scope features | anita nielsen (editor) kelsie realf (sub-editor) georgia hick (sub-editor) music&arts | dylan hans (editor) maggie munn (sub-editor) sport | james cornish (editor) jessica drummer (sub-editor) graphic designer | geordi avila cover | mitchell willocks
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Week 5, Sem 131 | Scope Magazine
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swearing pandora’s box hot spots on the gc kununurra all about coffee sport music/arts/reviews cdc corkboard
from the
editor Caroline Stanley
Hi Bondies!
from the
Treasurer
Casey Schneeburger Semester 131 - Master Budget This semester SAM funds have been distributed to seventy five student clubs, societies and faculty associations, so that they can provide a wide range of quality events, competitions and services to the student body. Twenty six of these clubs received 100% funding forty of them received above 80% and sixty clubs received more
Welcome to Week 5. I’m not really sure where the first six weeks of semester went but if someone finds mine, could you please return them to me because I would really like them back. Whilst most methods of procrastination, I have been able to justify by passing it off as still ‘the beginning of the semester’, we have well and truly reached the point now where we can no longer use such pathetic excuses. The onslaught of assignments and mid-semester exams is upon us and it is time to knuckle down and accomplish stuff.
than 50% of their requested allocation. The total request for funds was $293,000 and BUSA had $216,000 of SAM funds available for disbursement. $29,123.45 was allocated towards capital expenditure for up and coming projects that will improve the student experience, benefiting both current and future Bondies. Some of these capital expenditure funds will provide the soft refurbishment of Don’s Tavern.
On a brighter note, the first ‘Physical’ event of our new HMSA is this Friday and it’s shaping up to be a killer event! Make sure you don your brightest, most horrific gender-bender cozzie (preferably in lycra), and if you need any inspiration feel free to watch Olivia Newton John’s video clip - you’re sure to find it very inspiring.
On another exciting note BUSA is now partnering with a variety of new provisional clubs to increase the scope of services provided to students helping them to reap greater benefit from their SAM membership. A big thank you to all of the club executives it has been a pleasure meeting with you and seeing the great work that you are doing to enhance the student experience.
We said goodbye to our first semester graduates this Saturday which was very sad, but the two ceremonies were lovely and the party at East later that night one not to be forgotten (but likely to have been by many).
We hope that the student body is able to take advantage of the wide array of opportunities SAM is providing them with this semester. We wish future clubs, societies and faculty associations all the best with their future funding applications. We will endeavour to do our best to ensure that funds are distributed in such a way that they provide the maximum benefit to the diverse needs of each and every Bond student.
Hopefully the week goes off without a hitch for everyone. Don’t forget to sign up for the Flood Appeal in the BUSA office for this Sunday!
Love, Scope Magazine | Week 5,Caro Sem 131 x
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“$#@*?!” Swearing? Yes or F**k No? Written By Jonathan Parry 4
Week 5, Sem 131 | Scope Magazine
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n occupation in health is one of constant contradictions and mixed messages. On the one hand, the patients are to be treated as if they were our one and only concern – the only client, on the other, the relationships between the various members of the establishment borders on abusive. Disdain, irritation, anger, arrogance and contempt are rife between the conflicting ‘classes’ in the health hierarchy. Indeed, at the health institution I work at, people in my positions are tarted up with the name Operating Theatre Assistant when what it really should be is hospital slave. What’s truly interesting, though, is the rampant and accepted use of profanity by not just those of my lowly station, but by all facets of the pyramid. Is swearing universal? Is not court but cursing the great leveller? Profanity has existed as long as language, it exists in all countries and cultures, and it provides many different uses: stress relief, derision, desecration, a medium for showing joy, for pain, for social status, blasphemy, insubordination and that’s just to name a few. To create a truly exhaustive list would be to write almost everything for swear words have such versatility that they can be used to replace almost all words in a sentence. An example would be those fucking fuckers fucked up the fucking shit they were fucking doing. Assuming the above hasn’t been edited out, you can see that with only one word, a word that can be referred to by only its first letter, one can create a complete and coherent sentence. With such a conjugational ability, it’s no wonder that swearing is such a staple of society. In the world, studies have shown that “roughly 80–90 spoken words each day – 0.5% to 0.7% of all words – are swear words, with usage varying from between 0% to 3.4%. In comparison, first-person plural pronouns (we, us, our) make up 1% of spoken words.” That statistic was found in a physiological study into the utility and ubiquity of taboo words. And no wonder someone would study such a topic, in 2010, a team from Keele University received the Ig Nobel Peace Prize for concluding that swearing relives the effect of physical pain. Holy crap guys, good job.
