Descent Fallout 4

Daniel Marchetti

So Fallout 4 came out a little while ago. It looks like it would be really good.

I wouldn’t know though, because I can’t download it due to not having internet at home. This doesn’t mean I don’t plan to get it however, it just makes it slightly difficult to do so.

Anyway, here are some observations from someone who has been waiting for a hell of a long time to play the game, but hasn’t yet gotten the opportunity.

Firstly, one of the main things I was excited for in Fallout 4 was the idea of there being sea creatures. This excitement came from that octopus that they had in the concept art. But from what I heard, the only evidence of there actually being mutated sea creatures in the game apart from the ever-present mirelurks are a few mutated dolphin monsters that have gotten washed up on the beach, which sucks.

You can also give your animal companion armour, which is pretty cool. It seems like Bethesda learned that animal companion armour shouldn’t be made a DLC, where the armour is the only addition, and is almost purely a cosmetic thing anyway.

Yes, I’m talking about the oblivion one.

Anyway, I said I’d make a couple of observations, and that’s two right there, so yeah.

It looks like an amazing game though, and I’m totally going to play the shit out of it when I get it.

 

Descent Undertale

Daniel Marchetti

So, some of you probably have a computer…

Maybe some of you even play games and stuff on it.

If you do, you might be sitting there, wondering where I’m going with this, but your crazy habit of asking questions to an inanimate computer screen will soon be satisfied, because I’m here to tell you about something that, if you actually are a member of the very large group of people I just mentioned, you’ll almost definitely already know about.

Undertale.

The amazing JRPG inspired game where you don’t actually have to kill anyone.

In fact, it’s encouraged that you don’t. The pacifist route is the one that gets you the true, best ending.

Of course, you can play it like a normal game, and kill everything that tries to fight you, but the thing with that is that you don’t get to make all the awesome friends the bosses become.

Seriously, the characters in this are fucking perfect. You’ll love them.

Also, you can make spaghetti and pat giant, armoured dogs.

And it will make you love the two most despised fonts in history, largely due to the spaghetti.

Play it.

Descent Darth Darth Binks

Daniel Marchetti

So, how many of you strange people who choose to read what I say have seen the first film in the Star Wars prequel trilogy?

Probably a lot of you.

Next question, how many of you didn’t completely hate it?

Probably a much smaller number of you.

Why did you hate it?

Like many other Star Wars fans, the answer can likely be summed up with three words.

Jar Jar Binks.

Of course it was him! The stupid racist fishman was way too damned goofy and lucky to survive any of the shit he got caught up in! He represented everything wrong with the prequels!

Well what if it wasn’t luck that kept him from getting killed?

What if the goofy persona was just that? A persona to hide his real personality.

That’s what Reddit user, Lumpawarroo says in his theory that Jar Jar Binks was actually not only a talented fighter, skilled manipulator and powerful force user, but quite possibly intended to be the central villain of the entire prequel trilogy.

Now, for the two people who haven’t already come across this theory somewhere on the internet, which has grown huge, I’ll tell you right now that it’s actually very convincing, with loads of actual, proper evidence.

And finally, just remember that Jar Jar’s a CGI character, so basically every single little detail in what he does is intentional.

Descent Sword Art Online

Daniel Marchetti

So, I’ve been watching anime for a while now, and if there’s one thing I’ve noticed in these few years, it’s that while most of my opinions are fine within the greater anime community, there are a few that could end up getting me confused stares.

And from the fraction of anime viewers who are more ‘passionate’, also possibly crucified.

One of these is that, while I can definitely see the flaws in the show, I still like all of the series known as Sword Art Online.

All of it.

But as I mentioned before, I can definitely see why other people don’t, and to them, I offer a charming, pleasant, only slightly low-brow alternative.

The abridged series, by something witty entertainment.

“But Author!” I here you cry, forgetting that you’re just yelling at a computer screen and I can’t actually here you. “How is a parody of the show going to satisfy my disappointment in the rushed nature and lack of character development in the show?!”

Well, let me tell you a tale!

While the first episode, like many other abridged series, isn’t that great, this abridged series actually has better character development than the show! Audible gasp!

I can’t say too much here, as I don’t want to spoil it, but let me leave you with this quote from the series to act as a hook.

