EDITORS Bridgette Glover Alana Young
ASSISTANT EDITORS John Shirley Sarah Owens
COVER ART
Photography by John Shirley and Sarah Owen Featuring Nucleus mascots, Panda and Alien.
Contents Volume 2, Issue 9, December 2014 3 - Editorial 4 - Assistant’s Editorial 5 - UNESA President’s Report 6 - News 8 - A Quick Chat with UNE’s New Chancellor 9 - Enactus
BACK COVER ART
10 - UNE Student Research in Bhutan
CONTRIBUTORS
14 - SSAF Wrap-Up
Photography by Sarah Owen
David Mailler Enactus Lindsey Frost Tim Rhodes Cornelia Brem Helen Taylor Skills Trade Society phUNE GSMA Will Rains Sarah Bowers Tori Cochrane Yvonne Kafoa #throwback: Matthew Ryan #throwback: Helen Taylor #throwback: Ashley Pianca
13 - MOVIE REVIEW: Mockingjay - Part 1
18 - #throwback: 2014 Budget 20 - #throwback: MTFT 22 - #throwback: Recipe 23 - Assistant Editorial Job Advertisement!
IN-OFFICE COFFEE COUNT Oh, thousands
CONTACT US
Visit www.nucleus.org.au Or write to us at editors@nucleus.org.au Come and see us at TuneFM! We’re always happy to get new writers and artists on board, so send us an email for more information, or send us some of your work if you have it ready! We look forward to hearing from you!
DISCLAIMER The opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of the staff of Nucleus or UNESA. If you have an issue with an 2
item published in the paper, write a letter and we will be glad to print it. All contributions must include name and contact details. Ensure that all contributions contain nothing that may be considered sexist, racist, discriminatory, violence provoking, or plagiarised. We assume our readers can tolerate a degree of satire and the odd swear word, but anything containing unnecessary profanity will not be published. Publication is always at the discretion of the editors. All content is published under the Creative Commons By 3.0 license. Refer to website for license information.
EDITORIAL W
hat the fuck? It’s December already? That can’t be right. This year has been amazing, for us as student editors, but also for UNE. We applied for the job for various reasons, but mostly it was to get experience. Mission accomplished. 2014 really didn’t hold back. We saw a lot, and tried to cover all of it as best we could. We spoke to a lot of people, we listened, we received stories, we wrote our own, and somehow something was produced nine times. We haven’t been able to please everyone, we’re very aware of that. A certain Facebook conversation was a real eye opener. But we’re ok with that. We know that a lot of people really love this paper. And we totally don’t blame them. Nucleus is the shit. UNE is full of really engaging minds who have opinions and stories to tell, and Nucleus gives them a voice to do so. If you’re going to be studying next year, my Christmas wish is that you become a part of the team and contribute. It’s so easy, and the new Editors are incredible people. John Shirley is 2015’s Editor in Chief, and Sarah Owen will be Assistant Editor in charge of design. They’re going to take Nucleus by storm and make it into a really strong paper, which is the great thing about this job – you’re given the opportunity to make something that’s so important even better. This edition’s theme is #throwback, giving us the opportunity to look back at the awesome year that was 2014. We started with our O-week issue, and have since learned so much – including the beauty of just a normal, white background on a page. Not sure what we were thinking back in Feb, but it’s ok, we learn from our mistakes. Another invaluable lesson: If there is a panda suit in the room, use it.
2015 Editors, John and Sarah. Thanks for being so patient as we were trying to get things ready for you. You’re both super cool and pretty, and we know you’ll rock it. Jessie Kelley, our Co-Editor until May. You taught us a lot in those early days, including one invaluable Finnish saying that came in handy during those tough times. Vittujen kevat ja kyrpien takatalvi! Translation: The spring of cunts and the late winter of dicks! That phrase is the gift that just keeps giving. David Mailler. Nucleus is your baby, and we know that sometimes it was probably a little scary not knowing what each issue was going to bring, but we thank you a million times for supporting us no matter what. Also, a shout out to UNESA for loving Nucleus, and letting us do our thing. Tania Court. You know why. You’re just the best. You are our blue-haired, V-drinking guardian angel. Evans Printers. For still loving us when we stuffed up your printing schedules, pretty much every month. Especially you Lenny babe, love your face. Thank you and Merry Christmas! Love, Bridgette and Alana.
This year we saw a new college being built, a new Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor begin at UNE, a surprisingly powerful protest, the consequences of trimesters and SSAF being abolished for externals, the establishment of a Women’s Space, and a budget. So many other incredible stories were told too, and these were even more important. Stories from average UNE students that made us laugh and cry and turn the page a little more enlightened. On this note, we have a few people to thank: First and foremost, to our contributors of 2014. Nucleus wouldn’t exist without all of you. Like, for serious. By writing or sending in your photos or giving us a statement for an article, you all put yourselves on the line, and we really appreciate it. 2013 Editors, Stu Horsfield and Sarita Perston. You handed this over to three strangers who constantly looked at you with blank faces. Needless to say, it was tough and we are grateful for your support. 3
Meet the Nucleus team for 2015! John
I know people react in different ways, but when I got the job here at Nucleus … I screamed like a little girl. I’m not ashamed to admit it, I’m excited. I’m just about to start my second year of a Bachelor of Languages and I am a closet nerd trapped in a sport obsessed body. Kind of like a weird Babushka action figure (cause dolls are for girls…). I enjoy getting lost in a good story, running, playing sports, and pretty much everything sci-fi. #whovian.
With so much set to happen on campus this year, I’m pretty sure I’ll become a weapon of mass consumption. Coffee style. Having said that, I’m looking forward to the fun times and challenges coming in the next year.
Sarah
Greetings world! It is with much excited anticipation I sit here and write this. A feeling I have had since I received that glorious, most beautiful email time stamped in black and white. Those few short lines proclaiming that yes, indeed I was to become an assistant editor for Nucleus. For me just finishing my second year of a Bachelor of Theatre and Performance (yes I’m one of those theatre kids) it’s perfection. Perhaps more importantly than my degree or star sign (which is Aries by the way), I’m a bit of a Trekkie (no I don’t have the costumes), a Dwarfer (boys from the dwarf amirite!) and a staunch supporter of team Marvel!
This is probably giving away too much.
editorial
We’re really excited to be onboard with Nucleus for 2015. It’s going to be such an exhilarating time! We couldn’t rightly take over without giving our sincerest thanks to Alana and Bridgette for all the effort they’ve put in this year, and also for graciously agreeing to guide us while we take our first steps as editors. We’d also like to thank Tania Court for taking us on and offering her continued support through the, most likely, caffeine fuelled deadlines. Lastly, we’d also like to thank all of the exceptional people that have contributed over the last year. Nucleus would not have been the same without all of you and we’re looking forward to hearing from you soon. The coming year promises to be full of amazing opportunities and events, and as your new editors we will endeavour to cover everything that is happening on campus. To this end, we will be looking for another Assistant Editor, hailing from the colleges to aid us in amplifying the voice of the oncampus community. Our location is one of the big changes in the coming year. Gone are the days of the darkened, checkerboard room with nothing but studio lighting and hairdresser sinks to keep us occupied. Bring on the bright, music filled future! That’s right, we’ve moved to the Student Media Hub, or as you guys know it, Tune!FM. Nucleus is for the students, by the students, so drop by and give us your opinions over a cup of tea or coffee anytime. P.S. Hi Mindy! 4
Is the answer blowing in the wind, or is UNE smarter than that?
