Yak Magazine - May 2019 Issue

FREE! Issue 48 // 2019

By Students, for Students

Yak Magazine // May 2018

YAK

MAGAZINE

Yak would like to acknowledge the Pambalong clan of the Awabakal people, and the Darkinjung people, traditional custodians of the land in which Yak is made and distributed. We pay respect to elders, past and emerging.

Cover designed by- Bea King Designed by:

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EDITOR’S LETTER Welcome back and be our guest because just like Prince Adam, Yak is back and beastly, but don’t worry, this transformation won’t be as disappointing.

Speaking of transformation, this issue is all about just that. Just flick through Yak mag’s pages, mon cherie, and we’ll provide the rest…

What do the stars have in store for you? Check out our horoscopes to find out. Has UON’s population of man-eating mosquitos plagued your ability to think? Well don’t worry- our movie recommendations will take your mind off all of your uni stress (and hopefully, distract you enough that you won’t scratch holes through your clothes).

Transform your closet this winter with our handy guide to op shopping, or get your glow on with our top skincare tips. Cooking for your friends? Why not try our slow- cooked chicken fajitas recipe, and allow student sounds to motivate you through the exam and final assessment period?

Interviews, Op Shopping, Photo Spreads and Vox Popping We’ve prepared and served with flair A literary cabaret (if you know, you know).

We are Yak Media: the University of Newcastle’s student media channel, run by UON students. Our three platforms: Yak Magazine, Yak Online, and Yak TV – are run by dedicated teams of students.

SubmissionsFrom Mon and the Yak Team, x

Yak works hard to bring you stories covering all aspects of student life, from health and wellbeing, to travel and entertainment, to politics and study tips.

Let us know if you have any suggestions for story ideas, or if you would like to get involved.

From Lumiere, Cogsworth, and the cutlery… no wait - Elizabeth, Claire, and the team.

The Yak editorial team is always on the look out for passionate student writers and graphic designers to contribute to the blog and magazine. If you would like to take the opportunity to get your work published, please send a sample of your writing or graphic design work to:

yakmedia@newcastle.edu.au

Stay connected

Yak Magazine is a free publication supported by Student Central at the University of Newcastle © 2018. www.newcastle.edu.au

www.yakatuon.com facebook.com/YakMedia twitter.com/YakMedia instagram.com/YakMedia yakmedia@newcastle.edu.au

UON

Printed by PrintCentre on Callaghan Campus.

Yak Media is SSAF funded.

Yak Magazine // 2019

MEET THE TEAM

Elizabeth Symington

Claire Ince

Marcie Cheers

Anneka Mitchell

Managing Editor

Managing Editor

Deputy Managing Editor

Lead Designer

Polar Bear

Panda

Tiger

Wolf

Jayme Zimmerman

Camilla Lian

Emily Wind

Hollie Hughes

Editor

Editor

Editor

Editor

Dragon

Dolphin

Lion

Honey Bee

Nadia D’Andrea

Leanne Elliot

Meghan Richardson

Josie Small

Editor

Editor

Editor

Promotions Officer

Black Cat

Crow

Swarm of bees

Dolphin

Yak Magazine // 2019

“If you could transform into any animal, what would it be a...?�

Keighley Bradford Promotions Officer

Ryan Reece

Alice Kjoller

Bea King

Promotions Officer

Designer

Designer

Unicorn

(Bob) Hawk(e)

Puppy

Sloth

Elisabeth Arnold

Madelyn Gardiner

Samuel Field

Designer

Designer

Designer

Otter

Cat

Meerkat

Contributors: Madi Crouch Tara Tolhurst James Ward If you would like to contribute, email: yakmedia@newcastle.edu.au

Yak Magazine // 2019

DEAR YAK It’s been weeks since I started uni and I can’t remember my friend’s name. What do I do?!

Camilla Lian, Jayme Zimmerman and Leanne Elliot share their top tips.

Camilla: Use a Nickname Instead

“Hey, legend!” sounds awful, but it’s one of those things that people feel secretly good about, and you have gotten their attention – so, job done!

Ahh, this good old pickle! This happens to me basically all the time.

Or, if you’re introducing this person to someone else, just go with “Hey, Arnold, meet my gorgeous/handsome new friend!” Now this person has to say their name, and you’ve basically won at life. Easy-peasy!

Generally, I just refrain from using their name until I’ve actually learnt it. Sometimes, I have to admit, I never learn their name at all *awkward laugh*. But, you know, life goes on…

If you for some unfortunate reason need to call out to this person, you could always just call them something that will under all circumstances be better than their name. Like… legend for example.

