May/June 2012 Revamped Issue 1

CURIOSITY CURIO
Written by Students. For Students.

The Degree Changes...

A conversation with Jason Paris + Sally Sara, Mass Effect III, and the great device debate.

CURIO

PDF IT!

All the CURIO content. No paper.

If you like reading random drivel and want to take it with you visit: http://www.theucsa.org.au/

2012. Curio is not a registered trademark of anything but if it was this is where we would put that information.

CURIO
2 Editors Welcome 3 Inbox 8 Music 9 Jeremy Stevens
Features

10 Tech Support. Dealing with the device debate. 13 Mass Effect III all its cracked up to be? 15 Game of Thrones. 16 UC Write A poem on the Lighthouse experience. 17 Loves Hard. How to get over that heartcrushing breakup 19 Ali Ardern. Doing whats right.

4 Degree Changes and how they effect you.

An in-depth look at the changes to the communication degrees at the University of Canberra

6 Sally Sara.
Foreign Correspondent visits UC and offers advice to those interested in joining the crazy world that is the journalism business. (Plus her top 10 tips for staying in the business alive.)

From the Editor

So

this is it; my rst column as Editor. My rst

and perhaps only chance to make an impression that lasts, or and more likely, the rst thing you read in that line after picking up the magazine to just pass the time. (No judgement; Ive done it too.) So Ive spent all my budget on the red layout and all of my personal paycheck on that photo with Karl Stefanovic and Richard Wilkins, now what? I guess the main point of this, well drivel, is to explain that this is your publication. Im merely the person that puts it together, procrastinating my time, and extending my university experience by doing so. This is not a personal blog from the UCSA. There will be no in-jokes, and no prejudice when it comes to content. If you want to submit something ... you do it directly to me, because everyone deserves a voice. Everyone deserves the right to have their say. Email me and I will do my best to get back to you. While not everyone can write with ease (I know because I struggle) everyone wants to be heard and perhaps needs just a little guidance. Your work is what drives Curio so I will do my best to help you, guiding your work getting help myself along the way. My email address is: davidsharaz@gmail.com Your submission deadline is: Thursday May 24th 2012 Get writing! - David Sharaz (Ridiculously out of my depth.)
Today Work Experience 2011

ABOUT ME:

Im a journalism student; The word no is my least favourite; I love things wrapped in brown paper; dream pet is Golden Retriever, Myplan to name amine Walkey; and I
be Foreign I will one dayfor aa national network Correspondent (just a heads up) like my idol Anderson Cooper; the I amyoullmost feminine straight-no man ever meet, and I make apologies for that;

Im adopted; and Indian in me. I have Welshsame ethnicity of my Ironically, the

adoptive parents (luck or fate, you decide); Rover, I want a Rangeam; andlike the pretentious guy I lastly

Humour is the most important thing to me.

Inbox

Tweets

So theyve appointed a new Editor, does this mean that the content will improve also?
- Dave Wales

I can already spot a typo.

- Cree McRae (departing Editor)

The ABC wont return my calls, so I thought Id complain elsewhere. Your publication offends me.
- Anonymous

Good luck as Editor David! Im not holding my breath though; Ive seen how lazy you are. -Jean Sharaz (Davids loving
mother)

It would be lovely if this student magazine contained less in jokes, and less random drivel now that there is a new person in charge.
- Name omitted per request.

Im sure youll do a great job as Editor David, but what about having some actual student news with the revamp?
- Sam

Write to us!
Editor: davidsharaz@gmail.com @DavidSharaz on Twitter media@theucsa.org.au

UCFEATURE
Holy smokes Batman, theyve changed my degree and didnt tell me!
By David Sharaz (Journalism Student)

As you step through the University of Canberra Student Associations glass doors and into their newly tenanted office space, you start to feel angst. There has been so much talk of late about their consultation with the university in relation to the restructuring [removal] of many degrees that the mere mention of their name is tainted, and tarnished beyond belief. But as a journalist were taught to find the truth, and that there are two sides to every story.

voted in. It was unanimous, Mr. Paris said. If I continued the UCSA would suffer because my full attention couldnt be given and I didnt want that. It was time for change.

But Mr. Paris believes differently, The Bachelor of Communication in Journalism actually broadens your scope of employment which I feel is a greater issue to students.