But what’s the point of other people if not to mock them? – Kirito

 

Descent Intro

Daniel Marchetti

So, some of you who have explored the internet may be familiar with the term ‘Pessimist’.

This is what I am.

Some of you who have, in your infinite foolishness, where not horrified by your first expedition into this horrific place and journeyed further may have come across the term ‘Anime’.

This is what I pursue.

Finally, the small few of you who have forsaken themselves, and decided to continue your journey into the dark, dark abyss that is the internet may have learnt of the term ‘Weeb’, or ‘Weaboo’.

This is what I will undoubtedly become shortly, if I do not choose to abandon this strange, two dimensional medium.

And I will never make that choice.

This is my blog-type-thing.

Watch in horror, as I talk about things that many people believe to be the realm of children, get unnecessarily angry over odd topics, and record my descent into the horrible state of being that is the eternal plight.

The vicious, never ending cycle

The “Weeb Life.”

Thankfully though, it should be noted that, at this point, I have not made the horrible transition to Weaboo, and am still a regular old fan.

Let’s see how long that lasts…

Ramblings of a Young Adult, Part V

Photo 5.1

   My sister’s birthday is close. I dread birthdays. They remind me of my own mortality. I should probably sort my life out. I need to move out and start a family. It’s the only way you stay relevant nowadays. Anyways, I need a present, something cheap and worthwhile.  $25 should be sufficient; it’s two and a half hours of my pay. A Venus Flytrap would be convivial. She could embellish and nurture it at her office cubicle. No, that won’t do. They need sunlight, a lot of them. I must say, it’s a bargain for $7. How about a Miracle Berry tablet? They alter your sense of taste naturally. Sour grapes, pomegranates are now sweet. Hah! I will never challenge her to a lemon-eating contest after that. It lasts an hour and I could get it for a 12x12 pack. It’s efficient.

Photo 5.2

  I would also like to think we’ve matured as siblings. The last time I heard from her, she was volunteering in the plains of Africa for a wildlife association. If that is true, I can buy her a Life Straw. Life Straws makes contaminated water safe to drink. At least, that’s what the website says. It’s ideal for an adventurous soul like her. I don’t know really, I am muddled in thought. A Hurricane Ball could represent my current state of mind. It spins at an astonishing 3000 rpm. Again, it’s all for a measly price of under $25. In actuality, I might just settle for a pair of Googly Eyes. She has always been the life of the party; and it is reminiscent of our childhood pranks.

Photo 5.3

   If there’s nothing else, I have to sleep now. Tomorrow, the cycle of life repeats at work; tomatoes, onions, lettuce, special sauce and buns, ‘Special Burger, coming right up!’

Photo 5.1 Source: https://pixabay.com/static/uploads/photo/2015/04/26/03/09/plant-carnnivora-739985_640.jpg

Photo 5.2 Source: https://pixabay.com/static/uploads/photo/2015/03/14/10/53/ghana-673065_640.jpg

Photo 5.3 Source: https://pixabay.com/static/uploads/photo/2015/01/09/15/12/moss-594461_640.jpg


Written, Randall

Ramblings of a Young Adult, Part IV

Photo 4.1

   I always thought I had it in me to change the world. I have always been cynical to the rich in school. I may have been jealous, heck, I really did. ‘If I had the money, I would give it to the poor,’ I would convince myself otherwise. I don’t know, today, I really ponder that maybe some indulgent habits have caused them to shoot themselves in the foot. Maybe, life isn’t black and white after all. ‘Imagine if I was the President, I would allocate funds to our infrastructure, our education, our local businesses,’ these are the tales I would tell myself too; except, reality is different, those things takes time. Time: a commodity our current electoral systems circumvent.

   I do regret a few decisions in my life. I should have applied for higher education. I was naïve. $40,000 in loan debt for university courses is alarming. I was scared. But then, I heard that professional jobs pay well. I have heard that graduates are jobless too. Frankly, I have heard many things. ‘Do what you love,’ ‘just be yourself,’ ‘everything happens for a reason,’ ‘don’t sweat the small stuffs,’ ‘it’s fine, everything will be alright.’ They need to stop. I think there’s so much information, little truth. 

Photo 4.2

*For more cliché, overused quotes, click here.