With that in mind, it should be obvious that at my place of work I can get away with saying just about whatever I want. Yet, when I told my supervisor to go fuck himself with a rotting, disease ridden cucumber, I was met with only surprise, hurt and extreme fury. If nearly 100 words a day used are profane, then why when I greeted my boss with twelve of them was I fired? Was I being disrespectful? I suppose there was some basis for it, in 2010 (the same year we all found out that swearing helps relieve pain) a construction worker who was dismissed for confronting a project manager and repeatedly saying ‘’f---’’ and ‘’f---ing.’’ This worker was later reinstated when it was found that such language was part of the culture but in a similar case a storeman at a shopping centre was fired for calling an employee a “camel f--er” and a “wog.” Perhaps this worker wasn’t reinstated due to the fact that it occurred two years before it was discovered that swearing helps relieve pain, though the official reason was that the storeman was found guilty of bullying and harassment. Maybe the reason I was fired was due to context. While it’s completely acceptable for me to curse and swear with my fellow theatre assistants, doing so with my managing administrator certainly isn’t and I doubt that an excuse of it being the language of the health culture would get me my job back. Internationally, profanity has its different levels of acceptance. The United States is notorious for its censorship and there are some who attribute this to the view of the first president George Washington’s view that profanity is ‘’a vice so mean and low that every person of sense and character detests and despises it. There isn’t such a stigma in the Europe and in France a child wouldn’t get in trouble for saying the French equivalent of shit (it’s merde). However, despite the general tolerance, Australia has maintained a position of coarseness and culturally inferiority - a view the British have long deduced from our habit. Journalist Samantha Selinger-Morris says that early immigrants arriving from England in the 19th century adopted the ‘’vulgar’’ language of earlier convict settlers in order to assimilate and avoid the dreaded label ‘’new chum’’. Just like my hospital hierarchy, whether or not I can swear is contradictory. I can do it to fit in, but I can’t do it if it offends. There’s a fine line between being funny and being obscene. This distinction is one we all have to determine and adhere to and should you stray from this area of admission then you’re fucked.
Scope Magazine | Week 5, Sem 131
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Pandora’s Box By Charlie Sutcliffe
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incredibly unflattering fluorescent lights, staring right back at me. So, there’s me, running along in my own filth and then, there’s him. Dark, handsome, and ostensibly into lifting, the guy (who I had never seen in my life) kept smiling at me. Me- the girl who is panting and sweat ridden, and only ten minutes in. So, I gracefully sauntered over, gave him a wink and my number, and with a swing of the hips- sauntered off without a word.
We all have these little quirks, right? Some sicker than others, and I guess that’s why some of us are in jail, and others aren’t. But basically, despite all of this, we should try and be true to ourselves; you hear me? Don’t be afraid to open up your own Pandora’s box (and I do intend the metaphorical meaning of “box”) and let all your eels out. Well, maybe not all of them. Its becoming too uncommon that people keep no mystery at all, it’s important to keep a little of the mystery alive, to have people guessing. It’s just very important to speak up for yourself and own yourself, even if that means you’ll be the Antonia of the Kidman family.
LOL JKS. I panicked, choked on my water and went to the sauna to cool down. There you have it. So much for the awesome, confident, enlightened young woman of the world I once knew myself to be. That woman who I have just told you about, she was sucked in to the treadmill long ago. Feeling the pressure of society on my shoulders, I can think of only one thing to get past these moments. Those are the moments of adversity, or of intimidation, of stupidity. Yes they are, but they are also the moments to be strong! The learning curve here is that if you just say it, it works. Acting is something we can all do, and becoming more familiar with acting confidently is something that I tell myself will get me through moments like that. This sounds pretty obvious, but actually doing it is something most people are actually unfamiliar with. The times when you feel pathetic and intimidated, as though you want to run away and die under a rock, one just needs to tell themselves to “be strong.”
