A huge thank-you to the wonderful Publications group! In particular, a very special thank-you to Nina Wos for the cover design and general design of this edition of Torts Illustrated.
Welcome from President .......................................1 Welcome from Editor .......................................2 Letters to the Editor .......................................3 Mid-Year Review Overview .......................................5 Competitions .......................................6 Member Services .......................................7 Social .......................................8 Moot Club .......................................9 Publications ......................................10 Law Revue ......................................11 General Content Cafe Review ......................................14 Law Intro to First Year ......................................15 Study Playlist ......................................18 Book Review ......................................19
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Because at McCullough Robertson, we want our lawyers to be more than lawyers, fostering a culture that is genuinely interested in our clients and the realities they operate in – a culture that is unapologetically ‘out of office’.
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Of course, as one of Australia‘s largest independent law firms we have our slick corporate offices too. But if you want to work for a law firm who will let you look beyond your workstation, then join us.
Editor’s Salutations When Elliot Dolan-Evans isn’t being roasted alive by laser-hex vision, you may often find him penning a new article at Torts Illustrated HQ... We’ve made it! On to semester 2, and to greater things (read: summer holidays)! This issue is taking a bit of a side-step from the controversial and colourful first edition of Torts Illustrated. We have dedicated this issue to the QUT Law Society Mid-Year Report, along with some other light-hearted articles. One of the most challenging aspects of creating a magazine is sourcing contributions from students, staff, sponsors, and the Executive. I want to thank everyone for their submissions, which made my job much easier! Once again, I hope we have ensnared more of you into our little boutique publication who were originally hoping to see swimwear models from pages 2 - 64. Alas, it’s wall-to-wall torts! I often wonder if our faithful readers accidentally stumble into ‘Sports Illustrated’, looking for their quarterly fix of legal analysis, of course, only to be bitterly disappointed by bikini
models. I hope you enjoy delicately perusing these leather-bound pages, of tales past, as you rest and recover from yet another study session. So, hold it gently, like you wouldst a lover, lying in a field, nestled in the shade of a mighty oak tree. Perhap you’re gently petting - having just enjoyed a hamper of chilled white wine and a selection of continental cheeses. Bon Appetit. E. Comments about the Issue, any suggestions, threats, or would you like to get involved? Please email Elliot at: director.marketing@qutlawsociety.com
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Letters to the Editor Having nearly drowned from the ton of fan mail arising from last issue, Ed. gets to answering your best ‘To The Editor’ questions... Q: When Lord Atkin described the Neighbour Principle with his landmark judgement – ‘You must take reasonable care to avoid acts or omissions which you can reasonably foresee would be likely to injure your neighbour. Who, then, in law, is my neighbour? The answer seems to be – persons who are so closely and directly affected by my act that I ought reasonably to have them in contemplation as being so affected when I am directing my mind to the acts or omissions which are called in question’, do you believe that the obvious theological underpinnings of Lord Atkin’s decision concerning neighbourhood, borrowed from the Book of Luke in the New Testament, was valid to illustrate the scope of legal duty? [Legal Lizzy] A: Nice try, first year! I won’t be doing your torts assignment for you. Not this time... Also, who’s Lord Atkin? [Ed.] Q: Look mate, I was initially quite outraged by your first issue of Torts Illustrated this year. I was deceived into skimming through the magazine
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on ISSUU because I thought it was the latest ‘Sports Illustrated’ magazine... as I was interested in the articles, you see. However, my rage subsided when, from pages 1-62, the magazine was packed full of even more exceptional models.. I mean, er, ‘articles’... than I’m normally used to! The style, sophistication and obvious high grooming of those encapsulated in debonair attire were apparent for any onlooker perusing those fine pages. So thank you, I’ll definitely be back for more – keep that Torts coming! [Sporting Sandy] A: Thank you for your tortuous comment and unsolicited praise for the previous edition. Fun fact: None of the individuals featured in the first issue of Torts Illustrated were law students... do you really think we could find law students THAT good looking? What am I, a promoter? Keep reading, Sporting Sandy! [Ed.]
