Save the date for the University of Canberra’s Graduation Ball of 2014. It will be held on November 21st at the National Press Club. The event will be open to all students from all disciplines who are completing their degree in 2014. Tickets will be available on a first-in, best-dressed basis. The event will have a strictly black tie dress code. There are a limited number of tickets available, so purchase yours soon to secure your place.
Editors Andrew Nardi media@theucsa.org.au Jeremy Stevens stevens.a.jeremy@gmail.com
Contributors Jacob White Joanna Mackerras Connor Harvey Gemma Varcoe Cameron Swift Hannah Quill James Mouat Tarran BetterridgeBackhus Krystal Hurst
Leanne Duck Mel Morris Clare Brunsdon Lucy Bladen Alannah Andreini Sarah Collins Nick Beecher Emma Risby Joel Kahn Luke Bailey
Graphic Design Andrew Nardi
Printing UC Green Print Centre printroom@canberra.edu.au (02) 6201 2371
Special Thanks To Joshua Stubbs for modelling for our cover “Curieux” is a product of the University of Canberra Students’ Association. ABN 83 168 011 488 Building 1, University of Canberra Bruce ACT 2601 theucsa.org.au tel: (02) 6201 2000 fax: (02) 6251 4248 “Curieux” is independently owned and published. Opinions expressed in this magazine are not necessarily representative of the editors, the UCSA, the University of Canberra, or other staff. “What’s On” Graffiti (Part 1) art by tico_24, with changes made: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ tico24/16914870/
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The Rant / The Rave You suck rat’s ass / my life would be incomplete without you
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The Presets You say Goodbye Future, I say Hello Presets
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How to Survive a Music Festival Where are my friends? Why can’t I get any phone reception?
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Groovin the Moo: Curieux’s Choice We’re sad to report that there will not be any actual cows attending
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Sex With Hannah Do not touch willy — good advice?
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UCFM: Have You Seen this DJ? Reward: a good time
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Celebrating NAIDOC Week An open letter from your Indigenous Officer, and a timeline of this important week
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Artist Profile: Krystal Hurst For NAIDOC week, we interviewed a Worimi Artist
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How to De-Stress and Balance Life Stress City, population: you
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Litigious Landlords and Counterfeit Chinos How to get the most out of your student benefits and rights
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Cooking Under Pressure Not there’s-a-serial-killer-in-thekitchen pressure, but you get it
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How to Survive the Assessment and Exam Period And still make mumma proud
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Getting Past Procrastination Motivation is the key to — oh look, a bird!
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Winter Is Coming All men must die (or decide whether to study in winter semester)
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What’s On I’m down for whatever
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Reviews New stuff we either like, don’t like, or are impartial to
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Arscott House Jacob White Can you feel the crunch approaching? It’s easy to feel a vague sense of accomplishment upon dealing with that first hump of assessments and reaching the mid-semester break. But just when you think it’s safe to go back to binge-watching TV shows and rewarding yourself with some downtime – BAM! – week 8 is over, you haven’t caught up on any of your readings (pro-tip: us fourth years don’t do any of them, you’ll be fine), and what’s that? You have a research essay due in a week? Most of you know exactly what I’m on about, and if you don’t, you will soon. The final five weeks of semester and the subsequent exam period are going to ruin your brain and see you curled up in the foetal position, shaking from a mix of too much caffeine and pure fear. But don’t worry. Or at least, try not to. So long as you don’t stare into that abyss too long, you should be fine. Especially with this issue of Curieux you’re holding in your now trembling and sweaty mitts.
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t was my sad duty last month to inform students and the wider community of the University of Canberra Students’ Association’s decision to prematurely terminate its Property Management Agreement with the University of Canberra for the operation of Arscott House. The financial realities associated with the operation of student accommodation, as well as new and large-scale residences coming online across campus, forced this decision. All arrangements are in the process of being negotiated, and for the interim period the University of Canberra has agreed to pick up the various contracts and agreements presently in place until such a time as a new operator for Arscott House can be found to continue in its place. The UCSA has been and will continue to work productively with the University to see that this transition is as smooth as possible, to minimise disruption to the life of residents, and to ensure that there will be as little material change on the ground as far as possible. Very little will change at Arscott beyond the sign on the door. This decision has received widespread media coverage, not all of which has been entirely accurate. The UCSA has not been using student monies to pay down any debt that the operation of Arscott House may have incurred, rather this decision was made to avoid exactly that situation.
We’ve got the perfect guides to help you prepare for exams and stay sane. We’ve got reviews to help you spend your recreational time wisely. We’ve even got a freakin’ interview with Julian from The Presets ahead of their Groovin The Moo show!
All money that the UCSA receives from the University of Canberra in the form of Student Services and Amenities Fees is acquitted at the end of each calendar year, and that which is not spent on SSAF approved activities is promptly returned to the University. Furthermore, Committee Meetings of the UCSA are open to all members to observe and scrutinise and students are encouraged to have their representatives pose questions on their behalf.
Top it all off with our expert culinary advice for those final stressful weeks, our regular sex column, plus a piece on the cost of living for students. And if you’ve been wondering whether or not to study and stay here in winter semester, we’ve got all the answers for you there too.
It is unfortunate to see what has been a proud history of student-run accommodation come to a premature end, but the UCSA would like to thank all those who have been involved in its success over the years – the list is long and your devotion, time, and effort have made this journey a fun and exciting one.
The only thing we can’t do is save you from the crunch. Brace yourselves, some of you aren’t gonna make it. We’ll see you on the flipside.
JEREMY STEVENS
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Please contact myself directly or one of your student representatives if you have any questions about this transition. Jacob White University of Canberra Students’ Association President president@theucsa.org.au Tel: 6201 2000
I thought people were over all of the whingy and vague Facebook statuses, BUT NO – perseverance under social pressure is a genetic trait that evolution will never destroy. The re-emergence of bitey but tactless posts aimed at the opposite sex has got me pulling my trusty paddlin’ stick from under my bed. It is a truth universally acknowledged that girls are crazy and boys are dicks, and both genders will endlessly bitch and whine about it, but my newsfeed is not the avenue to release your wrath. In every girl there is a mooey bitch with claws, and every guy has an internal dick that spunks all over your feelings. But this isn’t news to you or anybody else, and while you might deny these traits in yourself, they’re underneath your bitter and acidic seventh layer of skin. The rambling vague-booking is just petty, one-sided shit – an attention-whoring ploy looking for someone, anyone, to agree with you. You have absolutely no right to seek sympathy from your newsfeed. And surprise, surprise – the roles reverse. Girls can be dicks and guys can be crazy bitches and you have undoubtedly been like this in your lifetime. So stop feeling sorry for yourself and stop whinging about it on Facebook, ‘cause it’s a hard and fast paddlin’ from me.
After spending my formative years in mosh pits and on farms, I found myself entering adulthood with no concept of how to apply makeup without looking like a surprised panda or a sad clown. It always seemed to me like a genetic skill. One that I simply didn’t possess – but oh, how I wanted to. It was only until I was flicking through the pages of a magazine that I found the secret to applying my makeup in a way that made me look like a lady, at least according to Kim Kardashian. Her secret? Winged eyeliner. My life changed from that moment. It was so simple. How could I have not realised it for so long? Makeup has the power to change how we see ourselves, and how the world sees us entirely. Has anyone else ever dreamed of being the mysterious girl who can pull off red lipstick? Add winged eyeliner and some heels and you will have the ultimate power trip. Are you on your way to buy milk, or assassinate someone? Who knows? Ever felt like being a pin-up girl? Now you can. Heed my warning though: winged eyeliner is not for the faint of heart. The road ahead of you is wrought with trials and tribulations and many an hour will be spent in front of the mirror in frustration (“Why the heck can’t they just be even?!”). But have faith. Persistence is the key to success.
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Up until recently, Australia’s catalogue of electronic dance music has been very brief. Before, an Australian electro-head’s library might have included the likes of everyone’s favourite electronica hitand-runners, The Avalanches, as well as tunes from PNAU, Cut Copy, The Aston Shuffle, and Midnight Juggernauts. Nowadays, the game has changed significantly. With the recent flush of bangers from artists like Ta-ku, Wave Racer, LDRU, Tyler Touché, Yahtzel, DCUP, Peking Duk, Flight Facilities, Kilter, Touch Sensitive, Emoh Instead, Seekae, Hermitude, Hayden James, Indian Summer, Cosmo’s Midnight, Willow Beats, and of course, Sydney’s fresh prince, Flume, Australia is experiencing what many have dubbed a ‘golden era’ of EDM.
Arguably however, the guys who have been a part of Australia’s electronic scene for the longest period of time (apart from The Avalanches, who have essentially been lying dormant for eons) are Julian Hamilton and Kim Moyes, a.k.a. The Presets. Coming off their gigantic album Apocalypso in 2008, they became the first dance act in Australian history to win the ARIA Music Award for Album of the Year. With hit singles like ‘My People’, ‘This Boy’s In Love’, ‘Talk Like That’, ‘Ghosts’, ‘Promises’, and more recently, the euphoric electrostorm that is ‘Goodbye Future’, their importance to Australia’s electronic scene is iconic, in the same way that Daft Punk are to France, or The Prodigy are to England.
Presets member was all about learning and gaining the dexterities of the accomplished musician he is today.
“I really enjoyed the library, and I really loved learning piano and learning about all these composers, and gaining skills and all that boring stuff that university isn’t really about! It should be about partying, but yeah, I was a bit of a music nerd.” The Conservatorium of Music was also where Hamilton met his bandmate and life-long friend, Kim Moyes. From the beginning of their bromance, they have shared a passion for producing electronic music with subtle hints of meaning, and a love for turning those tunes into gargantuan dance floor anthems when they perform.
It’s only appropriate then, that these were the musicians who influenced the Australian electro duo when they started out.