Photo 4.1 Source: https://pixabay.com/static/uploads/photo/2015/01/03/08/39/rupees-587271_640.jpg

Photo 4.2 Source: https://pixabay.com/static/uploads/photo/2015/10/29/09/46/books-1012088_640.jpg

Written, Randall

Ramblings of a Young Adult, Part III

   Another potential concern for me (millennials) would be dwindling of conventional jobs due to the integration of computers and artificial intelligence. No, jobs will still be present; the matter lies in how the jobs are conducted.  A realistic comprehension of this would be a workforce tailored around computer skills; where computers eliminate certain tasks, which leaves us with computer management. 

Photo 3.1

   Here’s an anecdote: I remember when I was a child, my sister and I fought a lot. ‘Give me the candy!’ I shrieked. ‘No! It’s mine!’ She replied. We would go on forever, along with passive aggressive expressions. Truthfully, nothing was accomplished. Whatever problems persists; after an exchange of fancy words, both of us lost sight of the issue, attacks become personal and situation escalates. I personally think this applies to political parties today. We are dealing with issues against each other, rather than with each other. I fear for the worse, that is issues forgotten, innocent lives compromised. Lastly, there’s also the hygiene hypothesis. The human race has advanced, we might have cultured ourselves to impossible hygienic standards, hence undermined our immune systems. ‘We become ill if we are dirty.’ But, that’s just what I think. I am after all, rambling as a confused young adult.

Photo 3.1 Source: https://pixabay.com/static/uploads/photo/2015/03/27/19/23/calculator-695084_640.png

Written, Randall

Ramblings of a Young Adult, Part II

    I must say, I am curious on what would be our generation’s next big predicament. Now, I’m not a sadist by any means, but problems have been plaguing humans since the beginning of time. After all, I was educated to a global citizen. In fact, I sometimes think I care about the world more than myself. Anyways, I think that the inability for baby boomers to retire is going to be an issue. Nowadays, sustaining life is straightforward, saving hard. You have but to work into old age. There’s also the extinction of honey bees which threatens our food security. This article exhibits the importance of thorough management of bee hives; this explains what we can do to help. 

Photo 2.1

Photo 2.2

   There’s also a rising concern for our privacy. It’s ridiculous to envision a world where our parent’s (our) life will be well-documented on social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter. All the mishaps, parties, arguments and pimple-faced pictures; all tracked down, along with its dates, days, hours, locations with a click of the button to year 2011. Of course, there’s also the prevalent issue of global warming. Sometimes, I think it’s too widespread that nobody cares anymore. I mean really, global warming, again? 

Photo 2.1 Source : https://pixabay.com/static/uploads/photo/2015/09/15/20/05/beekeeper-     941688_640.jpg

Photo 2.2 Source: https://pixabay.com/static/uploads/photo/2014/03/22/22/17/twitter-292994_640.jpg

Written, Randall

Ramblings of a Young Adult, Part I

   As a young adult, I find myself imprisoned between the two walls of adulthood and childhood. Adulthood offers freedom, while childhood offers security. As time passes, I’ve learnt otherwise.

   When I was a child, things were simple. You wanted food? You wanted toys? Here. I remember we would decorate our ice cream on a hot summer’s day with Millions and chocolate sauce; or we would parade beneath the Christmas tree and glints of its fluorescent light bulbs, wondering what awaits us on the morning of 25^th December. Here’s the thing, we were children and we loved it. We were dreamers, determinant of the world tomorrow, how did we end up here?

   It’s peculiar, really. I find myself an odd ball. I’m at the denouement of my teenage years; genesis of my mature years. You feel detached. Mature acquaintances consider their ways righteous and absolute; whereas youths nowadays are obsessed with anarchistic ideas, a phase they all go through. Video games become an escapism, opinions repudiated and rantings a personal weakness. Where’s our voice, our identity as millennials? It’s folly to diminish us to mere label between baby boomers and iGens (post-millennials). We are humans too and we deserve to be validated.

Photo 1.1 Source: https://pixabay.com/static/uploads/photo/2012/10/04/01/53/boy-59171_640.jpg

Photo 1.2 Source: https://pixabay.com/static/uploads/photo/2014/10/01/18/02/sad-468923_640.jpg

Written, Randall

Retro Film Review: Amelie

As my children have grown I’ve often been excited to show them a film I loved in my youth only to be struck with the thought upon watching it – why did my mother let me watch that? Or saddened when I realise how sexist one of my beloved films is. So I’ve decided to revisit some of my favourite films from a feminist perspective, starting with Amelie.