Designed by: Madelyn Gardiner

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Yak Magazine // 2019

Jayme: The Cheeky Insta Tactic

Secondly, starting a new year of uni means new timetables, new faces and places, new bills, and overcrowded carparks- all of which can lead to stress and anxiety which can contribute to forgetfulness.

My go-to when I forget my friend’s name is asking if I follow them on social media.

The conversation more-or-less starts with me asking “do I follow you on Instagram?” and then getting them to type in their account name on my phone. You can look at your searched accounts and the name is right there.

If you have genuinely forgotten your new friend’s name, then they should understand and shouldn’t take it personally. Similarly, if you would like them to consider you a ‘friend’, I am sure they will appreciate your honesty.

After all, being dishonest is no way to start a new friendship.

I’ve never had anyone reject or suspect this plan, as people - no matter if they’re friends or not - are obsessed with gaining followers.

So, own it! Just say to your friend, “hey, I am such a tool, I have forgotten your name,” or “please don’t hate me but I can’t remember your name.”

Though you should make a sincere effort to remember their name from here on in.

It is truly a great way to avoid looking like a terrible person.

Leanne: Be Honest and Own It After a few weeks of attending classes together, not remembering someone’s name can be a tad embarrassing - even more so if you have developed a friendship with the person.

Having said this, if by the end of semester 2 you keep forgetting your not so new friend’s name, this advice may not apply, and you should probably go with a different option.

More importantly, you should also probably ask yourself whether you are a good friend.

We forget names for lots of reasons.

Firstly, names are rather arbitrary, in that they provide little information about a person and often have little meaning.

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Designed by: Madelyn Gardiner

U-ON FLEEK

Jayme Zimmerman chats to resident influencer and fashion icon, Noah Smith Name: Noah Smith Age: 20 Degree: Bachelor of Creative Industries Instagram: @noah_090 With his Instagram following of 6000 (and counting), Noah Smith is taking leaps and bounds in the male fashion world with his unique sense of style. He works with countless brands and even has his own clothing line with Tanouk Ethical Apparel - all while keeping up with his studies at UON.

My style in 3 words: “My style in three words would be eclectic,

My favourite place to shop: “I’d have to say Pretty Rad Store back in Port

hand-me-down and maybe surf.”

Macquarie. I used to work there. The clothes are epic and the owners Matty and Taylor are too. I love to support local (businesses).”

The best fashion advice I’ve received is: “Dress for the occasion. Never overdress because you’ll look dumb, but never be underdressed because I hate feeling out of place.”

My favourite fashion trend is: “My favourite fashion trend would be oversized tops.”

I find inspiration from: “Online. A lot. I think being on websites like Instagram and Pinterest is where I find it most. Also, just in the shops - just making ideas in my head from what’s there in front of me.”

My least favourite fashion trend is: “Thongs and slides. I hate thongs and I hate slides.”

If the house was burning down and I could only save one thing from my wardrobe, it would be: “My weed printed underwear.”

My best tip for shopping on a student budget: “My best tip for shopping on a student budget would be to not go above your own means and to not buy items that cost too much because of your own ego. You know what I mean? People are shopping to make others think that they’re nice, and they try to get approval from other people. It’s very much a personal thing. Like we’re at uni, we can’t afford Gucci - go to the f****** op-shop you know?”

This or that Kmart or Target

My wardrobe is full of: “Op-shop clothes and black t-shirts.”

Jeans or trousers Designer or Thrifted Solid or Printed Neutral or Bright 9

Designed by: Alice Kjoller

NEWCASTLE SEES THE LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL

Yak Magazine // 2019 Yak Magazine // August 2018

Now that Newcastle’s light rail is well and truly up and running, Marcie Cheers investigates what the city really thinks of its new mode of transport.

The construction of the Newcastle light rail has seen its fair share of controversy over recent years. It was evident from the beginning that the Newcastle community had strong opinions on whether it would be a success or not. And then came the construction. During the closure of Hunter Street, many businesses felt the pinch and unfortunately had to close their doors.

The light rail along Hunter Street has been up and running for well over a month now, with trams running every seven and a half minutes during peak hours (7am – 7pm weekdays).

Transport for NSW data, as reported by The Newcastle Herald, revealed that during the month of February, an average of 4,259 trips were taken daily, which is significantly more than the originally predicted 1,000 daily trips.

Designed by: Libby Arnold

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Designed by: Elisabeth Arnold

Yak Magazine // 2019

Yak Magazine // August 2018

I have been proven wrong, and it is so nice to see people back in the city Maddison however, does see a positive side to

With six stops in total; Newcastle Interchange, Honeysuckle, Civic, Crown Street, Queens Wharf and Newcastle Beach, an argument has been raised by locals as to whether all this commotion was actually worth it for the limited number of stops.

the light rail, as do many young locals. “(The light rail) is good for when you are in town, going out from bar to bar, but honestly, that is as good as it gets.”