“We were just two nerdy guys that liked techno, going to nightclubs, and listening to new bands like Daft Punk and The Prodigy!” Hamilton, The Presets’ vocalist and keyboardist, would humbly refuse to admit the band’s integral significance to the Australian electronic scene though.
“Certainly, we might have been the first [dance act] to ever win the ARIA for best album. But, if we didn’t, someone else would have, and Empire of the Sun won it the very next year, for instance.”
But that’s just the kind of guy Hamilton has always been – modest, diligent, and innovative. In 1995, at 19 years of age, Hamilton was enrolled at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, where, apart from the occasional night out thrashing the city’s nightclubs, the future
“We were just two nerdy guys that liked techno, going to nightclubs, and listening to new bands like Daft Punk and The Prodigy!”
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“He was the one like-minded person who I hung out with,” Hamilton says. “Kim and I really saw eye-to-eye on music and performance and thankfully, we have ever since.” Australia’s proudly owned electro rockers have recorded two EPs, three albums, and a handful of remixes since then, and have celebrated their work with a stack of awards, including seven ARIAs, one APRA, and one J Award. These days, both band members are married with children, but according to Hamilton, the quieter life hasn’t impeded on their ability to produce tunes for the partygoers.
“It’s funny, I considered myself pretty settled down way before I even had kids,” he says. “I mean, I used to go to nightclubs and party on and have a good time like everyone else, and obviously, we’ve both got kids now and we’re having a bit more of a family life than we used to, but it just doesn’t feel too different to the life before all that … I mean, I don’t need to go to nightclubs all the time to understand that techno music is fun to dance to!”
Arguably, The Presets’ success is owed entirely to the unique sound that they have cultivated over the years. In 2005, their debut album Beams was recognised for its experimental, subtly sinister and twisted approach to electrorock – but it was in 2008 that Apocalypso made their name by carving out a thunderous, dystopian new rave of angst and sexual frustration. Their 2012 followup album Pacifica holds onto the band’s nocturnal and aggressive elements, but in the context of warmer, more inviting techno-house. Across their discography, however, the common motif is the band’s unmistakably dark edge.
“A lot of people will tell you it’s a bit more difficult to paint with a light brush. So to make a happier song, it’s hard, whereas to make a darker thing, it’s a little bit easier,” Hamilton says. “Certainly, songs like ‘Promises’ were probably some of the trickier songs that we’ve had to write – or have ever written. But it’s interesting, I guess we just try and do what we’re feeling on the day. We try to explore all different human emotions and energies in our music … we sort of like it all.” When it comes to translating their songs to the big room sound, it’s evident that Moyes and Hamilton are perfectly in sync. The aesthetics and production of their thumping live shows are widely renowned, combining Hamilton’s ruthless ‘80s-style voice with Kim’s adept percussionist skills. Critics have labelled their performances as an incredible sight
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to be seen, with one reviewer writing, “I skipped Kanye West to see The Presets, and I don’t have a single damn regret.” It should be no surprise then that these guys were the main support for Daft Punk when they toured Australia in 2007 (which was, coincidentally, also the series of shows when The Presets launched their signature song, ‘My People’ – and what a gig that would have been!). After seven years of relentless touring however, Hamilton has seen the landscape of electronic dance music change to the point where he feels detached from it – that is, if The Presets were ever a part of it to begin with. “There was no such thing as EDM, as a term, when we first started,” he says. “When we made ‘My People’, for instance, we wanted to make it tough and aggressive and have a big drop moment, before they were really calling it drops … Now, dance music has really become the style of the day, and even pop bands like Katy Perry’s sound like EDM.” It’s no secret that a number of industryestablished artists, DJs, and listeners have grown tired of the developing staleness of EDM in recent years. While Hamilton respects the thriving talent throughout the industry, he’s grown to disassociate The Presets with the electronic dance scene that’s shaped itself around large music festivals like Future and Stereosonic.
“You go to these festivals, especially some of the EDM festivals in the United States, and it’s just: build up, drop, build up, drop, build up, drop,” Hamilton says. “It’s really cool, but to us, it’s just a drop. It’s just aggression, and noise. There’s not really much more to it beyond that … And the fans, you know, they love it. They jump around to it and have a great time. But when you think about how
[The Presets] stand apart, or whether, or how we are apart of it – it’s very valid and enjoyable, but it’s not really what we’re about. We’ve always considered ourselves a bit more of a band.”
In that light, it may come off as a bit ironic that The Presets’ Groovin The Moo live shows are going to be conforming to what Hamilton describes as “DJ culture”. Following the band’s decision to leave Moyes’ floor-shaking drums in the studio, Hamilton clarified that The Presets are going to be introducing their new live routine, which utilises a range of electronic equipment, at the regional festival. “It’s really cool, and in fact, I’m having more fun in rehearsals than I have in a very long time!” he says. “It’s a whole new beast, and we’re really looking forward to unleashing it on the Groovin The Moo audiences.”
One can only hope that Hamilton’s vocals will be delivered through a microphone, and not via Ableton Live. But even if that were the case, given the band’s long history of annihilating music venues the world over, is there really any reason not to have faith in The Presets?
The immensely positive reaction to their latest single, ‘Goodbye Future’, is a clear indication that their Groovin The Moo set, which will close the Triple J and V Music stages, will be one to remember.
“It’s just going to be us standing behind a laptop! [Laughs] Nah, it’s not going to be that. It’s a really exciting new show and we’re really looking forward to taking it onto the stage.”
Get locked up with The Presets’ people when the band performs at Groovin The Moo at the University of Canberra Meadows on Sunday April 27. Tickets are $99.90 + bf through Moshtix. Photography courtesy of Elvis Di Fazio and Jordan Graham.
Over the past three months – with the summer music festival season having recently wound up – we have seen punters being hospitalised due to dehydration, preventable injuries, and general idiocy. It’s par for the course, and the result hasn’t been a positive one. So with Groovin The Moo fast approaching, it’s time we all learnt how to survive music festivals and have the best day possible.
on, the extra protection of canvas/fabric from a pair of Converse or Vans will keep some of the pain of your feet being stepped on at bay. And please, don’t wear annoying hats. Stay smart and sunscreen up, but there is nothing worse than not being able to see the band because the person in front of you had to wear their fedora today.
7. Try and befriend security, because they can throw you out in a second. Just remember that bribes are illegal. Be nice to them, and they may be a little nicer to you.
3. Make sure you have cash. There are usually a couple of ATMs located near the bar areas (potentially 18+ only, so if you’re underage you had best be careful!), but there will be queues. Take money for food, water, and some merch if you’d like to buy something. But make sure you have some cash!
8. Work out how you are getting to the venue ahead of time. If you have never been to GTM before, you will not know the pain of parking a car. I seriously recommend public transport – it’s a $2.20 bus fare for a student to get to UC. Otherwise, consider catching a taxi, riding a bike (or unicycle if you are a tad more adventurous), or carpooling.
6. Eat before you go. Food is extremely expensive at these events, and the lines can go on for hours, which means you may miss the band you have been holding out for. Ladies, would you rather eat some deep-fried food or go and stare at some musician man candy? Forward planning is essential. Plan your meals around the bands you want to see. This also goes for water. You can bring a water bottle if it is unopened or empty. There are water stations inside the event, but these will be in pretty high demand, so it is best to fill one up and keep it on you at all times.
5. Wear appropriate clothes. Guys, this includes keeping your shirt on at all times. It may be warm during the day, but Canberra’s nights are known for being chilly. Take clothes you can layer – think light enough to carry around with you all day, but warm enough to actually make a difference at night. Enclosed shoes are a must, and don’t lose them! I have seen tightly laced sneakers disappear into the crowd, never to be found again. If you do manage to keep them
4. If people become a bit reckless during a set and a friendly stranger asks you if you would like to overturn some bins, or jump over the barriers, politely decline the offer. Remember that, as stated above, security are not your friends. They do not like you, and they will throw you out. If you really want to say yes, then go ahead, but at least wait until you can get it on film.
2. Every band has one fan that can only be described as “That Guy”. This kid knows every single song the band has ever released and screams whenever the opening chords are played. To every song. You will probably meet “That Guy” at the beer tent and have a friendly conversation. You will see him in the mosh pit. He will think you are on a first name basis. You will most likely run into him again in the toilet line and by this point he will nickname you something ridiculous, then drunkenly laugh about it for the next 20 minutes. Avoid “That Guy” at all costs. If you are “That Guy”, tone it down a bit. We all thank you. 1. Enjoy it. Don’t get too drunk, don’t be a dick, and don’t ruin it for everyone else. Be respectful of the people around you. Use your common sense and decency. This is a community. And most of all – relax and have fun!
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Karnivool have sadly left Canberra off their sights for their last few tours, but finally – after all this time – they’re heading our way for GTM! I will definitely be in the front row to get my mind blown by their fantastic musicianship, which has continued from their debut album released nearly a decade ago through to the epic Asymmetry released last year. Australian progressive rock suffered a loss with Cog’s disbandment a few years back, but these guys have definitely filled the void, releasing an ARIA Awardwinning number one bestseller, and proving that metal has a place here. Ian Kenny is definitely one of Australia’s best vocalists – so good that he has to split his time with another band (Birds of Tokyo).
Connor Harvey
We welcomed The Jezabels late last year when they released their new tune, ‘The End’. The offering thankfully included the band’s unique and dramatic instrumental sound, and returned front-woman Hayley Mary’s delectable croon to the ears of delighted fans. This song was the first snapshot we got of The Jezabels’ sophomore album, The Brink, which continued to carry on the theatrical legacy of their first album, and hugely impressed me due to the band retaining their ballad-style, story-telling, emotionally charged, howling Hayley Mary-ness! When The Jezabels hit the stage at Groovin The Moo this year, I’m really hoping that they give the music from their old EPs a real whirl, particularly when gems such as ‘Hurt Me’ and ‘Disco Biscuit Love’ are amongst the mix.
