Computers Late meeting this month – report in August.
Creative Audio-Visual
SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP NEWS
Fundamental to U3A is active participation In Interest Groups
The following Groups are welcoming New Members :
Creative Writing, Play Reading, Classical Music, Computers,
Art Pot Pourri, History of World Religions, Ancient
Civilisations, Walking and Geology
Ancient Civilisations
The capture of Jerusalem and the founding of the Crusader
states called ‘Outremer’ was the supreme achievement of the
st
1 Crusade. The call to arms by Pope Urban had been
answered by nobility and commoners and was the most
significant event in Christian Europe during the middle ages.
During 1096, great armed hosts marched from West to East,
arriving at Constantinople, and despite the exhausting heat,
disease, lack of food/water and fierce Muslim resistance drove
the Saracens from Odessa, Antioch and Tripoli. These
territories were set up as principalities, and with the kingdom
of Jerusalem became Christian until 1291 when Islam
reclaimed the Mediterranean coastline. We are also examining
Ancient Mysteries. Easter Island is part of the Polynesian
Triangle and is famous for 1000 gigantic figures or ‘Moai’
dispersed around 116 kilometers. What happened to the men
who carved them, how were they moved and what was their
purpose?
Anthropology
At our last meeting we discussed Ancient Greece and the
political and social changes, which led to the Golden Age of
Pericles and Socrates etc. We also talked of our earliest
ancestors, the discovery of the existence of Homo Erectus
and Homo Sapiens, who developed in the Rift Valley in Africa.
Remains of these early species were found by anthropological
digs and fortunate finds.
Archaeology
Mary's presentation was a video about The Pyramids of Gaza.
Fay then showed the group a download from National Radio
about how much “intermarriage” went on between Homo
sapiens and the Neanderthals. From recent DNA evidence,
using Neanderthal bones, it appears that this did happen as
some modern humans do have DNA derived from
Neanderthals.
Classical Music
In June we met at the home of John and Jean Seymour who
presented a DVD concert of opera arias performed in a huge
outdoor stadium at Waldeburne near Berlin. The concert
featured three international superstars - Placido Domingo,
Rollando Villazon, and Anna Netrebkot - who sang a series of
solos, duets and trios. A luscious feast of popular melodies
from operas by Puccini, Bizet, Lehar, and Bernstein. From O
Mio Caro Bambino to The Pearl Fishers duet and West Side
Story this was sheer listening pleasure. No less entertaining
was a jazz recital by Wynton Marsalis and his ensemble who
gave us an ingenious programme of piano, percussion,
trumpet, and saxophone items. With a remarkably varied
rhythmic underpinning and an ingenious kaleidoscope of
improvisation, this was a performance par excellence. We
have room for more members who would like to share our
listening pleasure. Next meeting at Villa 9 Mayfair Village.
Our meeting this month was in response to a challenge to
produce an audio visual to illustrate the saying "Art is in the
Eye of the Beholder". Pam Henderson, who hosted the
meeting, presented us with puppies, Jim Clegg's entry
involved his usual style of humour, other entries involved
beautiful scenery, great photography and people's art viewing
habits. An excellent response to a difficult challenge. Next
month's meeting is technical at Roy Boston's.
Current Affairs
Lynne started with a Q & A session on the constitution, not a
thrilling discussion but educational - Marjorie & others coming
in with comments. Bob & others thought education in the
home important and Norman felt teaching the reality on NZ
history, not the myth, was important. Stuart reminded us of the
meeting of the chiefs, 20 years after the signing of the treaty,
who wanted the crown to rule. Mike asked why and how our
system is failing, perhaps answers to that will come next
month. Heather B enlightened us on Te Reo and the
machinations of the hierarchy. Peter Dunne & Winston Peters
were of course mentioned with Stuart wondering if politicians
needed to be protected from good looking journalists! The Fiji
Times & Murdoch, Monsanto, the globalisation of tax
avoidance, the destruction of unions, the EU & Euro all got a
mention. Another very interesting morning, thanks everyone.
Exploring Art for Fun
A different type of meeting this month, as Marion had
organised a guided tour of Rannoch House, the home of the
James Wallace Trust for the group. The four storied building
has been modified to function as a living museum of modern
New Zealand art. It seemed as though every space on the
walls and floors was covered with the works of well know
successful artists and work from emerging artists was also on
display. A most enjoyable morning.
