a big hit. He has one of the strongest independent campaign teams this campus has seen. His competition, Sadia Stathis, on the other hand has also quietly been doing her thing and against all odds, is staying in the race. The numbers have Truce at a marginal lead at 54% while Stathis trails at 46%. However, statistically, this race is a tie and will most definitely be decided at tomorrow's candidates debate.

5) The race for campus life director has been the wildcard from the start of this campaign. Even though Laz Christou hasn't been seen on campus since 031, he still holds a commanding lead over his competitors Jack "Skuller" Blackburn and Cameron Dibble. However, polling numbers are not clear in this race. Christou is up to 44% and Dibble is at a shaky 30% while Skuller is at 26%, but the funny thing in this race is that if Christou manages to lose 5% and Dibble's support weakens at all, Skuller can sneak right up the middle. A good performance at the candidates debate may do this on Monday.

6) The battle for publications director has also been one that shows odd statistics. While Troy Smith shows a commanding lead at 64% over 36% for Joe Corrigan, the numbers show room to grow for corrosion. However, this prognosticator wonders if it's a little too late? Time will tell over the next few days.

7) Special interest race also has odd numbers. Cathy Rowe has a lead over Alex Stratigos with 50% of decided voters while stratagem is at 42%. Eidan Havas is at 1% with the remaining 7% undecided. Something this amateur pollster has never seen - someone at 1%. The big factor in this face is the support of Stratigos' powerful friends. If they pull out all the stops, Stratigos could find herself in the lead by mid-week.

8) The quiet campaign is Dylan Wiltermuth and Felix Offerman. The European contingent at Bond may be ready to go to the polls for Offerman, but it may not be enough to overtake the always steady Wiltermuth. Dylan's reputation as a "do-er" is probably enough to take him over the top. The only bad thing going for Dylan at this point is his picture in his campaign material - I'm not sure if he looks more like a deer caught in the headlights or the uni-bomber. Might be time to go back to the photographer.

9) Bronte has been acclaimed, but is still down in the polls. We're looking for a big week from him so he can rebound.

posted by The Vitamin's Blog @ 9:00 p.m. 4 comments

Meet the candidates....met the candidates.

Well, we asked, and they came. Last night at Club 20 and Don's Tavern was the first ever informal meet and greet the candidates night. Here's my two-cents for the next council - the Thursday before every debate should be meet the candidates night at Don's. It gives a chance for all the candidates to speak to the more students and then discuss these issues at the debate a few days later. Why not I say?

The turnout was better than expected - with most - if not all candidates making an appearance.

While I try to keep my voting intentions close to my chest, I have to give credit where credit is due. The people that took the time to come to talk to me are worthy of mention here. Kudos to all of you. That's what the process is about - taking the time to go meet people. If I've said it once, I've said it a thousand times - if you're a candidate and you want to get elected, you better take a shot and go talk to people. I talk to all students about it, and here's what they say, "I have to vote for that guy, because he took the time to come introduce himself to me and talk to me." It's as easy as that. Anyway, on that note, here's a list of the people that have contested positions that took the time to come speak with me:

• Vishant "Vish" Narayan -Treasurer, Julien du Vergier - Treasurer, Ash Armitage - Treasurer, Matthew Cantatore - President, Mike Truce - Secretary, Sadia Stathis - Secretary, Jack "Skuller" Blackburn - Campus Life Director, Troy Smith - Publications, Joe Corrigan - Publications, Cathy Rowe - Special Interests Director, Alex Stratigos - Special Interests Director, Dylan Wiltermuth - Sponsorship.
  

I also have to give special mention to the people that have uncontested positions, who not only made it out last night, but also took the time to speak with me and a number of other students: Mat Cam, Matt Hooper, Deb Horsley, Bronte Campbell (early polls indicate that, although already acclaimed, Bronte is still down in the polls. He does have the best candidate message of anyone though. See the link at the bottom). I didn't get a chance to speak with Fabia, but I think I saw her there.

It must also be mentioned that President Jess and VP Justin Tilley also attended - even with their busy schedule of kissing babies and cutting ribbons.

For candidate profiles, go here.

The candidates debate will be held on campus on Monday at 4pm. Apparently all candidates are going to be given time to speak - that was the right decision.

I promise after this election is over I will go back to www.gordprisco.blogspot.com's regular programming of rumours, innuendo, defaming people, albums of the week, AC/DC talk...that gets me to think - why do any of you fools read this? And I thought I needed a life...I'm going boogie boarding with my 13 year old friends at the beach. later.

posted by The Vitamin's Blog @ 9:23 p.m. 11 comments

Meet the candidates

• Readership is going off the charts again with election fever in high gear. We're not expecting a huge crowd at Don's tonight with BUSA Handover also going on, but there should be a good crowd.
  
