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may 2011
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4 Crumbs 6 Tea and a Biccie 8 Debate: Should Australia become a republic? 10 Does Facebook Erase the Need for the High School Reunion? 12 A Model Citizen 15 Dating Deal-Breakers 16 Featured Artist: Nam Quan 20 Fashion: Into the Woods 28 Style Spotter 30 Beauty 32 Music: On the Stand with Trial Kennedy 34 Sips and Nibbles 35 The Art of the Perfect Chip 38 Travel: London Calling 40 Crafty Folk: iszle 42 Short Story: To Lie or Not To Lie
On the Cover
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Photography by Sarah Robertson Model: Adam Foley
Editor Jil Hogan Creative Director/Co-Editor Sarah Robertson Lead Designer/Web Design Rowan Hogan Layout and Design Jil Hogan Photography Sarah Robertson, Jaimee Sutton, Saul Sheldrick, Kristian Hollins Contributors Kristian Hollins, Dani Hanrahan, Rebecca McGuire, Danni Bain, Kade Morton, Kat Crowley Advertising & Marketing advertise@biscuitmagazine.com.au www.biscuitmagazine.com.au biscuit magazine is free and issued monthly. Email contact@biscuit magazine. com.au. ABN 33 407 496 992. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written permission from the copyright holder.
editor’s note
Enjoy the issue! Let us know what you think on contact@biscuitmagazine.com.au. Jil & Sarah
Crumbs.
all the bits and pieces you need to get you through the month
In case you’ve been living under a soundproof rock, the Splendour In The Grass 2011 lineup has been announced and it is indeed the tastiest smorgasbord of acts we’ve seen in one place possibly ever. Lineup includes Coldplay, Kanye West, The Hives, The Mars Volta, Regina Spektor, Bliss N Eso, Modest Mouse, The Mid-
dle East, Kaiser Chiefs, Children Collide, Bluejuice, Architecture In Helsinki, Jebediah, Boy And Bear, Cloud Control, The Jezebels... we could go on. For the full lineup visit: splendourinthegrass.com And don’t forget, tickets go on sale 9am (EST) Thursday 5th May 2011 from moshtix or 1300 438 849.
Want to PLAY at Splendour? Triple j Unearthed is giving one Australian artist the once in a lifetime opportunity to be flown to Woodfordia and open the festival on the main ampitheatre stage! For more information head to triplejunearthed.com
Stock up on accessories, stationery, clothing, homewares and jewellery from Brisbane’s top crafty folk at the Bleeding Heart City Markets. Held from 10am - 4pm on the first Friday of every month at Bleeding Heart Gallery (166 Ann Street, Brisbane), starting on Friday 6th May. The perfect way to fill your Friday lunch break and get you through to the weekend! www.bleedingheart.com.au
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crumbs
Billy Stewart (right), guitarist for Brisbane band ‘The Secret Whisper’ tells us the five songs monopolosing his iPod right now: Miami - Foals Such a party starter and sets the mood for some romantic fun! Let It Happen - Jimmy Eat World A great driving number, I’m on the road so much these days and the sing-alongs always get me to where I am going. No You Girls - Franz Ferdinand A honest, catchy and seductive vocal, goose pump drum and bass groove with guitars that fit effortlessly. Everything you could ask for in a great song. Last Goodbye - Jeff Buckley Lately I’ve been looking over my older records. The guitar and vocals in this song are a masterpiece. I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of it, it’s timeless music. Love Lost - The Temper Trap I guess I’m a hopeless romantic and this song hits all the right notes!
Based on the book “Empty Cradles”, Oranges and Sunshine tells the story of a social worker from Nottingham, who uncovered one of the most significant social scandals in recent times: the forced migration of children from the United Kingdom. Based on the book “Empty Cradles” by Margaret Humphreys. Starring Emily Watson, David Wenham, Hugo Weaving, Richard Dillane, Lorraine Ashbourne, Kate Rutter, Greg Stone and Tara Morice. ONLY IN CINEMAS JUNE 9th. We have 10 double in season passes to see Oranges and Lemons to give away. For your chance to WIN, email your name and postal address to competitions@biscuitmagazine. com.au with ‘Oranges’ in the subject line. Entries close May 27th.
Win!
Brissy indie rock band, The Secret Whisper, release their debut EP, Le Jeune Amour on 13th May at The Zoo, Brisbane. We have 2 copies of Le Jeune Amour to giveaway. For your chance to WIN, simply send your name and postal address to competitions@biscuitmagazine.com.au with ‘Secret’ in the subject field. Tickets for the EP launch are available from www.oztix.com.au. Make sure to join us on Facebook, for exclusive competitions, news and offers.