’m probably the biggest damn contradiction. Traditional to the bone- classical style, clean, safe law degree, dinner parties and good manners. Yet, my blood seems to thicken because my heart beats a lot faster when I set sights on the following things: gory and screwed up horror films (I can deal with these without a flinch; the more twisted, the better); obscure music stand offs; hairy, skinny and unhealthy looking boys who smoke too many cigarettes; superfluously crude comedians... the list goes on.
So, how to push past these barriers? How do you live life full of humour and intellect in your own sweet style? Well, to tell you the truth, a lot of you would have a better idea than me. I mean, the other day I was at the gym daydreaming to my music. Running along, panting and red in the face, trying so desperately not to make eye contact with myself in the mirror. I feared the look of that pasty, shining face, under those
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Week 5, Sem 131 | Scope Magazine
It may seem as corny as corn, but it works. Or, as a B-plan, always remember that winners do what losers don’t want to do, for that is entirely true. Then, there’s always the C-plan: your friend will always be there, and by “friend” I mean tequila. Although, taking tequila to the gym will be an even bigger contradiction.
HOT SPOTS
on the coast Written by Margie Woodbridge
When Don’s, the Varsity Lakes Tavern and CBD bar no longer tickle your fancy, why not grab a couple of your friends and step out of the comfort of campus life and venture out into some of the Gold Coast’s new and popular hot spots. If you are a fan of Blackboard Coffee, then you will love Nicholas Pearce’s new espresso bar located on the Esplanade in Surfers Paradise. Esplanade Coffee Brewers redefines simplicity as high quality, and puts an emphasis on a well-thought out use of space. Ideal for a mid-shopping caffeine hit with ethically-sourced coffee and friendly staff. If you are ever in Burleigh, you absolutely have to drop in to Commune, located on the lower Gold Coast Highway across the road from 4th Avenue. Commune has an array of beautiful food with many vegetarian options, and is renowned for their participation in ‘meat free Monday’. They have an eclectic taste in furniture, and have a cute court-yard type setting with garden chairs and couches. They pull out their Ping-Pong table on Sundays, so it is perfect to cruise in for a coffee or fresh juice after a day at the beach. Their focal point is to offer an eco-friendly experience along with great food and service. You will feel right at home here! Your next destination will be more of a treasure hunt: Black Coffee Lyrics is hidden away upstairs in the Centre Arcade on Surfers Paradise Blvd. If following directions is not your forte, you may find yourself very lost, and in that case you will be missing out on the quirkiest little haven the Gold Coast has to offer. They were voted one of the Most Popular Cafes of 2012 by Beanhunter, offer specialty coffee and they do a delicious breakfast on the weekend. It’s also a cosy place to come for a drink or gourmet dinner, enjoy a game of scrabble and listen to some live music. The layout of the venue is a cross between old-school library meets the red room of pain (the ladies will understand the reference). I highly recommend BCL for a few drinks on the weekend before heading out in Surfers. If Surfers Paradise is not your scene, and you would prefer something a bit closer to campus, Nobby’s Beach, located off the highway between Mermaid and Miami has a small selection of bars that have an inviting vibe where you can sit down and have a chat with the locals. Nobby’s Arc is a large and vibrant tapas bar, and with a menu that is designed to share, it is a fun place to come with a group of friends. The weekends at the Arc are always busy and the atmosphere will have you coming for predrinks and staying for the night. If you have no classes on Monday, or are willing to brave a hangover, the Arc is renowned for their Sunday Sessions and will have you coming back weekly. But come in early, as the place fills up quickly! Last on my list is the latest establishment to have cemented themselves popular with the locals, Cambus Wallace. Once inside, you will feel as though you are in the dark and dreary cabin of a ship, with a nautical theme running throughout the bar. Aptly named after the Cambus Wallace, which capsized off Stradbroke Island in 1894, this bar oozes comfort and class. They have their own locally brewed beer, and have a strong focus on rum (they offer 20 selections); Cambus Wallace offers a simple yet elegant place to come for a beverage to take your mind off all those assignments! Happy Exploring!
Scope Magazine | Week 5, Sem 131
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STUDENT PHILANTHROPY COUNCIL
Ruby By Harriet Johnston
A young jewel we discovered during the Kununurra Project...