• Most of the candidates emailed me back to tell me that they'd be there this evening - which is a good sign. I was planning on "calling out" the one's that didn't, but I changed my mind to seem somewhat impartial.
  
• There will be a poll tomorrow morning on where the candidates stand. I will most likely make it up, but it may get a little more official if i decide to ask the dog next door to bark for the candidate he thinks will win.
• This comment just in from Bronte Campbell. If you take the time to write something as good as this in the comment section, you get your own spot on this page. It's a long one, but worth the read. I haven't been around as long as Bronte, but have to agree with him. Here's his comments:
  

I apologise for any spelling or grammar mistakes, like my assignments, I didn't proof read this

I will be part of the '07 Student Council. What disappoints me is that I will be part of Council because of my decision alone to nominate myself to run as social director. While I would have been equally disappointed to run and lose to another candidate at least then I would know the student body has taken notice, and made a choice. I know everyone who reads this blog is aware of this situation. However, for five positions to be uncontested, especially positions such as clubs and societies and social which have an immediate effect on you as students, is deplorable.

It's very easy for me to sit and criticise the student body as I have put my hand up. The reality is, because of the lack of interest in elections and a general feeling of apathy towards bond, I do feel a slight degree of hesitation in becoming part of council. Not because I don't want to make a difference, but because a difference cannot be made without people caring.

The soon to be decided council faces an uphill battle not only against the VSU but more importantly against a student body that really gives the impression it just doesnt give a fuck any more. I guess we're all happy to rock up to club 20, palava, wednesday by the water, pub crawl, uni games etc.. and take advantage of the drinks, food, transport etc.. but someone has to organise these events. Someone has to keep these traditions going. With 5 uncontested positions on student council, and ONE CONTESTED position on BUSA, these events and traditions are very much in danger of becoming extinct. I for one will not be blaming it on the VSU, but on student apathy.

While I may feel hesitant, I certainly do not feel that this is a lost cause. While characters from the past may have left, there is no shortage of exuberance in the new kids to Bond. The difference is, the introduction I got to Bond, the baptism of alcohol induced fun and chaos that was my first semester, is not the introduction these kids have been given. Whos fault is that? It is our fault. It's not student council's fault for not having a good enough o'week. From what I hear the o'weeks that council has provided have been fantastic. Realistically though, maybe 10% of continuing students would attend o'week. They simply cannot carry the rest of us. It was/is up to us to make this place awesome, to meet as many new faces as possible, to pack out dons and continue the traditions of semesters past. We quite simply have to pull our finger out or we are going to become boring, and for those who were around in 051 (and I hear the semesters before were even better) we know Bond is anything but boring.

I do attribute Bond's situation a great deal to apathy. I do feel though, the administration of Bond is having a great deal to do with encouraging this apathy. Once upon a time a VC Scholar (I am not) was chosen because they were not only brilliant in many fields but very social people who were more than willing to get involved with Bond and its activities. I can honestly say I do not know a single member of the '06 VC Scholars. Yet I could quite easily name a good percentage of the 04 and 05 groups. So either these students have somehow dodged my attention for two and a bit semesters, or they are simply not getting involved. I put this down to two things, firstly the actual willingness of the student to get involved. Secondly I believe the selection process for such scholarships has shifted from selecting all round people that contribute to the university in many ways, to recruiting the best academic students to bolster Bond's academic reputation.

I also feel the way that the administration is slowly, but ever so effectively, turning the screws on the various councils and faculty associations is having a massive effect. While it may be 'sensible' to limit the amount of drinks a person can consume at club 20 or empire, I ask what effect has it really had. I haven't seen a reduction in alcohol related incidents, simply because I hardly ever saw an alcohol related incident that could be directly attributed to the open bar of these events. While Bond may have a few strays here and there, over all we have a social group who only has more fun with alcohol involved. We are a great group of students. If one of us gets too drunk, we make sure they get put in a cab home to Bond. I honestly dont believe there was a problem before these changes. I more believe this problem was conveniently 'discovered' to nicely coincided with the new VC's apparent silent policy of removing the party ethos from Bond. As far as I understand, the current Bond administration has a policy of if we don't like it, we change it to be the way we'll accept it, and if you don't like that then you don't have an event. Of course smaller events such as club 20 and empire are hit as a trial run. I wouldn't be surprised if you're only allowed 4 drinks at Palava and Grapes, Hops in future semesters. I promise I will fight this as hard as I possibly can