The light rail has been praised by many for

Young Novocastrian, Maddison Wood, believes

being a transport link between other services.

that the light rail is not doing anything new. “I

A commuter coming from Sydney, for example,

don’t think it (the light rail) was worth all the

can get off the train at the Newcastle

hassle. It barely stops anywhere, so I think they

Interchange and can hop straight on the light

should have spent the money elsewhere and

rail to get into the city centre. Students studying

made better bus routes. I live in the city, and

at the city campus NeW Space can park slightly

it is a bit of an inconvenience for me to use. I

further away from the city centre and get the light rail into uni, to avoid getting caught out with not being able to find a park.

would spend less time walking to where I was going, than walking down to the tram station and waiting.”

Designed by: Elisabeth Arnold

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Yak Magazine // 2019

UON student, Jess Lesse, agrees that the light rail is a useful service for students, stating it helps when you want to avoid getting caught in the rain. “In terms of commuting to uni, it does save me quite a bit of time. I live outside of town so my travel time is reduced from a 30-minute walk to a 10-minute trip. It has also been good for wet weather situations as well.”

• Frequent and reliable services during peak times • An energy-efficient form of transport • Stimulates urban revitalisation (local businesses benefit) • Part of an integrated transport solution (transfer system) • Carries the equivalent of three full buses • The beginning of future light rail developments.

The light rail has undeniably brought more people back into the city’s centre, says local Renee Hibbert. “To be honest, I was sceptical when I heard about the plans for the light rail.

I thought it would not have worked in what was for so many years, a ghost town. But I have been proven wrong, and it is so nice to see people back in the city.”

Revitalise Newcastle sees the bigger picture, claiming that Hunter street is just the beginning of a superior plan to eventually take the light rail out to Williamtown airport. With nine new corridors in future plans, suburbs such as Merewether, Glendale, Callaghan, Mayfield, Adamstown and Broadmeadow could see light rail construction in the coming years.

For many local residents of Newcastle, the light rail has been a major success, despite its few breakdowns over the course of the last few months.

Despite the few concerns on the length of the light rail corridor, the consensus is that the light rail is on-track to become a huge feature of Newcastle, and has greatly benefited students and local businesses. With plans to one day expand the line, who knows what Newcastle will look like in years to come.

According to Revitalise Newcastle, the introduction of the light rail sees various benefits such as;

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Designed by: Elisabeth Arnold

Yak Magazine // 2019

WHICH STUDENT HOUSEHOLD PLANT ARE YOU?

By Claire Ince and Elizabeth Symington

SANSEVERIA (SNAKE PLANT)

SPATHIPHYLLUM (PEACE LILY)

SEPIPREMNUM AUREUM (DEVIL’S IVY)

- High-key loves drama - Bit of a savage - Never smiles - “Love that for me”

- Super quiet - Lives for hot yoga - An avid reader - “Just one more chapter”

- Takes chips without asking - Laughs loudly... a lot - Honks at strangers - “Can I pat your dog?”

ZANZIBAR GEM (ZZ PLANT)

CHLOROPHYTUM COMOSUM (SPIDER PLANT)

FICUS ELASTICA (RUBBER PLANT)

- Lives for power naps - “What’s the time?”

- Never knows when things are due - Always hungry

- Metal straw enthusiast - “Social Media is so toxic” - #Quinoa - Rants about the pitfalls of capitalism

- Humble overachiever - Incapable of staying quiet during class discussions - Loves to colour code - “iM gOiNg tO fAil tHiS teSt”

MONSTERA DELICIOSA (SWISS CHEESE PLANT)

PEPEROMIA OBTUSIFOLIA (BABY RUBBER PLANT)

SYNGONIUM (ARROWHEAD PLANT)

- “I’m not like other __” - Takes all the credit in group work - Loud (and defensive) - Critical, but can’t take criticism

- Doesn’t get the joke, but laughs anyways - Perpetually heartbroken - “I just don’t know what I did wrong” - An actual gem

- Champagne taste on a beer budget - “Do it for the gram” - Shamelessly photographs every meal - Committed to an aesthetic

Designed by Anneka Mitchell

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Yak Magazine // 2019

UPDATING YOUR WINTER SKIN CARE REGIME Winter is just around the corner and that means our skin becomes dry and flaky. How can we update our skin care routine to combat the colder weather? Nadia D’Andrea spills her winter skin care secrets.