Film Appreciation
Our winter meeting at Beryl Gorst’s home was a most
enjoyable occasion as most of our members braved the wintry
blast to enjoy a DVD and shared lunch. This is now an annual
tradition and we thank Beryl for her warm hospitality. Pat
once again used her encyclopaedic knowledge of film to find
us a most rewarding movie “Toast.” This fictionalized version
of the early years of Nigel Slater, the renowned British chef,
set in the 1960s, portrays the relationship between a bereaved
son and his father who was very much a man of his times and
unable to express his love. The advent of Helena Bonham
Carter as Mrs Potter, a glamorous working class cleaning
woman shakes up their lives for better or worse. If you want a
great movie for winter viewing, dash down to the video shop
and get this one!
Français pour rire
We began with sharing our stories on favourite cities giving a
five minute account to a partner. Fay showed a very
interesting DVD on a Time Line for Catherine de Medici.
Catherine was born in Italy but left her mark in French
aristocracy. Marriage was then considered a way of acquiring
titles and more land. To finish with we practised our French
singing.
History of World Religions
A group of 23 left Browns Bay on 19th June to visit Fo Guang
Shan (Buddhist) Temple in South Auckland. It is a huge place
with buildings adapted from the palatial designs of the Tang
Dynasty around a large formal garden. Our guide Venerable
Maiouyo met us in the front shrine and talked to us about
Buddhism before a tour of the temple and the main shrine. It
was a little disappointing in that our guide did not have good
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English so much of what she said was lost to the group and
we were kept strictly to schedule to ensure that lunch was on
time. Because of time constraints there was little time for
questions. Still, it was an interesting and enjoyable day and
photographers in the group plan a return trip when the Cherry
Trees are on blossom. New members welcome!
Medical Science and History
Rod gave a talk about “Bomber” Harris, a controversial leader
born in 1892, took part in invasion of German SW Africa and
joined RFC in WW1. Given permanent commission in RAF, he
was RAF representative in Washington before taking charge
of Bomber Command in 1942. He convinced Churchill that
bombing Germany was the only offensive action that the Allies
could take and that 1000 bomber raids would be good for
civilian morale. His bombers operated at night; Americans in
daylight. He was accused of “terror” bombing but it was War
Cabinet that decided the targets. Bomber crews suffered
57,000 casualties. Harris refused a peerage in support of his
unrecognised men, retired as Marshal of RAF in 1945 and
moved to South Africa and died in 1984.
Bev’s most interesting talk was about the often controversial
subject of Vaccination and Immunisation. Admissions to NZ
Hospitals from infectious diseases have jumped dramatically
over the last two decades according to published research
from the University of Otago. Immunisation is a way of
preventing infectious diseases throughout a person’s life. NZ
Parents are recommended to have their children immunized
free, (from 6 weeks -12 years. Immunisations/Vaccinations for
targeted groups, and diseases were discussed, as were
environmental, socio/economic and cultural influences which
affect immunisation rates. Educating families and the wider
community is essential to ensure the effect of re-occurrence of
diseases such as whooping cough/TB and global epidemics
can be minimized.
5 minute talks: BRCA 1 & BRCA 2 Breast Cancer genes &
Angelina Jolie (Rosemary), Humorous Video clip of Influenza
virus action/DNA replication in the body (Roy), Agricultural
Dung Beatle experiments & threat to public health (Jinnty), A2
milk, Devil in Milk controversy (Alf), Rabies risk & vaccination
for trip to Turkey (Mary).
Inventors & Inventions
Music Appreciation and History
Security on the internet requires encryption – it’s a serious
issue. Roy described the basic ideas behind encryption and
went on to explain the basic principles of the Private
Key/Public Key system used when sending and receiving data
from secure web sites. He also described the digital
certificates used to authenticate private keys and the
‘handshake’ process used when your computer links with
another server to use a secure (https) website eg a banking
website or a digital store. Terry followed with ‘drones, robots
and future warfare’. Some serious issues here, like where to
run if the near-autonomous robot turns rogue. Garry noted
technical matters with Google’s balloons in the McKenzie
Country and Scott saw the future of libraries (Wellsford) is car
recharging.
‘Comparisons’ was the theme this month, the first being
traditional Aboriginal music and that of the blind Aboriginal
singer Gurrumul. Our second comparison was that of two
tenors of yesteryear Richard Tauber and John McCormack.
