Grapeshot Magazine

Issue 3 | Vol 6 | May 2014

Macquarie University Student Publication

Peter Szendy

THE AESTHETIC SUPERMARKET

Thinking Out Loud: The Sydney Lectures in Philosophy and Society Organised by the Philosophy Research Initiative at UWS, Thinking Out Loud presents intellectuals talking about the impact of fundamental philosophical ideas on how we understand society.

Monday, May 5, 2014, Lecture 1:

“From the Department Store to the Shopping Mall: Cinema and its Markets”

Wednesday, May 7, 2014, Lecture 2:

“The Value of images”

Friday, May 9, 2014, Lecture 3:

“The Commodity Gaze” Metcalfe Auditorium (State Library of NSW)

To find out more and register, visit: uws.edu.au/thinkingoutloud

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06 Sentencing High Profile Killers 07 Prostesting 08 Interview with Jai Galliot 09 Sydney’s Public Transport 10 Australia’s Refugee Problem 11 Paying the Iron Price: Piracy 12 2014 Youth G20 in Munich

32 Disembark 34 All the Stars are Coloured Grey 36 Poetry: For You, For You

14 Student Voice: Knights & Dames 16 Sustainability: Mother Nature 16 Revitalise: Thinking 17 Lifestyle: Op Shop Challenge 17 History: Female Writes

20 Chasing the Australian Image 22 Human Powered Vehicle 24 Tips for Graduation 25 The World is Your Oyster 26 The Balancing Game 28 Future of Activism

38 Advice: (Im)mature 39 Across the Bar 40 Smiling Chef: A Cup of Soup 42 The Stew: Watering Holes 44 Reviews 46 Puzzles & Horoscopes

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EDITOR’S LE T TER

W

hile I was visiting my parents the other day I overheard my dad telling my 13-yearold brother to stop studying and go out and enjoy the school holidays.

“Haven’t you heard of ‘The Ant and the Grasshopper*’?” he asked. “You don’t want to be those ants! They slave away all the time. You want to be the grasshopper. He gets to go out and live his life.” My brother and I, being a bit ant-like ourselves, promptly argued that dad missed the whole point of that story.

(It’s funny that no matter what age you are, eye-rolling is always an appropriate response to your parents).

It got me thinking, though, that perhaps we all spend too much time working hard – chasing after those golden opportunities, those goals that mean the most to us. I wonder how often some of us take the time to stop and smell the roses. Ask yourself, what did you do over the mid-semester break? The answer for many, I imagine, is that you took up extra shifts at work, you worked on essays that are due first week back or maybe you exhaled that breath you’ve been holding since mid-semester exams started. (I wouldn’t know; media students don’t have exams. Neat, huh?). On top of that, you probably served a couple of hours at that internship/grad position that (fingers crossed) will actually land you a job. I think that every student is inherently an ant.

American writer Mark Slouka, in his exposition on ‘busi-ness’ rips apart the notion that we must always be busy.

“The business of busi-ness is everywhere and inescapable,” he writes, “the song of the buyers and the sellers never stops; the term “workaholic” has been folded up and put away. We have no time for our friends or our families, no time to think or to make a meal.” Yet thinking is essence of what we do. We’re students.

We need to make the time; time to do nothing at all.

This issue we’ve addressed ‘The Chase’, looking at what it is we’re all after, what we’re working so hard for - whether it’s our careers and graduation (p.24), our self-image (p.20) or our ideals.

We’ve tried to temper this with a reminder to keep the balance (p. 26) and remembering that the world is your oyster (p.25).

We hope you enjoy, Issue Three - The Chase.

*the Disney version, of course

Macquarie University Student Publication EDITORIAL & CREATIVE PRODUCTION Editor in Chief Deputy Editor Features Editor News Editor Regulars Editor Copy Editor Creative Designer Illustrator

MARKETING TEAM Advertising Manager Varun Fernando Marketing Manager Josephine Clark-Wroe Marketing Officer Manisha Josephraja SPECIAL CONTRIBUTORS Blake Antrobus, Brendon D’Souza, Alessandro Guarrera, Fergus Halliday, Manisha Josephraja, Max Kwok, Raelee Lancaster, Emma Macintosh, Karina Marlow, Ben Nour, Avery Phillips, Alexander Read, Marie Claire Selim, Jessica Sheridan, Jack Cameron Stanton, Logan Tennyson, Rabeah Zafrullah, The Ant, The Bartender EDITORIAL REVIEW BOARD Alexander West, Emma Grimley, Gemma Quinn, Jack Morgan, Kristofer Gilmour, Melroy Rodrigues, Natalie Morton, Nigel Khine PUBLISHER Craig Oliver

Mia

The publication team acknowledges the Darug Aboriginal people as the traditional custodians of the land on which Macquarie University is situated.

Editor in Chief

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4. Awesome events and parties 5. Great for resumes

15th May at 14:30 Central Courtyard,

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We don’t care what you study.

If you’re an accountant/dancer/biographer who does who dooes interpretives dances of Fermat’s Last Theorum - we want you!

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SENTENCING HIGH PROFILE KILLERS

INTERVIEW WITH JAI GALLIOT SYDNEY’S PUBLIC TRANSPORT AUSTRALIA’S REFUGEE PROBLEM PIRACY: PAYING THE IRON PRICE 2014 YOUTH G20 IN MUNICH

NEWS

PROTESTING: WHAT ARE WE FIGHTING FOR?

SENTENCING KILLERS

NEWS

local and global

WORDS | Alessandro Guarrera

Are Australian laws too lenient?

A look into the sentencing for Australia’s high profile killers

Cowan, Gittany, Milat, and Bailey; criminals who, in the eyes of the public and mass media, seemingly received light sentences for the grievous and life long pain they’ve caused. Is it justice when a person like Brett Peter Cowan – kidnapper and murderer of Brisbane teenager Daniel Morcombe – has the prospect of parole in twenty years when the pain of Daniel’s family lasts forever?

When trials such as that of murderer and rapist Adrian Bailey attract such a frenzy of public and media attention, the question of ‘what is a fair sentence?’ is always raised. Think of Simon Gittany, convicted of pushing his fiancée, Lisa Harnum, off a balcony. He will be eligible for parole in eighteen years, which is far less than the lifelong suffering her family will endure in her absence, and something the media has gone to great lengths to point out.

Students at Macquarie were asked their opinion on this controversial topic. Only one student, suggested the death penalty was an appropriate sentence for certain offenders. Jack Black argued that in these cases, if the death penalty didn’t tie up the legal system and cost the taxpayers less than life imprisonment would, then it would be appropriate. Others have disagreed, believing the damage of these crimes couldn’t be washed away with the perpetrator’s blood.

As to whether these criminals deserved a chance at parole, three out of five interviewees said they didn’t. However, as one student pointed out, the chance of parole is a legal right and that it is crucial for the justice system to try and understand why the offenders offended.

The media coverage in these high profile cases often ignores these issues, and instead plays on viewers’ emotions.

Legally speaking, however, the question must be asked, should a criminal be rehabilitated, and possibly be reintegrated into society, or simply locked away for life?

According to a study by the Australian Institute of Criminology (AIC), offenders who drop out of rehabilitation programs have a higher chance of reoffending. However, the AIC’s report states that there seems to be a strong commitment in Australian correctional departments to rehabilitation and confidence that these programs work, but Cowan and Bailey had both been convicted for past offences. Therefore the question is not whether the programs work, but what can be done to make them better?

Given the effects these crimes have on the victim’s families, who are arguably victims in their own right, students were again asked if the impact should sway a judge’s decision when sentencing. Most said no, believing a judge’s impartiality shouldn’t be tainted. Unfortunately, the Australian states who are also attempting to answer this question have yet to reach a conclusion.

This difficulty that the states are having was highlighted when students were asked what alternatives Australian sentencing laws could use? The answers were varied. Tillie Pearl said no possibility of rehabilitation should be available to perpetrators of ‘twisted’ crimes. Hadeel Maqaref added that parole only gave offenders the chance to reoffend. Michael Mosely agreed, saying that offenders should suffer with hard time but never a death penalty. Ruby Pareedes, however, advocated for “more and better counselling,” so that paroled criminals would not be fishes out of water when they re-entered society.

Whatever the correct answer is, it is clear that further investigation is required. People like Cowan and Bailey have proven themselves to be a continuing danger to the community, but does that justify Australians to permanently confine them?

Is it truly just for the justice system to employ acts, such as the death penalty, in sentencing, when they are in fact, the very acts we wish to safeguard ourselves from?

ON TOP OF ON DEMAND YOUR SUPER! STUDENT PRINT

For students looking to print and bind their assignments, the frustrating trip to Officeworks is no longer necessary.

The new Student Print On Demand facility is open, and with it, a never ending list of printing possibilities. Whether you’re looking for black and white and/or colour printing, lamination or binding, this dedicated facility offers students high quality work at competitive rates.

The main draw card for this facility is its location. Situated on level two of the C7A MUSE building, students now have a much needed on-campus comprehensive printing service.

The staff are available to students, offering friendly help and advice on any digital printing, copying, and binding related inquiries. Some self service options are also available. Students can pay using EFTPOS, credit card, or through the newly developed iPrint system.

Student Print On Demand is open Monday - Friday from 10:00am till 4:00pm.

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It’s probably fair to assume that many students aren’t even concerned with next semester, let alone their retirement, but that’s something the Australian Tax Office wants to change.

A new campaign by the ATO started in March this year, urging students to “get on top of their superannuation.”

“The small things you do with your super now can have a big impact on your lifestyle when you’re retired,” Alison Lendon, ATO Deputy Commissioner (Superannuation), says. “Quite simply, if you want to travel, eat out and enjoy the perks of retirement one day, you need to get started.”

Lendon says that most commonly, young people who change jobs more frequently hold numerous superannuation accounts.

This results in unnecessary high amount of fees and charges, yet, it is incredibly easy to fix.

If you want to get on top of your super, visit the ATO’s website at: www.ato.gov.au/superchoice

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PROTESTING:

WHAT ARE WE REALLY FIGHTING FOR? WORDS | Alexander Read

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STUDENT DEBT: BRING OUT YOUR DEAD! It seems like a morbid way for the Australian government to make money, but it might just be what they need to fill the “budget black hole”. The Grattan Institute claims that Australia could raise around eight-hundred million dollars a year by collecting the unpaid debts of students who have passed away.

Currently, the government writes off a student’s debt when they pass away, adding roughly one billion a year to the total amount to Australia’s ‘doubtful debt’ (debt that is unlikely to be repaid).

National Union of Students President Deanna Taylor, argues this scheme is just another “attempt to gouge more money out of the pockets of students and past students.” She expressed concerns that this report would be used to justify an increase in university fees.

Sydney University SRC President, Jennifer Light, agrees, arguing the move is unnecessary. “Over time, the cost to employ people to chase up that debt will substantially diminish the return,” she said in an interview with Nine MSN news.

The Grattan Institute Higher Education program director, Andrew Norton, said that although the plan would generate very little money in the short term, “it will have a big accounting effect on the budget.”

The report’s suggestions, if implemented, would only apply to future students.