Winter is just around the corner and with it comes dry and flaky skin. To help combat this the first step is to understand that dry skin does not equate to dehydrated skin. Those with dry skin have smaller pores, meaning that they don’t produce as much sebum. If your skin feels tight after you wash it or step out of the shower, or if parts of your skin flake especially around areas that don’t produce much oil (cheeks) then your skin is dehydrated. How can we stop this?

While putting oils on our face may seem terrifying for those who are acne prone and oily, it’s a great way to control sebum production whilst hydrating the skin. Try rosehip oil which doesn’t block pores and has the added bonus of fading acne scars and hyperpigmentation.

Sheet masks are a great way for an extra boost of hydration during the week that all skin types can participate in. Sheet masks are packed with serums that target certain skin concerns, such as brightening, controlling sebum, and soothing irritation. Most sheet masks contain glycerin- a humectant naturally found in the skin that replenishes and restores, and establishes balance and hydration.

Swapping out your light moisturiser for one that is creamier and has high-quality emollients is a great place to start. For those with dryer skin, incorporating a moisturising sleeping mask two to three times a week is a great step in your skin regime during the colder months.

While all of these products may seem confusing, just remember to always apply them from thinnest and lightest to creamiest and thickest for better absorption.

If you are on the oilier side, try a gel moisturiserwhilst it’s light, it still ensures your skin is kept hydrated. A key ingredient to look for is hyaluronic acid. While acid may sound scary, hyaluronic acid helps the skin’s ability to retain water and you can find many serums, sheet masks and night creams containing this product.

Introducing facial oils at the end of your skincare regime is vital for combatting dryness. Jojoba oil and marula oil are perfect for those with sensitive, dry and combination skin.

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Designed by: Bea King

Yak Magazine // 2019

TRANSFORM YOUR CLOSET: OPSHOPPING 101 New clothes don’t have to break the bank. Follow these tips from Emily Wind and you’ll become an Op Shopping Extraordinaire.

There is no better time to transform your wardrobe than when a new season arrives. With winter just around the corner, say goodbye to summer staples and hello to winter coats, pants and long-sleeves. Op Shopping is a fantastic way to transform your wardrobe because you can get a large amount of clothing for a much lower price. Plus, 85% of the new textiles we buy each year go to landfill, so it is a great way to shop sustainably. Here are some of the best tips for getting the most out of Op Shopping:

2. Take your time Op shopping takes time, and you can’t expect to find much in a quick, five minute browse. Plan your shopping trip to allow adequate browsing time, at least half an hour so you can look through all the clothing and goods on offer.

3. Look in the unexpected places Most of the time, the best op shop pieces are hiding in obscure places like the bottom of clothing tubs or at the back of shelves, rather than on display at the front. Don’t be afraid to shop in both the men and women’s section, too.

There is usually great clothing in both sections, or someone might have put something back in the wrong place. You never know what you will find once you start looking around.

1. Go regularly Op shops receive donations multiple times a week, so if you go regularly you’ll have a better chance of finding awesome pieces before the next person does. Don’t be afraid to ask the volunteers what day they put new donations out, because then you can almost guarantee first dibs on new pieces.

Designed by: Madelyn Gardiner

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Yak Magazine // 2019

4. Don’t just stick to one op shop

7. Ignore the label

Just like you wouldn’t go to the shopping centre

At an op shop, there is no difference between branded and non-branded clothing. If you go in looking for a particular brand, you could miss seeing some really great items. Keep an open mind and try to search for specific colours, materials and patterns you love rather than an expensive retail price.

for only one clothing store, I recommend not going op shopping at the same place each time. Make sure to check out all the different locations near you to see what’s on offer. Not only is there different clothing available, but different op shops have different prices and deals on offer, such as fill a bag for $5 day or a three for one deal.

“Every 10 minutes, 6 tonnes of clothing goes to Aussie landfills” – GlamCorner 5. Quality over quantity

8. Donate

The low prices at op shops may tempt you to buy loads of items at once but be smart when shopping and try to stick with quality items you know have lots of wear left in them. It is especially important to prioritise quality when buying second-hand, as you don’t want to buy something that doesn’t fit correctly or that might fall apart just because it is on sale.

Give back to the op shops you are buying from and make sure to donate some of your old clothes too. This can help reduce landfill and give your clothing a second life. Plus, it’s always funny to see your old clothing on sale the next time you’re shopping.

6. DIY is your friend Although it’s important to buy quality items, sometimes a small DIY will do the trick to alter something to perfection. Things like a missing button, a long hemline or fraying edge are easily fixed with a needle and thread. Even if you have never sewn before, there is bound to be an easy tutorial on YouTube to teach you how.

