scope week seven
scope features | sowmya ram (editor) elin jonsson (sub-editor) halligan quin (sub-editor) bondy banter | nick mclean (editor) social | andrew wilson (editor) the scoop | david simmons (editor) antony scholefield (sub-editor) nicholas o’hara-boyd (sub-editor) justine landis-hanley (columnist) sport | rizal redzuan (editor) photographers | ben thangkam contributors | michelle gately jason strom muzakkir mohd nor kristen centorame The views expressed in Scope are not necassarily the views of BUSA or the editorial sub-committee. Š Bond University Student Association 2013
contents AIME Bond Politik Social Bondy Banter The Scoop Sport What’s On
6 13 16 16 18 24 26
from the desk of the Vice President (Education) So I entered this competition to get
Jokes. Education is often pretty dry , Q&A with the Vice Chancellor
everyone at Bond FREE DRINKS
but what we lack in beverages we
for a night, and I won!
sure make up for in progress.
This WEDNESDAY from 12-1pm the Vice Chancellor himself will be available to all students to answer any question you can articul ate into words. Some say he once worked for UQ and was awarded the Prime Minister’s Centenary Me dal in 2003. Others say he once wo rked for ANU and is a Board member for the Queensland Rugby Union. All we know is that he wil l be in the Gregor Heiner Theatre in the HSM building from 12pm on Wednesday. Lecture Theatre Repairs Every Bondy knows the feeling of leaning back into a lecture chair and finding yourself suddenly and shockingly horizontal. Whilst recline rs are great for a lazy Sunday, they are not exactly ideal for study. Over the coming Christmas break Theatre 4 will see a further 34 sea ts replaced, with the parts from the old chairs being used to repair the remainder of the chairs in the theatre. At the writing of this article there is no finalised plan to repair the other theatres in buildin g 6, but it is on the books as a high priority coming into the new year. Lecture Streaming Despite previous assurances this issue is not yet one of the past. As it stands, the faculties are working very hard to reach the goal of 80% of lectures be streamed. Unfortun ately, the university does not yet have the capabilities to make this a reality for all classes yet. In the nex t month a lecture streaming plan will appear that will draft the plan for the next six months. You will hear back from me then. Core Curriculum Review The subject proposals for the new Cores have been conditionally app roved by the Program and Subject Review Committee. Curre ntly, the Working Group is decidin g on the best way to roll out the new syllabus. Siesta Recliners The Education Pod received full funding to purchase the siesta rec liners as promised. This week the lounges will be bought and they sho uld be installed in time for study week this semester. As always, I am available for contac t at anytime. e: education.busa@bond.edu.au m: 0405 332 013
The Captain’s Corner Everyone’s favourite week is here! The beginning of most mid-sems. How exciting. Academia! Why we’re here; what we want to be doing. Well, what I tell my parents I’m doing. Fret not. This upcoming week is filled with more excitement than a freshly baked cream bun. In fact, you’re all so important you’ve been given two parties on the same night. I wonder which genius thought that one up. And take our own Communications Director Bridie’s advice: save the liver for Friday! Like Rischey wrote last week, USA v Rest of the World Basketball is on this Thursday. Don’t worry Rest of the World, the Yanks don’t have Lebron here at Bond, so us ‘others’ are in with a shot (not really). Regardless, a night of frivolities is in order, and Don’s will be open after, so you can dilute the emotions with the Tequila – win or lose. Following a typical Thursday, you’re left with a choice, the Witches of East-wick or Don’s Part 2: The Physical, Platinum Edition. Obviously, the choice is tougher than a rare steak from the Bra, but either way we’re dressing up as something, so it’s all down to location, location, location. If my choice is important to you (and of course it is) then follow the hashtag #stopstalkingme. Whatever your choice, VIP Entitlements will be waiting, because you’re all Very Important People (at least to yourselves). If all that wasn’t enough once our livers recover from the two events, Sunday in the Amphitheatre is the final Live at Bond Concert. It’s a must go. And who turns down a live concert? It should be a fabulous week, and don’t forget to study just enough. Remember study smart, not hard. On other business, last week I informed you all that we were converting Scope from being a friend to a page on FB. Many of you may have noticed that it’s happened. Well don’t worry; your photos and tags will be back soon enough. That’s all from me, but enjoy this weeks Scope, and get even keener for next week! Don’t let mid-sems bring down your class Bond, Jeffers
Bond Debating Union Presents
StatE of the UnioN THE PREMIER 3v3 DEBATING COMPETITION
A 3v3 Debating Competition with Points of Information running from Week 10 to 11. Prizes will be awarded to the Winning Team, Runner Up and Best Speaker. Training sessions will be provided. REGISTRATIONS ARE NOW OPEN AND WILL CLOSE FRIDAY 1 NOV Register online through the Bond Debating Union Facebook Email debatingunion@student.bond.edu.au for more information
Convenor: Daniel Markos Chief Adjudicator: Shuktika Bose Both are World Championship Debaters Link to Facebook:
A I
This past week Hal and Sowmya sat down with Karl Black, Bond alumni and Assistant Program Manager at AIME and Tom Wensley, the Operations and Communications Manager at AIME, to discuss AIME and life. This is what they had to say…
Australian Indigenous
by Sowmya Ram and Hal Quin So, how did you get started with AIME? How did you come into the role you have now?