When questioned on the changes and the retirement of specific I could write an entire novella on practical units in the degree Mr. the appointing of Mr. Mott as Paris points out something I President, but that wasnt why I believe personally. Now, while was there. I was there to talk Ive known Ive wanted to be a about the accusations made to journalist since I was 14-yearsMr. Paris while he was President, old not everyone feels the same and the changes to the journalism way. Some have entered the degree. (Something relevant to In steps Jason Paris, who by journalism degree because they myself.) name, has been mentioned a lot needed to pick something after of late. With his casual attire and In case you werent aware the high school. Mr. Paris aside, and jovial attitude, its hard to believe university has decided to make as a student myself, if I had this man could be the centre of some changes, significantly to the finished three years of study and any accusations. Stepping knew I didnt want to be a Journalism Degree where 12 through the green office he journalist (which lets face it, not units (practical units) are being delays our interview when a everyone wants to be) I would be cut down to six. Now while this student steps through the door upset if my degree only meant I might seem non-significant the needing his attention. He has could start out in a small changes also coincide with the recently relinquished control of publication, or a small media renaming of the journalism the UCSA by stepping down as degree changing it to a Bachelor outlet getting coffee for those President (something Im assured of Communications (majoring in higher up. In my personal has nothing to do with the recent Journalism), something relevant opinion some people want to theatrics by the media) but have a degree that allows them a to any communications student. remains as Advocacy Officer for The degree means many broader scope of employment. students at the University of communication-based degrees Ive spoken to past students, Canberra. If a student needs help, are losing their official title. For present students, and media hell delay a chat with the media, example: Bachelor of PR will outlets. They all agree that the which made sense, as my pen become Bachelor of changes better reflect that of the never goes dry. Communication in PR. Which industry, Mr Paris says. But causes many students to believe My Postgraduate in Education when questioned on who those the changes diminish the quality people were Mr. Paris steps back meant doing three jobs was of their degree and hard work impossible. I had to pass the into his Student Advocacy over three to four years of study. position. We as the UCSA have torch onto someone worthy which is why Harry Mott was to respect the rights, and privacy

DEGREECHANGE
of students. Which is why Im told the exact consultation participants wont be released. The fact of the matter becomes clear over my time with whom Ive started to call Jason, the university had decided that they wanted to change the degrees before even consulting the UCSA. Sadly however, both the UCSA and Mr. Paris got caught in the crossfire. Its important to remember, as I found out, that the UCSA and the university are completely separate from each other. Personally, I believe that cutting practical units, or changing the name of a degree wont stop anyone who wants to make it. A degree is a degree in the media industry, and its only through hard work, a dogged commitment, and a hell of a lot of luck that youll make it in the industry. I know this because Ive been knocked back again and again and Im still fighting. If you want to become a journalist, truly want to become a journalist my advice to you is this: Finish your degree, and get as much experience as you can.
Current degree Bachelor of Advertising and Marketing Communication Bachelor of Journalism New degree Bachelor of Communication in Advertising Dear Student In 2013 the Faculty of Arts and Design will introduce a new suite of Communication courses. These changes, outlined below, are the result of extensive internal and external consultation, and reflect the changing nature of the communication industries. Each degree will have a strong spine in your chosen professional field. The new degrees will give students the foundational and specialist skills to thrive in industries that are facing rapid technological change and convergence, such as advertising, journalism, public relations, and political communication. The revamped Communication Studies units also mirror the way different communication professionals work together in their careers and often move between communication fields. These changes are reflected in the new degree titles, which will demonstrate to employers that you are a communication professional with a strong industry specialisation.

The important thing for you to note is that you have the choice to remain in your current degree. Or you can choose to convert to the new degree. From 2013, new students will be able to enrol only in the new Bachelor of Communication degrees. A copy of the new course structure is available on the Journalism moodle page. More information about the single and double degree course changes, transition plans and how to transfer to the new degree will be made available on 1st June 2012. An information evening has been scheduled for Wednesday 8 August 2012 at 6.00pm in Building 9, level A, room 01. If you have any further enquiries about the changes to the communication degrees at UC, please contact the Faculty of Arts and Design, Student Liaison Officers at artsanddesign.enquiries@canberra.edu.au. Sincerely

Bachelor of Communication in Journalism Bachelor of Bachelor of Communication and Communication in Media Studies Media and Public Affairs

Professor Lyndon Anderson

Brieng
Sally Sara. A lesson in tenacity.
By Charlene Broad

@charlenebroad

Running, running, running. Every single step

could be the last. Every single stepfor your life. Every single step in order to getthe truth. Knowing youre being watched, and possibly chased in the middle of a warzone in Afghanistanthat,is the dream job. This time last year, that was Sally Sara. At the peak of the Australian BroadcastingCorporation (ABC) journalists, she was reporting as a foreign correspondent in Kabul, Afghanistan. Since her homecoming she has recently guest lectured to broadcast journalism students at the University of Canberra (UC).Friend of Sara,and convener of the broadcast journalism units at UC, Julie Posetti (ex-radio and television journalist with the ABC),alsoopened the rare opportunity to the public. I invited the general public and the wider UC community because I think Sally's story has appeal beyond journalism groupiesgiving them the opportunity to learn more about the machinations of contemporary journalism", Posetti said. A member of thegeneral public, Terri Landford, said it was interestinghow technology has made lone, self-sufcient journalism a reality. Sara explained in the lecture that in a world of modern-day journalism information comes in quicker on Twitter than on the news wires in Afghanistan. Shesaid there had even been Twitter wars between security representatives of different countries. She then highlighted the importance of computer gear and how it has shaped journalism. There is now smaller, lighter and more powerful technology to report from, even in remote areas. Sara said, eld reporters must be geeks. Broadcast journalism student, Nip Wijewickrema, said she also taught us that you make things