T
he last few months have been a blur for me. Family, study, students association and community commitments have piled up like a huge mountain of debris after a tornado and the Christmas holiday period is on us yet again. Time marches on and waits for no one.
UNESA has had a big year and I will to especially thank the board and UNESA staff for their support and understanding over the past year. UNESA is in strong position with good membership and student support for its activities. The tenuous and difficult start for a new organisation is starting to show dividends with the strength of the diversity and collegiality and the dogged commitment of the board to representation and advocacy, UNESA now counts over 6000 members. Last month I wrote about this university’s desperate need for moral and ethical vision and leadership that is worthy of our past, present and future students, and something that has seemingly been missing. Those students can be the greatest advocates for this institution although it is how they can be mobilised without clear vision and leadership. It is hard to see and live the vision of UNE if it is buried in a paragraph halfway down the page. As I pointed out last month senior management must show courage to stop the spiralling down of this institution, with title (and the ‘big bucks’) comes the responsibility of leadership. The university is shortly embarking on its next five year strategic plan. This is an opportunity to restore UNE’s reputation and inspire a new generation of leaders, those key stakeholders with the most interest in the reputation of this institution, the students. The timing is right to recognise the important social enterprise of UNE and change our stars through inspired leadership. As I reflect on the UNE year I have to say the year is ending better than it started. Annabelle Duncan being appointed Vice Chancellor was a highlight, although the Chancellor John Watkins resignation put a dampener on the party. That said, there is still a seedy, dismissive culture that endures with a significant communication gap between students and management. I have personally witnessed shoot the messenger on more than one occasion and it is disconcerting. I note that in the important announcement of the appointment of a staff, changes to tertiary offerings, funding and amenity services are not deem important enough to include in notices to students. Students are the purpose of UNE and deserving of the respect of being listened to. It is my hope that we as a university do not repeat the mistakes of previous years and comes back in 2015 refreshed and considerate of the inspired confidence that comes from trust, respect and leadership. That Senior Management have a respect and an understanding of the vested interest that students have for the reputation and success of UNE. Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. -David Mailler, UNESA President -- December Report
5
UNE Medical Centre is Moving By Bridgette Glover The University of New England Medical Centre will no longer be located on campus from the 19th of January, 2015. The Medical Centre will instead be located below the Tablelands Clinical School in Butler Street.
Alison Sheridan, Acting Pro Vice-Chancellor
created? Certainly the deregulation of university
(Academic) said the decision was made because the
fees would aid him in his quest, however; with the
current Medical Centre was no longer sufficient in
possibility of $100,000 degrees looming just around
providing quality care to students.
the corner, how many people are going to voluntarily
Moving to the new facility will solve numerous problems, according to Sheridan. The lack of disabled access, as well as the general structural issues with the
sign up for that life of debt? And of those who do, how will they gain enough leverage to buy a car, or house, or even start a family?
house-converted centre was of constant complaint.
Mr Pyne went on to say: “…a university degree is
Sheridan also stated that in this new facility there will
the key to the highest incomes, the best health, the
be more consultation rooms, hopefully allowing for
longest life expectancy; the lowest unemployment
less waiting time.
rates.”*
“Bulk billing remains to be a promise to students
So what Mr Pyne has, in effect, said is that in
in the new facility, and we hope to offer consistent
order to make our universities more competitive
care. This move does not mean the medical care will
internationally, he is going to make sure that we,
diminish”, Sheridan said.
the students, continue to pay for our education for the majority of our lives, and if we choose not to follow that path then we can look forward to a lower
The Centre will be moving into what is known as Armidale’s Medical Precinct, wherein the purpose built GP clinic will be close to other medical services such as radiology, allied health and the local Hospital. President of UNE’s Student Association, David Mailler, is concerned about the University’s decision, claiming it “lacks empathy for the student situation.”
Recap of the Higher Education Bill By John Shirley Unless you’ve been living on a deserted island since our last issue, you probably would have heard at least a little bit about Senator Christopher Pyne and his infamous higher education bill. In case you have
“UNE had to make a commercial decision. They
missed it, here’s a quick recap of what’s happened and
had the opportunity to move into a purpose-built
what this could mean for you during and after your
centre, but they haven’t considered the consequences
student experience.
or their responsibility as a University to a duty of care”, says Mailler.
On December the 2nd, the senate voted down a bill (33-31) that the Abbott Government introduced
With the Medical Centre being located on campus,
to reform the higher education system in Australia.
it made going to see a Doctor much easier for all local
If this bill has been passed it would have deregulated
students, particularly the college students who were
university course fees, decreased government funding
able to simply walk over.
to universities by 20%, frozen the consumer price
The official release that was sent out initially to staff stated that the UNE Medical Centre will only be a 5 minute drive from the main campus. “Buses (481 or 485) run close by, to the corner of Rusden and Butler or Beardy and Butler. A short walk up Butler Street will get you to the clinic. According
to
UNESA
President
Mailler,
Management’s solution to this is that 80% of students have cars. “Management expect the situation to simply sort itself out”, Mailler stated. 6
index rate for parents leaving the workforce to have a child, as well as a number of other things. While not all of the reforms would be detrimental to students and the general populace, a few have very broad ramifications.
income bracket, less than optimal health, shorter life expectancies and the possibility of long term unemployment. At the same time, Mr Abbott and Mr Pyne want to begin funding private religious institutes using taxpayer’s money. This would be the first time in Australia’s history that “taxpayers would be subsidising the training of priests and other religious workers.”** Call me crazy, but shouldn’t public money be going back to public institutions? So, what we have to look forward to is: Less government money for our universities, higher education debts, and taxpayer funded religious training. In return our interest will be suspended if we can afford to start a family. *
https://ministers.education.gov.au/pyne/5aa-
mornings-leon-byner-higher-education-reforms **
http://campaigns.greens.org.au/ea-action/
action?ea.client.id=1792&ea.campaign.id=34064&ea. tracking.id=grns
In a recent interview with 5AA’s Leon Byner, Mr Pyne said “…when Labor was in power they stripped $6.6 billion out of universities. Now, we need to replace that revenue if our universities are to be internationally competitive.” * So why is Mr Pyne attempting to remove a further 20% of government funding from our universities if he is simply attempting to fill the financial gap that Labor
Music Degree at UNE to be Exclusively Online By Bridgette Glover In late July this year, an email was sent to all UNE music students advising them of the changes being made to the degree.
The email, which was sent from the office of
This raises concerns as the intensive component is
emblazoned across the top. Take this how you want.
Pro Vice Chancellor (Academic) Alison Sheridan,
considered highly appealing for students who are
Throughout the rooms, peaceful sentiments are
explained that students undertaking a Bachelor of
unable to do their degree on campus.
painted on the walls. To the left of the door sits a Swiss
Music, Bachelor of Arts (Music), and a Bachelor of Music/Bachelor of Teaching in 2015 will no longer be able to do so in on-campus mode.
