ISSUE #01 MARCH 2016
Editorial Welcome! And congratulations. Mostly for reading the editorial, but also for plucking on through three difficult months of holidays. So, first things first. We’re trying some new things this year. There’s FilmFest, a website and all sorts of other goodies. It may be a roaring success, and it may all end with me balling my eyes out and eating little peanut butters on the Caf floor. So, be a chum and keep an eye out for Voice things. The website will have new content all the time, we’ll announce events and have opportunities to be involved in all manner of fun. It’s only in the last year-ish that sports have come to be included in my definition of fun. Campus is often an overwhelmingly sporty, music-y, basketball-y and UniGames-y place, but Sharna and I are the queens of Nonsportiness. So, we want to provide a space for the other stuff. We want to create opportunities for you artists, writers, dreamers, photographers, painters, designers and filmmakers to create and be seen. For everyone else, we want to provoke you to think about real things. To think, laugh, to engage with ideas, with politics and the Bible. Lofty and ambitious yes, but hardly boring.
Editor Claudia Houstoun Assistant Editor Sharna Kosmeier Graphic Designer Chloe Lwin Special Thanks Toowoomba dog park Nostalgic roller skating rinks Sandwiches Real alarm clocks Mountain biking instructors Holiday sleep No Thanks Donald Trump Ted Cruz Inescapable American election coverage Holiday bank balance Twentysomething problems Fading holiday tan
Let’s set this snowball rolling. Claudia 04 The Voice Issue 01 March 2016
Contents 9
10
11
Letters to the Editor
Contributor’s
Vox Pop
12
14
16
Interview with Luke Martin
WO/MAN
Top Tips for First Years
18
21
22
SAM Ministeries
When Porn Becomes Passé
From the Children of Nauru and Manus, to you
24
26
27
Dem Phils
Ball Is_ _ _ _
College Fitness: A Beginner’s Guide
28
32
34
Who Are You Fooling?
36 Top 3 Unexpected Music Releases of 2015
Battle on the Horizon
37 Three Great films You Missed in 2015
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Street Style: Prac Edition
38
While You Were Sleeping
THANK YOU FOR
#avondalexp tag to be featured in our next issue!
Letters to the editor Tacocat is tacocat spelt backwards. – Dari Bee Dear prestigious husky Voice, Thank you for filling my eyes with informative hilarity. The presidential piece is a personal favourite. Last year’s president’s writing reflected his riveting, vibrant personality. Every week I was shocked by the deep, romantic, and fascinating pieces that he wrote. I would not like to be the poor sole that has to fill your shoes Big Boy. Good luck in your publicly-known romantic endeavours. – Maree Bagley (RIP MAREE) To the breathtaking brunette first-yearing it from Sydney: you know who you are. Meet me at SnackShack? – Anonymous Dear Voice: can you have more sport stuff? – Keen Baller (Editor’s note: we now have a sport column; see the basketball bit. Thank you!) (Read to the tune of DownTown) Went to the pet store, said stuff it. The saleswoman was like “what up, what’s your budget?” We said, “honestly we don’t know nothing about goldfish.” She said “then maybe you should reconsider.” That was eight months ago, I think we did ok. -MKR (Editor’s note: This was four months ago. They are the wizards of fishkeeping.)
Every published letter wins a $6 Rejuve voucher. Hop to it, possums! 09 The Voice Issue 01 March 2016
Contributors Claudia Houstoun
Stole two Tazos from a friend in 1998 and still feels terrible about it.
Sharna Kosmeier
Sharna’s woman crush is Carrie Bickmore. She thinks cold pizza for breakfast is extremely underrated.
Karina Parker
Her nightly ritual is to watch ‘Jeopardy’ while eating dinner. “I’ll take ‘Useless Facts’ for $400 please, Alex”.
Chloe Lwin
Jacob Ugljesa
A self-proclaimed nerd, he is fond of everything from pop culture to books. Loves hiking and pizza, but not together. Says, “I’m saved by Jesus and now telling people about it!”
Was once recorded dancing to the Nutcracker and has been haunted by it ever since.
Dat Nguyen
“Angry music for happy people”. Classically trained and in The Promise, Dat’s against-the-grain interests have set him as “the kid that listens to the heaviest music on campus”.
Josh Kross
Everyone’s favourite blackbeard and resident pirate look-alike. He is fond of funny things. Shanae Waring
Kristy Maletin
Fond of Fiji, music, and Smarties for lunch, Kristy is a champion sunflower grower-helper. She’s also a rare Adventist, because she can actually dance.
Marcel Neuhoff
He’s an old soul, who loves dinner and Michael Buble.
Has an unfortunate predisposition to sunburn and is awesome at hand puppets. Candles are her gift of choice, particularly foodfragrances, although she says, “I don’t think Red Velvet is a legitimate scent.”