T
he remote East Kimberley creates a striking contrast of red earth, silver boabs and ragged escarpments. Half an hour out of the outback town of Kununurra, on the banks of the Ord River, the small community of Mud Springs is Miriwoong country. Miriwoong is the local Indigenous language group, and the Miriwoong people are the custodians of the land. It was here that Ruby Blitner began her journey. Until Ruby was two, she was a bubbly, smiling, running, jumping little girl - a gem of laughter and strength. However, in April 2011 while out fishing with her family she was bitten by a mosquito carrying Murray Valley Encephalitis – a rare, often fatal disease. After being sent home from hospital, Ruby soon collapsed into a coma and had to be airlifted to Darwin to undergo intensive treatment in a fight for survival. Ruby won that fight, however, she can no longer walk, speak or feed herself. Ruby is in a wheelchair and is tube fed for all her meals. Her mother, Courtney, and her grandmother, Annette, are doing their best for their little girl. Together with Ruby’s five year old brother, they have stuck together throughout huge adversity including having to live in the hospital due to homelessness until August 2012, isolation and limited access to many of the services, resources and equipment that are simply taken for granted in the city. Ruby has only recently begun to receive the very tip of the iceberg of what she is entitled to – a home outside the hospital, some speech and physiotherapy, and access to specialised equipment for her development and comfort. However, ongoing treatment is expensive and for Ruby to make substantial progress in rehabilitation she needs to access these intensive therapies whilst she is still so young and her brain rapidly developing.
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Week 5, Sem 131 | Scope Magazine
A small group of family and friends created a volunteer committee, Jewel of the Kimberley, to aid Ruby and her family, focussing on four areas: support for the family, advocacy, awareness-raising and fundraising. All our work is to help Ruby have the life she deserves and all donations are tax-deductible and go directly into a secure commission free society account to be used specifically and solely for Ruby’s own immediate needs - services, equipment, resources and education. Please visit our website jewelofthekimberley.com, if you are able to donate or assist in any capacity especially through the provision of medical treatment or in kind donations please email spc@bond.edu.au. Above all, Ruby and her family need support: people who know, people who care and people who can help: that is a gem in itself.
B
lackboard. Papyrus. Juicy Bits. Cerum. Cafe Bond. The multiple options in Market Square. Am I the only new Bondy overwhelmed by this selection, blown away by the seemingly endless alternatives for that elixir of adolescent life - coffee?
On my first day here, I mentioned this to my father.
“Think about it,” he said. “You’ve got thousands of hormone-ravaged young people roaming around. They need places to connect.” Now, my father could charitably be described as retro. He thinks that tweeting involves birds, posting something involves envelopes, and un-friending someone involves bopping them on the nose. His picture of coffee as a catalyst for romance is fairly dated. However, even in this digital age, the question “Do you want a cup of coffee?” doesn’t always arise out of concern for someone’s thirst. Back in the good old days from which my father has never progressed, asking someone if they’d like a coffee was like going for the grope. It was a declaration of amorous intent, a litmus test for potential relationships. Sadly, though, the ancient cup-of-coffee ritual is now under siege from social media, and the new order of relationship protocols. Nowadays, a cup of coffee is often just that. Now, I’m a chai latte man, obviously destined to lead a solitary life. I’m nevertheless a stoic defender of the cup-of-coffee rite. I don’t know how this bitter beverage gained a reputation as an aphrodisiac - maybe because it keeps you awake all night - but somehow I find it uniquely evocative and romantic. The steam, the aromas, the knowledge that your companion isn’t playing ‘Words with Friends’ in another tab. Maybe I’m quixotic (or maybe I just like using weird words drawn from classic literature), but I love the image of two people huddled
under an umbrella, staring into each others’ eyes as tendrils of steam curl up between them. For the record, the coffee I speak of is well-brewed stuff in a decent mug. Asking someone “Do you want a cup of coffee?” should not translate as “Do you want a half-price plastic-capped paper cup of reconstituted caffeine?” Disposable cups aren’t good enough in this situation, nor are chipped birthday presents engraved with the lyrics to ‘You Shook Me All Night Long.’ I generally avoid unnecessary pressures on my hip-pocket nerve, but in these circumstances even I fork out the few extra dollars. Not for the coffee itself, but for the illusion of sophistication, the ambience of romance, and the appearance of not being a cheapskate. Even once past the initial courtship threshold, the occasional half-hour in a coffee shop isn’t wasted. It’s cheap, simple, and easy to slip into a busy university schedule. It also provides valuable one-on-one time. Too many relationships are conducted in public arenas; too many times I’ve sat in the cinema, trying to watch the movie, as my best mate and his girl hold hands in the popcorn bucket. Whether it’s at a party, a movie, or a rainy day at the cricket, certain couples insist on asserting their love in front of an audience. “Get a room” has become a tired catchphrase; why not “Get a coffee” instead? Obviously, other reasons exist for Varsity’s veritable cornucopia of caffeine. When late nights become early mornings, coffee is a necessity, an inevitability, a human right. It prevents us from stumbling around like zombies, searching for the brains of others because our own feel like someone’s taken a dump in our skull. Nevertheless, may we remember that sometimes coffee is about more than cleansing the cobwebs from our weary minds. Sometimes, it isn’t about coffee at all.