NEWS

The numerous protests in March have brought a renewed sense of radical political participation to Australia, something that has all but died out over the past decade.

Huge crowds gathered across the country between 15 and 17 March for the “March in March protest.” Just over a week later, students gathered to voice their anger over further cuts to university funding.

It seems as though political dissatisfaction in Australia is now strong enough to mobilise all spectrums of our society... well, almost all.

My attempts to discuss cuts to tertiary education were often met with angry opposition; students professed to me the right to remain apathetic about the future of university, while willfully putting their heads in the sand over their own education.

There is little academic doubt that our universities are in desperate need of a funding increase, with the real investment levels of 2005 equal to those from 1995. As it stands, the government contributes just 0.7 per cent of our GDP to university education, well below the OECD average of 1.1 per cent. Now the government proposes to cut another $2.3 billion.

Do we really have a right to stand idle while the quality of our education is slowly eroded by overworking teachers and ballooning class sizes? Have we forgotten how much of a privilege tertiary education is?

Outside of education there are brutal cuts to social welfare and environmental programs, which are showing no sign of slowing down. Australia’s human rights record is steadily deteriorating, and our Attorney-General, George Brandis, is advocating for the right to be a bigot, with the repeal of section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act. It is this frustration that manifested itself in the numerous March protests.

Many cannot see the value in protesting, and although I was a participant in the Sydney “March in March” rally, I can sympathise with this view. The past decades have seen a widespread sense of futility spread throughout Australian society, and this is particularly noticeable among university students. Protests are symbolic statements that represent a citizens refusal to accept poorly made decisions, and a lack of political participation could be seen as tacit consent to the direction Australia is moving.

Therefore, by refusing to participate, Australia is sending a message, that while we may not like what you’re doing, we would prefer to stay out of it.

The time for sitting still is over.

We have ministers protecting the right to be a bigot, whilst simultaneously sentencing refugees indefinitely to internationally condemned processing centres.

We have a Prime Minister who harbours personal doubts over human caused climate change, instead choosing to reintroduce remnants of the feudal system, the royal titles of dames and knights, a move which surprised even the most conservative members of his party.

And the Opposition are no better, floundering to find a likeable leader and a new ideological purpose.

Protesting is our chance to voice concern. The collective experience that a rally holds can help restore the sense of empowerment that Australia so desperately needs.

local and global

Disclosure: Alexander is a member of Macquarie University Greens.

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INTERVIEW WITH JAI GALLIOT THE MORAL QUESTION OF DRONES WORDS | Ben Nour

NEWS

local and global

The development of uninhabited military systems, more commonly known as drones, is one of the most active and controversial areas of military research and development.

Jai Galliot, applied ethicist and PhD student at Macquarie University, spoke to Grapeshot about his upcoming book Unmanned Systems: Mapping the Moral Landscape, and some major ethical concerns associated with drone usage.

Ben: Firstly, what is a drone?

Jai: A drone is any sort of electromechanical system that does not have a human operator onboard and is recoverable. It’s not just a piece of ordnance like a missile that we blow up – we generally use these systems because they are cost-effective, so we want to recover them. Furthermore, they are able to exert their power to deliver a lethal or non-lethal payload, or otherwise perform a function in support of a military force’s objectives.

B: In 2000 the US Congress set major goals to integrate “unmanned systems” into the military force structure. What is the main motivation for the usage of these systems?

J: In my book I cover three reasons. One is financial – to train a soldier costs roughly a million dollars, and so down the track, drones are seen as being more cost-effective. Secondly, there’s also an environmental perspective in the sense that with drones, we won’t have troops damaging culturally significant ground.

People have a tendency to do bad things – I use an example in my book of how foreign soldiers in Egypt used the Sphinx’s nose as shooting practice. The third reason is the human. We are becomingly risk averse as a society – in the US the American republic is less willing, particularly after Vietnam and other bloody battles, to put human lives on the line, and so for a statesman it’s much more politically wise to send in drones.

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B: What are the major ethical concerns that are linked to the usage of drones?

J: A military’s job is to defend the nation and its people, and if unmanned systems can do that, that’s great, but there are a number of reasons we need to question that. There are technical concerns with some people doubting whether drones are as discriminative as they claim to be – when you’re up twenty or thirty thousand feet above in the sky, does the military really have that same level of awareness needed when engaging in a conflict?

There are also psychological concerns. While these drone operators might not be in the heat of the battle, they’ve got their own issues, and there is the concern they are a bit too detached from things going on. Being detached can, to some degree, be a positive thing, but there are plenty of negatives – we don’t want to turn warfare into an Xbox game.

Then there are all sorts of questions about who we hold responsible for any possible atrocities, particularly as these weapons become more and more autonomous.

B: You’ve previously spoken about the fact that military technologies have a time-proven tendency to proliferate into the civilian sphere. How do you envision drone usage impacting the everyday lives of civilians?

J: The US are already proliferating into the civilian sphere in a number of ways. There are companies specialising in these systems, with journalists able to hire drone technicians to film events like G20 meetings and protests, and they’re also being used by real estate, with people taking pictures of their homes from the sky. Drones have also been used in farming and agriculture, to spray crops, as they are more precise than a farmer on a tractor, or a track duster in an airplane.

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THE

STATE OF SYDNEY’S

PUBLIC

TRANSPORT

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NEWS

There aren’t many Sydneysiders who haven’t used the city’s public transport system. The latest State Transit statistics show an average of over 640,000 people use Sydney buses every day.

According to these statistics, the quality of these services is also on the rise.

February data showed that, for the eighth month in a row, Sydney Trains had exceeded their expected punctuality and ontime percentage rates across all lines. Last year it was also found that the State Transit fleet exceeded its expected reliability rate of 99.75 per cent.

Macquarie students have long been encouraged to utilise transport in an environmentally conscience way. The university has its very own train station and numerous bus stops placed conveniently around the campus.

And even though these facts are encouraging, students aren’t as convinced.

“Nowadays I drive,” one student said. “The buses often don’t line up, and so it ends up being almost not worth it to come into uni.”

“I drive and it only takes about 25 minutes…the equivalent public transport would take me an hour and a half,” another student claimed.

Indeed, for those not living in central areas, the issue of infrequent or complicated transport was common. “I have to transfer three times even though it’s all on the red line. It’s crazy,” one student said. Whereas another student claimed that it took them the “same amount of time to get to the train station as actually driving to university.” These responses came despite Sydney Transport catering for over 290 routes across the city.

Grapeshot found that students were so unwilling to take public transport that they would rather use their cars despite the increased costs associated with driving. “Driving here, toll fees, parking permit… that’s where 70 per cent of my earnings go.”

Transport could also be affecting more than just the daily schedule. Students indicated that public transport was a large contributor to skipping classes. Whilst it’s no secret that lecture attendance is declining, interviews with students suggested that public transport frequency and reliability was more of an issue than first thought.

“The whole first year I didn’t go to a single lecture,” one Macquarie University student claimed, “primarily because of public transport.”

It seems even easier to find fault within Sydney’s public transport when it’s compared to other international cities.

Tokyo’s Toei Transportation system and the London Underground both serve roughly three million passengers a day, whilst New York’s subway caters for even more, serving 4.5 million commuters daily. These systems are significantly larger than Sydney’s, yet they are all regularly recognised as some of the most reliable transport systems in the world.

local and global

WORDS | Jessica Sheridan

“I know that in Japan they are within a couple of seconds of accuracy,” a student said, reflecting on their own personal experience.

It is clear size is no issue either, one student praised Singapore’s train system, which comprises solely of two lines, “you don’t have to transfer much, and it’s very comprehensive.”

These international comparisons make it very clear that Sydney still has a long way to go. Recent changes to State Transit management have already seen major improvements in quality and reliability.

Opal cards, Sydney’s answer to the London Oyster card, will be available at all Sydney Train stations from 11 April, making the train experience more efficient. The system is currently being trialled on buses and ferries.

Furthermore, the proposed North West Rail Link will provide eight new train stations to areas in desperate need of public transport. The newly designed train carriages will also mean greater capacity.

It is hoped that students will notice the improvements in their public transport system, and commuting to and from university will start to become easier. grapeshot magazine | page 9

LOOKING FOR AN ANSWER AUSTRALIA’S REFUGEE PROBLEM

NEWS

local and global

WORDS | Logan Tennyson Over the past five years, Australia has attracted a mass of international criticism for its handling of the ever growing ‘threat’ of asylum seekers. Blatant human rights abuse occurring through Australia’s offshore processing policies has pushed the discourse within this country to breaking point.

Australia was built on immigration. We, as a nation, pride ourselves on our tolerance and multiculturalism; but current political discourse has created the idea that asylum seekers are acting illegally, and should be punished with offshore processing.

This was highlighted last year during the federal election campaign, with both parties focusing heavily on border protection, fuelling the notion that refugees are “breaking the law”.

The Migration Act 1958 (Cth) clearly states that it is not illegal to seek asylum in Australia. Therefore, asylum seekers are NOT queue jumpers. They have a right to seek asylum in our country, and we in return have a responsibility to process their claims efficiently. Australia is also a signatory to the Refugee Convention and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, declaring that “everyone has the right to seek and to enjoy, in other countries, asylum from persecution.”

Australia urgently needs a sustainable and humane solution that balances the rights of the refugees, whilst protecting our border; but how is this to be done?

First and foremost, we need to remove the current stigma in Australian society. Refugees are not criminals. They do not come to this country simply to take our jobs and live off our hard-earned taxpayer money. Amnesty International found that, in reality, the majority of asylum seekers who come to Australia are “genuine refugees fleeing from persecution, torture and violence”. Australia intakes just three per cent of the world’s asylum seeker applications yearly, ranking us 49th globally.

According to the Refugee Council of Australia, as of 2012,

we have processed up to 30,000 refugees. When compared to Pakistan’s 1,600,000 intake, Australia’s ‘problem’ seems almost trivial. Amnesty International is also calling on the Australian Government to, “end offshore processing”, “end indefinite mandatory detention,” and, “commit adequate resources to developing a regional approach to refugees and asylum seekers.”

Their aim is to create awareness within Australian society of the deep rooted flaws, high cost and inhumane nature of offshore detention sites.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the current government spends close to one billion worth of taxpayer money on mandatory detention and offshore processing each year.

However, the author explains that processing refugees onshore and within the community would prove more cost efficient.

Australia as a wealthy, developed nation should not be focusing on how to prevent asylum seekers from reaching Australia by boat. Rather, our politicians should be helping other nations who are stricken by war, poverty and disease, to not give refugees a reason a leave in the first place. After all, no matter how bad we make mandatory detention, the pull towards our high standard of living will always trump the push of the consequences for refugees. If Australia directed its efforts in helping these critical nations, and improve the living conditions, refugees will have no reason to vacate and make the journey across the globe to our shores.

Propaganda has poisoned society’s view of refugees. We consider them as illegal and criminal, where it is actually the government who is breaking both domestic and international law. In the words of the Sydney Morning Herald, “Australia does not have an asylum-seeker problem; Australia has a political leadership problem.”