work, no matter where you are and what equipment you have. Sara inspired students to persevere and make the most of any situation. I thought she gave the journalism students very sensible and helpful advice, and we were amused that she never nished her journalism degree, Landford said. Admitting she didnt complete her undergraduate degree at UC, Sara encouraged students to drive forth in their journalism endeavours, no matter what or who may set them back. It was inspiring, as she is so down to earth and normal, said Wijewickrema. Posetti said during the lecture that you cant be a Sally Sara without working outback. The hard work and passion of Sara, from starting in regional Australia, has led to her19 years with the ABC, even after being knocked back by the organisation three times prior to success. She said the workload in Afghanistan involved reporting for 11 radio and television programs, ABC online and ABC News 24. Which meant her average workload in one day would be to report one TV story, three to four radio stories and a story for ABC News 24. On average, this equates to a 15-hour working day and being awake for 34 hours straight. Sleep was a luxury, something that trauma could take over. It was an act of covering trauma and concealing your own. Sara said, what you see and what you broadcast are often two very different things. Although working alone meant she had exibility, it also brought upon loneliness in the foreign land. Sara described the gym as her mental health unit. Wijewickrema said, shes faced so many things, and is so well planted. She acknowledges shes not a robot and needs to take measures to debrief and look after herself and her mental health.

Posetti said by inviting Sara to guest lecture she hoped to bring the inspiring and challenging realities of foreign correspondence and multiplatform reportage into the classroom. Students and public alike were awed, as opposed to frightened, by the fact that you could be killed by a bomb in Afghanistan that costs merely $10 to make. As part of a military family it was especially of interest to me to get an insight on Afghanistan expressed by a journalist and how she dealt with the fears and sights she encountered, said Landford. No matter what background people came from, the 600 people who lled up the Boilerhouse lecture room at UC were thoroughly enthused by Saras lecture. Her passion forherjob, her career, her life;owed through the air and enteredpeople as they watched and listened to her speak. As a foreign correspondent, Sara said, people are so desperate to tell their stories, they want you to get close into their world. Those words in some way inspired every person in the room to take action in whatever eld they were in.

Sally Saras top ten tips for becoming a successful journo:

1. Be the best journo in Dubbo. Wherever you are based, no matter how small or big the community, be the best in that community. The local paper can follow you! 2. Never be afraid to play catch up. If you missed a story, dont freeze, continue on. 3. The best way to get a story is to do a story. No-one can nd the story for you, but you. Every story can lead to something else. 4. Dead journos dont write many story stories. There is a ne line between risks. Is the story youre writing worth it? 5. If you experience trauma, get some help. Trauma will only ruin your work and your health; two of the most important things to uphold as a journo. 6. Beware of the 27 Blues. When you reach the age of around 27, dont fret if you are not based in Kabul. Chances are none of the other 27-year-old journos are either. 7. Remember the two books contacts and diary. Call your contacts even when theres nothing going on. And, keep organised and on track. 8. Resilience, resilience, resilience. Be patient and persevere. Dont stop trying. Ever. 9. Look for the gaps. What stories arent being reported? 10. Reputation is everything. The way you deal with people is important. Everything feeds into that be respected.

Quotes that make you go, nawww.

Were all put on this planet for a purpose and we all have a different purpose. Its our Journey. - Ellen DeGeneres. I dont believe in failure. Its not failure if you enjoyed the process. -Oprah Winfrey Nobody in life gets exactly what they want. But if youre kind, and youre open, amazing things will happen. Its just true. -Conan OBrien

UCMUSIC

Early in the Morning. Worthy of my Morning, Afternoon, or Evening.