In early 2005, 20 students Sydney university KB: I initially heard it in a University pitch. Someone from came to one of our lectures and spoke about the walked down to Redfern to program asking for mentors. It sounded pretty cool so I signed up. This was in the beginning of 2011 mentor 20 Indigenous students and I’ve been volunteering ever since. I started as a at a local state high school. It regular mentor in the first year. During my second was the beginning of what has year, I kinda stepped up and did some admin stuff for AIME and this year Robbie asked me to come back as been a remarkable journey a part time employee. for the organization known as TW: I was studying arts/law and I worked in the AIME. AIME, which stands government for five years. Then I did an associateship for the Australian Indigenous at the administrative appeals tribunal and completed Mentoring Experience, was my PLT. I thought I was going to be a lawyer but at the end of working with the judge I decided that I didn’t the brainchild of young Australian of the Year finalist really want to practice law but work with something I Jack Manning Bankroft. At 19 years old, Jack, an feel strongly and passionately about. I started looking for other opportunities when a really good friend of Indigenous university student, had an idea, an idea mine who worked for AIME around the Sunshine that would go on to give university students across Coast suggested that I get involved with them. So I the country a vehicle to connect with Indigenous applied for the communications positions and three interviews later, here I am working with Robbie and Australia and build a platform from which Indigenous Karl on the Gold Coast. high school students could develop the confidence to aspire. What sorts of things does your job involve? KB: Regular mentor stuff during the sessions and apart from that admin stuff and behind the scenes work. There’s a lot of communication between us and the schools and us and the university to make sure the sessions happen and I’m kind of the go to person for the university liaison and sometimes as a schools liaison.
Today there remain significant challenges to be overcome in closing the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians in health, education, life expectancy and employment. These factors, in addition to the perpetuation of negative social attitudes, ensure that many Indigenous students simply do not have the TW: My job is more over arching. So instead of managing day-to-day, I handle communications both opportunities, support or confidence to achieve their internal and external and liaising with the major potential. stakeholders, the media, and between three sites and Bond University and SCU on the Gold Coast. I’ll also look after the strategies for mentor and mentee recruitment, retention and progression rates and In a era when so many feel disconnected and helpless communicating with HQ in Sydney. to solve the great challenges of our time, AIME has taken an innovative approach that has given individuals the opportunity to step in and be part of the solution. Through the vehicle of mentoring, AIME has been
M E
Mentoring Experience
What was it like working with Robbie Miller? KB: Robbie Miller... He’s an interesting guy. He’s fantastic. Always happy always funny and cracking a joke. He’s real fun and its great working with him.
TW: The one and only. It’s a pleasure working with him. He has bursts off attention and it’s good to utilize him while he’s got his attention bursts. He’s able to begin to rebuild the passionate about what he does and that’s intoxicating and he’s good fun to be around. It’s especially great support base for thousands of to watch him with the kids. He may not be great at Indigenous students and install numbers but he’s great with the job. the belief that is so critical to having the confidence to reach What is your favourite thing about the job? for your dreams. KB: That’s a tough one... The morning coffee everyday is good. Apart from that, after every session, at about 3 o’clock when all the hard work is done and we put the results in the form, and all the happy kids go The Program away... It’s what we work for and the most rewarding AIME’s unique program part of the job. connects university students across Australia with Indigenous High school students in a mentoring program aimed at equipping mentees with the skills, opportunities, and confidence to finish school at the same rate as their peers. Participation in the AIME program has consistently proven to dramatically improve the chances of Indigenous students completing their high school education. For mentors the program not only offers a unique way to connect with our country’s first Australians but also develops communication, interpersonal and leadership skills.
TW: Program days. I was just down in Lismore for their final day and it was awesome. It’s what we work for, to see the kids make it through school and aspire to develop confidence. There’s very few jobs that give you such satisfaction.
What’s the funniest thing that has happened to you on the job?
KB: There’s funny stuff everyday. Lot of funny stuff happens with Robbie very very often. One thing that comes to my mind right now is since Robbie started his music at Juicy Bits, the manager once roped off a whole area for us to eat and he gave us three little The program itself is divided into two pieces of cake on a huge silver platter. He also drew on a takeaway paper bag saying ‘I’m not Robbie program streams: Core and Outreach. The Core Miller’ with little eye holes in it so Robbie can walk around wearing it without being recognised. TW: Coffee is very important part of the job and Juicy Bits is our regular hangout. We were in the middle of a brainstorm session when Karl and Robbie decide to bring me this very special glass to honour the boss that they work with. The glass read ‘Little Miss Naughty’. Imagine a tall pink glass with the love hearts and the caption and I had my coffee in it. That was pretty funny.
How does it feel to be working on the Bond campus? KB: I’ve been here five years now. I studied for four and I’m still here. I’m very comfortable here just Program targets local Indigenous high school because I’ve been here so long. I live close, I know the area and it’s great to constantly run into people I students who attend schools that are able to visit an AIME partner university campus on a weekly basis. know from Uni and from AIME. The Outreach Program extends the AIME experience TW: I’m normally away a lot unlike Robbie and Karl. That said I love working here. It’s got a great vibe to Indigenous high school students from further about it, beautiful campus and an awesome bunch of afield through a more intensive full-day format that mentors. takes place 4 times throughout the year. AIME also connects students with post-Year 12 opportunities, including further education and employment. What have you and the rest of AIME got planned for From humble beginnings AIME has grown the future? into a national not-for-profit organization that has KB: I’ll probably look to sticking around for another directly impacted the lives of thousands of university year. Not really sure at the moment. In terms of Bond students and Indigenous high school students. and the program here, we’re looking to keep up our communication with the schools and expanding the Currently AIME is partnered with 14 Universities program on campus. The scope is great. across the country and backed by large companies such TW: We want the program to reach 10,000 kids. That’s as Google, Virgin, Atlassian a big goal and we need to be growing across the board and the Commonwealth Bank, from our current 2,000 odd student participants. For this to happen, we need to push our centres to expand. allowing it to expand the program this year to over 1000 mentors and 2000 mentees. How do you feel about the way indigenous affairs are discussed in Australia today?