It’s not
ALL ABOUT THE COFFEE Written by Antony Scholefield
Scope Magazine | Week 5, Sem 131
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Sports Office
From the
Northern University Games BRISBANE July 7-11th 2013 This event is for university students from Queensland, Northern Territory and northern NSW and is one of three regional uni games events held each year on the same weekend in July.
SPORTS
Sports on offer include: - AFL 9s - Baseball - Basketball - Beach Volleyball
- Football - Golf – singles - Hockey - Lawn Bowls
- Netball - Rugby Union 7s* - Squash - Tennis – singles
- Tenpin Bowling - Touch - Volleyball - Water Polo
For more information visit: http://www.unisport.com.au/bondbullsharks/unigames/Pages/ NUG.aspx
AUS Events on offer in 2013 Australian University Sport hosts a number of events throughout the calendar year. From standalone Championships to Australian University Games, there is something on offer for everyone. Australian University Championships Australian University Sport has a number of exciting Championships on offer in 2013. These standalone events give students the opportunity to compete at a national level. 2013 Championship Events include: • Orienteering • Surfing • Distance Running • Snow Sports • Rowing • Twenty 20 Cricket • Triathlon • 3 x 3 Basketball (incorporates Cheer competition) For more information visit http://www.unisport.com.au/bondbullsharks/ unigames/Pages/AUC.aspx
Calling for Expressions of Interest for 2013 NUG Team Managers Nominations for Team Managers at the 2013 Northern University Games are now open! The Games will be held in Brisbane, Queensland from 7 – 11th July 2013. The following teams require Team Managers: - AFL 9s - Baseball - Basketball - Beach Volleyball
- Football - Golf - Hockey - Lawn Bowls
- Netball - Rugby Union 7s* - Squash - Tennis
- Tenpin Bowling - Touch - Volleyball - Water Polo
Interested?
Candidates should outline the following in a one page cover letter: •Experience and leadership within their chosen sport/s •Ability to effectively assist in the management of a sporting team •Outline of participation in Bond University sport/ Australian University Sport All cover letters should be submitted by email to jyounger@bond.edu.au no later than Monday 18th February 2013. For more information visit http://www.unisport.com.au/bondbullsharks/unigames/Pages/ TeamManagers.aspx All students interested in participating in the 2013 NUG’s please keep an eye out for upcoming information on trials.
Australian University Games GOLD COAST September 29-October 4th 2013 Australian University Games has grown to be Australia’s largest annual multi- sport event. Held each September/October, the games is renowned for providing friendly but competitive environment for Australian university athletes and is the flagship event on the national sporting calendar. Sports on offer include: - Athletics - AFL - Badminton - teams - Baseball - Basketball - Beach Volleyball
- Hockey - Sailing - Cycling - Judo* - Softball - Fencing - Kendo* - Squash - teams - Football - Lawn Bowls - Swimming - Fustal^ - Netball - Table Tennis - teams - Golf – teams - Rugby Union 7s - Taekwondo* - Handball For more information visit: http://www.unisport.com.au/bondbullsharks/unigames/Pages/AUG.aspx
Want to play?
Information regarding NUG trials will be posted shortly. Keep an eye on your emails, the Bond University Campus Life Facebook page and the Bond Bullsharks Website.
