Macquarie Matters » In Print

Macquarie Matters » In Print https://www.mq.edu.au/macquariematters Your Macquarie Alumni News Sun, 11 Feb 2024 23:40:03 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.6 Alumni Authors https://www.mq.edu.au/macquariematters/alumni-authors/ https://www.mq.edu.au/macquariematters/alumni-authors/#comments Thu, 10 May 2018 05:14:39 +0000 Jeff Hargrave http://www.mq.edu.au/macquariematters/?p=3283

Welcome to the MQ Matters series showcasing the books and articles written by Macquarie alumni to add to your reading stacks. From fiction, biographies, non-fiction, children’s literature or articles, Macquarie alumni are researching, writing and publishing thought-provoking, insightful and entertaining books to enjoy and share. If you have a book or article to share with […]]]>

Please Don’t Argue With Me, Okay?

Michael Lafontaine (B Arts 2003, PC Creative Writing 2008, M Arts 2010)

The characters in these sixteen stories inhibit a world where alcohol and anti-depressants are a fundamental part of daily existence. A world full of the deepest depths of loneliness, anxiety, confusion and depression. These stories are dark yet hopeful, where a man can try to commit suicide in a bathtub and yet still find joy where you least expect to find it. Michael Lafontaine writes honestly about relationships and the struggles of everyday ordinary people. His intuitiveness to empathise with his characters even in the most insignificant of moments resonates with startling potency. Please Don't Argue With Me, Okay? is a stunning debut by a writer with an original and compelling voice. For more information....

Business and Competitive Analysis (2nd Edition)

Babette Bensoussan (MBA 1992)

A definitive how-to guide for business and competitive analysis. Transform raw data into compelling, actionable business recommendations. Answer the questions executives ask - What? So What? and Now What?. It discusses today's 24 most valuable techniques: how to choose them, how to use them. It is for everyone who performs analysis: managers, consultants, functional specialists, and strategists. It is a completely new book by the authors of the popular Strategic and Competitive Analysis. Business success begins with deep clarity about your competition and your business environment. But, even as data gathering has improved dramatically, few business professionals know the state-of-the-art techniques for analyzing their data. Now, there's a comprehensive, immensely practical guide to today's best tools and techniques for answering tough questions and making actionable recommendations. For more information...

Cyborg – how to optimally integrate human and machine investment decision-making

Simon Russell (M Applied Finance 2005)

What can asset managers learn from Deep Blue's triumph at chess, or from Watson's victory at Jeopardy, or AlphaGo's win at Go, or from machine learning's success at language translation, or from the analysis of Google search terms to predict the spread of the flu? What do these examples from the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence teach us that is relevant for an analyst forecasting corporate earnings, or for an asset manager's strategy team deciding which new product to launch, or for their HR manager thinking about what skills to recruit for, or for a client engagement team seeking to influence prospective clients? In a world of powerful algorithms and intelligent robots, of passive and factor-based strategies, what is the future role for humans in the investment management industry? This book leverages unique insights into the strengths and weaknesses of professional investment decision-making that have been gained from the author's role as a specialist behavioural finance consultant and trainer. By combining concepts from behavioural finance and artificial intelligence this book identifies ways investment professionals can create "cyborgs": decision-making processes that integrate individual, team and machine thinking. When designed appropriately, cyborgs can perform better than humans or machines alone. With cyborg decision-making, improved risk-adjusted returns, greater client engagement, and more sustainable value propositions are possible. For more information...

Gentle

Cate Dunn (Creative Writing Distance Education)

It is Easter at The Retreat in a fertile valley on the east coast of Australia. Old Jack waits patiently for his invited guests. They have no idea of his true intent and Jack has no idea of the power of reunion and redemption that awaits them all. The secret to be revealed is palpable. Told from the perspectives of each of the main characters, this powerful story of finding healing in the natural world and in our own essential nature, will carry you along with the river that Jack fights to protect. For more information.... The research, views and opinions of the publications included in this article are those of their respective authors. Macquarie University does not endorse or share the views included in these publications. ]]> https://www.mq.edu.au/macquariematters/alumni-authors/feed/ 0 Your latest reads https://www.mq.edu.au/macquariematters/your-latest-reads/ https://www.mq.edu.au/macquariematters/your-latest-reads/#comments Mon, 16 Nov 2015 22:36:17 +0000 Martine Balit http://www.mq.edu.au/macquariematters/?p=2132