Law Society Bi-Annual Report
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Overview Nathan Groves continues shining the light forward, as he leads the QUT Law Society into new adventures and success! As the 2015 President of QUT Law Society, it is with great pleasure to present our bi-annual society report. Over the past nine months QUTLS has undergone extensive change to reposition itself as Queensland’s leading student law society. The QUTLS has enjoyed success in all facets of the society ranging from increased sponsorship revenue to record student engagement in all society events. Some of the achievements to date include: •Implementing a new internal society structure. •Hosting the largest law ball in Queensland (1300 law students in attendance). •Entrenching the QUTLS Indigenous Reconciliation Breakfast as an annual event within the legal fraternity. •Hosting the first QUTLS Pub Crawl. •Hosting the first QUTLS Women in Law event (tickets on sale soon!). •Implementing the QUTLS
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grassroots-mooting program (Moot Club). •The QUTLS team winning its first national moot at the annual. Australian Law Students’ Association Conference.
I take this opportunity to thank the QUTLS executive and committee who have tirelessly worked behind the scenes in achieving the successful repositioning of QUTLS as the society of choice. Additionally, thank you to McCullough Robertson for their continued support of the society and Torts Illustrated. If you want the long version of the bi-annual QUTLS report, please email Nathan at: president@qutlawsociety.com
Competitions Ben Pool and Adriana Tate are our competition heavy-weights, and they weigh in with a title-winning update... The Competitions Team hit the ground running with the Witness Examination, sponsored by QUT PLT. Kicking off in week 2, first semester. QUT Law faculty staff member, Mark Thomas, and Solicitor, Trent Jones, generously judged the final round of the competition and crowned Liam McAndrews as the winner for the 2015 Witness Examination competition. Following this, the 2015 Junior Moot, sponsored by Allens Linklaters, commenced after much anticipation from the student body. This was one of our most popular competitions of the year, with over 40 teams competing in the preliminary rounds. With a packed out audience, the Finals saw the dynamic duo, Helen Driscoll and Ayla Fletcher, take out first place. Following the success of the Junior Moot, the Minter Ellison Client Interview preliminary rounds commenced. This event afforded students the opportunity to experience the practicalities of the profession, supplemented by feedback from leading professionals. Victors, Aaron Beale and Lachlan Huggins, impressed the judges and the audience
with their complimentary teamwork skills. The 2015 King & Wood Mallesons Senior Moot was the final and most highly anticipated competition of the semester. The preliminary rounds uncovered fierce and fiesty competition, which only intensified as the rounds progressed. The Honourable Justice Jackson, Special Counsel of King & Wood Mallesons, Natalie Caton, and Barrister-at-law and QUT faculty staff, Paul Telford, presided over the final. After a pulsating and nail-biting round, Liam McAndrews and Ryan Sheldrake were announced as the winners, after a close and intensive round. Both Benjamin and I have found our roles as Competition Team Leaders to be an invaluable and incredibly irewarding experience. We look forward to facilitating the remainder of the QUTLS internal competitions that will take place in the second semester.
