Blitz magazine, issue 2

Supervisor Pham Quy Bao Long Editorial Department Nguyen Hoang Vu (Editor-in-Chief) Le Do Thuy Tu Pham Hung Hau Tran Thanh Giang Design Department Pham Cong Danh (Art Director) Nguyen Vinh Hien (Departmental Manager) Nguyen Hoang Anh Nguyen Thi Thanh Duyen Nguyen Quang Nguyen Nguyen Hanh Hoa Nguyen Minh Huy Tran Ngoc Nghi Van Ngoc Thanh Le Thu Trang Nguyen Ngoc Phuong Uyen Nguyen Hung Viet Marketing Department Pham Ngoc Hoang Phuong (Marketing Manager) Nguyen Thanh Van PR Department Bui Thi Ha Nhung (PR Manager) Trinh Thi Thanh Thao

Contributors Cristina Nualart Dang Minh Tuan Daniele Moretti Dao Ngoc Tuyet Nhung Do Nguyen Thanh Truc Doan Thao Vy Hoang Nam Phuong Hoang Phuong Linh Kim Thuy Vy Le Dang Hieu Ly Thao Anh Michael Healy Ngo Linh Dan Nguyen Hanh Minh Chau Nguyen Minh Ngoc Tran Thi Xuan Tra Trieu Hoang Giang Trinh Le Dung Tu Phuong Vy Van Trung Nhat Tai Vo Minh Nguyen Stylists Chu Nguyen Phuong Thao Nguyen Ngoc Thanh Phuong Nguyen Trung The Phiet Pham Thanh Nhu Tran Phuong Anh Trinh Ai Nhi

Finance Department Huynh Thi Nhu Ngoc Cover Model: Nguyen Hoang Bao Chau

A huge thanks to all the people who have joined in to make this edition possible!

This publication is the joint effort of voluntary advisors, editors, designers, and contributors inside and outside RMIT Vietnam. Š RMIT Vietnam Student Council, 2013 This publication belongs to RMIT Vietnam Student Council and is authorized by RMIT International University Vietnam for internal distribution only.

EDITOR'S LETTER Dear Readers, The two deadly bombs in the Boston Marathon last month, following the elementary school shooting in Connecticut, added yet another devastating chapter to mankind's history. People got frantic with an old-as-the-hills concern: How to put an end to all these crazy (beeps)? Is it true that we can't completely control anything, even our very own lives?

Yes, it's true, unfortunately. The beauty, and sometimes the tragedy, of life is that we can't know for sure what lies ahead. So why bother programming yours?

Amidst the chaos of reality, this magazine issue is born to celebrate the spirit of being uncontrolled. The thing is, you don't have to be a mad scientist or a coldblooded terrorist to be riotous. The Boston bombing, the Connecticut shooting, and such like are just the rotten tip of the rebellion iceberg, whose flip side is indeed magnificent.

It takes rebellion to show one's true colors. Andy Warhol once awed the world not only because he dared to come out of the closet in such a queerphobic society, but also because he went against the flow to breed his pioneering art concept.

The same with Jennifer Lawrence, who has opted out of Hollywood's glitz and glamour, positioning herself as a 'red-carpet Chihuahua'.

It takes rebellion to chase one's dreams. Meet career consultant Michael Healy, young entrepreneur Trane, researcher Hai Dang, and new Student Council president Diem Thuy to see how these high-flyers' stubbornness has paved the way for their heyday.

Just as crucial, it takes rebellion to live one's life to the fullest. Read on to find out why rock chicks are attractive, how 'forever alone' people take advantage of being single, and what makes backpacking an effective psychotherapy.

Until next time, Nguyen Hoang Vu Editor-in-Chief

Campus & Career

BUSINESS PLAN COMPETITION One Step Closer to Your Dream Business Words Trinh Le Dung Business Plan Competition: One Step Closer to Your Dream Business Business Plan Competition (BPC) is an annual contest exclusive to RMIT students to nurture their dream business. Since its establishment in 2001, BPC has attracted thousands of participants all over the world. The competition consists of three rounds:

1.

2.

3.

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Online Registration & Questionnaire Teams register via the competition's website and fill out the online questionnaire.

This year, the deadline for round 1 is May 20th, 2013.

Submission of a Business Plan Teams work with their mentors and submit their fully developed business plan online.

Resubmission of Business Plan: Teams pitch their idea/concept.

Campus & Career

"A good business plan is one that adds value to education and employment" Last year, it was a great honor for RMIT Vietnam to have 2 prizewinning teams: Saigon Basketball Pub with the third prize, and Unistars with the second prize and Lord Mayor's Award for Sustainable Business.

Nguyen Tan Khoi from the Unistars team expressed the features of his team's business plan that helped them win the second prize and the Lord Mayor's Award for Sustainable Business: 'Our business plan's idea was about an 'open class'. This is an after-school service with care and activities for students from primary schools, a much-needed resource to support working parents,' he said.

'You should make your business practical and long-term. Moreover, a good business plan is one that adds value to education and employment. That means your plan needs to give job and education for people.'

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Pham Quy Bao Long from Saigon Basketball Pub also gave Blitz's readers some practical tips and hands-on experiences:

1

Take it serious

Being judged by industry heads and investors who have been looking for potential and real business plans throughout their careers, your business plan has to be as industry-oriented and real as possible.

2

Ask for help

3

Make yourself an expert

4

Incremental improvement counts

You can ask for support from any person, be it business owners, business consultants, friends, government people, lectures, or anyone who has the expertise in the fields you are working on.

5

Get fresh

6

Believe

The final purpose is to persuade people that your business plan works. Therefore, you need to consider people's perspectives or opinions in planning your business. You have to put yourself in an investor's shoes to know what they want from you.

Ultimately, you must believe in your success. Hold your belief firmly as an energy source to move on, and it will reflect in your work.

You must understand your business and its surrounding clearly. This is the most important factor to keep your plan consistent through three rounds of the competition and persuade the judges that you are the best for their investment.

Do not stop improving your business after each round. Make sure that you develop your business plan a little bit day by day, and these bits will help you go far in the competition.

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For further information and online registration, visit the competition's website:

bit.ly/BPC-info

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Campus & Career

MUSIC CLUB:

COME FLY WITH US From a member of RMIT Vietnam Music Club

In our lives, there're special moments when we can taste every bit of emotions. To me, it was the finale of We've Got Talent IV last semester. Although a long time has passed, I still remember my feelings as an organizer of that night's event. All the preparations, expectations, and worries throughout the past 6 months finally came down to that one big night. We could see the anxiety and nervousness on each other's face very clearly. The show hadn't begun yet but we were all sweaty and tense.

We’ve Got Talents: Come Fly with Us

got a technical hitch. The audio just didn't work. Our hearts sank. Some of us were about to cry, while others stayed calm and tried their best to fix the problem. Thank God, the stubborn CD worked at last, and thus the animating atmosphere came back.

I was overwhelmed with the audience's enthusiasm; together, we enjoyed the night to the fullest.

Confetti flew and the show was over. Needless to say, the core team got insanely mad. We sang and danced like we had never sung and danced before. Music was such a magic that connected us all with its irresistible lure.

Next semester, in response to the expectations of our beloved audience, Music Club is going to hold a series of musical events, with new concepts and fresh performances for sure. Just wait and see!

As soon as the music faded in, the light started flashing, the 12 finalists got on stage to chorus 'Edge of Glory', unluckily, we 2 Blitz Magazine Issue 2

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NGUYEN HONG HAI DANG S C H O L A R L Y

R O C K

S T A R

Nguyen Hai Dang: Scholarly Rock Star Words Doan Hong Thao Vy

Long-time SLAM mentor and SSCC representative, Golden Key member, winner of RMIT's scholarship, Nguyen Hong Hai Dang graduated last November with the President's Commendation. But there're so much more about this girl that we can learn from. I know that as I've befriended her since high school, shared many courses with her at RMIT, and witnessed her spectacular transformation.