STUDENTS ‘WORK READY’ WORDS | Emma Vlatko In late February, Universities Australia Chairwoman Sandra Harding announced an agreement with business groups to provide vocational training to university students. Australia’s job market is becoming increasingly competitive (and the death of local manufacturing looms). As a result, the aim of the agreement is to get students “work ready.”

Overall, the scheme has been met with general approval by education and industry spokespeople. However, some have questioned whether the true purpose of university education is being forgotten. page 10 | grapeshot magazine

Professor John Brennan, from the Open University (UK), argues that universities are “about preparing for work in the long term, in different jobs, and, quite possibly, in different sectors.” He warns that “vocational training” needs to be interpreted broadly.

Professor of International Education, Simon Marginson, agrees with Brennan, stating that, “if education is tailored too closely to particular jobs, or workplaces, it becomes inflexible.”

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PAYING THE IRON PRICE

ILLEGAL DOWNLOADING IN AUSTRALIA

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sites where copyrighted content can be illegally downloaded.

After the 2012 High Court win for iiNet, Australia’s third largest internet provider, it is well known that ISPs are not liable for any copyright infringement their users engage in, meaning that piracy is not their problem.

Instead, ISPs argued that if the government were to have any chance of fighting internet piracy Australian release dates for films and TV needed to be sped up. One student at Macquarie agrees, suggesting that “if we didn’t have to wait so long for it, we wouldn’t download so much.”

‘Must see’ television has become ‘must see quickly before it’s ruined’.

Brandis has also suggested that the government could employ a “graduated response scheme,” forcing ISPs to suspend the accounts of users who ignore notifications, telling them to stop downloading illegal content. Chief Regulatory Officer at iiNet Steve Dalby told the Sydney Morning Herald this scheme would be a “pointless, cost-generating proposal with no benefit.”

Coincidently, all these announcements came at the same time Rupert Murdoch signed a five-year deal with HBO, making his satellite TV provider, Foxtel, an exclusive partner of the premium cable television company.

“HBO is synonymous with must-see TV,” Chief Executive Officer of Murdoch’s BSkyB told The Guardian.

Unfortunately, the internet age means that TV shows, especially ones as popular as Game of Thrones, will inevitably be spoilt quickly. You have only to scroll through your Facebook or Twitter feed to find out an entire episode’s plot line.

Therefore, “must see” television has become “must see quickly before it’s ruined”.

With the high price of Pay TV in this country, which again is entirely owned and controlled by Murdoch, it appears the only way for students to get their hands on this content quickly is through illegal downloads.

“You can’t limit [content] and not expect people to not find other means to access it,” said one female student. “I know so many people who would legally pay for Netflix if it came here, but it hasn’t, so they keep downloading.”

“What people in charge need to realise is that a lot of people who pirate [content] will go out and buy the product when they have the means to do so,” she continues. “When I have the money I will happily buy [Game of Thrones] on DVD.” Ultimately, it seems as though Murdoch’s exclusive deal with HBO has done nothing but make internet piracy more prevalent in this country. So, instead of attacking the consumers, perhaps our Attorney-General should be sitting down with Rupert, because until there is an affordable alternative, any attempt to prevent internet piracy will inevitably fail.

local and global

In 2013, Game of Thrones - the fantasy phenomenon that united global television audiences, became the world’s most illegally downloaded TV show. Australia was one of the main culprits. In fact, internet piracy is costing this country around $1.3 billion a year. So why is piracy such a huge problem?

When asked by Grapeshot, Macquarie University students indicated that the main reason for their copious amounts of illegal downloading was financial instability. After all, when a starving university student is given a choice between paying $50 for a DVD or eating that week, the answer seems pretty obvious (food, always food).

Resoundingly, students interviewed also admitted to feeling no guilt after illegally downloading their favourite television shows. “People don’t like feeling left out,” one student said. “They’ll always find a way to get content whichever way they can.”

Reacting to the rampant piracy, Attorney-General George Brandis announced a crack down. In February this year, he revealed plans to ask internet service providers (ISPs) to block

NEWS

WORDS | Raelee Lancaster

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MACQUARIE STUDENT SELECTED TO ATTEND YOUTH G20 IN MUNICH This year at the G20 Youth Summit, one of Macquarie’s most promising students will be representing Australia. The three-day international conference takes place in Munich, Germany and brings together the best and the brightest students from around the world. Out of 1200 participating, only ten were selected to represent Australia.

21-year-old Joseph Jacobs is a fourth year applied finance and economics student at Macquarie University and is one of the chosen 10; the honour doesn’t seem to be lost on him.

“It’s strictly nominations only,” Joseph says. “It started when I chose to waltz into an interview room and introduce myself… the impression I made must have lasted because I got the internship and I was nominated for one of the G20 positions.”

Joseph will be contributing to the joint session on “Family and Career Opportunities for Youth,” representing Australia as the Minister for Education.

However, Joseph confesses that education was not his first choice. “My real passion was to get the Minister for Social Affairs and discuss stuff like social entrepreneurship,” he said.

“But I love a new challenge…and understanding the Australian education system, from a people and financial standpoint, is a great one.”

As preparation for the conference, Joseph prepared a position paper examining the education issues facing indigenous youth. As Australia moves away from manufacturing and into the service industries, he says it is important indigenous

students are not left behind; “79 per cent of non-indigenous youths graduate Year 12. Compare that to the 45.4 per cent of indigenous who graduate. The gap is clear.”

Although focusing on education, the paper also warns of the flow on effects. “I believe that a person’s core assets are their time and their brain…not everyone needs a fancy degree, but they do need the opportunity to obtain tertiary education or training… if they don’t, they’re going to find themselves in a very hostile working world where they can no longer support themselves.”

Education is a controversial topic for Australia at the moment, with proposed $2.3 billion cuts causing wide spread protesting by students and staff. It was also a large contributor to the drop in Australian university world rankings, which saw all but one university, the University of Melbourne, pushed out of the top 50.

“Personally, I don’t know how we can be taken seriously,” Joseph says. “The current budget cuts Australian education is facing is interesting, but my position paper focuses on Indigenous youth because I am passionate about it, and I want my work to be taken seriously and implemented.”

As to whether Australian politicians will be following the summit proceedings, Joseph suggests they should.

“If I were a leader, I would constantly be looking for fresh ideas and fresh perspectives,” he said. “That’s what this youth G20 is about, bringing the best and brightest of the younger generation together to supply fresh ideas.”

NEWS

local and global

WORDS | Emma Vlatko

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REGULARS Student Voice 14 | 15 Revitalise 16 Lifestyle 17

FOR DOES AUSTRALIA STILL HAVE A

STUD VOI With the recent re-introduction of Knighthoods into the Australian honours system, questions regarding the title’s merit and relevance to contemporary Australia have been asked. Allow me to place any disquiet relating to this system to rest.

WORDS

David Varker

We are told that this title is nothing more than an outdated and irrelevant title to bestow on an Australian, nothing more than a throwback to an almost medieval time. If this is indeed true, then when a Canadian, New Zealander or Englishman steps off a plane at Sydney airport, they must feel like Fry in TV’s Futurama when he came back from his cryogenic state. New Zealanders reinstated knighting in 2009, and even Canada with its North American culture and French influenced regions, has a peerage system which allows its citizens to sit in the British House of Lords.

Critics of Australian Knights and Dames propagate the myth that to allow this to occur, we are fostering an out of touch, cultural cringe to England. It would be quite rich to presume that Australia has become the greatest bastion of cultural enlightenment in the Commonwealth.

At present, the current honours system does not grant an honour which confers international repour.

Previous to the amendments made, the highest title was ‘Companion of the Order of Australia’.

This title may hold weight within the borders of Australia, but is not widely understood by the international community. The titles of Sir or Dame are not subject to this limitation.

From the United States to France, the usage of Sir creates a reputation of preeminence. It is this pre-eminence that we must truly honour in order to grant its holders the respect and dignity that they deserve for all their service to Australia.

page 14 | grapeshot magazine

AGAINST PLACE FOR KNIGHTS AND DAMES?

DENT ICE In Abbott’s Australia, yeah, I guess it does. In Abbott’s Australia: abortion is also the easy way out, women belong in the kitchen or on the backbench, climate change is a hoax, and education belongs only to the elite. It’s an Australia where healthcare should only be accessible to the wealthy, and a return to the White Australia Policy seems all but inevitable. This is the Golden Age of Australia, the Golden Age where our forward-thinking government believes in the right to bigotry and racially motivated hate speech, the era of sledge dumping on the Great Barrier Reef and the proliferation of new mining leases and countless attacks on the rights of workers.

On the day Abbott announced the return of Knights and Dames, he and the Liberal Party also voted to end financial support to the orphans of veterans who died in service of our country. In the same fortnight, Arthur Sinodinos, a member of his front bench, was implicated in the NSW ICAC inquiries, FoFA protections were sent to the chopping block, and the Liberals in the Senate voted to repeal environmental protection legislation; a tough battle in support of bigotry was fought.

WORDS

Benjamin Granger

Never mind that former Prime Minister, and Liberal Party messiah, John Howard described the reintroduction of Knights and Dames as “somewhat anachronistic”. Knights and Dames are in fact a perfect fit for Abbott’s Australia, an Australia with no vision or ideas for the future. The Golden Age of Abbott is one mired in the values and aspirations of an Australia long forgotten, the nation has moved on, so whilst Knights and Dames make sense in Abbott’s Australia, they don’t make sense in modern Australia, and neither does he.

grapeshot magazine | page 15

WHAT WHO

WE

THINK IS ARE

WORDS | Sukrity Gautam

O

nce at a restaurant, I saw two beautiful ladies sitting across each other on a table. On a second glance, I predicted a blood relation driving the similarity in their beauty; presumably sisters.

Through starter till dessert, I noticed them on and off. I scrutinised from top to bottom (the colour of their hair to the colour of their toe paint) and came to the conclusion that the one with bright red nail polish was in her late twenties and the other one was in her early forties.

Out of inquisitiveness to hear their voices, I approached them and complimented them on their beauty. They were pleasantly surprised. One conversation led to another and then led to ‘age’. The woman in her late twenties was actually in her forties (daughter) and the one in her early forties was in her late sixties (mother). On further discussion, I realised that the beauty was real (no botox). Amazed and shocked with the situation I asked, “What’s the secret behind your beauty?” They chuckled and said, “Apart from eating healthy food, exercising and sleeping well, we maintain good thoughts.”

Buddha once said “we are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think. When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves.”

If one negative thought occurs, it builds a castle of negativity and delusion. Slowly, and gradually it becomes a part of our daily routine and eventually ‘us’.

Hence, watch what you are thinking.

THE RACE TO

S AV E

MOTHER

NATURE

WORDS | Cassandra Teo

T

urtles. Global warming. The Great Barrier Reef. What do they all have in common? Nature – that’s what. Help one cause, sign one petition, and you’ll get bombarded with countless emails from them straight after asking for your help with something or another.

Recycling. Going plastic-free. Petitions. Conserving energy. Doesn’t your head swim with all the ways you can help Mother Nature recover? The problem is – how do you choose which one to focus on? How would you best be able to help Mother Nature?