VOX POP
Expectation vs reality: How did your holidays measure up? Alex Groves These holidays I planned to visit my College friends up and down the coast, to Queensland and Melbourne. However, my reality became me staying at home and spending time with family because I was too broke to travel. It was still amazing; breaks are always needed and enjoyed! Mitch Hassen I didn’t expect to do much on my holidays. And that’s basically what I did; not much. I spent my time with friends, just having a good time really. It was good! Dat All in all, exactly how I thought they would be- not long enough! It wasn’t long before prac reared its head. So my holidays were good, but I already miss them </3 Neil Bayeta Expectation: Go on multiple adventures and live life to the fullest! Reality: Spent most of my time sleeping and became nocturnal No regrets though.
Angelina Kerr My holidays were both predictable and unusual. The predicable part was that I went back to work at my old job, which I always promise I won’t go back to, before realising I need the money more than the sanity. The unusual and exciting part was that I had a work placement with ADRA! Stephen Hobson I thought that I would work more but turned out I didn’t. Also thought that I would be able to do some snorkeling but the weather didn’t permit that one either. Adelaide Parkin Going into the holidays, I just assumed I would work a lot and split my time between Shepparton and Melbourne. So being able to see friends from College, meet their families and see where they grew up was great. Went to Lismore/Byron Bay and then Launceston for 10 days to visit family - prettiest place in Australia, if I do say so myself!
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Interview with Luke Martin Avondale Student Association ASA President 2016
Where did you grow up and how many siblings do you have? I grew up in Brunkerville for 16 years before moving to the Tree House. I have two younger siblings, Jared and Tyler. Both are single… What is your favourite childhood memory? One of my fondest memories was standing on the side of a very large dam, when suddenly a plane flew overhead and started pouring hundreds of chip packets out the window. I remember them raining from the sky and thinking it was the most amazing thing! In high school, I got my pilot’s license and tried the same stunt during a school carnival with lollies, but later realised that lollies hurt a lot more than chips! Growing up in the bush mum and dad would give my brother and I a box of matches and some bread and we would find caves, build cubbies and light fires. How did you meet your wife, Suzanne? We met in 2003 while I was studying Outdoor Recreation. We had no intention of making it a serious thing but I just couldn’t let her go. For a time we did long distance in 2004 until she moved back in 2005 to study nursing. We got married later that year. 12 The Voice Issue 01 March 2016
What course are you studying at Avondale and why did you choose it? I’m studying Secondary Teaching, focusing on TAS and specialising in Industrial & Design and Technology, timber, metals and graphic design. I chose TAS as I did very well at Design and Technology in high school. Unfortunately, I was bullied through high school and having dyslexia made academic work hard, so my safe haven became the woodwork shop. I couldn’t think of anything worse than becoming a teacher, but now with some life experience I believe I can offer a differentiated approach for kids that were similar to me. What do you see as the most important need of College? I want to see a revived spiritual life on campus- that is just vital. I want more students to be involved with the programs. That’s who we are and why we’re here and it’s something I really want to push.
A word for the boys? Our communities need real men of honour. Remember that our families need God-fearing men and your children will need a father to look up to. Treat someone you’re interested in better then you’ve ever been treated yourself. Also, admit when you’re wrong. A word for the girls? Remember how amazing you really are, because God made you that way. Be involved in your community and hold yourself high above lowly things. You’re a sorority for God and are all here to glorify Him. As Student President for this year, what are your main goals? To really meet students’ needs, be a voice for the student body and have a community that lives and breathes Jesus. We’re trying a variety of ideas to help create a greater spiritual footprint across College. I want people to have the times of their lives and enjoy themselves.
What would be a general piece of advice to students here? If you have an idea, vocalise it! Get to know your student representatives. You’re an adult so don’t expect anyone to come and hold your hand. Get involved, get in a little trouble, have fun and you will have the time of your life.
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Jade Deaves
WO/M
What was your most exciting moment during the holidays? I had a mission to make these holidays the best and most exciting they could possibly be so I can’t just pick one moment! I turned 21, travelled to the Philippines, went to Falls Festival Byron and had lots of little adventures in between. In three words, how do you think other people describe you? Adventurous, Enthusiastic, Compassionate. What’s your best piece of college advice for newbies? Try your best to talk to everyone you can, especially if you are an outdoors student. Go out of your way to sit with new people in lectures and have a chat.
What would be your first party trick? When I was 10 I taught myself to play the recorder with my nose. It’s always a fun one to whip out. Do you have any interesting hobbies? On Tuesdays my friend and I go rollerblading, but we never rollerblade in the same place twice. I also love making flower crowns.
What makes or breaks a potential partner? Whether or not they like adventures. Someone that would climb mountains and have picnics in exciting places and go kayaking would definitely make a partner. If you could add one food item to the Caf, what would it be? Shepherd’s Pie, it’s my life. What song best describes your work ethic? Tubthumping by Chumbawamba. Even if the going gets tough, I try my best to keep on keeping on. How do you motivate yourself when you’re feeling lazy? Friends or siblings usually motivate me. If I can’t be bothered to do something I call one of them, and as soon as they’re around I’m generally more than keen! What’s something you would like to have achieved by the end of 2016? I would like to be able to speak a basic amount of Spanish and have some money saved ready to start planning a South America or Europe trip!