Gemma Varcoe
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Considered one of the originators of the British grime sound, Dizzee Rascal is known for his over-thetop energy and rapid speed of delivery. Australian audiences will know him best for his party anthem ‘Bonkers’, although his earlier albums especially were acclaimed for their exploration of new musical styles as well as their insightful lyrical content. Songs like ‘Fix Up, Look Sharp’ and ‘Stand Up Tall’ show a younger Dizzee making his mark, while more recent standouts include his feature on Jessie J’s ‘Wild’ as well as the fast-paced ‘I Don’t Need A Reason’ (the video for which is one of the strangest in recent memory). People looking for a high-energy show with plenty of charisma will absolutely get what they’re looking for when Dizzee Rascal performs at Groovin The Moo.
Cameron Swift
For those who were lucky enough to see Robert DeLong play at Splendour in the Grass, there is one word that comes to mind: energy. The one-man band truly involves fans in the music festival experience and gives himself over to them completely in his performances. His performances are particularly notable for using video game paraphernalia (think Wii remotes hooked up to a MIDI interface) to make them special, and his passion adds extra warmth to his live sound. DeLong is a must see in my book, and if his hit ‘Global Concepts’ doesn’t get you on your feet and jumping, you may wanna check your pulse.
Joanna Mackerras
Disclosure will be closing the Moolin Rouge stage at Groovin The Moo, and with good reason. The UK garage twins were largely responsible for shifting the scope of electronic dance music in 2013, with big bust-a-move tracks like ‘F For You’, ‘White Noise’ and ‘When A Fire Starts To Burn’. Even though they visited the University of Canberra last October, there’s every reason to catch their massive performance a second time, which combines gorgeous lighting, drum kits, synthesisers, and other electronic doodads. It’s a tough choice with The Presets playing around the same time, but with What So Not, Wave Racer, Peking Duk and The Kite String Tangle attending the festival, there are plenty of options for people who just want to dance.
Andrew Nardi
It’s a torrid love affair that I have with The Naked and Famous. Made up of four guys and one girl, this striking team from New Zealand speak so perfectly of our generation. ‘Young Blood’ is the truest anthem of life and it’s the reason I fell so madly in love with them. There for me in all emotional states, their eccentric and hypnotic basslines flow spectacularly into their pulsing clash of drums and guitar. Currently touring their second album, In Rolling Waves, what sets them apart from your average synth-rock group is the passionate connection and harmony between singers Alisa Xayalith and Thom Powers. The duo penetrates your feelings with such precision, and with emotionally intense instrumentals, their performance is set to make for an entrancing and wildly energetic experience.
Hannah Quill
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We’re now sailing into the stormier half of the semester – assignments are piling up, exams are looming like an oncoming planet on a collision course with Earth, and you’re not handling it. You’ve blown through all of your brown paper bags with panic attacks, and your cocktail of anxiety meds and Red Bull has you crawling up the walls. You’re a beastly shade of yourself, oh, the stress! What’re you going to do to overcome this? Masturbate, doge. Reach down into your pants and cop a feel of your genitals. It’s the quickest and cheapest tension release, there’s no risk of impregnation or STDs, and it won’t make you blind, cause infertility, insanity, or loss of limbs – but I can see how not doing it would make your organs evacuate. Masturbation is the most fun you can have by yourself. You’re bunkered down in your room, soft Kleenex – bit of lube for a touch of realism, gents – and PornHub and 50 Shades at your side. Just think, as you ease back into the comfort of your pillow, you’ve earned this. That report written for post-graduates was dense and incomprehensible, but you pushed through, and now you’re going to ease an O out as a gift to yourself. Our bodies have a natural urge to masturbate, so why ignore it when there are some kick-ass health benefits? An article on The Conversation by Lecturer of HIV, STIs and Sexual Health at University of Sydney, Anthony Santella, and Senior Lecturer at University of Sydney, Spring Chenoa Cooper, revealed that masturbation can help with hormonal and tension release. For ladies, it can aid in the prevention of cervical and urinary tract infections, and can potentially lower the risk of type-2 diabetes. Now there are some fun facts to touch yourself over. Our bodies also release an amplified amount of endorphins in climax that’ll help you out of that ghastly mood, and, as an added bonus ladies, a boost of estrogen to make your hair shinier. Masturbation is a natural anaesthetic, so you won’t have to worry about insomnia-induced stress either – just a few flicks, grabs and thrusts to get your nice bits tingling and you’ll be out like a light. So if it feels good, is great for our health, and costs nothing, why do naysayers object to the natural movement of bodily juices? Fear? Shame? Religion? Well God certainly didn’t give you the instruments if he didn’t intend for you to strum. Fear of masturbation comes from misinformation and a lack of understanding, while shame comes from judgement. You should never be afraid to ask or investigate. It’s your body and if you decide to put a finger in your bum for a more intense orgasm, it’s your prerogative. You’ll end up with a greater knowledge of your body and of others, as masturbation is the gateway to sexual experience. Masturbation doesn’t constitute cheating, but if you’re engaging in a new relationship, it’s safer to tell them at some point – “I’m a masturbator. It’s my favourite hobby. I’m going to do it whether I’m with or without you and you’re welcome to do it with me.” Remember, there’s no use in being allergic to your genitals. They love you and want to be played with.
HANNAH QUILL
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Disc Jockey (noun): a person who selects and plays recorded music at a discotheque. Well, these days you would be hard-pressed to even find a venue that identifies itself as a discotheque, let alone an artist in this common era who only selects and plays music. So why don’t you loosen that belt and let me take you from dude through to twitcher as I rattle off my list of big-beat DJ species spotted in the wild (i.e., around Canberra).
The Common Musical Box: Some say a good DJ can play the same set, week-in and week-out, for years without anyone noticing. Scary thought perhaps, but it is true that if you want to make money as a venue, you want people to visit, drink, and have a good time. Most people turn their noses up when venues play the same music every week, with interchangeable DJs that all sound the same. But honestly, these guys are the unsung heroes of Canberra nightlife – usually because they are playing music they don’t like, but pretending like they do. If you see a Musical Box DJ around town, spare a thought before requesting something inappropriate. The Braggadocio: Heard the phrase “got swag”? Well, this DJ has got serious brag. Usually not in the scene for long, these DJs have talked their way into some big high-profile gigs (or pants) and then not delivered the goods (*ahem*). Most other DJs usually smile and nod politely when in their company. If you see a Braggadocio in the wild, it’s best not to make eye-contact or give them your number. The Chamber-Banger: Fresh-faced, unsure, and keen as mustard, these powerhouses of music usually lack experience, but with hard work and self-promotion they land a couple of gigs and bring joy to the masses! Usually technically competent (with the gear they learnt on), these guys lack crowd-reading, unfortunately REDLINE everything, and “tap” gear to keep inbeat. The Artisan: Refined audiophiles, this breed of DJ is all about the clarity of every loop and the purity of that synth. They’re forever chasing the next VST plugin that gives them “that sound”. Hearing these Artisan DJs play tunes is an eargasm of perfection which NEVER REDLINES. Unfortunately, Artisans only excite patrons who are devoted fans – the ones who chinstroke more than they drink.
The Rinse-Repeat: Now you may be mistaken for thinking this DJ is the same as the Music Box, however you would be deadwrong. These DJs plan their sets, at home or even in lectures (look for the peeps wearing DJ headphones), sometimes writing down the BPM of each track and when to “drop it”. Commonly this is a result of evolving from a Chamber-Banger or Artisan, and they’re usually new to the club-scene. In all honesty, they want their performance to be as perfect as it can be – it’s just they don’t have the skills and confidence yet. Spare a thought for them, cheer loudly, and show your support.
The Entertainer: The mainstay, the cream, the 1% of Canberra that make a successful career doing what they love. And frankly, they have worked damn hard for it. Commonly they have done it all – producing, performing, promoting, and partying their fucking arses off. Because these DJs give back what they get. Joffy is the host of IN THE HUB which runs from 9pm every Thursday on UCFM. Join Joffy each week for guest DJs, artists from the Canberra scene, and 3 hours of bangin’ tunes to dance the night away. For more info on getting involved with UCFM, email info@ucfm.com.au.