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tea & a biccie
Kathleen Dittmar Shirley Fracture Couture
I am Kathleen Dittmar & I am the mother of Shirley Fracture Couture. I grew up in a matriarchy. When I was younger all I wanted to be when I grew up was an explorer. I realised I wanted to be a designer when I used to draw floor plans for houses when I was a kid. When I’m designing I am in my natural state. My favourite song to work out to is Tight Pants (Shake Appeal) Iggy. If I could swap lives with someone it would be my poodle, just for a few days because he’s always happy, energetic, incredibly gorgeous, extremely pampered & I’ve always wanted to test the theory. The first Barbie doll I ever owned was the first time I pretended my shoe was a sports car. My favourite thing to do often is to laugh.
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If I had to eat one thing for the rest of my life it would be chocolate obsession ice-cream. One thing I hate more than anything else in the world is cruelty to animals. If someone went through my fridge right now they would find olives & dog food. My collection is the product of my heart, head & hands, is unique, limited edition, has a conscience & is on a mission to revolutionise the sea of uniform black winter legs out there. My professional highlight so far has been seeing people wearing & loving their Shirley Fracture. You will rarely catch me without clean undies on in case I get hit by a bus (thanks Nanna). One thing that really pushes my buttons is hypocrisy. When I’m in love I always lose all common sense. www.shirleyfracture.com.au
Images by Josie Richardson. Opposite: Image courtesy of Kathleen Dittmar.
Debate
Should Australia become a republic?
Yes
by Kristian Hollins
Those opposed to an Australian Republic will tell you that the financial costs far outweigh the political benefits. Some things in life should not be based on whether they’re financially prudent. Rather, there are some things in life that should and must be done in spite of the cost. An Australian Republic is one of these. Australians deserve a government of our own choosing, and without an Australian Head of State, we can’t ever properly achieve this. The role of a Head of State should not be played down. While we often associate them with symbolic or ceremonial duties, a Head of State is so much more. They’re the chief representative of the people and empowered by citizens through the Constitution to legitimise legislation. Without one, the system fails. Australians deserve the right to choose our own Head of State. Under the constitutional monarchy system, not only can’t Australians choose our own Head of State, an Australian can’t even apply for the job. In fact, being Australian means you are automatically barred from applying for the highest role in Australian government. Monarchists argue that the Governor-General is the highest political office in Australia, and that this role has, for some time, been filled solely by Australians. Although true, there is a devil in the detail; the GG is not our Head of State. They are only the Australian representative of the British Monarchy, empowered by that far-away office to provide ‘Royal assent’ for our laws. While it may never be enforced, our Constitution gives the Monarchy the power to overturn laws written and passed by our elected parliament. Australia is, ultimately, overseen by an 84-year-old Brit who doesn’t, and has never, lived here. Monarchy is an inefficient system of government. To believe that you are empowered to lead due only to the family you had the blind luck to be born into is reminiscent of a class system we have long since moved beyond.
by Dani Hanrahan
No
It’s inevitable. As the Union Jack colours global televisions in red, white and blue over the Royal nuptials of Prince William and his university sweetheart, Kate Middleton, the claws come out, again, for another swipe at the decrepit rags of a tired discussion: whether Australia should become a republic. It’s a system as precise as clockwork, each time a piece of news from the Mother Country filters down to the colonies, the snide comments, well-versed arguments and seeming identity crises of our nation is dragged through the mud in this neverending dialogue about the future of Australia. And that is where the seeming crux of the argument is, our identity. As a nation built from colonialists and criminals, Australians have always asked: Who are we? What does being Australian mean? We are a motley crew of nationalities; a nation built on immigration. The only true Australians are the ones who now live as outsiders in their own land. Our country cannot move forward, like many believe with the establishment of a President, until all Australians have a voice on what, and who, we should be. We argue on what our flag should be, we argue on who should come into the country, we argue on what our national anthem should be. We argue on a number of points, but the one underlying factor that binds all of those arguments together is, ‘Who are we?’ The solution, touted by many, is to become a republic, but in doing so we sever the ties to a country whose great-grandfathers helped build our nation. Our time, and money, could be better spent addressing issues that actually make a difference to the lives of ordinary Australians, rather than continuously arguing over an issue that seems trivial when compared to the debate over boat people, the welfare of Aboriginal Australians and sexual discrimination among those who are supposed to protect our country. I’m not suggesting that Australia should remain a Constitutional Monarchy indefinitely, but the question has to be asked, and it has (many times), is why change a system that has worked for us since Federation?
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May 2011
Does Facebook erase the need for the high school reunion? by Sarah Robertson
T
he years since I was at school have flown by at an extremely fast pace. It feels like only a week ago that I was released from that prison and allowed to experience the freedom of life. People, mainly my parents, warned me that after school I’d lose connection with most, if not all of my teenage friends. They told me to appreciate my childhood friends while I had them, because one day we’d all go our separate ways. That’s because my parents grew up without Facebook! Facebook has allowed me over the years to pop in and take a glance at anyone I care to, at any time I like. I have seen that ‘Jane’, ‘Julie’ and ‘Janet’ all got married one month after each other in similar dresses and then birthed blonde honeymoon babies. I have seen ‘Lisa’ and her climb up the corporate ladder and ‘Lidya’ and her fraternisation with famous people in bars across Brisbane. Facebook has allowed the distance of “stage one of life” to remain a constant without actually having to be close to it - we all know what’s going on with anyone we like without actually having to participate in their lives. That’s why, when I got an “event invitation” on Facebook to my ten year high school reunion, I was somewhat confused?