By Dave Wales

@yay101
folk genre in my music collection. Technically McMorrow is listed as a pop-folk artist, which I cant really get my head around as his EP's, and now album are very much folk. In trying to think of something comparable I thought of something ... not. Listed as a Indie Folk group from London Mumford and Sons are what i see as pop-folk. Not to belittle them, they are a fantastic band and brought out an incredibly popular album. None of this however takes away from the sheer enjoyment i got from McMorrows album, Early In The Morning. Playing the album to a group of my peers i found fans of all genres willing to leave the entire album to play gently swaying or tapping their feet to the more lively tracks like Sparrow & The Wolf and just sit and listen to others. From start to nish the album didnt have any lulls or disappointing tracks with each song having something a little different yet special. The lyrics are simple but expertly delivered and the music is beautifully crafted, standing up well to my personal love of drums and chilled out melodies. I denitely recommend this album to anyone that likes Folk music or are looking for something a little bit different to their usual listening experience.

James Vincent McMorrows debut album Early in the Morning shoots chills down your spine as his falsetto voice lls your mind. McMorrow has been asked to perform with the likes of Al Green, Tracy Chapman and Bon Iver, and has done so opening shows and playing beside some of the most famous folk singers of modern times. There is no doubt he has the power to break hearts and wow audiences, but his appeal is wider than that. If you read my music rant you will see folk is not my focus, or my favourite music genre. McMorrow however has gone a long way to change this, or at least has given new life to the

DAVES RANT
As a twenty-something male I like to think my taste in everything has been rened and developed through my life so far. Saying this, 360, the Australian hip hop artist is my current favourite music artist. I guess you could say he just gets me. Or, perhaps I get him? I dont know, nor care. This alone will make a lot of readers dismiss what I have to say thinking I have a narrow music palette. Feel free to check out my last.fm account, davidjwales to prove yourself wrong and see I have an appreciation for all types of music, or just to see what else I enjoy as much.

UCMUSIC
Music Roundup; or something to that effect.
By Jeremy Stevens

@jeevens
At 4pm yesterday - the day before deadline - Curio editor David Sharaz sent me a tweet asking how my article was coming along. I told him Id have something for him by the end of the night. Its now 2.30am, and Im nally starting. Luckily, like most uni students, my poor timemanagement skills are balanced by a disregard for normal sleeping patterns, so its okay. Anyway, I told the Editor I was keen to write about music. He thought this was a cool idea, and told me I had a page and I could do whatever I wanted with it. Sounds like a pretty easy job, right? Its actually the equivalent of your lecturer giving you an essay, but the question, word count, and marking criteria are all a secret. Also people will laugh if you mess it up. I have no idea what Im doing, but I hope you like it.

Splendour announces its 2012 line-up; people openly weep in the streets.
In case you missed everyone banging on about it on Facebook, Splendour in the Grass recently announced their line-up for 2012. Theyve assembled an interesting array of artists this year, with Jack White, Bloc Party, Smashing Pumpkins, and the newly-reformed At The Drive-In all making appearances, alongside a handful of other international acts and a bucket-load of Australian ones. Though what possessed them to put Wolfmother on the bill, well never know. This is probably the closest event Australia has to something like Coachella, and from the reactions Ive seen, many seem more attracted by the idea of a weekend festival than the actual music itself. Regardless, for those interested, youre looking at about $450 for a 3-day ticket with camping. Add on travel costs, plus festival-priced food and booze, and youre looking at a fair amount more. If you survive selling your spare kidney, Splendour is held from July 27 to 29 in Byron Bay. Check out splendourinthegrass.com for the full line-up.

Groovy Baby
If were mentioning Splendour, it only seems right to remind everyone that Groovin The Moo is rapidly approaching... Sunday May 13 will see City and Colour, Public Enemy, Kaiser Chiefs, Matt Corby, 360, and whole bunch of other excellent musicians play UCs The Meadows (that big eld of grass out the back). For those of you who dont know, GTM is a one-day, all ages music festival, and its not to be missed. Its also at the very end of week 14, so theres no excuse not to come along. Unless you hate fun. Anyone who didnt catch hypothermia last year will tell you it was amazing, and anyone who was stuck on campus listening from the outside will tell you it was excruciatingly painful.

Next month... Youll get your GTM roundup!

UCTECH
@yay101

Remember when a phone was just a phone? Me either.

By Dave Wales

With great devices comes great debate, and some of

the most debated modern devices are mobile phones as almost everyone has one, or at least an opinion on one. It is my hope to deliver a clear conscious guide to choosing a phone operating system which is right for you, and not just most popular. Only the 3 main operating systems are to be included, so if you are

hoping for Bada or Meego devices to be included I will have to apologise. The feature sets of each operating system overlap quite a lot so like any good article I have made up a table to present the differences visually. This article is based on the latest versions of each operating system.

Feature
Multitasking Recent App View Folders and Sorting Spell Checking (not auto correct) Widgets Gestures Accessibility

Android
Full Yes Yes Yes Lockscreen and launcher OEM dependant Blind and visually impaired support

iOS
Service Based Yes Yes System Apps Notification drawer System wide Blind and visually impaired support Only with 3rd party apps No, iPhone 5 onwards All modes Yes No No Apps, Music, Video and Books Itunes Mapping without navigation.