What I’m looking for:

·         Does it pass the Bechdel test? This is a basic test that asks three questions. 1. Are there two named female characters who 2. talk to each other about 3. something other than a man? (It’s shocking how few films pass even this basic test.)
·         If it doesn’t pass the Bechdel test is there a good reason why? I think The Shawshank Redemption is a good example of this since the film is set in a men’s prison. Another exception for me is if the value of the message in the film redeems it not passing or it passes the same rules but for people of colour rather than women. – Bonus points if it does both.
·         Is there diversity in crowd shots?
·         Are women involved in the production of the film? Even if they are not represented on screen is the story being told from a female perspective? Writer, Director, Producer etc.

For more information visit the New York Film Academy blog for statistics and results of their inquiry into gender inequality in film.

http://www.impawards.com/2001/amelie_ver1.html

Amelie (2001) is a French film written by Guillaume Laurant and Jean-Pierre Jeunet, directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet and stars Audrey Tautou.

The protagonist, Amelie, is described as, ‘an innocent and naïve girl in Paris with her own sense of justice.’ I feel this description doesn’t capture the complexity of Amelie; which is one of the strengths of this film.

Almost all of the characters are dynamic and fully fleshed out. (Several are named women who speak to each other about topics other than – and including men.)

When I first saw Amelie at the theatre I experienced it much as I imagine the first viewers of The Wizard of Oz must have felt. I was just as enchanted with this viewing.

Screenwriting “rules” are broken; there is voice over narration throughout the film and Amelie frequently breaks the fourth wall to address the audience. The cinematography, music and style of storytelling work together to create a dreamy atmosphere.

Yet, for all its dreamlike qualities the film’s dynamic characters, male to female ratios and the equal treatment of both makes the world of Amelie feel more “real” than many of the films coming out of Hollywood. (Even with its touches of animation.)

Post by Melissa Hiatt-Boyle

The LuWow

Don's Zombie
Image by Belinda Hosking

If pin-up-girl style and rockabilly music are your thing and/or you’re mad for kitschy tiki taverns, like my girlfriend is, then you must check out The LuWow on Johnston Street in Fitzroy.

There are two sides to The LuWow, the Island Village Lounge bar (open Wed-Sat 5pm til late) and the Forbidden Temple (open Fri & Sat from 8:30pm). You can take a virtual tour of each on The LuWow website.

The dual nature creates an ambiance like the old Frankie and Annette beach movies where the strait surfer culture was juxtaposed with the more wild (and fun) goofy-baddie scene.

The LuWow has Rum & Records with Joey Elbows every Wednesday and King Kahunas Rockin’ Karaoke from 9pm every Thursday in the Island Village Lounge bar and regularly presents shows and events in the Forbidden Temple.

I recently caught up with my friend on their Wednesday night Rum Club & Rumble in the Jungle which features half priced rum and Joey Elbows’ ‘Rockin’ Rhythms’.

It was perfect for a catch-up – not too busy (it was Wednesday night after all.) We ensconced ourselves in one of their tiki hut booths, to the side where we could converse easily yet still enjoy the music.

Half price rum meant my introduction to neat rum was a twenty-one year old – a smooth experience.

smooth 21 year old rum
Image by Belinda Hosking

Staff at The LuWow are friendly and the ambiance is tiki heaven.

Drinks are pricey but on a par with most Melbourne venues. If you’re on a budget go on a Wednesday night when rum is half price, Thursday between 5pm-9pm two for one cocktails or Friday and Saturday $10 MAI-TAIS until 9pm.

All of the drinks are scrumptious but I recommend Don’s Zombie.

Post by Melissa Hiatt-Boyle

Uniform Policy: Teaching Rape Culture in our Schools (part two)

My daughter entered secondary school as a confident quirky individual. Somehow, despite the school’s mixed messages to its students and promotion of a “norm” through its uniform policy she has managed to stay that way. Unfortunately, many of her friends have not fared so well. Some have developed eating disorders, started cutting or have struggled with depression. This year alone four have attempted suicide.

