JEN
MAY ISSUE
I H INTERNATIONAL HOUSE
THE MEANING OF JEN & KANYANA
JEN (RÉN) “To be honest, I had no idea what Jen and Kanyana meant when I was named as the convenor for them. I only know that Jen is a regular newspaper published in IH throughout the year and Kanyana is a yearbook published at the end of each year. The deeper meaning and the history of those two names remains a mystery to me and I was very keen to find out. Over the months, I have tried to understand more about their meanings and from where these words have derived.
THE MEANING OF JEN
THE MEANING OF KANYANA
Jen is originally derived from the Mandarin word Rén
The word “Kanyana” is an Aboriginal word
(仁). Rén is a core concept in the Confucian
meaning gathering place and it is in our
philosophy and it is a quality that one should achieve
"gathering place" in Brisbane where we, people
in order to become an ideal, perfect human being.
from all over the world, meet, learn, and attempt
There is no one single formulated definition of Rén.
to understand one another. (Extracted from IH
Rén can refer to one’s inner development (the
Kanyana 1991 by Emma Kerslake)
virtue). It does not refer to any specific type of virtue. Instead, it is a moral excellence which includes, but is not limited to, courtesy, generosity, faithfulness, morality, wisdom, honesty, and justice. Rén also refers to how we should treat others. It can be regarded
as
benevolence,
respect,
kindness,
sympathy, humanity and altruism. The etymology of the word rén (仁) is ‘man’ (人; the left-hand part) and ‘two’ (二; the right-hand part). It suggests that Rén brings people closer together, establishing the ideal relationship.
WHEN WAS JEN FOUNDED? Jen was founded by an IH resident named Peter Janssen in 1980 and he was also the President of IH in that same year. Special thanks for the help from my fellow Housies Chan Hoi Ching and Myee Connors who helped me explain the meanings of these two words respectively.
-Sully Bholat 2
INTER-TOWER PARTY
Hey err 'body! Two weeks ago an epic in-house party took place that was nothing short of magical. We kicked off the evening with sick beats courtesy of DJ Debbie and in all our years at IH (2) we have never seen so many sweet, sweet booties shaking it on the dance floor. The theme was ‘Towers’ and every partygoer’s goal was simple: prove that your tower is the best doughnut-grabbing, drink-sinking, catwalk-parading, bubblegum-blowing, snazziest-dressed of all 11 towers. It was an awesome turn-out and we were absolutely blown away by everyone’s costumes and effort. The Student Club members were hands-on setting up and manning the bar (love ya) and our Red Frog team brought their A game (and a chocolate fountain, not even kidding). Shout-out to I Tower for claiming the Best Dressed title - George Birchford as ‘Idaho’ and Harry Lawrence as Ice King. Also, Marco for dipping his face in a bowl of cream, and Fresher Fetch for doing something useful with your mouth for once in the dangling doughnut game. It was a valiant effort by all but C Tower came out victorious and took home the ‘Party Tower’ medal, which now proudly hangs in C Common. Second place I Tower, third was G. So close… Ready your attires and livers for our next event, Carnivale! Coming soon (6 June 2k15)
- Your Socials, Amber and Den 3
CAUGHT ON CAMERA
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INTERNATIONAL HOUSE A-Z Alumni – We love to keep in touch with our past-residents. Give the office your contact details when you leave, Laura in the office and Cheryl our BOM rep will keep us all updated on any current resident/alumni events. Keep an eye out for transformation Tuesday to go back in time to the old IH dayzz.