Taking on many things at once, and doing everything you can to help would seem like the best answer, but how long can you keep it up? If you’ve taken on each thing on your list, then, sure, why not, but what if you’re struck with guilt one day, and feel like you should be doing more? Do you think that you’ll be able to keep up with every commitment?

Unless you’re Superman or Wonder Woman, the answer is, probably not.

While one person can make a difference (those annoying tag lines in emails are true), you cannot complete the race by yourself. Think of it as a relay race rather than a one-man show. It will take more than a handful of people to win the race between saving and destroying nature.

The best advice would be to find one or two projects close to your heart, and focus on them. Commitment is the key. Macquarie’s Sustainability Department is offering an impressive array of batons for those interested in joining the relay.

From saving energy, to bushcare, the options seem endless. If they don’t have something you’re keen on, then get out there and look for it – this is why Google is your best friend.

page 16 | grapeshot magazine

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LIFESTYLE get inspired

DIVING INTO THE WRECK: FEMALE HISTORY WORDS | Claire Catacouzinos

A

drienne Rich’s poem “Diving into the Wreck” enlightens the reader of the subjugation and oppression of women throughout Western history. She mixes mythical, biblical, scientific, and historical references to women in poetic techniques that distort words away from their contextual meaning to create complex messages. The poem begins with a diver who begins a journey, involving the reader to see what they seek; what has been lost or wrecked in time. The wreck foreshadows how women have been marginalised, how the wreck is ‘of being female’ in a patriarchal world, and how women now must work to assert themselves in society. I wanted to talk about the issue of our history as females. Even the word, ‘history’ means, ‘his story’. Do you wish that the past was different?

Female writers were scarce in the ancient world. Some of you may know Sappho of Lesbos, who wrote passionate lyric poetry, and is scandalised for writing about her relationships with women.

Then there is Praxilla of Sikyon who wrote drinking songs. Yet, how did these women get their names out there? The process of publication in the ancient world consisted of attending poetry and drama competitions at festivals, paying a scribe or a male drinking party to play poetry at events, and it was by ‘word of mouth’ that writers grew a reputation. Are we not happy that we at least have some female voices from the past that were able to overcome the

reign of the phallus? And what about equality and our right to vote?

I believe every woman needs to be aware of female history, and, of our female identity. I support Penelope Lively’s statement that “to have a sense of history is, above all, to have a sense of one’s humanity, and without that, we are nothing.”

To read Adreinne Rich’s poem “Diving into the Wreck” got to: www.poets.org/viewmedia.php/prmMID/15228

OP SHOP CHALLENGE WORDS | Megan Smith

I

’m a seasoned op-shopper. I was a convert ever since my days in senior high school when I’d spend countless free periods rifling through the boy’s section to find the perfect vintage denim jacket. I think if I was to ever have a confirmation, my chosen saint would be Vincent De Paul. We get the picture, right? I fucking love to op shop.

So, when I was given the task by my editor to buy a head-to-toe vintage outfit, I was certain I’d have enough for three chicas-shit outfits with some change to buy a $7 Mars Bar Cheesecake thickshake, because I mean $50, are you serious?

I wandered into my local Vinnies armed with $50 and blinding optimism. I went over to the blouses and came face to face with an impeccably kept Alannah Hill top. Check the price tag. It’s twenty dollars.

Sigh. This wasn’t going to be as easy as I’d assumed. I soon came across tulip-shaped velvet shorts in oxblood for $12. This was getting better. I paired the shorts with the Alannah Hill top and went on my merry way. grapeshotmq.com.au

I realised that I now only had $18 left for the challenge. Oops.

I had to change locations. Next up was a trip to an inner-city St Vincent De Paul and I immediately zoned in on a $10 denim jacket.

This place was awesome.

It soon struck me that I only had $8 left over for shoes. Shit. I picked up a scuff free pair of creepers, frothing with anticipation.

The sticker said $40. Double shit. The lovely, young sales assistant sensed my distress, “Why don’t you come see the stuff out the back and I’ll see what I can give you for cheap?”

Sorting through the newer stock, I eventually decided on a beige pair of Fred Perry plimsoles for $8. My outfit was complete, and actually pretty cute. Mission accomplished!

While I didn’t have enough left over for that Mars Bar Cheesecake thickshake, I did acquire some quite lovely new-old clothes.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, there’s a $15 Jack London button-up calling my name in the local Red Cross and I’d like to go chat to the best sales assistant on the planet.

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FEATURES Chasing the Australian Image | Future of Student Activisim | The Balancing Game | Tips for Graduate Employment | World is Your Oyster

CHASING THE

AUSTRALIAN

IMAGE

THE MEDIA CONTROLS EVERYONE’S PERCEPTION OF BEAUTY AND THEIR BODIES. THERE ARE SOME PEOPLE WHO ARE UNCONSCIOUSLY LIVING THROUGH THIS EACH DAY, AND THERE ARE OTHERS WHO KNOW THE MEDIA PORTRAYS PEOPLE AS PERFECT STEREOTYPES WITH PHOTO-SHOPPED GLAMOUR, AND YET WE ARE UNABLE TO COMPLETELY SHAKE OFF THESE EXPECTATIONS. THIS IS THE STORY OF THE AUSTRALIAN IMAGE.

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WORDS | Rabeah Zafrullah

I

t’s incredibly easy to say that TV shows, movies, books and even advertisements create negative body images, and that none of us should ever fall prey to the societal norms that they invent. However, it is much easier said than done, especially in a technological age where we are constantly inundated with different forms of media. Various studies have shown that the amount of time spent watching TV or videos correlates to the importance that a person places on their appearance.

And considering that we’re all living in a time and age where we are constantly inundated with media, this might be a problem.

From ages as young as five, children are shown and told that being thin is good; particularly through cartoons, which at times, depict the bad guys as fat and sweaty and the main characters as skinny. From the age of only nine, girls have already started to try out dieting.

As they grow older, their concern about their bodies only grows, leading to an increase in eating disorders.

Already, nine per cent of the population is affected by eating disorders, and up to 20 per cent of women have undiagnosed disorders; all this in order to fit the media’s representation of how we should be.

Our perception of beauty is extremely distorted because of the unrealistic images we are constantly exposed to. We compare ourselves to stick thin models posing on the covers of magazines with perfectly smooth skin and symmetrical, finely defined features. We flip through catalogues of women wearing the smallest sizes and are shown through TV shows and ads how we should act in every situation imaginable.

Consciously, we know that the people we see on screen are not the norm (models actually weigh 23 per cent less than the average woman), but our subconscious stores the information in the ‘perfect beauty’ folder in our minds. This is the same folder that we use when we look in the mirror and decide we don’t like what we see. This particular idea of how a person should look and act has become so ingrained that we teach it to new generations, and in a way, become co-conspirators with the media.

However, due to the increasing outrage on various social sites, the media has somewhat diversified, and ads and clothing stores are more likely to cater to oversized women. However, men are still being given the same treatment as always. It may seem strange to some, but the truth is that men are exposed to ‘perfect’ body expectations as well, with the exception that there have been no movements to change them. Think about it, when

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was the last time you opened a flyer and saw a heavyset man modeling T-shirts?

For men, being muscular, tall, stoic and emotionless is apparently the standard, and they’re generally told by ads and society to ‘be a man’. The difference between the growing diversity of female stereotypes and the lack of it in male representation in media can mostly be explained by the fact that while women are demanding change, men aren’t. This might be because of the expectation that men remain emotionless and silent about such things, especially as body issues are generally thought of as ‘women’s issues,’ and therefore, un-masculine.

Given these circumstances, we are constantly judged by ourselves and by others for not fulfilling the impractical requirements of society, but we are also told to be ourselves and love our bodies. How are we supposed to continue without being dragged down by low selfesteem or being imprisoned by the opinions of others?

What is the solution to a world where those who achieve the media’s idea of perfect beauty are considered fake or plastic, and those who don’t are looked down upon?

Perhaps, the answer is prohibit the media from depicting these images. However, this will take a lot of effort and time, and some may argue that no matter how much progression is achieved, mass media will continue to idealise certain characteristics, and thus, cause us to idealise them too.

Another solution might be to identify the ingrained expectations that we judge ourselves and others by, and become critically aware of them. Making informed choices about our appearance and behaviour and understanding whether we are making them for ourselves or to achieve the ‘Australian Image’ that the media has outlined for us all.

Regardless of how we decide to fight the power, the fact is that the fight is going be difficult and will be waged for quite a while. It might not be possible to eradicate unrealistic or harmful expectations completely from society, but positive change is possible, and the movement has already been started and will only gain momentum.

Through individual and mass effort, we can make the ‘Australian Image’ something worth striving for.

grapeshot magazine | page 21

The Macquarie University Human Powered Racing Team’s attempt to break the land speed record is a unique opportunity to apply the knowledge obtained through your degree to an exciting and dynamic project that will be a unique experience that you can draw on throughout your career.

Those interested in joining the project should contact: sammy.diasinos@ mq.edu.au

RACE OF A LIFETIME WORDS | Karina Marlow

page 22 | grapeshot magazine

A

team of Macquarie University Engineering students are chasing down the land speed record as they gear up to compete in the World Human Powered Vehicle (HPV) Challenge. The team of 15 students are designing, building and testing their own vehicle as a chance to apply their engineering skills and to compete with other Universities and enthusiasts.

An HPV is usually in the form of a recumbent bicycle, powered by a cyclist and encompassed in a lightweight aerodynamic shell. In the challenge, the bike and rider power down the track to get up to speeds of 134km/hr, the record set last year by the Delft University Team (Netherlands).

The World competition is held just outside Battle Mountain, Nevada in September each year. The nine kilometre track is along a flat stretch of highway with a one kilometre zone for slowing down before the riders are helped from the HPV. Last year 26 different vehicles,

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“The key to the project is the fine balancing act between limiting the aerodynamic drag and the mass of the vehicle and generating the maximum speed whilst ensuring the safety of the rider trapped inside.” including an Australian independent team, competed in men’s, women’s and junior competitions. However the Macquarie University team will be the first university team in Australia to compete at the event.

The team is composed of mechanical, mechatronic, electrical and computer engineering students who are working on different sections of the project according to their skill set. The initial team have been working together since August 2013 but are excited to have welcomed new faces in recent months, including some first year students. Although most of the initial work involved online modelling, over the last two months the students have finished welding a simulator together. The simulator has an adjustable seat and pedals so that the students can test out the conditions that generate the best energy output from the cyclist. It is also designed to test potential cyclists by altering the resistance applied to the pedals to emulate the experience of travelling at great speed.

Image: Students Josh Pigeon and Tiernan Vaňeček with the simulator.

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The key to the project is the fine balancing act between limiting the aerodynamic drag and the mass of the vehicle and generating the maximum speed whilst ensuring the safety of the rider trapped inside.

The electrical engineering team has been working on a router to create the initial shape of the aerodynamic shell as well as designing a sensing system to monitor the speed of the HPV and a communications systems that will go in the finished bike.

Engineering academic Sammy Diasinos who is supervising the project thinks that working towards this prestigious international event will be a steep learning curve for all involved but looks forward to the day when the team breaks the record and demonstrates what Australian ingenuity and athleticism can achieve.

