Dispensary Corner

PHARMACY academics looking for a change of pace should consider switching to the University of Newcastle’s new PhD program, with a full scholarship to study heavy metal music on offer.

The course is being led by Simon Springer, the university’s Professor of Human Geography, and aims to look at how Australian metal bands have developed their own unique “lyrical themes,” and whether our distance from the traditional Northern Hemisphere heart of the genre has impacted headbanging expression here.

A life-long metal fan, Springer was recently recruited to join the university, and part of his negotiation to accept the job included funding to support PhD students to work on “areas of personal interest”.

A FARM in upstate New York, USA is tapping into the hottest new wellness trend, by offering guests the opportunity to cuddle a cow.

The 90-minute “Horse & Cow Experience” at the Mountain Horse Farm - which “does not involve riding horses,” promises relaxation, healing, body language awareness and comfort, as well as helping overcome fear, build confidence and “teaching you to set boundaries”.

“Cuddling up with a cow, feeling their lower heart rate and higher body temperature, is very relaxing,” according to the farm’s website at mountainhorsefarm.com.