AIME at Bond University
KB: From my perspective, I think it’s getting a lot more positive attention. Stereotypes are starting to be broken down and there’s a lot more potential for success in the indigenous community. In fact we had Josh Creamer, the first indigenous barrister as a special guest in our end of year fest. He really inspired a lot of the kids. Guess this shows how Australia’s perspective on indigenous affairs are changing.
AIME first began operating at Bond University in January 2011, starting with just 8 schools. Since that time the program has grown dramatically, expanding to 17 schools ranging from as TW: I hear a lot about Government policies for this far south as Tweed Heads to as far north as Loganlea. and that. While that’s great, AIME involves the human 2013 was an incredible year for AIME on the Gold relationship between two people and the interaction it buds helps change the way the society sees indigenous Coast, with 116 Bond University students giving Australians. It is a grass-roots approach to solving up their time to mentor 232 Indigenous high school problems. students involved the program. In addition to participating in the Outreach program, several Bond mentors have gone the extra mile and also worked as tutors at 2 local high schools. AIME tutor squads have been assisting Indigenous students with their studies at both Varsity College and
Are there any achievements that you’re particularly proud of? KB: The fact that the every session gets pulled off and the kids can come in and have a great time and The program concluded on the Gold Coast walk away with bright eyes and smiles on their faces is the biggest achievement for me. The sense of on 6 October with an end of year celebration that direction that the kids get from the session and the included special guests The Paper Kites, Indigenous little moments we have with the kids in the breaks barrister Josh Creamer and Indigenous Artist and when we chat to them (or play soccer or cricket), you get to know that they take your words seriously. Elder Denise Proud. The day also featured a live performance by AIME’s very own Gold Coast TW: There’s heaps. We had a great session for our final day earlier in September. The kid’s enthusiasm Program Manager Robbie Miller who recently won and the working in the other election campaign have the National Indigenous Artist of the Year award on been great. Triple J unearthed. Palm Beach Currumbin.
Bond mentors have shown dedication and commitment over the course of the year and have not only helped to grow the confidence and aspirations of Indigenous high school students, but also developed their own leadership skills and enriched their cultural awareness.
The Other Election Not only was 2013 a big year for the program itself, it also saw Gold Coast mentees involved in The Other Election; a competition whereby nearly 600 Indigenous students from around Australia in years 10-12 delivered speeches imagining themselves as the first Indigenous Prime Minister. Working with their mentors the students wrote, rehearsed and recorded their speeches in just two hours. The videos were then uploaded onto theotherelection. com.au where people across Australia were able to vote for their favourite speech. Nearly 70,000 people voted in The Other Election demonstrating their support for AIME mentees who offered a vision for the future filled with hope, positivity and greatness. The top 3 will soon be flown to Canberra where they will deliver their speeches to our federal politicians in Canberra.
Little known facts about you. KB: I was a professional tree-climber and I competed internationally, I’m very passionate about photography and I love physics. TW: I was a ski-instructor for a season in Canada and one in the States. I was a trivia host for 6 years in Brisbane one night a week. Also been a landscaper one summer.
Is there any advice you’d give to people who are interested in what AIME does but hesitant about getting involved? KB: I’d say come and meet me at the office anytime and I can help clear any reservations about AIME. TW: Come and see what we’re all about. There’s training, guidance and a lot of mentors around to help you. You’ll find yourself growing as a person too. Try stepping out of your comfort zone. It will be worth it.
To become a mentor in 2014 or get involved with AIME in any capacity please visit the AIME website or contact Gold Coast Program Manager Robbie Miller at rm@aimementoring.com
Mentors 4 Life Back in June of this year AIME also launched Mentors 4 Life initiative: a mentoring and professional development program that was open to businesses and individuals alike. By working with a professional mentor over a 12 month period the program aims to unlock the mentees’ limitless potential. Several Bond University Mentors joined hundreds of others across Australia to be the first to participate in the program. All the funds raised from the Mentors 4 Life Program will go back into helping AIME continue to work with more Indigenous kids across Australia, to help them finish school at the same rate as every Australian child. AIME’s story is one that has seen thousands of young Australians give up their time to give back to the community, that has seen thousands of Indigenous High school students find the belief and encouragement needed to reach for their dreams, that has tapped into a desire to change the conversation and empowered individuals to be the change they want to see in the world. We got in touch with Robbie Miller, The program manager for AIME, Gold Coast and here’s what he had to say: “Working with Karl and Tom has been great. The best thing about what we do is that we really enjoy each other’s company and we immensely enjoy the work we do. We also have a lot of common interests like music and sports and it reflects in our work. AIME has been having a positive impact on the way indigenous affairs are discussed today in comparison to 20 or 30 years ago.”
Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience
SNAPSHOT 2013
GOALS FOR 2016 • AIME will annually engage 6000 Indigenous students and 2000 university Mentors at 20 university sites across Australia.
WHAT IS AIME? AIME believes in the power of mentoring to overcome some of the biggest challenges of our time. We connect Indigenous high school students with uni student Mentors in a dynamic educational program that has proven to dramatically improve the chances of Indigenous children finishing school. It's like what the Australian Institute of Sport is for athletes; AIME is for Indigenous kids. We create a culture where for every step you take forward in life, you throw your hand back and bring someone with you. We believe that Indigenous = success.
THE STATISTICS
• Of the AIME students who complete Year 12, 100% will transition to further education, training or employment. • For our Mentors, AIME will be the best graduate development program in Australia.
TESTIMONIALS
National progress indicators 2011 National outcomes
• AIME students will complete high school at the same rate as all Australian students.
NonIndigenous students
Indigenous students
AIME 2011 students
Yr 9 -10 progressions
99.4 %
91.5 %
97.0 %
Yr 10 -11 progressions
90.2 %
74.0 %
92.6 %
Yr 11-12 progressions
84.6 %
66.7 %
79.0 %
Yr 12 completions
99.2 %
71.8 %
87.5 %
Yr 12 - uni progressions
46.0 % *
10.0 % *
35.7 %
Yr 9 -12 completions
75.2 %
32.4 %
62.7 %
Yr 9 - uni progressions
34.6 %
3.2 %
22.7 %
´$,0( LV P\ IDYRXULWH SDUW RI KLJK VFKRRO , KDG the worst first years in high school and AIME made everything better. I have more motivation and confidence in my work thanks to all of you.” - Kahli Coolwell, Mentee, Beerwah State High School
“Since coming to university, AIME has been one of the most influential extra-curricular programs I have done.” - Tawands Biti, Mentor, Bond University “I really wanted to get involved with the Indigenous community and work towards reducing existing inequalities between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. ,·P VWXG\LQJ PHGLFLQH EXW HGXFDWLRQ LV something I really wanted to be involved in.” - Swetha Prabhakaran, Mentor, Monash University
“AIME demystifies uni.” - Leanne Jamieson, Teacher, Marrickville High School “I could not feel more proud of any initiative or project with which I have an association. It is a dream becoming reality.” - Her Excellency Professor
IMPACT OF AIME TO DATE • AIME started in 2005 with 25 Mentors and 25 Mentees. In 2013, AIME is connecting over 2,000 Mentees and over 1000 Mentors across 24 university sites in five states. • AIME's unique brand of mentoring is recognised as best practice nationally; the AIME program was featured on ABC's Australian Story in May 2012 and was mentioned as a best practice model in the Gonski Review. 2013 marks the fourth year running that AIME students have finished school at almost the same rate as every Australian child.
Marie Bashir AC CVO, Governor of New South Wales, Chancellor of the University of Sydney
MORE INFO How does the AIME program work? How do I get AIME to my school? How can I get connected? For answers to these questions and more, head to the AIME website:
www.aimementoring.com
with Deena Sunday, October 27 ADCO Amphitheatre 3-5pm
Supported by:
taylorbandlive.com DS1071
bond.edu.au/taylor
Bond Politik by Michelle Gately
It’s been a big year for Australian politics. We’ve endured a seemingly never ending election campaign, Jaymes Diaz and Stephanie Banister, countless KRudd selfies and a new PM who is still searching for the suppository of wisdom. And if dinosaur loving mining magnate Clive Palmer becomes a federal MP, I’m pretty sure we’re going to see some twerking at next year’s Midwinter Ball. Who said politics was boring?
says Bond Politik is always searching for exciting guest speakers. “We have tried to source interesting and sometimes obscure politicians to attract interest from students,” he says. “A personal highlight was Bob Katter. Bob was happy to chat amongst students for several hours after the conclusion of the event, and allowed students to try on his hat.” Discussion groups, trivia nights, and screenings of Q&A also provide students with plenty of opportunities to discuss current affairs and joke about the latest pollie gaffes. Bond Politik is planning to continue hosting diverse and exciting events in semester 133. “ The club has gone from strength to strength, expanding its style and scope of events,” says Rob. “Originally we planned on exclusively running discussion groups, but our club has recently become much more focussed on securing top speakers to engage with students on real issues. Oxford and Cambridge students challenge their politicians to regular chamber debates. Why can’t Bond students do the same thing?”
For Bond Politik, the political thrills and spills of 2013 have provided plenty of fodder for engaging conversation. The club was formed in semester 122 with an aim to encourage interest, debate and discussion from all sides of the political spectrum. Club President, Rob Leonard says Bond Politik is re-emerging as an apolitical discussion space for students and staff. “This sort of discussion has been notably absent from Bond, with the consequence that one strain of political thought has disproportionately large club-level representation,” he explains. “It’s important to build on this tradition of policy focused, non-partisan debate to allow all students to participate, regardless of their political views.” Keep up to date with current affairs and the latest Bond Politik news by joining the mailing list for the Since its formation, Bond Politik has hosted many club’s weekly newsletter. Email michelle.gately@ lively events including the State Debate in the lead up student.bond.edu.au to add your name to the list. to the state election. This provided a platform for five diverse candidates to share their policies in an open forum and won Best Cultural Event in the semester it was launched. The club has continued to host these Q&A style evenings with their Speaker Series. Rob
week seven Photographer: Ben Thangkam Events: Woodlands | Global Food Festival |VC Awards | Don’s
social
bondy banter a place for all bondies to throw the banter around
Join the banter for next week by emailing publications. busa@bond.edu.au or texting in at 0481 311 994.