He is particularly keen for the students to work on an undergraduate engineering project as it was a key factor in helping him to achieve his childhood ambition of leading a group of aerodynamicists designing a Formula 1 car.

For mechanical engineering student Josh the project has given him a great opportunity to apply what he has learnt in class, individually and as part of the team: “from frame strength estimations, to electronic circuit design, we’re working on a real-world application we can be proud of.”

The team is working to a fairly tight schedule to finish the bike in time for the race. They are currently ordering the individual parts for the bike and are hoping to assemble and then modifying it over the winter break. They are also on the lookout for cyclists to test out their design via the simulator and eventually to represent the team at the race in the United States.

Image: Students discuss the project

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TIPSEMPLOYMENT FOR GRADUATE

WORDS | Avery Phillips

W

hile we may sometimes get distracted by student events and complaining about our coursework, the real reason we troop onto campus each week, bleary eyed and clutching coffee, is in the hope that the thousands of dollars we pay each year will be rewarded by a good education and improved employment prospects.

Unfortunately, the days are far gone when it was as simple as graduating and being handed a job. Nowadays the graduate career market is very competitive, with a large pool of applicants all vying for the same opportunities while having similar experience and education. To find a job, applicants need to put in time, effort and dedication. Luckily though, we have a few tips to help you get started.

MARKET YOURSELF While it would certainly be nice if we could rely purely on our qualifications to get a job, the way you market yourself to potential employers plays an important role in determining whether you’ll even be considered for the job or not. This is where er having excellent interview skills, a well put togeth from apart you set that iences exper and lio, portfo other applicants will truly come in handy, and you don’t have to wait until you are actually searching hops for a job to start! There are numerous free works available through Career Hub that students can attend at any time throughout their degree.

GET TO KNOW THE INDUSTRY Take some time to research your industry, particularly what type of jobs are available for graduates, what those jobs entail, and the major companies that you may be applying to. With such a large number of graduates vying for the same opportunities, having this in depth knowledge may prove very beneficial in job interviews when attempting to present yourself as the ideal candidate.

IMPROVE

U YOUR RES

W hile man searching ju y future graduates may st yet, the tr n uth is that co ot be out star t recruit mpanies oft ing graduat en e em year of univ ployees duri ersi ng their fin al and the chan ty. Wit h an increase in competitio ce for g uaran n graduation te ed em ploy ment aft , it pays to st er ar t career expo s and emplo look ing early. Attendin yer presenta g excellent w tion ay to discove r graduate jo s is an to star t buil bs avai lable ding a good , and report w it h may be inte companies rested in w you ork ing for in the future.

ME

t thing an a lly the firs t to ma ke a su u is e m n A resu ’s importa anting il l see, so it employer w e th e employer w av le d e n a rg n la io a ss ceive good impre jobs w il l re hich st w o e, M m . re su o re iloured to k now m ta a d so n , a st ts intere emen a mount of nce, achiev ie ecific er sp p e ex n o r r u yo ific job fo ec highlights sp k ie e n co o than a o lation to ou furt her y sk il ls in re et g to le y ip mu lt is li kel sent out to company, shop at has been ding work th il e u n b o e m er su cutt re a re g a

by C er Attendin e for rev iew uarie’s m employers. su re r u o Macq ting y and submit ent Adv isers through re that the ym ensu and Emplo llent way to one. b is an exce employers is a great u H er re a C e iv g u o ssion y first impre

page 24 | grapeshot magazine

DON’T WA IT UNTIL YO TO START JO U’VE GRAD UATED B SEEKING

BE WARY OF UNPAID INTERNSHIP SCAMS While the promise of experience may be tempting when you are struggling to find a job, the use of unpaid internships has garnered some criticism recently with several companies being accused of exploiting these interns for cheap labour. That said, there are also some unpaid internships which do provide graduates with an informative learning experience, which teaches them valuable skills that will help with gaining paid employment in the future; so it might be unwise to discard them completely. Before making a decision, find out the sort of work you will be expected to do, think over what you are hoping to learn during your internship, and then decide whether the negatives of unpaid work will outweigh the positives. grapeshotmq.com.au

THE WORLD IS YOUR

WORDS | Blake Antrobus

J

obs jobs jobs. The brutal, dreaded, soul-crushing reality that awaits the student outside the university. Parttimers already know the heartache of it all; ironing and starching the uniform, sifting through paperwork and coffees, and feeling the drone of the boss and clients cut into your migraines like butter. Hospitality junkies, you have it worse. Putting aside the constant chiding from the customer, does it make you feel better knowing that the vomit and used serviette you emptied out from your pockets was worth the extra two-fifty tip?

Part-timers may have it lucky in the spectre of all things: a couple of hours during the day, dropping home to study or kick back, then rinse and repeat with the occasional tutorial to run off to. Let it not be said though, that even with the juggling of work, university, home, and social lives that sometimes the performance falls flat. You can ‘have it all’ for one week, then the next you can have nothing when the crushing pressure of assignments or that one customer that won’t bite their tongue comes crashing down on top of you.

Part-timers can’t stay parttimers forever.

Cynical? Yes. Realistic? No. The average human being at least recognises that a degree of organisation is needed to work around tougher deadlines. It may seem wise to constantly put yourself to work and drive through that gruelling day, but when the looming presence of the MAS203 essay creeps up that Friday. Then the guilt hormone kicks in – “Oh why me? WHY didn’t I think of doing that grapeshotmq.com.au

beforehand?” Perhaps it might be wiser, next time, to whittle off parts of your student work beforehand, rather than cramming to the end to accommodate for that one extra shift you had to pick up.

So what then of the prospect of jobs? Part-timers can’t stay part-timers forever. Surely after your studies are complete, you’ll start thinking of full-time employment? It is, bluntly, a minefield of headache-inducing trauma. Just thinking you’ve somehow got that job application under control, something chaotic blindsides you. Then there’s Medicare, credit cards, loans, car payments, drug updates, all that fun and jazz.

It may well be that you want to jump straight into the job market after graduation. The world is your oyster. If you’re still unsure, why not consider travelling or working abroad? There’s a fair bit you can do before settling down into the comfortable life of employment and ‘banality’.

And in the future, if you have kids or want to tell stories at your rich dinner parties, you’ll have something that will inspire the next generation. Or, if you really just want to stay at university, you can just become a bit like Hagrid: grow a beard, build yourself a little hut, and spend your days chasing dragons and bumming out around the Ubar.

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THE BALANCING

WORDS | Ben Nour

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A

s I’m sure any student can attest to, there are countless opportunities at university to get involved both socially and academically.

Naturally we gravitate towards engagement in social-orientated events and groups. But any student, regardless of degree, is aware of the importance of maintaining a healthy balance between social life and academic study.

For students also working a casual job, this balancing act, assumes even greater importance. Briana, an education student, notes that “you can become so caught up in sustaining a social life that your academic work suffers. Whilst on the other hand, you can put all your time and effort into your studies that you begin to forget what it’s like to take a step back and enjoy life”. For those of us soon graduating the prospect of permanent employment is both daunting and exciting.

But it also raises the question of how to balance a

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social life when working full time. For some, the transition from high school to university can be quite disconcerting. Similarly for a university graduate, the transition to work life can be just as scary. Learning to balance social life with work life gains just as much, if not more, importance than in university.

Despite our often-frequent complaints about the pressures of studying at university, there are a few advantages. Unless you have a particularly sadistic unit convenor, attendance isn’t marked for lectures and personally I have long abused the Echo recordings; skipping lectures in favour of sleeping in (I’m certain that I’m not alone in this confession). We also have reasonable flexibility over our timetable, making it easier to see friends between classes or to sleep in the day after you’ve had a big night. However with a fulltime job, working potentially five days a week, 9am to 5pm, time for maintaining a social life outside of work is restricted.

For Lee, an economics graduate who now works full-time, this is the biggest difference between social life at university and work life: “The most striking differences between socialising at uni and socialising while working full time is you don’t have the middle of the day to socialise anymore”. Usually, she says, no one has free time anymore because everyone is working, so catch-ups are typically limited to the weekends.

Meanwhile Edith, who recently returned to university after working full-time, says seeing friends became increasingly difficult due to different work schedules and as such “weekends, public holidays and annual leave days became much more valuable”. A result of this is that maintaining friendships requires more work than in university or high school, for, as Lee tells me, “you have to invest more time and effort into friendships – they’re not as ‘convenient’ anymore”.

Beyond the issue of having the time to see friends, there is the possibility that your career can take precedence over socialising. While it might be considered expected of you at university to maintain a busy social life, when you’ve studied from a minimum of three years up to five years or six years you become much more invested in your career. “Work becomes a priority when you’ve studied to work for several years and to work in a certain job. You really do care about that career and career path so you tend to invest more time into the occupation,” Lee says. If you intend on climbing the corporate ladder, attending business functions and networking becomes a high priority.

As university students, maintaining a healthy balance between social life and academic study is of great importance and it’s clear that this balancing act assumes, perhaps, even greater significance during work life after university. What comes across clearly is that time management is key to maintaining a balance, both at university and during work life. Briana, who travels interstate and often has at least one event to attend each week, has this advice for students: “Before each semester starts, map out when all your assessments are due and have it on display where you can see it everyday. Being prepared for the semester allows you to realise when is a good time to be social and when isn’t”.

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THE FUTURE OF

STUDENT ACTIVISM WORDS | Emma Macintosh

ON SATURDAY 22 MARCH, I ATTENDED AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL’S 2014 NSW UNIVERSITY CONFERENCE. DURING THE COURSE OF THE DAY, MYSELF AND 50 OR MORE INTERESTED UNIVERSITY STUDENTS FROM ACROSS NSW, LEARNT ABOUT ASYLUM SEEKER ISSUES AND GENDER RIGHTS, WE HEARD FROM INSPIRATIONAL SPEAKERS AND HELD GROUP DISCUSSIONS. MOST IMPORTANTLY, I WANTED TO PASS ON NOT WHAT I LEARNT ABOUT THESE ISSUES THEMSELVES, BUT SOME INTERESTING THINGS I LEARNT ABOUT THE NATURE OF STUDENT ACTIVISM… AND IT’S FUTURE.

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as anyone else been wondering… where is student activism? Aren’t we overdue for the next revolution, and why haven’t I been invited? You may be the sons or daughters of feminists, union strikers, hard line lefties, Marxists, hippies or tree huggers, who reminisce about the 60s and 70s, and ask, what are today’s youth doing? From time to time I go to a rally or protest (with my mum and her friends) and while I look around, I can’t help but feel very much in the minority age bracket.

Youth with energy and passion have played an important role in social movements throughout history! Think back to the antiVietnam war protests in America, and Australia, or to Macquarie University’s own interesting and radical student Marxist history Meeting other like-minded and passionate people at this recent university conference, assured me that student activism is not dead. Just because today’s youth don’t take to the streets as often, that doesn’t mean they don’t care about current issues. As the world changes, technology changes, and it is only natural that the forms of activism change too.

Social media, a friend or foe to activism?