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MAN What was your most exciting moment during the holidays? Going to the South Queensland Teen Camp. I had a lot of fun, met a lot of new people and had a great time! In three words, how do you think other people describe you? Athletic, lightweight and sarcastic. What’s your best piece of college advice to give to newbies? Don’t be hesitant in going to college socials… Make the most of your first year and you will enjoy it!
Kalan Howse things while driving in the car, however mostly about wherever I’m going. How long does it take you to scroll through Facebook before giving up? It takes around 10-15 minutes before I see old posts or I get bored. If you could choose your age forever, what age would you choose and why? It would have to be 25 because I would still be young and energetic. How do you motivate yourself when you’re feeling lazy? I try my best to complete the job as quickly and efficiently as possible, however sometimes I can’t force myself and so I put it off if it’s not urgent.
If you could choose to either: master every musical instrument or learn every language, what would you choose and why? I would learn every language. It would be amazing to travel anywhere in the world and speak to the locals fluently. What makes or breaks a potential partner? Breaks: someone who doesn’t understand my sarcasm. Half of the time I’m not serious. What do you think about when driving alone in the car? I think about a lot of
What’s something you would like to have achieved by the end of 2016? Have a consistent study schedule. I’m known for not sticking to one and will cram everything into the last minute.
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Top Tips For First Years Make sure you attend all the socials! – Laura Mitchell For peak physical appearance, begin a fitness regime of pre-breakfast runs and afternoon lifting. Maintain for three weeks, then revert to twicemonthly evening strolls and a pasta/chocolate diet. Make a film for FilmFest. – Claudia Up n’Gos are lifesavers for those 8ams. – Paris Lawrence To actually learn something from your $30,000 degree, leave that laptop at home and revive your Grade 5 pen licence. #proven Don’t be a Thirst Year. – Azora Ufagalilo Get into a relationship ASAP. – Neil Bayeta All that awesome decorative crap? It’s crap. Crap that you’ll have to store in Ella and lug up two flights of stairs twice a year.
Chaff is ancient Avondalian for prank. The draconian anti-chaffing rules should be treated ‘guidelines’. Everyone is just as nervous as you. Your questions aren’t stupid, and plan to turn up 10 minutes early to all lectures (respecting your lecturers is important!) – Felicity Cassie Find a small group, preferably on Wednesday nights. Non-vegetarians: to avoid adding three years’ insurance to your spare tyre, learn to like lentils, chickpeas and assorted mystery legumes. Don’t go to Snack Shack with your friends and expect to not eat anything. Even if you promised yourself. – Sharna Kosmeier 16 The Voice Issue 01 March 2016
When attending costume socials, aim for the perfect balance of funny, hot and nonchalant. When attempting to make that crucial first friend at college: target the most awkward one you can find, then together you can defeat the college social scene, create a ‘possy’ and become the King of Campus, no longer suppressed by social awkwardness. – Adelaide Parkin Accept that you won’t be able to talk to the opposite sex without others planning your wedding. Move on with your life. Don’t select an 8am tutorial. Ever. Now that class aren’t compulsory, the tutorials are the ones you actually have to go to. If you choose an 8am, you’ll seriously be regretting it by week 4. – Karina Parker To make new friends, go to breakfast. To meet only the same three people all year, attend only dinner. For a handy extra week’s break, conjure a freak weather event. A raindance never goes astray. Always send test-swimmers under Swing Bridge before jumping; ain’t noone likes I-Just-Landed-On-a-Shopping-Trolley leg syndrome. Leave your doors open, get off your games and make friends! - Scott Hansen Always tell the chef what you think of his food. He loves some honest feedback. – Lindsey Birch Be like Bill – Jai Youse If anyone asks you to The Park, say no. If you regret going to The Park, remember that God still loves you and there’s no time like the present to give it up. Also, seek professional help. Always wear your lanyards – Jan Weekes 17 The Voice Issue 01 March 2016
start a journey of discovery
SAM Ministries WRITTEN BY JACOB UGLJESA
We are students. Just like you. Students of Higher Education. Disciples becoming like Christ. Our goal is simple: to see every student leaving Avondale equipped to live for Christ. Ready to say: “He must increase” (John 3:30) through words, actions and their life. Our focus is not to do more things or achieve more tasks. If we can get each of you, by the end of the year, to discover your own part in the work of God, we would be very happy. Asides from growing in Christ beside you, CARE groups are one way we hope to connect with each other and with God. They’ll help you to learn more about the Bible’s messages and what we believe as SDA Christians. AMPED, a monthly event, will be a way to discuss those difficult and confusing topics, while still keeping a
relaxed and casual atmosphere. Not to mention those who want to get involved in service, plenty of opportunities will be waiting for you. Maybe you feel you don’t know anything about God, we want to challenge you to get involved. Start a journey of discovery. There are many CARE groups and many would be keen to do 1:1 Bible studies with you. Maybe you are not sure what you believe or feel something is missing in your walk with God. Be empowered in a CARE group, equipped at AMPED events, or be inspired by FOF. Maybe you are passionate about your faith and want to serve, come talk to Danika and I. Remember that wherever we are now, our future is greater when we follow Jesus’ footsteps. “Whoever claims to live in Him must live as Jesus did.” (1 John 2:6).