Macquarie alumni have been hard at work on books that range from a children’s book about a genie who is fed up with her life in an old lamp to an overview of the differences in legal practice between Australia and India. Creative writing graduate published by Disney Macquarie’s Master of Creative Writing graduate, Tara Crowl always dreamed of writing books. Though her initial manuscripts generated some interest from publishers, it was her decision in 2010 to leave her home in the USA to enrol in Macquarie’s Master of Creative Writing that eventually led to her first published novel. “Life changes are best when they come in the form of adventures, so I decided to go on a big one. I moved to Sydney for a Master’s program in writing at Macquarie University. While I was in Australia, my world grew in beautiful, bright, and unexpected ways. It’s good advice, what they say about listening to your heart,” says Tara. “I’m so grateful for the time I spent studying creative writing at Macquarie. When I began the program I started writing a novel about a girl living in an antique oil lamp. My peers workshopped sections of it in classes and my adviser provided invaluable instruction during our one-on-one meetings. I can’t imagine a better foundation for someone pursuing a career in writing.” After completing her degree Tara moved to New York and finished her novel Eden’s Wish, which was released by Disney. Find out more about Eden’s Wish. MBA graduate offers advice on confronting assumptions MGSM graduate, MBA holder, mentor and leadership coach Oscar Trimboli’s new book Breakthroughs shares his insights about how our thinking creates our reality. With a focus on assumptions, perspective and gaining clarity, this book motivates the reader to find alignment – personally, for their team, their organisation and the world around them. Learn more about Breakthroughs. Getting on top of miscommunication in multilingual classrooms Josh Kidd completed his PhD in Applied Linguistics at Macquarie in 2014, under the guidance of Dr Jill Murray and the late Professor Christopher Candlin. His first book, Face and Enactment of Identities in the L2 Classroom, is based on his research combined with more than 20 years teaching, curriculum development and education research in Japan. It will be released by Multilingual Matters in March 2016. The book highlights miscommunication issues in classrooms that stem from emerging identities, with advice on helping teachers to become more aware of cross-cultural pragmatics and evaluate existing practices. “Professor Candlin strongly encouraged me to publish and I am delighted to be able to honour his memory and Macquarie with this small contribution to the field of Applied Linguistics,” Josh says. Australia and India: A Comparative Overview of the Law and Legal Practice Passionate about promoting the Australia-India relationship, Macquarie law alumnus Shaun Star has been working in India since 2010, where he has developed a deep understanding of the Indian business and regulatory environment As a foreign qualified legal consultant for India’s premier corporate law firm, Amarchand Mangaldas, Shaun has advised domestic and international clients from a variety of industries in the firm’s corporate advisory, mergers and acquisitions and private equity practice. Shaun has shared some of his insights in his new book Australia and India: A Comparative Overview of the Law and Legal Practice, which was launched in India by the Australian and Indian Attorneys-General. Australia and India: A Comparative Overview of the Law and Legal Practice is published by Universal Law Publishing.]]> https://www.mq.edu.au/macquariematters/your-latest-reads/feed/ 1 The latest books to hit the shelves https://www.mq.edu.au/macquariematters/the-latest-books-to-hit-the-shelves/ https://www.mq.edu.au/macquariematters/the-latest-books-to-hit-the-shelves/#comments Mon, 13 Jul 2015 01:01:35 +0000 Martine Balit http://mq.edu.au/macquariematters/?p=1919

Macquarie University alumni and staff have been putting pen to paper – or fingers to keyboards – with a number of new books recently published. Emily eases her wheezes With one in ten Australian children affected by asthma, and many suffering more during the winter months, a new children’s book by Macquarie alumna Katrina Roe […]]]>

