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Foot in door ‘I once did a job interview on Friday the...

Sat, 23 Jun 2012 12:53:00 +1000

Foot in door

‘I once did a job interview on Friday the 13th and got the job.’ - Me

At the beginning of this year I put this blog together. The idea was that I could publish all my efforts, initiatives and projects in one place. The goal was to build an sufficiently impressive portfolio that I could get a job that wasn’t making coffee.

Guess what? I did that. I have a new job. AND It isn’t making coffee. My foot is in the door. Joy.

Unfortunately, due to the demanding nature of said job, I won’t be able to maintain my projects. That includes this blog. It also includes the Icy Polls and any other news related effort. Until I have a different job or am fired… This will remain permanent.

If you have any relevant queries, questions or tales - email me (at elloniko@gmail.com). Otherwise, ’So long and thanks for all the fish.’

End of blog.

Why I’m glad I ‘published’ my own...

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 13:37:00 +1000

Why I’m glad I ‘published’ my own ‘newspaper’.

‘Published’ and ‘newspaper’ are words that get tossed about lightly these days. In reality I allowed an app to rustle up all the links posted in my Twitter feed and bind them into a neat online paper. Despite doing none of the work, I’ve coined it the Nick Terry Daily.

Initially I thought this would be yet another online endeavour to gain followers and spray my by-line into the wind; however a week down the track and something interesting has happened. I’m an avid reader of my own paper.

It makes sense really. Three years of folllowing and unfollowing has sculpted a news feed that is customised just for me. What I’ve done is create a bias paper that adheres to my interests, opinions and curiosities.

I bet media moguls are the same.They must pick up their papers with a sigh of relief. There’s very little to rub you up the wrong way. Most of the headlines tickle your interest. I understand the moguls now. To own a living breathing world of good news. Now that is bliss.

The Nick Terry Daily can be found by clicking this sentence. The more you like it, the more you’re me. Weird.

At the last minute I was convinced to go and spectate at Tough...

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 12:59:00 +1000

At the last minute I was convinced to go and spectate at Tough Mudder. Turned out to be brilliant. Imagine a real-life Wipe Out without American banter. Thousands of people of all shapes and sizes being engulfed by mud, smoke and electricity.

No one was officially timed. It wasn’t a race. Many of the obstacles forced friends and strangers to help each other out. I went there expecting to be indifferent and walked out feeling like I wanted to join in.

My boss summed it up best, ‘Probably one of the raddest things I’ve ever done’.

As the ‘burning issue’ of the Carbon Tax plagues the...

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 22:47:11 +1000

As the ‘burning issue’ of the Carbon Tax plagues the government, I asked Monash and Deakin students what they thought of it. For motivation and pun purposes, every voter got a free icy pole.

What is Icy Poll?

What is the Icy Poll? We arrive at a public place and ask...

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 12:41:00 +1100

What is the Icy Poll?

We arrive at a public place and ask passer-bys to vote on a topical issue. Eg: Who should be PM?

Yep, we know that no-one really cares about politics. So voting is motivated with a free icy pole. That’s why we call it an - Icy Poll.

At each poll we film a short videos of people who had something to say on the issue. These are similar to the Vox Pop interviews you might see on the news (seen here). The whole Icy Poll is cut up into a neat little video.

Who are you?

I’m just a Monash journalism graduate building a portfolio. I ask a few friends to help me out each time. Nope, I’m not a socialist alternative, young liberal or brooding communist. I have no political or commercial affiliations. I created the project and fund each poll. Luckily Zooper Doopers are cheap!

Where does the results go?

All the vote ballots are anonymous and I publish the results in the video.The video is posted on Vimeo and then linked to my this site and Twitter.

When is the next one?

Icy Poll 2 is happening today (30/03/12) at Monash Berwick and on Monday (02/04/12) at Deakin Burwood. Free Zooper Dooper every voter or Vox Pop participant! Be there no later than 2:30PM.

What is today’s question?

Is the Carbon Tax a good idea? Yes/No

Find previous Icy Polls here.

Markets were made for photos. Interesting people carrying about...

Sun, 11 Mar 2012 21:05:00 +1100

Markets were made for photos. Interesting people carrying about interesting stuff.

I like the Camberwell Market a lot. This morning was just like any other time I’d been; but instead of spending all my rent, I walked away with photos for free.

Find the rest of this photo set here - http://www.flickr.com/photos/late-badger/sets/72157629194701880/with/6825763804/

Icy Poll 1

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 00:22:33 +1100

Icy Poll 1

05 March 2012

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 00:18:00 +1100

Icy Poll 1 - Who should be PM?