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FEATURE ARTICLES 21/ When Porn Becomes Passé 22/ From the Children of Nauru and Manus, to You 24/ Dem Phils 26/ Ball is _ _ _ _ 27/ College Fitness: A Beginner’s Guide 28/ Who are you fooling?
When Porn Becomes Passé Come March, Playboy will no longer be publishing nudes.
of internet filth. The granddaddy of porn has to adapt, or die.
Not dispensing with scantily-clad women, just letting others have the fully birthday-suited ones. Apparently, those have become ‘passé’.
It’s everywhere. It fuels the world’s fastest-growing criminal industry: the trade of stolen women, children and men for Amsterdam storefronts, Thai bars and Sydney basements (UN Office on Drugs and Crime). Sick fantasies generated by this stuff are somewhat mitigated by Western laws and women’s confidence, so they flow to spaces where children are abused and adults enslaved.
According to their chief executive, Scott Flanders, “That battle has been fought and won…You’re now one click away from every sex act imaginable for free. And so it’s just passé at this juncture.” (New York Times) Let’s make no mistake, this isn’t about respecting women, it’s about brand positioning. Playboy was once a pioneering magazine: for inhibition, for ‘freedom of speech’, for mixing highbrow artsy and political content with sex. It was cutting-edge, in the 50s. It planted a cultural seed and raised generations of boys on relatively tame stuff hidden in suburban shoeboxes. When those boys had incomes, they bought the magazine. When they found the internet, it matured to a thing worth billions. Meanwhile, other less-explicit men’s magazines started up, knowing full well what was available elsewhere. Magazine market gone. While exploitative, Playboy is ‘gentlemanly’, so was never going to attempt competing with the gargantuan mass
Hopefully, at a mostly-Christian place, I don’t need to spell out porn’s spiritual and relational poverty. All I can do is share my deepest fears with you, as a young woman: Will the person I love tell me if they struggle with it? Will I lose them to it? I’ve watched it happen to others, and dread it. But, people have started to speak out, even here at College. They’re committing to cold-turkey, starting Bible studies. Finally! “No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.” Romans 8:37 What do you think? Post on our wall, message us or email at: thevoice@avondale.edu.au
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From the children of Nauru and Manus, to You
There are about 160 children currently held in detention at Australian immigration centres. The average stay is 14 months.
“It’s very unusual to get this consistent pattern of drawing yourself behind bars, without hands and crying…These kids feel like they’ve been through a mincing machine, they’ve had one traumatic event after another. They are broken into little bits…” Dr Karen Zwi, Paediatrician. “Across the detention centres, there’s a report of a sexual assault every 13 days. Most of those are children.” Dr Hasantha Gunasekera, Paediatrician. 22 The Voice Issue 01 March 2016
Dr David Isaacs examined a six-year-old girl with rope burns around her neck from attempting to hang herself with a fence tie: “If I see child abuse in Australia and I don’t report it I can get into enormous trouble. If I see child abuse on Nauru and I do report it, I might go to prison for two years.” “We are going to continue our vigilance against people smugglers, while providing compassion to those who have been traded... We are acting in the best interests, not only of these children, but children that would follow them. I don’t want to reopen the open border policy.” Peter Dutton, Federal Minister for Immigration and Border Protection.