Macquarie University alumni and staff have been putting pen to paper – or fingers to keyboards – with a number of new books recently published. Emily eases her wheezes With one in ten Australian children affected by asthma, and many suffering more during the winter months, a new children’s book by Macquarie alumna Katrina Roe is helping families manage their asthma more effectively. Emily Eases Her Wheezes is a children’s picture book that helps children recognise the symptoms, triggers and treatments for asthma. It aims to reduce any stigma that asthmatic children may feel when using their puffer around their peers while underlining the importance of kids with asthma remaining active, living a healthy lifestyle, and even excelling at sport. With notes for parents and carers by Professor Peter van Asperen from The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, the book was recently listed as a ‘Notable Book’ in the 2015 Children’s Book Council Book of the Year Awards. Emily eases her Wheezes is published by Wombat Books. Male breast cancer, taking control Macquarie University Hospital’s renowned breast cancer specialist Professor John Boyages has published his much-needed book to help men cope with a diagnosis of male breast cancer. While breast cancer receives considerable publicity, it tends to be associated with women, and resources for men have been had to find. Published by BC Publishing, Male breast cancer, taking control provides all the information affected men and their friends and families need to know following diagnosis, and helps to maximize survival though finding the right path to recovery. In plain English, supported by useful illustrations, the book walks the reader through the stress and confusion of diagnosis, treatment, and life after male breast cancer, and includes inspiring and motivating patient stories to help achieve a more positive mindset. It includes advice on:

the difference between ‘man boobs’ and male breast cancer
the right tests for an earlier diagnosis
avoiding under- or overtreatment
the right questions to ask your treatment team
treatment choices for breast and lymph nodes
dealing with stress, anxiety, fatigue, and sexuality during and after treatment
understanding when chemotherapy is really required
where to find specific up-to-date information for male breast cancer

Learn more or order the book. Hopscotch Fast and funny, Hopscotch, by Macquarie University lecturer Jane Messer charts a year in the lives of the endearingly flawed Rosen family from Sydney’s north. It holds up a mirror to contemporary urban life in Australia, interrogating our endless capacity for self-destruction, longing and love, and asks why we think we could ever find happiness in a city that’s roaring with dysfunction. Forced into an early retirement due to illness, Sam Rosen has lost any semblance of control over his life. His wife, Rhonda, confined to the carer role, is feeling her identity ebb slowly away as her former life retreats further and further into the past. Eldest son, Mark is lurching toward financial disaster but can’t bring himself to tell his wife, while middle child Liza’s biological clock goes off in a city where men are thin on the ground and grown up ones even scarcer. Meanwhile baby of the family, Jemma thinks that being mild-mannered will let her pass through life unharmed, until one night, everything changes. Hopscotch is published by PanMacmillan. Just a Queen Macquarie alumna and media personality Jane Caro has penned a page-turner novel for young adults about one of history’s greatest women. While just a girl to those around her, Elizabeth I is now the Queen of England, having outsmarted her enemies and risen above a lifetime of hurt and betrayal. Caro’s extensive research includes extracts from primary source documents such as poetry written by Elizabeth I resulting in a novel that entwines the young queen’s thoughts and emotions with historically accurate events of her reign, and is bound to provide a launch pad for many classroom discussions. “The driving force behind these two books (the first being Just a Girl ) has been my own curiosity about how it must have felt to be Elizabeth Tudor,” Caro explains. “This second volume is really an exploration of what it must have been like for a woman – an unmarried woman – to wield power in such a patriarchal society.” Just a Queen is published by UQ Press.]]> https://www.mq.edu.au/macquariematters/the-latest-books-to-hit-the-shelves/feed/ 1 Existentialism and Romantic Love https://www.mq.edu.au/macquariematters/existentialism-and-romantic-love/ https://www.mq.edu.au/macquariematters/existentialism-and-romantic-love/#comments Tue, 10 Mar 2015 05:32:59 +0000 Martine Balit http://mq.edu.au/macquariematters/?p=1714

Existentialiam and Romantic Love. By Skye Cleary

Macquarie alumna Skye Cleary has penned a new existential study on romantic love. Her book, Existentialism and Romantic Love, draws on five existential philosophers to offer insights into what is wrong with our everyday ideas about romantic loving, why reality often falls short of the ideal, what can be done to overcome frustrations and disappointments, […]]]>