Midweek Deep Safari – Woodlands 133 by Jason Strom The Bond Sustainable Students Association strayed away from the usual Bond social routine with the themed Woodlands event on Tuesday October 15th being held in Coolangatta. Being only $10 and offering cheaper entitlements the event was still attractive despite the earlier departure and longer travel time. Paul Fitzgerald, a psychology student in his first semester had this to say: “The longer bus ride was a party in itself!”
OVERHEARD Quotes or anecdotes based on [mostly] true events around campus. “It’s good that Whitehouse is on a boat. This way, I can make flawless tactical voms and women cannot escape my advances” – SillySailor “Getting physical at The Physical isn’t just about tradition. It’s a biologically necessary.” – BioMedLAD “The best thing about living in the bottom floor of B block is taking out last night’s trash” – The Groovy Lover “We need to turn him into a ladykiller…literally. We’ll buy him a black jumpsuit…and a knife.” – SaneSam
The two level venue provided students with an opportunity to show off their dance skills on the multi colored LED dance floor downstairs or take a break on the PHRASING comfortable couches upstairs.
Poorly spelt Tweets. Source: buzzfeed.com
‘We never get to experience dance floors like that at Don’s!’ said medical student Andrew Wilson, ‘the mirrors on the walls and the reflection of the strobes also added 1. Hypocrites another dimension to the club hype.’ Although there was a smaller turnout due to the upcoming mid semester examinations, the students that went and the atmosphere they created made for an enjoyable evening. Partygoers such as myself, look forwards to seeing more of the Coolangatta venue in events to come.
2. Ambiance
3. Manners
BOOK TITLES THAT COULD HAVE MADE IT 1. Gone with the Breeze by Margaret Mitchell 2. Good Expectations by Charles Dickens
4. College
3. Our Man in Cuba by Graham Greene 4. All Quiet on the Western Border by Eric Maria Remarque 5.The Big Snooze by Raymond Chandler
5. Cologne
#shitjudgessay source: shitjudgessay.tumblr.com
6. A Tale of Two Towns by Charles Dickens
the scoop Defying Gravity by Nicholas O’Hara-Boyd An hour-and-a-half of Sandra Bullock is no-one’s idea of a good time, and so you can’t blame George Clooney from detaching himself from his harness and floating out deep into the cosmos to suffer certain death through asphyxiation forty minutes into the film. However, if do you find yourself an unfortunate victim of a group of friends intent on hosting a Bullock movie marathon, I’d suggest you rock up for Gravity and leave before the evening crumbles into a night of sensual foot rubs and feigned enthusiasm over comedy 9/11, The Proposal. Gravity, you see, is a masterclass in what film can be. Like Avatar in ‘09, Gravity is a game changer. It’s a film that will revolutionise how movies are made, not purely in a sci-fi visual effects/SFX sense, but also because it unleashes a world of new possibilities. The cinematography is simply the best history’s ever seen; this may very well be as close to being above the atmosphere any of us get and, as confirmed by real astronauts analysing the film, it’s all pretty realistic. The premise is simple enough: Bullock, a medical engineer, is on a mission to service a Hubble Space Telescope along with veteran astronaut Clooney, but when the debris from a Russian missile strike on a
defunct satellite causes a chain reaction of destruction and Bullock’s hurled out into the ether, she must find a way to survive and get back to Earth. While the outer space imagery porno will keep you reaching for the tissues, the film suffers for its insistent attempt to deep throat metaphor and symbology down the audience’s throat. Yes! We get it, Cuarón. Her daughter’s passed and she’s suddenly found herself: out of contact with the world she’s known, a victim of her own inertia, living in her own bubble, surrounded by an immensity of nothingness, perfectly lonely. The filmmaker himself has noted just how ideal an environment it is for allegorising the character’s arc. But the whole foetal/learning to walk again theme seems so on-the-nose that the integrity of the movie itself begins to suffer. The adrenaline-pumping high-action sequences sustain your attention and emotional investment as you can’t help but fantasise: what if this were me? Unfortunately, however, these high-glamour Hollywood popcorn moments are, all too soon, interspliced with more emotional pining and sobby backstory. Gah! Way to ruin it. Here’s the bottom line: go and see this movie. It is stunning and a real testament to the sensibilities a once quasi-arthouse director can bring to the coliseum that is the Modern Big Budget Movie Game when he doesn’t sell out. But, be warned, you’re going to wince as the fingernails of the character’s oft-reflected upon pain and anguish scape across the blackboard of unnecessary sympathy-whoring backstory. Just remember, however, it’s only been 14 years since Freddie Prinze Jr.’s Wing Commander was paving the way for space pictures, and look how far we’ve come. We can, perhaps, finesse script delicacies later on.