President of UNE’s Student Association, David
hatstand, one of five original pieces of furnishings.
Mailler was shocked by the decision: “UNE
The Chancellors library holds the second, a rather
management once again didn’t take into consideration
magnificent bookshelf which had been returned
The email also explained that students who are
the purpose or vision. They just trumped it with
after living in Mary White College. This room also
currently enrolled in these degrees will still continue
dollars”, says Mailler. “It was a decision based on
proudly holds on display the honorary ‘Key to the
internally, with face-to-face teaching and access to on-
pure economics, and they haven’t considered the
City of Armidale,’ as well as an impressive portrait of
campus resources.
consequences.”
Sir Frank Kitto, remembered fondly through the SFK
Their decision to go online was to “strengthen
These consequences include the impact on not
the quality of the Music program and to continue
only the music students, but also the future of Theatre
its leadership in online tertiary music education
Studies at UNE.
excellence”. “One of the many benefits of these changes is that Music will be offering a greater number of units from 2015 onwards”, Sheridan’s message stated. Joy Kerr, a concerned music student at UNE, does not believe this decision to be for the better.
In Trimester two, Theatre students of UNE held a successful production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream and collaborated with students in Music. They worked with composers and musicians to produce an original score that was played live at every performance. This live music was a huge component of the success of the production, but this decision to go online will
as well as the relationship between UNE and the
make collaborations like this impossible in the future.
changes, she states that it is the lack of transparency
Nucleus will be following the effect of this decision in 2015.
University’s side. We have had no communication about a lot of changes they’ve made this year, and it’s as though they’re surprised when the students say they aren’t impressed. Kerr stated that the music students have had to try and do their studies despite being forced to adapt to a range of obstacles. The students have been unable to access the resource library at CB Newling Campus for the entire year, and they have had to move back and forth between the main campus and the CB Newling campus for oncampus study and intensive schools. “The lack of communication makes it clear that UNE doesn’t think it’s any of the students’ business”, Kerr says. Kerr also stated that the residential schools would not be held once the changes were put in place.
a fireplace 25 feet tall, piece four is discovered, a painting of a Cathedral hanging on the wall. Up the stairs into what were once bedrooms, but are now working offices, piece five sits quietly on a shelf. A quirky piece, the fifth original piece is a vase decorated This is a building, clearly split into servants and family, which houses a great many quirks and interests. There is a children’s day nursery, with fairytales painted on the windows. There is a balcony only accessible by an attic. The staircase to the flagpoles used to go to an old water tower. A billiard room, built ten years after the original house in 1890, once held a
which is at the heart of the problem. “It’s as though the students are a thorn in the
humbly in the corner, sadly not keeping time. Passing
with bats.
Kerr claims it represents a devaluation of music and
While Kerr is concerned about the effect of these
Through the next door the third original piece is discovered. A glorious ornate grandfather-clock sits
the arts, on-campus study and student experience, Armidale community.
programme.
Booloominbah Open Day By Sarah Owens On Sunday the 7th December, Boolomimbah opened the doors and let the public in. Many people were dying to know what it’s like upstairs in this grand old house, and the first ever open day gave us the opportunity. Boolomimbah was built between 1886 and 1888, and was designed by a man named John Horbury Hunt. Frederick Robert White, of the family for which Mary White College is named, commissioned the house and lived there with his wife and nine children. Thirteen years after his death in 1903, the Red Cross used part of the building as a convalescent home for wounded soldiers to recover.
billiard table so big that when it was removed recently, no-one could figure out how it got up there in the first place. There are pictures that show the convalescence wards. In one photo sits John Patrick Cullen, a man injured in Gallipoli who went on to marry one of the daughters, Frida White, in 1925. The idea to open the house began bubbling away a few months ago, and this is the first time the public has been allowed access to the building like this. Unfortunately the public are unable to wander in and out as they please. This stems from the current use of the building as working offices. The pleasing thing about this is that this beautiful old home is being used and loved every day. However, with the success of Sunday it looks set to become something that could very well happen again, hopefully when the students are back from trimester 3.
Entering through the rather majestic front door, you are faced with a large archway; the words ‘WELCOME TO COMING. SPEED TO PARTING GUESTS’ are 7
“New England grazier James Harris named as UNE’s new Chancellor”
government administration, management consultant, chairman and nonexecutive director of organisations in the government, private and not for profit sectors. She has been a member of the UNE Council since 2000 Media release - 20th November 2014
A quick chat with James Harris, UNE’s new Chancellor! Why did you want to become Chancellor? Deputy Chancellor Jan McClelland, Chancellor James Harris, and Vice-Chancellor Annabelle Duncan. Photo credit: Estelle Boshoff
Grazier and businessman James Harris has been appointed as the Chancellor of the University of New England. Mr Harris owns and operates a large successful grazing operation in the New England and has had a long association with the University, having served on its Council since 1994. Vice-Chancellor Annabelle Duncan said Mr Harris has made an outstanding contribution to the University while serving on Council and was an excellent choice as Chancellor. “Mr Harris has the vision, knowledge and understanding of the higher education
Because I think I can do the job. I bring a great history and knowledge of the university with me and I believe I can work very well with the Vice-Chancellor UNE’s Vice Chancellor Annabelle Duncan said that you have the “vision, knowledge and understanding of the higher education sector to lead the University of New England in an increasingly competitive, complex and changing environment”. What are your plans for UNE in 2015 and the future, to keep up in this environment? What I want to do, and what I believe the Council wants to do, is to make this university more flexible, quicker on its feet and to have the ability to make changes when it has to. But also, we need to show off our bright spots. We are very good at hiding behind the bushes and we have some people who do some brilliant things and I think we have to bring them out into the open and to show the people of
sector to lead the University of New England in an increasingly competitive,
Australia and northern NSW that this is really a quite extraordinary place.
complex and changing environment,” Professor Duncan said.
What are your thoughts on the future of UNE, in light of the changes the Abbott
“His strong commitment to this University is evident through his work on Council, as Chair of various Council Committees and as Deputy Chancellor from 2001-2007.” Mr Harris said it was an honour to be appointed as Chancellor. “My involvement with UNE spans two decades and in that time I have seen the University grow and prosper. The University is an integral part of the fabric of the New England and plays an important role in providing education to people in regional areas,” Mr Harris said. “I am proud to be part of the UNE community and I am passionate about ensuring this University remains competitive and innovative. I look forward to working with Professor Duncan in shaping the strategic direction of the University.” Mr Harris is the great-grandson of Thomas Richmond Forster, who donated the land and homestead from which the University of New England was established. Mr Harris will serve as UNE’s ninth Chancellor and replaces the Hon. John Watkins who stood down from the role in June. Jan McClelland has been appointed as the Deputy Chancellor of UNE Council. Ms McClelland is an experienced chief executive and senior executive in 8
Government are proposing for Higher Education? I think UNE has always had what I call a tough time. It’s never been like the GO8 (Group of Eight) where they have enormous resources but we have always survived and grown and that’s because at times we’ve been nimble but we now need to become even more nimble and I think we can show that with our 5 Star rating from students and our ever-increasing research base, that this is a great place to come, a good place to study, a good place to work and a place with an ever growing positive reputation. How do you feel about the future of on-campus study at UNE? It’s vital. It’s the only way this place will grow. If we are to become what I call a ‘Princeton’ of Australia, although we will never be a very big university, I think we can make our college system into a vibrant, positive and creative force in higher education. We understand that you are the great-grandson of Thomas Richmond Forster. With your in-depth knowledge of Booloominbah, please tell us, is the building haunted? Yes, indeed I am. With regard to the building being haunted, you’d have to find that out for yourself and the only way to do that is to sleep here!
