features

Suspend the race and look at the track

It’s time that journalism spent more time informing the public about the country’s key issues, and less time trying to interpret polls and second-guess election outcomes, says Saul Wakerman.

Walls aren’t always made of concrete

Walls can divide a society, literally and figuratively. As Luke S.H. Raggatt writes, there are still obstacles that need to be ripped down on the issue of gay marriage.

Traffic jam: improving road safety in Laos

Road accidents are fast becoming a leading cause of death in Southeast Asia yet official statistics often underestimate the full scale of the problem. Laura Retsos investigates road safety in Laos.

Yarnbombers: A new breed of graffiti artist

When you think of street art the last thing that comes to mind is doilies hanging from trees. But as Sarah Green finds out, Melbourne’s newest graffiti artists are armed with knitting needles rather than cans.

The Tote: a pub for all seasons

17 June 2010 saw the glorious re-opening of The Tote. Renee Tibbs sits down with a Tote regular under its notorious eaves and talks politics, predicaments, and who’s getting the next round.

A furry fantasy

Animal alter egos, conventions and fursuit pornography, welcome to the world of furry enthusiasts. Liana Neri learns about the quirky subculture that’s slowly growing in Australia.

Grandma chic: the allure of vintage

A tea-sipping, cake-baking, floral-wearing trend is gripping the nation. But, as Lee Tobin finds out, there is more to vintage than just fashion.

The long and winding road

40 years after the Beatles broke up, their appeal is as strong as ever. Renee Tibbs takes a look at why the lads from Liverpool still fascinate, long after they’re 64.

Pride and Prejudice still on top

It’s been almost 200 years but Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice is more popular than ever, and global adoration of Mr Darcy isn’t waning either. Pride and Prejudice blogger Jennifer Duke examines just what it is about Austen’s work that is so enduring.

Community radio: the independent alternative

For over 30 years Melbourne’s 3CR has maintained its alternative voice despite limited funding. Helen Lobato takes us inside the world of the much loved community radio station.

About upstart magazine

upstart is a project of La Trobe's Journalism, Media Studies and Cinema Studies programs. The site showcases the writing of emerging journalists, while providing a platform for new adventures in journalism.

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