Fortress by Alter Bridge by Antony Scholefield
Take three instrumentalists from Christian rockers Creed, add long-haired singer Myles Kennedy, and call it Alter Bridge. Bad formula? Well, their debut was insipid, their next two albums improved, and their fourth - Fortress - dropped last month. And that’s how Alter Bridge finally found the right vehicle for their technical skill. Alter Bridge are heavy metal throwbacks. Mark Tremonti commands an avalanche of doomladen guitar-work, while Kennedy unleashes some ‘80s blast-your-hair-back vocals, tempered by his ‘90s whine. Opener ‘Cry of Achilles’ is a Zeppelin-esque epic - with a half-minute flamenco intro. Lead single ‘Addicted to Pain’ is typical heavy metal. ‘Lover’ is the first-half highlight, a ballad of soaring highs and whispered lows.
The exception is when Kennedy sneers: “So go on... cry me a river”. Yeah, fuck you, Timberlake. Incidentally, that song’s riff sounds like the Bones theme. For some random reason. ‘Peace is Broken’, ‘Calm the Fire’, and ‘Farther Than the Sun’ are similarly riff-alicious, with catchy (albeit heavy) choruses. ‘All Ends Well’ is an acoustic-turn-electric ballad that will make you happy. Then there’s ‘Fortress’, the closer. It starts quiet but complex, then it’s epic and heavy, then it’s even heavier - with a riff that rolls back and forth - before reaching a thunderous finale. There’s nothing wrong with Fortress. Unfortunately, there’s nothing new either. It’s an archetype, not a prototype; it’s strong, not special. It won’t change your life. But who cares? It’s still a rock-solid slab of metal, something trustworthy amid the twisted chaos of sludge metal, death metal, pirate metal, and dickheads with fringes. So come on, everybody. Let there be rock.
‘Lover’s tempo shifts betray Fortress’ prog-rock ambitions. These influences, combined with moments of funk-metal and metalcore, allow Fortress to escape the label “generic”. It’s close, though; the lyrics are mostly shit-standard adolescent angst (“I do not like what I have become”, etc). Top Track: ‘Fortress’
VOX POPS
Nicholas O’Hara-Boyd – Arts Sub-editor
Rating: 7/10
Favourite song: Koeeaddi There by The Incredible String Band. Outrageous. Favourite artist: Whoever sketched out the GoldLinQ Light Rail track map. Just joking. You’ve ruined our lives, mate. Guilty pleasure: Trying to pick-up using the PSA Support app – a chat room designed to help rehabilitate Christian sexoholics. Favourite book: Awaken the Giant Within by Anthony Robbins. That man knows which way’s up. Favourite movie: American Beauty. Always cry watching: Footage of the ice caps melting. Celebrity crush: Amanda Seyfried. Most hated artist: Rembrandt. Enough with the nip slips, buddy. Would have sex to: End famine. Or to encourage famine.
Justine Landis-Hanley - Columnist
YOU’RE NOT F***ING INDIE by David Simmons
Whenever I hear someone call someone ‘so f***ing indie’ or ‘such a hipster’ because their favourite band is Mumford & Sons I feel like throwing a record player at their face. The fact is, the majority of us listen to music that, although might contain traces of hipster fuzz, is really just this decade’s pop. I hope to shed some light onto the delusion that is modern day mainstream flying under the façade of indie.
Lorde I love Lorde. I worship Lorde. I would never speak to another person if it meant that I could be in the same room as Lorde. But while she might emit the signals of a truly indie female singer, the truth is, she is anything but. Lorde’s style, her music, her fans, they embody the average 16 year old girl. Oversized jumpers, wild hair, Kanye West covers – Lorde is basically the mirror image of a “Tumblr girl” with talent. Even her music isn’t really ‘indie’. The lyrical themes are that which a bummed out teenager would write about, and her individual sound is really just the natural progression of pop as the lines between indie and mainstream blur. Lorde, you’re not f***ing indie.
Mumford & Sons The fact that this banjo toting band managed to score the headlining spot at Glastonbury, alongside the Rolling Stones and the Arctic Monkeys, is testament to
Favourite song: Recently, I really got into ‘Blood’ by the Middle East, and then ‘The One that Got Away’ by the Civil Wars (I keep masochistically falling in love with bands that have broken up). Last week I fell in love with The Lumineers self titled album, in particular their song ‘Classy Girls’. Favourite artist: Mumford and Sons. I also love the music from Les Miserables. I like to think the two are connected. Guilty pleasure: Taylor Swift. Favourite book: I loved the Book Thief. Favourite movie: ‘The Lives of Others’ and ‘The Beginners’ are up there, along with ‘The Perks of Being a Wallflower’. Then again, I love superhero movies. Always cry watching: The Pursuit of Happiness. Celebrity crush: Andrew Garfield. Most hated artist: Not mad about sexually derogatory rap. Would have sex to: ‘Reminder’ by Mumford and Sons. that fact that Mumford & Sons are not fucking indie. I have always described the band’s music as ‘dubstep with banjos’. Every big hit the band has follows a trusted formula: a gradual building intro, ultimately resulting in an orgy of guitars and banjos. Sure, the band is good, but they aren’t f***ing indie.
Of Monsters & Men ‘Little Talks’ was a really good song; there is no doubt about that. But Scandinavian-ness aside, Of Monsters & Men really aren’t that indie. Once again, their music falls into that category that follows a general song structure, but has an element of bohemian artistry to an extent that they are able to trick listeners into thinking that they are listening to sick indie jams. Of Monsters & Men, your hit songs aren’t fooling anyone; you aren’t f***ing indie.