Enactus, a UNE Society Making a Difference O
ur University hosts 1 of Australia’s 28 Enactus teams. These 28 form a small part of the number of teams found worldwide. We are a community of students, academics and business leaders committed to using entrepreneurial action to transform lives and shape a better, more sustainable world. We are Enactus.
UNE’s Enactus team currently has three amazing projects: FinLit, Helios, and Minimbah. These projects are our way of committing to our cause. Through FinLit we provide financial literacy skills to our community, targeting primary and high school students. Helios sees us use our entrepreneurial skills to provide assistance to our community’s businesses through services such as marketing strategies. Minimbah provides birth certificates to those who are incapable of affording or accessing their birth certificates. All projects allow their participants to have the skills and equipment to participate in mainstream society. We were also one of the founders of Farming Futures which is now moved to sustainability.
Enactus isn’t just about going out and helping improve the community, it is also about enhancing the student team. We provide professional development sessions monthly and participation in our projects also increases your own skills and abilities. Regardless of which part of the university you belong to there is something in Enactus for you. Each year we have a regional and national conference. The regional conference focuses on professional development and getting us contacts in the business world, while the National Conference on the other hand is a national competition which sees all of Australia’s teams come together to present their projects to the Enactus community and major CEO’s, HR managers and recruiters. In 2013 the UNE team won both the National Competition and the chance to compete in Mexico at the 2013 Enactus World Cup, which was, as many members admit, an amazing, life enriching experience. This year the National Conference was held in Brisbane and we made it into the Finals, meaning our team is ranked in the top 4 of 28 universities that are part of Enactus Australia.
These experiences, in particular our National Conference, wouldn’t have seen so many of our students participate if it weren’t for sponsorship from our partners, in particular the University of New England’s Students Amenities Fee Fund, which helped us afford the costs of accommodation and travel expenditure. This allowed us to take a team of 13, which had amazing benefits on their personal confidence, their outlook on life, and their student experience. If you are a studying at UNE and would like to learn more about our projects, or possibly getting involved, contact Enactus UNE’s President Blake Mallon at bmallon@myune.edu.au to get information about our next meetings. We also have stalls at Life saver day and the Society Fairs. 9
UNE student’s research An opportunity By Lindsey Frost
D
uring November, 18 students from UNE embarked on a two-week field course in Bhutan that focussed on the unique ecology and biogeography of the Eastern Himalayas. This trip was made possible due to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between UNE and the Ugyen Wangchuck Institute for Conservation and Environment (UWICE) in 2013. UWICE is a government based research and training institute in Bhutan that focuses on sustainable forestry, conservation biology, water resource management, and socio-economic and policy sciences. This trip was the first of many great benefits arising from the MoU between UNE and UWICE, which allowed senior UNE ecological sciences and biogeography students to get hands on field experience within a country that is dramatically different from Australia.
Photo by Cornelia Brem
We were guided around the Himalayas by a loyal team of now friends. UWICE research officer Sangay (Tiger) is currently undertaking his PhD at UNE, conducting research into the movement ecology of the Takin, Bhutan’s 10
national animal. Our other guides were Rinchen Singye, an assistant research officer at UWICE, and Norbu Pagal, our trusty UWICE driver.
‘Visiting Bhutan was a lifechanging experience for me. It broadened my experiences culturally, spiritually and socially as well as inspiring me within my chosen field of ecology’. – Sally Living at high altitudes of c. 2700m up to 4000m was an excellent chance for hard-going field experience. For reference, Australia’s tallest mountain (Mount Kosciuszko) is 2,228m high. This trip was undertaken as an undergraduate or postgraduate elective unit (either ERS381/581, SCI395/595, or BCSS393/595), and was centred on data collection for a research report in one of three fields: riverine ecology, vegetation changes across altitudinal gradients, and wildlife ecology in the Eastern Himalayas. Bhutan lies at the junction of three major biogeographic regions and is recognised as one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots. The country encompasses subtropical lowlands, mountainous temperate forests, and alpine zones that play host to a huge variety of vascular plants, mammals, birds, and invertebrates. Bhutan’s natural environment is largely unresearched and in the short time UNE students were in the field new
discoveries were made. In a camera trapping exercise conducted in the forest at the UWICE campus, images of two different colour morphs of the Asiatic Golden Cat interacting together were captured. This has never been recorded previously, and until now it was thought that the different morphs only occurred at different altitudes. In the same section of forest, during a botanical survey conducted to assess changes in plant diversity along altitudinal gradients, students collected samples of a plant and a truffle which have not as yet been identified. This may in fact be a new species. All of these exciting discoveries, along with the extensive data sets collected during our other field exercises, will be shared with our colleagues at UWICE and add to the growing knowledge base about Bhutan’s immense biodiversity.
Photo by Cornelia Brem
However, the product of the research was not the main objective of this trip. The main objective was the education of keen conservation scientists, an education that encompasses a broad world-view and deep respect for all stakeholders involved, for there is a danger when
in spectacular Bhutan of a lifetime and Tim Rhodes Photo by David Mailler
this education is not addressed. As Aldo Leopold points out: “The problem, then, is how to bring about a striving for harmony with land among a people many of whom have forgotten there is any such thing as land, among whom education and culture have become almost synonymous with landlessness. This is the problem of conservation education.”
Photo by Cornelia Brem
When Aldo Leopold penned those words in 1938, his vision of an ideal human-land respect and interaction had surely been manifested in Bhutan. There is no better case study for producing well-rounded conservation students. With soaring mountains, stunning river valleys, and magical, mist shrouded monuments, Bhutan is certainly a landscape to be sacred in. Bhutan has a rich Mahayana Buddhist culture that combines a respect for all sentient beings with a deep and abiding belief in the supernatural. This is a land where humans and animals live side by side with malevolent and benevolent spirits, influencing each others lives and sharing the earth, water, and air. Religion underpins life in Bhutan, and respect for the deities and spirits is
essential for a healthy and prosperous life.