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Me and Dang on Graduation Day

Campus & Career

She learns, for the sake of learning Dang the high school version was the soul of our karaoke parties. It's pretty awe-inspiring how this rock star personality came to school in bold sneakers and cool T-shirts showing The Beatles, Garfield, camouflage patterns, and creepy skulls occupying school stuff. One just can't help but be fascinated by her strikingly big eyes that look like they never droop, never rest, never close. Looking at those eyes and you'd know she did lots of observation and contemplation. She was a cool kid, with depth.

We entered university. Back at a time when we all struggled to adapt to college settings, with a lot of procrastination and deadline racing, Dang's attitude towards studying was spot on. The very first 3 weeks she had troubles with class materials and could hardly sleep, or, as I like to call it, 'suffered from intellectual insomnia.' But then, she persisted and pulled through. She immersed herself in books, invested in her assignments, and actively sought input from her lecturers. Dang desired to learn and grow with all the passion and perseverance.

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She works hard towards her dream Dang did her internship at Ogilvy, supreme agency in the advertising industry, but now she's working as a research officer for Ms Linda Brennan at RMIT's Centre of Commerce and Management. 'I do assignments for a living,' she told me playfully. 'I conduct literature review, design surveys, proofread papers, etc' – a profession far from her initial interests of PR and advertising. Why such change?

'My career choice changed through 10 

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a chain reaction. Modern Asia started it,' she said. Modern Asia is a critical thinking intensive course that many consider demanding, even daunting. Dang, however, saw its worth. 'The course taught me to think, truly think. Being able to question information and challenge thinking was such an empowering and liberating experience. What a gigantic leap from high school reasoning!' My sassy, frivolous girl who would poke people, ruffle their hair, grab their notebooks and pen a huge signature (I'm a frequent victim) now loves to sit down,

Campus & Career

that one has to venture out and push one's own limits', she Dang's subsequent part-time said. 'One thing I picked up research assistantships along the way is that completed the chain critical thinking is not "My biggest reaction. She emotionfound researching achievement so necessarily free, objective, or helpful, socially loophole-hunting. far is nothing but constructive, It's actually that was enough the realization that constructive. Every reason for her one has to venture bit of research to go after it. starts with you out and push one's feeling 'A life calling is passionate hard to find – once own limits" about it enough to you've found it, embark on a thorough never give up,' she said. intellectual quest.'

She thinks in her own way Pretty much like when asked about Dang's never been the one to go her future plan. 'A PhD before 30 with the flow, even when she was to kick-start my career. But who young. 'Applying for Professional knows what I might be into next. I Communication was wholly my don't think much about the future choice. Took me quite some time but focus on what I do.' to convince Mom and Dad but I Let's all grow wild finally succeeded.'

For all the lost souls out there, Pretty much like when her follow this girl. Find what you fellows went for familiar and love, work towards it, and 'safe' topics like Facebook, text open yourself up to a world of messaging, online shopping for possibilities. Make your time at their research project as part of RMIT worth. Dabble in untested the course Communication Research waters. Be uncontrolled. & Evaluation, Dang did a study on condom distribution, going shop-to-shop for observation and Read Dang's piece on ''Critical questionings.

Thinking'' on LSU's blog: Pretty much like her approach towards critical thinking. 'My biggest achievement so far is bit.ly/LSU-haidang nothing but the realization think deep, and work hard.

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Column's&name Campus Career

Chat with New SC President

Chat with New SC President

Words Pham Hung Hau Tran Thanh Giang Le Do Thuy Tu

W

e met Pham Diem Thuy on a typical day of Saigon and she impressed us as a very typical Saigon-born girl – bubbly, downto-earth, and straightforward.

Although she admitted that by taking up such a premium position as a girl she would have to sacrifice a lot, Thuy seemed determined and brightened when talking about her new reign.

Congratulations on the title. Why did you nominate yourself in the first place?

I had a vision of change for RMIT Vietnam Student Council (SC). To be honest, I didn't convince myself to step up; my friend did. He encouraged me to go and turn my visions into something real. And so I did.

Can you tell us more about this vision?

I want to shift the former Student Council's focus on paperwork to the students as well as their welfare and rights. There should be a mutual, twoway flow of communication between the students and SC representatives

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that encourages feedback. ability to lead and make I would like to foster significant changes.

"There should Another great weapon this with a new mechanism of SC. of mine was my be a mutual, This mechanism blog, where I two-way flow shall allow easy put down my access to the SC thoughts and of communication webpage, where for SC. As between the students plans feedback will be it was spread given, collected, and SC representatives out, I hoped and dealt with. to appeal to the that encourages people However, unlike who either feedback." confession pages out didn't know or didn't there, this will be strictly care about the election internal and transparent instead and persuaded them to be on my of anonymous. IT students will be side. This group might very well be involved in this project, which will the ones who casted my winning be activated in the middle or the votes. (Thank you!) latter half of the next semester.

What kind of project(s) are you How about the challenges you faced planning for the near future as SC during the election process?

President?

The competition for the President First, I would like to tackle the title was very rigorous indeed. problem of SC in Hanoi Campus The biggest challenge was that my regarding their limited budget fellow competitors were all very for student activities. They have talented, brave, and persuasive. roughly the same number of It's a fact that I won only with a student clubs as we do in SGS marginal number of votes. campus, but are short of financial support and thus don't get what What do you think set you apart they deserve. from the other candidates?

I'm also planning a collective I have to first thank my friends project that will involve both SC and acquaintances within my and all the student clubs. If you network for their great support. followed the Vietnam University My leadership and management Game (VUG) competition just experience sure helped me a lot. weeks ago you could see the spirit Looking at my past contributions, of RMIT as a whole. Similarly, I people had reasons to believe in my want to unite all of us via this IssueMagazine 2 Blitz Magazine 3 Issue 2 Blitz  13

Column's&name Campus Career

project, in which all the students participate to strengthen our affiliation to RMIT. What's more, I'm looking at charity projects in the forms of scholarship programs for poor children in primary and/or secondary schools.

It's important to note that the implementation of these projects is in the students' hand. As the SC levy is yours, we will only propose the idea. You will be the ones who vote whether you want it to happen or not.

How about Blitz Magazine?

I was upset that I couldn't get myself a Blitz when it came out at the beginning of the semester.

I and my friends had to share one, which we thought was very intriguing. Such goodies must be kept alive and striving. I suppose we should increase the circulation and make Blitz available in Hanoi and Pham Ngoc Thach campuses as well, so that every RMIT student will have access to it. I've received some enquiries already.

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Any words to the readers?

SC would much appreciate your opinions, so we deeply encourage you to raise your voice. Give us jobs to do. SC would never 'hate' you for your constructive feedback.

Quick facts about Thuy:

1

Sai Gon born & bred

2

An egg maniac; yearns for any food that has egg: fried egg, egg cakes, etc.

3

Loves animals, especially dogs and guinea pigs

4

Listens to music, plays chess and watches Phineas & Ferb in her free time

5

Idol: Warren Buffett

Check out her blog for more information: scthuypham.wordpress.com

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Campus & Career

The biggest trick of good decision making is to have a 'plan B'.

Words Michael Healy RMIT Career Development & Employment Unit

How ‘bad’ decisions gave me

happiness 'Bad' decision #1: Dropping out of university

How 'bad' decisions gave me happiness

When I entered university straight from high school I just chose a subject that sounded interesting and easy: Film and Television Studies. Halfway through the degree, I had average grades and above average boredom. I had no desire to follow a career in film and television, but I didn't know what I did want to do.

Everyone told me to finish what I started. It seemed that having an unsuitable degree was better than having no degree at all. However, I ignored this logic and quit. I travelled and worked in several 2 Blitz Magazine Issue 2

low-paid jobs such as washing dishes and flipping burgers. A few years later I was working in a bookstore. I loved my job, but it was hard to get a promotion without a degree. So, I went back to university.

During my years working as a bookstore assistant, I had read constantly, mostly about history.