Hi, My name is Tarran Betterridge-Backhus and I want to tell you about an issue that I live with every day. This is an issue that I have taken public before – in front of the nation and even around the world. However it never makes big waves, and it never gets the attention I feel it deserves. You probably all want to know what the issue is by now, and it’s something most people don’t expect. The issue that I live with every day is the colour of my skin. Let me trek back a bit and tell you about myself. I am an Aboriginal woman from the Wiradjuri Nation in NSW. Now before you start creating that image in your head, I will also tell you that I have Scottish, Irish, and English heritage. For those that haven’t guessed it yet, the colour of my skin is white. Now I probably have some of you confused. I mean, how can I be Aboriginal and have white skin? For me, it probably has something to do with the fact that my mother is not Aboriginal, and I got her genes and not my dad’s. But most people think that because I have white skin, I must not have a diverse background, and that the colour of my skin will never be an issue. Well I am here to tell you that’s wrong. Imagine being in one of your lectures, sitting quietly by yourself, and you know no one there. The topic for this week is Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Now imagine someone in the class bringing up an incorrect fact, or even worse, a racist remark. For me, I cannot sit there and be quiet – so I say something to correct what’s being said. Imagine when the response back is “But how would you know? You’re not even Aboriginal.” This happened. Someone that did not know me judged my comments about Aboriginal people purely because, in his eyes, my white skin means I am not Aboriginal. What about applying for a job, a job to help support my mob. You turn up to the interview and get told “I’ll have to make a phone call, I was told we have to hire a person that looks Aboriginal”. Again – because having white skin means that I am not Aboriginal. Yes, this happened too. When I was talking to a colleague, I had to correct them on their use of wording which I found inappropriate in reference to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The response I got back was “Sorry, didn’t realise it was
offensive, no one is around”. To which I replied, “It shouldn’t matter if no one else is around, the correct terminology is this – oh and by the way, I am Aboriginal.” Now I’m not telling you these stories so that you feel sorry for me. I’m not telling them to you so that you can apologise to me either. I am telling you these stories so that maybe you can understand, and I hope there is some empathy there. Understand how a person feels when someone else disregards them from their heritage and culture simply because their outer appearance doesn’t meet the “standard criteria”. It’s like me telling a woman with short hair that she is in fact not a woman, but a male, because she does not meet “the standard” of being a woman – often represented by long hair. Using this example, it makes it seem silly, doesn’t it? We would never deny somebody the right to identify as whatever gender they please – but we often deny someone the right to identify with a particular racial group based solely on their appearance. I know that this article does not go into a lot of detail – I could have written pages outlining my connections, my family, my community, and how that is what makes me who I am. Not the colour of my skin. But we are, after all, educated university students. Instead, I want you to go away thinking about how stupid it is that I even had to write this article. Shouldn’t we accept others for who they are – not for what they do or don’t look like? It seems like a simple thing, but sadly in this world it is a difficult task. So next time you sit in class, or talk to a friend, I want you to think about something. Are you judging that person next to you on their looks, or what you actually know about them? Once we open our eyes to the fact that people are people and appearances are just appearances, this world will be a better place. I am Tarran Betterridge-Backhus, and I am a Wiradjuri Woman with white skin and short hair. NAIDOC Week is from July 6–13. TARRAN BETTERRIDGE-BACKHUS is the General Secretary of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Students Association and the Indigenous Officer at the University of Canberra Students’ Association. All images © Gillawara Aboriginal Art
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What’s your name?
My name is Krystal Hurst and I am Worimi from the mid-north coast of NSW. I was born and raised in Taree, the border of Biripai and Worimi Country. What do you study?
I am in my last year of completing a Bachelor of Cultural Heritage and hope to pursue further studies next year. How long have you been practising your art for?
My artistic ambition began when I was a wonai (child). My mother and father, being talented artists, taught me how to paint and draw. I’ve learnt many skills and techniques such as traditional necklace making. They taught me at a young age that selfexpression was important to nurture one’s identity and continue cultural practices. What kind of themes and stories do you communicate in your work, and where do they come from?
Stories are alive in the landscape. Every place, plant, or animal has a story attached to it and how it was created. The landscape is a large natural canvas already painted – it doesn’t need to be changed, it teaches us how to live in this world. So my inspiration comes from my Country, my buckwi (totems), and cultural attachment to place. There is a misconception that Aboriginal people of southeastern Australia have lost all connection to their land and cultural places, so through my art I intend to share my stories and show that I know who I am, where I come from, and that we are still here. What’s your dream job for when you graduate?
I aspire to merge my artistic side and heritage qualifications to assist Aboriginal communities in telling their stories. In my current role, I work with the most unique and invaluable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander collections in the world. I hope to continue in this field of work to preserve and conserve Aboriginal cultural heritage material as it is part of our nation’s heritage. How can people get in contact and see your work?
I’m in the early stages of developing a website with an Indigenous graphic designer to display and share my work. Soon you will be able to visit: Aboriginal Gillawara Art. All images © Gillawara Aboriginal Art
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Š Gillawara Aboriginal Art
Photography by Mel Morris It’s the middle of semester and things are starting to heat up as you suddenly realise, oh hey, that major assessment is just around the river bend.
The due dates are drawing closer, and you start mentally converting the weeks into days and the days into hours. Before you realise it, the deadline is upon you. Feeling stressed yet? If you’re anything like me, you too begin stressing out over the smallest things to do with university. The other day my printer wouldn’t scan a document to my laptop, and in response to that I had a meltdown and cursed it with fire and brimstone. That’s my version of troubleshooting. But it doesn’t have to be that way! In truth, I can only recall having two exams in my entire academic lifespan at university and I’m in third year. But major assessments have been hounding me since the day I set foot on campus. All these tiny factors can snowball into something much bigger and knock your life out of balance, so to de-stress you have a couple of options: ● If you’re a sadist, strategically pick a degree where examinations are not a major component of your course or study criteria. Following this, you can embrace the party lifestyle and watch everyone else suffer during their examination period whilst pumping out a few mid-semester assessments here and there. This option is also known as studying a Communications degree.
● Procrasturbate, procrasturbake, or participate in any other activity you can infuse with the word procrastinate. In other words, allocate some time to an
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activity you would normally find relaxing. For some, that might be cleaning the house from top to bottom. For others, it’s stepping into a steaming hot bathtub like a bad arse mother … of dragons, Daenerys Targaryen.
Personally, I like to go for a run to clear my mind. And by run, I mean a moderately paced jog. And by a moderately paced jog, I mean a leisurely stroll … to McDonalds. But seriously though, exercise is proven to reduce stress by releasing endorphins into your body. Not only this, but it wards off anxiety and feelings of depression. Get in and around it because physical activity is the bomb-diggity. ● You don’t necessarily need to have the biggest piss-up in living memory, but a few quiet drinks with some close friends can help ease your mind. Alcohol can help some of your stresses and problems slip aside for a while. However, if your problems were caused by alcohol in the first place, you should probably re-evaluate your life choices and book yourself in for an AA meeting. When you consume alcohol it causes muscle relaxation and anxiety reducing effects, as I’m sure many of you know from experience. It is a blessed substance, unless of course you’re drinking Absinthe, which is more commonly known as the devil’s nectar. ● Look up funny cat videos on the Internet, or better yet, spend some quality time with the family pet. Personally, it has always gone against my lease to own an animal of any description (although some of my
past housemates resembled animals and no questions were asked). But sometimes when I’m walking around my neighbourhood, cats will flock behind me like Charlie from It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia. I am the resident crazy cat lady. If you live on res, there’s a family of stray cats living in the drains, but you probably shouldn’t approach them unless you want to contract some kind of disease.
I’ve read studies that indicate having contact with animals significantly lessens your stress levels and enables you to enjoy a better quality of life than others. Pets provide company, as well as unquestionable devotion and loyalty – all important qualities if you want to raise an army of felines to worship you. I mean … who said that? It’ll also give you an excuse to quote Agnes from Despicable Me by saying “It’s so fluffy I could die”, and who doesn’t love dropping casual references like that into everyday conversation? The ways in which people relax or destress vary from individual to individual, but just so you know, it’s okay to go insane and flip out every once in a while. If you have to, just do it in a controlled environment and follow it up with something you find enjoyable. If you are stressing about a particular assignment or exam, try your darn-diddley-arndest to accept it’s going to happen and organise to do something with your friends. No matter how much you wish time would skip ahead, the depressing reality is that you’re never going to be a Time Lord.
The life of a student is a tough one, eh? We arrange our timetables to never have to wake up before midday, live on Mi Goreng and Maccas, drink until dawn, and don’t have to work because the cushy student payments that we all qualify for pay for everything and then some, right?
Hm, not quite. The truth, unfortunately, is that we don’t have the authority to re-timetable that economics lecture to anytime after 9am on a Thursday. The nutritional value of a packet of noodles is equal to or less than that of the air we breathe. Drinking until dawn is an expensive luxury that is generally reserved for Stone Week. And no sane person can be stuffed waiting on the phone for 90 minutes only to learn that you may as well live out of home and be self-sufficient, but unfortunately the government doesn’t consider you independent. Oh and by the way, your parents earn too much anyway. Rant rant rant … But it’s not all doom and gloom – there are many supports in place that you may not be aware of. Being in this strange place called “university” between high school and a full-time career, but all the while being a fully-fledged adult in the eyes of the law, leaves us with a raft of rights, responsibilities, and various perks, many of which students tend to be unaware of. PokitPals and discount days
This credit card-sized fold-out booklet will take care of many of your leisure needs. Discounted movies, food, drinks, haircuts, and even clothes – all of these are available to students, and you’d be a fool not to take advantage of them. You’ll also find that most businesses in the area have certain days of the week when they offer student discounts. Zierholz does cheap beers, Jay Jays has discounts during the first part of the week, Subway does meal deals, and the Labor Club will fill you with chips, a beer, and a cheap schnitty any day of the week. Rights of living on res
Students are often taken advantage of by landlords that ought to know better. In the ACT there are two types of broadly defined living arrangements – you are either a “tenant” or an “occupant”. If you live in a private rental situation you are generally a tenant, whereas students living on res are generally occupants. Students should check out the Occupancy Principles on the Tenants’ Union ACT website. Did you know that you have a right to live in a “reasonably clean, secure, and quiet environment”? You also have a right to live in a dwelling that is in a “reasonable state of repair”. If you don’t live in these circumstances, they could be found by the Tribunal as grounds to terminate your agreement without needing to pay ongoing fees or find a replacement resident. Moving off res?
The greatest expansion of Canberra’s population occurred during the 1950s, ‘60s, and ‘70s. It’s not surprising then to see the nature of the suburban sprawl that followed – the
car was king and the commute to work was both civilised and glorified. But cars are an expensive luxury – one that if you can, you’d be wise to go without.
Recent trends in the development in housing stock have seen medium and high-density options popping up all over Canberra, many within walking and cycling distance of campus. So choose your accommodation carefully. You might find a big room in a nice old house for $100 a week, but just remember, that 80-year-old house will probably cost the same amount again per week just to keep warm in winter. Check out some of the new apartments popping up in Bruce, Jamison, and Belconnen – they are cheap, energy efficient, and close to public transport and supermarkets. Health Care Card – but I’m young and fit?
