Thoughts from The GAG Gang ~ @home edition

HANNAH

What's something good you have watched or listened to these last 4 or so weeks?

We have been watching The Sopranos! Very good.

Have you discovered the meaning of life while in isolation?

The meaning of life to me is probably don’t waste it! Do things that are meaningful to you and surround yourself with people who make you laugh and feel like your best self.

CONNIE

What have you been watching, reading or listening to lately?

Oh man have I been binge-watching Noweness; In Residence on Youtube. The houses are all next-level cool, my personal favourites being Mark Haddawys sexy mid-centaury Californian bungalow and the uber slick modern house of Kulapat Yantrasast. Serious must watch to loose yourselves in other people’s personal spaces. Also, I have started listening to Matches Fashion podcast 5 Carlos Place (the address of the matches London townhouse) where they interview people in the addict…edgy. Anywho, their episode interviewing Paloma Elsesser is sick because she is awesome. Also, also, for something to read that is a bit different you should dabble in some on the trend forecasting reports by New York group K-Hole because they are hilarious and so random but so right.

Have you had any realisations during isolation?

Gosh, that as I previously thought; the company of those you like is neat – but in lockdown, I am also learning the company of just yourself can also be really neat.

Do you think we're doomed or are you feeling hopeful about the future?

I really, really, really hope not. So, let’s manifest that we aren’t.

ANJA

What's something you have been watching recently?

Forensic Files: this show started in the 90s. It’s about murder, investigation and the tools that are used to solve crime. This show got me through university, the 20 minute episodes provided for a perfect study break. There are 406 episodes and I have watched them all. A truly dedicated fan.

What's something you have learnt as this situation has unfolded?

The importance of slowing down. During lockdown there has been a constant influx of messages encouraging productivity. Four weeks stuck in a single household allows for time to get all those things on your to do list done. That being said, I think it is important to accept the fact that you may not. And that is okay. The forced adaptation has emphasised the value of taking a breather and looking after yourself in whichever way it makes sense to you. Also never take opportunities to eat out and socialise with your friends for granted!

Do you think we're doomed or are you feeling hopeful?

Yes and no. I think that the world has become increasingly polarised and the lockdown measures have provided a stark reminder of the importance of community. The inventive ways that people have found to push the bounds of creativity and communication gives me hope for the future. It's also encouraging to see the ways in which nature has responded, showing everyone the impact that collective action can have on this planet. On the other hand, Bernie Sanders is out of the presidential race. We will all be doomed if Trump wins and we have to see him on our screens as President for another four years.

OSCAR

What's something good you have watched or listened to while you have been isolating out in your Pukerua Bay paradise?

I've been listening to heaps of Aftertheparty on some sad boy quarantine shit. Which is weird because I actually really really fuck with this lockdown. I'm super blessed to be with the ones I love, in the place I love. Other than trying to cross off every A24 Film ever made, my girlfriend and I have started watching Lost! The first episode was so trash, but now I'm hooked! I almost need Cindy to extend this isolation just to get through all 122 episodes!

Have you discovered the meaning of life while in isolation?

Regardless of the virus or not, I think it was almost essential for us to have this lockdown. We've been given a rear opportunity to better ourselves, reconsider our way of living, and care for one and other. As a nation, we were immediately forced to make sacrifices for our own safety, and it seems we've done pretty well! Now we know its possible, hopefully, these kinds of dramatic action can be applied to other urgent global issues. Although for many of us, this lockdown has brought more trouble than anything, this period has given us the chance to reflect, and adjust our habitual routines. I believe this will benefit us in the long run.I also learned, next time we go into level 4, best believe I'm going straight to bunnings and buying every damn power tool I can afford. I fucked up and bought a PlayStation and a big ass TV.

How do you feel about the future? Are we doomed?

Hell no we ain't doomed, no time for that, we have a fucking amazing new store to open!

LEXI

What's something good you have watched or listened to these last 4 or so weeks?

I've been listening to a mix of artists such as the weeknd , Mk.gee , Loyle Carner , Banoffee , Kate Tempest , SiR , Baths , Riri just to name a few ! Always good to switch it up ! I haven't been watching a whole lot mostly cooking videos ! Been reading a lot trying to keep the mind active!