This motivated me to go for a History degree. I got an A+ in my first assignment, and the next one, and the next one... until I finished my history degree with an excellent GPA and several scholarships and awards. The years away from university allowed me to find my true passion and motivation.

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Column's name

‘Bad’ decision #2:

‘Bad’ decision #3:

Saying no to an international scholarship

Leaving a secure job that I liked and was good at

After I finished my degree, the head of the History department suggested that I should apply for a US scholarship, and told me that she would support my application.

This was a chance to go to a famous university to study the field I loved.

When I came to Vietnam again, I was fortunate to get a job as an English teacher at RMIT. I enjoyed the job a lot and had good friendships with many of my colleagues.

However, at the time I was distracted by thoughts of a woman from Vietnam that I met while on vacation there. I had only spent a short time with her, but before I left Vietnam I had told her that I would come back to see her again.

It seemed like an obvious decision.

The scholarship was a sure thing, while my love interest was very risky and unrealistic. I almost went for the scholarship, but at the last moment I refused my professor's advice and bought a ticket to Vietnam instead.

The woman from Vietnam is Dy, my wife. We got married last year and will have a baby this year.

I've never regretted my decision, because I know I can study history again in the future, but I would never have met a woman like Dy again.

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When I heard about a job vacancy in the Career Centre, I wasn't sure about it. I didn't know the staff, and I didn't know much about career development, industry or business. My friends and even my wife told me to stay in the English Department and not to risk moving into a new job. I applied and went to the interview anyway, thinking that I wouldn't get the job or that I could refuse it. But when the offer came, I took it. I was excited by the challenge of doing something new and wanted to expand my skills and experience.

I now enjoy my job just as much as teaching English. I use the same teaching skills, but I'm also developing some new ones.

Most importantly, I've made valuable friendships with my new colleagues, while maintaining my relationships from my previous job.

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Campus & Career

How to make better 'bad' decisions

To be clear, I would never tell anyone to ignore their brain and follow their heart all the time. But if you take a closer look at my decisions, you'll see that they were not just emotional. They each had their own logic. Here are some tips to help you analyze both the emotional and professional logic in your career decision making:

Recognize your values My decisions matched my values.

I always prioritized what was most important to me. For example, the challenge and new experience of the Career Centre job was more important to me than the security and familiarity of English teaching.

Know your goals It's easy to fall into a career path without really choosing it. If I had stayed at university the first time, I may have eventually worked in television, which I wouldn't enjoy much. Fortunately, I had recognized this and was able to change direction early.

Have a safety net Differentiate between constant and fleeting opportunities Some chances are very rare, whereas others will come up regularly. I knew the history scholarship is available every year, but my chance with Dy would fade quickly. Jobs in the English Department come up frequently, but rarely in Student Services 4 Blitz Magazine Issue 2

Every decision has some risks, but you can minimize them. If things didn't work out well for me in Vietnam, I could afford a flight back home still. I made sure to leave the English program on good terms, so I could return if I wasn't happy in my new job. So remember, the biggest trick of good decision making is to have a 'plan B'.

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Column's&name Campus Career

WANNA BE ON TOP?

RMIT’S NEXT TOP SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS Blitz had an interview with 2 winners of RMIT's 2012 scholarship for current students. Secrets unveiled, have a look.

Words Kim Thuy Vy

Winners’ Profiles Nguyen Thanh Luan

Major: IT Current positions:  President of IT Club  Manager of Design & IT Department at Cuong Nga Co., Ltd.  UX Designer at HiringBoss Ltd. 2 Blitz Magazine Issue 2 Issue 2 18 Blitz Magazine

RMIT’s Next Top Scholarship Winners Pham Hung Hau

Major: Professional Communication Current positions:  Editor – Blitz Magazine  Research Assistant – RMIT

GPA is important but not everything A high GPA can create good first impressions on the judges, but it doesn't guarantee the winning ticket to the prize.

You have to prove that your talents go far beyond a mere decimal point.

Column's name Campus & Career

Look back at assignments We understand that finishing an assignment is a 'Phew' for us.

However, take time to revise your assignments. Look at the grades and comments given by your lecturer, think about how you can improve them, and do accordingly.

Since you will be asked to submit examples of your work as part of the application portfolio, your assignments will be a great source.

Understand yourself As you assemble your application, you have to carefully think about yourself, your orientation, your strengths and weaknesses. Do a SWOT analysis if you need to. Revisit your purpose of learning at RMIT and the ultimate goals of your life. It's important to know where you are now and where you want to be in the future. Self-reflect, work on overcoming your weaknesses, enhance your strengths, and move towards your goals.

Grasp opportunities There's nothing to lose, guys.

Don't hesitate to catch the opportunity of free study in RMIT. Seriously! Take your chance, and you'll learn more than you expect.

The Academic Excellence Scholarship 2013 for current RMIT students has been officially opened. After reading this article, why not take out a piece of paper and draw a mind map of your plan?

Enjoy university life University is not a place for study only. This statement is especially true at RMIT, an international environment with many dynamic activities. Make the most out of your university life: join a club, be a member of your program's SSCC, be a volunteer, take up a part-time job, do things you enjoy with friends, and participate in school events! These will enrich not only your social life but also your CV.

For detailed requirements: bit.ly/RMITscholarship IssueMagazine 2 Blitz Magazine 3 Issue 2 Blitz  19

Campus & Career

Words Tran Thi Xuan Tra

Cashflow Games: How Rats can change your mind

Cash Flow Game is a board game that imitates our everyday matters in order to provide players with a fundamental foundation of financial knowledge. In reality, we have to face many financial issues like inflation, unemployment, taxes, extra expenses for having babies, buying new furniture, etc. and these are exactly what we have to deal with in the game. We all want to be rich, right? So Cash Flow Game will train you to recognize the opportunities to be wealthy all around you.

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In the game, the mainstream working class and middle class live in the Rat Race, while the upper class live in the Fast Track. As a player, you must start with a specific job in the Rat Race. You have to manage money, deal with financial issues, and make wise investments to receive return on the amount of money you have deposited. When your "passive income" outweighs the total expenses, you can get out of the Rat Race and enter the Fast Track. There your rat can pursue his dream life.

The middle-class rats often worry: "How can I work harder so I can buy more toys?" Meanwhile, the upper-class rats wonder: "How can I acquire more assets that can pay for toys?" A big difference between the two classes is that the poor work for money, while the rich make money work for them. "By playing Cash Flow Game, you can develop the mentality that helps you grow rich, and it's surely even better when you play with your friends and learn from their experience" - said player Kiyosaki.

There's usually one Cash Flow Game day organized by Finance Club every semester. Everyone is encouraged to join!

Visit Finance Club's FB for more info: bit.ly/RFClub

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ICP! Campus & Career

I See Profcommers ICP - I See Profcommers

Words Miss Possimpible

Little blue boxes with bookmarks and candies. Green ribbons at every tie-able place. Funny clap dance. They're all from the 3 campaigns run

by Professional Communication students (aka ProfCommers) in the Interdisciplinary Communication Project (ICP) course.

CLAP Campaign

Green Ribbon Movement

On Campaign

Cheer Life Like a ProfCommer

Keep Vietnam clean

Stop your beloved from smoking

WHO

WHAT WHERE

RMIT University – SGS Campus

WHEN

Semester A 2013

Blitz had a chance to talk to the leaders of these campaigns to see how they carried out such great campaigns!

Ms Hanh, 22

Ms Khanh,

Ms Vi & Ms Quynh.

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Campus & Career

What inspires you to come up with the campaign's ideas?

We first did a survey on 120 students to find out what they think about ProfCommers. Many of the answers were 'dynamic' and 'supporting each other'. We finally chose the hand, which symbolizes support and cheer, as the symbol of our campaign. It also links to the special Clap Dance reflecting ProfComm spirit.

'Stop smoking' is an old and boring topic for everyone. To make our campaign different, we made a gentler and more affectionate approach to RMIT students with the message: 'You have the power to stop your beloved from smoking because you care about their health'.