It may seem like a big leap linking the school’s uniform policy to individual students’ social issues and the broader societal issue of rape culture but I think it’s important to scrutinise all of the lessons our children are being taught and their implications. (Whether or not the lessons are intentional.)

Next year my daughter will be starting year eleven and so far at her school there have been regular uniform blitzes directed at the length of skirts.

In a whole school assembly the girls were told their hemlines can lead to distraction and that short skirts are disrespectful. Because this was addressed specifically in regards to skirt length the one message that would have been okay – that disregarding school uniform policy is disrespectful to the school – is doubtful.

The message my daughter and her friends got from the male coordinator giving the speech was that it was disrespectful towards male students, staff and to themselves – otherwise known as slut shaming.

All of the students have been given messages whether it has been the school’s intent or not.

A uniform policy that polices the way girls dress while having a lax policy for male students – coupled with the shaming of girls for distracting males, teaches the following contradictory lessons to our children:

1) Women have no agency over their own bodies.

2) Women and not men are responsible for male desire.

By placing the burden of responsibility for the male gaze fully on female students – harassing them so that the boys are not distracted – the uniform policy also tells our students that the education of boys is more important than the education of girls.

I am not suggesting this is the cause of rape culture in Australia. I am saying I think it perpetuates rape culture.

My daughter has always been artsy and passionate. At the moment she wants to be either a theatrical makeup artist or a journalist. She is also a self-proclaimed feminist. I hope she remains strong and independent.

Recently she wrote an article for her school paper about the iniquities of the school uniform policy. She was rebuked and the article did not run.

Post by Melissa Hiatt-Boyle

Uniform Policy: Teaching Rape Culture in our Schools (part one)

My daughter’s introduction to slut shaming came with the start of secondary school. While the boys were free to acclimatise to their surroundings the girls were burdened with a new concept and a disturbing emphasis on the length of their skirts.

There are many issues with my daughter’s school uniform policy. There is an inequity to it both between the genders and also depending on which social group a student identifies with.

Fake tans are permitted as well as colouring hair – as long as it’s a “natural” colour. Bleach blonde is good – no matter what shade it turns out. Even the recent ambre hairstyles were allowed. So if you fit into the trendy crowd or you want to go for the playboy bunny look that’s okay. But if you put a purple streak in your hair you’ve gone too far.

Male students can interchange winter or summer uniform as they see fit (which is practical given Melbourne’s erratic weather). They are able to choose between a polo shirt and business shirt (I’ve never seen one choose the business option). They can wear shorts or pants.

In contrast female student’s uniform policy is strictly policed. During term one and four: summer uniform dress (no shorter than knee length) and white socks between the ankles and knees. During term two and three: business shirt, tartan skirt (no shorter than knee length) and the choice of black tights or knee high black socks.

As far as I’m concerned you either are permitted to colour your hair or you’re not. Uniform can be chosen by all students based on the weather – or none. If the school wants their students to appear business like it should be all of the students – or none. I don’t have an issue with uniform policies – it is how they are enforced that creates the problem.

In year eight the girls were lined up in class (in front of jeering male classmates) to have their skirt lengths checked. She was so disturbed by the experience that she wanted to wear pants instead. Technically they are on the uniform list for girls – however they are not stocked in the uniform shop and not listed as an option in the majority of places where the policy is listed.

She was told she could wear the boys’ pants but she should be prepared to be made fun of. The woman who runs the uniform shop said the same thing. When I responded that my daughter still wanted pants I was told we were free to find some if they were made of the same material as the boys’ pants. So far we haven’t had any luck.

*For those who don’t know what ‘rape culture’ is check out this article, ‘25 Everyday Examples of Rape Culture’.

Post by Melissa Hiatt-Boyle

A horse is a horse, of course, of course, and no one can talk to a horse of course.

 … that is, of course, unless the horse is the famous Mister Ed

The Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival is almost over.  Like millions of others, I placed a wager on the Melbourne Cup. It was a twenty dollar bet on the favourite, Fame Game, for the win only; the horse failed dismally. I’m not one who likes betting each way or on “exotics” (Quinella, Exacta, Trifecta, First 4, Quadrella, and BIG6) so I just choose one runner and I bet on it for a “win only.” I recall my late father grumbling on many occasions, “It’s (expletive deleted) hard enough to pick first past the post, let alone trying to pick the second and third as well.” 