If you’re lucky enough to qualify for Centrelink payments, and then you’re unlucky enough to be considered a “low income earner”, you’ll find yourself in possession of what’s known as a Health Care Card. The name is somewhat deceptive, as while it does entitle you to heavily subsidised health care, it also covers a range of other concessions – including the often overlooked utilities rebate. This nifty concession can wipe upwards of $400 per year from your electricity, water, and gas bill. All you need to do is to let your utilities company know that you are in possession of one, and they’ll action the rebate. Too easy! Your rights at work
Whether you were born here or have come from abroad to study in Australia, you’ve arrived in the “Workingman’s Paradise”. Australia has some of the best conditions for workers in the world: we have the highest minimum wage, the best conditions around rights at work, and flexibility of working hours – just recently the Fair Work Commission decided to lower the age at which full adult wages kick in down to 20. These are especially important for students.
Not an Australian citizen? Doesn’t matter. These laws apply to you whether you were born here or not. Australian businesses need to comply, as these rights apply to all of us. Check out the Fair Work Commission or the Department of Employment website for more information. Time to graduate already?
That was quick! You thought you’d made it through all of this and learnt a few things along the way, ah ha! Not yet! In the true spirit or pomp, ceremony, and elitism, your graduation gown will cost you a princely sum in excess of $200 including deposits – to borrow.
But neither fear nor fret, the UCSA is here to help. In partnership with GownTown Australia, the UCSA has negotiated a deal that makes the lead up to graduation a little less stressful. For $89 you can BUY a gown, hood, and mortar board from gowntown.com.au – just enter the discount code ‘UCSADEAL’ at the checkout. Why so cheap? Because we don’t think you need another thing to stress about in the lead up to graduation. You can try one of our gowns out at the UCSA for size and quality today.
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g n i k o CUo ndeurre ss n o re d s P re Brun Cla
It is a truth universally acknowledged that students have some of the worst diets imaginable. Assignments piling up in the corner, social events dominating your 2014 wall planner, bowls of plain cornflakes greeting you every night after a hard day of classes – if these circumstances sound all too familiar, then you clearly need some help finding cheap and easy meals that won’t leave you with grease seeping from your pores.
Now I’m no health freak. I like a large Quarter Pounder meal as much as the next person. But when life’s obligations are leering down at you, it’s nice to eat food which won’t break your bank or your body. Pasta and rice are the “go-to carbs” that many students rely on for a full stomach, but things like couscous is exceptionally easy and less dense. There’s always a temptation to resort to McDonalds or Dominos deliveries, but as we all know, that leaves you with no money and no left-overs. Let’s break this down so that before long, everyone will be eating delicious delicacies as they crack out the looming end of semester assignments.
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Breakfast
Fruit: I’m just going to come out and say it: fruit is always a successful candidate for brekkie. It’s filling, cheap, refreshing, and you feel like you’ve succeeded at life before you’ve even left the house. Despite common belief, fruit is often a lot cheaper if bought from an independent fruit store (the one opposite Coles in the Belconnen mall is a personal favourite). If you feel fruit on its own is bland or repetitive, try mixing it up with some Weetbix and/or yoghurt. These ingredients will fulfil your fibre and dairy needs for the morning as well! Toast: Toast is another favourite of mine, although if you’re anything like me, having bread in the house is a luxury. A national favourite, toast with Vegemite and a cup of tea is always a satisfying and energising start to the day. Tuna is a fantastic and cheap topping too, and can be exciting every morning with the large variety of flavoured tuna you can get from supermarkets. These options are healthy, filling, and cheap, and will definitely stand you in good stead for a day of nagging tutors and over-enthusiastic lecturers.
Lunch
Ah, my favourite meal of the day. Lunch is tricky as it can be enjoyed as brunch, gulped down during small gaps in a hectic schedule, or eaten at 4pm after you’ve been browsing YouTube and gone out of time and space for three hours.
Couscous: This wondrous food has only become known to me in the last six months and is now one of my main meal bases. Grab a 500g box, some essential vegetable stock, and extra ingredients of your choice. One cup of Couscous to one cup of vegetable stock, leave to absorb for three minutes, stir in butter, add some diced cucumber and tomato, add lemon juice, salt and pepper, and enjoy! This meal is perfect for lunch as it’s lightning quick and helps you fulfil your daily vegetable quota (you can really add anything you fancy). The 500g box will also last for at least 15 portions, so you can have it on hand for that dreaded but inevitable all-nighter. Cup-a-Soup: Mmmm, feel that salty goodness warming your entire body. Continental Cup-a-Soup is usually $2 in Coles and provides a pleasing lunch on a typical windy and cold Canberra day. There’s a staggering range of flavours and, if you want something a bit more substantial, you can even purchase the ‘lots-a-noodles’ ones. Bread lathered in butter is a favourable accompaniment and with the only other necessity being boiling water, this meal is a winner in my eyes.
Dinner
Home-assembled pasta: Pasta is a great option. It is so cheap, easy, and never fails on the taste scale. My personal recipe involves only a packet of pasta, a can of whole peeled tomatoes, and a can of tuna in brine. Just cook the pasta and add the cans. This meal is healthy and delicious and using both whole cans leaves you with at least three days of left-overs. What more could you want during exam week?
Takeaway: The niggling temptation hits hard right around the mid-semester break, when work and social commitments are at their height. Takeaway is instant, delicious food right at your finger tips. The downside? It can be counterproductive to a work-focussed brain. But if you’re gonna do it, make the most of the situation. Walking down to get some takeaway brings exercise into the mix, which keeps you awake and helps clear your mind. Crust pizzas are packed with veggies and feel a lot healthier than delivered Dominos, while Subway is probably a wiser choice than McDonalds (some of these choices are based on finances, I know). I hope these meals serve you well over the most stressful periods of semester. Snacks during study can include biscuits and dip or carrot sticks – although more realistically, we know they’re more likely to be a block of chocolate and a large mug of coffee. After all, you can only try your best.
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How to Survive the Assessment and Exam Period Lucy Bladen
The assessment and exam periods evoke fear in all university students. We tremble at the thought of stress, cramming, and the never-ending amount of work that we have to get through. To try and cope, we pump endless amounts of caffeine into our bodies just to ensure that we can stay awake through the long hours of the night, only to crash and find ourselves in the most frantic of states. Nobody loves this. Fortunately, it can be made easier with a little bit of preparation, focus, and time management. It may sound simple, but us university students realise it is quite hard, especially when managing our studies with a range of other priorities. However, there are a variety of techniques that can make life much easier, so long as you give them a shot.
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Time Management Learning to manage your time effective ly will relieve a great amount of stress once the assessment and exam periods hit. Estimate the am ount of time you will need, then set aside a time of the day in which you wo rk best. In this time dedicate yourse lf completely to your study. Try and do this every day, as it’ll prove extrem ely beneficial and you will avoid a huge amount of cramming. Keeping yourself busy is also very effective when managing your time. It may see m contradictory to everything you hav e ever been told, but try not to cut back on shifts at work. When you have other priorities, you becom e much stricter with your time and consequently you will find ways to study more efficiently.
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Preparation Preparation is a key part in keeping you rself on top of everythin g. Once you receive an assignment, study the outline, highligh t necessary points, an d write down everyt hing that is required. Th is makes everything clear and if something ne eds clarifying, you will have left yourself en ough time to talk to your tutor. It is bes t to make and collat e notes about your sou rces first, that way you are not scrounging around for that key info throughout the entir e assignment. This is super effective when you are trying to fin ish something at the las t minute, as you hav e all the information and all you need to do is interpret it. Also, you should never discou nt the importance of an assignment plan.
Stress Management d utter vent a complete an pre can u Yo things you the ing do ll sti by t freak ou ments and exams love. Although assess e, portion of your tim will take up a large your sole e om bec to m the do not allow ial t you still have a soc purpose. Ensure tha r you ve mo to e de tim life, that you set asi your for e tim d an ep, body, time to sle things is great for hobbies. Doing such l keep you on top of wil it d an your health your game.
Most importantly, rea lise that a bad mark is not the end of the world. You are still breathing, therefore you are sti ll capable of achieving your best no matter how disheartening a bad mark can be. Even if you do fail a few units and have to do another semester, it doesn’t matter, bec ause let’s face it, this university pla ce is pretty awesome anyway. Min us all that study, of course.
We all know what it’s like – assignments are piling up, the floor of your bedroom has disappeared, and you’ve hit the takeaway food slump because it feels like there’s no time. That’s right, it’s almost the end of semester, the time when you start thinking that you would get a HD if your degree was in perfecting the art of procrastination. So if it’s all getting a bit much, here are some of the best ways to get through the last leg, stop procrastinating, and get stuff done!
1. Set your goals, make a list, and break it down. Prioritise to help with time-management. Figure out what is most important and time consuming and devote an hour or two every day to getting that done. If you’re on a roll with it, keep going; if you get stuck, take a 10-minute break and then hit the next thing on the list. Even trying to make a daily “to-do” list with a simple break-down of all the tasks can help.
2. Take care of yourself. Tidy your workspace – a clean desk and room can make a whole world of difference. Make sure you put in effort to keep eating well, get the right amount of sleep that you know you can function on, cut down on the caffeine and alcohol, and if you get so bogged down in all your work that it feels like your head is going to explode, get your gym gear on and go for a run to clear your head. 3. Acknowledge what you’ve done so far. Even if it’s just a scribble of notes or bookmarks of all the resources you need, acknowledge it! You haven’t done nothing – you’ve given yourself the first stepping stone to getting your head around your assignment.
4. Visualise. Just think of how good you’ll feel when everything is done, how much free time you’ll have, and that weight will be lifted off your shoulders. Use that as your motivation to get prepared and get everything done. If you keep thinking you’ll fail, you’ll get stuck in a panicked mindframe. Just take a deep breath, relax, and work around your list. Things will start falling into place.