Macquarie alumna Skye Cleary has penned a new existential study on romantic love. Her book, Existentialism and Romantic Love, draws on five existential philosophers to offer insights into what is wrong with our everyday ideas about romantic loving, why reality often falls short of the ideal, what can be done to overcome frustrations and disappointments, and possibilities for creating authentically meaningful relationships. Previously an international equity arbitrageur and management consultant, and a taekwondo and flying trapeze enthusiast, Skye holds a PhD and MBA from Macquarie University. She is currently based in the United States, where she works at Columbia University, teaches as part of the New York Public Library lecture series, was a co-founder of the Manhattan Love Salon, and is a Certified Fellow with the American Philosophical Practitioners Association. Drawing on the thoughts of Max Stirner, Soren Kierkegaard, Friedrich Nietzsche, Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir, the book argues that existential philosophies reveal to us the notion that once lovers free themselves from preconceived ideals about how romantic lovers ought to behave, and free themselves from being slaves to their passions, they will be free to create relationships that complement and enhance their personal authentic endeavors. “Existential thinking lends itself well to the problems of love, since it turns abstract thought into dealing with concrete human experiences and relationship dilemmas,” Skye says. “It provides the narrative to explore the space between the ideals of romantic loving and the compromises and sacrifices lovers make in order to try to achieve those ideals. “Moreover, the issues that the existential thinkers deal with – choice, responsibility, anxiety, authenticity, freedom, and power – are timeless.” Existentialism and Romantic Love will be published this month by Palgrave Macmillan.]]> https://www.mq.edu.au/macquariematters/existentialism-and-romantic-love/feed/ 0 Edward and the Great Discovery https://www.mq.edu.au/macquariematters/edward-and-the-great-discovery/ https://www.mq.edu.au/macquariematters/edward-and-the-great-discovery/#comments Thu, 20 Nov 2014 22:37:28 +0000 Martine Balit http://mq.edu.au/macquariematters/?p=1657

Rebecca McRitchie with her book "Edward and the Great Discovery"

Macquarie alumna Rebecca McRitchie fulfilled a lifelong ambition when her children’s picture book, Edward and the Great Discovery not only hit the shelves earlier this year, but sold out of its first print run in two months. Rebecca, who says she wishes she could tell her young readers that she was raised by wolves in […]]]>

Macquarie alumna Rebecca McRitchie fulfilled a lifelong ambition when her children’s picture book, Edward and the Great Discovery not only hit the shelves earlier this year, but sold out of its first print run in two months. Rebecca, who says she wishes she could tell her young readers that she was raised by wolves in a snowy forest until she saved a village from the fiery peril of a disgruntled dragon, somewhat more prosaically studied for a Bachelor of Arts majoring in English Literature between 2008 and 2010. She says that her great love of books made her desire to delve into writing a natural fit, and the book’s creation coincided with a job in children’s publishing. The story focuses on Edward, a small boy who, despite coming from a long line of archaeologists has never discovered anything himself. Then one rainy night, he stumbles upon his first discovery, an egg. He keeps the egg warm, reads to it and loves it, while all the while wondering if it is a dinosaur or even a dragon inside. When the egg finally hatches, it’s even more surprising – a dodo! Rebecca says that she was inspired by Edward’s Dodo, a famous painting created in 1626 by Dutch painter Roelant Savery, which now hangs in London’s Natural History Museum, and has been the inspiration for many other illustrations of the now long-extinct birds. The book brings together historical references with archaeology and teaches children about the differences between birds and other animals. “Picture books can be a bit hit and miss,” says Rebecca, “and really only have a window of three months to attract people’s attention. “Edward and the Great Discovery had a fantastic response, and couldn’t have done better.” Edward and the Great Discovery is published by New Frontier Publishing.]]> https://www.mq.edu.au/macquariematters/edward-and-the-great-discovery/feed/ 1 Latest books from your fellow alumni https://www.mq.edu.au/macquariematters/books/ https://www.mq.edu.au/macquariematters/books/#comments Wed, 24 Sep 2014 03:45:12 +0000 Martine Balit http://mq.edu.au/macquariematters/?p=1401