Last week I got this idea. Why not ask people what they think in exchange for delicious treats? So on Thursday I did. (the video)

All it took was 60 icy poles and 90 minutes. I setup my eski and camera outside Swinbourne University in Hawthorn. Two friends and I began filling a ballot box with votes for PM. Soon the home-brand icy pole reserve was exhausted. Incredibly all but two or three (melted) icy poles were given away. Not to mention the brilliant students that wanted to vote irrespective of frosty prizes.

Unwittingly, I’d discovered why all real elections have sausage sizzles. It’s amazing how willing people are to take free, unbranded and melting food from strangers. To the credit of the students, many people questioned my motives. Who was I? Why was I doing this? Fair enough - I would be doing the same. My challenge was how to convey that I’m wasn’t a crazed Socialist Alternative, pesky Young Liberal or brooding Marxist. Putting that message on an A4 with a sharpie proved difficult.

Beyond hungry students with classes on a Thursday, I don’t pretend that the poll properly represented any substantial demographic. Kevin Rudd probably won because he was the first docket option. Still, it does echo opinions held by many young Australians. Few are interested in politics and less are informed. A majority do not take it seriously. And why would they bother?

When was the last political decision that effected a young person’s daily life?

Find the video here. I’ll be doing another Icy Poll soon. Only this time with everyone’s frozen retro favourite, Zooper Doopers. Location and date are yet to be decided, but it will never be near a waterfall again. To lick, vote and/or be filmed, follow me on Twitter or Tumblr for updates.

Tried street photography today. Honestly - frankly - speaking;...

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 00:22:00 +1100

Tried street photography today. Honestly - frankly - speaking; it was actually really enjoyable. So long as you aren’t so far away from your subject that you look like a stalker. Just be upfront. Say hello, take their pretty picture and walk away. Everyone seems flattered.

I did accidentally follow the crowd. The crowd unintentionally lead me to a concert. The concert was free. And there I was. Sidney Myer Music Bowl. However, I wasn’t about to waste the last 20 minutes of sun light on my ears. So I left the orchestra to it’s devices and found this indie on the bridge. The end.

I made a new video called Mill’s First Time. This...

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 21:34:00 +1100

I made a new video called Mill’s First Time. This isn’t it. This is The Making of Mills First Time. No, Mill’s First Time isn’t about sex - But it’s still mildly entertaining. End of blurb.

Find Mill’s First Time here http://nickterrymadeavideo.tumblr.com/

17 Feb 2012

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 14:27:00 +1100

A small exert.

This is a small exert of an interview I did last week. The person I’m interviewing is intersex. Intersex people are born with anatomies that are not considered exclusively male or female. The full article will be published in a ‘Yet to be named’ (literally) independent magazine next month.

What happened that night?

The crowd - Everybody was in the gallery! *Gasps* - It was standing room only, but it was people standing outside the chamber as well. People couldn’t fit in the chamber! And the place just erupted- so many people – there was applause, everyone standing.

The beautiful thing was it was such a diverse community within the chamber that night. We had the Gay & Lesbian Community, the Multicultural Community including the Muslim Community, Anglo residents. It was a really great cross-section of the diverse community that we have.

I heard an interesting thing happened that night with the Islamic Community, because of the customs they have with men and women –

Yeah… *smiles* - It was very special to me. Especially as someone who is male and female. The Islamic men were able to embrace me, and so were the Islamic women. And as you know Islamic women normally wouldn’t do that to a man. So for them to accept and understand that I’m not male. It was personally a lovely thing to experience.

I don’t think there many people could say that –

*Laughs* No, no… At the time I realised what was happening and I just thought, ‘this is beautiful’.

After being a woman for so long, what prompted you to make decision about the hormone treatment?

Yeah. Mmm. And mine wasn’t about gender. I just want to make that really clear. My decision wasn’t about becoming a male. What I wanted to be – was to be the person that nature meant for me to be. So I started testosterone treatment because I was born with testis and they produced testosterone. So to be the person who I was naturally, I should be on testosterone not estrogen, so I started the testosterone treatment and within months my voice changed, and other things changed – and it was obvious that I was supposed to be more male than female – in terms of appearance at least…

The yet to be named magazine will be available for free in various locations around Melbourne next month. I will post those locations here.

Sim sala bin-ed myself some fine looking breakfast. Looks like I...

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 13:17:00 +1100

Sim sala bin-ed myself some fine looking breakfast. Looks like I poured it out of a lifestyle magazine. That honey has chunks of chewy bee hive wax in it. Long live the honey bee.

Went to the Sandringham Yacht Club. Not because I am loaded, in...

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 20:46:00 +1100

Went to the Sandringham Yacht Club. Not because I am loaded, in the club or have a yacht - mainly just to take pictures. Saw a guy down there with an L lens and I was jealous. Nice day though.