Basketball Court – Down in the bottom car park is an asphalted half-court used for basketball and volleyball. Feel free to go and play. Ask either Louis or Tilly our 2015 Sport Conveners to borrow a ball or any sports equipment from the Sports Storeroom. Bert Martin – Founder of IH, after whom the dining room was named (see H for history) Ball – It’s time for all residents to get spruced up for IH’s annual ball, held this year on Saturday the 29th of August. Bandfest – A battle of the bands between the colleges at UQ, held in May. It is organized by IH and is our second biggest event of the year. Participation and final results contributes points towards the ICC Cultural Cup. Everyone is encouraged to get involved and lend a hand in the organizing, promoting and running of Bandfest. For further information contact Peter Van Roki, this year’s Bandfest Convener, or your two Cultural conveners, Ciara & Jakob. Bara Khana – See F is for Formal Dinner Blast Hour – The time between 5:30 – 7:00pm are the hours in which you can enlist your subwoofers to blast your music a little louder. BOM – The Board of Management are the big Movers and Shakers of college, making the big decisions that affect us all. Student Club has two Representatives on the BOM, one being our Student Club President Nicholas and the other our elected B.O.M. Mchicawowwow Representative, Cheryl. Car Park – Located at the bottom of the college, please see the Office if you would like to apply for access to long term parking spaces. Please remember that you will be towed (at vast expense) from the 15 minute parking zone outside the office between 8am and 4:30pm, Monday to Friday… so don’t park there. Col: The Maintenance (aka Handy) Man – If something is broken he can fix it. Just fill out the maintenance book in the office. Bribes will be looked upon favourably. Caramel Slice – OMG; Keep an eye out for the AMAZING Caramel slice, only on the menu once every 4 weeks
Dining Hall – Also called Martin Hall (see H for History). Cutlery and crockery should not leave the Dining Hall; Shoes must always be worn in the Dining Hall, and please clean up after yourself. Remember to bring your Grey Food Fob to Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner to be served. Any food enquires or concerns please see our Food convener, Van Bui.
Drugs – If it’s illegal, don’t bring it to college – or you get kicked out. It really is that simple.
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Exams – To complete your course of study, you will probably need to sit exams at some time. During exam period I-HOUSE and the Dining Hall become study spaces. Morning Tea is usually served to keep up our energy levels, and more emphasis is placed on quiet (blast hour is cancelled). If you’re lucky enough to finish early, please be mindful of other students who, as well as wanting to kill you out of jealousy, still need to study. IH also books study rooms on campus and will notify you of the rooms during exams. Fire Alarms – Any smoke, and occasionally the steam from a shower, will set off the smoke alarms in your room or other Buildings around IH. Please listen for instructions given over the PA System if a Fire Alarm goes off. Note that if you are found to be responsible for setting off a Fire Alarm, the office may bill you for the $1500.00 it has to pay the Fire Department. Floods – IH is very flood prone, in January 2011 the water came as high as Ivor Cribb and forced the college to close for 6 months. As far as we’re concerned the floods can flood off. Fun – Coming to college should be one of the best experiences you’ll ever have. If there is anything that we, the IHSC, could do to improve your time here, let us know. Formal Dinner – Formal Dinner, or ‘Bara Khana’, takes place in the Dining Hall once a month. All Residents should attend, as it is a sit-down meal with nicer than ordinary food. Dress code is formal and drinks are served on I-Plaza beforehand. Games Room – Underneath G Tower is the Games Room, with table-tennis and pool tables, as well as foosball and X-Box. The room has been recently refurbished so please look after it and the equipment. Please try to keep it clean and tidy. If games room is continuously mistreated we will take away this entertainment soz. Gary – Head Chef in the kitchen, Gary is from the UK and enjoys running and cycling when he isn’t preparing our delicious meals. Goon – Nasty cask wine bought in cardboard boxes. Easy on the wallet, hard on the liver :P
History – No record of life at IH would be complete without a mention of our proud history. Planning for the college commenced in 1955 when Rotarian Bert Martin took on the responsibility of raising funds to establish International House Brisbane. When International House Brisbane opened in 1965, the college accommodated 50 men. In 1969 a new tower provided accommodation for 53 women. In 1991 the ratio of men to women changed to 1:1. The college has always had a policy that ensures that half of the residents are Australian and half are International. The number of residents increased in 1998 to 220 and again in 2000 to just over 240 residents. Mr Ivor Cribb was the first Warden of International House Brisbane. (The position of Warden is now called Director). He continued in this role until his retirement in December 1986. The Function Room below the Dining Hall, which houses the Honor Board of IH Directors and IHSC Presidents as well as various IH Memorabilia, is named Ivor Cribb in his honour. Mr Bert Martin became the foundation president of the International House (Brisbane) Council in 1965. He continued as president and chairman of the Board of Governors until 20 May 1986. The Dining Hall is named Martin Hall in his honor.