Windows
Cached Yes Yes No, coming in windows 8 Launcher System wide Blind and visually impaired support

Camera Support Near Field Communication Wifi Cloud Available on a range of devices Open Source (only a benefit for developers) Store

Video and photo effects Yes All modes Yes Yes Yes Apps, Music, Video, Books and Devices Any MTP Google maps with full voice guided navigation.

Basic or through 3rd party apps Yes All modes Yes Yes No Apps

Sync Mapping

Zune Bing Maps

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TECHTHIS
By going through the main features of
each you can see they all cover the basics, whether through the system or through 3rd party apps there is very little left to want. Once you see the features outlined like this it is clear there is no single winner on features alone. So instead below i have outlined each operating system as simply as possible, starting with windows phone, perhaps the most appropriate operating system for the average person. Windows phone Ideally windows phone is marketed at everyone, much like the Windows PC OS. And feature wise it is probably the Operating system that should be most widely used. It is easier than any of the others to navigate and use and is very intuitive. Because of this only the hardcore Mac users should think twice, instead most apple users would be happier with windows phone, and its similar walled garden approach but simplicity in everything else. Much like Apple microsoft has gone the software package method for syncing and transferring les, thankfully the software they made to do so was rened well before any windows phone devices were released avoiding all of the issues early iphone adopters had to deal with. The Zune software for syncing is not only well designed and attractive but also easy for rst time users. Sadly the Live store only offers Apps and games currently putting it behind its rivals as to market content. iOS Apple really took the world by storm with its iOS operating system on the rst iphone. Realistically the original iphone was nothing special technology wise, it was the operating system that set it apart, even as crippled and restrictive as it was, and is, it was far better than the touch support hacked onto Symbian, Nokias then operating system. Well that and the millions of people who will buy anything with a Apple logo. Here we are many years and generations of iOS later and it is still a viable option on the market, and the favourite of many. The walled garden approach of locking people into a ecosystem has worked very well for apple, securing previous Itunes and Ipod users and now users of previous iPhones. iOS is a great general purpose operating system whose real downfall is how locked down the market is and the lack of devices available, having just one phone and tablet option available each generation. iTunes and the market attached to it are seen as one of the largest and most complete online stores. Android Google's Android operating system single handedly destroyed the rich business and personal partnership Google and Apple had in the early to mid 2000s. Seeing it as a rival Steve Jobs was quoted to have damned android and that he wished to destroy it even if it is the last thing he did. Having failed, Android is the most popular operating system today on thousands of individual devices giving it a massive advantage and accessibility not seen by any other smartphone platform. This gives the user a massive range of choice as to phone provider and device. This in turn allows different devices to be sold at different price points all having the one unied operating system. The Play Store, previously known as the android market is very robust offering Apps, Music, Movies, Books and even googles own nexus range of devices for purchase right on your android device. Androids large drawing card is denitely the tie in to google's own services, including the google drive, google's own cloud. Realistically if you are a developer or in the ICT business and you arent using a android device you are missing out. The developer tools, IDEs and community make building apps and tools easier than any of its rivals.

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TECHAHOLIC
The breakdown Windows Phone is for everyday people, your mum, your dentist, maybe even you. It is for people who want a device that just works and will rarely touch the app store. It makes even more sense if you are a windows desktop fan, as the experience with windows 8 will be seamless between devices, both running the same programs and capable of the same things albeit on different scales. iOS is very much the OS X (Mac) users phone choice, you like the lack of options and see it as a positive not a negative. You like being told what you can do with your phone and dont even care for what you cant. You love using itunes and like the uniformity Apple products give. Android is for the people who jailbroke their iphone and love being able to play with the settings that allowed. Or anyone that loves googles services and want a phone that ties them in awlessly. Cheap android devices make great rst phones as they are feature rich but cheap and easy to replace, allowing an easy upgrade when the users are ready. Android is just as easy to navigate as iOS however windows phone beats both when it comes to simplicity. All three are targets for developers however android usually has more free or ad supported apps. Windows phone will receive more productivity and enterprise apps windows users are used to thanks to it being a microsoft product. Three superpowers all wanting your business next time you get a new phone, so please, go and look at the range available before deciding on your next handset. You may just nd a new favourite.

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UCGAMING

The epic conclusion to a half-decade long story, Mass Effect 3 shows everyone how narrative and choice should be handled.
Nathaniel Crouch Takes a look at Mass Effect 3 for our newly revamped edition of Curio.