‘Bhutan’s recognition of the value of their immense biodiversity and their commitment to preserve it even in the face of rapid economic development should serve as an inspiration to richer nations’. – Lindsey This dedication and respect to life in all its natural and supernatural forms has put Bhutan in a unique conservation position. Large areas of forest are respected as spiritual homes and left untouched out of reverence. Animals such as the rare and endangered black-necked crane are considered to have a spiritual relationship with their winter habitats, and villagers accord them respect and care when they visit. The magnificent Bengal tigers, which roam across the country, may be seen as manifestations of the Guru Rinpoche, founder of Bhutanese Buddhism, or other local deities and treated with the respect due to such revered entities. Much of the traditional way of life still exists in Bhutan, especially in rural areas, but rapid economic development in recent decades is putting pressure on Bhutanese cultural heritage and the natural environment. Until the 1960s the Bhutanese were largely untouched by Western influences, and the people lived traditional
subsistence lifestyles infused with spiritual practices. Travel was largely by foot, and ancient pathways are still used by travellers traversing the rugged, mountainous landscape. We were fortunate enough to follow part of one such pathway when we visited the Royal Botanical Park near the country’s capital Thimphu - home to a demon occupying the nearby mountain pass of Dochu La.
Photo by Cornelia Brem
The Royal Botanic Park, which is one of a number of conservation areas declared across Bhutan, has been dedicated to preserving the country’s rich biodiversity and natural resource base. The Bhutanese Royal family and their democratic government have recognised the importance of preserving Bhutan’s natural environment, which exists in a largely pristine state, and have dedicated the country to environmental conservation. Currently over 70% of the country remains under forest cover, with 10 major conservation areas declared, and joined, by a protected biological corridor network to ensure successful flow of species between areas. 11
Unlike national parks here in Australia, the conservation areas in Bhutan still allow occupation by villagers, and use of resources for village life. Park rangers are actively engaged with such communities to improve understanding of resource conservation, offer alternatives for income and resources, and foster conservation ethics. In the words of one park ranger: “Our job is to manage the people, they will manage the environment’. This conservation and environmental education system is relatively new, dating to the mid 1990s, but is already proving to be successful.
‘The Kingdom of Bhutan and the Bhutanese people are demonstrating to the rest of the world how perceived third world constraints are in fact indicators for health and wellbeing’. – Dave The education programs in Bhutan aim not only to improve the understanding of biodiversity and the importance of its conservation, but also to ensure that the spiritual link to the landscape remains strong. The Royal Botanical Park is a recreational park which provides an opportunity for visitors to view displays of local floristic diversity, learn about fauna in the area, and engage in recreational activities and festivals that bring them closer to their environment. In Bhutan, mysticism and conservation remain inextricably linked.
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relationship with the Ugyen Wangchuk Institute for Conservation and Environment.
Photo by Cornelia Brem
Driving around Bhutan was not for the fainthearted. Although you should never expect to go faster than 40km/h over the winding, mountainous roads of Bhutan, you should get comfortable with missing passing trucks by a hair’s width, or the side of a sheer cliff by the same margin, and occasionally both at the same time. Luckily we had the exceedingly-competent bus driver, Norbu Pagal, chauffeuring us around the entire time. Getting around was not all mountainous joyrides; the slow speeds give you time to soak in the postcard-picturesque Himalayan skyline and appreciate the subtle intricacies of traditional Bhutanese architecture. The long trips were frequently broken up with stays in beautiful hotels, and a chance to experience the ever loving and respectful disposition of the Bhutanese people. It was a privilege for staff and students to visit this amazing country, and experience the hospitality of our colleagues and their beautiful kingdom. We trust that our adventure is one that many more students of UNE will be able to experience as we continue to strengthen our
Photo by Lindsey Frost
Photo by Lindsey Frost
Photo by Cornelia Brem
THE HUNGER GAMES:
MOCKINGJAY I
must first concede that there’s not a whole lot of objectivity when it comes to me and anything to do with the Hunger Games. Because I love that shit.
Having come to the saga reasonably late in the game, I’m remarkably loyal to the whole franchise. There are two types of people in the world: people who are put off by how popular Hunger Games is (the same people who don’t watch Game of Thrones), and people who love it almost beyond reason. The former group are ok with me as long as they’re not rude about it. The latter group are the ones who know the date of the next movie’s release and are overcome by sadness about 15 minutes before the movie even ends, because they know they can’t ever watch it for the first time again. Maybe I’m one of this group, who can say. The third installment of the Hunger Games trilogy is part 1 of Mockingjay, the Mockingjay being the symbol of rebellion also known as Katniss Everdeen, played to traumatised perfection by Jennifer Lawrence. JLaw is inevitably a crowd-pleaser, although things are getting pretty tough for Katniss by this time and it’s taken its toll on her. I really just wanted to give her a big hug and maybe chill somewhere drinking a bit of whisky and talking it out, probably over the course of several years (a lot of things have gone down, alright?). This movie is a lot darker than the last two, and the last two were all about the Games, where you have to kill all the people, winning by being the last one standing. There’s now a rebellion and acts of war going on, having spilled out of the Arena into the real world. It’s a war movie, not shying away from the fact that millions of lives are lost, and bodies are lining the streets. You can’t help but be down with rebellion when the power and wealth of the Capitol has already been established, in the previous movies, to be in stark contrast with the poverty evident in the districts. Once the Capitol (under the orders of President Snow, who I would kick right in the shins if I had the chance) starts bombing things to bits, including whole districts and hospitals, all full of people, it’s hard to find any kind of way to sympathise with the wealthy few. There’s a lot of pain and some serious suffering, and no one to play it in a more attractive war-torn manner than JLaw and her hot hot friend Liam Hemsworth. That guy, I mean c’mon. I’m definitely Team Gale, especially considering the tortured contributions Peeta makes to this movie... Hard to be on his team, even though I’m sympathetic to a digitally enhanced starvation face. Because really, I’m not a bad person. I had the immense privilege of watching this one with one of our lovely editors, which meant I got a feel for how the movie scans for someone
who hasn’t read the books. It’s a weird thing, when you’re anticipating a dramatic bit, sitting next to someone who doesn’t know it’s coming. And no spoilers intended, but there are some surprising and dramatic bits. You will not be disappointed. Highlights include any of the bits with Liam Hemsworth in them, although he is a bit tortured as far as the Katniss/Gale love story goes; Katniss singing (the sort of soulful song that stays with you for you to hum as you leave the cinema); the goosebump-inducing passionate ‘fuck-the-system’ speech delivered by the Mockingjay; and of course, Woody Harrelson for just being plain awesome. Actually, maybe I’m Team Haymitch. Probably the worst part for me was not knowing exactly where the movie would finish, because the final book has been cut into two movies (as is the fashion of the time). I concede to not being too disappointed with where they left it. But I also have to offer up my one little bit of criticism, which is that they *maybe* could have made one movie instead of two. I can’t believe I even just admitted that... but I feel like I can be honest with you all. I think it’s the second-best Hunger Games movie so far, and I’m really looking forward to the last one.
4.5 creepy death roses out of 5 Review by Helen Taylor 13
Skills trade wrap-up
phUNE wrap-up
In 2014 the Skills Trade ran regular workshops in natural Shibori silk dyeing, knitting, and belly dancing, and ran their second annual FindArt! competition. They also hosted the first ever RecyclaBall, a night of vintage, hand-made, and recycled spectacle that was loved by all!
UNE’s Pharmacy Student’s Association hosted the Pharmacy Ball to promote the mingling of external and internal students and, networking amongst peers and faculty members. The ball is a celebration of the relatively new Pharmacy discipline at UNE and a formal way of acknowledging the graduating class of 2014.