5. Reward yourself. The most important thing to remember. I’m sure you’ve heard of the gummy bear trick. Place them along pages of the textbook and you get to eat them once you reach that point. Every time you finish something, reward yourself. Even if it’s just simple little luxuries like catching up on those three episodes of your favourite TV show you missed, or lunch with your best friends. Procrastination is not the end of the world. Sometimes it can be a good thing. But you just need to remember to not give in to that temptation – you’ll have all the time in the world to procrastinate after you get everything done!
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It’s a question asked by many UC students – especially first years – once exams are done and dusted and semester one is wrapped up: should I study during winter?
Winter semester is a non-compulsory, intensive, seven-week-long study period, and this year it runs from June 10 – July 25, with a two-week exam period to follow. It’s designed to allow students to spread out their study load across three teaching periods, and the result is that you have a whole lot more flexibility in tackling your course.
The first thing to remember is that winter semester is intensive – your lecturers and tutors are cramming the same 13 weeks of content into almost half the time – so don’t automatically think it’s going to be a breeze. The plus side to this is that you get a chance to knock aside those intensive units much more quickly. If you are prepared to do the hard yards, hit the books, and stay focussed, chances are that studying in winter will be to your benefit. For those of you itching to graduate and get into the “real world”, winter can help you fast track your degree by a semester or so. Similarly, if you’ve fallen behind for whatever reason and need to retake units, winter can be the perfect time to catch up. Some of you may not want to do either of those things. But if you’re holding down a job as well as studying full time, doing one or two units in winter can allow you to do three in a primary semester while staying on track. And while that might not seem like much, studying three units instead of four can be a huge weight off your shoulders.
Don’t forget too – some units won’t run for the maximum seven-week period, so
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for a few winter students there will still be a chance to catch that break or earn some extra money.
For those of you that would like to study for the break but would prefer to escape the cold, AIM Overseas could be the answer to your Canberra winter woes. Courses take place in cities around the globe like Oxford, Mumbai, and Milan. You can even undertake a semester in Mexico or Peru depending on what units intrigue you. The great advantage here is that you can escape overseas and still earn credit points for your degree. All of the programs are also eligible for funding (as OS-HELP – basically, throw it on your HECS debt), taught in English, and last three to four weeks, so you’ll still have some time left to adventure and experience your chosen country and maybe a few others. It’s worth paying a visit to UC’s Study Abroad and Exchange office to explore your options. Undertaking another period of study so soon after semester one won’t appeal to everyone though. Some students feel they need the break and find it stressful to study intensively. Instead, you can work full time, relax, or use the opportunity to escape Canberra’s cold for some adventure.
While I have never undertaken the winter semester, I have given in to the allure of traveling throughout Asia. The June–August period is also primetime to visit Europe or the US for that second summer we all dream about – either on board a Contiki bus, venturing with a group of friends, or setting out alone. If the sound of a second summer is not appealing, the snow bunnies can always take the opportunity to hit the slopes up at Perisher or Thredbo, or embark on a trip to the long white cloud of New Zealand.
For the altruistic among you, you can also put yourself and your break to good use and volunteer overseas. You can help benefit a community, animals, the environment, or someone less fortunate than yourself. Antipodeans Abroad offers great volunteering options for uni breaks all year round, including environmental conservation in Borneo, building of schools and other community buildings in Peru or Kenya, and teaching children and adults how to swim in the Maldives.
On top of being a great thing to do in general, volunteering your time and energy can help you develop valuable skills for the future. Health students can volunteer in hospitals of developing countries, education students can use their skills to teach English, and you can gain a whole host of experiences that will change your life and the lives of those around you. Several other volunteering agencies exist that operate programs during winter and the rest of the year, but it’s a good idea to consult the university about where to volunteer and to choose a reputable company to go with. Do your research. I’ve heard some horror stories from friends about how it can go very wrong if you organise it yourself.
So just remember, while many find winter study great, it isn’t compulsory – and there’s no shortage of things you can take on instead. It can be a great opportunity to catch up on missed units, finish university more quickly, and spread out your yearly study load. But it can also be a chance to travel, volunteer, work, or just laze about and have a welldeserved break with family and friends. What’s most important is that you know about these opportunities before they pass you by.
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When: Saturday May 3
When: Saturday May 3
If you’ve missed Chance Waters and his rise in the Australian hip-hop scene, now’s your chance to turn yourself around. Chance takes intelligent lyricism, on par with the best of his Australian counterparts, and throws it over the top of well-produced, upbeat pop tunes. It’s shamelessly catchy, and luckily for us, he’s bringing his show right to our doorstep. Set for an early May show at Zierholz, Chance is sure to bring the party and you won’t wanna be stuck listening from outside. Support will be from the charismatic and incredibly talented Brendan Maclean. Visit Oztix for tickets.
As the weather cools down, it can be harder and harder to find your thrills – unless you’re venturing up to Thredbo every weekend. For the rest of us, it gets very cold, very quickly, and it tends to feel like the world around us is shutting down to hibernate. Thankfully, The Monster Slam Tour is set to pay us a visit and kick off this season of rugs and blankets with some action and destruction. Alongside American star Kreg Christensen, the night will see five of Australia’s best drivers crushing cars, flying high, doing sky wheelies, and side-by-side racing. Visit emtevents.com.au for more info.
When: Wednesday June 11
When: Thursday June 19
If the title of this event alone doesn’t get you excited, I’m expecting this show won’t be for you. With a live DJ and a full, mesmerising audio-visual set-up, The Rap Guide to Evolution takes hip-hop and mixes it in with science. Exploring evolution, natural selection, sexual selection, evolutionary psychology, hip-hop culture and more, this show had a five month sold-out season off-Broadway. And Brinkman worked with Dr Mark Pallen, so yes – this is a peer-reviewed source, and I highly encourage you to cite it extensively. See canberratheatrecentre.com.au for tickets and more info.
Australia’s electronic dance scene has been absolutely buzzing the past few years. Ta-ku, Wave Racer, Flume – it’s huge, and the Australian sound is making inroads overseas too. RÜFÜS are well and truly part of this movement, and it’s no surprise. With impeccably produced tunes, immersive song-writing, and a sound not quite like anything else, they’re off to an incredible start. Add in an engaging live show, you’d be crazy to pass up a chance to see them – so their visit to Canberra is definitely one to throw on the calendar. Get your dancing shoes on, and hit up Ticketek to secure tickets.
Where: Zierholz @ UC
Where: Canberra Theatre Centre
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Where: Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC)
Where: ANU Bar
When: Wed May 28—Sun June 1
When: Thursday May 29
You’re an actor, side of stage, getting ready to walk out in front of everyone and start the show. You’ve had no rehearsals, there’s no set, and there’s no director. Oh but look, cool – here comes the script, handed to you for the first time as you’re walking onto the stage. Iranian writer Nassim Soleimanpour’s experiment will see a new performer present his work every night. It’s set to be hilarious, shocking, and reach far into the personal as it explores the experiences of a generation in Iran, and what it’s like to be unable to leave your country at the age of 29. See thestreet.org.au for more info.
DZ Deathrays are quickly becoming a force to reckon with – both in the studio and when performing live. Have you heard ‘Northern Lights’? How about ‘Gina Works At Hearts’? Both tunes are from the Deathrays’ upcoming sophomore album, Black Rat, and they’re both killer songs for very different reasons. The duo smash out great rock tunes with more personality than most bands, and they’re paying us a visit to launch their new album. They’ll be supported by Palms and Foam, and if you head over to Moshtix, you can purchase tickets – either on their own, or bundled with the brand new album.
When: Until Monday June 30
When: Until Sunday November 16
Where: The Street Theatre
Where: National Film and Sound Archive Remember that really popular song that Aussie bloke wrote back in 2011? The one that hit number one in over 23 national charts, sold over 11.8 million copies by the end of 2012, and received eleven Platinum certifications in Australia? Yeah, it’s that ‘Somebody That I Used To Know’ song, and it’s been used to create Gotye’s Fractured Heart. Don’t worry, it’s not Gotye’s actual heart or anything – it’s an interactive sculpture that emits sound and light depending on how you play with it. You use your body to trigger the effects and animations, and most excitingly, you can use it to remix Gotye’s hit yourself. Entry is free. See nfsa.gov.au for more info.
Where: Transit Bar
Where: Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House You can pretend you don’t care about politics when you’re around your friends, but there’s no use – we’ve all seen your Twitter account, and when Q&A is on you’re a bloody menace. Tone it down, alright. Get yourself up off the couch and along to Behind the Lines 2013. Held at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House, it covers the year’s best political cartoons, and explores the three tales of Gillard, Rudd, and Abbott. We doubt there’ll be any Tone Abet cartoons there, but you’ll never know if you don’t head along. If you’re an adult, it’ll only cost you $2 to get in.
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Foster the People Supermodel Columbia
7.5/10
Foster the People’s new album, Supermodel, is great company when you are cruising around by yourself. Some songs will almost bring your car to a halt as you absorb their emotion, and others will have you banging the steering wheel as you wildly flail your head around. Much like their first album, there are many upbeat and catchy songs that have a darker meaning underneath, which you become aware of when you really listen to the lyrics.
The unique sound of Foster the People – from their use of instruments, synthesisers, and Mark Foster’s high-pitch vocals – is not lost on this album. Supermodel is very typical of their old material, with only a few new flavours thrown in. However the band’s distinctive style allows them to get away with this. The album features a range of different sounds, from acoustic to electronic to a song with a touch of reggae, and it’s this variety that helps shake the release up a bit. ‘Coming of Age’ and ‘Best Friend’ are two of the singles that have already been released, and it is clear why these two were chosen. They are both headboppingly fun and two of the highlights from the album. The most moving song is the acoustic ‘Fire Escape’, which is simply beautiful – it is definitely a song that will bring your car to a halt. Foster the People have produced an exquisite album that examines the perils and joys of life, and if you’re a fan of their first full-length, you won’t be disappointed.
