What Makes the World go 'Round
As I have said just about everything that I have to say about the Earth and global environment changes within the pages of this magazine, I am going to take this opportunity to tell you a quick story that went into the production of this issue.
On page 7, we have a story written by Briar Wells about the increase of pestering drifters that are finding home in the streets of the Mt. Albert shops nearby campus. To accompany this news story, we needed a photograph of the area, so I took a bike ride up to the shops during lunch to snap a quick photo.
Well—as it turns out, our news article may be understating the actual prevalence of these neighbourhood characters. Within two minutes of arriving to the heart of the Mt. Albert shops, I was approached by this man, called Darren. If there’s one thing you should know about me, it’s that I am a magnet for nonsensical people. I don’t know whether I give off some sort of aura, or maybe I subconsciously seek out the ridiculous thrill…but the absurdity certainly finds its way into my life. Hence, Darren.
The man opened up conversation by discussing with me the “olden days” when his brother used to develop his Nikon film in his dark room. Interesting enough. Once he recognized my unmistakable American accent, we took a few minutes to converse about his ripped up “Pittsburgh Penguins” T-Shirt. (More like I patiently listened as he provided a self-centred soliloquy about his family over in the US and his affinity to Pittsburgh Ice Hockey). He proceeded to offer me his number in case I ever wanted to hang out. I politely declined and started to move on my way. He followed up by shouting, “Well it’s a good thing, ‘cause I don’t got one anyway!” Aw, thanks Darren.
What I’m getting at here is that along with all of the wonderful natural resources that this planet provides, it also bestows a huge variety of wildly eccentric individuals. The boundless numbers of personality types and idiosyncrasies that encompass our global population inspires and enlivens me. It blows my mind that so many of us share the same streets, same parks, same beaches, yet we have such different outlooks on the world. I guess that’s what keeps the world turning right? Well—that, and the compliant eco-friendly habits we all practice to reduce our carbon footprints ;)
Either way, our planet is a gigantic and beautiful place that I wish to stay colourful and nurtured along its forests and streams as well as within the multitude of personalities in its eclectic population. April 22nd is Earth Day, an internationally recognized celebration of our world. So on this 22nd of April, take the opportunity to appreciate what the Earth has offered to you: whether it be a beautiful seaside landscape, or the prospect of meeting interesting people each and every day.
Random Rant: I haven’t received one letter to the editor since I began! Feedback is great! Drop me a line, whether it be good or bad: I would love to hear from you!
Shout Out to Andrey Pavlov for providing so many amazing photos to Issue 2! You’re a rock star, sorry to have lacked the proper accreditation within the last Mag!