Is the point of a Ten Year Reunion not to catch up with a whole load of people you haven’t seen nor heard from in the last decade; a gentle way to nose into their lives and subconsciously compare your life to theirs? Is the point not to ask how many children they have, whether they married their idiot high school boyfriends and whether the girl with the O.P. 3 actually became a Neurosurgeon? See my confusion lies here; I already know what they are all doing. My ‘News Feed’ is clogged up on a daily basis with their children taking their first steps and smearing food all over their own faces. I know who they married and how in love they are. I know where their careers have taken them and whether they’ve put on any extra ten kilo’s or not. I already know all of this. So what then is the point? I don’t mean to sound bitter and twisted; I just don’t really understand the need for my class of 2001 to physically catch up? Has the technological advancements of the last decade not just made it easier for us to avoid an uncomfortable situation where people openly judge one another and gossip when they leave? Why then, would I need to go? (NB - I went to a private, all girls school – enough said.)
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A Model Citizen
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By Dani Hanrahan
F
lipping through the latest crop of glossy fashion magazines, and staring at the faces of the symmetrically perfect is – let’s admit – a little demoralising. Just imagining all the delightful forays these picture-perfect glamazons attend brings to mind Disney balls and Studio 54 shenanigans. The last thing you’d expect on a model’s itinerary is building schools in the middle of war-ravaged Afghanistan, but then again, Kyleigh Kuhn is more than just a pretty face. With her all-American good looks and pedigree, the 24-year-old has it all – beauty, smarts and a respected family legacy – but behind the killer Zoolander gaze is a girl with a heart of gold and a mission to help those affected by war. Kyleigh is the founder of the Roots of Peace Penny Campaign, an annual humanitarian program that inspires young adults from around the world to collect their spare change – pennies – and help rebuild villages plagued by landmines. “I’ve met girls my own age who’ve lost everything – their school, their families, their childhoods,” she says, remembering her first trip, on her 13th birthday, to landmine-affected towns in the Balkans. “When violence was brought to [America] on September 11, I was reminded of those girls. I knew I had to do something. I created the Penny Campaign as a way to extend a hand of peace to the youth of Afghanistan – the undeserving victims of the ‘war on terror.’” It’s a battle Kyleigh shares with
her parents. Having founded Roots of Peace, a non-profit organisation that works to unearth landmines, and help rebuild affected communities through agriculture, Heidi Kuhn has passed onto her daughter the notion that “life is more fulfilling if you live for others.” According to Roots of Peace, there are an estimated 70 million landmines lying buried in over 70 countries, with 26,000 people, mostly women and children, being maimed or killed by these silent enemies every year. Landmines were first used in 1862 during the U.S Civil War, and have since claimed the lives, limbs and land of millions of people worldwide. Having founded the NGO in memory of Princess Diana, who sought to clear the world of landmines, Heidi has left an undeniable mark on her children. “Do what you can with what you’ve been given to make the lives of others a bit better,” Kyleigh recites. “I live by this.
I believe we have all been given extraordinary gifts, and we can do extraordinary things if we recognise them and are not afraid to push ourselves as much as possible to use them. That’s why I am modelling.” Dubbed ‘The Non-Profit Model,’ by her agent (and the woman who discovered her), Mimi Yapor, Kyleigh enjoys “...breaking two stereotypes simultaneously - being an activist and a model.” Having posed for celebrated fashion photographer, Bruce Weber for Italian Vogue and appearing in campaigns for the likes of Abercrombie and Fitch, Gant and Opening Ceremony, Kyleigh follows in the well-heeled footsteps of supermodels like Gisele Bundchen (Goodwill Ambassador for the U.N Environment Programme), Alek Wek (improving health conditions in Sudan) and Natalia Vodianova (founder of the Naked Heart Foundation in Russia). With 50 percent of her modelling profits going directly towards the Roots of Peace
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projects, Kyleigh admits the Penny Campaign has been bolstered by her modelling exposure. “[Modelling] has enabled me to reach out to people who have an incredible wealth of social power and collaborate with them to bring the stories of these Afghan women and children to the consciousness of popular media.” Since its inception in 2003, the Penny Campaign has helped children in Afghanistan find hope in a land embattled by wars, past and present. With its collection of student donations, Kyleigh’s campaign has raised more than $320,000 dollars (a whole lot of pennies) for its projects in the Middle Eastern country, and has contributed in the development of six schools, most recently a high-school for 600 young women in the city of Bamyan - a big high-five for gender equality. Bringing her two passions together – fashion and philan-
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thropy – Kyleigh is committed to finding new ways in which the Afghan community can find sustainable ways of living. “My next project is focused on selling fair trade craftwork created by Afghan men and women rugs, necklaces, bracelets, etc,” she says. “I believe that this can be a way for the average citizen to join in solidarity with the people of Afghanistan.” It’s an inspiring project, and one aptly called, Dreamers of Tomorrow. As her modelling profile continues to grow and more projects are planned for the future, Kyleigh’s example is testament that a good deed really can go a long way: “It is truly remarkable that the combination of so
many students’ small contributions has transformed the reality of countless Afghan students. I will never know just how much of an impact I have made in these children’s lives, but I know that with the act of a good intention comes a ripple effect of many more.” www.wearethedreamersoftomorrow.com www.rootsofpeace.org
We’ve all had our deal-breaking experiences. You know, a date’s comments, behaviours, or attitudes that made us cringe; vomit over their carpet (figuratively most times, sometimes not), and then leave. My deal-breaking moments include a ‘potential’ referencing “shelving pingers” on our first (and consequently only) date. I also couldn’t be with someone who has nose hair. To confirm – protruding nose hair, as normal nose hair is fine and needed. Protruding nose hair is a pretty significant situation, and to not address it suggests poor attention to detail. I’m a details girl. Anyways, because I love saying “Are you fucking serious?” and enjoy lazy research, I hit up Twitter/Facebook people and asked them to volunteer their deal-breakers. I wanted a laugh. They didn’t disappoint. Deal-breakers: • Mouth breathers. • Reading answers to the Good Weekend quiz aloud.