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Designed by: Madelyn Gardiner

Yak Magazine // 20199

From Oldcastle to Newcastle

Regional Library

Queens Wharf Tower Designed and Photographed by: Elisabeth Arnold Photography by: Alamy, unknown, Ralph Snowball

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Hunter St near the lock up

Civic Theatre

University House

Yak Magazine // 2019

CHANGE

By Tara Tolhurst It can feel like you’re slipping

It’s easy to lose yourself

When your world starts changing

You become a dull, blank slate

You’ve lost grip on the handhold

Keeping up with change

And everything’s spiralling

Can make everything fade away

Things become blurry

You live just to get by

And your stomach starts lurching

Because it’s easier than trying

You feel oh so lost and

You wait for it to blow over

Your focus is on breathing

So you can start again

There’s nothing to grab onto

It can feel like you’re flying

Nor to keep you steady

When your world starts changing

When you begin falling

You’ve let go of the handhold

Nothing to make you ready

And everything’s spinning

There’s a weight on your chest

It makes your toes tingle

Chains attached to your ankles

Sparks fly between your fingers

Life feels out of control

Your heart pounds like a drum

Even if it really isn’t

And your eyes begin to twinkle

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Yak Magazine // 2019

STUDENT SOUNDS

In much brighter colours The butterflies in your stomach Start racing around each other

As we head into the last few weeks of semester you might find yourself struggling to stay motivated.

Yak’s newest music fanatic Meghan Richardson picks some bangers to give you a kick start.

Your brain begins to buzz Your mind starts going crazy

Victory Lap - Nipsey Hussle

As you think about the possibilities

The death of Nipsey Hussle in March this year was emotionally devastating for those who knew his music. This grammy nominated album is a masterful West Coast Rap Album that deserves to be a household name along with Snoop Dogg and Jay Z- the tracks will keep you going and get you through.

That you could be facing

You start to feel all powerful Like nothing could ever stop you

AJJ - People That Can Eat People Are the Luckiest People in the World

You feel lighter than air Like you’re walking on the moon

In the complete opposite direction, is AJJ, with a folk punk album from 2007. The lyrics can swing between upbeat and disturbing, but the accompanying guitar will keep you pushing on.

Your ears start ringing While your head is still spinning

Brockhampton - Iridescence

A smile grows on your face

Brockhampton’s latest album is classified as a mix of rap and alternative RnB, but it has quite a diverse track list. Listening to the whole album through is an experience, they’re some his best tracks yet and are sure to give you some much needed motivation.

Everything is better than okay Change can be a curse

It can also be a blessing When there is something missing

‘Change’ - Designed by: Samuel Field ‘Student Sounds’ - Designed by: Bea King

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TURNING P’S INTO D’S We have all

Here are a few

felt the stress

simple methods to

of trying to get

help you raise your

a good grade

grades.

when you know you might only just pass.

Studying

Listening to Music

Taking Breaks

Crying

Designed by: Samuel Field

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Summoning Dark Powers to Possess Your Calculator

Bribery

A Good Night’s Sleep

Improvisation

If you are still having

Following these

issues after trying all

simple steps

these steps,

will help you

consider contacting

transform your

University staff, and if

grades from a P

that doesn’t work you

to a D.

might need an exorcist.

Good luck with your exams and assignments!

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Yak Magazine // 2019

MASS

Nadia D’Andrea and Hollie Hughes go head to head to answer a question as old as time… can a person really change?

YES - Nadia Anyone has the potential to change - whether that change is good or bad. Our experiences can fundamentally change our attitude, demeanour and behaviour.

I found myself in a similar situation. I was not the friendliest person in high school from year 7 to 10 - to be honest, I was a downright mean girl. I was friends with a group of girls and we were horrible to each other.

Take my best friend for example - I would consider her the shyest person I’ve ever met.

But through doing multiple presentations in front of her peers at Uni, she gained confidence in speaking in front of others. While she can still sometimes be shy, I wouldn’t hesitate to call her confident.

We would gossip behind each other’s backs, call each other names, and constantly fight.

We all played a part in a very toxic friendship. It took multiple visits to the student coordinator and going to another school to make me realise that my behaviour and attitudes were not only affecting myself but others. I had to self-reflect and consider the kind of friend I wanted to be, and I changed

However, sometimes people change for the worse. Making unwise decisions or being stuck in a bad place can lead to a transformation of bad attitude and behaviour.

Change is possible if you open yourself up to it. If you truly want to become a better person, facing your not-so-great parts can help.

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DEBATE

Yak Magazine // 20199

NO - Hollie - Can people ever truly change?

Doubtful. Fear of change alike fear of the unknown is an ingrained human condition, and therefore becomes an impossible task. People may shift their actions or the choices they make, but that certainly doesn’t mean they are a changed person and attempting to ‘mould’ or ‘fix’ someone is inherently disastrous, no matter how much you believe it is needed.