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Indooroopilly – The nearest major shopping Centre, with over 250 stores on 3 levels and a major cinema. Catch bus 427 or 428 to get there. Ivor Cribb – The first Warden (Director) of IH, he is the namesake of the hall under the Dining Hall (see H for History). Job- It is the JOB of EVERYONE to make sure we live together in a CLEAN and SAFE environment. Please care for the college because the college loves you. Keys – Locked out? During office hours, go to the office and they will give you a temporary replacement. Outside office hours, call the SR on duty, and they will let you into your room. Your keys also let you through certain doors, such as the computer room, Ivor Cribb and Games room. Late Meals – If you are going to miss a lunch or a dinner, complete the “Late Meals” form found online and a meal will be prepared and stored in the fridge in the side kitchen to pick up. Love: We love everyone at International show some love and say hello to everyone as you pass.
House,
so
Medical Centre – Located on the other side of Campus near UQ Sports Gym, a fully staffed surgery is available. They offer competitive rates and bulk bill (good for us poor students!). See them especially when you need a medical certificate for an extension on an assignment. The office can help make an appointment. UQ security will collect you if needed. Noise – KEEP IT DOWN! Noise travels very well around the college, your taste in music may not be shared by your neighbours. Keep loud conversations and intimate noises to a low. Please be aware of this, particularly where people may be studying or after 11 when people need to sleep! During Dinner at 5:30-6:30pm is the unofficial ‘Blast Hour’ where speakers may be cranked up (though not to the point of absolute stupidity). Office – Open 8:30am – 4:30pm on weekdays. All administrative business should be directed there. Whatever else you need, from a safety pin to a word of advice, drop in. Pirates – The IH mascot. Much like our piratical emblem, Housies come from all walks of life and all corners of the globe, united by Brotherhood and a love of drink. Arrrggggghhh me Housies!!!! Possums – The common bushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecular) is a noctural and omnivorous marsuipial. They’re also extra residents in every tower. They are known to have achieved human-like intelligence, tricking the resident into leaving rubbish bins (or trash cans) open so as to allow them to forage for food in the garbage. Leaving open windows unattended is not recommended for those with trees outside their rooms. Queensland – Welcome to the Sunshine State of Australia. The landscape is undeniably among the most beautiful on Earth, and ranges from beaches to deserts, reef to rainforest. R.E. – The University student’s pub. At Toowong, the Royal Exchange or R.E. is the place to be when you don’t have class the next day. With a great atmosphere and moderately priced drinks, it is not a bad place to forget the studying and remember the drinking.
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Red Room – The pub on campus at UQ, owned and operated by the UQ Student Union, which is frequently visited by UQ Students, particularly after (or sometimes before) their last exam. Has a chilled vibe for all. Rotary – The Rotary has been a great source of support (particularly financial support) for many of our IHSC events. We love the Rotary <3 Soiree – A traditional event held at IH is so extraordinary it takes six months of planning, a committee of 20 and a budget too big to even put on paper. Get involved in the old tradition of being a flag man and flag woman. Bring your family along to this wonderful day. Senior Residents (SR’s) – These are paid residents employees of International House, who are essentially the after-hours agents of the office. They are also involved in the pastoral care of the students in the tower they supervise. They all have First-Aid certificates and have completed a week’s worth of training under the watchful eyes of the Good Doctor Tromans and deputy director Yohan Nair. They are chosen for their responsible attitude towards college and hard work to ensure your interests are best served. They are available outside office hours on weekends and weekdays. Just dial 9 from your room or the phone outside the office. They are even available in the wee hours of the morning, but may (deservedly) be cranky about it. Social Activities – Many great social events are organized around college by the Social Convenors (Josef “Den” & Amber). These include IH Ball, Carnivale, Ladies and Gents, In house parties and our fabulous Thursday night exchanges. Ask them about any upcoming events. Sports Activities –While we may not seem to win every sport, we are in fact winning in our pride and dedication to each other. Seriously, International House sport is about participation and having a go at something new. IH Sport is a great way to meet new people, get fit, and show some IH spirit. Spectating is also another winning point for us, it makes it so much more enjoyable when we have a crowd. The sports conveners put in so much effort to ensure you all have fun and are rewarded/acknowledged for your participation and teamwork. Switch Party – The end of the year party, with the theme of, well, SWITCH! All the guys dress as gals and vice-versa, resulting in some stunning lady men and spunky manly ladies…. Idk.. It’s a hilarious night! Shop – SHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOP OOOOOOOOOOO – PPPPPPEEEEEEEENNNNNNNNNNN! This call at 9:30pm most nights is music to a hungry student’s ears. Shop is located under G Tower in the Games Room and stocks everything a poor and famished resident could want.