By Nathaniel Crouch

@Nat_Crouch
monolith of unparalleled proportions, showcasing possibly the very best game design and narrative of this generation. Playing Mass Effect 3 is an experience you will not soon forget. For those not caught up with the story so far, Mass Effect 3 joins Commander Shepard on Earth, placed under house arrest following the events of Mass Effect 2s Arrival DLC. Despite repeated warnings about the oncoming Reapers, the galactic government is slow to act and are ill-prepared when the omnipresent, sentient machines return to the galaxy and begin their reign of terror. Their mission: To eviscerate all life-forms across the galaxy and start anew, just like they have every 50,000 years since the dawn of civilisation. Shepard, and his (or her) crew onboard the Normandy must set out across the galaxy and unite all together under one common ag to repel the invasion and save all sentient life. The impacts of Shepards journey across Mass Effect 3 and the decisions made along the way are mind-bogglingly huge. Centuries-old wars and vicious prejudices are assuaged to unite under a common banner and ght for survival.

Mass Effect 3 is the kind of game that comes around once in a generation; maybe once in a lifetime. Mass Effect is franchise entirely encapsulated within a single hardware cycle that captured the hearts and imaginations of gamers worldwide. The franchise made huge promises in regards to size, scope and the revolutionary impact of an individuals decisions. Its been ve years ve long, yearning years, but nally the trilogy is at its close. Mass Effect 3 is arguably the most anticipated game of the year, and the catalyst for the fullment of a ve year promise. Lucky for us all, then, that Bioware have created a

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Combat in Mass Effect has been revamped, with an increased focus on melee attacks.

For long-term fans of the series, there is an incredible sense of accomplishment to be derived from helping to solve these massive struggles that have dictated the actions and personalities of dozens of characters over the course of the entire franchise. This has always been where Mass Effect has thrived, with deep, branching options of gameplay dictating the future of the series in incredibly differing ways. It makes you feel as if the choices you make are truly important. Gameplay has been tightened in some very important, key ways. As it was with the jump from Mass Effect to Mass Effect 2, the shooting element has been tightened even further making it feel less like dice rolls behind the scene is dictating damage and more like a solid, third-person action game. I genuinely love the action in Mass Effect 3 the tight integration of shooting and special powers still feels incredibly unique to the series and gives players a type of visceral action not available from other shooters or RPGs. I played as a soldier, a character archetype focussing more on the guns and leaving my allies to use their different tech and biotic powers to eviscerate enemies, and never felt as if I was missing out on any key features. It controlled well and was entertaining to play.

Outside of combat, other little tweaks have been made to help simplify gameplay and restore some of the RPG roots that were lost in Mass Effect 2. Powers are now more customisable, with upgrades presenting players with a series of choices, diversifying the way they will affect combat. Would you rather a concussive shot affect a greater area, or hit a single target harder? It allows for a deep customisation of the way you enter into combat and how to approach different enemy types. Additionally, weapon management has been edged further towards the original Mass Effect days, with players choosing two attachments for each gun to go into battle with. This buffs weapons in a variety of fairly key ways, changing everything from clip size to adding a piercing power to bullets. Armour management is fairly similar to Mass Effect 2, but with a far wider variety of parts and armour types. It was cool to see the DLC armour packages from Mass Effect 2 available at the different shops across the Citadel for sale it was a nice legacy touch. The absurdly high quality of the writing and the story arc of almost every character you interact with across the length of the series makes them feel like more than just regular, forgettable NPCs. I guess, then, that those moments are the kind of thing Ill take away from Mass Effect 3: the incredibly poignant moments that only exist because of the

time and care I placed into my Shepard and his galaxy. Things like saying goodbye to my favourite characters; solving galaxy-wide conicts that have lasted decades; even something as simple as staring at the memorial to the various men and women that were lost in the war against the Reapers onboard the Normandy. These are moments that couldnt be fostered in any other medium, or in any other franchise. When this incredible writing is coupled with punchy, well-balanced combat and even more phenomenal visuals, its hard to look at Mass Effect 3 as anything short of masterful. Closing Comments: Mass Effect 3 is gaming perfection in my eyes: it is exactly what a game should set out to do to the player from the get-go. The story is heartwrenching and inspiring all within the same breath, the combat is intensely satisfying and the pay-off for ve years of gaming is easily the most rewarding gameplay experience Ive ever had. It will take an absolute juggernaut of a title to make me feel like I did playing this game. This is as close as weve ever been to the pinnacle of gaming, in my humble opinion. 5 Stars. Nat Crouch is a writer for AustralianGamer.com.