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Week 5, Sem 131 | Scope Magazine
- Tenpin Bowling - Tennis - teams - Touch - Twenty20 Cricket^^ - Ultimate - Volleyball - Water Polo
Bond University: The King of Sport
C
oming from Durham University, where sporting facilities are everywhere and there are literally tens of thousands of people to play against, I was under the impression that the sporting culture would be exceptional. This was certainly not the case however, as I found that sport was pushed so far behind the rest of the university happenings. I decided to take a semester overseas and Bond University was the place I chose. I have been more than surprised at how well sport is implemented at Bond and here is why:
2. The interactions with members- to receive emails from clubs that I have joined, keeping me informed is unheard of from my university. At sport at Durham, we would either play competitively or organise games ourselves, there were no organised and specific
events that are all too prevalent here. Playing in mini tournaments and events socially and competitively is organised so efficiently and easily here, it is truly enjoyable to see what is coming up over the next weeks on the sporting calendar. 3. Feedback- Being able to discuss issues with sporting managers to try and resolve them provides effective two way communication to ensure the clubs are as good as they can be. 4. Free things- who doesn’t love free things? To first of all be offered free goodies from many clubs asking you to sign up with them is one thing but to then hold events during the semester where free food and prizes are given out is simply awesome. My stay at Bond has been so enjoyable and has been largely in part to the great sporting culture that the university prides itself under. There may not be anywhere near as many facilities as some other universities but the fact that they are all under such a small campus and to have so many sporting clubs offered, truly makes Bond the king of sport.
SPORTS
1. The sheer amount of sporting clubs- to see such a diverse range of sport, appealing to almost any individual was truly excellent. I was under the assumption that only football (soccer), rugby, tennis and maybe a few others were offered but to see things like ultimate Frisbee and grappling was pleasant to say the least.
By Luke Butler
WATERPOLO What even is water polo? Well friends, it’s a sport played by Gods. It legit is the greatest sport known to man – a mix of swimming, rugby union, and netball all rolled into one and played with less than minimal clothes on. If that’s not incentive enough to join, then I don’t know what is! The Bond water polo team is in need of some fresh, new meat! You don’t need to have played before, although it is preferable! We are a welcoming bunch, and a successful one at that, with our women’s team placing second at Northern Uni Games (NUG) in 2011! We are looking for fit, enthusiastic, competitive gals and lads to join our ranks for this year; we’re hoping to send a men and women’s team away to NUG and hopefully Australian Uni Games (AUG) later in the year. We train Monday nights at the Bond pool from 6:30 – 7:30pm. If you’re a keen bean and feeling the urge to tread water, play a contact sport half-naked, throw balls at people and keep fit then water polo is the sport for you! Like us on Facebook- ‘Bond University Water Polo’ or swing James Mulholland, Tamara Moloney or Maggie Munn an email if you want to get involved! By Maggie Munn
Without a doubt, the most competitive of the Res Wars weekly competitions, Dodgeball kicked off with a bang on Tuesday night. With a record turn out from all residences, it was a sight to behold as allegiances changed and A-Block no longer had the overwhelming throwing arms that accompany the Animal House and Dungeon corridors, following shake ups at the end of last semester. It was superb to see such strong competition, particularly from B Block in the boy’s competition, who were aided by some athletic new additions. With referees ruling with an iron fist and Dodgeball being a very subjective sport, red line fever was on show, particularly by the Green Machine girl’s team who accused everyone else of unfair play, despite evidence to the contrary. In what was a dramatic turn of events, three of the boy’s teams tied in first place, with A-Block, the AC and B-Block making it through to the play offs. The girl’s final was won by B-Block who defeated the AC girls and the AC took out the boys Dodgeball for the first time in 4 semesters, cutting short A Blocks reign! Looking forward to seeing you all on Wednesday night next week!