Dating DealBreakers by Rebecca McGuire
D
eal-breaker; (n) a moment/observation that is so disgraceful, it ruins any chance of romantic relationship progression. Ever.
• Lifting one leg up to fart. • Incorrect grammar. • Loud cereal pourers. • Saying ‘thesises’ instead of ‘theses’. • Bad feet, because bad feet = bad relationship. • Guys who finish sentences with “hey” regardless of it being a question or not. • Sniffers – blow your nose. • The pick-up line “I’d love to be the tapeworm living in your intestines.” These are all very rational deal-breakers, and confirmation that there are a number of freaks out there. However the biggest confirmation came in this package. Brace yourselves. It’s appalling. A friend’s friend stopped dating a guy because he didn’t like cheese. What a freak. Who doesn’t like cheese? Dodged a MASSIVE bullet there... Twitter: @rebeccajmcguire
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Images courtesy of Nam Quan.
featured artist
Nam Quan is a Vietnamese born, Brisbane-based photographer who picked up a camera for the first time three years ago. After realising how bored he was in Business School and how happy it made him to photograph the world around him, Nam decided to become a professional photographer. Nam has been working professionally for two years now, and specialises in fine art, commercial and wedding photography. www.nam-quan.com
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Into The Woods
Model wears top by Edwina McLennan.
www.biscuitmagazine.com.au ?
(Front) Model wears Dress by Benjamin Ringuet; Tights by Edwina McLennan; Neck piece (headband) by Soot. (Left) Model wears Dress by Edwina McLennan; Tights by Black Milk (Right) Model wears Neck piece and skirt both Edwina McLennan.
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(Left) Model wears Top by Edwina Tait; Shorts by Edwina McLennan. (Right) Model wears Top by Edwina McLenna; Pants by Edwina McLennan; Bangle by Ruby Olive.
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Photography by Jaimee Sutton and Saul Sheldrick from JnS Photographics. Models: Brittany Adams, Morgan Grady & Tamara Simovic Hair: Debbie Pevitt from Canary Hair and Beauty Make-up: Karmin Piercy and Rachel Irvin
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e l y St
Kurt Moscot glasses and Dr Denim shoes both from Dirtbox Shirt from an op-shop. Snapped by Linsey Rendell in Brisbane Sarah Top from General Pants Boots from Spendless Snapped by Linsey Rendell in Brisbane
Spotter
Claire Karen Walker dress, Vintage Bag, Payless Shoes. Snapped by Nidya Bellido in Brisbane.
Wedges - by Nude Jeans - Sass & Bide Belt - Vintage shop in London Shirt - Lucette Watch - Michael Kors Earring - bought in Africa Snapped by Lilian Hii in Sydney
beauty
S
o, exciting news. Guess who’s now writing about beauty, despite not knowing what toner actually is? Yes, you guessed it. Me. This will either be the worst idea ever, or the best in the world. Cross those manicured nails kids that it’s the latter. I figured we could go on this ‘ugly duckling to beautiful swan’ journey together. And don’t worry; I will ask all of those dumb embarrassing questions that you’re too shy to ask the department store cosmetic beauties, on your behalf. Promise. My first ‘beauty’ task involved interviewing Lily Loves Pearl founder, Samantha Molineux (right). I think I managed to fake that I knew what I was talking about...