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Membership Membership Services Director Rosie Kirby, has built you an army... 2015 has been an exciting year for the fledgling Member Services Portfolio, consisting of myself, Taylor Bunnag (Advocacy Officer), Megan Moffitt (Professional Development Team Leader), Tom McKenzie (Indigenous Reconciliation Officer), Elinor Buys (Health & Wellbeing Officer) and Sam Pitman (Assistant Director, HG. Buddy Program). Clerkship symposium: QUTLS ensured that members had the edge on the competition at clerkship time. The 2015 Clerkship Symposium culminated in two seminars delivered by Clayton Utz and Minter Ellison, on cover letter and resume tips, as well as interviewing and networking advice. Corrs Chambers Westgarth Seminar: QUTLS hosted Corrs representatives who informed students on working for a top-tier. A well-attended event that helped us all through the tough clerkship period. Doughnuts May: On the 11th of May, penultimate students awaited clerkship offers. QUTLS, with the faculty, provided Krispy Kreme Doughnuts for stress relief. Careers without Clerkships Panel: The panel consisted of Dan Roe and Lucy Munt, QUT alumni who never completed clerkships, lecturers Rachael Field and James Duffy, as well as Chris Hargreaves, Senior
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Associate at McInnis Wilson and owner of the Tips for Lawyers blog. The packed event was a roaring success, with a lot of laughs and plenty of free stress balls. The recording is on the QUT Law Community site. HopgoodGanim Buddy Program: Pairs early- with later-year students to provide support at an uncertain time. This is a holistic program, designed to provide first year students with support and guidance, and a forum for the spread of wisdom. First year lunch: The lunch was an opportunity to mingle and sign up to the Buddy Program. Professionals from HopgoodGanim were available to meet with first years, giving them a glimpse into what working with a firm is like. QPILCH Walk for Justice: With the largest group in a crowd of judges and lawyers, over 50 QUT staff and students braved the cold to raise money for community legal centres and organisations to promote accessible justice. Lolly Bags: Our Portfolio worked tirelessly to make 300 lolly bags for QUTLS members, handed out in the library at exam time! The Member Services Portfolio looks forward to another packed semester!
Social The King of Fun, Mr Uday ‘fun-man’ Piyaratne tells us all why he is, by far, the coolest person on the Executive... Meet the Profession 2015 Held in Room Three-sixty, Meet the Profession was the first event of the year. With over 50 industry professionals and 80 students in attendance, the event was a great success. Many professionals commented on the relaxed atmosphere of the meet-and-greet, which allowed them to open up and discuss the ins-andouts of the legal field. Next year we plan for an even more successful sequel, as the Society looks to hold it on a weekend night. Law Ball 2015 This year, QUTLS hosted their largest ever law ball with over 1250 guests – more than double the previous record. The event was spread out over two floors of Cloudland, with four different themed rooms under the umbrella theme of ‘Carnival’. Whilst still being within budget, QUTLS utilised ice sculptures and champagne fountains for a flowing Champagne Room; a photo booth and backdrop for the Photo Room; UV lights and a mass of white helium balloons for the Rave Cave; and over 500 masquerade masks distributed throughout; with the main room, the Rainbow Room, being complete with Brazilian carnival
dancers and drummers. Part of the profits were redistributed to aid those affected by the earthquakes in Nepal. Reconciliation Breakfast 2015 Held at the Hilton Hotel, this year’s Reconciliation Breakfast had the highest turnout for this event in QUTLS history. This annual breakfast aims to build better relationships between the wider Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Guest speakers for the event included Stephen Keim SC, Professor Anita Lee Hong, Uncle Sam Watson, and Darren Williams (who entertained us with the Didgeridoo!). Representatives from Brisbane’s top law firms were also in attendance. Proceeds were donated to Reconciliation Australia. Events in Semester Two - QUTLS Pub Crawl - Law Dinner
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Moot Club Shereen Parvez likes to remind competitors that this is your life, and it’s ending one moot at a time... The QUTLS Moot Club aims to assist mooters of all experience levels improve their advocacy skills. The Club was born this year, and the response from students and the Law Faculty has been incredibly positive. The official launch of the Club is set to take place at the beginning of semester 2, so keep your eyes on the QUTLS Moot Club Facebook page for that very exciting event announcement! Thank you to the students and staff members who have supported us over the last couple of months. I would especially like to thank Lucy Munt and Dan Roe for their tireless efforts in helping to get Moot Club off the ground. Without them, Moot Club would not be possible. During semester 1 Moot Club held two main events. Firstly, the ‘Meet the Mooters’ evening. This event was designed to give new mooters the opportunity to pick the brains of some of QUTs’ most experienced mooters. It was an evening of mingling, banter and lots of questions. We hope it convinced you that all the hard work and late nights are worth it in the end.