Took this 12 days ago in Jakarta, but it looks like it’s...

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:37:00 +1100

Took this 12 days ago in Jakarta, but it looks like it’s from an 80s National Geographic.

19 Jan 2012

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 22:40:43 +1100

Imagine hundreds of tiny buses. Beaten up little milk-cartons blurting out black smoke. Two doors jammed open. Every crevice packed with bodies. A man shakes a hairy fist of change at you. You hand over a limp, sweaty note. Now hold onto your crap and mind your pockets - You’re on a Metro Mini.

There is no doubt. This is the most likely place you’re going to be robbed. So if you visit Jakarta you basically HAVE to catch one. Rub the shoulders with locals. Catch their transport. Toss away the ‘white man’ stereotype and broaden your white-bread mind.

I could tell you how and when to pay, how to make the bus stop - and that the green buses are called Kopaja. I could, but it’s better to learn with a bus load of people staring at you. Just do it. Live a little.

The driver eyes you through the rear vision mirror. A woman flicks the ceiling twice and everything grinds to a halt. Traffic flows past your dirty window like a tide. A little boy with a drum-kit leaps on. He belts out a good tune and thrusts a coin bag in your face. What now? Where are you? Who knows. Who cares.

15 Jan 2012

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 21:08:09 +1100

Yes, I’m alive.

Jarkarta is different from anywhere I’ve been before. It’s dense, chaotic and sprawls for miles. Most taxis get you lost. All scooters will get you scared. Basically NO ONE speaks English. You’re on your own and you’d better learn to deal with it.

Being unable to converse is big shock to your system. Especially if you’ve experienced tourist saturated places like Bali. In the beginning you feel like a mute. Unable to perform simple tasks; directions, haggling or finding breakfast. In Phuket most locals could understand English numbers and were able to barter with money more easily. They could understand a little. It was enough. Here, nothing. Sign language has been my bread and butter.

I’m a white-bread boy in a developing world, and boy-oh-boy do the locals notice it. I stick out like a blue whale in a sand-pit. I’ve never been so acutely aware of my race and skin. Children point, people stare and it is WEIRD. The GAP is weird. The gap between rich and poor. It is huge. It is the elephant in the room, and as far as they’re concerned you’re riding it.

What is it like riding the elephant? I went the inside this shopping complex called Grand Indonesia. I was treated like a king. Some of the most trendy designer stores I’ve ever perused. I’m not talking ‘trendy’ as in: I went to General Pants and got some new Vans then I went to Roof Top. I’m talking ‘trendy’ as in: I bought the only remaining genuine 70’s burgandy jacket from that secret Op Shop down that overgrown Brunswick alleyway. The one behind that vinyl store owned by the silent bearded man with the bald girlfriend. I got an entire outfit of clothes that would have cost me many thousands of trams and dollars in Melbourne, for a mere $100AUS. BEWARE though, the mindset is addictive. (I recommend The Goods Department)

Coffee? Pretty good if you go to the trendy cafes. The coffee culture here is healthy and growing. If only they invested in some Synesso or La Marzoccos. Last night I allegedly ate at the finest Italian restaurant in Jakarta. It was impressively good. Lygon St good. Four people, three courses with nice wine just $100AUS. Not $100 each, I’m talking the entire fine dining table! Talking cheap - My imaculate hostel is only $13.50 a night. Bargain city I’m telling you.

Live like a king. Walk the street like a king. Feel the gap like a king.

After getting lost this morning I’m venturing out again. My goal is the Monas, Jakarta. Or ‘Sukarno’s last erection’, a national monument of sorts. I just love it’s nick-name. Reminds me of Stalin’s Birthday cake in Warsaw.

Should be a fair challenge. Adios minions.

13 Jan 2012

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 21:07:00 +1100

A Guide to Haggling in Bali & Phuket

NEVER buy from the first store you find your desired mc-duva or whats-it. They all sell the same mc-duvas. Ask the price. Move about, find the cheapest stall and haggle like you’re mother’s life depends on it.
Half their initial asking price, and work up from there. Ignore them when they look disgusted.
WALK AWAY when they don’t accept your final price. Everyone has the same junk. You lose nothing walking away. Where as they lose a sale. Generally walking away motivates a final best offer.
Make sure you tell your friends you paid less than them. Then buy them a giant $2 cocktail for them to drown their sorrows.

