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Virus cripples campus
Monday January 25 2010 Week 14
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Adam Walmesley News Editor
COMPUTER experts were unable to prevent a computer virus causing a week of disruption at Exeter University. Thousands of computers, staff telephone lines and other internetbased systems were rendered useless when the University disconnected itself from the I.T. network to restrict the spread of the infection. The extreme decision was taken by University Senior Management on Monday January 18, following the discovery of a serious virus that may have been a deliberate attack. I.T. staff were unable to identify the source of the virus or isolate its source, but deemed it safe to restart most of the network by Wednesday afternoon. The University was unable to estimate the cost of the network shutdown. Stuart Franklin, University Director of Communication, said, “We may have been deliberately targeted or just unlucky. It would be difficult to assign a cost, but productivity has certainly been reduced.” The network termination caused widespread disruption across all three campuses at Streatham, St Luke’s and Tremough. Hundreds of students had essay deadlines extended by the University, because they were unable to log onto electronic resources or submit work via the BART system. Lectures were also disrupted, because high-tech resources were unusable, and some students were unable to access their timetables. Stuart Franklin commented “Teaching effectively went back to chalk and blackboard.” Library catalogues and online resources were only available off campus, although staff set up a manual scheme for the lending and returning of books. Many students were unaware they could still return books during the
centre Exeposé highlights the highpoints of the past ten years of Exeter-based student journalism
The virus completely shut down IT services on campus . Photo by Dominic Small. period, so any fines sustained during the shut-down period were waived. Stuart Franklin explained why the virus could not be removed from the system. He said, “None of our current virus protection systems could deal with the problem. Obviously we have I.T. staff, but I.T. is not one of our specialist departments. There is no ‘off the shelf’ solution.” Franklin admitted that the University were unsure of the virus source. He said, “We haven’t discovered a smoking gun, but these people are very good at covering their tracks.” A spokesman for AVG Security Company, who were working with the University on the problem, commented “There are so many points of entry for any virus. It is difficult to entirely protect the network.” By Wednesday 95% of the network was back online, and by Friday everything was almost back to normal
with ResNet running on a limited service. Staff urged students to get their laptops checked before attempting to re-connect to the network. They even requested the help of I.T.-literate students to examine computers. By Friday afternoon, 2000 students had attended laptop clinics across campus. Among those students given
“We haven’t discovered a smoking gun, but these people cover their tracks” Stuart
Franklin,
University
Director of Communications a week-long extension to their assignment deadlines were students in the departments of HuSS and Sports Science. One third year Law student expressed surprise at the length of their
extension. He commented, “A whole week was extravagant, considering the problem struck one day before our deadline, and was working again soon after. It was unfair on those who had already completed the assignment.” Students staying in Halls of Residence were unable to access ResNet until Thursday evening. Eleanor Busby, a first year student in Lafrowda said “We couldn’t access the emails, so we found out through word of mouth on campus. People were playing board games and even doing their course reading, because they didn’t have internet.” She added, “It’s been a frustrating week, but the University dealt with the problem quickly and efficiently.” The University say they have learnt from the experience. Stuart Franklin said, “It shows how we are all reliant on computers. It’s been a difficult week, and a turbulent start to the year.”
lifestyle investigates the merits of bumbags, National Trust sites in the South West and contraceptive implants
Books takes a look at No Country for Old Men, Q&A and the work of Stieg Larsson
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JANUARY 25 2010 Exeposé
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Making the headlines for 20 years Issue 560 Week 14 2010 Editors Gemma Dye Rebecca Lewis James McMeekin editors@exepose.com Photography Editors Melinda Greenacre Lyn Haskell photography@exepose.com News Editors Alex Moss Adam Walmesley news@exepose.com Features Editors Munya Hoto Dini Muana features@exepose.com Lifestyle Editors Thomas Downes Francesca Houslander lifestyle@exepose.com Music Editors Lalita Korzybska Joel Moktar music@exepose.com Books Editors Tristan Barclay Kate Rothera books@exepose.com Screen Editor Daniel Parker Hannah Smith screen@exepose.com Arts and Stage Editors Nicola Ranson Emma Waterson arts@exepose.com Videogames Editors Alex Bennett Dominic Small games@exepose.com Sports Editors Alex Sharp Vicky Wise sport@exepose.com Advertising Joanna Bowery j.c.bowery@ex.ac.uk (01392) 263579 Martin Homer 08451300667 mh@bamuk.com Exeposé, Cornwall House, St German’s Road, Exeter, EX4 6TG (01392) 263513 The opinions expressed in Exeposé are not necessarily those of the Exeposé Editors nor the University of Exeter Students’ Guild. While every care is taken to ensure that the information in this publication is correct and accurate, the Publisher can accept no liability for any consequential loss or damage, however caused, arising as a result of using the information printed. The Publisher cannot accept liability for any loss or damage to artwork or material submitted. The contents of this, unless stated otherwise, are copyright of the Publisher. Reproduction in any form requires the prior consent of the Publisher.