The Green Ribbon was inspired by the Pink Ribbon – symbol of Breast Cancer Awareness. With every ribbon you take, you give a promise not to litter.

What are the challenges you have encountered?

Getting approval from the Property Department is the hardest part.

It took days for our ambient materials to be legally placed around the school. We had to delay some parts of our plans because of these problems.

Teamwork is a real challenge. Conflicts and misunderstanding happened very frequently.

Deadlines pressure, especially for the creative team.

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Campus & Career

The Green Ribbon Movement Team

The CLAP Campaign Team

The On Campaign Team

What do you find most interesting when running your campaign?

We were surprised to see so many people taking the green ribbons home, tying them on their bags, motorbikes or even hand wrists.

The support was more than our expectations.

It's interesting to apply what we've learned to real-life campaigns.

When you take this course, you will also see a huge distance between theory and practice.

Well, we understood ourselves more. For example, I realized that my brain could come up with great ideas after a good nap (big smile).

Any advice for next ICP generations?

Don't wait until the last semester to take ICP. After the campaign, you will know which elective courses you should take and make the most out of them.

Arrange as many team meetings as you can. Nothing is worse than team members not being connected. Face-to-face conversations are also helpful to avoid misunderstanding.

Plan everything in advance and write weekly checklists for every detail. These tools keep the team on track and prevent stress and conflicts.

Thank you all for such a riveting interview!

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Column's name

Campus & Career

Banh Trang (BT) Project Enactus’ Banh Trang (BT) Project

ENACTUS is a community of students, academics, and business leaders committed to using the power of entrepreneurship to transform lives and shape a more sustainable world. Founded in April 2009, ENACTUS RMIT SGS – part of ENACTUS World Wide established in 1975 in the USA – has strived to offer RMIT students opportunities to apply their business knowledge to make a real difference to society.

One of the club's current projects is called 'BT', which is conducted in Loc Du Village, Trang Bang Town, Tay Ninh Province. Participants of 'BT' were recruited through a rigorous three-round assessment at the beginning of this semester.

Under ENACTUS' operation, the project is divided into 2 branches, namely BT-P and BT-G, which stand 2 Blitz Magazine Issue 2

for 'Dew Rice Paper' (Banh trang phoi suong) and 'Ginger Rice Paper' (Banh trang gung) respectively. As the heart of the organization, this project carries ENACTUS' aim to empower family-owned rice paper businesses and hence improve their living standards.

The 'BT' project is at the very first stage of conducting market research, renovating current products, and providing management knowledge. No doubt it clearly reflects ENACTUS' mission: 'Business Knowledge Indeed – For People in Need'.

Visit ENACTUS' Facebook page for further information:

bit.ly/enactusSGS Issue 2 Blitz Magazine

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STUDENT WORK SHOWCASE REMAIN TRUE TO THE EARTH

F

rom this issue onwards, Blitz will devote a corner to showcasing excellent student works that are highly recommended by lecturers, so that you can learn from your fellows. Just start off the series with these stunning album covers created by three Design Student Work Showcase - Remain to theand Earth students: Nguyen Thuy Thuc Uyen, Vo QTrue uoc Huy, Nguyen Thi Thuy Phuong.

Course name: Electronic Imaging & Design (COSC2284) Mission: Create an intriguing album cover for Astral Altar, a rock band from Sa Pa (North Vietnam), using the imagery of the early 21st century

Nguyen Thuy Thuc Uyen s3360600 26 

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Vo Quoc Huy s3343699

Nguyen Thi Thuy Phuong s3299491 Issue 2 Blitz Magazine

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Column's&name Campus Career

Let’s RED them all!

Let’s RED Them All!

RED

is the universal symbol of victory. But to RMIT-ers, there's more than meets the eye.

W

hen it came to Open Day 2013, RED was the color of enthusiasm, volunteerism, and pride. T-shirt on, you wanted to shout to the world: 'Look at me, ambassador of RMIT!'

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Hoang Vu Words Nguyen ai rung Nhat T Photos Van T

T

he first ever Vietnam University Games (VUG) saw the phenomenal invasion of the RED hurricane made up of RMIT fans. The color hence took on new meanings, emblematic of the unmatched power, unbreakable unity, and uncontrollable dynamism.

Living up to the RED army's expectations, our Basketball Team triumphed in a heart-stopping 28 to 27 victory over HCMC University of Technology. Plus, our Futsal Team won the third place, and our Freestyle Dance Team also made their presence felt.

T

he national semi-final and final rounds of VUG take place at Tan Binh Stadium (446 Hoang Van Thu St, Ward 4, Tan Binh Dist, HCMC), from 9 to 12 May 2013. Rock them all with your RED spirit once more, RMIT-ers!

For detailed schedule, visit: bit.ly/VUGsched

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Society

‘Stereotype’ Is Just Another Stereotype 'Stereotype' Is Just Another Stereotype

Words Dang Minh Tuan

Being judgmental has always been human nature. The way you walk, the gear you dress, the tune you whistle whatever you do will just get people to talk about you in one way or another. Yes, our world is full of stereotypes, and sometimes they annoy the hell out of people. But what if these reductionist perceptions, to a certain extent, ring true?

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Society

I once visited a friend at his apartment. The elevator was empty when we got in. Immersing ourselves in a droll conversation, we didn't realize we were standing right in front of the elevator doors, blocking the entrance. Once the lift reached another floor, a foreigner walked in. As soon as the man saw us, he mumbled "Vietnamese", and heaved a sigh with irritation. We knew it was our fault in the first place, so we decided to keep quiet and draw back to the corner.

Once the elevator stopped at the 7th floor, a young lady stepped in and pushed the button number 8.

The foreign dude couldn't help but unleash his sarcasm: "Aww, right, going up one floor, Vietnamese..." as if he thought we couldn't understand English. The man finally got to the floor he wanted floor, and as his figure receded, my friend said "He must be a failure in his country that he has to come here to earn a living, only to find our people intolerable. Such a hometown loser!"

That was when I realized how judgmental one can be. I have to say that these stereotypes are true somehow, though. It's true that we Vietnamese are not really aware

"Isn't it another stereotype to say that stereotypes aren't somewhat true?" of our impetuous manners, on one hand; and there's a possibility that the foreign dude was a "hometown loser", on the other hand. In fact, there're many foreigners who really enjoy their lives here, but why couldn't he? There're always reasons why you're judged as a particular type of person but not another. It's true that people should look behind all the camouflage to see the real things and reach the ultimate judgments based on them. But I doubt whether they've got time for that.

So, there's nothing wrong with stereotypes. Just like how birds have to fly (not penguins though), people have to judge. Instead of getting upset by what others say, we'd better figure out why such prejudice is here to stay. Isn't it another stereotype to say that stereotypes aren't somewhat true?

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C rea tive St ar t- Ups

When Second-Rate is Not Good Enough Words & Photos Cristina Nualart

Some people accept low-quality goods and just get on with things. Other people have problems solved. Meet Trane.

He is 17 and lives in Bien Hoa. Last year, Trane opened NC Store, the first graffiti store Creative Start-Ups: When Secin Vietnam. Even if on first ond-Rate is Not Good Enough impressions it may not look like a dream business, it's a groundbreaking achievement.

It's not a trendy shop in a prime location (at least not yet). It's more like one set of shelves and a glass display case in the foyer of a friend's house in Go Vap. You can't see the shop from the road, and there isn't even a sign to help people notice it behind that motorbike repair stall. But the business is booming.

Trane discovered graffiti when he was 14, seeing some coloured walls in his local area. He googled the names he'd read on the walls, and soon joined other youngsters in this new pastime, becoming part of a crew (a group of graffiti artists that work together).

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"At 20,000 VND a can, you couldn't complain. But why not aim high and get better quality?"

Since then, Trane has connected with graffiti artists all over Vietnam, and some international ones too. Big names even, like El Mac, who has made some outstanding pieces of wall art for San Art and Saigon Outcast.