Bec McGuire Please tell me what organic skincare actually means, and why is it better for my face? Organic has become a buzz word over the past few years, many products claim to be organic. Certified Organic means that products are audited, tested and rigorous organic standards need to be adhered to. Certified organic products work with the skins natural constitution, they allow the skin to breathe and function as it should. They are free from pesticides,fragrances, parabens, sulphates and other harsh chemical ingredients. Chemical products age the skin, once you switch to a truly organic product you will never go back, your skin looks younger and fresher. Is your organic makeup going to stay on the whole night? Over and above some serious dancing, and the high likelihood of getting food on my face? Most definitely, you will find that our mineral foundation has amazing staying power, so that you can dance the night away. Regardless of what makeup you use, it’s all about how you moisturise and prepare the skin for makeup application. Makeup is the last thing you need to be worrying about when out eating and dancing the night away.
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What’s the coverage like? Because sometimes i can have gross skin (adult acne rocks). Our mineral foundation is used by clients with burns, scarring, acne and other major skin conditions. Depending on how much you apply is dependent on the coverage. A little goes a long way. Start with a small amount and you can always add more coverage. It is the ultimate product for all women. You can have a natural look or a dramatic face made up fro nighttime. What’s your most popular product? Our best seller in our skincare range is a tie between our [Purify Me] Botanical Facial Cleanser and [Restore Me] Rosehip Seed and Chamomile Facial Moistursier. Makeup is our mineral foundation and Black mascara. Where can we get this from? www.lilylovespearl.com. Also stocked at Stock-
For bath & body delicacies dripping in goodness.
Image courtesy of Sam Molineux.
ists with a commitment for Certified organic anti-ageing products. Day Spas, Beauty Salons, Naturopath, Health practitioners, Health food stores,around Australia.
are priced so that the average women can afford to use pure products. We have no Fillers in our products, our mineral foundation lasts approximately five months. Don’t be fooled by commercial mineral makeup with Sometimes buying makeup cheap fillers and chemical irrimakes me so poor I have to tants like Bismuth, Yuk! live on Black and Gold Baked Beans for a week. Well, not re- Please give me a beauty tip ally; that was for dramatic ef- that will help make me look fect. How affordable are your like Angelina Jolie. products? Smile... It makes you look so Considering our ingredients are much younger. Use a Certified of the highest quality, The lily Organic skincare range that loves Pearl range is affordable. makes your skin glow, be kind Our moisturiser are double the to your skin, keep it simple your size of most on the market and skin will love you.
our Get y
EALEM FLIR PB t da Valu0e.50 $1
when you spend $30*, plus free samples for every online order. Enter code: biscuitlip at checkout. *Offer ends 6/6/11 Shop online at:
www.urbanrituelle.com.au Also available nationally at select boutiques & homewares stores. To find your nearest store email info@urbanrituelle.com.au or call 02 9531 1244. URBAN RITUELLE PRODUCTS31 ARE PROUDLY AUSTRALIAN MADE.
On the Stand with Trial Kennedy by Danni Bain elbourne four-piece rockers Trial Kennedy have been on the Australian circuit since gracing us with their first studio album in 2008, New Manic Art that combined rugged rock with their notorious soaring vocals. Though plagued with the kind of hardships less-hardy bands would have surely disbanded over (accidents, illness, and changes of management and a member), Trial Kennedy are back
M
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releases. What else can we expect from Living Undesigned (released May 13)? I think it’s a pretty energized record for us, so it’s pretty pumped up, the ones you’ve heard and the one released on Facebook are the rockers of the album, and we’ve got some songs with a bit of light and shade as well you know, you’ve It’s been a couple of years got a record that’s super high since your last studio album, energy, that’s what we try and and we’re liking what we hear put out with Trial Kennedy, its so far with your latest album’s and stronger than ever with a new bassist, new album and new tour, ready to show the world nice guys don’t finish last. Speaking with the kind of causal vigor you’d expect from an old friend, guitarist Stacey Gray chats with biscuit about tours, positivity, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
not a one-dimensional band we’ve got some depth, so we try to put that across there’s a couple slower ones, melancholy, a few different colours.
Image courtesy of Trial Kennedy.