For more information, see http://www.chilout.org and http://www. refugeecouncil.org.au/fact-sheets/ Credits: Thanks to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation for all quotes and images. 23 The Voice Issue 01 March 2016
Dem Phils WRITTEN BY SHARNA KOSMEIER
I could begin this like your classic primary school show-and-tell. “In the holi-daaaays…” and then ramble on about that time I had a sleepover, lost a tooth, or my 3rd tamagotchi died. Or I could discuss something slightly more meaningful. Something even more rewarding than the fact we’ve just had 3 months of ‘free play time.’ And so, “Good aaaf-ta-noooooon class. In my holidays, I went to the Philippines…” For me, going on a mission trip and to the Philippines were both firsts, so I was duly nervous and excited. Arriving at our accommodation in Ajuy, Iloilo, we awoke early the next morning to the sweet beats of JB’s “Sorry” pumping from the street. After stretches, worship and breakfast, we began our project of building a playground at the local school. I’m sure you’ve seen the pictures of cute children, street food and gorgeous landscapes, but experiencing it all is different. There is always history behind those photos, and it was a typhoon in 2013 that shaped the context of our trip. The stats are impressive; Typhoon Yolanda was a category 5 and the strongest to ever hit land, affecting 16 million people including over 6,000 deaths (Cogan, 2013). 24 The Voice Issue 01 March 2016
Mingling with the people, we learnt first-hand stories of survivors who hid with their children for hours, unsure if other relatives and friends were safe or of the damage’s true extent. With this in mind, we built the playground, did some landscaping and helped deliver rice to the families most in need. We were also able to experience the Filipino culture in other ways, such as travelling in bamboo pump boats, shopping at the local markets and trying *balut. One of my personal highlights was the Turning Over Ceremony, where the community gathered in the sporadic rain to thank us for our efforts through speech, dance and food. Overall, the trip gave me a clearer perspective of what it really means to “do mission.” I was reminded to do justly, love mercy and most importantly, walk humbly with our God (Micah 6:8). “…Thanks for listening, guys and girls!” If you would like to know how to get involved, have a chat to Jared Bocala or Alex Mcandrew! *Do not Google this right before or right after a meal. Cogan, A. (2013). Quick facts: What you need to know about Super Typhoon Haiyan. MercyCorps. Retrieved 17 February 2016, from https://www. mercycorps.org/articles/philippines/quick-facts-what-you-need-knowabout-super-typhoon-haiyan
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Ball is _ _ _ _ As a naturally not very sporty, and quite indifferent individual in regards to basketball, coming to Avondale meant I really had to find an appreciation for the game. My ball-obsessed cousin told me that if I didn’t join the sport at college, I would have no friends. And so, I signed up for C grade knowing as much about how to play basketball as most of us know about knitting. Some of my most vivid memories include tripping over several times on court and shooting a basket for the other team. So, I decided to ask some other people about their most memorable basketball experiences here at Avondale… Belinda Kent All Stars weekend last year. My spectator mum stole the show with her blindfolded free throw but it was an awesome weekend and the competition tough (it was a bonus that we won in the end). Harry Deanshaw Hitting a buzzer beater 3-pointer to win the game for The Dribbling Sea Men. Maddy Making it to the D-Grade grand finals. No-one saw that coming. Especially not I, the girl who had never played on a basketball team. P.S: Yes, PE is my major. #thereishope.
Damee Kea Winning an A grade championship with Joshua ‘The King’ Paredes and the Grizzlies. Bianca Maggs When our C-grade team won the grand finals after 3 overtimes and 40 minutes of extra play. It was awkward because by then everyone had come down to watch the A-grade boys but we took up their whole game time. I also got MVP! Jake Harrington That time I almost posturised Bailey – but I’ll get him this year. In summary, “participating in the sport certainly does more for me than lose calories, as I find, make, keep and ball with: friends” (J. Littlewood, 2016). College newcomer and ball enthusiast, Matt Wilson also backs this claim as he says, “Avondale basketball has provided me with many good times and experiences.” Littlewood further reiterates both statements through his college thesis and personal motto: “Ball is Life.” So whether you’re good competition for Michael Jordan or still think dribbling a ball actually involves salivating, get in on the basketball experience at Avondale!
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College Fitness: A Beginner’s Guide WRITTEN BY CLAUDIA HOUSTOUN
You’ll see them as you enter the Caf. Guys downing egg whites. Girls in bright, strappy lycra. Packs of them running all over the place, lifting and grunting, getting up at 5:30am to go to BoxFit. What? It’s a jungle out there. A dating-induced, proximityfuelled, scary fitness jungle. I have been in your shoes, young one. Some say it’s 80% diet, 20% exercise, others that it’s 20% diet 80% exercise, and still others that it’s 70% basketball, 28% salad and 2% following Kayla Itsines on Instagram. Pick whichever floats your boat. Without further ado, here’s your nofail guide to Getting Hot at College: Diet There are many popular diets, such as: • Binging: requires little self-control but lots of dollars, due to the frequency of KFC trips. •I Quit Sugar: if you have the discipline of a samurai and like making expensive snacks with coconut oil, you can claim the crown of the most accomplished of dieters. •Paleo: hunter-gatherers had an average lifespan of 29, but don’t let that put you off because this diet will make you hot. If you’re in dorms,
it will also leave you hungry on Wednesday and Thursday nights. Exercise If you want to burn away those Christmas leftovers like Katniss’ bird dress, intensity is better than duration. Pro tip: positive motivation works much better than negative (‘I feel good afterwards!’ or ‘I get to watch so much day-time tv!’, not ‘I hate my body!’). Try: •FitLife: actually great. Spin class is a good start. Turn up a tad early, pick a bike and pedal into the sunset. •Lifting: as a cardio-lovin’ female, I know nothing about this. Just don’t use lifting as an excuse to eat heaps, because then you will resemble a bear. •Running: if you don’t know what else to do, run. Whether you want to breathe in the cool forest air, meet the College Drive sheep-goats or say hello to the Sandy Creek snakes, run. If you just want everyone to think you’re fit, put on some gym clothes, do a one-minute plank and turn up to class in sweaty glory. The more conspicuous, the better.