Macquarie alumni have been busy putting pen to paper with books ranging from an award-winning novel about life in a World War II Japanese internment camp to an expose of the political machinations behind Australia’s first hung parliament in 40 years to a humorous debut novel from the writer of Babe Pig in the City. After Darkness – Christine Piper Macquarie media graduate Christine Piper has won the Vogel Literary Award for her book about the predicament of Australian-born Japanese civilians in an Australian internment camp during the second world war. Piper, who holds a Bachelor of Media from Macquarie University, won the $20,000 prize for unpublished manuscripts by young writers, which has launched the careers of novelists Tim Winton, Kate Grenville, Mandy Sayer and Gillian Mears among many others. Her book, After Darkness, has now been published by Allen and Unwin. The Independent Member for Lyne – Rob Oakeshott Former Federal Member for Lyne Rob Oakeshott, and Macquarie Law graduate, recently launched his memoir The Independent Member for Lyne. A combination of circumstances in 2010 meant that Oakeshott was at the heart of Australia's first hung parliament in 40 years. Wooed by both the Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, and then Leader of the Opposition, Tony Abbott, Oakeshott’s book tells the inside story of those 17 days, and offers insights into the 43rd Parliament’s political climate as well as some of the backroom machinations behind one of the most contentious periods in recent political history. He explores the events leading up to his agreement and discusses what happened after he and fellow independent Tony Windsor, proved stauncher allies of Julia Gillard than many of her party colleagues. The Independent Member for Lyne is published by Allen and Unwin. The Full Ridiculous – Mark Lamprell Mark Lamprell, Macquarie Bachelor of Arts graduate and screenwriter, film director and author has written his first novel, The Full Ridiculous. Lamprell has worked in film and television for many years, co-writing the film Babe Pig in the City and writing and directing the award-winning feature film My Mother Frank. In The Full Ridiculous, the book’s protagonist Michael O’Dell is hit by a car. When he doesn’t die, he is initially happy, but soon finds that he is unable to move on. His professional and family life starts to crumble and ordinary mishaps take on a sinister desperation. An endearingly funny novel about love, family and the business of being a man, Lamprell’s debut examines the truth that sometimes you can’t pull yourself together until you’ve completely fallen apart. The Full Ridiculous is published by Text Publishing.]]> https://www.mq.edu.au/macquariematters/books/feed/ 0 Macquarie alumna helps demystify the therapy experience https://www.mq.edu.au/macquariematters/macquarie-alumnus-helps-demystify-the-therapy-experience/ https://www.mq.edu.au/macquariematters/macquarie-alumnus-helps-demystify-the-therapy-experience/#comments Fri, 21 Feb 2014 02:51:24 +0000 Martine Balit http://mq.edu.au/macquariematters/?p=940

Psychoanalysis has moved a long way from the techniques of Freud. These changes are seldom disseminated to the wider community and are frequently misunderstood, even by university scholars, psychologists and students of psychology. A new book by distinguished Macquarie alumna psychologist Dianna Kenny aims to change that. She has written more than two hundred publications and her new book, From Id to Intersubjectivity: Talking about the Talking Cure with Master Clinicians, was published in January 2014. “I wrote From Id to Intersubjectivity to set the record straight on Freud’s major contributions to psychology and psychotherapy,” Kenny explains. The book explores the origins of psychoanalysis and explains key terms before examining the changes that have occurred in theory and practice. Kenny does this through interviews she conducted with eminent practitioners working in contemporary psychoanalysis. Each of the clinicians was asked to provide a virtual supervision session to a psychoanalyst using a transcript of a session, which Kenny then analyses in detail. “These in-depth interviews with master clinicians demonstrated that Freud is alive and well in contemporary psychoanalysis and psychotherapy.” The book closes with discussion of how these differences translate into clinical practice. Dianna is currently Professor of Psychology at the University of Sydney, she will continue her exploration of Freud in another book to be published later in 2014 entitled God, Freud and Religion. From Id to Intersubjectivity: Talking about the Talking Cure with Master Clinicians will be launched at Gleebooks by Dr Ron Spielman on Sunday 23 March 2014 at 3:30pm. See the Gleebooks website for more information and to RSVP.]]> https://www.mq.edu.au/macquariematters/macquarie-alumnus-helps-demystify-the-therapy-experience/feed/ 0 Harnessing the healing power of thinking positively https://www.mq.edu.au/macquariematters/harnessing-the-healing-power-of-thinking-positively/ https://www.mq.edu.au/macquariematters/harnessing-the-healing-power-of-thinking-positively/#comments Tue, 01 Oct 2013 02:32:58 +0000 Martine Balit http://mq.edu.au/macquariematters/?p=791