Those English lessons Trane took after school are now proving very useful, as is the internet. Trane's desire to learn about graffiti has developed his networking skills and widely increased his social and professional outlook.

Trane is not the only graffiti writer in Vietnam to admit that he has a lot to learn, and much practice to do, before he can produce the high quality work he sees in other countries. But he didn't want to just take it easy and wait for the local graffiti scene to gradually get better.

Connecting with international artists, he learnt that the spray paint and the nozzles available in Vietnam did not offer the best control and coverage. At 20,000 VND a can, you couldn't complain.

But why not aim high and get better quality?

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Society

With his savings and some extra money he borrowed from family, Trane decided to invest in some quality American nozzles that were not available in Vietnam. They were affordable, reusable and could be adapted to the cheap local paint cans. He imported an order and once the local graffiti writers heard how good they were, they "sold like hot cakes".

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He imported more, placing a bigger order that included marker pens, books and other items. They sold out quickly too. Word-ofmouth and social media were blitzing the news that quality graffiti tools were for sale in HCMC. With internet access or a mobile phone, Trane could take orders and deliver anywhere in Vietnam.

A bit of initiative was all needed to start with. Skills in management and logistics may develop as time goes by.

Society

After the first experience, Trane was ready to take bigger risks.

The next order required a much larger investment. He needed another loan, and help from people experienced with dealing with customs. Once the problems were solved, Trane received a shipment of cans of spray paint that were so rich they could completely cover any colour on a wall in only one coat. He opened the shop and offered customers the opportunity of trying the products first, so they could feel the quality. The parking areas surrounding the shop are covered in hundreds of layers of tags and squiggles made by the customers testing the goods. Again, the paints are selling out faster than Trane anticipated, and he is recovering his investment.

To get what he wanted Trane has had to research, to network and to make deals with suppliers in 3 continents. The drive for high standards is what has made him a successful business person. Trane is 17 and lives in Bien Hoa. Visit NC Store's FB: bit.ly/nc-store

"Spray it, don't Say it", an interesting video on graffiti in Vietnam: bit.ly/100VWNq

Follow the author via her Twitter account: @cnualart

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Society

"I've never seen anyone like you. You own a motorbike, but you still travel by bus, hahaha. What's wrong with you, weirdo?"

"Just like... I train myself."

"Really?"

"Yub!" Words Trieu Hoang Giang

A Teacher Named 'Bus'

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I

was on bus 102 from RMIT to Ben Thanh market a few weeks ago in a rainy afternoon. The bus was nearly packed but I was lucky enough to grab a corner seat at the back. I threw myself down and clung to the window, sighing deeply to release the tiredness after a long day. Through my weary eyes, I could see a bunch of people, totally exhausted, struggled to find a space. A blimp man got on shortly after and sat right in front of me. He sat near the aisle so no one else could sit with him. "This poor man must have wet himself," I guessed, given the smell was strong enough to make me gag. I put my hand upon my mouth and nose. "Terrible! What a great way to end up my day, eh?" I tried to calm down and sneaked my nose out of the crack of the window for some fresh air. Fortunately, that tortured moment only lasted for 20 minutes before the man got off at the second station. Felt like I was revitalized.

Nothing else would happen to my journey until the bus stopped at the fifth station. An old lady slowly got on this crammed bus and the only available seat was covered with mud, maybe from someone's shoes. An old man

Society

sitting on the other half of the seat looked at the woman and then covered the seat with his rain coat. His beautiful manner deeply touched my heart. And I thought I had just realized something...

It often takes me 4 hours to travel back and forth to my university.

When you take the same bus route every day, you start to recognize the regulars and get used to all sorts of things going on around you. There will be times when you step into a 'polite' bus, where there's no jostling or noise. People would pull out their phones and check out the latest news feeds on Facebook, some would read books or newspapers, and others would sleep. The bus then seems like an ideal place for relaxation. Other times, you might get on a marketlike bus. People argue and compete for seats. Drunk men cause annoyance. Baby cries. Awful smell rampant all over the place.

"His beautiful manner deeply touched my heart.

And I thought I had just realized something..."

What make me treasure travelling by bus are the lessons I could draw from each trip. The most important thing is not the situations I'm in, but the way I choose to tolerate them and learn from others' deportment. That's how bus has trained me!

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Arts & Entertainment

Andy Warhol: Pope of Pop Art

ANDY WARHOL POPE OF POP ART

Words Nguyen Hanh Minh Chau

In 1935, there begotten Elvis Presley, King of Rock 'n' Roll.

In 1958, King of Pop Michael Jackson and Queen Madonna were delivered. These iconic figures all later dedicated tremendously to the modernist entertainment world. You know them well, right? Now just turn back the clock a little bit to 1928, when Andy Warhol, 'Pope of Pop Art', arrived.

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Born and raised in the vigorously spirited Pittsburgh city of Pennsylvania, Andy Warhol was endowed with flamboyance and ambitiousness at a very young age.

Despite his early intent to become a commercial illustrator, after academic training, Warhol shocked the whole art world with his audacious re-conception of 'pure arts'.

Arts & Entertainment

His works irritated the critics in the 1950-1960s, when the Abstract Expressionism movement was about to end. If Abstract Expressionism was to express the painful aftermaths of war, Pop Art cherished the flourishing economy and marked the return of Hollywood's glamorous, dazzling glory after its downfall during the World War II. Andy Warhol, henceforth, embraced the commerciality and mirrored the new ostensible civilization.

Many people were intrigued by his new concept of art, spontaneous, straight-forward and easy-to-sell; meanwhile, others hated it for

Marilyn Monroe by Andy Warhol

being superficial, commercial and lack of in-depth meaning.

In 1980, he expressed his bizarre admiration towards Hollywood glamour: "I love Los Angles. I love Hollywood. Everything is plastic, but I love plastic. I want to be plastic." And I suppose that's why he succeeded in transforming stereotypical photos of many pop icons such as Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley into ageless, charismatic imageries.

Andy Warhol's craftsmanship was just as skillful as legendary artists Picasso and Salvador Dali.

Warhol's diverse oeuvre ranged from print making, sculpture, painting to theatrical art forms like film-making and photography.

Known for his constant endeavor to create, innovate and challenge viewers, Warhol never stopped experimenting with new techniques and concepts throughout his life. His silkscreen pieces were always reproduced in impromptu combination of dynamic, striking colors; his acrylic photography-based paintings shocked the media with their Issue 2 Blitz Magazine

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MW rhol's B

a Andy W Art Car

ruthless depictions of social turmoil; and his films pervaded a sense of disobedience, for which Warhol ignored clichéd Hollywood cinematic rules.

Warhol also cleverly 'humanized' his works by allowing faults, such as smudges and misplaced dots, in his final outcomes. With this ease in mind, he worked with an incredible speed that resulted in the most unconventional, spontaneous pieces. One of his records would be the 23-minute painting of a life-sized car as a commission for BMW. Warhol's instinctive, forthright nature was manifested not only in his art, but also his openness to private homosexual life. Back

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then, homosexuality was still hardly accepted, and thus it was pretty courageous of him to dismiss all the prejudice and come out of the closet.

Warhol was indeed 'thankful' for his homosexuality and daringly expressed his desire to live truthfully to his soul: 'Other people could change their attitudes [towards gays] but not me. I didn't want to change, and I didn't think I should change anyway.'

In the Hollywood world full of ravishing lies and masks, Andy Warhol, with his exceptional talent, has shamelessly unveiled the shallowness of the 'American Dream' with great charisma, honesty and queer uniqueness. 

Arts & Entertainment

THROUGH THE MIST OF THE

WILD,WILD EAST words Vo Minh Nguyen

Through the Mist of the Wild, Wild East

Japan, Korea, and China are often considered the dragons of Asia's economy. To me, this statement also rings true when it comes to the film industry in these countries.