Photo by Peter Newman
The Skills Trade transformed the ‘Stro into a ballroom, with organisers Zoe and Mel being asked to advise on the upcoming redecorating of the venue. In 2015 the Skills Trade and Nucleus plan to collaborate in converting suitable workshops into a series of ‘DIY’ and ‘Life Hack’ articles.
Photo by Peter Newman
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Photo by Mark Jongebloed
Professor Ieva Stupans gave a speech at this year’s ball and had the honour of cutting the graduation cake. A raffle was held, with gifts given to graduating students, and a special gift was presented to Elsie Barnes for organising the event.
Photo by Mark Jongebloed
A Feel Good Queer Flick GSMA Fundraiser a Success UNE’s Gender and Sexuality Minorities Alliance held a successful fundraiser on the 8th of December, showing the “gayest movie in town”, Pride at the Belgrave Cinema in Armidale. After selling 79 tickets, over $350 was raised and will be used to help GSMA provide more events for the Armidale rainbow community and its allies. Aiden Robb, incoming President of GSMA was thrilled with the outcome of the night, and says it was all thanks to outgoing GSMA President Frankie Raffwisch. “Her idea and initiative was absolutely key to the success of the event, as well as a great team of volunteers,” says Robb. “Events like these are important in raising awareness not just for our group GSMA, but also for LGBT issues in general. It was great to see so many non-GSMA members especially older locals who came and enjoyed the film and by extension showed support for our local GSM community”, Robb states.
Robb rugby report In June 2014 Robb Rugby Club received $3437 from SSAF funding which had a huge impact upon the club. $1437 was spent on jackets, tackle pads, a BBQ and personalised rugby balls, all of which have had a significant impact upon the image and operations of the club as they have allowed us to enhance our practice sessions and game days. We also received $2000 to purchase a trailer to carry all our gear from college to training and games, especially when we have to travel to Bingara area and Glen Innes. We purchased this trailer locally and have since added our logo to the trailer (as pictured). This is not only practical but is also an advertising tool for the club and helps give us a professional image. It also will increase the longevity of our gear as it is now stored in a secure and waterproof location.
“Belgrave cinema, who hosted us were extremely helpful and friendly and we want to thank them for their support, and hopefully we can see future events like this in the coming year to showcase excellent queerthemed films like Pride”, says Robb. “As for the movie itself it was engaging, funny and very moving, with a stellar cast including Bill Nighy, Andrew Scott and Imelda Staunton. It had beautiful cinematography - this is Pathé so you know it’ll be well done - and it made a fantastic portrayal of a true story not just gay activists and striking miners in 1984 England. But more importantly makes a bold and evocative statement about solidarity between oppressed people. Pride left people inspired, with splitting sides from laughing and and a little teary-eyed. 5 screw-you-Margaret-Thatchers out of five. Would happily make everyone watch” Robb said.
I would like to thank James and the SSAF committee for allocating our club with these funds. It has given Robb Rugby Club a significant boost in its assets and has increased the image of the club. With the college facilities relocating in 2015, this funding will help Robb college to continue its traditions and will create a successful rugby club that will be as strong as it ever has been in its 53 year history. If any club or society is seeking funding for any project that they might have, I strongly recommend applying for this grant as it will give you a significant boost that you may need to be more successful than ever. Regards, Will Rains Robb Rugby President 2014
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une townies annual ball 2014 was a big and busy year for UNE Townies, with our hosting an array of exciting social events including trivia, pub and movie nights, as well as our assistive study nights—but one event managed to eclipse all else. Townies annual ball was once again held in Trimester 2 at the beautiful Booliminbah, and it was a raging success of equal parts sophistication and entertained socialising.
Students for christ Team Building Skills Enhanced by Divine Wisdom and MultiCultural Competence So far the skills we’ve most noticeably developed are organisational and communication skills. SFC UNE members, compared to at the genesis of the club, are more confident to lead segments at these meetings. Students from varying backgrounds are chosen to lead a segment. During the discussion segment students engage in debate and yet are tolerant toward all types of difference (cultural and denominational) that exists in the group. I believe that the experience students gain at ‘SFC UNE Care Fellowship’ meetings will assist students tolerate others worldview instead of having a ‘closed’/self-only perspective. These skills and experiences, I believe, will help students work better in heterogeneous teams. I’m pleased with the progress we are noticing especially in member participation but there’s still a lot to learn, so will keep trying.... Thanks for this opportunity to report.
Photo by Tori Cochrane
The theme of Moulin Rouge had the many attending students lavishly dressed and immersed in the classy French experience. The night kicked off with pleasant mingling exercised over fine d’oeuvres, wine and the classy sounds of the Ash Hall Trio, which then progressed into the opportunity to have fun at the themed photo booth. Exquisite meals were then served to the delight of all in attendance, with alternatives of confit chicken and eye fillet, only to be outshined by profiteroles and crème’ brûlée for dessert. By far the best part of the night had to be speeches, where David Mailler impressed upon us the crucial role that societies such as Townies play in creating lasting memories, friends and experiences. However, the night also held the sad realisation of the pending departure of Townies executive members Ruby MacKenzieHarris and Phil Smith, who will be graduating March 2015 and moving on to bigger things. These two, along with Alinta Merrotsy, were the driving force behind all that was achieved in 2014. UNE Townies wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to our past executives who have gotten us to the point we are at, and our most sincere gratitude also must be expressed to the support of SSAF funding from Clubs and Societies which made our events, and in particular our ball, possible. It was only with the support of SSAF that we were able to subsidise costs and make our annual ball and all other activities events which are widely accessible to students. We look forward to creating a new and exciting schedule of events for 2015, and hope to see everyone at the ball once again next year! Written by Sara Bowers
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Have a Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year Everyone! God Bless! From Yvonne Kafoa :) - Students for Christ - UNE
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#throwback july
Some of our faves from 2014
The Budget in Context: Beyond the Nuts and Bolts. By Matthew Ryan
I
t’s been more than a month (at time of
rhetoric (or language) of ‘free markets’1, but it is
that have been proposed by the budget lower that
writing) since the release of the 2014/2015
a multifaceted paradigm. In the words of David
percentage by 0.1%. That’s right. $80 billion cut
Federal Budget. And so much for the
Harvey, a key scholar in this area:
from health and education, wide ranging cuts across the public sector4, further cuts to foreign
political ‘apathy’ of today’s youth—we’re all still talking about it. This is certainly one of the most
We can interpret neoliberalisation
aid (which directly contradicts a plethora of
controversial Budgets in recent history. Some
either as a utopian project to
international agreements and treaties, by the
are even thanking the Coalition for re-igniting
realise a theoretical design for the
way)…I’m sure you know this list off by heart.
the fire of student activism and outrage. But so
reorganisation of international
All of these cuts, justified by a manufactured
much of the coverage of the Budget, in all forms
capitalism, or as a political project
budgetary crisis, make essentially no difference
of media, focuses on particular policies or areas:
to re-establish the conditions
to the government’s bottom line. The rhetoric
a piece on university fee deregulation here, an
for capital accumulation and to
of neoliberalism – which the Coalition uses
article on the GP ‘co-payment’ there, and plenty
restore the conditions for capital
with panache – calls for reduction in the size
of political cartoons depicting a cigar-chomping
accumulation and to restore the
of government, and yet the size stays the same?