I don’t usually consider myself pessimist, but when it comes to the age-old debate surrounding whether a person can really change, my answer is a blunt one.

Unfortunately, however much you may wish it, a person will remain who they are deep down regardless of how much they are persuaded towards fundamental change, and here’s why: - Can people learn from their mistakes?

Definitely.

The most important thing to remember iws that you can never change people; they must want to attempt that change for themselves.

- Can people move on from past decisions?

For sure.

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Designed by Anneka Mitchell

FIVE EPIC SPACE TO PONDER

Yak Magazine // 2019

In celebration of the first-ever image of a black hole, Camilla Lian gives you the lowdown on this world (literally).

Nebulae Interstellar1 dust clouds, either being the remnants of a star explosion, or the nursery of new stars. Clumps of hydrogen, helium and space dust gravitate towards each other, heat up, and suddenly – within about 50 million years – a star the size of our Sun has formed.

Interstellar space is everything existing between star systems.

1

Black holes An incredible amount of matter stuffed into a miniscule area, and nothing – not even light – can escape. If the Sun was to collapse in on itself to form a black hole, it would be smaller than 6 km in diameter – approximately the distance between Nobby’s Lighthouse and Merewether Beach.

Comets These are big and dirty snowballs that have existed in our solar system since its birth. It is believed comets may have started life on Earth by providing water and organic material – their main constituents – through collision.

Did you know that a comet’s tail can reach a length of 10 million km?

Photos from unsplash.com

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OBJECTS ABOUT

Yak Magazine // 2019

Quasars Being so bright that they outshine their entire galaxy, quasars are massive space phenomena believed to only exist in galaxies with a supermassive black hole in the centre. These black holes have a billion times the mass of the sun, and particles are accelerated away from the hole above and below it in bursts at the speed of light. We know very little about quasars as they are billions of light years away in high-density regions of the universe.

Asteroids Rocks of irregular shapes and sizes that orbit the Sun. They can be as small as pebbles and as large as a dwarf planet. Ceres is an asteroid dwarf planet with a diameter of 952 km. Tiny pieces of asteroids may enter the Earth’s atmosphere as meteors, and their meteorites are often analysed by scientists to help us understand more about our solar system.

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Designed by: Madelyn Gardiner

HAVE YOUR YAK Yak Magazine // 2019

Does uni change you? Ryan Reece and Elizabeth Symington hit the uni streets to get all the deets.

Elyh Tarran “I think I’ve grown more independent because the uni doesn’t hold your hand.”

Kurt Sengul “I guess through undergrad and going into post-grad you have a greater appreciation for education and the experiences you get on campus. So, as an undergrad I used to come along and leave as soon as my classes were over, but staying through honours and going into a PhD you kind of value education more and you value making connections at university. I’ve become more positive about the educational experiences.”

Lucero Varilla “I think it depends on the background and the field that you are studying in. For me, it is social change and development and I come from a country where the liberal ideology is quite embedded. Having certain opportunities above others allowed me to see that I was in a good position compared to others. I have changed from a strict square person to a more open, empathetic, and understanding type of person. It has helped me to understand why I think what I think and why people react and act in certain ways, so it’s kind of helped me to understand and have better relationships.”

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Imogen O’Leary “I’ve realised that the Transition between the HSC and Uni requires you to adjust your study techniques in terms of the subjects that you are studying. I even changed degrees because I continued to use my HSC study techniques and didn’t do very well.”

Claire Sephton “I feel like I have become more independent. I am more aware of the opportunities that are out there.”

Yak Magazine // 2019

“How have you changed since starting your degree?”

Curtis Mahoney “I’ve definitely grown and got sort of more experience and I do marketing so some of the terms I use now in marketing were not even in my vocabulary at the start of the degree. I’ve learnt more about the industry, where I used to think marketing was

Leslie Nangkiawa “So many things have changed in my life over the last two years since I come from Indonesia to Australia.

Living in a developing country you can be really bad with time management.

We were always late with every appointment that we

Jim Barron “I feel like I’ve gotten more depressed, more, I guess…

I pay a lot more attention to the world around me, especially in news media, world politics and all that kind of stuff, and the more you pay attention, the more it weighs on your soul, but it is

about just selling a product but now I have learnt all that actually goes into it.”

had, but in here I learn a lot from people who try to manage their time very very well which has changed me a lot. I now know how to put a priority, to be like what am I doing this morning and how I can manage my time to do my assessments, especially if I am getting involved in any type of organisations because right now I am the President of Indonesian Organisations, so I have to be very very careful about

motivation to do something about it. So, I guess I’m a little more active in my life and the world around me.”

what I put first. So, I think it is a very good thing I am living abroad right now.