Theft – DON’T STEAL FROM ANYONE, IT’S NOT FUNNY. Turkey – Love them or hate them, the freakish birds with the shrivelled heads and a penchant for digging without apparent reason will soon become a constant part of your college life. Anyone with a rebellious streak can only admire their awesome ‘stick it to the man’ attitude as they mercilessly destroy every garden in the Uni. Never underestimate the Mighty Turkey Fury. A protected species like the possums –don’t touch!
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UQ, Uni, The University of Queensland – You’re in it! The place where we live and some of us (supposedly) study.
Ville, The – Hawken Village Shops, St Lucia’s shopping complex, located a short walk away on Hawken Drive. Home to Subway, IGA and a great selection of restaurants for a quiet night out. Also a brilliant source of procrastination; a good half-hour can be spent meeting your urgent need for Red Bull in the middle of exam week (if you walk slow enough). IGA is currently open until midnight every night of the week.
Wake up calls – Do you remember the wake up calls in O week ….. ;)
X – X marks the spot to the treasures found in IH (we are pirate themed idk)
Yellow and Black – IH colours. Display them proudly at sporting and cultural events. Remember that time someone painted their whole face yellow and black. That was nice
Yohan – the deputy director of IH, he is here to help with any academic issues you might have. Ask for him in the office or email deputydirector@inthouse.uq.edu.au. Yohan and his wife life have 2 boys, Noah and Eli, who you may see from time to time around college. Year- This is the 50th year of IH and we are so lucky to be apart of this amazing community. Remember to save up your pennies for the massive 50th weekend on the 29th and 30th August.
Zebras – Black-and-white striped enquiries native to the African Savannah. Surprisingly, these magnificent creatures and not found anywhere in the vicinity of IH, but they remain cool nonetheless. I ran out of ideas at the end of the list. So sue me.
Love from your 2015 Secretary
Taylah Cartmel Xoxox 10
BANDFEST 2015
Bandfest this year turned out to be a wonderful
While the storm may have drenched our clothes
disaster. The thunder & rain came rolling in but
and shoes, it certainly did not dampen the
we were fortunate enough to know an amazing
excitement
Ex-Housie Morgan Robert working at Red Room
enthusiasm in the Red Room was undeniable as
who welcomed us in. A big thank-you to all the
supporters flock in to cheer on their fellow college
volunteers & all the Housies that attended.
band. Of course, rock anthems “Don’t stop me
Although this year was a bit different, the whole
now” by Queen and “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers
team was deeply glad to take on our exciting new
have got us all jumping on our feet. Our very own
addition, the Charity Sideshow. Attendees from
IH’s Hot Singles in Your Area rocked the whole
across the colleges were so mesmerised by the
house with hits after hits, and even their own
new addition, I doubt we'll be able to host
original song “Thursday Night Blues”, which a lot
Bandfest next year without it. I really encourage
of Housies can definitely relate to. But the fun
each & every one of you returning next year to
didn’t just stop with the good music as who could
consider running for 2016's Bandfest Convenors.
say no to the lovely bakings and lollies, along with
Contributing to such an amazing event truly is a
the games station and even a fortune telling stall!
joy & although it comes with a bunch of things to
Bandfest 2015 promised an awesome night of fun,
do, with a good plan and a diligent team, every
and of course, none of it would have happened
aspect of event management can become a part
without the tremendous work that Peter, Rachel
of one big, fantastic, Housie memory
and all the volunteers had put in.
- Rachel Edwards (Bandfest Committee Member)
for
IH’s
annual
Bandfest.
- Shelley Lin (Audience Member)11
The
IH CHESS TEAM
This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s chess team sported a resilience like no other. With lightning-fast reflexes, an uncanny ability to outwit the opposition and an oh-so-strong pawn game, they proved to be feared competitors in ICC Chess. Momentous triumphs against Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and Duchesne validated just how great our team was. Getting through to the quarter finals was the result of their countless training sessions and natural-born talent. Special thanks to Chin Han, Owen Evans, Sully Bholat, Tom Hooper and Jaskireth Singh as well as Jeremy Nak who filled in for us and actually proved to be pretty good (hehe). Thanks guys for stepping up to the plate this year and representing IH. There aint no ROOKies in our chess team #justchesspuns.