As Nick Allardice, the director of change.org told us on Saturday 22 March, criticism of social media often comes from the “mistaken idea that activism is supposed to be hard.” He said, “just because technology facilitates and makes activism easier, it doesn’t make it less legitimate.” Social media can successfully mobilize huge amounts of people. It “lowers the barrier to entry” as anyone can get involved, including those who may normally not have been interested. It’s a great gateway, an entry into further activism.

Nick made this comparison: signing an online petition and then attending a protest for the first time = trying marijuana and then deciding to try heroin (not that I am, or he was, advocating this).

However, it is important to beware of the dangers of ‘clictivism’.

Online stuff should SUPPORT a good, well-constructed campaign, to be effective and to place pressure in the right places, rather than acting all on its lonesome. Another way to put this, just clicking that you ‘like’ a page or a post, does not mean you have done your bit! One example is the recent trend you may have seen where people post free selfies on Facebook to raise cancer awareness.

At the Amnesty conference Dan Scaysbrook, Amnesty National Youth Coordinator, also referred to this example, saying, “If you just take a photo without donating to cancer research...then you’re missing the point!”

7.

Find an area that gives you enjoyment and pleasure, and that you have knowledge and applicable skills in. Find something in this area that you think you can make a proportionate difference to, find some potentially winnable battles, and focus on them.

8. Trust other people. Trust that your family, friends and colleagues will do the same! You can’t be an expert on everything. Trust that the people you know will do the best to make a difference in WHATEVER area they are interested and skilled in. And most importantly, support and encourage them to do so!

9. Don’t be disheartened if you don’t see the world change overnight. Small changes eventually become big ones.

10. Be optimistic. Eva Cox mentioned that maybe the movements of the 60s were more successful because they had more optimism than today – now, rather than focusing on progression we seem to be just trying to prevent regression, to stop the world from destroying itself. There is a place for criticising the status quo, but whining about the current situation can only get us so far.

We need to offer positive alternatives! How should the world look instead?

Not only is activism not dead, but there has never been a better time! Nick Allardice gave us one inspiring example to prove this. He told us about a black, lesbian, female in South Africa whose partner died from HIV after being a victim of what is known as ‘corrective rape.’ This woman was able to rally groups of people, gain widespread support, and start a petition that spread internationally. This led to the South African government’s justice department establishing a task force to combat corrective rape.

Nick Allardice said if you think about what this disenfranchised individual was able to do, think about yourself.

Look in comparison at the privilege we all have: our resources, knowledge, skills, and access to technology. Just imagine how we could use this!

I hope you’re feeling as inspired as I was. Youth are the leaders of today, not tomorrow. It’s not enough to just have an opinion, but be interested, or attend a conference. Now let’s get out and do something!

Finally, to the important stuff. Here are some top tips for budding activists. These were suggested by the speakers at the Amnesty conference, including Senthorun Ray, a researcher, advocate and Amnesty employee, as well as feminist and change agent, and a seriously interesting person, Eva Cox (look her up).

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Say yes to things.

Commit. Nick Allardice joked his success in the Oaktree Foundation was because he stayed there the longest.

Activism takes time, and needs to be sustainable, because sadly – change can go backwards.

There is no clear pathway. Things will lead to other things.

Don’t be overwhelmed or put too much pressure on yourself. It’s easy to get disheartened and give up. Do not think, what is the point, things don’t change anyway, and I’m just one person what can I do?

However corny, think Ghandi in these moments. “If you think you’re too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito.”

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grapeshot magazine | page 29

C R E AT I V E Disembark All the Stars are Coloured Grey Poetry: For You, For You

DISEMBARK: CHASING SUMMER WORDS | The Ant Journal Entry, May 4, 1977 Checked with a couple of bouncers near lights – Yukune a prostitute? Unlikely. No sign of her in eight years. Tipped off by bartender near Blue Room, heard of the surname close by. Even if hiding why bother? Cops would have her on the grill… Need another loan for lodging – savings not low but drying up fast. Still bloody thirsty…

page 32 | grapeshot magazine

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I

had been used to random entries from the war and odd cards from random corporations. Now here was something dated much later than the other entries, describing something completely out of the blue, suddenly appearing in stark clarity from the rest of the text? And who the hell was Yukune?

I ran the passage over in my head. Dad was looking for someone around the city, and had only gotten word that this person was in hiding…

I disembarked from the bus with a wearying sense of direction – potentially from the notion that the whole situation wasn’t making any sense at all, but otherwise a small hint of knowledge pertaining to the situation.

Whoever this ‘Yukune’ was, she was someone that Dad wanted to find, and she was likely hiding out in Osaka. The bullet train would probably get me there without the hassle, but it would be costly.

Taking a look around, I remembered exactly why I loved the nightlife, but also why I hated it. Shibuya was littered with a dizzying array of signs and lampposts that wound into alleys and corners. To the human eye it was a neon kaleidoscope; daunting, yet inviting at the same time, and seemingly terrifying in the shadow that it cast.

But one step closer to the moth beacon revealed the madness. Sounds hammered around the city walls, ranging from performers to freakishly perverted advertisements to downright bizarre drunks. Cockroach taxis scuttled between the traffic lights in a morbid attempt to cheat the waiting time on red lights. As I crossed the pedestrian crossing – at least twice as significant as the major CBD crossing – I glimpsed at the faces going past; hardened, stony and unsympathetic to someone who seemed lost in the nightlife.

I had barely stepped out onto the pavement before another confrontation erupted. Crossing paths with a man roughly half the size of me led to a barrage of furious insults. Broken English was thrown my way. For someone of his size he seemed to be thirsty for a fight, standing at barely half my height, clad in a pair of black overalls and a cream-top cap. Even as I tried to step around him, narrowly avoiding the blunt swing of his shoulder, he swooped in to continue cussing. Backing up a few steps, drew a crowd from the pedestrian sidelines. I heard some of his language; mostly screeches of Japanese curses and some wailing on his part. No doubt he’d been drinking.

We seemed to be actually fighting now. Although ‘fighting’ in this sense mostly meant a tacit attempt to deflect the flailing and uncontrolled haymakers and shuffling backwards up to the street. I staggered back into a sign as one of the blows connected with my neck. More wide slaps and hammering followed as he jumped on top of me, determined to have some sort of Ali moment. It wasn’t like that, of course, but the force of someone practically straddling me and trying to murder me in cold blood was more than uncomfortable.

“Fuck off already!” I screamed with an exhaustive gasp; something I shouldn’t have done in public.

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The attacker only just managed to see my hands poised upwards like a spring before I brought it into motion. He flew up and across the crowd before landing in a heap with an audible whump. The crowd gasped at the feat, probably thinking I would be dead.

As I brushed myself off, I glanced at the attacker. He lay between the onlookers, rolling around like a dying beetle and slurring in derelict accent. He didn’t look too injured, thankfully, but it was safe to say that he would need some sort of treatment – and not necessarily boxing lessons.

Murmurs from the crowd arose in unison.

“What did he just do?”

“I dunno. They just started squabbling there…” “…he threw first. Can’t say I blame the other…

“All for a night in Tokyo, huh?”

Standing around wasn’t the smartest idea at the time, considering that the police could be called at any point.

Gathering up my bag I pushed past the crowded stores and headed for the station. No amount of stares or lies were going to stop me from getting away from here.

I was met with more disappointment upon arriving.

The compartments and entrances were shuttered up, and the lights within the terminal completely dark. What could I expect at three in the morning? Catching a train at this time would be a bad idea anyway, considering the heightened rate of assault in the city at night (in Sydney at least) and the fact that a deranged Japanese man had tried to attack me for looking at him funny.

Best thing to do is to sleep on it. There were a few good hotels around the city, shouldn’t be too hard to find at least one…

I pulled out the phone from my pocket, figuring it would be best to let my brother know that I touched down safely. As much as I really didn’t want to do it, we were in this together one way or another, so keeping in touch was the best way to stay alert.

A shadow moved from the other end of the station. It looked like a black tendril that fissured the building or was my mind playing tricks on me? Man, the hallucinations beforehand and the neon badlands of the Tokyo nightlife were catching up to my insomnia. I needed a bed, badly.

Confirming this, the receiver on my phone kicked in as I picked up a call. I heard Daniel on the other end.

“Hello…Seth?”

Otherwise known by his pseudonym ‘The Ant’, Blake Antrobus is an Australian writer and poet.

He is the author of The Escapist Set Free and Natsukage. His debut novel Chasing Summer is slated for a 2014 release. He lives in Sydney, Australia.

Visit his blog at http://theantblog.com

grapeshot magazine | page 33

ALL THE

STARS ARE

COLOURED

GREY WORDS | Jack Cameron Stanton

page 34 | grapeshot magazine

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T

I looked at my watch. The artist, the one I was buying the painting from, said he would be another five minutes before he zipped off on his motorbike.

I sat in front of his shop, smoking a beedie cigarette whilst chatting to other artists. One of them claimed he had art hanging in a gallery in Brooklyn. I didn’t believe him, but I sure as hell entertained the idea.

The girls nodded and shimmered off into the starry crowd.

he first time someone ever called me a poet was in India. I was waiting to buy a painting from this kind-hearted artist. The painting depicted a man with a third eye. The mind’s eye, he called it. It glowed in the dark.

‘You must be brilliant,’ I told him.

‘Oh yes,’ he agreed. ‘As brilliant as they come.’ He showed me some of his sketches inside the shop. They were decent, but certainly not brilliant.

‘My, my, that was a piece of work,’ I said.

I would separate these two artists for you, dear reader, if I could do the same in my mind. I’m a firm believer in avoiding all forms of contrived thought. How can I tell the difference between two artists who never introduced themselves in the first place? I could call one Motorbike Man and the other Mr Old & Grey, but these titles are not very helpful. I still have no idea who they really are!

Anyway, the two women I was with – these beautiful girls from Leeds – tired of my idle conversation. Somehow, I had formed a terrible habit of becoming so involved with the conversations of strangers that I forgot to ever introduce my friends.

They jumped in when I took a rare drag of my cigarette, which was more ash than leaf by now.

‘We’re going to go to the shop down the road. The one with the nice embroidery and pashmina.’

‘No problem,’ I said.

‘Will we meet you back here?’

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‘You walk that way and I’ll walk this way, and we’ll meet somewhere in the middle.’

‘That was beautiful,’ the artist next to me said. ‘You speak like a poet.’ I laughed at him, but his grey eyebrows were stern and humourless.

He asked me what I wanted to do.

‘Oh, I want to be a writer, one day,’ I said. His eyes twinkled; colourless dying stars.

‘All you have to do is put pen to paper and voila! You’re a writer.’

‘I use a computer,’ I said, slightly blossoming in the cheeks. Somehow, I always felt typing was less approved, less artistic than the good-old-way of labouring sheets upon sheets of untidy manuscript.

‘Well, young lad, next time you’re in New York, look out for my works. Look for Sanjay Narahajan, right next to Jackson Pollock and Max Ernst.’

‘Oh . . . I’m from Australia,’ I said. I didn’t mention the fact that I would probably forget his name, considering I couldn’t even pronounce it properly.