LUCY BLADEN
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Kaiser Chiefs Education, Education, Education & War Fiction/Caroline/Universal Music
7/10
The first thing you’ll notice when you start listening to Education, Education, Education & War is lead singer Ricky Wilson adopting a fresh, mature change in vocal timbre, while still maintaining the “riot” from their debut album, Employment. What you might not notice is that there is a new drummer on the record, with Vijay Mistry replacing Nick Hodgson; he fits well amongst the candy-rock sound that Kaiser Chiefs are popular for, but Hodgson’s backing vocals, famous in songs such as ‘Ruby’, are sadly missing. The album starts well: ‘Coming Home’ strikes those musical taste buds that make it approachable for most people, although by the time you reach the end of ‘Misery Company’, you start to worry about the band’s sanity while being immersed in unnecessary hysterical laughter. It seems they’re attempting to relive the sense of rebellion created in Yours Truly, Angry Mob – but the majority of songs are in a constant state of being too cute and monotonous, not quite reaching down to their punk roots from Leeds. ‘Cannons’, a quirky number combining battlefield imagery with BBC-like commentary, is humorous, but represents both some of the hits and misses of the album. Importantly, we find the peak of Wilson’s more purposeful vocal melodies in the last track ‘Roses’ – a highlight you can’t help but wish occurred earlier in the album. ‘The Factory Gates’ and ‘One More Last Song’ are some other standouts in a mix where most songs are annoyingly based off the same formula – but if you’re already a Kaiser Chiefs fan, you won’t be disappointed. NICK BEECHER
The Aston Shuffle Photographs EMI
7/10
Canberra’s best buds in electronic dance music have made their sophomore return with Photographs. Unlike their debut album Seventeen Past Midnight however, the duo have played down the thick, fat electro basslines of past hits like ‘I Wanna See You’, in favour of something much more club-friendly. The result is a cohesive album with impeccably clean production that clearly reflects the type of music that Freeman and Musgrove love to produce.
I was fortunate enough to see Aston launch Photographs at Academy Nightclub last month, and it was definitely the ideal context to hear the album for the first time. Make no mistake, the record’s electro-house anthems are designed for getting crowds to go all out in the clubs. Thankfully however, almost all of the tracks are beautifully mastered, and interesting enough to warrant easy listening far away from the dancefloor. Listeners should already be familiar with the album’s opener and 2013 single, ‘Tear It Down’. The song’s slow piano melody builds up to powerful synths and an ecstatic climax – it’s almost impossible not to lose yourself to this track. Other dancefloor bangers include ‘Comfortable’, ‘Back & Forth’ and the classic ‘Sunrise (Won’t Get Lost)’, all of which feature very catchy hooks. One of my personal favourites is ‘Astronaut’, which sets itself apart by avoiding the crescendo that is characteristic of the rest of the record, and is content to just float along through space, not unlike a SBTRKT song. When it comes to embracing homegrown talent, dance music buffs should look no further than the Shuffle’s latest work. They have never sounded better.
ANDREW NARDI
Johnny Foreigner You Can Do Better Alcopop Records
8/10
It’s hard to get excited about the shiny, cookie-cutter guitar pop we’re fed on the radio. It feels devoid of honesty, lacks any sort of substantial narrative, and it should stay in the bedrooms of pubescent teens where it belongs. Everyone loves to dance, but is it too much to ask for a band to roll back their sleeves and show some heart? Put something on the line and tell us a real story? It’s lucky we have Johnny Foreigner. For You Can Do Better, their fourth studio album, they’ve trimmed any fat and condensed the best things about their previous record, Vs Everything, into a neat, 10-track release. Full of thrashing and sparkling guitars, dual harmonies, and pounding drum lines, the four punks’ songs often play out like a race here – although never one that leaves you exhausted trying to keep up. Alexei Berrow’s lyricism has only continued to mature, with evocative tales scattered throughout. Pockets of yelps and vocal rattlings that approach spokenword territory abound. “I might as well be an organ in your body, the damage I do when I do nothing” sings Kelly Southern on ‘Riff Glitchard’. It’s one of the most affective moments on the record, next to ‘To The Death’. Moments of quiet reprieve exist, but they’re packed in so tightly that they never feel as spacious as those on Vs Everything. That said, you’d better believe that Johnny Foreigner are one of the few “guitar bands” around now doing things right. Disarmingly honest and excessively fun, You Can Do Better has been worth the wait.
JEREMY STEVENS
Taking Back Sunday Happiness Is Hopeless Records
5/10
There is just something so nostalgic about this album. Perhaps it’s the 2002 alternative rock sound, or perhaps it’s Taking Back Sunday’s return to dual vocals and raw guitars, both of which established them as one of the most influential bands in the pop punk scene. ‘Flicker, Fade’ is the track that really kicks off this album, with the passion, aggression, and emotion that are conveyed by lead singer Adam Lazzara also making it the standout track. ‘They Don’t Have Any Friends’ and ‘Better Homes and Gardens’ give off a grittier vibe; the guitars pack a hard punch and are Nolan and Reyes’ best performances on the entire record. Particularly in the latter, I found myself getting lost in the bitter testament to being separated from a loved one. If more of the album showcased this emotional side of the group, it’d be easier to form a connection with the material. But this record is a mix of the good, the bad, and the underwhelming. ‘Beat Up Car’ and ‘Like We Do’ stick to the tried and true Taking Back Sunday formula. And there are misfires – ‘All the Way’ and ‘It Takes More’ both show potential but are let down by lacklustre lyrical content – which will divide listeners. Happiness Is proves that TBS are still capable of creating an entertaining album that their fans will enjoy, but it may leave others like myself wanting more. It is safe to say they are at their best when they play a little harder, and as a result the album seems a little off balance.
JOANNA MACKERRAS
Spring Offensive Young Animal Hearts Self-released
9/10
Debut albums are tricky beasts. Only a few bands ever manage to get them truly right. Arctic Monkeys knocked theirs outta the park. Bloc Party did pretty damn well with Silent Alarm. And Arcade Fire, well – they just headlined Coachella. In the case of Spring Offensive, they’ve done a near-perfect job – having somehow put together a release that, at least now, seems worthy of being held in the same regard. And while those who have been following the young Oxford five-piece will have heard a number of these tracks already, it by no means diminishes their impact. Filled with unimaginably balanced and interesting percussion, Young Animal Hearts swerves and shakes between beautifully arranged guitars, clear vocal harmonies, and some deep, darker tones. The songs are mostly drowned in a shade of youthful melancholy – whether they’re about being in debt, making the most of our (potentially short) time here, or simply lacking the ability to communicate with another. Every track hits its mark, and hearing a band so sure of themselves and their sound is nothing short of absolute bliss. ‘Not Drowning But Waving’ opens the record, and the way it builds and crashes throughout perfectly reflects its lyrics. ‘The River’ pulls even darker tones to the forefront, and the title-track closes out the record in exactly the pained and youthfully troubled manner you’d expect. Young Animal Hearts has a pulse, and it’s a damn strong one. Lyrically cohesive, hard-hitting, instantly memorable, and with barely a trace of filler, Spring Offensive should be immensely proud of a debut that well and truly sets the bar.
JEREMY STEVENS
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300: Rise of an Empire Directed by Noam Murro
8/10
Zack Snyder’s adaptation of Frank Miller’s graphic novel 300 was a breath of fresh air. The tale of 300 Spartans marching off to meet their bloody doom in incredibly stylised fashion was met with open arms. And now, thankfully, the curse of the Hollywood sequel has been lifted. 300: Rise of an Empire has done what many sequels cannot do – please me.
After failing to unite Greece against the self-proclaimed god Xerxes (Rodrigo Santoro), Athenian Naval Commander Themistocles (Sullivan Stapleton) faces the tyrant’s fleet led by the wrathful General Artemisia (Eva Green). Combining a simple plot with witty and often abrupt dialogue, and aesthetically pleasing visuals, the sequel captivates and thrills. Despite the occasional filler shot and awkward accents, it is a feast of bloody chaos and vengeance. Director Noam Murro employs the same slow-motion action sequences, the battles are spectacular in detail and choreography, and the gruesome images are mesmerisingly beautiful. The dark tones of the landscape and colour saturation mimic the graphic novel and take some reality out of the scenes. On a base level, the thrashing and slicing of skin will get your veins sizzling, all of those delicious abs may lead to ovary explosions, and any breast-appreciators will marvel at Eva Green’s plump cherries. Meant purely for entertainment, 300: Rise of an Empire is an extravagant expansion of Frank Miller’s graphic novel. While its far from historically accurate, if you want a dramatic epic re-creation with unearthly and brutal battle scenes, you won’t be disappointed. Fans of the original – rejoice.
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HANNAH QUILL
The Lego Movie Directed by Phil Lord & Christopher Miller
8.5/10
It’s popular opinion by now that The Lego Movie is an absolute delight. So enjoyable, in fact, that I would be willing to call it the Toy Story of a new generation — because just like any top-tier animated film, it succeeds in applying to all age groups.