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UCREAD
A Game of Thrones - A Song of Fire and Ice Pt. 1 Lord of the Rings with more sex and violence.
By Rebecca Davies

I like many before me have jumped on the

bandwagon, but who can blame me the television series is a hit and it features perhaps the most devious creations of imagination, Tyrion Lannister. Spanning close to 800 pages, George R. R. Martin's, A Game of Thrones, is not for the faint hearted. If you are a fan of Tolkein-esque epic fantasy, it is denitely worth the challenge. Martin frequently strays into long-winded descriptions of the history of noble families, or the landscape, and so for those with a short attention span the television series will probably be more preferable. At the core of the novel is ambition, Martin documents several noble families engaging in a struggle for control over the Iron Throne of the ctitious kingdom of Westeros. Ned Stark, a close friend of King Robert Baratheon, is drawn into the conict from his isolated Northern domain, and nds he is ill-equipped to handle the complexity and duplicity of court life. Across the ocean the remnants of the deposed royal line are amassing an army of barbaric horse-lords to claim their throne. Underlying the political tension is a constant threat of the destructive power of nature. Winter is approaching, and believe it or not, it is worse than Canberras. Winters in Westeros can span generations, and with the longest recorded summer drawing to a close, it will be catastrophic. Despite this very real threat of the starvation of their people the nobility are more concerned with their deceptions and power plays. Martin's mastery lies in his ability to create a cast of complex characters. The only happy endings are payed for during sojourns to the seemingly abundant brothels littering Westeros. Martin seems to relish unleashing a variety of brutal and graphic fates upon his creations. Label me a sadist, but I believe this is also part of the appeal. Despite the fantastical setting of this novel, Martin provides a realistically brutal world in which the 'good guy' rarely wins. This is an interesting challenge to the fantasy formula. A Game of Thrones is a promising start to a series that is complex and challenging enough for a discerning fantasy-lover.

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UCWRITE
LIGHTY TONIGHTY
By Ysabelle Moriarty

Wednesday night has come around It's time for us to go On our weekly pilgrimage To where tequila ows. Goon pong comes before the trek Through that pitch black park. Line up, line up to get it For the toilets and the bar. Toga tied or Trafc Light, Shit Shirt or Tequila Night, Feel our shoes stick to the oor As we dance away the night. Chat u that guy from chemistry Play 'Spot the Drunk RA' Think about going home Getting McDonald's on the way. Start to feel those Mother Blues And swear 'Never again' But when wednesday rolls around We'll be back, my friends.

Why Curio?
Are you an amateur writer? Getting published is what sets you apart from your writing peers, and thats where student publications can help you. Curio gives you the chance to have your work seen, and gives you clippings to promote yourself in the eld. Email us to have your work published: davidsharaz@gmail.com or media@theucsa.org.au

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UCADVICE
The man thats never dated anyone offers advice on relationships when they end. (Think of it like an overweight person telling you how to eat properly.)
By David Sharaz

@DavidSharaz
It happens so quickly and if you blink youll miss it. The moment when you nally let go, accept and move on from someone close to you. The tough thing when a relationship, any relationship, ends is that sense of waste. You realise that youve lost a little portion of your life and youre never going to get it back. Youve wasted time, energy, respect and sometimes love that could have been used on someone else or something else. You start to question yourself, but eventually youve got to accept that everything just happens for a reason. Whether its a friendship, a romance, or a television show getting cancelled you ultimately have to get to know yourself again and its tough. Who am I without that person in my phone? Who do I talk to about my problems? (Unless youre like me, and a perfect specimen without any problems whatsoever. Im pretty darn cool I know. Feel free to ask me for tips and Ill make something up.) There are moments of darkness during breakdown of a relationship. Mainly because youre too down to get that bloody light bulb in your room changed, meaning that you spend many a night guided by the ickering of your laptop screen to get things done. Sometimes you sleep on your oor. Sometimes you distract yourself by eating as much Nandos as possible (even though that jerk Erin messed up your order each time. Im sorry Erin; I snapped and didnt mean it). There are times when you start to question yourself, what youve done, and why the takeaway containers are starting to pile up on your desk Its a tough time! Its hard because youre forcing yourself to accept, to realise that you just werent supposed to be with that person, that it just wouldnt work. But no one likes to question his or her own judgement. We spend so much time in our lives sifting through the crappy people in this world that its hard to accept that weve got it wrong at least once. Friends, girlfriends, boyfriends, employees, and pets (sorry Bailey, I just wished you liked me a little more. Youre close to Mum. What did I do wrong?). Sometimes we just get it wrong its okay, were only human. The stages of grief are pretty simple, and its only upon looking back that you realise you went actually went through them in this instance. For those lucky people it happens quickly, and for others its long and tremendously tiring. Shock & Denial: Well obviously I can make this situation work. A sentence we often repeat to ourselves promising well change, theyll change, or the situation will change. You cant trick yourself to believe the situation will work. And when we realise that we get to move on, to the next stage. Pain & Guilt: What did I do wrong? You didnt do anything wrong, but you surely do think you did. Was I not handsome enough? Was it my eyes? (No that cant be it. My eyes shine like diamonds.) Was it my taste in daytime television? Was it my dream of one day hosting daytime television? Was I too jealous? I knew I shouldnt have got my hair cut. We start to feel sad and question everything. Was I too romantic? Not manly enough? (Again, not me. And why is that funny!) Once this stage is complete we inevitably move on to the next stage, and the more childish stage of grief