Treasurer rolling in piles of money. One could
2
That is why all of this is a political project.
power of economic elites.
colloquially refer to these as the ‘nuts and bolts’ of
The budget wasn’t just a list of cuts. In fact
specific policies is, sometimes we get caught up
‘neoliberalism’, there are two sides to what Tony
certain people and corporations will either
in these types of coverage, and fail to appreciate
Abbott is doing. A dramatic oversimplification
continue to receive entitlements without change,
how all these proposed changes fit into a broader
of Tony’s reasoning for the budget is that
or even be significantly better off, thanks to
context.
‘markets are the proven answer to the problem
this budget. Hundreds of millions extra to
of the Budget. As important as criticism of
Basically,
taking
this
definition
3
of scarcity’ . That is the ‘utopian project’ aspect
fund mining exploration (as if those mining
That context is the current hegemonic paradigm
of the Liberals’ neoliberalism. But what does
companies can’t afford it themselves). Hundreds
of ‘neoliberalism’. Those of you who have done
Harvey mean when he refers to the ‘political
of millions for a school chaplaincy program
the kinds of Units where you do essays—politics,
project’ part of neoliberalism? This is where
(remember how hard-core-Catholic Tony is?).
economics,
things get interesting.
At least $24 BILLION for Joint Strike Fighter
business,
sociology,
etc.—have
probably come across this term. If you haven’t,
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jets, with some experts suggesting that figure will
however, don’t stop reading! I’ll try to keep this
Generally speaking government spending as a
blow out even more.
accessible and brief. Your may have heard people
percentage of Australia’s GDP fluctuates between
describe neoliberalism as ‘the ideology of free
24% and 26%. This figure is significantly lower
When Joe Hockey talks about ending the ‘age of
markets’, but it is a little more complex than that.
than many other OECD (or, more simply, ‘rich’)
entitlement’, it would be silly to think that would
Certainly we associate neoliberalism with the
countries. Most importantly, the spending cuts
apply to everyone! No, entitlement continues:
$11 billion given in the way of subsidies to the fossil fuel industry; $9 billion
1. ‘Free markets’ refers to the belief that all government taxation, spending,
of funding for private schools, while public schools are looking at massive
and regulation stop the magical ‘market’ from working properly, and is
cuts; even negative gearing in the housing market costs the government
inherently bad.
$15 billion a year.
2. Harvey, D. 2005, A Brief History of Neoliberalism, Oxford University Press, Oxford.
The ‘crisis’ that this Budget is supposedly solving doesn’t exist. I won’t go into detail here, as this has had plenty of coverage in mainstream media – suffice to say several Nobel Prize-winning economists, and even the IMF,
3. Abbott, T. 2014, ‘Address to the World Economic Forum, Davos’. 4. By the way, why is it that 17 000 job losses in the PUBLIC sector is GOOD, whereas job losses in the PRIVATE sector are BAD?
have said categorically that Australia does not face any kind of economic or budgetary crisis. But the really incredible thing is that all of these cuts don’t actually decrease the deficit. That is why we need a more nuanced definition of ‘neoliberalism’. The ideas behind this budget are not new. All it does is re-direct government spending: from public schools to private schools; from foreign aid to fighter jets; from renewable energy investment to further subsidies for fossil fuel; from pensioners to upper-middle-class parents – you get the idea. It is about changing government spending, not reducing it. This Budget is not about a crisis. It’s not about creating jobs (unemployment figures have been forecast to rise thanks to this budget). It’s not about making hard decisions now so for the sake of long term diversified growth. It’s about creating markets where there were none (aka university deregulation), and creating structural conditions in which wealth inequality can continue to grow. If the Budget is understood in the context of neoliberalism, it can be understood for what it is – a purely ideological project. Matthew is the Senior Academic Mentor at Earle Page College, and Matthew Ryan
is currently studying toward a Bachelor of International Studies with
Honours Student
Honours. When he isn’t boring his friends by talking endlessly about
Department of Political and International Studies
Afghan elections (fingers crossed for Ashraf Ghani) or political economy,
UNE.
you can find him running around ‘The Triangle’. Or drinking red wine from a bottle!
Note: Any card-carrying Liberals reading this might assume that I’m a Labor voter, or worse, a ‘greenie’. No I am not, and just because I am critical of the current government does not mean I am not also critical of other parties. Disagree with my ideas, fine, but don’t be lazy and pigeon-hole the writer.
DESIGN PRINT POST freecall 1300 853 700 email sales@evansprinting.com.au 215 Mann Street Armidale www.evansprinting.com.au
19 your local printer proudly suporting the Nucleus
Some of our faves from 2014
#throwback august
Music and Sex: A Beginner’s Guide Helen Taylor
S
o I went into this heavy, in-depth
“Can’t get my mind off you/ I think I might
(snigger) research assignment with
be obsessed/ The very thought of you/ Makes me
a cavalier attitude. I assumed a
want to get undressed.”
certain universality of sexy song, but I’ve
-
Pretty sure everyone remembers this song,
it was an actual song about riding ponies. For
and there are songs that make you want to
this I partially blame the film clip, which was
have sex, and there are songs that are good
set in some kind of cowboy bar, and the other
as a soundtrack for when you’re doin’ it. I also
parts of ignorance fall to my general naivety. A
learned a new thing: MTFT = Music To F***
few considered re-watches/re-listens now reveal
To. Until now, this abbreviation had escaped
the sexiness of this tune lies in its bass sample.
me. Now, it will be the title of my August 2014
And its thrustular dance moves, performed by
playlist.
an open-shirted Ginuwine. Hello, baggy denim.
I asked my Facebook friends, who have
Exhibit D: ‘6 Underground’ - Sneaker Pimps
dutifully been responding to a series of my questions
(favourite
song
to dance to/favourite love song/favourite
It was the song that played as Jennifer Love
female artist) for a while now: “What are
Hewitt walked into the party of 1998’s ‘Can’t
the sexiest songs you know?”. What I learned was that while some of my Facebook friends are smartass jerks, there’s as many different schools of thought on musical sexiness as there are on best sandwich fillings. Let the record show that a large portion of the musical sexiness of life lies in the 90s/early 00s.