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The second major event was ‘beta testing’ for ‘Fight Club’ sessions. The ‘Fight Club’ sessions are minimoots designed to give students the opportunity to deliver oral arguments to an esteemed panel of judges. The beta-testing sessions allowed us to see how we should structure the Club so that students get the most of the it. Student feedback has been instrumental in the structuring of future ‘Fight Club’ sessions. The majority of semester 1 was spent laying the groundwork, and we look forward to interacting more with students in semester 2. The goals and events for the remainder of 2015 include: •The official Moot Club launch; •Release of the mooting guide; •Running more workshops; •Seminars on advocacy skills from members of the judiciary/ Queensland Bar; and •Assisting external mooters in preparation for national and international competitions.
Publications As Publications front-man, Elliot Dolan-Evans teaches us that he who controls the past controls the future. He who controls Publications conquers the past... Following a bloody coup sometime in March, the Ministry of Truth Publications Team have been working hard to redesign the regular publications of the QUTLS. Many of our valued members would have noticed the new direction of the ‘In Media Res’ magazine (now Torts Illustrated), which really epitomises the more humorous and engaging path our team is looking to take. Though we will soon belong to a profession heavily steeped in tradition and formality, magazines and publications still need to be engaging and entertaining. Especially as we aim our media towards hard-working students, who sometimes need something a bit more light-hearted to read! I would be highly negligent in not acknowledging and thanking the wonderful members of the Publications team. These individuals have been working very hard behind the scenes to bring you magazines, Facebook posts, banners, and various aspects of QUTLS’ public image. Introducing our ‘content’ team – Ethan Hyde, Helen Driscoll, and Jessica Fenech; and our ‘design’ team Priscilla Dorio, Nina Wos, Chisomo Phiri, and Team
Leader Bronte Hearn! For the upcoming semester, we will continue to make QUTLS sparkle, and we will be producing two more Torts Illustrated issues! This particular issue, our ‘Mid-Year Review’ has had a more corporate direction to complement the content. The subsequent issue will be one drenched in antiquity, and I hope you are all looking forward to it! We’ve already had a bit of fun getting ready for its production, so I hope you will similarly enjoy perusing its risqué content, and delight in sailing upon its dangerous pages. Our team has created a welcoming and inclusive environment within our group; all our members work so hard, it would be even more difficult if we clashed with each other and weren’t as supportive as we are. Remembering that we are all volunteers, I am proud to be in a team who catches up regularly and who get along very well! So, !!MAET SNOITACILBUP EHT NIOJ
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Law Revue They’re preparing for trouble, and making it double - Jess and James get ready to blast off at the speed of light... Attention Pawneeans! Parks and Litigation is coming very soon to a theatre near you! Allens Linklaters and Herbert Smith Freehills are very proud to present the QUT Law Society’s 2015 Law Revue “Parks and Litigation” on the 9th and 10th of September. The Law Revue is a variety sketchcomedy theatre show written, directed, and performed by QUT Law students. Featuring a blend of satiric film, live music, and original stage skits, we poke fun at University life, current events, and the horrors of studying. We cater to everyone, not just Law Students. If your eyes are connected to your brain, this is the show for you! When billionaire Clive Palmer enlists the help of his Eagleton Street legal team to buy out Gardens Point and turn it into his very own Jurassic Park, it’s up to the tight-knit team of Lester, John, and paralegal May (oh yeah and Terry... where is he?) at Swan & Son to save QUT on behalf of students, staff, and Stumpy pigeons everywhere.