Haim With great regret, Haim join my list of acts that perhaps try too hard to be indie. Sure, Haim have the look, emit the vibe and grab the attention of every young male adult. But Haim’s music is really quite far from indie. All of their biggest songs, ‘Forever’, ‘The Wire’, etc, contain Spice Girls-esque harmonies and lyrical content. Broken hearts and finding true love is what these girls are about, hardly a far cry from most of today’s pop music directed at teenage girls. I’m sorry Haim, but for all the feminist progress you guys have seemingly made in the world of indie rock, you guys aren’t f***ing indie.
WHAT’S ON: SEE: Woody Allen’s critically
acclaimed, Blue Jasmine, in its final week at the Gold Coast Arts Centre.
DO: Head down to Burleigh
Heads State School this Sunday morning for the Village Markets, featuring an eclectic mix of one of a kind clothing and jewelry designers.
EAT: Mid-sems are over, so
head to the Greek Restaurant, Helenika in Nobby’s Beach for some wonderfully authentic delicacies. Their plates are made to share, so bring a friend, or three and revel in the sweet delight of halva ice cream. Do book!
Photo supplied by Alfred’s Apartment
MY NECK OF THE WOODS
Justine LANDIS-HANLEY chats with Gold Coast’s Alfred’’s Apartment about apparel, facial hair and Coast Culture. DESCRIBE ALFRED'S APARTMENT IN THREE WORDS. Apparel, Barbershop, Diner. WHAT CAN READERS EXPERIENCE IF THEY COME TO ALFRED'S APARTMENT?
Alfred's Apartment is for the gentleman who takes pride in his appearance, and offers clothing and accessories, grooming products, and a fresh cut and clean shave from our in store barber. We are also home to Alfred's Diner, providing gourmet style street food and specialty coffee for those just wanting to hang. With an over arching theme inspired by the ocean, adventure, culture and class.
DESCRIBE THE SPACE FOR US.
The space is an old 50's style home consisting of different themed rooms inside and the diner outside. Original vinyl record player, chesterfield couch, timber, brick, style and class being replicated throughout. You get the gist...
HOW DID ALFRED'S APARTMENT BEGIN?
Alfred's Apartment came about due to a gap in the market for a men's store providing premium products with the experience of the retail environment to match. By adding the barbershop/ grooming section and a diner to the offering, we felt it would cater to men as a one stop shop.
Between ourselves and our friends we found we were running out of places to shop and so we thought why not put it to the test. The modern gentleman has changed over the years' and we felt it timely to enter the market with something that the Gold Coast would benefit from. The girls have been loving it too, being able to grab all their partners needs in the one spot. For us (myself and my brothers Danny and Matt) we have been brought up within the retail game, so it was inevitable that we were going to try our luck at some point. We wouldn't be here without the support of friends and family along the way... you all know who you are and what you've done for Alfred's.
WE HEARD YOU HAVE A BARBER ON SITE? WHAT THE COOLEST FACIAL HAIR DESIGN YOU HAVE DONE/COME ACROSS Yes we have a barber in store who cuts and shaves. A lot of the cuts currently are inspired by the 50's/60's era being high and tight and you can't go wrong with a hot shave from the cut throat blade.
DO YOU FEEL CULTURE ON THE GOLD COAST IS CHANGING?
Yes culture on the Gold Coast is definitely changing. Don't get us wrong, we love the Gold Coast and have grown up here, but certain things needed to change and it's a positive thing to see it h a p p e n . N e w re s t a u r a n t s , b a r s , c a f e ' s , barbershops and clothing stores are starting to pop up, along with the whole art and music scene that's going on. It's a step in a good direction and it's great to see fresh faces having a go and making a change. We love what the Gold Coast is, but a little hit of Melbourne and Sydney inspired doings, not to mention international inspired, really adds to what we already love about the place. Our generation have been calling for it for awhile and it's good to see it taking its course.
ASIDE FROM ALFRED'S APARTMENT, WHAT IS ONE OF YOUR FAVOURITE PLACES ON THE GOLD COAST?
A couple of Alfred's Apartment favorite places are Black Coffee Lyrics and Cambus Wallace. There's quite a few to name, but we find it fitting to give the nod to the new crew adding to this scene and putting themselves on the line for what they really believe will add to the place.
THROWBACK THREADS... Unlike some strange online chatroom character named Carlie who understands how u feel and willingly sendz u pics of her hot bod, I am not secretly some middle-aged guy concealing my identity from behind a computer.
if you are looking to pop some tags you should apparently head to the vintage store, ARKIVE. Featuring a healthy mix of Disney attire, floral shirts and some well-sourced vinyl records, this place is pretty freaking awesome.
So when it came to writing about where to get your hipster threads, I wasn’t really sure where else, aside from Alfred’s, all the resplendent Gold Coast lads went to to get their summer fit-out.
ARKIVE also stocks a comprehensive collection of women’s attire - think cropped vintage shirts, denim skirts and some ridiculously cool studded shoes.
Thankfully I have a few fashion-conscious mates who have ventured beyond the predictable (yet still awesome) Robina Town
Check it out at Shop 43 Centre Arcade, 3131 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise.