‘You’ll get there one day, my friend. Remember, no guts, no glory, aye?’

That was the day I realised that all artists were liars, more or less. The artist I tried to buy the painting off never returned. The girls never found me on the walk back to the shop. The artist never had an exhibition in a Brooklyn gallery near Broadway. And to this day, I haven’t written a decent poem.

grapeshot magazine | page 35

CREATIVE Poetry

FO YO FO YO

R U, R U

WORDS | The Ant

I’ve done it again in the backlight, and I’ve done it again to you.

Himmel himmel dumfkopf, it feels too good, too good too good to be true.

And you, the quantum hair full of Medusa an iron lady of mirrors; every man adores the labyrinth, like you.

I’ve done it twice in the morning, and I’m not doing it to you.

I shall bring thou bluebirds and pestilence, and wait for the copper to run his way through.

Oh the heavy altar boy, carrying Apollo and crying til blue; and my temper runs in glaciers, like the end of the world.

I’ve done it thrice in our bedroom, and I’m doing it just for you.

Seems Egypt’s red plague never left us, a gold, a frog, an egg; as long overdue.

But the booth reeks of youth, and oak, mahogany and wood, and the Devil watching.

And it rots, and trots, and heaves its way into the bedroom.

page 36 | grapeshot magazine

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ACROSS THE BAR

THE SMILING CHEF

THE STEW

REVIEWS

HOROSCOPES

(IM)

MATURE

What is it about mature age students that bothers me so much?

WORDS | Manisha Josephraja

A

mature age student is defined by Macquarie University as anyone who is 21 or over at the time they commence studies. So, let’s remember that we’re not just talking about those students who are 40 plus. However, I know the type you’re talking about. The one that sits in the very front row and knows the answer to every question (or at least refuses to believe that they’re wrong, no matter how much the lecturer disagrees with them). They often end up talking about something that is completely unrelated, and 20 minutes later, you’re still on lecture slide five of fifty. My favourite is when they bring their children into EVERY possible scenario to try and better explain a point they have.

This is not to say that all mature age students are like this. The majority are lovely, intellectual, and very helpful. A quick shout out to the mature age students I was sitting behind in a lecture, who wouldn’t stop discussing the attractiveness of the lecturer. I respect those priorities. Get it, girl.

University is open to such a wide range of people, and age should not be a discriminating factor. Mature age students can bring fresh and new perspectives to discussions. Many of them have often had, either work experience, or other life experiences that can be shared. Some mature age students sacrifice quite a lot to attend university. I’m sure you’re all well aware, uni is expensive.

Mortgages, school fees, bills, and just weekly living expenses on top of a scary HECs debt is a heavy thing to manage. This is not to mention the time sacrifice that they have to make as well, which often takes them away from family time or other work. Next time you want to roll your eyes so far back into your head that you think you might pass out, how about you take a minute to appreciate that they deserve to be here just as much as you do. page 38 | grapeshot magazine

ACROSS

THE BAR grapeshotmq.com.au

ACROSS THE BAR It’s complicated...

Dear Loner Girlfriend,

Dear Loner Girlfriend,

So my boyfriend and I have been dating for almost six years now, (I’m 22 and he’s 23).

Your twenties are too precious, and too short to wait on the sidelines while someone else lives their own adventure without you!

Now he’s gone on an overseas trip with a one-way ticket, and we both have no idea when he’ll be back. Plus, it’s not the first time that he’s gone and jetted off like this.

This is not Netflix! Your boyfriend can’t just expect you to pause your life while he indefinitely gallivants around the world. If he can offer no promises, why should you have to?

Lately, there’s been another guy who has been paying a lot of attention to me...and I’m kinda into it.

I say, seize your day and carpe diem this shit up. If being in this relationship makes you feel worse, more often than it makes you feel great, then why be in it?

What do I do?

Loner Girlfriend

My recommendation is do your own thing while the long-term man does his, and if he is the one, he’ll find you when he comes back...if you’re even still available by then that is…

Loner Girlfriend

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grapeshot magazine | page 39

THE SMILING CHEF Recipes

COOK

E H T H T I W G N I

: F E H C G N I L I M S

P U O S F O P U C A

Watch the leaves fall with a warming mug of soup between your palms, Brendon D’Souza a.k.a. The Smiling Chef :) Website: brendonthesmilingchef.wordpress.com

Like: Brendon The Smiling Chef Tweet: @bthesmilingchef

If freaking out about the mid semester exams wasn’t bad enough for us students, there are also the dreaded sniffles and sneezes which emerge at this time of year. One of my favourite ways of feeling better is to grab a big pot and stir together a warming bowl of soup. Perfect for the autumn chills. This month, I’ve got three easy-peasy soup recipes that will have you shouting dinner in no time. Inspired by the great work of Love Food Hate Waste, I want to challenge you to use up those unloved veggies in the bottom of your crisper, and turn them into something special.

POTATO AND CABBAGE SOUP Prep Time 10 mins Cooking Time 20 mins Serves 4-6 I pity the poor cabbage that was snapped up in an instant, then left to rot at the bottom of the fridge. Introduce Mr. Savoy Cabbage to Ms. Desiree Potato (or maybe he’d prefer Mr. Coliban Potato) and you have a match made in veggie heaven.

• • • • • • • •

1 tbsp olive oil 2 garlic cloves, minced 200g cabbage (Savoy or any other variety), finely chopped 1 large brown onion, peeled and finely diced 200g Desiree potatoes (or any other variety you have), washed and finely diced 500mL chilled chicken or vegetable stock 25g parsley, chopped Cheese biscuits, to serve

For the soup base, heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic, cabbage, onion and potatoes, and fry for 15-20 minutes or until potatoes are tender and cabbage is golden. Turn off the heat and allow to cool for 5 minutes before adding the chilled stock. Generally, it’s best to allow the soup to cool completely before blending.

Puree the soup by transferring the mixture to a blender and pulsing till smooth. Return to the saucepan with the parsley, and bring to a simmer. Season and serve with cheese biscuits. page 40 | grapeshot magazine

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CREAMY PEA AND LETTUCE Prep Time 10 mins Cooking Time 10 mins Serves 4-6 Did you know that you can cook lettuce? Before it was modernised as a salad leaf, many medieval British recipes feature lettuce in soups and stews. Lettuce is another culprit that sadly wilts and gets thrown out before you know it. So whip this one up and reduce your wastage.

• • • •

ROASTED GARLIC AND TOMATO SOUP Prep Time 10 mins Cooking Time 30 mins Serves 4-6 It’s usually a bit tricky to get juicy fresh tomatoes this time of year, so we’re going to cheat with a bottle of tomato passata. Passata is an Italian cooking sauce made by pureeing blanched tomatoes. Look for an organic sauce and Australian garlic for the best results with this soup.

• • • • • • •

• • • • •

1 tbsp olive oil 4 cloves Australian garlic, peeled and finely chopped 1 large brown onion, peeled and finely diced 200g Butter lettuce (Oak or Cos work well too), finely chopped 200g frozen peas 500mL chilled chicken or vegetable stock 25g parsley, chopped Smoked salmon, to serve Sour cream, to serve

For the soup base, heat the oil in a medium saucepan over high heat. Add the garlic and onions, and brown. Then add the lettuce, peas, and salt and pepper to taste. Cook for 3-4 minutes and turn off the heat. Add the stock, and allow to cool. Throw in the parsley.

Puree the soup in a blender till the mixture is smooth.

Taste and adjust the seasoning, then serve with smoked salmon and sour cream.

1 pod Australian garlic 1 tbsp olive oil 1 large brown onion, finely diced 600mL passata 500mL chilled chicken or vegetable stock 25 fresh basil leaves, finely chopped 4 thyme sprigs, leaves removed

Roast the garlic by wrapping the whole pod in foil and baking in a 180ºC oven for 15-20 minutes until the cloves are tender. Allow to cool, then carefully squeeze the soft garlic out of the skins. Reserve.

Heat the oil in a large saucepan and fry the onions over a medium heat till softened. Transfer the onions to a blender with the garlic, passata, and stock. Blend till smooth. Return to the saucepan with the basil and half of the thyme leaves. Season, and serve sprinkled with pepper and thyme.

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grapeshot magazine | page 41

GRANDMA’S BAR Another out-of-the-way bar nestled on Clarence Street, located down a flight of stairs and behind a set of innocuous doors that lead the way into this rabbit hole. I moseyed on over and started on ‘The Royal Bermuda Yacht Club’, though its flavour was lost on me. I then opted for a ‘Made Man’, common sense having been wonderfully thrown out the window. The menu says “put it on your bucket list”, and I insist you have one now, after all, #YOLO. You may drink and wonder, ‘do I eat the cherry in my glass?’

Yes, always yes. If you don’t trust me, then you should trust the bartender who said he, too, partakes in eating the hallowed alcho-cherry, no matter the drink.

A cosy place that’s slightly flaky and all manners kitsch; like any good grandma home.

DISCO SYD BA

THE STEW WORDS | Alessandro Guarrera

This issue we were on the lookout for some of Sydney’s cool-as-cucumber bars. What we found were some slick watering holes that offered a quirky night out.

THE LOBO PLANTATION Hard to find but impossible to forget, 209 Clarence Street is nowhere near 208 or 210, but the moment you cross the threshold, your heart will pulse to the relaxed rhythms of The Lobo Plantation. Named after Julio Lobo, ‘The Sugar King of Havana’, what The Lobo Plantation lacks in white suits and Panama hats, it more than makes up for in sheer style. I ordered an ‘Old Grogram’. While watching the bartender tell me its ingredients, she set alight a stick of cinnamon to flavor my now smoking hot drink.

Flaming Moe, eat your heart out.

At seventeen dollars for most of their drinks, food for the peckish, wonderful staff and a friendly atmosphere, The Lobo is the place to be on a hard day’s night. page 42 | grapeshot magazine

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THE STEW #DiscoverSydney

THE FOXTROT

OVER NEY ARS

Apparently in Crow’s Nest, you’ll have to pull some serious detective work to find The Foxtrot; the signage is barely bigger than a business card. The Foxtrot is an intimate place with a more than slightly eclectic mesh of kitsch objects and hipster sensibilities. My first choice was “La Batanga”, a fine mix of Tequila and Cola, with a salted rim. Word to the wise, be careful on how you drink it. I took a mouthful of salt so harsh my face dissolved and is yet to be recovered from Crow’s Nest. However, don’t let that stop you.

Their Jam Jars are more expensive than the ‘bang for your buck’ menu, but they’re more than worth it. Have the ultra smooth and marvelously minty, ‘Stratford Upon-Avon Cooler’. Walk upstairs and relax in front of the frankly stunning mural.

Bring a friend or a date; don’t underestimate or waste the quiet intimacy that Foxtrot fosters.

#DiscoverSydney Got a fun place, activity or experience in Sydney to share? Tweet us your discoveries or Instagram photos, both @grapeshotmq to us with #DiscoverSydney and #grapeshot for a chance to win special prizes!

Visit online for more details.