2am panic over student housing Flora Busby Senior Reporter
TERM date changes have affected student’s house hunting, according to Exeposé research. Some students have claimed that the change in term dates has meant that many they felt pressured to get a house before exam week started. As a result, many have rushed to try and finding housing for next year, with some students queuing up at 2am outside letting agencies to get the house they want. Rachel Ficham, Manager of the student division of Cardens Letting Agency, said, “We had six or seven groups outside from 2.30am in the morning. They were waiting all night and even brought duvets.” She said that Cardens had decided to release their housing lists early this year because they were aware of changes in term dates and consequent changes in exam timetabling. Ficham added that she felt the housing panic experienced by many had “a lot to do with the change in term [dates]. Students felt rushed to find housing early because of the stress of having to find housing before exams started.” Star Letting has also experienced a similar panic by students at the beginning of this month and had to bring in extra staff to accommodate
the high numbers of students who were house hunting. Cara Khadaroo, director at Star, commented, “This year has been the most concentrated. Last year the busy rush was over a 2 week period but this year it happened in 10 days,”. She added that many students had said they wanted to sort out housing before exams, and that there were students who had begun enquiring about housing as early as November. Verity King, second year Theology student, has felt the stress. “People
seem to be so quick in signing for a house, some even before Christmas!” Verity added that “it’s easy to panic early on when everyone else seems to be sorted,” but that last year she and her housemates “found our perfect house” from the list of private accommodation which the University released. This year the list was released on the 20th January, almost two weeks later than other letting agencies. Matt Richards, Guild Welfare Officer explained this date is chosen “so as not to coincide with essay
deadlines and exams.” He added that, “there really is no reason to start looking earlier.” Michelle Jaegar, Student Advice Manager, advised students not to rush, and that the most important thing is deciding who they live with and not where. Any students struggling to find housing or feeling stressed can contact the Guilds’ letting agency, Exelets, the Accommodation office, as well as the Advice unit who all offer support to students searching for houses.
Students are expected to struggle to find private housing this year. Photo by Alex Moss.
Apathy overshadows Sabb shake-up Andy Waller Senior Reporter CHANGES will be made to the structure of the Students’ Guild following a referendum in which only 279 students voted. The restructure will cut the number of Sabbatical Officers and change the roles they fulfil. The referendum was held during final week of Christmas term, with 82% voting in favour. Less than 2% of the student body turned out to vote, with 229 voting in favour of the restructure. Having failed to receive the requisite quorum of 1000 votes the proposal was ratified by the Guild Council leaving some to question its legitimacy. Many students seemed apathetic towards the referendum and indifferent about the resulting changes. Richard Stearn, Guild President, blamed the low turnout largely on the timing of the vote, a factor that could not be changed due to the imminent 2010 Guild Elections.
He commented, “Given the extra length of the term people were pretty uninspired by everything let alone the rather unsexy topic of representative review. Furthermore a large number of people left early and therefore weren’t around to vote. This was compounded by the lack of opposition…there really was no controversy around the issues meaning there wasn’t anything to get
interested in!” Addressing concerns over the legitimacy of the changes Stearn said, “The results have now been ratified as fair by the Guild Council so I have no concerns about the mandate.” One student, who was among the less than 2% who voted, said he only did so because he happened to pass a particularly vocal campaign.