Centre and Pacific Fair to find a real gem in the middle of Surfers Paradise.
sport
A Weekend at the Rugby 7’s by Muzakkir Mohd Nor Gold Coast City: famous for its sun, surf and sand. But this time it is not about either of those elements that make Gold Coast famous. Last weekend we witnessed a great festival in Skilled Park, Robina as Gold Coast City hosted the HSBC World Series Sevens Rugby. The series is one of nine series’ organized every season. As always the series kick in the season in the Gold Coast. The event drew nearly 27,000 fans of fast paced and thrilling rugby action over the weekend to make it one of the most awaited year round events. As the official partner of the event, Bond University students were offered two days tickets for only $29. Sponsors at the entrance of the stadium set up several tents for spectators attending this International sporting spectacle. You could choose to ride a bumper car, have your face painted or even measure the pace of your rugby pass all for free. There was also a coach selling the tournaments
merchandise where you can get a simple yet attractive Gold Coast Sevens singlet for $25 endorsed by BLK. To make it more interesting, one of the major sponsors of the event, XXX Brewery, a local company, offered a trip to XXXX Island with four mates for the winner of the most creative costume during the event. Despite the hot sun on both days of the event, thousands of fans were dressed in their best outfits they could think of because the prize was a lucrative money can’t buy experience. The winner of this year’s XXXX Island Trip was a group of boys wearing grey shirts and holding a baby imitating the character of Alan from the blockbuster movie, The Hangover: Part II.
NRL Grand Final by Kristen Centorame
For Melbournites, AFL is Bible. For Queenslanders, Union is all they know. However for Sydney, Rugby League stops all our traffic, the streets are embellished in club colours and team chants can be heard from the Harbour Bridge to Bondi Beach. It’s the day we had been craving – an all Sydney Grand Final. For this League supporter there has only ever been one team. The Roosters. 2002, 2003 and 2010 had all been practices leading up to this moment. Despite the fact we had a rookie coach and a newly formed team the odds were to be in our favour. Don’s, my recreational alcove, was the perfect setting to watch the game on the big screen. It was all going swimmingly as the drinks were flowing aplenty and all had free hot dogs until the ‘sorry-excuse-for-a-leagueteam-Sea-Eagles’ scored the opening try. I don’t think I had counted in the reality that the opposition could possibly score against us, so this was a massive blow to my spirits yet I refused to let it deter me. I only had to wait another 20 MINUTES before my team got on the scoreboard notice they deserve. To say they kept us in suspense is a gargantuan understatement.
So we ended half time leading 8-6 yet an uneasy feeling swept over me as I realised this was all too familiar. It was the year 2010. The Premiership. And at half time against Illawarra this was the exact same score. We went on to lose that one…“Don’t worry, Kristen. It will be different this time.” This was the mantra I adopted as I anxiously watched the opening minutes of the second half. All of a sudden my greatest fears had come to fruition as those pesty Sea Eagles claimed a penalty try (that wasn’t rightfully theirs to attempt) and another try plus conversion. I felt deserted and terrified as those Eagles began encircling the most cherished of sporting acknowledgements – the Premiership trophy. A trophy that hadn’t seen our club’s halls since 2002. My phone at this point would not stop buzzing with energy as texts flooded my lock screen. You might be thinking, oh who’s this Miss Popular but really I found a long list of messages from my mum, dad and sister. All telling me respectively either they themselves could ref this game better, that if we didn’t score the next try tears would ensue or that they would volunteer to be put on to score the winning tries. But hark! Father would dry the corners of his watery eyes. 25 minutes left on the clock and a man on
To make it more interesting, the time intervals between 45 matches were filled with Air Guitars, Kissing Cameras, Dance Battles and singa-longs to keep all the fans in the stadium buzzing all the time. Fans can submit their request for their favourite song to be played to the organizer of the event. If you are lucky, your favourite song can be selected as the theme song of the tournament and will entitle you to a 32 GB iPad Mini. If you love group singing and dance, this will be something that you don’t want to miss out on every year. Don’t worry about your stomach throughout the event. Audiences were well taken care of. Food like fish & chips, kebabs, burgers, and Malaysian were available throughout the weekend. You also didn’t need to worry about your coffee fix the mission, Guerra, managed to take advantage of a relaxed Manly defence line to spread hope to all the young eastern suburbs boys and girls. It took too long for my future husband, Sonny Bill Williams, to take centre-focus on the camera as he set up a corner try to put us back on top 20-18. And when we thought that no more emotions could be pulled out of me by this stage we see a stellar textbook try by Michael Jennings to clinch us the 26-18 finish and the 2013 NRL PREMIERSHIP!! It’s true what they say…dreams really do come true.
and Boost juices because they were available around the stadium. The first day of the event saw the group matches in order to sort out the teams to compete for their category that is Cup, Plate, Bowl or Shield categories. The winner and the runner up of every group will advance to the Quarter Final of the Plate where the winners of the subsequent match in advance to the Cup category. At the end of the day, Australia Wallabies and New Zealand All Blacks made it to the Cup final after defeating their respective opponents. In the final, Australia led 12-0 before falling into the rampant New Zealand team 40-19 to end their dream of holding the Gold Coast Sevens title. Australia’s double overtime win against South Africa really took its toll in the final as the Aussies could not keep up with the fast pace and extra energy possessed by our Trans-Tasman neighbours. Despite the lost, Australia skipper, Ed Jenkins was awarded the Best Player Award for the tournament. The tournament ended with the Haka by the HSBC World Series Gold Coast Sevens Champion, New Zealand. The topless muscled men drew all the eyes towards them and ended the great weekend of sports actions in style. Till we see again next year.
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