Other Lessons Learnt

To avoid being hassled directly by everyone flogging stuff, just don’t make eye contact. Works a treat. At first you feel rude, but to the cheeky stall owner you’re a dime a dozen. Better than making polite conversation and wasting their time.
Don’t bother shaking the out stretched hands. They will pull you into a suit/t-shirt/watch stores.
Don’t bother stopping (in Kuta, Bali) for traffic police on foot. They will fine you (at least 200,000) for wearing your helmet wrong, not having an international license or anything they can make up. They are just reeling in bribes. If you can just avoid eye contact, pretend you didn’t see them and scooter on.
Don’t drink (or brush teeth with) tap water where warned.
Bali Belly is real.
For countries reknown at home for imprisoning people for drug related offences, Thailand and Indonesia seem to have an abundance of drugs. Phuket has a pharmacy on every corner with over the counter perscription drugs. Bali is one big mushroom mountain.

Hope you learned something. If not, all the more wisdom for me.

14 Jan 2012

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 21:07:00 +1100

Lasagne… Thankyou past-self for booking that supper. I’m on a plane, the cheapest any student could find. And I’m heading to Jakarta; alone.

None of the past 10 days are really fit to serve me well in a public forum. As one of my mates wisely said, ‘What happens in Thailand, stays in Thailand’.

Nonetheless:

I will say that I swam in the most picturesque waters I’ve ever laid my limbs in. Beaches that are frankly no less than - magical. Where post-card makers go to die and desktop wallpapers are born.

I will say that I was dunked into an organised chaos of culture and country. People and places that make my homeland look like dry toast. Be it, toast with clean tap water.

I will say that I look forward to traveling alone, and it is great for you. BUT being a big group pushed my boundaries. It set me in exhilarating circumstances I’d never have created alone. Stories I’d never have.

Now I’m heading to a new city. I’ve heard it’s pretty big. I have no idea where my hostel is. I don’t know how much it will (should) cost to get there. I’m arriving in the dead of the night. I don’t speak the language and I’m not sure if my VISA is valid.

I guess this is what it is all about. If I’m still alive - I’ll update soon.

Night.

10 Jan 2012

Sat, 14 Jan 2012 23:33:00 +1100

The difference between Bali and Phuket (other than nationality, ethinicity, culture, landscape and money) for your everyday, layman tourist.

Bali is hectically busy on the roads. Scooters galore. I crashed mine. Don’t crash your’s.There are a million young Australians - which translates to bigger and fuller clubs. Things are CHEAP because the people are POOR. Everyone sells mushrooms, drugs, sunglasses and singlets. Everyone sells everything. Everyone haggles. Everyone loves to haggle. Everyone will try anything to sell you anything. BUT the people are still brilliant. Brilliant, Balinese, Buddists.

Phuket has busy roads, but they are wider, more developed, with more cars and less scooters. Everyone pimps out every car. The tourists aren’t all young bikini clad girls from Byron. People come from all over. An old sead-bag on a sex holiday from Texas. A group of 20 somethings from Russia. A 30 something gay couple from Sydney (steriotype noted). Every aspect of Phuket seems more developed than Bali, but it definitely smells more. Phuket you smell. EVERYTHING costs MORE, and everyone haggles less. Buy your fake Ray Bands in Bali, buy your sex in Phuket. Sex sells in Phuket. BUT again not everyone is a ladyboy doing a ping-pong show. The people here are incedible, the beaches are incredible and the beaches are incredible. Did I mention the beaches? Oh the beaches…

Both are worth while having a-look-in. More worth while than reading this gibber gabber.

Off with you then.

01 Jan 2012

Sun, 01 Jan 2012 11:10:00 +1100

I’m the first one up. It’s a New Years Day miracle. My share house is quivering over the toilet bowl, but magically I’m okay. The excitement for travel seems to conquer most of the New Years Eve aftermath.

Bali, Phuket & Jakarta await, and I can’t stop thinking about what is going to happen. My clothes are all in ridiculously neat piles next to my still empty bag. While I’m petrified of taking my new Canon EOS 60D, I am going to take plenty of pics with my old school SLR and point and shoot. I feel it is time to make an item list! Argh travel excitement is all consuming!

Speaking of all consuming, last night at this East Melbourne NYE house party, I met a guy also called Nick - also going to Jakarta in a few days. I know, don’t even try and calculate the odds of that co-inky-dink. He actually lives there and gave me the best run down on the city. On his advice I’m now probably picking up a moped & winging it on accommodation when I arrive. Brilliant.

The sun is already up out and beaming today. It is going to be a good start to the year. I’ve finished laying the foundations blog/site/revamped tumblr thing; written this first post. Had an incredible New Years. Now today, I had this great idea to get an interview with the first trans-gender Mayor in Melbourne. It will be perfect for our ‘yet to be named’, independent magazine coming out in Feburary. Not to mention that in a matter of hours I’ll be flying deep into the equatorial tropics.

Equatorial tropics! Have a great new years day and start to the year. I’d better get packing.

Adios