After receiving the recent Academy Awards, the Japanese film Departures (2008) went on to clinch the Oscar Award for Best Foreign Language movie. There was no surprise, really, for those who had watched the film, which is infused with fine acting and a strong storyline. As human beings, we have an innate fear of death and usually choose to avoid it when possible. In any kid's wish list, being an embalmer would never be written. Despite those negative connotations, the profession is quite dignified with the entrusted responsibility of helping others' loved ones cope with the demise, easing the pain by carrying some colors before the final journey. No matter if it's a burial ground or a crematorium. Departures describes this profession in Japan in a way that it was all done skillfully with great precision and respects to the

deceased and their family. Director Yojiro Takira created a masterpiece where even the darkest part in Japanese culture is made a piece of art.

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bit.ly/wolfboy-trailer

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Released in 2012, A Werewolf Boy beat Breaking Dawn, the final sequence of Twilight in every South Korean cinema. At the very first glance, the film title is somewhat misleading as it feels very much like a Korean version of Twilight. But the content doesn't. The story first appears to be a bit monotonous due to the slow tempo, almost without any fresh air. But the more you get engaged in the story, the more interesting and touching you'll find it. The protagonist really blew my mind with the way he expressed everything through his eyes and his actions, without saying a word.

The movie is a mix of interwoven emotions. It is hilarious and heartwarming, but as the story goes on to its second half, it is a gloomy love that could make you tearful.

Arts & Entertainment

bit.ly/flowerwar-trailer

The Flower of War (2011), another piece of awesomeness from director Zhang YiMou, is perhaps one of the best Chinese films that I've ever seen. The movie delivers a powerful, touching, and beautiful story with stunning visual effects.

It recaptures a bare brutal picture of Nanjing during the Second Sino-Japanese War. A fantastic combination of actors from different countries who did an amazing job of bringing to life wellrounded characters: the American

priest, the Chinese prostitutes, the boy George, the children, the Chinese traitor, and the Japanese officers. Almost every part of the film is painted based on real history: how the Japanese tortured the Chinese war victims in Nanjing, how the prostitutes stood up and forgone their lives to protect the children during the Rape, and how the expat Westerners helped the local Chinese. It strikes me hard with the realization of how lucky I am to be born in such peaceful era.

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Jennifer Lawrence

The New Hollywood Phenomenon Words Do Nguyen Thanh Truc

Jennifer Lawrence: The New Hollywood Phenomenon

F

rom fan's favorite heroine in The Hunger Games to the Oscar-awarded role in Silver Linings Playbook, Jennifer Lawrence has indeed become the most sought-after young actress in Hollywood these days.

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Jennifer Lawrence's first breakthrough role was in a TV comedy called The Bill Engvall Show, broadcasted from 2007 to 2009. In 2010, she earned the first Oscar nomination for her role in Winter's Bone. Ever since, Lawrence has shifted her career

Arts & Entertainment

from an independent-film actress to a box office heroine (Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games) and villain (Raven/Mystique in X-Men: First Class).

Guess what? Lawrence once auditioned for the role Bella in the Twilight Saga. Honestly, I'm so glad that she wasn't picked; otherwise, there wouldn't have been a mature and courageous Katniss in The Hunger Games. With her inborn versatility, Lawrence has brought out a wide range of raw emotions and peculiar looks of her characters, which I can easily relate myself to. That's what makes her is a million-dollar chameleon in Hollywood.

What I love about Jennifer Lawrence is not only her innate acting gift and pretty face, but also her unpredictable personality. In real life, our J-Law is a hilarious person and a sweetheart.

Whenever she delivers acceptance speeches, her words always sound amusing and candid. She can be genuinely down-to-earth and crazily humorous in the same interview. She maybe serious and professional on screen but in real life, Lawrence admitted that she was just a goofy all American girlnext-door from Kentucky.

The golden Oscar statuette for her role in Silver Linings Playbook (2012) is definitely one of the biggest milestones in Lawrence's career. Ah, this movie a mustwatch, by the way. Unexpectedly falling at the Oscar 2013's stage, Jennifer Lawrence said 'You guys are just standing up because you feel bad that I fell down,' making the auditorium vibrate with laughter. That was so J-Law, and sure the witty speech made fans love her even more.

No doubt this belle has taken the world by storm with her recent achievements. She may describe herself as 'a chihuahua at the red carpet', but for world-wide fans and her family, she'll always be their beloved idol with enormous talents, an authentic personality, and a promising future waiting ahead.

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Column's name Arts & Entertainment

Covered Music A Dose of Mood-Shifting

Words Hoang Nam Phuong There're numerous ways to renew a popular song, make it come alive, and play with the listeners' moods. Let's see how these artists did it!

When I Was Your Man Covered Music: A Dose of Mood-Shifting

bit.ly/SamTsuiDYWC

Don’t You Worry Child Original artist: Swedish House Mafia Cover artist: Sam Tsui Sam Tsui is considered to be one of the most phenomenal Youtubers and most of his covers are greatly adored. Despite the electronic and bumpy sound of the original, Sam Tsui manages to take it slow by replacing it with a ballad version.

The covered song calms us down just for a bit, and makes us contemplating about life and love, loss and faith. A good meditation, don't you think?

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Original artist: Bruno Mars Cover artist: Max Scheinder Another Youtuber on the rise, Max Scheinder. The song itself, which speaks about a man's long lost love for his ex-girlfriend, is heartbroken. Bruno's vocal is husky and full of depression, whereas Max brings out the soft side of the song by adding the harp as a prominent instrument.

Anyone who listens to Max's version would probably feel the sweetness that he pours into their ears, or would love to be his other half (okay, I admit that's true at least in my case). How about you?

bit.ly/MaxWIWYM

Arts & Column's Entertainment name

Locked out of Heaven Original artist: Bruno Mars Cover artist: Hurts

bit.ly/JeniSukBf

Boyfriend Original artist: Justin Bieber Cover artist: Jeni Suk Seems like Bieber has someone to soften the tune of this poppy song!

The Korean sweetheart Jeni takes advantage of her chill-out music to turn this teenage love song up to another level. You can spot the maturity that Jeni attempts to add to the production, which is both catchy and sexy at the same time.

Go search for Jeni on Youtube, you'll surely be trapped!

The British duo Hurts takes on the challenge! You can dance to Bruno's version, but for this... I think we should take it slow and easy. Even though the lyric is provocative, Hurts successfully conveys the darkness and the temptation of the song. May sound a bit creepy to most of you, but I'd say you have to try it before you hate it.

bit.ly/HurtsLOOH

I Knew You Were Trouble Original artist: Taylor Swift Cover artist: Terabrite

bit.ly/TeraTroub

Another break-up song on the go! The tune is merrily optimistic in both versions: while Taylor delivers a sweet revenge on her ex-boyfriend, this Youtube punky band carries out a more hardcore defense to anyone who's got a broken heart after being dumped.

With this cover, there're a lot of head banging moments to watch out!

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Arts & Entertainment

TIME FOR CRIME words Tu Phuong Vy

Time for Crime

"Death seems to provide the minds of the Anglo-Saxon race with a greater fund of innocent enjoyment than any other single subject."

Dorothy L. Sayers That proposition explains the appeal of crime novels as a distinguished literary genre. Within the genre, there's a diversity of branches and sub-genres: detective fictions, legal thriller, police procedurals, psychological suspense, etc.

In 1966, Truman Capote broke away from the preferred norms by making the infamous Perry Smith one of the greatest dark characters in American literature.

"I thought he was a very nice gentleman. Softspoken. I thought so right up to the moment I cut his throat", said the unstable, complex, and contradictory murderer about his victim.

Perry was one of the two ex-convicts in the brutal 1959 murders of Herbert Clutter, a successful farmer, his wife, and two of their children.

In Cold Blood (1966), Truman's masterpiece, was based on extensive research of the crime, including personal interviews of the two killers, making it a prominent representative of the factual "True Crime" account.