Among other feats, The Lego Movie is notable for its ability to nail its cultural references with precision and charm. Star Wars, The Lord of the Rings, the DC Comics universe, The Matrix — with so much potential to mess up these references, it’s refreshing to see The Lego Movie get them right. Why hasn’t Batman ever dedicated a badass electro-rock anthem to himself about being an orphan? Who knows, but with Will Arnett voicing him, all you need to know is his character makes this film great. Additional voicework by Chris Pratt, Elizabeth Banks and Will Ferrell, as well as cameos by Morgan Freeman, Liam Neeson and the always enjoyable Charlie Day help to paint this film with its quirky colour. And speaking of visuals, the 3D animation was accomplished almost entirely by an Australian studio, Animal Logic, so there’s every reason to go along and appreciate this film’s beautiful brick world. Even the action scenes are satisfying to watch. Perhaps the film’s only throbbing sore is its theme song, ‘Everything Is Awesome’, which is just too catchy for its own good. Separate to that though, The Lego Movie gets its appeal by directly addressing its young and old audiences, and ultimately builds (cough) a tale that brings them together. The film is touchingly nostalgic, constantly hilarious, and most of all, creative (even though it risks becoming a 100-minute commercial in the process, which it only narrowly avoids). A must see.
ANDREW NARDI
Pompeii Directed by Paul W.S. Anderson
3/10
If by chance you’re in the mood for romance, action, drama, and history, then this is your movie. Starring Kit Harington and Emily Browning, Pompeii is a textbook romance set in the days before the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Director Paul Anderson works hard to include historical accuracy, a venture which succeeds as far as the costumes and setting, but the overall story is ludicrous and predictable. Harington plays a rogue Celt who becomes a rebel after seeing his family slaughtered at a young age. Browning is a whimpering princess who is captivated by the Celt’s sense of pity and courage after meeting him on a rainy road to Pompeii. Soon enough, the characters fall in love and have to battle the usual hurdles of parents, evil dictators, and of course inevitable doom.
Those of you with an interest in history, especially Pompeii, should steer clear of this fabricated mess. Those with an interest in cleavage and bare-chested muscular men should buy the next ticket available. Occasional intricate details will strike a chord with the educated (details such as buildings in the Roman Forum and Roman streets) but the love story sticks out horrendously and clichéd lines run freely throughout the two-hour experience. The acting from the entire main cast is wooden, Browning in particular delivering lines with the gusto of a dead fly. Pompeii seems to struggle to select a genre and the overall story is overambitious and badly executed. It seems that bare-skin is the main attraction in this elongated epic.
CLARE BRUNSDON
Noah Directed by Darren Aronofsky
5/10
Blood, sweat, tears, rape, and rock monsters. That is a good summation of the movie Noah. Everybody knows the Bible story: a man (Russell Crowe) builds a giant boat to house two of every animal (and his family), saving them from The Creator’s flood that is going to cleanse the Earth of all evil. I am a huge fan of director Darren Aronofsky. All of his films, such as Requiem for a Dream and Black Swan, have been masterpieces. And whilst his sense of scale and scope has grown, this film definitely lacks the quality of his previous work. But let’s start with the good stuff. The score is incredible, the special and practical effects are astounding, and the cinematography and locations are a sight to behold. The entire cast put their all into this frankly weak script too (big props to Emma Watson). But with all that said, the story is awful. It is definitely a bold new vision, but it’s still based on a story with no factual basis, written thousands of years ago. Even your most devout Christian friends will not be happy with the treatment these characters have been given. They went full-on Old Testament with this, telling us that all humans are inherently evil and that we all deserve to die, either via a huge flood or by being gruesomely murdered by one another. There’s also no point in trying to step into the ocean of fallacies the movie has. It is actually much more enjoyable to imagine this as a sensational apocalyptic science fiction story instead.
CONNOR HARVEY
Captain America: The Winter Soldier Directed by Anthony & Joe Russo
8.5/10
If you’re a fan of action scenes that make your eyes glaze over, many a butt shot of Scarlett Johansson in leather pants, plot lines that make you gasp, and oddly involved characters, look no further than The Winter Soldier. The beginning of the film strongly sets the mood for this movie. We see Steve Rogers, aka Captain America, starting to get used to this world and the 21st century. He is charming and a bit of a quirky guy. But the movie soon changes to a conspiracy spy movie-esque setting as we start to see old characters return. Basically: shit goes down and things get confusing very quickly.
This movie is absolutely great, but it is not without a few drawbacks. Natasha Romanoff or Black Widow, played by Scarlett Johansson, is one of them. She seems to only be there for butt shots and funny one-liners. The relationship between her and Rogers is absolutely amazing! She is a strong female character and that is so great to see in a superhero movie. But I feel like she isn’t really needed and lacks purpose. The same goes for Emily VanCamp’s character, Agent 13. Why is she in the movie again? Then at some point between a burning car and a funny line, it feels like there’s a bit too much action and not enough storytelling. Not overwhelmingly, or so much for it to distract you, but still – a teensy bit too much. The soundtrack is great though, and most of the characters are amazing. Overall, it is just a pleasure to watch it.
EMMA RISBY
The Raid 2 Directed by Gareth Evans
8/10
Countless limbs are broken. People are stabbed. Tendons are slashed. Throats are cut. Hammers repeatedly make contact with everything but nails. So yes – if you’re a bit squeamish, it might be best to give The Raid 2 a miss. But if you can handle blood and have a penchant for beautiful, stunningly choreographed action sequences, then this is the movie that could complete your 2014. Set immediately after the first film, we watch as Rama, our favourite bonesnapping law-enforcer, decides to go undercover in order to tackle police corruption and ensure the safety of his family. From then on in, we’re drawn into two organised crime families and the tensions both within and between them. The Raid 2 steps itself up significantly in a few areas. The plot is more nuanced than its predecessor, and the new characters we’re introduced to are much more intriguing and three-dimensional. Some of them approach comic-book-superhero levels of eccentricity, but none feel out of place in Evans’ world. Additionally, the environments are much more visually engaging – it’s nice to see colours other than grey this time around!
The choreography itself is beautiful to watch. It’s incredibly violent and won’t be to everyone’s tastes, but rarely before has it been so evident just how artistic fighting can be. Take the blood away and you’ve got very talented actors and athletes who can move their bodies in astounding ways, and it’s mesmerising. If any movie deserves the description “action-packed”, this is it. Adrenaline junkies: check this one out on the big screen. You won’t regret it.
JEREMY STEVENS
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Are you bored of the same crap gameplay that multiplayer shooters throw at you every year? Looking for something fresh that mixes it up? Three words: welcome to Titanfall. In the not-so-distant future, the battlefield is dominated by acrobatic, gun-toting free runners and giant 10-metre-tall robots. Which means the battlefield provides quite a different experience than your average shooter.
Titanfall Electronic Arts Windows, Xbox 360, Xbox One
7.5/10
In every match you will have two or three “Did you see that?!” moments. This might be when you dash through a ruined building, roundhouse an enemy to the face, or destroy a Titan while riding on its back. Titanfall is fast-paced first-person shooter that isn’t for the fainthearted. The game is easily one of the most hyped FPS’s of 2014, and almost lives up to that hype. Stick of Truth’s development began in 2009. Given it’s lengthy time in the oven, it would obviously suck balls if the game was not, as Cartman would say, “hella cool”. Thankfully, Stick of Truth manages to hit the mark on all the right levels.
South Park: The Stick of Truth Ubisoft Windows, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3
8/10
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8/10
The graphics are fairly average for a next gen game – it’s pretty, but it easily could have looked better. The multiplayer campaign lacks in storytelling, and the objectives were unclear. But the main problem is that each game is too short. Rounds last around ten minutes tops, after which you return to the lobby and wait 90 seconds before the next match starts. The environment is non-destructive as well, giving each map a repetitive feel. Overall, if you can look past these gameplay issues, Titanfall is a welcome new shooter to the market. The gameplay is fun and exciting, but it is let down by average graphics and a non-dynamic environment. JOEL KAHN or defence during fights, all the while managing multiple fighters and enemies. Even though this comes with a fairly steep learning curve, becoming accustomed to the game’s rhythm is satisfying.
Even though the gameplay follows the rules of role-playing through and through, Stick of Truth combines a curious mix of elements from a diverse range of established games in the genre. There’s the obvious nod to Bethesda’s Elder Scrolls and Fallout series, and this shines through in the game’s character customisation, questing, item collection and weapon statistics.
Naturally, the game would feel average without its sense of humour. What starts as a new kid’s quest to make friends turns into a children’s game of recovering a supposedly sacred stick, which then, true to South Park, spins hilariously and stupidly out of control. Don’t worry, I won’t spoil any of the ridiculously weird and inappropriate story arcs for you (but, maybe be aware that there’s a fair bit of anal stuff going on).
But then there’s the world navigation and turn-based battle mechanics, which appear to borrow heavily from the Paper Mario series. Players are encouraged to perform well-timed button presses for extra offence
There simply aren’t enough video games out there that encourage a healthy dose of laughter. It’s safe to say that your collection would feel empty without Stick of Truth. ANDREW NARDI
I look at the clock, and it’s 3am … what the hell have I been doing? Oh, that’s right. The new season just started. It’s League – but not as you know it.
The “professional side” of the community is quite harsh to newcomers, which may be off-putting for some. But the “casual side” embraces having fun, and some choose to play with friends to ensure this. The game is able to be played over and over again without any two games being the exact same. With 118 different champions to play as, hundreds of items to choose from, and each match depending upon the composition of both teams, there is always something new and challenging around the corner.
League of Legends (LoL) is a competitive online game that incorporates the intense and strategic elements of RPG (role-playing game) and RTS (real-time strategy) games. Two teams face off head-to-head across multiple battlegrounds and game modes, using a variety of individual champions that continue to grow as the game develops.
League of Legends Riot Games Windows, OS X
Although the gameplay mechanics are new and exciting, there were things that left me questioning the quality of the overall game.
The graphics brings to mind a cleaner World of Warcraft. Looking from the top down over the map, your camera follows your champ as you wander around. Additionally, while being based on a simple concept – siege and destroy the enemy base – the gameplay is something I had not experienced before.
Fans of the World of Warcraft scene will enjoy playing LoL immensely, as this game really brings it all together. With the competitive style of gameplay that many people enjoy, it’s worth a try – especially since it’s free.
LUKE BAILEY
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