#a.c.t.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-09-14/retrofocus-picasso-weeping-woman-famous-unsolved-art-heist/11498936

Song : My Lite (ft. A.C.T.)

Artist : Reddy

Being an RSPAS student was a unique and memorable experience. The school was renowned for its exceptional faculty, cutting-edge research, and vibrant academic community. Its roster of distinguished faculty members included James J. Fox, Katherine Gibson, Paul Hutchcroft, Robin Jeffrey, Ben Kerkvliet, Brij K. Lal, Sir Anthony Low, Andrew Pawley, Kathryn Robinson, Tessa Morris Suzuki, and Wang Gungwu, to name a few.

One cannot discuss RSPAS without mentioning the iconic Coombs Building, its headquarters. It was named after ANU Chancellor (1968-1976) Herbert Cole Coombs, which consisted of three hexagonal structures connected. Though frequently described as notoriously difficult to navigate, it was expertly crafted by the highly-regarded Mockridge, Stahle, and Mitchell firm from 1960 to 1969.

For RSPAS students, Coombs provided an unparalleled platform for studying. For instance, Ph.D. scholars had their own office, fully equipped with a computer and free Wi-Fi, access to resources of top universities worldwide (I borrowed books and periodicals from US, Japanese, and UK universities through the ANU Chifley and Menzies libraries), book and storage cabinets, study desks, and chairs. During my last year at the university, I was in Coombs, writing and rewriting my dissertation from 11:00 a.m. to 5:30 a.m. Whenever I got hungry, I had access to the pantry with bottomless cookies, coffee, and tea. There are vending machines inside the building. And many coffee shops, canteens, and restaurants nearby. When my brain cells got weary, I walked around Lake Burley Griffin, parts of which are located within the university. Throughout my Ph.D. journey, there were dozens of conferences, seminars, and workshops at Coombs daily, always encouraging professors, younger academic staff, visiting luminaries, and students to engage with each other. Whether one is merely passing through the main lounge for a quick coffee break or bumping into colleagues, every nook and corner of the building provided its denizens with numerous occasions for understanding the diverse literatures, cultures, societies, politics, and economies of the Asia-Pacific region. Over the years, many had graced its corridors, soaking up wisdom and shaping their futures within its iconic walls. Many of my schoolmates fondly remember the countless hours spent studying, engaging in lively debates, and forming lasting friendships in its communal spaces. For me, it was not only a symbol of academic excellence but also a hub of intellectual discourse and collaboration.

However, in 2010, the year after I officially graduated, the ANU made some organizational changes, which affected the status of RSPAS along with other research schools. As a result, a newly formed College of Asia and the Pacific assumed many responsibilities previously held by RSPAS. I was saddened by such restructuring, making me one of the school’s last few graduates. With the new college in place, my old school has ceased to exist. Two years later, UST Elementary School, where I received my primary education, was shut down, too. It hurt deeply when Emeritus Professor Lal, one of my Ph.D. advisers, wrote to me before he passed on—"Our school is no more."

Here are a few performances I enjoyed recently that weren’t strictly BWAY:

Left Coast Theatre’s The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told, both a gay retelling of biblical stories and a 90′s world view in parallel. Gotta say, the highly talented animated cast and charmingly low budget venue knocked it outta the park. Hilarious until it isn’t yet still full of heart.

ACT’s take on Christmas Carol always so well done, breathing lively music and choreography into this classic tale makes for a much more casual family oriented piece.

Metal (and Rock) update – 7 August 2018

Just as I complete my mini-series, looking at the music still to come in 2018, I receive news of a whole host of new music coming our way throughout the remainder of the year. So, what better than an impromptu post that updates you on what I have found most interesting over the past few days?

Well, like it or not, here goes:

  Haken ‘Vector’ Label: InsideOut Date of release: 26 October 2018

‘It’…