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Designed by: Alice Kjoller

Yak Magazine // 2019

SPORTS UPDATE Sport Season is upon us and UON boasts many talented sportsmen and women. James Ward gives you all you need to know about what to expect for the upcoming season.

Soccer

Swimming

– The Uni Men’s Football team kicked off their season competing in the Zone Premier League One. The side had an opening round loss to Maryland-Fletcher 2-1. The women’s teams also kicked off their season in the later weeks of April.

– UON will have eight swimmers competing at the Unisport Nationals on the 10-12 of May at the Sydney Open Invitational Meet at the Sydney Olympic Aquatic Centre in both men’s and women’s competitions.

Six currently sit inside Swimming Australia’s Top 25 list across the country. The event brings together some of the best university swimmers across Australia and many will be aiming to qualify for the World University Games to be held in Napoli, Italy this July.

Rugby Union – The University’s Rugby Union side has begun its campaign in the Newcastle and Hunter Rugby competition. The side went down 43-15 to Nelson Bay in Round 1 but had their very own Old Boys Day against Maitland on April 13. You can catch the side playing most Saturdays in Newcastle’s premier rugby competition at Bernie Curran Oval.

Athletics

– The Unisport Nationals for Athletics kicked off over April, with a handful of UON students participating in the national event in Sydney. This event is included as a selection event for the 2019 FISU Summer Universiade.

Designed by: Samuel Field

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Yak Magazine // 2019

FOOLPROOF SLOW COOKER CHICKEN FAJITAS Impress your housemates with Elizabeth Symington’s Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas Recipe.

Ingredients

3- Put the two chicken breasts on top of the capsicum and onion and coat both sides with the taco seasoning.

- 2 Capsicums (any colour, mix and match if you’d like)

4- Pour the crushed tomatoes and minced garlic in, spreading them evenly over the top of the chicken.

- 1 Large Onion - 2 Large Chicken Breasts

5- Chuck in the rest of the capsicum and onion.

- ¾ Can Crushed Tomatoes (about 300grams)

6- Turn the slow cooker onto high and cook for 2 and a half hours.

- 1 Packet of Wraps - 1 Sachet of Taco Seasoning

7- After the 2 and a half hours pull out the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks. Put the chicken back in, mix and cook for another 30 minutes.

- 1 Tablespoon of Minced Garlic Directions 1- Slice the capsicum and the onion.

8- Serve the final product on the wraps and add whatever toppings you like (I usually go for some lettuce, cheese and guac).

2- Put half of the sliced capsicum and onion into the slow cooker.

Hot Tip: If you want them to be spicy add some chilli powder

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Designed by: Anneka Mitchell

Designed by: Alice Kjoller

CETAPHIL Yak Magazine // 2019

By Madi Crouch

It’s the Cetaphil. I feel it sinking in, fusing, melting into my skin, sensation sloughing off in favour of plastic with nerves. I touch my hand to my face and feel the rubbery epidermis gathering in my elbow joint. I run my fingers over the smoothness of my cheek and know it is a lie; I have aged in this place.

I’m alone, but never alone. It’s her turn to watch me today, and she takes me to the “schoolroom”. There’s no learning here. It’s just somewhere to go to pretend you’re not asleep. We’re not allowed to sleep. I’m not sure I can, anymore.

The others don’t look at me as I sit down. They hate me. They should. “You look good cleaned up,” the watcher says. Her left cheek sags, stretching, rubber melting off a frame. The next moment, her face twitches and it eases back into place.

Designed by: Elisabeth Arnold

I pull my eyes away and consider the comment.

It makes no sense. I’m always clean. Later, in the common room, a watcher asks me to trust him. “Trust me,” he says, “I know what’s real.”

He gives me a little paper cup. The little paper cup marks the days; morning, night… but it’s always the same kind of dim. He looks at me and the plastic mask stretches on his metal frame in what could be a hopeful smile.

I am not having it. They will change my flesh, but I will not let them program me. Clatter, clatter, data chips on the ground. I am on the ground too. The watchers have me; he is there, she is there, they are holding me. Prick. Again with the deadening, the loosening of dying flesh. I don’t feel them dragging me; I don’t feel.

The room… the room with no handle on this side.

Yak Magazine // 2019

STUDENT SCENES

When your 4,000 word report has given you extreme eye strain Claire: The only thing you can do to overcome

“You can come out when you take them,” she says. Vicious. Why does her face tumble over deep lines? They should have fixed it when they changed her.

this heinous situation, is to grasp the hopes and dreams that uni hasn’t yet crushed, and indulge in a bit of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (and inevitably, the seven films that follow it).