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Who Are You Fooling? WRITTEN BY KRISTY MALETIN
Heads up, this is the kind of read you need to stay tuned into ‘til the end. Society is being filled by social media’s trends for all to consume and gobble up. We are constantly moving on to the next photo or video or status to upload. Spoiler alert: none of it lasts. Just like Cinderella, we only have until midnight to enjoy the pretentious magic of displaying our idealised selves, but when that clock strikes twelve it’s back to the rags and sweeping up the fireplace. That was a metaphor; I know we aren’t all poor people living in rags, but the metaphor works well. You get it. Moving on. Now, of course there are perks to the all-you-can-eat social media buffet, but there needs to be some balance. If you are posting, snapping or sharing in the hope that you will receive some kind of gratification, you might need to do some soul-searching. Now don’t get mad at me, I’m not trying to judge or strike you off, I too can be a victim of this madness. It took a few major steps back to realise that my only satisfaction was seeing that I’d pulled a good number of likes, replays, screenshots, re-pins or whatever other media form was receiving popularity. There’s some kind of unspoken rule with social media; is this going to make people think I have a great life or that I’m cool? How lame is that? Seriously, it’s so lame that I even have to write that. People don’t want to be “cool” anymore, that is so nineties. But guess what, dear friends, being “cool” is still a thing, it’s just differently named: groovy, fetch, rad, cool, hip, #hipnah, indie, awesome. Each generation nominates a new word for “cool”. Take your pick. The point is, everyone craves this hit. Whether it’s in small doses or large, we all want to feel that our life matters. BOOM. We have landed! That’s the whole gist of what I’m trying to say. We’ve adapted media to create a 28 The Voice Issue 01 March 2016
little noise in the hope that the attention will scream back saying “YES, YOU MATTER, YOUR LIFE IS IMPORTANT!” We upload to seem interesting, spontaneous and desirable. Seriously, when did drinking coffee and posting about it become cool? Since when does it matter whether people know what kind of natural product you’re using? Who cares if you’re indie or chic or white or ethnic or rich or poor? We all have one thing in common. WE ALL WANT MORE. We seek more in hope that something will make us whole. Completed. What we don’t realise is that completion comes with identity. And where does identity come from? Well that, dear friend, is up to you. You see, my identity came from JC. I didn’t have to go looking for him, he found me. He saved my life through his love and I have never been the same since. But everyone is different; no one finds their identity the same way. Everyone’s journey is unique, yet we all share the same wanting: home. Home is not found in social media. Home is not found by pleasing others with your life. Home is not where you pretend, or where you choose a filter. Home shapes and makes you, you. Bottom line, where or what is home for you? The wanting is not going to stop; unfortunately human nature has inhibited that. We can, however, change the desire for more into oozing sureness. You know that feeling when you have found your identity, and nothing can make you question who you are, or give in to any withering gratification? If you don’t know that feeling, find it. If you have no clue or are not completely sure of who you are in this world, of your purpose, then maybe you should chase that and find truth. Because truth doesn’t come in the form of 44 likes.
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CULTURE 32/ Battle On The Horizon 34/ Street Style: Prac Edition 36/ Top 3 Unexpected Music Releases Of 2015 37/ Three Great Films You Missed In 2015 38/ While You Were Sleeping
Battle on the Horizon WRITTEN BY SHANAE WARING
My horse rocks below me, his rhythmic gallop soothing me into a false sense of security. A sharp whinny from Corizon pulls me from my daze, and I glance up to see the looming remains of a stone arch, a castle rising out of the still-falling snow. A small figure stands atop the arch and waves a flag resembling the one protruding from the rear of my saddle. A battle is on the horizon; I can smell it in the air. We have set up our camp within the cold stonewalls of the ruined castle, among the remnants of its previous inhabitants. Tapestries that were once brilliant now lie torn and faded, pottery is shattered and clothes are strewn about. The Lords and Ladies who once lived here are well and truly gone. This castle is one of many bordering Sevania, the land which we are oath-bound to protect, and the final stronghold before reaching the Palace. Sevania has been at war with Therel for many years, due to the untimely death of Klaudi, Princess of Sevania. Lady Klaudi was married to the eldest son of Lord Terrin Wykeham of Therel. King Raulin believes his daughter was murdered upon Lord Terrin’s word. This marriage was intended to unite the lands, but instead it resulted in the downfall of them both. I slip off my helmet and brush the snow from my shoulders, take a deep breath and enter into the battle room. A shaft of light filters through the broken roof. A small congregation of men are seated around a table, eyes fixated on a map of the realm. “Ah, welcome back Reynard!” The Captain exclaims as his eyes find me. No one really knows his real name; he was introduced to us as “The Captain” and no amount of pestering from the soldiers could convince him to share it. He is quite a burly man, tall and broad. His face is square, and topped with a mop of black hair. I step forward to hand The Captain a scroll, inked with my own handwriting. I was born mute, so writing is my only truly effective means of communication. The Captain’s eyebrow rises as he appraises me and 32 The Voice Issue 01 March 2016