Who would you get rid of? Sabb positions will be cut from 6-5. Photoby Student’s Guild
He thought most students would be unconcerned by the issue, “If you take your average student heading to Arena on a Tuesday night and ask them, ‘What do you think of the proposed Sabbatical changes?’ They couldn’t give a fuck.” The amendments reduce the number of paid sabbatical positions by one and include a number of volunteer positions. The new roles will consist of the Guild President and three Vice Presidents; VP Participation and Campuses, VP Welfare and Community and VP Academic Affairs. By cutting a salaried sabbatical position the Students Guild will save £17 500 that will be redirected to provided extra training and funding. Last year Exeter had a record turnout in Guild elections at 34.03%. However this is not the first time the Guild has had to ratify proposed constitutional changes after failing to achieve the required quorum. In May 2008 a new constitution was passed despite only achieving a 2.1% turnout in the referendum.
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News
Exeposé week FOURTEEN news@exepose.com
Business School charges to sit exams Alex Moss News Editor
STUDENTS taking two modules at the Business School have been forced to pay in order to sit assessments mandatory to their course. This comes in direct contradiction of University policy. The two modules, Intermediate Microeconomics 1 and Financial Accounting, require students to sit continuous weekly assessment through an online service provided by an outside company, Aplia and Accounting Lab respectively. This requires an access code, which can be bought by paying either a $28 fee online, or buying the core textbooks at an inflated price for each module, which cost £51 and £47. The online assessment constitutes 10% of the final grade for Intermediate Microeconomics and 20% for Financial Accounting. Payment is also an additional fee to the more than £3000 paid in tuition by each student per year of their degree. Microeconomics is a 15 credit module, while Financial Accounting constitutes 30 credits. However, many students buy their books second-hand, costing around £10 on average, which do not come
Mandatory assessment on two Business School modules can cost students up to £51. Photo by Alex Moss. with an access code. Buying textbooks second-hand has been a common practice amongst students, given the high price of new books in book stores and online. David Boughey, Director of Education at the Business School, described the online service as part of the School’s attempt to “increase student engagement and the quantity of formative feedback.”
He added that, “given that many modules have set textbooks we considered it a reasonable assumption that students would purchase the book thereby gaining the access key.” University policy states that unless otherwise stated, no course may charge students to sit an exam for the first time, and so the modules within the Business School directly contravene University rules.
In a formal Level One letter of complaint signed by a number of Microeconomics students affected, it was made clear that while the authors agreed with the idea of continual assessment throughout the year, “What we take very serious issue with is the requirement to pay beyond our fees for access to ten percent of the module’s marks.” The letter went on to propose
an alternative mode of assessment through the University service WebCT, though it did state, “One may make the case that ten percent of one module that makes up twelve and a half percent of the year’s total grade is insignificant but we feel that as a point of principle, students should have full access to all assessed evaluations for the cost of their fees.” At the time of this going to print, students who had signed the letter confirmed that formal response had been made to the letter of complaint, though informal discussion had taken place. It was only after the issue was raised by the Students’ Guild that the School promised to repay students affected in vouchers for the shopping website Amazon, valued at the maximum cost of the online access code. However, this repayment has been specified for students paying different amounts based on their decision to buy either the textbooks first-hand or pay the online fee, raising some confusion. The Students’ Guild submitted the proposed repayment to the Business School SSLC, and the decision has since been deemed inappropriate. At the time of this going to print, a further solution was still being sought.
Spate of thefts over Christmas break Francesca Houslander Reporter
FIVE Exeter student houses were burgled over the Christmas holidays in a spate of thefts. The houses were broken into shortly after the last students left Danes Road on December 21. One of the houses was not only robbed, but bizarrely also inhabited by the thieves, who squatted in the Danes Road residence. The residency was discovered when the landlord of 55 Danes Road, Mr James Unmanny, went to check for burst pipes to find that the door was bolted from the inside. Unmanny says “this is the first thing thieves do in case of being discovered so they can delay the residents getting back into the property.” Steve Platts, a 3rd year English student currently living in the property, described the state their home was found in upon returning to Exeter. Platts said, “they actually came into the house and cooked some of my fish fingers. They even took the time to put their cooking rubbish in the bin.