Don's is a complete joke too. Don's didnt need a new set of walls to make it better. Who the hell decided that? It needed a revamp in decor and an attitude shift. Its a pretty negative attitude to say "Well we're not getting the same amount of people in anymore, so let's make the place smaller". Why not do something to change the fact that you're not getting the same amount of patrons? Again, you don't have to look any further than the current administration of Bond to work out what's going on here. The students, ever so softly I might add, asked for a revamp of Dons. The administration saw the perfect opportunity to continue their crusade of closing down Dons by making it worse, yet some how convincing the student council and other bodies that it was a 'great change'. All that has resulted is a smaller and uglier Dons, which is perfect for the administration. Less people will come, less money earned by Dons, less of a reason to keep it. Well done guys, we all fell in to that trap quite nicely.

On the side note of the comments of Brendan and Gord. I do not wish to weigh in to the debate, only to say that its fantastic to see that people still care. Gord the simple fact that you post these comments for everyone to read is invaluable. It causes controversy, causes people to think and brings attention to what's really going on at Bond. Equally invaluable is Brendan's willingness to hold Gord accountable. The fact that you two guys, and the rest of the readers/posters here take notice proves that Bond has a fighting chance of getting back to what it once was.

I apologise for this being so long. As I'm uncontested though, I'll never get the chance to tell the student body what I think in the candidates debate. So the above was some of the reason's I decided to run as Social Director. If I can ask anything of you as students, please give me feedback through-out my entire time as a director. Tell us what you want. Tell us what you're not happy with. It's people like Gord and Brendan that do make a difference because they say something. If we're not told, and if we don't hear, we can't change anything. I promise I'll do my best to hear if you start talking.

Bronte

posted by The Vitamin's Blog @ 10:40 p.m. 9 comments

Shame on us.

The following is from Nitay-Yair Levi (former President of the LSA). www.gordprisco.blogspot.com always has time for anything the former president has to say. I will always remember walking in the law school during my first few semesters and Nitay taking the time to talk to me, invite me to school events, or ask how my classes were going. Nitay got what it was all about - and still does. Anyway, he told me he wrote this quickly, so pardon any mistakes by the author or any that have happened in cutting and pasting. Here it is:

Some facts:

Student Council elections.

Approximately 3,000 students.

12 elected positions.

7 contested positions.

5 uncontested positions.

Shame.

And now let look at those facts from a different angle, and it will all become clearer.

Let’s face it - Bond is a very special place. It is a hybrid of working hard, and playing even harder. We have all experienced Bond University’s spirit and tradition. It is what makes us what we are - Legendary “Bondies”.

And proud we should be. We are ranked among the best universities in Australia. But most important, we have a unique culture that does not exist in other universities. We have damn good people. You can rest assure that 10 years down the track, if you’ll see a fellow Bondie on the street, you are bound to have a drink or two and chat like 10 years never went by.

However, my fellow Bondies - it is time for us to wake up.

I am sorry if I am to sound like the prophet at the gates, but the Bondie tradition, the Bondie spirit, what make us, us - is disappearing.

What make the spirit is us.

It is our involvement in Student bodies.

It is the fierce election process.

It is the passion that each student running for a position on Student body brings along.

It is the real passion to keep the Bondie spirit true and alive.

Simply, because we care.

But it seems as if spirit of change is looming upon us. 5 uncontested positions. And not for the “creative dancing in ‘Kazakhstanian’ rain forest club”, but for our main representative body. Student Council. The most respected organisation on campus. The main organisation that take care and act for YOU.

Shame.

And no. The shame is not to be attributed to Student council, Law Students Association, Business Student Association, Humanities Student Association, or even the Medical Students Association. The shame is to be attributed to us. Those on the mentioned organisations are already acting for your best interests. Yes, we may disagree at times, but the bottom line is that they care, and god bless them for that.

It is us. Those who enjoy the spirit, but do not run for a position. Who do not act to keep the Bondie spirit going - because some of us just… don’t care.

I am not putting on the line those who are running for uncontested positions, nor do I imply that they will not do a good job. Vice versa, they are running, they have put their name on the line, and they deserve our support - Because no-one else will do it.

But it is not too late. There are other elections coming up, Business Students’ Association, BUSA, and so on.

I say this. Get involved.

I do not want to see the Bondies history failing.

It is all very simple,

History is created by strong tradition.

Tradition is created by people.

And people, my friends, are you.

Nitay-Yair Levi.

posted by The Vitamin's Blog @ 1:18 a.m. 17 comments

Skuller "pools" em all

• Firstly, congrats to Matt Lambert, Diego, and the rest of the Canadian Law Student's Association for putting on the barbecue yesterday. It's nice to have a real bun with my burger once in a while (that didn't sound right).
  