res wars
Dodgeball By Jake Rischbieth
Scope Magazine | Week 5, Sem 131
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MUSIC, ARTS & REVIEWS
Hummingbird LOCAL NATIVES
Album Review By Robert Millard
L
ocal Natives’ new album, Hummingbird, dropped on January 29. It represents an achievement in perseverance and musical maturity from the LA band. The sound is decidedly different from their debut album, Gorilla Manor, displaying controlled layering and consistent melancholic vocals. The change in tone is perhaps due to the departure of bassist Andy Hamm in 2010 and the recent death of lead vocalist Kelcey Ayer’s mother. Whatever the reason, the alluring complexity and subtlety of this album makes it irresistible. While the gorgeous three-part harmonies have been scaled back since Gorilla Manor, the selective and simplistic use of this device in Hummingbird is welcome. Melodious hooks and sometimes lonely vocals develop the haunting and pensive tone of the album. Depth and interest is created with synthesised keys and steady guitar, especially in ‘Mt Washington.’ ‘Colombia’ is a beautiful melodious track and the absolute stand-out on the album. Ayer takes vocal command, singing to his deceased mother. The timbre of his upper register built upon majestic piano and bass is raw and Everyone knows the power of a perfectly timed song. Listening to pop music on sunny days with the breeze on your face, or the roaring dubstep as you get ready on a Thursday night. Lately with all this weird weather (seriously, how gold is this coast anyway?), the blustery winds and on and off rain, it’s definitely the best time to skip a lecture or two and stay inside with the ultimate rainy day soundtrack. Songs for curling up with a cup of tea, songs for staying under the blankets for a little bit longer. Whether it’s the sky or your mood that’s a little grey, there’s always the perfect soundtrack. Here is a list of 5 of my favourite rainy day songs. 1. Asleep – The Smiths No one says sad music quite like the Smiths. And there is something so devastating about this particular song that it really can only be played on rainy days. While most of this list comprises of acoustic guitar tracks, this song is backed only by a simple and soft piano. The lyrics are hauntingly sad, but in harmony with the pattering of rain create a bleak and sleepy song. 2. Lack Of Colour – Death Cab for Cutie
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emphatic. Yet as the song crescendos brilliantly, Ayer remains rightfully restrained as a cacophony of sounds gently meld together. Hummingbird is not perfect though. Some songs, like ‘Three Months,’ lack the desired final impact. Perhaps the restraint is too much, denying the listener a triumphant bliss, or perhaps this West Coast band simply wants the listener to yearn for more. This is a point of frustration. As is the similar nature of some songs, which does make song transitions seamless, but also clouds them in obscurity. Ultimately, however, this strong indie rock offering builds positively upon Gorilla Manor. The superb arrangements and skilful musicianship on this beautiful record are not to be missed. Fortunately, Local Natives will be touring in Australia with three stops. Check them out at The Zoo in Brisbane on May 19. You’ll find it hard to say ‘no’ after you listen to the enthralling and charming record that is Hummingbird. 4 / 5 stars
Does anything say rainy day more than Ben Gibbard’s soulful vocals? Lack Of Colour, one of my favourite Death Cab songs, is just Ben Gibbard backed by a single acoustic guitar. The simplicity, combined with the sparse, desolate Death Cab lyrics makes the kind of music reminiscent of passing the days, watching the rain fall. 3. Each Coming Night – Iron and Wine While there are at least four other Iron and Wine songs that could have easily contended for a place on this list, this is my go-to rainy day song. Each Coming Night combines Iron and Wine’s effortlessly harmonic vocals with soft acoustic guitar. The sheer simplicity of the tune is what makes the song so beautiful and the lyrics are soft enough that you can just let the warmth of the tune wash over you as you cuddle a little further under the covers. 4. Goodbye England (Covered In Snow) – Laura Marling Rainy weather always tends to lend itself to low, acoustic, male voices, but if there’s one lady who does rainy day music best, it’s Laura Marling. If you’re a fan of lyrics, Laura weaves a
Week 5, Sem 131 | Scope Magazine
melancholic story of lost love that you can easily get swept up in. The story unfolds against the background of soft acoustic music and subtle harmonies. 5. Mykonos – Fleet Foxes Fleet Foxes are an acquired taste at the best of times, but this weather is the perfect excuse to take the time out to truly enjoy them. The odd ethereal melodies are easy to lose yourself in as you watch the day pass. With soft, echoic harmonies and swooping choruses it’s the kind of subtle music that when turned down low makes a good background soundtrack to whatever you do.
The perfect
rainy day sountrack By Maddi Hawkins
CDC Corkboard
Scope Magazine | Week 5, Sem 131
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LET’S GET PHYSICAL presented by 18+ event Friday Wk 5, 8:30pm HSM Rooftop $10 Bondies $20 Non-Bondies
The workout continues upstairs at Melbas with VIP entitlements
Cleaners please do not remove before Monday, 18/2.
Are you good at InDesign?
Scope is looking for a Digital Design Assistant to format the finished publication every Tuesday night. You’ll need to dedicate approximately 5 hours per week and will receive a credit in the digital version of the magazine.
If interested, email Mitchell Willocks at itmultimedia.busa@bond.edu.au