They made cups of tea and left their mugs to be washed up by us on the draining board. They even drank the champagne that my housemate Nick received from his girlfriend for their anniversary which he was saving to drink for graduation.” The thieves were reported to have selected certain DVDs. They also stole certain band albums and left others neatly stacked, which Platts described as “weirdly selective.”
“A violation to our personal space ” Will Sawney, victim of theft. Fellow resident, Will Sawney described the incident as “a violation to our personal space.” Students returning to the house described one of the most traumatic discoveries to be that the thieves had used their personal effects. One student said, “They used all of our razors, they went through all of Rosa’s handbags and drawers and used some of her towels, whilst leaving cigarette ash everywhere.” Amongst this the thieves took
sentimental things including a harddrive of one of the students which contained ten years worth of creative writing and iTunes music. A wide flatscreen TV which was neatly packed away in a box under the stairs was taken, as was its receipt and box meaning that the students could not claim on their household insurance. The thieves were carefully selective with the bikes. In one student’s house they selected one bike to take home, took the wheels off another bike and left two in the garage. The thieves are believed to have carried items away in towels and pillow cases. Oddly, some items were returned by the thieves. One of the students arrived home to find the severed head of a china doll left on his pillow, with ‘George’ written across the forehead. The incident was reported to the police, and an individual has since been taken into custody. Matt Richards, Guild Welfare Officer, described the incident as “disturbing”, and advised students, “to be vigilant about security, ensuring that windows and both external and internal doors are locked and secure to provide the best possible security.”
Houses on Danes Road were robbed over Christmas. Photo by Adam Walmesley
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News
JANUARY 25 2010
Exeposé
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Universities in substantial funding cuts
Lizzie Mackley Senior Reporter
THE Guild have expressed concerns about further cuts in Government funding to universities following the £398m reduction announced over the Christmas period. The cuts were deemed necessary in order for the Government to halve the national debt by 2013. They would reduce university budgets by 12.5%, which could result in cuts in courses, staff, and students. Nevertheless, Stuart Franklin, University Head of Press and PR, reassured Exeposé that “the University remains in good financial shape and can continue to go ahead with its investment programme in new facilities.” Government funding accounts for just 30% of the University’s income, and a 5% cut in funds this year has already been budgeted for, said Franklin. However, there are concerns about more efficient savings in the future.
Richard Stearn, Guild President, said, “We are falling behind our G7 competitors in terms of university education and this is only going to accentuate the problem. “Furthermore given the huge
debt that students currently suffer at university the idea that students should take up the slack from central government is ludicrous.” Steve Smith, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Exeter and President of
the representative body, Universities UK, has highlighted the negative impact further funding cuts might have in the Higher Education sector. Smith told Exeposé, “A reduction in the public funding per student could
Government funding accounts for 30% of the University’s total budget each year. Photo by Alex Moss
seriously threaten our ability to offer the high-quality experience our students deserve and expect.” Franklin said, “What concerns us is whether there are further cuts to come and the impact these would have on the Higher Education sector. “Higher Education is a national success story and is one of the things that Britain is known around the world for. It therefore makes no sense for this or any future government to hamper its ability to contribute to UK plc.” Representatives of the Russell Group told The Guardian newspaper that, “Such huge cuts in university budgets would have a devastating effect not only on students and staff, but also on Britain’s international competitiveness, economy and ability to recover from recession.” Despite the cuts, Universities UK is “encouraged” that the promise of a £109m increase in research funding is being maintained.
Don’t bank on cash at St. Luke’s Action on initiations
Margaux Harris Reporter
A POSTER placed outside the NatWest branch on Exeter’s St. Luke’s campus was the only information students received of its imminent closure. Marte Billington, Students’ Guild Deputy President, confirmed this was how the Students’ Guild discovered the issue. The Guild has since made efforts to obtain information about the issue. Billington commented, “The Students’ Guild is currently working to find out how this decision was made and what the next steps are in terms of having the same services!” The Guild had not been provided with a response at the time of going to print. Billington added that the situation is “bizarre.” The only free cash-point on the campus was regularly used by St. Luke’s students, as well as students in the local community. Its removal has raised concern among students and student representatives. Luke Adderley, St. Luke’s Guild Councillor, commented, “not only will it force students to leave the safety of campus, possibly late at night, it is a major inconvenience for under-grads, post-grads and staff who rely upon the cash point.”