takes the scroll, unrolling it and skimming his eyes over it. Being mute, I make the perfect scout, for if captured I’m quite literally unable to be tortured into submission. His eyes snap back up and bore into my own, the blood drained from his face. “If you will excuse me, men, I need to step out for a moment.” I step back and bow slightly to the soldiers, before leaving the room. “Why did this take so long to get back to me? You were gone for two weeks!” The Captain exclaims. “This could end in the undoing of Sevania, of everything we have worked for. We may not have time to prepare the army, and that opens opportunity for enemy attack. You must take this scroll to the east camp at Havencrest immediately. Refill your supplies bag, choose a fresh horse and go.” I look up at him and frown, my eyebrows knitted in the centre. He doesn’t seem to understand. I hit the flat of my fists together twice and hold up one finger, a signal rarely used. We are the final outpost. There is nothing beyond us, everyone else is dead. The Captain’s face whitens in an instant, as my message is conveyed. He stumbles backward a step. “Go. Go to King Raulin, tell him of your findings.” I stare at his face without moving. “Go!” He screams over his shoulder, already returning to his comrades. So I turn, and I run.
33 The Voice Issue 01 March 2016
Street Style: Prac Edition WRITTEN BY KARINA PARKER
The profession of teaching has many perks, like the holidays and the pay! (If you actually are a teacher you know that none of that is true) However, one genuine perk, unlike when you were a student: when you go to school as a teacher, you get to express yourself through the way you dress. Although, you still need to maintain a degree of professionalism in your outfit, professional teaching attire has endless possibilities. Dressing professionally for prac is something that you either love or hate. For me I feel like I’m playing dress-ups with the theme ‘what I want to be when I grow up’, however, I’m sure the novelty will eventually wear off. While this is the beginning of a new college year, there will be quite a few of you that will be venturing out on your first placement in July. If you don’t do teaching, hopefully the tips can help you out for the next occasionally that you need to dress professionally.
Karina Parker (Me)
4th Year, Secondary Teacher What are your prac wardrobe essentials? A good blazer and some small heels. A blazer makes any outfit look professional, and as for the heels, they do wonders for my posture up the front of class. But remember, heels are a commitment – keep a pair of flats in your car. Advice for dressing for prac? As a constant member of the ‘sunburn society’, I cannot stress the importance of remembering sun safety on prac. Don’t forget sunglasses and a hat on prac, especially if you have lunch duties. What is your style motto? Modesty is hottest-y. 34 The Voice Issue 01 March 2016
Jacinta Thomson
4th Year, Primary Teacher What are your prac wardrobe essentials? A watch, bright colours and flat shoes. I tried to teach in heels one day on my first prac and wanted to take them off by recess. Advice for dressing for prac? Start smart and take note of your school’s dress style. I try to overdress a bit to make sure that other people see you as someone who is professional and capable. A fashion trend you wish didn’t exist? The Top Knot! I like whole-head man buns. I’m not a big fan of mens’ top-knots.
Justin Hunter
4th Year, Primary Teacher What are your prac wardrobe essentials? Beard and dinosaur socks. Advice for dressing for prac? Ensure that all pant seams are intact before making your way to school. A fashion trend you wish would be brought back? Bring back the mullet.
Brayden Kent
4th Year, Secondary Teacher What are your prac wardrobe essentials? Button up (long sleeve) shirt, tie, good chinos, leather shoes and it’s a must to have a epic watch to go with whatever you choose to wear. Advice for dressing for prac? Dress up more than required, it always helps maintain your professional appearance in the students’ minds. It helps with behaviour management when the students see you as a teacher from the get-go. What is your style motto? Always look the most professional in the room. 35 The Voice Issue 01 March 2016
Top 3 Unexpected Music Releases in 2015 WRITTEN BY DAT NGUYEN
2015 brought a plethora of different styles of music to the public. Whether it was a surge in trap music or the solidification of “djent” as a genre, there were plenty of tunes to keep our ears entertained. To kick off our first music column, let’s take a step back and check out the Top 3 Most Unexpected Music Releases in 2015, in no particular order: her four-year hiatus with this album and its flagship single “Hello”. After suffering from a case of writers block [source: Wikipedia], Adele surprised fans with an 11-track album in October, providing a hearty “hello from the otherside”. Yet despite this, I still can’t get over the sheer difference between her singing and normal talking voice.