In Cold Blood (1966) Truman Capote

As crime novels' plots now focus more on character analysis, stories about hope and courage become more common in modern crime writing. Readers looking for some pickme-ups can find inspirations from novels like Lucky (1999) by Alice Sebold. Lucky is a true story of Alice herself, and how Alice's life was dramatically twisted when she was raped and beaten in a part near campus in her freshman 48 

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Lucky (1999) - Alice Sebold

Arts & Entertainment

year. What makes the book worth reading is neither the crime nor the investigation, it is Alice's journey of recovery – through grief and pain - to finally free herself and frame the attacker.

Crime novels usually end when the criminal is brought into justice. It is because we, as readers, always crave for a final revelation of truths. But The Hamilton Case (2003) by Michelle de Kretser is one story that refuses to conform to public preference. Apart from being a successful detective story, the novel was a literary triumph. Its plot only gets thicker towards the end, while guilty parties arise everywhere.

Set in the still-colonized Sri Lanka before 1948, The Hamilton Case revolves around the murder of a wealthy English planter name Hamilton, for whom Sam was the lawyer. The narrative tone switches between four different participants in the events; the story unfolds Sam's own family tragedy and the portrait of a baffling, intractable, multifaceted world of our own, where the boundaries between right and wrong, just and unjust, good and evil are blurred.

Is there really an ultimate "truth"? And what's the use of the "truth", when lives had already The Hamilton Case (2003) been shattered?

Michelle de Kretser Blitz also recommends:

The Yiddish Policemen's Union (2007) Michael Chabon

The Fifth Witness (2011) Michael Connelly

Dexter in the Dark (2007) Jeff Lindsay

The Camel Club (2005) David Baldacci

*All of the titles mentioned in this article can be found in Beanland Library, SGS Campus.

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Fashion

GRACEFUL REBELS CALLED

'ROCK CHICKS' Gorgeous. Edgy. Sexy. Rock chicks don't care what others think, and this attitude is partly expressed through their outfits. Check out some fundamental fashion elements that define a true rock chick.

Words Trinh Ai Nhi

COLOURS: The main colours of this fashion trend are black, red and white, which look cool together and give you the edgy look you want.

SKINNY JEANS: Unless you go for a hippie rock star look, the jeans must be the skinny type. Leggings always work.

STUDS: An easy way to project a sense of rock 'n' roll.

BOOTS/SNEAKERS: Nothing rocks and kicks butt more than a pair of Dr. Martens boots. Converse sneakers can be used as an alternative.

Graceful Rebels Called 'Rock Chicks'

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LEATHER/DENIM JACKET: Without this rock essential, the other accessories just won't come together. If leather jackets are hard to find, opt for denim ones.

SOMETHING GLITTERY: Can be make-up (together with nice dark eyes) or a sparkling fabric.

HAIR: May have some highlights in your hair. Also, make your hair look a little bit messy. If you have a long hair, you can make it curl at the end.

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Model: Nguyen Hoang Bao Chau Diploma of Commerce 52 

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Model: Pham Dinh Hoang Long Bachelor of Business (Economics & Finance) Issue 2 Blitz Magazine

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Fashion

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Fashion

*Wardrobe: NapiLoveU Shop

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Lifestyle

summertime fever Can't stand the naughty summer heat these days? Well, then these easyto-make snacks can be an effective therapy, at least for your belly.

Tropical Lolly

Words Ngo Linh Dan Summertime Fever

No doubt these Latin ice pops will glamorize your summer!

Sugar syrup:

100ml water 100g sugar our these two ingredients into a sauce pan and heat until the sugar is dissolved completely. Turn off the heat and let it cool.

P

Option #1: Watermelon peppermint paletas (for 2 pops) 400g chopped watermelon Juice of ½ lime 2 tablespoonfuls of chopped peppermint 6 tablespoonfuls of sugar syrup

P

lace watermelon, syrup, lime juice in a blender and blend until smooth. Pass the mixture through a strainer and stir it with chopped peppermint. Pour the mixture into the paleta molds and insert a wooden stick into each. Leave the mixture in a freezer for at least one night.

Quick tip: You can also use paper cups for the mold. To keep the wooden sticks standing up in the middle, freeze the mixture-filled cups for about 1 hour, then insert the sticks into them.

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Lifestyle

Option #3: Lime cucumber

Option #2: Passion fruit

yogurt paletas (for 2 pops) 200g plain yogurt 1 ½ passion fruit 2 tablespoonfuls of sugar syrup

B

lend yogurt, passion fruit, syrup for 30 seconds. Pass the mixture through a strainer. Pour the mixture into the paleta molds and insert a wooden stick into each.

Leave the mixture in a freezer for at least one night.

paletas (for 2 pops) 1 medium cucumber Juice of ½ lime 10 tablespoonfuls of sugar syrup

C

ut cucumber into small pieces. Blend cucumber, lime, sugar syrup until smooth. Pass the mixture through a strainer.

Pour the mixture into the paleta molds and insert a wooden stick into each. Leave the mixture in a freezer for at least one night.

Sip of Summer

It doesn't take magic to hold summer inside a cup!

Ingredients (for 2 cups): 1 cup of diced watermelon 1 cup of diced pineapple 1 cup of diced pear 2 teaspoonfuls of lime juice A pinch of salt 2 tablespoonfuls of finely-chopped peppermint 150g plain yogurt

P

lace fruit, lime juice, salt, peppermint into a bowl and mix well. Pour the mixture into a cup, and then fill it with plain yogurt. Decorate the cup with peppermint leaves. And don't forget to chill it before serving. There you go!

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Column's name Lifestyle

Pack Your Bags & Roam Free!

Pack Your Bags &

Roam Free!

Sometimes I just want to run away from everything that bothers me - work, people, relationships, hi-tech stuff, or whatever it is. I love to be on my own at places that give me a true sense of escape.

Words Le Dang Hieu

Traveling has different meanings to different people: some just want to relax and go explore new places, while others enjoy spending money to hook up with cool things. To me, travelling is even more than that - it's truly a way of meditation.

Of course I'm not talking about luxurious touring kind of traveling.

In my view, only 'Phuot', or 'Backpacking', succeeds in defining the nature of travel at its very core.

The first step you need to take is to pick a place. It could be a tranquil village, a sandy beach, a majestic mountain, or anywhere you would love to set foot in.

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Column's name Lifestyle

"To me, travelling is even more than that - it's truly a way of meditation."

My favorite spot is Mui Ke Ga, a small and exotic island. Not many people have been there, and no one has attempted to make it a tourist destination, I guess, as it's quite deserted. This fascinating island is located about 30km or 40km away from Phan Thiet (equal 180 km from Saigon).

Next, you need to do some research to customize your trip to your own liking. I love to take provincial roads ('Tinh lo') instead of national roads ('Quoc lo'), because that way I can enjoy the landscape, the villagers, the grazing cows, the peaceful aura, all that make the trips unforgettable. You can go to Google Map and take

notes of some small roads that lead to the destination as well.

If possible, bring along a buddy.

Trust me, you'll need a helping hand sooner or later. After taking a boat to Mui Ke Ga, there will be lots of things you can do there: camping, exploring the nature, swimming, taking photos, and above all, enjoying the freedom of everything. No work, no parents, no teachers, no girlfriend (if you take your girlfriend with you, well, then it will be a different story), and no nothing. I still remember climbing to the top of the light house at Mui Ke Ga, inhaling breezy air, and feeling good. You should try it, too!

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Column's name Lifestyle

Quick tips for backpackers:

1. If you plan to use a Vespa or a

custom bike, you should check the maintenance at least one or two months before the trip.

2

. Bring packed food and basic medicine. Also buy or rent a camp, so that you can spend a night out.

3. Do sufficient research before

going to anywhere. The more you know, the better you can handle unexpected situations.

4. Experience is gold. No matter Mui Ke Ga's light house

how well you do the research, the experience is still the best thing to have. For example, it's a good idea to practice small trips to somewhere near before heading for a big one.

5

. Each person should bring along at least 1 million VND. 4 Blitz Magazine Issue 2 Issue 2 62  Blitz Magazine

Lifestyle

The weekend is, sadly, coming to an end, meaning it's time to face the books and get some work done. Apart from our campus, finding a decent place to study can be troublesome during the weekend.