You guys decided to release this album ind e p e n d e n t l y, has this given you greater creative control? Yeah definitely, we’ve always written music we’ve wanted to do... now we’re independent you’re writing the record you really, really want to write with no one saying you can’t do this, you know what I mean. This time we’re lucky we’ve got new management who is really supportive, its feeling good. As a band, you guys have gone through more than your fair share of trials, what is the secret for keeping Trial Kennedy together and seemingly better than ever? I think the secret, a lot of it, is communication... within Trial Kennedy we’ve sat down and talked a lot... and even our last member before leaving we talked to him and are still real-
ly good friends with him I think it’s the key for getting through tough times. [Original bassist Aaron Malcomson left TK and has been replaced by Richard Buxton] Has the vibe changed at all with Richie stepping in? Yeah definitely, Aaron was a different bass player than Richie. Richie’s a real amazing musician, he’s just a really good songwriter... it’s easy, we’re really feeling it, it’s great. The Best of Tomorrow Tour has seen you guys rocking out on the east-coast and shortly with the album’s release, you have the Living Undesigned Tour. What’s been a highlight so far? The highlight is the reaction, and coming up with new tunes and feeling really positive about it, I suppose. The last couple of years have been a rollercoaster and now we’ve got this new record, this new bass player, some new guys on the road with us as well; we have a fifth member that comes touring with us, who’s the guys who mixed our record which is pretty amazing, having that different dynamic on stage it’s really refreshing... I’m feeling bloody energized, so its good! It’s all positive. Trial Kennedy’s latest album Living Undesigned is released May 13, with selected songs available from the album already. Find these, and upcoming tour dates for the Living Undesigned tour at: facebook.com/trialkennedy
music Trial Kennedy Cross-Examination with Stacey Gray… If this were a trial, what would Trial Kennedy be on trial for? Being good blokes. Name one movie that could be the film of your life? Ahh... that’s a good question, really good question. [After returning to the question at a later point] Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles! You’re shipped off to an island, with a mere one song to get you through the rest of your life, what will it be? I’m going to go with my favourite song of the moment, Radiohead’s All I Need off In Rainbows. Touring Vs recording? Can’t have one without the other, I couldn’t just tour or just record. If you weren’t creating music what would you be doing? Working in hospitality doing something musical somehow. And last but not least a parting piece of the advice? If you believe in something and have the opportunity to do something you think can be amazing, stick at it, and try and always look at the positive rather than the negative because worrying about the negative doesn’t change the situation.
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sips & nibbles eat • drink • cook • eat • drink • cook
Easy-Peasy Aioli Recipe
What’s your favourite thing to dip your hot chips into?
Sonia Charles – “Ice Cream”
A few biscuit readers tell us theirs...
Jacqueline Kate – “Aioli” Morgen Bourke – “The mixture of the gravy and steak juices on top of my T-Bone mm”” Jeska-Lee Malcolm – “sweet mustard pickles”
What you need: • 2 tbsp whole egg mayonnaise • 1 tbsp crushed garlic • ½ lime, juiced • 1 tsp lime rind • 1 tsp seeded mustard (optional) • Salt to taste
What to do:
Katrina Gilmore – “Cheese & gravy” Lilian Hii – “KFC Mash Potatoes!” Sharlee Murray – “Pepper sauce” Jordyn Hill – “Vinegar!” Emily Fraser – “Maccas chocolate sundae”
• Cook garlic lightly until it becomes fragranced. • Allow to cool. • Mix all ingredients together in a small bowl. • Season with salt and serve.
Potato facts... The potato was the first food ever to be grown in outer space!
There is only 100 calories in the average sized potato – so unless you deep fry them, they are fairly healthy!
Potatoes are 80% water – only 20% of it is actually solid.
The
art
of the Perfect Chip by Sarah Robertson
Chips are one of those sinfully delicious snacks that not many people I know can pass up. The crispy, deep-fried, little golden wedges of potato are notorious for sending saliva running and tummys growling as soon as their smell hits the human nose. The thing is, despite chips being insanely delectable, and edible no matter what state they may arrive at your plate, sometimes people just don’t get them “perfect”. There is in fact an art to getting your chip to the table in the finest of forms; this comes with a little preparation prior to the final fry up.
First things first – it’s all about the type of potato you choose. Some are waxy, some are floury... it’s the “floury/not so waxy” ones you want! Search your Supermarket for Coliban, Kennebec, Otway Red, Patrone, Red Rascal or any other floury/all-rounder variety you can get your hands on. Once you’ve got your potatoes, it’s time to think oil. Oil is important; it’s what essentially flavours your chips. Basically, you want something with a subtle flavour and a high smoking point. I recommend going for a simple vegetable oil. Olive oil is not a good idea; it has a low smoking point and will cause your chips to come out tasting scorched – steer clear. Seasoning your chips once they have cooked is also essential – get yourself some high quality seasoned salt; garlic salt, chicken salt or simply “Chippy Salt” found in your local supermarket aisle. Also, what you dunk your chips into once they have been delivered to your plate is important. Think Aioli, Gravy, Tomato Sauce – whatever it is that gets you excited about chips, and make sure you have plenty of that in stock (see aioli recipe).
Getting started: • Peel your potatoes and cut them into whatever shape your heart desires. Essentially a traditional chip is rectangular, but seriously, who gives a damn, make yourself happy and do whatever you like. • Fill a large pan with salted water and bring to the boil. While doing this make sure your already cut potatoes are soaking in water – to avoid them going brown. • Drain your uncooked chips and place them into the boiling water. This is an important stage, as you are going to parboil the potatoes, not fully cook them. Parboiling is when you partially cook something – this is going to give your chip that soft mushy interior, instead of being chalky and crunchy. • Once the chips are parboiled to your satisfaction (poke them with a fork and see how they feel – if they are soft, they are overdone; if they are hard, they need a little longer), drain and set aside on a flat tray and allow to cool somewhat. • Depending on time constraints and how hungry you are, place the chips into either the fridge or freezer. What we want to do is
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Images by Sarah Robertson.