THE BAXTER INN Tucked into what looks suspiciously like one of Clarence Street’s old loading docks, you’ll have to pass through an alley and down an industrial staircase to find The Baxter Inn. You’re more likely to run into its neighbours before your find their entrance. With an impressive range of drinks, The Baxter Inn has a low-lit and soothing atmosphere, suitable for hiding patrons who decide to eat the free pretzels by the handful… which I definitely didn’t do. The Baxter has rightfully earned a place on my go-to list. Have a Dalwhinne, neat, and enjoy the smooth smoky kick as it warms you from head to toe. Or talk to a stranger, gape at the awesome list of drinks (starting from $12-$13), and languor in the dark.

Preferably a place to bring company to, but so easy going by nature that it doesn’t matter either way. grapeshotmq.com.au

grapeshot magazine | page 43

REVIEWS Culture

MUSIC

GAMES

METAL GEAR SOLID V: GROUND ZEROES

“Kept you waiting, huh?” is the first line spoken by Snake and is rather ironic given that this game is designed to tide over Metal Gear enthusiasts until the next release later this year. While the most beautiful game yet to appear on the PS4, Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes feels like a demo. Skipping the series’ usual lengthy cutscenes and in depth plots, and instead favouring streamlined, tactical gameplay, and a campaign which can be completed in a matter of hours. It’s also important to note that it is much darker in nature than previous games, and contains explicit depictions that may be very distressing for some people. Overall, I find it quite difficult to recommend Ground Zeroes. Is it a decent enough prequel telling us what to expect from the next release? Yes. Is it worth the $50 price tag? Hell no.

Avery Phillips

INFAMOUS: SECOND SON

Eagerly anticipated since its announcement last year, PS4exclusive inFAMOUS Second Son truly delivers a next-gen experience. Set in a pseudodystopian Seattle, Second Son features gorgeous visuals and the addictive power-based combat gameplay that has made its predecessors so popular. Second Son isn’t without flaws though; the moral choices feel simplistic, and the plot is nowhere on-par with fellow Sony-exclusive, The Last of Us. However, the greatest appeal of the inFAMOUS series has always been their success in making players truly feel that they are in control of a superhero/villain; and in this, Second Son undeniably delivers.

Ben Nour

DIABLO 3: REAPER OF SOULS

This rerelease is all about bringing back the gothic vibes, whilst also following up on the solid gameplay experience of its last outing. The expansion pack both adds a new Act, which takes players to the fallen city of Westmarch, as well as bringing players a new playable class, the Crusader. Alongside the wealth of post-game content through the new Adventure Mode and Paragon systems, Reaper of Souls is well worth picking up.

THE NEW CLASSIC | IGGY AZALEA

The New Classic, Iggy Azalea’s highly anticipated debut studio album is an impressive release. While it might amaze you that this is her debut, the Australian hip-hop artist has slowly been building a name for herself over many years. The 23-year-old rapper, who occasionally sings on some of the tracks, has not disappointed with this new release. Azalea has maintained her usual rapping style, a strong American accent that she picked up during her time spent in the Southern Hip Hop scene with a presence similar to Angel Haze and reminiscent of Missy Elliot’s earlier work. Perhaps one of the standout tunes is the third single “Change Your Life” featuring Azalea’s mentor, rapper T.I. Her first single “Work” released in early 2013, gives the listener an interesting insight into Azalea’s early struggles. Her shocking and sometimes vulgar lyrics are sure to catch you off-guard, but listen out, and listen carefully to the tracks that don’t feature other artists. They are what Iggy Azalea is about.

Marie Claire Selim

SALAD DAYS | MAC DEMARCO

Mac’s back and his apathetic tunes are just as infectious as ever.

Shifting to a slightly more psychedelic sound on the album, Salad Days creates a refreshing atmosphere filled with slow-burner tunes infused with cheeky lyrics and twangy guitar riffs. Don’t let his image fool you. There is more to this gap-toothed hipster than meets the eye and Salad Days is a good place to start.

Sarah Basford

COMPETITION BOX:

Send an email to grapeshot@mq.edu.au telling us your embarasing moment, and the winner will receive a double adult pass to the IMAX Theatre.

Competition closes May 20.

Fergus Halliday

page 44 | grapeshot magazine

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FILMS

BOOKS

CAPTAIN AMERICA (2014)

One of the year’s most anticipated films, Captain America: The Winter Soldier is a must see for all of you action-lovers out there.

The car chases, explosions and fight scenes distract you from the predictable plot and lack of nudity on Chris Evan’s part . However, there is no denying that the film is a great addition to the Avengers’ franchise, especially with the addition of Falcon and Black Widow.

Make sure to wait through the credits, though! There is an exciting lead up to the next Avengers’ film due to be released next year.

Raelee Lancaster

VERONICA MARS (2014)

Marshmallows, you waited seven long years and let me tell you, IT WAS WORTH IT. After escaping for 10 years, Veronica Mars is pulled back into her home town, Neptune, to help her ex-lover Logan Echols, (insert fangirling squeals here), after he is accused of murdering his girlfriend and popstar, Bonnie Capistrano. Veronica soon discovers that this murder runs deep into the heart of Neptune and its rich, spoilt citizens, and it doesn’t take long for the drama to unfold from there.

Including all of the characters you love (and those you love to hate), Veronica Mars is an absolute must-see!

Josie Clark Wroe

NOAH (2014) The soldier that sends a circle of flames spiraling around him in the trailer should have been a warning that Noah was not as it seemed. Though connected to the original Biblical plot, filmmaker Darren Aronofsky presents a fantasy world before the flood.

The film succeeds with its artistic visuals and animation, as well as believable acting from the cast.

Unfortunately, the inclusion of “The Watchers”, giant rock beings that help Noah in his duties, constantly reminded this viewer of the Transformers series. Still, the $125 billion animations make the film worth watching in 3D.

Brendon D’Souza

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THE STRANGE AND BEAUTIFUL SORROWS OF AVA LAVENDER

In an intricately woven tale about a girl with wings, The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender explores the multitude of scars that love’s victims bear. The lyrical details of a family with pain etched into their bloodline blends seamlessly with magical realism and overtly dark tones, making it echo an authenticity that can’t be faked. From the start, the story captures your attention and immerses you into a vibrant and fully-fledged universe where anything can and will happen. Despite its title, the book focuses not just on Ava, a teenager born with wings, but on three generations of women that precede her, all with beautifully genuine and heart-wrenching lives. Grounded in this richly painted background, Ava’s life deals with all forms of love and the effects that it can have on people. This book was a wonderful read that had me smiling and crying in even amounts, that immortalised the realities and dangers of living, and that echoed with the grim fantasy that original fairy tales were built with.

Rabeah Zafrullah

FANGIRL

As a self-proclaimed “fangirl” myself, it was quite easy to relate to Rainbow Rowell’s novel. Set at the University of Nebraska, Fangirl accurately encapsulates the emotions of an ordinary “freshman”.

The novel’s protagonist, Cath, finds it difficult to adjust to university life when her twin sister and roommate hit it off right away, leaving Cath feeling left out. This is a great novel for all of you fangirls out there and for fans of Rowell’s work. You won’t be disappointed.

Raelee Lancaster

BOY, SNOW, BIRD In a story that combines reality with sparks of fantasy, Boy Novak leaves her abusive father and makes a home for herself in Massachusetts.

After finding herself cast as the evil step-mother to Snow Whitman, she comes to the unsettling realisation that her husband and Snow are both fair skinned African-Americans, while her own daughter is born dark. Filled with plot-twists and references to fairy tales, Boy, Snow, Bird examines racial identity and discrimination, as well as the psychological conflicts between the main three characters.

Rabeah Zafrullah

grapeshot magazine | page 45

 CROSSWORD Rabeah Zafrullah

 HOROSCOPES WORDS | Claire Catacouzinos

AQUARIUS Run dear friend, run! Zeus is after you like Ganymede’s!

PISCES Fishy sirens, ay? Well, I have a Triton like Poseidon, that will scare them.

ARIES Hello Mister, check out those muscles like Ares. Be careful when you flex!

TAURUS Dude, did you turn yourself into a bull to get a girl like Zeus? That’s lame man, even for you.

GEMINI High five your twin today. You’re

twinning like Artemis and Apollo, and Romulus and Remus!

CANCER You’re a crab, don’t deny it. That’s why Hercules hunted you down, to eat you!

LEO You think you’re sexy, hanging on

Hercules’s body like a pussy-cat coat. Just remember that you’re dead.

VIRGO Stop stuffing your face with apples and stop weighing them on scales. It’s embarrassing.

Across

1. Back to the Future’s time travelling automobile 6. Parisian museum, house of Mona Lisa 9. North Atlantic Treaty Organisation 10. Make known to others 11. Slang to show love 12. Female server at a pub 14. By yourself, Forever _ 15. Public Relations 16. The catcher is usually in this type of grass 19. _, far, wherever you are 21. V for _ 23. Electrical wires of the body 26. Highest mountain 28. Make an effort 30. Ice Ice baby, anything less than the best is a _ 32. America’s intelligence agency 34. Using money carefully 37. Anime/manga about an orange ninja 38. Watery place where ships are moored 39. Where you can find secrets, snakes and Tom Riddle.

page 46 | grapeshot magazine

Down

1. Fourth wheel of the three musketeers 2. Wingardium 3. He’s grim and here for your soul 4. Indefinite article used before words beginning with vowels 5. Relating to military on the sea 6. Used to weave cloth 7. Not valid or legally binding 8. Depressed donkey with a pink bow 13. Become visible, come into sight 17. Lady of heaven 18. Information Technology 20. Italian filled pasta 22. _+ctrl+delete 24. Part of the tiger that Survivor sang about 25. Home of pigs 26. Charlotte Bronte’s character, Jane _ 27. Fail to resist temptation/pressure 19. Great courage in the face of danger, prerequisite for being a knight 30. Mean girls: stop trying to make it happen 31. A play for theatre, radio or television; genre 35. Royal Australian Regiment 36. Backwards and forwards, to and _

LIBRA My dear, you think you have scorpion

claws to nip at your partner’s buttocks. Give up.

Take Virgo’s apples away already!

SCORPIO Mate, I tried to warn Libra about

stealing your claws. Warn her about what you did to Orion.

SAGITTARIUS Hail the Centaur! Tell the girls how you comb your mane and tail, they’re dying to know.

CAPRICORN Zeus broke your horn after

suckling from your goat bosoms, what can I say?

He was needed for the greater good of mankind.

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MACQUARIE UNIVERSITY

AMAZING RACE Grab your friends and race across campus to be crowned the winner of the inaugural Amazing Race at Macquarie University!

Thursday 8 May 2014 Starting time: 2pm at The Campus Hub Building Awards presentation: 5pm on the Lakeside Lawn outside The Campus Hub Building For more information and to register online visit the website

#MQAMAZINGRACE SPORT ON CAMPUS

Macquarie University Sport & Aquatic Centre, Gymnasium Road, North Ryde, NSW 2109

T 02 9850 1180 E socialsport@mq.edu.au WWW.CAMPUSLIFE.MQ.EDU.AU/AMAZINGRACE facebook.com/mqusport instagram.com/@mqusport

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