I used to be quite an active punter. I would regularly make indirect contributions to government coffers via the TAB and sometimes directly to real people, the bookmakers at the track. But that was a long time ago.  Then one day, abruptly, in a “road to Damascus moment,” I decided that I was finished with handing over my hard earned “reddies” to either a government operated gambling cash cow or to a similarly prosperous race track bookmaker.  It was the sudden realisation that I was risking a part of my week’s wages on the past form and the unpredictable temperament of the most neurotic and fractious of horse breeds and, as well, a creature that was completely unaware of my existence and my investment in it and, in an existentialist sense, also completely unaware of its own being.

And let’s not forget the other player in this game, the horse’s jockey. I had a similar moment of enlightenment when I realised that he (and they were all “he” back then), unlike his steed, was fully conscious to his own existence but completely ignorant of mine and, moreover, totally oblivious of my financial investment in him being able to steer his mount past the winning post in first place.

And so many years later, my wagering on the vagaries of the thoroughbred behaviour and the fluctuating competence of their riders is limited to placing a bet once a year, usually for no return, on the Melbourne Cup.  Why? … Because it’s the Australian thing to do … Right?

Paul H

Green Your Laneway

Image by Section8

There is much to love about Tattersalls Lane. Apart from the scrumptious dumplings at the Camy Shanghai Dumpling & Noodle Restaurant – there’s Section8; which started March 2006 as a temporary pop-up bar in a car park and has become a permanent part of Melbourne.

Section8’s greatest achievement is how they’ve transformed the space – re-purposing pallets and milk crates for seating and maintaining the outdoor pop-up vibe while making it a permanent bar. Existing greenery remains and new encouraged to grow. There are planter boxes along the outer fencing and vines flourish inside and out.

Laneways have been a source of pride for Melbournians and a tourist attraction for many years. Yet, most of the 60 hectares of laneways are underutilised.

Even in spaces that are a street art must-see for tourists, like Cocker Alley with its controversial Perspex-case-protected-Banksy, the laneways are dominated by dumpsters, pallets and milk crates.

Through its Urban Forest Strategy the City of Melbourne has had a plan for ‘greening major streets and precincts, but not the smaller laneways’…until now. Their Green Your Laneway pilot project has looked at the 60 hectares (with a further 150 hectares of wall space) as an opportunity to further green the city.

Why?

According to the Participate Melbourne website Greening Melbourne’s Laneways will:

·         Provide shading and local cooling.

·         Improve aesthetics and local amenity.

·         Create ecological benefits.

·         Encourage health and wellbeing flow on effects.

·         Increase landscape permeability (and hence flood mitigation and passive watering).

·         Create opportunities for relaxation and recreation.

How?

There are four different types of greening the City is looking at: park lanes (open areas with vegetation and seating), forest lanes (trees), vertical gardens (growing plants up the walls of buildings) and farm lanes (growing food in planter boxes).

When?

Nominations are open until November 13, 2015.

To get involved?

Nominate a laneway via the online form on the Participate Melbourne website. Other ways to get involved include; volunteer to look after plants, acting as a laneway champion for the project, allowing your wall to be greened and/or contribute funding to the project.

Post by Melissa Hiatt-Boyle

Galatopita Recipe

This recipe is an old family favourite. My mother was shown how to make the dish by a Greek neighbour when I was a young child. My mother is not Greek. Her origins are an interesting story but I will not go into that here.

I am Greek-Cypriot from my father’s side but this particular recipe is from Greece, not one that is usually known in Cyprus. Galatopita actually translates as “Milk Pie” although this particular version is more like a cake than a pie. Mum would bring it out on special occasions, like when we visited relatives or hosted parties. Recently Mum made it again and it was delicious as ever.

Ingredients:

226g butter

2 1/2 cups of sugar

2 cups of semolina

852ml of milk

4 eggs

1/2 teaspoon of vanilla essence

Method:

Melt butter in saucepan.

Add sugar and stir.

Add semolina and stir.

Add milk and stir until ingredients are well mixed and remove from stove.

Allow mixture to cool.

Add 4 beaten eggs.

Bake in large baking pan for approximately 45 minutes.

Remove from oven when colour on top is slightly brown.

Optional:

Before baking, add flaked almonds to top of cake one to be on each slice which is cut into diamond shapes after baking.