- Your Cultural King 12
IH DEBATE TEAM
Three weeks into the semester, auditions were held for this year’s debate team, and many talented Housies came down to the Ivor Cribb Room and impressed with their oratory abilities. After much deliberation, it was decided that the team would consist of debate veterans Nikki Hawkins and Ben Kurzman, and welcome Harry Moseley and Lucy Hammond. Supporting them were Umer Chowdhury and Hamish Adams, the substitutes who came through for the team on many occasions. Starting strong both home and away, the team took down Women’s College and St John’s in the first two weeks, qualifying IH for the quarter finals. However, like Icarus flying too close to the sun, such greatness could not be sustained, and Women’s College beat us by a one point margin for a spot to qualify for the semifinals. Regardless, each debater displayed incredible growth over the weeks, and can now take a well-deserved break with the knowledge that they did their college proud.
- Your Cultural Queen
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CROSS CULTURAL REVIEW
Starting off the year with a wonderful exploration into the fabulous wonders of the Indigenous Australians, Myee Connors and her team brought together a wonderful overview of Indigenous culture and history that fascinated the minds of even the most seasoned historians. On top of that, many Housies had their first chance to taste the meats of the Kangaroo and Crocodile – what an experience! From walls (and people) covered with sticky dots to understanding the hidden darkness in David Lynch’s exhibition, the Gallery of Modern Art heightened all of our Housies’ art senses. With a free lunch (by coincidence) that, well, left us full – it was a wonderful experience of arts, culture and bloated stomachs. Continuing on, Easter has traditionally been a day of gifting and eating a lot of chocolate. With our IH liaison team working hard to contact the Easter Bunnies, we finally managed to get them to visit. With their visit, they left many wonderful gifts of joy and round objects that taste wonderfully amazing. Assignments, tests and IH events – the road ahead before Mid Semesters just seems never ending. Many has said, it was time for a break and I couldn’t agree more. Chocolates, lollies, ice cream and MORE ice cream it was time to drop those books and start EATING. Just a note, many left the room with a few more grams than when they entered. Nothing is more deadly than that sushi spinner, one wrong step and you were gone … Tomo and co. brought together a night full of enriched Japanese activities and culture that left Housies amazed. Try picking noodles from a slide, or shooting down objects with nothing more than rubber band. In the end, we were all brought together by this dance that, well, we shoveled. On behalf of myself I would like to thank all the event organisers for their wonderful coordination and creativity in bringing such wonderful activities to their fellow Housies. I would also like to thank all Housies that participated in these culturally-enriching events. Note: There are many more stomach-filling events to come!
- XXXX Cultural :D 14
HUMANS OF IH Humans of IH” is an idea based off of “Humans of New York”, a project which interviews people off the street to get an idea of exactly who someone is, where they come from, or what makes them tick. We are bringing it to IH and have found these hidden gems within our midst.
Myee Connors
Sun Yi
Col Blumhardt
“My nephew is 7 and is a
“The most important thing in life is
“I've had a lot of jobs, and one of
miniature version of me which is
not to think positively. It's to smile
them was fruit picking. We'd
great because we have the best
even though you see all the dark
come in from picking cherries on
time when we're together"
side of life and choose to be
a cool frosty morning and they'd
happy“
have a tractor come around to pick us up. On the back of the cart there'd be a huge canister. There'd be a bonfire there to warm us up on our way back.”
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GOLDEN GOSSIP I sing, he plays guitar. We are perfect for each other.
They TOTOkyo Drifted into a relationship, Fast & Furious
WHY, WHY did you choose British?
Batman’s partner has been going to the flower town
Hey G, even “I” can hear you.
When you get kicked out of ACE, you’re just taking thugging to another level #thuglife
Do you need to go somewhere? I heard a postgrad who’s fond of iPhone covers may be willing to help with transportation ;) ;)
The master of TOUCH secretly tries to be Spiderman at night
20 can be a weird age when some are like a generation older than you. Careful next time, lad.
Bowl cuts sometimes don’t end up well. Luckily, there’s a Housie who can fix it. SRiously.
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