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Come and join the fun as they battle incompetent news reporters, questionable beverages, and...wait... is that John’s crazy ex-wife acting as opposing counsel? All this and more awaits you in what critics are calling “the stage equivalent of a free breakfast buffet” and what literally some bloggers have described as “okay,” “kinda funny I guess,” and “I can see what they were trying to do.” Rehearsals are under way and our fantastic cast are taking to the script like Leslie to waffles. In addition, the QUT Law Society is stoked to announce that for the very first time, you can come and have a laugh at your very own campus! With a lot of hard work and the support of the Law Faculty, Parks and Litigation will be playing at the QUT Gardens Point Theatre on September 9th and 10th. Tickets will be on sale in August. $20 for Students and $25 for Adults. Want free tickets? Who doesn’t love free things? To enter the draw for two complimentary tickets, upload a selfie of you wearing your best Ron
Swanson moustache to the QUT Law Revue Facebook page using the hashtag #parksandlit2015. Get ready to treat yo’ self to the best show you’ll see all year. Literally. We look forward to seeing you there! Your friendly neighbourhood Law Revue Convenors, Team Rocket (our names are Jessie and James. Get it?) P.S. Looking to dip your toes in the Revue pool before belly-flopping into Parks and Litigation? Why not try the UQ Law Revue in late August? Just search “UQ Law Revue” on Facebook and follow the links. It should be okay... probably.
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Torts Illustrated article McCullough Robertson Lawyer, Suzie Emery talks about why pro bono work is important to her. As an alumnus of QUT law and lawyer at McCullough Robertson, I wanted to talk about pro bono work – why I enjoy it so much and how it can be beneficial to you and your career. For me, pro bono work fulfils that aim I had when starting my law degree – I wanted to help people, without having to sacrifice the benefits of being able to work for a large corporate firm at the same time. Pro bono work gives me the best of both worlds, being able to help someone who may not otherwise have access to justice, and the genuine satisfaction of making a difference in someone’s life, alongside the challenge of working on large, high stakes litigation for large multinational corporations. Pro bono work also allows me to work in areas of law I would not usually operate in. Being able to remove the barriers to justice faced by many disadvantaged people who cannot afford a lawyer is just such a great feeling. Often pro bono clients have a problem that is easy to solve from a legal perspective but which they cannot solve themselves – a little bit of help from a lawyer can make such a massive difference in their life. The work also helps me to keep things in perspective. We talk about a $500k matter as ‘small’, but for a lot of people a dispute about $500 is the most important and significant legal issue they will ever face. I get to work with a wide variety of people from all walks of life and the genuine thanks you get for helping someone who is truly in need is just so satisfying! It is sometimes good to get that reality check. It is so great to work at a firm where the lawyers are encouraged to undertake pro bono work. McCullough Robertson takes their commitment to the community seriously and pro bono work is completed to the same high standard of excellence as everything else that we do. In short, helping my fellow man by using the skills I have, just feels good, and the fact that it is a part of my job, makes it that much better.
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Bean around Brisbane Dousing herself in coffee as a form of protection from the harsh sunrise, Helen Driscoll reports on some local cafes in Brisbane CBD... Former barista goddess & possible coffee snob venturing on café crawl pursuant to a Google search of “best Brisbane coffee”. A coffee shop where I am unable to access almond milk immediately becomes problematic. Whilst it’s true that anyone can froth milk - theoretically speaking - the true test of a barista is his or her ability to perfectly froth almond milk. Frisky Goat Espresso We often hurriedly stroll past it on the way to our honorable education institution each morning, but I have often wanted to pop in. Embarking on my ‘cawfee crawl’, this little holein-the-wall is quiet-ish and welcoming. The music is brilliant, and the décor is quaint yet casual. To be difficult, I order a decaf almond milk latte (almond milk immediately gains bonus points). My coffee is aesthetically pleasing, with lovely latte art, and I am rather fond of red cups. I found the $5.20 price a tad steep and the milk was slightly burnt. However, it was enjoyable and I will definitely be back. My final rating is 8/10.