cool them down, but also dry them out, so don’t cover them. • Alright, chips are cooling – now get your oil ready. You want a fairly deep pan and you want to fill it to just over half way with oil. Turn the temperature up to the highest heat and allow the oil to boil. It won’t bubble like water - you can test whether it is boiled by inserting the end of a dry wooden spoon and watching to see whether bubbles escape from the end. • Making sure your chips are cool and dry (if not dry, pat with a paper towel) you can now drop a sacrificial potato chunk into the boiling oil. Watch to see whether it starts bubbling straight
away (this is good) and then watch to gauge how long it takes to start turning golden brown. • Once you feel game, throw a few in there. Be careful when you drop them in, hot oil burns hurt like hell – trust me! When your chips are fried to your liking, pick them out with tongs and salt in a large bowl immediately. Serve with your pre-prepared sauce and enjoy your home cooked “Perfect Chips”. • TIP – If you like your chips insanely crunchy, don’t salt and allow them to cool once they have been deep fried (just to room temp) and then put them back in the boiling oil = INSANELY crunchy chips!
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London calling... Has the world spotlight on London inspired you to head to the Motherland? Kade Morton outlines the things you need to get used to before heading over...
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he United Kingdom. Every Australian at some point gets the urge to travel and discover that forgotten part of the Commonwealth, if only due to the ease of travel, the desire to boo some English cricketers, or some ancestral need to get one back for our convict past. Should your inner convict assert itself in the near future, there are some things you will need to get used to before travelling to England. Get used to crowds. So you used to live in Sydney, you know what crowds are like right? London alone has almost half of Australia’s entire population condensed into a single city, and that’s just the people that live there. The UK overall has roughly three times the population of Australia packed into a space roughly thirty-two times smaller. Get used to keeping right on escalators. Keeping right on an escalator is a loose rule, more of an optional courtesy, here in Australia. It is an enforced law in the UK. If you don’t stand to the right you will be mowed down by Londoners who have micromanaged the last second of their trip to work. Just follow what everyone else does and you’ll be fine.
Image by Kristian Hollins.
Get used to being asked if you watch Neighbours. When you answer no to this question, because that is the only possible answer, get used to the follow up question “Oh, do you watch Coronation Street then?” Coronation Street is the British version of Neighbours, which to the best of my knowledge doesn’t even air in Australia, but to the British it’s inconceivable that Australians don’t watch either or both of these shows. If you continue to profess your innocence, there is only one possible response. “Ah! You watch Home and Away don’t you?!” Get used to packing your own groceries. I was taken by surprise on my first trip to the UK when the checkout chick just sat there and chewed her bubble gum the first time I went to Tesco’s. You will look at Australian checkout staff in a whole new light after you have to pack your own groceries.
travel Get used to the annoying facts of life on English public transport. Periodically there are transport strikes on various lines of the London Underground due to an ongoing pay and redundancy disputes between the government and the transport union. If you’re travelling in London check the news ahead of time to make sure the underground lines you need are running. Get used to the currency. English coins can be confusing at first glance. The two pound coin is bigger than the one pound coin for example (and it pains me to say this, but the English sizing is more logical). Also they have one and two pence coins, so you can give and get exact change. Most likely though you will just end up with a jarful of copper coins you can’t be bothered taking to the bank to cash in. Also be mindful of the exchange rate. Things look really cheap when you forget about the pound sign just look at the numbers, but don’t forget to do the currency conversion in your head. Get used to student riots. The natural progression of protests in Europe of late is for them to develop into riots. Just this past November and December there were large scale student protests in the centre of London that turned violent with student and police casualties, mounted police charges, restriction of movement based on the criteria of you just being there, bonfires and vandalism. Since the vote to raise tuition fees has passed, students have vowed to continue the protests, so avoid central London if there’s a protest organised for that day. Incidentally, you can buy those stylish Guy Fawkes masks you saw on the news from Forbidden Planet on Shaftesbury Avenue in central London. In conclusion intrepid convict, apart from the novel differences you’ll quickly pick up, if you’re spending time in England during winter be mindful of the weather, travel by train or drive safe, and if you’re spending time in London specifically, watch the evening news to make sure you don’t get caught up in any kind of protests.
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Crafty Folk: iszle Nadine from iszle:
Image courtesy of Nadine from iszle.
“I have always had some sort of craft in my life. As a child I remember sitting in my Nanna’s sewing room (she was a seamstress) sewing clothes for my Barbie dolls with scraps of fabric.
salers requested additional product lines. With that in mind the brand ‘The Pendant Factory’ no longer represented our offering and so we developed iszle. What began as a hobby making pendants from Scrabble tiles has developed and grown into a small business that allows me to be a full time stay at home mum to our beautiful daughter. Our product lines have grown to include not only scrabble tile pendants, but also bookmarks, cosmetic pocket mirrors, silver charm pendants, magnet sets, keyrings etc, and most recently I have began creating silver and gold jewellery.