• Skuller has done it again. Last night he repeated as Bond University pool champion at Don's Tavern. Quite a feat. I'm sure that $160 winners envelope will buy him a few bourbon's and coke. Yours truly got drilled in the first round by presidential candidate Matt Cantatore (not a good way to get votes in my opinion), but after much pleading to tournament director Will Ewing, I bought back in for another $5 only to get a worse drubbing by Bronte.
  
• There has been an overwhelming response from the candidates for the informal meet the candidates night for Thursday at Club 20 and Don's Tavern. 80 per cent of the candidates have responded yes to the idea. Still waiting on a few others. We'll give them a chance to respond before publicly calling them out for either giving a yes or no reason why they can't make it. If they can't do that, how can they responsibly represent a whole student body?
• By the way, previous picture on this site was not Wilky or Bassett lying on the floor (from the "Random" post). However, this picture could conceivably be Lambert, circa 1994, when he used to work in promotions for Lick's Hamburgers. It's too bad he's abandoned the longer hair look.
• Here's another thing we're going to accomplish this week. We need all the votes possible to get Lizzie Greene the teaching award in the law school this semester. Please send all your vote to Brendan Scandrett bscandre@ student.bond.edu.au with three reasons why she should win - I can think of 30. Need them in by today! So send them now.
  

posted by The Vitamin's Blog @ 9:26 p.m. 3 comments

www.gordprisco.blogspot.com meet the candidates night

As most of you are aware, student council elections are in full-swing. Below is a list of people running. Some have been acclaimed, however, there are sure to be a few tight races. Even though there’s a debate next Monday night, many students do not attend it. Most students can be found having a few drinks at Don’s Tavern or Club 20 on a Thursday night. So, here’s the thing…I’ve invited all the candidates to be at Don’s on Thursday to speak to the students. Who knows how many people will show up, but every vote counts (just ask two-vote Scandrett). If nobody else shows up, I’ll be at Club 20 and Dons by myself recording the thoughts and ideas of the candidates in their vision for the school. Blah blah blah…time to rock the boat a little bit and throw some excitement into the race somehow…

President

Chad Burnell

Matt Cantatore

Vice President

Matthew Cam

Treasurer

Julien du Vergier

Ashleigh Armitage

Vishant Narayan

Secretary

Sadia Stathis

Michael Truce

Academic Affairs Director

Matthew Hooper

Campus Life Director

Cameron Dibble

Jack Blackburn

Laz Christou

Clubs & Societies Director

Deb Horsley

Promotions Director

Fabia Lonnquist

Publications Director

Joseph Corrigan

Troy Smith

Special Interests

Alex Stratigos

Cathy Rowe

Eidan Havas

Sponsorship

Felix Offermann

Dylan Wiltermuth

Social

Bronte Campbell

posted by The Vitamin's Blog @ 12:19 a.m. 2 comments

When we was Fab

• Nice of Samir, Tannis and Heidi to throw a little get together for their collective birthday celebrations. Samir had a few to drink. The girls looked great as always.
  
• My punch at the birthday party was a hit. Here's how to make it - grab any kind of alcohol around, mix in some box white wine, mix in two or more types of non-alcoholic beverage. Serve chilled or warm.
  
• Several candidates in the upcoming election attended the party including Matt Cantatore, Dylan, Matt Hooper, and Mike Truce. Rumour has it that Truce's competition - Sadia Stathis - was also working on her campaign last night, but one has to wonder what would be the better use of someone's time - spending time at home or out meeting the people like Truce did.
  
• Graduation at Bond was yesterday. That meant seeing a few faces that have left us. Fantastic to see Will Fennell, James Perry, Sam Chester, Jess McCauley.
• Another quality guy out last night was Matt Cam. A great ambassador for Bond. He was asked to do some Contracts tutorials and have heard he's doing a great job.
  
• One of my favourite mobile text messages of the semester came after pub crawl from President Jess Leach when she texted this message to a few of us, "I have kebab on my leg and possibly bone in my throat." I still laugh at that one and I'm not sure why?
• Good to see the Brisbane Broncos win the Rugby Grand Final. Better player - Cameron Smith or Darren Lockyear? Discuss (I have no idea what I'm talking about as usual).
  
• I think that The Beatles song, Here Comes the Sun, written and sung by George Harrison, may be the greatest non-AC/DC song in history. Gimme Shelter by the Rolling Stones is a close second. In due time I think that some of Coldplay's songs may be considered in the same conversation.
  

posted by The Vitamin's Blog @ 5:36 a.m. 9 comments