Give us a pep talk on life right now.

Quite a big ask here but I think I've just been realising that things happen for a reason. We are exactly where we are meant to be sometimes we don't know why and it's a bit shit but in the long run it'll all make sense and work out ya know? It's a great time to just take time. Take time to reflect on yourself, be kind to yourself and be patient with yourself. As humans we spend a lot of time only looking at what's next and rushing to get there but now the world has just stopped so we have to look inside ourselves and catch up with ourselves. It sounds silly but there will probably be no other time in our lives when we get to do this, when we get to just slow right down and do nothing but be.

Do you reckon we're doomed?

Not at all! The world will be different for a while I think but we aren't doomed we just have to adjust to some new ways of how things are done. If you are feeling like we are doomed that's okay but it's important you talk about it to others and get some other opinions! If you're spending too much time reading scary news articles and not communicating your feelings about what's going on you're going to get yourself into a pretty shitty headspace! Remember your feelings are always validated! You're allowed to feel shit right now, no matter what your circumstance is.

DEA

What's something good you have watched or listened to these last 4 or so weeks?

I have definitely indulged in watching plenty of television whilst on lockdown. But, if you are wanting to watch something that encourages you to question the criminal justice system then you should watch When They See Us. A miniseries based on the case of the Central Park Five in which five young people were charged with a crime they did not commit. If you don’t know of the case, this is a way to gain an understanding of how unjust a system can be through the eyes of each character. The director, Ava DuVernay, humanises a story which has been riddled with misconceptions to shine a light on the real effects of injustice.

How do you feel about the future? Are we doomed?

This is dependent on how you define the word doomed… But, we must take the time to look at this positively. The world has been able to breathe at a time which was critical and corporations/governments are having to reassess their economic models. Although it is no surprise to me, people are leaning toward socialist systems in order to survive this crisis. Lets just hope that this makes people realise the positive aspects of living in a society which is conscious of all people.

Have you discovered the meaning of life while in isolation?

I find that in life, I am always planning for the future and take measures to achieve particular goals within a timeframe which, at the time, seems realistic. With the current situation, there is an incredible amount of unpredictability which can be daunting to some but it is in a time like this that one is reminded to live in the current moment with which they are presented. It is easy to be distracted by this world, but it is important to remember where you stand within it. Remind yourself what is important to you, value the conversations with others and take the time to read and/or watch something that may conflict with your own opinion to broaden your perspective. In this, we can create conversations which may bridge differences through understanding. Enjoy the slower pace as I have been doing because you never know when you will be presented with an opportunity such as this one.

CHRIS

What have you been watching during isolation?

The best thing I’ve watched recently is this mini-series ‘orthodox’ on Netflix, it’s probably one of the best things I’ve seen on Netflix for a minute. It is a story of a woman's escape from an arranged marriage in a tight-knit Hasidic Jewish community in Brooklyn New York. It shows the misogyny deeply rooted in a religion controlled by men, while also showing the strength of religious women and what they have to endure. It does convey the beauty and community in religion, but at the same time showing the pain religion can inflict. The story is full of hope and bravery, and the strength to continue into an unknown future.

Something you have learnt or realised during this lockdown period?

If you look closely at a container of tic tacs you can see that the ingredients say 0g of sugar. But, unfortunately, that is not true. Each mint is actually made of 94.5% sugar. But how can they list 0 grams when almost the entire package is sugar???? Since the serving size is one mint and each mint is small enough that it contains less than 0.5 grams of sugar, according to the FDA, you can list it as 0 grams of sugar. Since there are about 38 tic tacs per container, there are about 19 grams of sugar in the package instead of the proposed 0. So, even though each mint is basically just sugar, they can still list it as sugar-free.

What is your outlook on the future post-lockdown?

This situation has allowed us to break a lot of patterns and cycles of society. Basically, stuff is going to change!! And this change is good, I believe it’s an important part of life. It’s how we adapt and evolve to change that has made the human race so successful. So I’m somewhat excited to see what’s going to happen and how things will evolve.