My own business started in July 2008. A very close friend introduced me to a craft site named Etsy. At the time our daughter was 2 years old, and I was looking for something to do from home. In June 2008, I purchased a scrabble pendant making kit and was instantly hooked. My husband has a background in photography and graphic design, and it was a natural progression for us to team up and create together. In July 2008 we The store has really opened up a world of possibegan selling Scrabble Tile pendants through our bilities and new networks for us and we love the Etsy store, www.ThePendantFactory.etsy.com. freedom that our handmade business gives us.” Our designs were a hit, so much so that whole- www.iszle.com
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A
s a 28-year-old career woman, living in a major Australian city, Kate found out the hard way that life and love didn’t always go hand in hand. As a second year associate at Lang & Barker, a top-rate law firm with a reputation for defending criminals and deviants, Kate found the long hours and time constraints demanding. It wasn’t just the 10 hour work days, but her home life, family life and her depressing and fundamentally non-existent love life which were suffering. It’s not through lack of trying that Kate found herself single and alone. It’s simply that the dateable men in her city were somewhat, shall we say, ‘deterred’ from asking Kate for her number once they discovered her source of income. Kate was a hard-working, determined, strong-minded woman who was proud of her achievements, but this pride could be easily offset by the prejudices that came with her job, and the fact that it had been over six months since Kate had felt the warmth of an intimate touch.
To lie or not to lie? By Kat Crowley
Ever since she had graduated from law school and started working for Lang & Barker, she had seen a steady decline in the number of prospective male partners. It seemed like overnight, men began to lose all interest in her. No-one was asking for her number anymore; in fact the problems always started when Kate divulged what she did for a living. There was one particularly memorable evening when she was out with her girlfriends at a packed and loud, social hot spot; when Kate walked out onto the balcony for some fresh air. Almost immediately a tall, dark haired and reasonably handsome man walked up towards her. “Can I buy you a drink?” said tall, dark and handsome. “Sure, scotch and dry, neat,” Kate replied, with a bat of her eyelashes. After a few drinks and the exchange of names, the newly introduced Rick was happily chatting
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short story
(and flirting) about his favourite band and how much he loved his job as a junior advertising executive for a large multi-national advertising firm.
Her friends were supportive and scathing toward the hasty retreat of Rick, coming up with suitable nicknames that rhymed with his name and were fitting of his uncalled-for behaviour. As they went over the inappropriateness of such a departure, Kate couldn’t help but think that, this “I know what you mean, I have the same problem seemed to be a regular occurrence over the last with my job,” Kate said without really giving too few years. She realised with a start that once a guy learned what she did for a living, he would much consideration to what she was saying. lose interest and she was always left bewildered. “Wonderful! Something we have in common. So what is it that you do?” asked Rick with a daz- Later, leaning over the balcony railing, seduczling smile that looked like it could melt even the tively playing with the straw in her unfamiliar pink cocktail, Kate felt the unmistakable warm most cynical of hearts. feeling of someone watching her. She moved her “I’m a second year associate at Lang & Barker,” head slightly and caught the eye of a boyishly said Kate. cute and assertively dressed young man, startAnd, as the light of recognition hit Rick’s eyes ing at her from the other side of the balcony. and the smile left his face, Kate realised her car- Realising that this was her target audience, Kate dinal mistake! But, the hairy-legged, independent quickly shifted her gaze away and blushed. feminist within Kate screamed out that it was She noticed a figure moving towards her through right to tell this man the truth. Who cared if the throngs of people on the balcony and withhe got scared by her success? She was a career out more than a minute’s wait, the young and women who had a brain and knew how to use it. cute guy had come over and introduced himself “That sounds like a really interesting job, I can’t as Josh. Within ten minutes of meeting Josh wait to hear more and see what else we have in and trying her best to laugh at his not-so-funny common,” said Rick with a wink. “How about I opening lines, Kate had him buying her another get us another drink?“ Without waiting for a re- way-too-sweet cocktail and enthralled with her ply, Rick picked up Kate’s half-full wine glass and hilarious, and fictional, stories of her career as a walked to the bar; draining his own drink as he Dolphin Trainer. did so. He put both glasses down on the bar and With her brain programmed to “sweet innocent without so much as a glance backwards, walked young woman” instead of “ball-busting criminal directly out of the back entrance. lawyer”, she found it was simple enough to peak Kate was utterly speechless. Someone who seemed Josh’s interest enough for him to ask for her so eager to impress her only moments before, had number. Kate strode back towards her friends, just as suddenly walked, practically ran, away af- batting her eyelids at Josh and sweetly waving ter learning of her high paying, successful job. back at him and made a mental note: next time All too suddenly it dawned on her, even in this she was going to be a flight attendant, or maybe day and age of equal opportunity and strong- a Trapeze Artist. minded female CEO’s, some men would always be threatened by women in a high powered job. “It’s tough being one of the youngest executives at the firm, but I think I’ve proved my worth to the company with the big accounts I’ve landed,” said Rick, clearly trying to impress Kate with his successful high paying career.
Illustration by Sarah Robertson
“Screw it”, she said out loud as she walked back to the other side the bar to re-join her friends and share the harsh story.