Bailey

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ANIDIOTSGUIDE
Anger & Bargaining: I hate her so much. You dont, and youre being a child. You think you do. You want to; you really cant as she did nothing wrong, she just wasnt in the right space. It wasnt you. You didnt do anything wrong. This stage is perhaps the most stressful of them all because you start to become someone youre not really a fan of a jerk. You start to trick yourself into believing that you hate the person, or the creators of LOST for cancelling the show, and angry text messages and emails (or if youre 50-years old inside, the odd fax) are sent. Your main hope is to, deep down, hurt the person as much as theyve hurt or are hurting you. But it doesnt work and you realise that its cruel. I wish I could show you a few emails Ive sent over the years but to protect myself in the future and to remain popular among housewives when I get that midday show, I wont. I know it was mean and youll be pleased to know I have since apologised to the person Ive sent those messages to. Depression, reection & loneliness: This is another stage thats pretty darn hard to get through, as its a time when you really have to get to know ourselves and that can be tough. Its a sad time that often involves a lot of romantic comedies (for the women, I dont watch that crap), crying to Taylor Swift songs (sadly, I do that one), and binge eating of chocolate, ice cream and my new favourite diet Nandos once a day only. This stage often includes us isolating ourselves from the world not wanting to get hurt again and its only when youve got great support around you can you get past this stage. If youre currently in this stage I want you to know that it does get better, youll be okay. Hang in there! Reconstruction: Much like renovating the house again Dad Im so sorry I cant be there to help I really wanted to this stage involves rebuilding. You start to look at yourself and decide a few things have to change so youre not hurt so badly next time around. Your emotional guard is put back up and that wall is strengthened with industrial, emotional concrete (available at all good psychiatrists). You promise yourself that next time, youre not going to let someone in so easily. Theyll have to work for it, and hard. No more owers for random people, no more being nice to people when they dont reciprocate it, and no being the sweet guy! Sweet guys suck. Acceptance & hope: This is my favourite stage and for the simple reason that all of the aforementioned becomes absolutely moot. Sure you still have that emotional guard up, as concrete is pretty tough, but youre not going to change the person you are; its our uniqueness that makes us all human after all. You realise youre not perfect but youre also a great person and have nally accepted that fact. Youve moved on from wanting to have that person back in your life. You want them there of course, as caring for someone never goes away, but you know deep down that being friends is better off. Its better to end things nicely, than end them with resentment and angst. Its great seeing someone that you used to have a hard time seeing and feeling peace. Youve accepted that that was a learning experience that that relationship, whatever it was, is gone for the better, and you can learn from that. Its not a mistake; its life experience. It really is my favourite stage of grief (as apart from being the last one) it involves hope. Youre ready to move on (you have moved on) and youre back to sifting through the crappy people to nd the right person for you. And right person is out there for you. This goes for friends, pets (sorry Bailey), and television shows too if youve lost one of those in your life.

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UCHELP
Because I wanted to help.
Sometimes charity comes from the heart.
By Curio Staff

Its not the gorgeous smile

from her face, or the radiation of joy that oozes out of her, rather its her passion and genuine care for those less fortunate that makes Ali Arderns cause something worth supporting. So often you hear of individuals raising money to travel overseas and you want to scream, Why bother, just send the money instead of paying for ights! But as I recently learned from Ali after meeting with her at a local fundraiser the money she raises is directly spent on the cause. The cause, Children on the Edge, an organisation that exists to help marginalised and vulnerable children, by providing a safe haven and support. I work for the body shop and each year they [the Body

Shop] send over a few employees to the project in East Timor, Ali says.

My ights are paid for, and Im just trying to raise enough money to buy toothpaste and toothbrushes If you want to help Ali and to teach the children about dental Children on the Edge hygiene. As in the past when I have Visit: travelled to developing countries, that www.childrenontheedge.org/eastwas something that was lacking. Her last fundraiser, a combined effort with the Body Shop and local bands who waived their fee to support the cause, saw her raise over $1200. However Ali says she doesnt want to stop there and will be having another event in June. I just dont want to leave anything to chance, these children need our help and Im going to do my best to raise as much money as I can.

Charity is one of those things where every little amount helps, and whether that be one-dollar or thousands, every little bit helps.

timor-child-and-communitycentre.html
Or email:

Ali Ardern ali_photography@hotmail.com

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