While many RMIT-ers choose Beanland Library as their safest heaven, others go for some 'cream of the crop' places around district 1, 3, and 7. Let's check them out!

Hmm... In Search of Ideal Study Spot

Cun House Lounge & Cafe Address: 36 Chu Manh Trinh St, Ben Nghe Ward, Dist. 1, HCMC. Price range: 40,000 – 160,000 VND

Hmm…

IN SEARCH OF

IDEAL STUDY SPOTS? Words Hoang Phuong Linh

CUN HOUSE LOUNGE & CAFE A hidden gem in this hectic city.

If you've never been there, now is a great time. Amidst the chaos of downtown Saigon, this place is ideal for studying during daytime. Cún House Lounge & Café is tucked away in an alley that might take you a bit of finding: the sign is placed rather high in front of an alley that leads into a terraced establishment

stretching along the street. This cafe is filled with bookshelves, which perhaps can translate into a visually stimulating environment.

The price might drain your wallet a little bit, but you can stay for as many hours as you want to.

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Lifestyle

Hideaway Cafe Address: 41/1 Pham Ngoc Thach St, Ward 6, Dist. 3, HCMC. Price range: 35,000 – 150,000 VND

HIDEAWAY CAFE Would there be any cafe so appositely named as Hideaway?

From the city's hustle and bustle at the end of alleyway 41, a French-style villa with its cozy seclusion surely proves that peace and noiselessness can be found at the heart of Saigon. Stepping into Hideaway and choosing your preferred spot to either chitchat or study, there are areas with homely 64 

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couches and relaxing beanbags in the main building. With an outstanding Western menu, you've got quite an opportunity to reward yourself after putting in some study effort. The service hare is prompt and attentive. However, since this is a popular spot for businesses during lunch hours, getting a seat here might be as hard as catching a cab on a rainy day.

Lifestyle

Circle K Phu My Hung Address: 107 Ton Dat Tien St, Phu My Hung, Dist. 7, HCMC. Price range: 7,000 and above

CIRCLE K PHU MY HUNG This convenience store has plenty of seats, both inside and outside, which are perfect for weekend study. If the refreshments and snacks from Circle K aren't classy enough for you, there are heaps of ready-to-eat foods that you might

fancy. There's little chance that the staff might kick you out once you've finished your drink. But perhaps, drink slowly and keep buying lollipops frequently for the sake of courtesy.

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Column's name Lifestyle

Single?

Just mingle !

Single? Just mingle!

Words Dao Ngoc Tuyet Nhung

For your information, SINGLE = Stress Is Now Gone & Life's Easier!

Writer's note:

1. I'm single,

have been in no relationship but have witnessed several broken ones.

2. I'm not sad,

frustrated, bitter, depressed, worried, or irritated about being single.

3. I'm not a

relationship expert.

You're probably on this page because you're at the state of being 'forever alone' (aka FA). Have you ever wondered why there are 7 billion people on this planet and you're still single?

Single life – there's more to it than doing things alone or just seeing happy couples. Just wipe your tears, you lonely souls. Despite what people say, there're advantages of being dateless.

Here are 6 reasons why you and I should celebrate our single life:

1. Freedom is all yours.

You can do whatever you want whenever you want to. You don't have to let anyone know if you decide to do something or go somewhere.

There's no need to get extra permission from anyone except for your parents.

2. Work hard, play harder.

Being single gives you more time for hobbies, relaxations, friends and family. You can use your extra time to work on your assignments, volunteer in your community, or hang out with random single friends and then form a group of awesome people doing awesome things.

Relationships require a significant amount of time, so do take advantage of any extra time while you still have it!

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Column's name Lifestyle * Images courtesy of relationshipquote on Tumblr.

3. Less expenditure.

You can save your phone credit a lot. Oh, and you also save penny on Valentine's Day gift. Spend that on whatever floats your boat instead.

4. Less drama, less heartbreak,

less stress, less mess.

No emotional roller coaster ridden.

No aspirin taken. When you're in a relationship, you can go completely insane with all the thoughts about 'the other half' rampant in your head. Being single lets you stabilize your emotions.

Also, you won't have to worry about going through a heart-wrenching breakup.

5. More time for selfimprovement.

Life can be crammed with tough decisions, and it's easier to go wherever the wind takes you when you don't have anyone else on your sail. You don't have to say and do things you normally don't do just to impress someone you like. You're completely in charge of your own decisions. You'll change, grow, and discover interesting truths about yourself along the process, which makes you a more complete, well-rounded person – a great card to hold when you decide to re-enter the dating market.

6. Be a cool single friend.

Enough said.

"Everything has a good side, so just turn on your optimistic mode and spot it."

The next time you feel that you have to be with someone at all costs, take a look at these 6 points, and you may want to continue savoring the joy of being a free self.

Check out these awesome videos to stir up your FA life: Get the Guy: Kids Talk Dating Problems... bit.ly/KidsDate Ryan Higa – Forever Alone (vlog) bit.ly/VlogFA IssueMagazine 2 Blitz Magazine 3 Issue 2 Blitz 67

Health & Fitness

BODYWEIGHT BADASSERY Bodyweight Badassery

Words Daniele Moretti

Get the most out of RMIT's Gym - you pay for it every semester, guys!

Out of all the people that tell me that they want to 'get in shape', few ever get around to doing anything about it. A common excuse I hear is the classic 'I'm busy' or the timeless 'I don't have access to a gym'. But the simple truth is that improving strength, conditioning and muscularity is not a matter of spending countless hours heaving heavy weights and/or doing traditional boring cardio.

Contrary to popular belief, proper bodyweight training protocols not only allow for fast strength gains and speedy fat loss, but also decrease the chances of injury and save your time. This holds true for beginners and experienced athletes alike. So without further ado, let's take a look at some my favorite bodyweight exercises:

1.

Push-ups

. Begin the movement in a pushup position · Squeeze your shoulders back, tighten your abs, glutes and back muscles, and lock out your knees · Slowly lower your body until your chest touches the floor · Keep your elbows as close to your body as possible 68

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Health & Fitness

· Exhale and press up, making sure to keep your core tight

2.

Dips · Begin the movement in the dip position · Lock out your elbows, squeeze your shoulders back, tighten your abs, glutes and back muscles · Inhale as you slowly lower your body until your elbows are parallel with the ground (or beyond if flexibility allows) · Keep your elbows as close to your body as possible · Exhale and press up, making sure to keep your core tight

· Begin the movement from a dead hang making sure that your arms are fully extended

3.

Pull-ups

· Engage the shoulders by bringing them back while squeezing your lats · Exhale and pull yourself up so that your chin clears the bar making sure to engage the back muscles and not the arms · Lower yourself to the starting position slowly whilst inhaling Issue 2 Blitz Magazine

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Health & Fitness

4.

Squats

· Start the movement by standing tall with your feet about (or a little more than) shoulder width apart with your toes pointing out at a 30 degree angle · Retract your shoulders, tighten your abs, glutes, hamstrings and back muscles · Keep your back tight and arched as you push your bum back as if you were sitting down in a chair · Exhale and push yourself back up making sure that your knees don't buckle inwards · Keep your abs, glutes, hamstrings and back muscles engaged throughout the movement

5.

Bulgarian Split Squats · Start the movement by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart · Place the instep of one foot on a bench. Step forward with the other foot, taking a slightly larger than normal step. · Contract your glutes, brace your abs and keep your spine arched

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· Lower your body until your front thigh is parallel to the ground as you inhale · As you exhale, keep your upper body upright and your abs, glutes and quads tight as whilst pushing back up to the beginning position · Perform all reps for one leg and then switch.

6.

Lying Hip Extension · Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor · Exhale as you brace your abs, and squeeze your glutes whilst pushing your butt off the ground · Hold your hips elevated for a 1-count. Keep your abs braced and squeeze the glutes. · Slowly lower your hips down until they are an inch above the ground. Then repeat.

Stay tuned for more exercises in the next issue, amigos!

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