Coffee Anthology Upon entering this fine establishment, situated on Margaret Street, one is immediately greeted by friendly and smiley staff who are undoubtedly passionate about their coffee! The little shop prides itself on beautiful latte art and exotic blends of coffee beans, which vary on a day-to-day basis. I firstly sample an espresso black with hints of chili. Strong and with quite the zhang to it, would highly recommend /10 for pre exam stimulant. To my excitement, almond milk is also on hand. However, my subsequent flat white was dreadfully curdled and burnt. My new barista friend was mortified and instantly rectified the situation. My final rating for this spot is a 7/10. Join Helen for further cafe analysis next issue of Torts Illustrated! [Ed.]
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Introduction to First Year Jess Fenech takes some time off from being a solid winner to help guide our naive first years down the in’s-and-out’s of George Street... When I first started law, I didn’t know my trial from my appeal, let alone when I went to my first interview (or my second or third for that matter). So here are some useful tips to get you through! Terminology A graduate lawyer is an individual who has graduated their law degree and working whilst competing their practical legal training. Lawyer and solicitor are common terms that are used to describe people in legal practice, but is there really a difference? Simply, no. Solicitor and lawyer are generic terms and can be used interchangeably. A barrister is a person called to the bar and entitled to practise as an advocate, particularly in the higher courts. Also referred to as Junior Counsel. Queen’s Counsel (QC) and Senior Counsel (S.C.) comprise only about 10 per cent of the practising bar. This is because the appointment of a barrister as Queen’s Counsel and Senior Counsel (also referred to as ‘taking
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silk’) is only made after many years of outstanding practise. Additionally, virtues of objectivity, impartiality and fairness are crucial for a Queen’s and Senior Counsel in their professional life. Senior Counsel are also colloquially known as “silks” because their robes include a gown made of silk, whereas junior counsel wear gowns made of cotton. Judiciary In Queensland the Governor in Council appoints judges by commission. However, in practice and by convention, the Attorney-General decides the appointment or brings the name to Cabinet for discussion and approval. The Governor rubber-stamps the selection. In the Magistrates court, a judicial member is referred to as a Magistrate. In the District Court they will be referred to as Judge. In the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal and the High Court, a judge will be referred to as Justice.
Solicitor v Barrister In Queensland, a ‘lawyer’ can be either a solicitor or a barrister. A solicitor provides legal advice, drafts documents, negotiates with the other side and conducts litigation. This work may relate to non-litigious matters, such as leasing or contracts, or may relate to litigious matters. Traditionally, a solicitor does not appear on behalf of a client before a court or tribunal, however, this is changing. A barrister is the person you normally see appearing before a court or tribunal on behalf of a party. Barristers may also provide opinions, draft documents and perform negotiations. Generally, a barrister receives their information and instructions through a solicitor, but essentially they are self-employed. A client can instruct a barrister directly. However, barristers are constrained by what they can do for the client by their ethical rules. For example, a barrister cannot sign court proceedings on behalf of a client or serve court documents. When not appearing in court, they work in chambers.
“Chamber” is the traditional name for a barrister’s office. Barristers are not employed in a law firm, nor do they form partnerships. However they frequently set up offices close to each other in order to share administrative and other costs. For example, several barristers will be spread across a floor and employ several secretaries to share costs of staff and rent. Fun Facts The average number of years after admission before judicial appointment is about 27.75. Further, 30% of Judicial members in Queensland are female, the highest being 55% in the Australian Capital Territory and the lowest in South Australia and Western Australia being 28%. If you were to meet a member of the judiciary in an interview or social setting you would refer to them as ‘Judge’’.