Elizabeth: If you are suffering from eye strain I

I’ve taken their chips and I’m sitting by the window with a cup of milk and honey in my hands. The warmth permeates the artificial flesh and gives it a semblance of life. I’m watching a dead world. All it knows how to do anymore is rain, and in between to simply wait for something to happen - for more rain.

suggest that you sleep, give your peepers a rest but if watching a movie is something you need to do to wind down from the stress I recommend the wholesome film, The Princess Diaries. Be shot back to simpler high school times, I’m not gonna lie I am still waiting for Julie Andrews to come into my life and tell me I am the Princess of Genovia.

When you’ve had to stand at the maths bus stop and swat away flocks of mosquitos for forty minutes

I know what is real. What is real is that it’s all gone, and it’s all fake, and it’s all my fault.

Claire: There is no known cure for UON mosquito

“Trust me,” they always say, and then they hurt me. But if I believe them, will it stop?

bites, so all you can really do is distract yourself.

How, you may ask? Break out your old Shrek DVD, and perform your own renditions of all the classic Smash Mouth tunes.

The day they let me leave I watch the buildings through the car window. Their heights have changed. This takeaway shop is too short. This bakery is too tall. I know it’s a lie, but I don’t care. I don’t care.

Elizabeth: There is no doubt about it the mosquitos at UON are a real pain, kind of like the greedy grasshoppers from A Bug’s Life. You need to remember that bugs have feelings too, the mosquitos at uni are sick of the stigma they’re just trying to get a feed, like when you go to the bakehouse. Pop some popcorn and watch this movie, it will make you feel bad for being a murderer (I kid, squash those monsters, I don’t want you to get malaria).

Designed by: Bea King

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MONTHLY Nadia D’Andrea consults the stars so you don’t have to.

22 December 19 January

20 January 20th 18 February

Yep, you’ve earned it! Take a nap, Cap. Kidding, you have too many assignments. Get to work.

I’ve told you once, I’ve told you twicequit picking your nose. There’s no gold in there.

21 March 19 April

19 February 20 March Check your bed for a horse’s head, for he sleeps with the fishes.

Quit losing your cool or you’ll grow horns!

20 April May 20

21 May 20 June

Your next great love is called Pumpkin and in return, they will call you Honey Bunny.

Be adventurous. Try the fish (except on Sunday).

Photograph from unsplash.com

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HOROSCOPES

21 June 22 July

23 July 22 August

You don’t have to cry into your pillow anymore. You will pass that exam.

Sorry to break it to you, Leo- everyone in your group project hates you. Give them a cake as a peace offering.

23 September 22 October

23 August 22 September

Like sand through the hourglass, these are the Uni days of our lives.

. Guaranteed to find that shirt you lost last year.

23 October 21 November

22 November 21 December

Better cancel that date- a big boil will befall you next Friday.

I spy with my little eye, a magical surprise on Wednesday.

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Designed by: Anneka Mitchell Illustrations by: Reid McManus

YAK TRIVIA Test your knowledge with these 10 trivia questions.

1. Who played the Beast/Prince Adam in Disney’s 2017 live action Beauty and the Beast?

2. Where is UON building a new campus?

3. Who was Australia’s Prime Minister in 2011?

4. What Shakespeare play is the movie Ten Things I Hate About You based on?

5. What Newcastle landmark was demolished last year?

6. What colour/s is the transformer Optimus Prime?

7. What it the scientific name for the funny bone?

8. What is the name of the book series where the characters can transform into any animal they touch?

9. What is the name of the latest Avengers film?

10. What is the 6th largest country in the world?

Trivia Answers: 1. Dan Stevens. 2. Honeysuckle. 3. Julia Gillard. 4. Taming of the Shrew. 5. Queens Wharf Tower. 6. Blue and Red. 7. Humerus. 8. Animorphs.

9. Avengers Endgame. 10. Australia.

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Yak Magazine // 2019

HOW TO RECYCLE ME Each year our university goes through 1,080 tonnes of waste. Do your part to minimise our impact on the environment by recycling and/or reusing me.

•Put me in the recycling bin At home you can put me in the bin with the yellow lid. On campus, bins for recycling paper and cardboard are blue or yellow bins. Look out for the “Be a good sort” poster to know what the bin recycles.

•Donate me Donate me to your local library, Salvos or a doctor’s waiting room.

•Give me away Give me away for free on websites like Gumtree or Freecycle.

•Get your craft on Turn me into something new! Organise a crafternoon with your friends or keep an eye on events on campus through groups like NUSA or FEAST. Designed by: Samuel Field Illustrations by: Reid McManus

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