Justin Bieber – Purpose Studio Album Of all people, the last person I thought would be a Belieber was definitely… well… everyone really. Justin Bieber definitely surprised the pop world when he came back with some tracks that even left the heaviest of haters bopping their heads involuntarily. The step away from Baby Bieber to Sorry Bieber was a fresh and chill change for the young artist. It solidifed his fan base yet again, and more secret listeners playing the air trumpet to their car radio. Adele –25 Studio Album Our favourite sultry Brit is back! Coming out of nowhere with her last major release “21” in 2011, she broke
Stories – The Youth to Become Studio Album This one is for the metal heads. Stories is a Sydney-based band who had humble beginnings as a “Djent” Progressive Metalcore band, with their EP Void in 2013. Early last year, however, they surprised fans by giving up their djent staple Axe-FX II guitar units. Fans were further surprised to find the pre-album single Under Haze had abandoned almost all djent tropes for a more post-hardcore melodic sound. Personally, liked this change enough to dub it my favourite album of 2015, as it clearly demonstrates growth and maturity of a band. That, and what the fans are dubbing as Dreamworks 2.0 is sick as [redacted].
36 The Voice Issue 01 March 2016
Three Great Films You Missed in 2015 WRITTEN BY MARCEL NEUHOFF
From planet-saving superheroes, to animated emotions, and Matt Damon in space, 2015 was a grand year for the avid movie-goer like myself. While you may have caught the midnight premiere of Star Wars, or wiped an eye during Inside Out, the silver-screen had equally as much to offer away from the limelight:
Ex Machina (2015) Possibly my favourite release of 2015, Ex Machina is a riveting take on the sci-fi artificial intelligence trope. It follows Caleb (Domhnall Gleeson), a young programmer at a global internet giant, whose winning prize in a coding competition sees him spend a week with Nathan (Oscar Isaac), the enigmatic company CEO. Arriving at an isolated mountain facility, Caleb is tasked with personally evaluating Nathan’s most unprecedented achievement: Ava (Alicia Vikander), a beautiful and astonishingly humanlike A.I. As testing progresses and Caleb grows close to Ava, Nathan’s true motives are called into question. The interactions between Caleb and Ava are truly mesmerizing, with a gripping final act rounding out a stunning narrative of the consequences of blurring man (or woman) and machine.
The Lobster (2015) Though popular at Cannes, this highly unusual but pleasantly different comedy/ drama had a relatively inconspicuous and limited release outside of Europe. Colin Farrell stars as David, a recently divorced man in a dystopian future in which all single people must find a partner in 45 days, or be medically transformed into animals and released into the woods. This strange premise progresses, with a generous dose of downright bizarre and darkly humorous moments. Behind its unconventional story is a satire of society’s attitudes toward relationships, with a thought provoking (if not entirely satisfying) ending sequence. Beasts of No Nation (2015) Written and directed by Cary Fukunaga, (HBO’s True Detective) this war-drama follows the bloody journey of Agu (Abraham Attah), a child soldier in an unidentified African civil war. With his childhood ripped apart by the brutal murder of his family, he is captured and forced to fight under ‘Commandant’ (Idris Elba), a magnetic rebel leader. The absence of humanity and consuming power of indoctrination graphically informs Agu’s struggle to contend with the horrors he commits, and the fascination developed by his chaotic surroundings and new identity. Visceral, distressing, but ultimately poignant, Beasts of No Nation brilliantly delivers both a savage portrait of war, and eventual hope out of its horror.
while you were
sleepi
Making news today, Woolworths has collaborated with top dieticians to produce a new superfood that is very organic, and very much alive. For the same great price, a complimentary spider can be added to packaged greens to greatly improve protein levels and heart rate. (news.com)
Irish artist, Kevin Abosch, known for photographing the likes of Johnny Depp and Steven Spielberg has sold his latest work, a picture of a single, but very photogenic potato for $1.5 million. However, experts are not confident that this will see a spike in value of similar generic photos, such as Snapchats of brunch, or the beach. (SKY news)
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ing... In business, “air farming” has become possibly the easiest and most profitable way of making money. By capturing samples of fresh air, people in polluted regions are spending up to $200 for a jar of “still night air with vibrant and flavoursome undertones” or a “windy mountain-top breeze garnished with wildflowers.” Sources say there will be high demand for a “Mad-May Cooranbong whiff, generously fragranced with fruity Weet–Bix and a subtle hint of new textbook.” (ABC news)
A Spanish building supervisor eligible for a 20-year service award will have to pay a hefty fine after authorities discovered he spent the past 6 of those years wagging work. His newfound leisure time included reading philosophical books and casually collecting his annual wage of $41, 000. (The Huffington Post)
Now to sport,
the Broncos, or something, beat the Panthers, or something in the world’s* most important AFL game during which Beyoncé’s halftime boot camp showed audience members how to keep their legs and calves in top form-ation. (Wikipedia, YouTube) * aka America
#avondalexp