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Parks Litigation and
9th & 10th Sept. Gardens Theatre, QUT
6:30PM for 7PM show
Study Playlist Newly crowned Director of News-tainment, Shereen Parvez, shares why you should never listen to Nick Cave whilst you study... The Mercy Seat – Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds Right from the beginning of the music video one is able to tell that Nick Cave, and most likely the rest of his band, are seriously tortured dudes. The heaviness of the piece is conveyed through the music, but is intensified if one bothers to tune into the lyrics. The lyrics are dark, so I would recommend not tuning into them on a sunny Tuesday afternoon. Actually, just don’t listen to this song on a sunny day. It’s a song meant for dark days where you feel angry and depressed. This song will make you angry at The Man in no time, assuming that you aren’t already. Fifteen Feet of Pure White Snow – Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds This song is slightly more cheerful than the last song... which isn’t saying much. The track speaks of Nick’s concern about the welfare of numerous people because it is snowing outside. The video clip is exceptionally confusing as to how it relates to the subject matter. There are people dancing around in a poorly renovated basement, judging by the décor and flickering lights. The song does build, so conclusion of this
song is much fuller. The people in the video clip look like they’re in pain, but also like they’re slightly grateful for the exercise. The experience of listening to this song would be vastly improved if one was under the influence of *some substance*. The author is unwilling to test this hypothesis, but if anyone does test it, please send your feedback to nick.cave@darkness.com. O’Children – Nick Cave Despite the title having the word ‘children’ in it, do not let children listen to this song. True to form, Nick Cave once again embraces dark subject matter in this melancholic track. The first line of the song, ‘pass me that lovely little gun’, sets the tone. All sass aside, the sadness of the song is entrancing and the choir voices definitely adds to its depth and atmosphere. The lyrics are stunningly crafted. Nick Cave is a poet; he hits all the right notes.
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Book Review Yet again proving that he completely hogs TI, Elliot Dolan-Evans reviews a nonlaw book. Please, someone submit something, or he’s going centrefold on us... Wheel of Time Series – The Eye of the World - Robert Jordan ‘The Wheel of Time turns, and Ages come and pass. What was, what will be, and what is, may yet fall under the Shadow.’ If you enjoy Lord of the Rings or Game Of Thrones, strap yourselves in, fantasy fans, and get ready for the Wheel of Time. The Wheel of Time series is an extensive ‘high fantasy’ series of fifteen (15!) books, and one of the most popular series of its genre. It is an epic in every sense of the word. Here, I review the first book in the series – ‘The Eye of the World’. The world that is encapsulated in this enthralling novel is that of lore, from ages past. The ‘Wheel of Time’ is a metaphysical, philosophical, yet very real, wheel that determines collective experience in the world – as it turns, new ages come and old ages pass. The ‘force’ that turns this wheel is the magical element, ‘The Power’ (Saidin), and it is also a source of power that is used to deadly, great, and disastrous effect by many of the novel’s
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characters. The plot of the series as a whole revolves around the central mythology of the world, where a deity known as ‘The Creator’ formed the world and imprisoned ‘Shai’tan’ (‘The Dark One’), who is the series main antagonist. The books centre on the time period where Shai’tan is breaking out of his prison to rein terror upon the world, and his agents (‘Darkfriends’) rage war upon those forces of the light to achieve his freedom. These wars have occurred for millennia prior to this story-arc, and when the light has been led to victory, it has been through this mythologicalprophet-like character named ‘The Dragon’. A major theme in The Eye of the World is the ‘Rebirth’ of this warrior to once again defeat the forces of darkness. However, the novel starts in a very inconspicuous part of the fictional world, in a quiet country town named ‘Emond’s Field.’ The main protagonists Rand al’Thor, Mat Cauthon, Perrin Aybara, Egwene al’Vere, and Nynaeve al’Meara leave their homes
following a murderous attack on the sleepy village by Shai’tan’s dark forces (‘Trollocs’). They embark upon a journey with the aid of an Aes Sedai (‘good witch’ who uses ‘The Power’) to counter a threat to the Eye of the World, a pool of Saidin and one of seven seals on the Dark One’s prison. The story is exceptionally intricate, and it is a beautifully written book that you just absolutely fall into. It is extremely engaging, and every time you pick up the novel you are transported into a fantastical world where you really connect with each and every character. I would highly recommend taking a chance on this mammoth book series if you have any interest in fantasy. It may take you the best part of a decade to read, but it will be such a wonderful distraction from all of those horrible law textbooks you should be reading.
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