By M.S

A Word on Melbourne’s Weather

The local weather is often a topic of conversation. Melbourne has been known world-wide for its changeable climate. Indeed, sometimes it can feel like you have all four seasons in one day.

One thing people used to say about Melbourne is that it rains a lot. This has changed as Melbourne like most of Australia is experiencing less rain fall. I’ll never forget that about 20 years ago, on a trip to rainy London, a relative said I had brought Melbourne’s weather. I thought that was a bit cheeky.

My favourite season in Melbourne is autumn. The weather is milder. Spring also has mild weather but it rains more than autumn. In autumn you also get golden leaves falling on the ground.

I don’t like Melbourne summers anymore. They just get too hot. Having a split-system air-conditioner gives me some respite, but on days in excess of 40 degrees Celsius, I dread having to walk outside during daylight hours.

Now what about climate change? I believe it’s real. I think there would be fewer doubters, except for one fact. Setting a carbon price costs money. If there were low cost remedies, more support for them would be forthcoming. I believe we need to be researching and funding renewable and low cost energies to a greater extent than thus far.

Well that’s it for now. The sun will rise tomorrow and weather predictions have become more accurate. I hope in the long term more people start taking responsibility for climate change.

By M.S

Joining a Writing Group

I have written as a hobby for many years. However it was only after joining a writing group that I took it seriously. I have now been in the group for 5 years, the group having published 3 anthologies of short stories and poetry.

Now I am studying a diploma course in professional writingand editing. I have found going back to study rewarding though challenging at times.

Back to the writing group: my writing has really developed according my fellow members, which has really been rewarding. Being a writer is largely a solitary activity and being in a group of writers is both helpful for getting feedback and also making new friends.

How did the group form? Like many ventures it began with an action of opportunity. I took a five week course in short-story writing and met with another writer who then contacted the others in the class, wanting to form a group. The invitation was also advertised in the community and a local government grant secured.

The convener of the group has now moved on to other ventures but the group continues to meet and presently has six members. I would recommend joining a group for anyone who wants to further their writing and meet other writers.

By M.S

My Experience in a Book Group

Why join a book group? Well, firstly I like to read and secondly I like to discuss what I read with other readers. Too often I have read good books but had no one to discuss them with. The other advantage of being in a book group is the selection of usually quality books which are valuable to aspiring writers such as my-self. You learn not only what successful authors write but can also study how they write and develop further writing skills. Put simply, writers have to read widely.

Even though being in a group has been a largely positive experience, there have been a few draw-backs. One being that the age group is mostly elderly people which can make a younger person seem the odd one out. Another disadvantage is sometimes the one month reading time assigned is not enough for reading some novels which can be in excess of 500 pages. Also, the books are not always well selected or to every one’s liking.

One of the real advantages is that most in the group take reading seriously and that many interesting discussions can be experienced. The group members often become friends and have get-togethers around Christmas time.

Overall I have enjoyed being in a book group but would like more time to read some of the books and more say in which books are selected.
By M.S

How I Quit Smoking

Like many smokers, I had tried quitting a number of times, unsuccessfully. I had also tried different methods, including NRT such as gum, lozenges, mouth spray and patches. Twice I had actually completed the course of NRT but actually resumed smoking within a few weeks on both occasions.

My reasons for quitting were the usual- health, cost and inconvenience- all good reasons, however I had a very strong smoking addiction. I was working at the time and would often find other smokers outside the building during breaks. Why go outside if you are trying to quit? Well basically these were breaks for stress relief, which I needed to get out of the office at the time. It was way too tempting to see a co-worker there and to “bot” a smoke. I rationalised at the time that it was only one or two but it inevitably led to buying packs again mainly because I didn’t want to be seen as a scab.

Quitting this time meant I had to be in contact with the Quit line, which I had done before, but also this time to ask my doctor, given my history, which method was most likely to be successful. We decided on the patches, which I had tried before but this time I was determined to quit. Not working at the moment, I found that I just couldn’t afford it.

It has been 7 months since I bought a packet of cigarettes. Admittedly I did “bot” a smoke on a few occasions. I did not relapse, however. I dealt with this by summing up the times when I was tempted to smoke rather than actually relapsing. It has worked well so far.

Of course the real test is to be smoke free after 2 years but I am determined to succeed.

By M.S