Paul Kraus was one of Macquarie’s first graduates, attending the new university when many of its other students were mothers who’d returned to study after raising families, Catholic brothers and nuns and, like him, people who'd been in the workforce. “When I learned I had been accepted I was thrilled at the prospect, when for so long I felt a university education was a glittering prize that would elude me,” he says. He graduated in 1970 with a Bachelor of Arts and a fiancée as well: his now wife Susan Munday was another Macquarie student and went on to become a teacher like Kraus. Unfortunately, the work Kraus did in his pre-Uni days came back to haunt him: he had worked in a Lane Cove factory where extensions to the building were made from asbestos. It took 30 years for the fine powder he breathed in as the panels were sawn to size to become mesothelioma, an asbestos-related cancer. Despite the grim outlook he was given in 1997, Kraus says that he learned to “accept the diagnosis and reject the prognosis” and radically changed his lifestyle. Surprisingly, his new regime of exercise, meditation, prayer and a vegetarian diet seemed to slow the disease’s progress. “Initially my tests showed deterioration but after ten months, while there was no improvement, the deterioration appeared to have halted. I lived in hope,” he explains. “As the months turned into years, many doctors questioned the diagnosis, but Australia’s leading mesothelioma pathologist in Adelaide confirmed the disease.” Buoyed by these results, Kraus and his wife moved from Bowral to the warmer climate of coastal Port Stephens, north of Newcastle. There, he began to compile a book of inspirational readings that demonstrate the healing power of positive emotions, which was published in 1999 as Faith, Hope, Love and Laughter, How they Heal. “The compilation of the book and the creativity involved was powerfully therapeutic and I began to improve,” he says, adding that two books on surviving cancer followed in the next five years as well as a book on healing prayers. He was also invited to teach creative writing at the Newcastle WEA and to review books for the Newcastle Herald. While the past few years have had their challenges, with a diagnosis of aggressive prostate cancer and a large non-malignant brain tumour that required removal, Kraus says he has remained positive. “I am grateful for the past 16 years which has given me the opportunity to see our sons married and the birth of five beautiful grandchildren,” he says. He’s also written another book: titled In Good Spirits, Harnessing the Healing Power of Positive Emotions it will be published in March 2014 by Michelle Anderson Publishing, Melbourne.]]> https://www.mq.edu.au/macquariematters/harnessing-the-healing-power-of-thinking-positively/feed/ 0 In Print – The Shadow Girl by alumnus John Larkin https://www.mq.edu.au/macquariematters/in-print-the-shadow-girl-by-alumnus-john-larkin/ https://www.mq.edu.au/macquariematters/in-print-the-shadow-girl-by-alumnus-john-larkin/#comments Sun, 26 May 2013 23:43:59 +0000 Martine Balit http://mq.edu.au/macquariematters/?p=167

In Print – The Shadow Girl by alumnus John Larkin

This heartbreaking story is inspired by real life. The narrator – the shadow girl – is homeless and on the run, at just 13 years old. Her parents have disappeared, leaving her in the care (and at the mercy) of her uncle and aunt. She sleeps in rail yards, sand dunes and abandoned houses – but tricks her way into a new school, where she pretends to have a family. The Shadow Girl is an extraordinary achievement, creating a central character who is assailed by life but refuses to be a victim – and is propelled forward by the kindness of those she encounters and the inspiration provided by her books and her dreams of the future. This publication won the Prize for Writing for Young Adults at the Victorian Premier’s Literary Awards 2012. Read more about the author, Macquarie University alumnus John Larkin.]]> https://www.mq.edu.au/macquariematters/in-print-the-shadow-girl-by-alumnus-john-larkin/feed/ 0