History of World War Two
Local History
The group heard a lively account of illicit whisky stills
operating in the early years of the colony, with emphasis on
those operating on the North Shore. Notable were three stills,
one at Barry’s Point Road, named after the proprietor of the
Takapuna Hotel, Robert Barry, another at O’Neill’s Point,
Bayswater, and the most successful – that operated firstly in
Devonport by a local accountant, Mr John Cawkwell. The
operation then moved to Shortland Street, formerly a flour mill.
He was so successful that he won an award at the prestigious
1867 Vienna Exhibition. However, his product was so popular
that it was his undoing, as the duty on his product was less
than that of imported whisky, so the Government changed the
rules and Mr Cawkwell was offered money to cease
production or else pay the same duty as the importers. The
Government wins again!
Making History
Cosmetics. As early as 4,000BC ancient Egyptians applied
perfumes and anointing oils to the body as decoration for
religious reasons and as protection against the hot and dry
climate. Most cosmetics were plant based, but powdered
minerals were also used as face and eye makeup and hair
dyes. By AD 1100's cosmetics had spread to Western
Europe, and Africans were painting their bodies for war and
ceremonies. North American Indians applied animal fat based
substances for body paint and protection against insects and
the cold. In Europe during the 1900's face powder, rouge,
soap and shampoos were the basic requirements. However
after the 1930's demand for a greater variety of cosmetics
grew tremendously due to the widespread advertising and
promotion.
Music - Mainly Classical
Terry introduced the Group to the annual music festivals held
in Verbier, Switzerland. Video recordings taken at these
festivals are currently being presented on the Arts Channel of
Sky TV. We watched some samples including the Verbier
Festival Orchestra, conducted by Gabor Takacs-Nagy, playing
Bizet’s Symphony No1 in C major; pianists Martha Argerich &
Evgeny Kissing playing Lutoslawski’s variations on a theme of
Paganini; Beethoven’s Symphony No 4; and pianist Yuja
Wang playing Chopin. As an interesting finale we watched
Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture with Andris Nelsons conducting
the Berlin Philharmoniker at Waldbuhne (an outdoor concert in
pouring rain!!).
Play Reading
On 28th May we met to read "Awatea". It was very good and
we all enjoyed it.
Renaissance
The ‘Black Death’ occurred in Europe 1347-1352 when 12
Genoese trading ships carrying the bacteria docked at Sicily.
Sailors aboard were dead or gravely ill, overcome with fever
and covered in mysterious black boils oozing blood/pus,
hence “Black Death.” The Plague spread quickly, killing more
than 20 million people in Europe–almost one-third of the
population. It completely changed the social and economic
situation in Europe. Our next topic was the exploration of
South America by Magellan. In 1521 he discovered the sea
passage, now known as the Magellan Straits, between the
Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Although he was killed in the
Philippines, one of his ships returned to Spain,
circumnavigating the world for the first time. The voyage took
three years with only 18 of the original crew of 237 men
returning.
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Travel
Walking
Shirley and Robin shared a presentation on South America.
They spoke about five areas of their journey, starting in the
Galapagos where they joined a 5 day boat trip out to the
Islands to see the wildlife. It was easy to interact with the
animals and birds because they have not learned to be afraid
of humans. The most prolific creature was the marine iguana,
which seemed to be everywhere. Quito had lots of colour both
from the native costumes to the markets. Lima is a city of 9
million people with very little public transport. Anyone can pick
up passengers usually in "Micros”. The Sacred Valley near
Cuzco was a beautiful area and from here they took a train to
Machu Picchu, which was very scenic and interesting, being
the old Inca capital and lost to the world for centuries. The
Iguasu Falls were a stunning sight and they went for a ride
right into the falls wearing bathing suits and life jackets. Finally
they visited Rio de Janeiro, including a tour of some Favelas
on the outside of the city. Our thanks to Robin who has been
our Convenor for the last three years.
Chester Park Walk – 1 walk in July.
Meet at 9.30.a.m. outside Bear Park School, Schnapper Rock
Road, for a walk with lovely views on pavements and
walkways. The walk is fairly strenuous and take 1 - 1½
hours. Coffee afterwards at Columbus Cafe, William Pickering
Drive.
nd
Estuary Walk, Orewa 2 walk in July.
Meet at 9.30.a.m. in Orewa in the carpark immediately on the
left after crossing the bridge over the Orewa river (on the main
road just as you come into Orewa from the South). A sealed
track along the Estuary, crossing 5 bridges leads to the new
sub division of Millwater. Walk takes approximately one hour
and is fairly flat. Coffee afterwards at the cafe in the car park.
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