Exhibit A: ‘You’re Makin’ Me High’ - Toni Braxton
Hardly Wait’. It features a husky-voiced lady and
Exhibit B: ‘Ignition (Remix)’ - R. Kelly Some lyrical wizardry here tells an age-old tale of seeing a really attractive person that you’d quite like to do, and seducing them by singing them a song about how much you’d like to do them. Comes complete with tasteful metaphors
A rather explicit song about the intoxicating
such as “I’m ‘bout to take my key and/ Stick it in the
nature of sex with a sexy person. Very sexily sung
ignition.” One of those songs that sounds kind of
by Toni Braxton, who seems to have disappeared
sexy before listening to the words, and then kind
since the album I recently procured from Salvos
of sleazy after you pay attention. Covered to sexy
for $2, which also contains heartachey power
perfection by local band Counting Pennies, who
ballad ‘Unbreak My Heart’. She’s left a sexy
(just FYI) can be found doing their thing on any
legacy though - I highly recommend you enjoy
good Armidale Club open mic night.
the stylings of such lyrics as: 20
‘Pony’
released in 1996. In 1996 I was 11, so I did think
since realised that there are songs about sex,
music-related
Exhibit C: Ginuwine
words sung so slowly that I always forgot to listen to the lyrics. Turns out they’re probably about drugs, which are not sexy. So best not to listen to the words, but instead enjoy this dreamy lazy 90s tune. Other especially sexy tunes from this time that deserve a brief mention (and to be put on your MTFT list) include anything by Montell Jordan (‘This Is How We Do It’), Usher (‘Nice and Slow’) and the one-hits of such folk as Next - ‘Too Close’ and Colour Me Badd - ‘I Wanna Sex You Up’ (incredibly subtle). Now I want to change from letters to numbers and suggest a few more recent albums to throw on if you’re tucked away in your room with a
consenting adult to “hang out” or “watch a movie”. It’s only polite if you live in a sharehouse/college/at home with your parents to put on some kind of thing that will play for at least an hour. Traditionally, music playing can both mask the sounds of other things, put you in the mood, give you a
3. “The Earope Project” single - No Body Died
Local babes Jay Westfold and Declan Humphreys sure know how to
tempo to stick to or something to hum along to when things go badly. The
put together a sexy tune. Keep your eyes and ears on these guys, folks;
warning I give is that sometimes music can mask the sound of someone
guaranteed to be more awesomeness on the way, plus, take a date to one
who doesn’t know you have movie-watching company knocking on your
of their gigs and you just never know, movie-watching may be in your
door, getting no response and barging in. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
immediate future.
1. “An Underground Wave” - Alt-J
An album so sexy that the first track will have you scanning the room for
4. “Metals” - Feist
a movie-watching companion.
2. “Thinking in Textures” EP & “Built On Glass” - Chet Faker
Obviously ‘I’m Into You’ is where it’s at for seduction. Use it sparingly, for
it holds much power and magic:
Sultry vocals. Well-paced tunes. Can’t go wrong. Some other artists for your MTFT consideration include almost anything by Bjork, The Weeknd, Lana Del Rey ... even a splash of Beyonce doesn’t go astray. It’s about picking your audience, really - one person’s ‘Let’s Stay Together’ might be another person’s ‘Let It Go’, and vice versa. “When I press an ear up to your breast/ I can hear the rhythm start/ It’s
The key is folks, to go forth and enjoy yourselves. Find a movie-watching
hard to tell our beats apart/So I hope you’re listening right now/ Cause I can
partner, get their consent, pick your soundtrack, use protection and just
barely hold my tongue/ The shit we do could warm the sun.”
have a damn good time.
‘Talk is Cheap’ also gets a serious mention. Basically, the man is a sexy
And listen for knocks.
genius. Check out the review of Mockingjay on p. 13
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Some of our faves from 2014
#throwback august/sept
(College) RecipeS
by Ashley Pianca
Microwave Self-Saucing Chocolate Pudding Ingredients:
Method:
•
1 tablespoon of butter
1) Place butter, sugar, flour, cocoa and milk into your mug and stir until
•
1 tablespoon of sugar
well combined.
•
1 heaped tablespoon of self- raising flour
•
1 tablespoon of cocoa
•
2 tablespoons of milk
•
1 teaspoon extra of cocoa
•
1 teaspoon of brown sugar
•
2 tablespoons of water
2) Sprinkle the extra teaspoon of cocoa and the brown sugar over the top of the mixture before pouring the water over it. 3) Place in the microwave for approximately 1 minute and 20 seconds. (It is best to check the pudding at 1 minute and continue cooking depending on the power of your microwave).
Triple ChocolATE cHEESECAKE Ingredients:
Method:
•
2 packets of chocolate biscuits (I used Chocolate Ripple)
1) Crush biscuits until fine (This is best achieved by placing biscuits in multiple
•
125g butter
layers of freezer bags and hitting with a heavy object e.g.: a rolling pin). Melt butter
•
1 block each of white, milk and dark chocolate
•
3 packets of cream cheese
•
¾ cup of sugar
•
3 tsps. of gelatine
•
450ml thickened cream
and combine. 2) Pour mixture into a lightly greased 22cm spring tin, pie dish or available container. Spread evenly over base and sides. Refrigerate. 3) Place 1 packet of cream cheese, ¼ cup of sugar, 1 tsp of gelatine and 150ml of cream in a bowl and mix until smooth. Melt the white chocolate and quickly stir into mixture until evenly combined. Pour onto chocolate base and put back in the fridge. 4) Repeat step three, using the milk chocolate and then dark chocolate.
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5) Once the three layers are complete, leave in the fridge over night to properly set.
In 2015 UNE's student newspaper Nucleus will be appointing an Assistant Editor - Content for the 35 week period of their college residential contract. Position description: The Assistant Editor - Content is responsible for assisting the Editor-In-Chief in creating content for the Nucleus and Student Diary. This may involve covering events, creating news content such as interviews and proof-reading/editing submitted articles for the newspaper. Who’s eligible to apply? Any returning college resident who will be residing in college for the 35 week period of Trimesters 1 & 2. The appointment will commence on 23 February 2015 and finishes on 19 October 2015.
How much will the position be paid? The Assistant Editor - Content will be paid an honorarium of $150 per week during the appointed period. For more information on honorarium’s please see: https://www.ato.gov. au/Non-profit/Employees,-volunteers-and-other-workers/In-detail/ Employees,-volunteers---other-workers/Volunteers/Volunteers-and-tax /?page=3 How to apply? Send a resume, covering letter and three examples of your writing to editors@nucleus.org.au. Please include in your covering letter details of your involvement in college life and why you are interested in the position. The three examples of writing can be on any topic, fiction or non-fiction and must be under 800 words. Applications close on 5 January 2015. Shortlisted applicants will then be offered a phone interview to be held mid January.
Volunteer with The Blue Shirts! Help improve the on-campus experience for Your Student Community! -Help plan and run events -Contribute your own ideas to build bigger and better events -Gain experience in teamwork -Meet new people & broaden your social network -Obtain points towards the New England Award Being a Blue Shirt is totally flexible. Some give a lot of time and others a little. Whatever you can manage makes a big difference! All students are welcome. To register your interest or for further info, drop into Uni4Me (next to Grind + Squeeze Cafe), phone 6773 2506 or email uni4me@une.edu.au
The Second Hand Bookshop warmly welcomes all Externals who are on Campus for the August Intensive Schools. Please come and see us at our shop located in the Arcade above the top courtyard. All our books are sold on behalf of other students and are priced at least 30% below current retail price. We love adding new books to our stock, which we display on our web site at http://www.servicesune.com.au/une-bookshop-search.php The quicker you hand in your books the quicker we can list them and the quicker they sell. Any queries or comments please contact us at: bookshop@services.une.edu.au Don’t forget postage is free (funded by your SSAF) to all students who provide their current UNE student number. Cheers, The team at the Second Hand Bookshop
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