Charlotte Lintern, a second year St. Luke’s student said, “I regularly use the cash point on site as I often don’t have time to go into the high street for cash.” She added, “It would be a real shame if St. Luke’s were to lose such a facility.” The Students’ Guild has created a Facebook group called, “SAVE ST. LUKE’S NATWEST.” The group provides students with a forum for their opinions, and currently has nearly 300 members. The new disruption to student services on St. Luke’s comes only months after the removal of St. Luke’s student bookshop. Billington said, “It is such a shame to see that the students studying on St. Luke’s and students living
in the local area are losing this service alongside the closure of the bookshop last year.” A NatWest spokesperson said, “We have taken the opportunity to review the service at Exeter University St. Luke’s Campus. The sub-branch has provided a quality, albeit limited, service for a number of years. However the decision has been taken to close. “Customers are at the heart of what we do and those affected can be reassured that they will receive a full banking service at Heavitree and High Street branches.” Geoff Pringle, Director of Campus Services said, “the lease for this branch recently expired and NatWest have decided not to renew it.”
The NatWest branch on St. Luke’s is set to close March 12. Photo by Adam Walmesley.
Adam Walmesley News Editor
STRICTER drinking rules could see student groups disbanded, if they carry out initiations at Exeter University. The tightened drinking policy has seen the introduction of a ‘Guild Societies Drinking Code of Conduct’ in line with the ‘Athletic Union Code of Conduct.’ The University has also reiterated its firm stance on banned initiations. Senior staff members have warned students they could be expelled from the University if they force others to consume alcohol. Professor Janice Kay, Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor, said: “The University will not hesitate to use the full force of its disciplinary procedures if we find evidence that students have compelled others to drink against their will. If any of you are put in this position, then I want to hear from you.” The Guild Societies Drinking Code of Conduct instructs that societies are not permitted to carry out initiations, forced drinking events or binge drinking. The policy also prevents society members from drinking on transport, and instructs students not to apply peer pressure on others. Maximum penalties for societies who breach the code include £500 fines, disaffiliation of the group, and individual members being disciplined. The Guild Drinking Code was
unanimously passed at a Guild Societies meeting on December 16. Gemma Richens, Guild FATO, said “The Students’ Guild fully supports the Guild Societies Code of Conduct. We are working with student groups and the University to promote sensible drinking.” Exeposé conducted the “Decoding the Initiations Myth” survey on over 1,000 students in December. Nearly 30% were unaware that initiations are banned at Exeter University. Over 20% of respondents claimed they had partaken in an initiation ceremony. However, 83% said they have never participated in a forced-drinking event. Allegations of organised drinking were made against Camborne School of Mining (CSM), a subsidiary of Exeter University. In response, the CSM and the Exeter University Cornwall Campus Union (FXU) President, Ian Pogonowski said: “these allegations are not terribly accurate. Nobody is forced to drink, neither are they bullied into drinking. The Bottle Match does not put emphasis on drinking. It is a great weekend where Camborne School of Mines pits their might against London School of Mines in sports, and a friendly drink is taken after the matches are over.” Prof. Janice Kay commented, “The message has clearly got through to the majority of students that the University will not tolerate drinking games in which people are put under pressure.”
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Exeposé Week FOURTEEN news@exepose.com
Students floored by Library plans
Camilla Kenney Reporter
MAJOR changes to Library Services and the surrounding area have been announced by the University as part of the £48 million Forum Project. Work on the Main Library is expected to last between March 2010 and December 2011, during which time there will be disruptions to the services offered. Popular services including the Ready Text Collection will be moved to account for the building work. Planners have proposed a floor-byfloor redesign of the Rashid Building library intended to minimize the effect of building work on students. There are no plans to close the Library at any point throughout the development of the Forum, expected to last March 2010 until December 2011, although the University warn that there will inevitably be some disruption. The intended plan is to move the Main Library entrance to its loading bay around late March 2010. From June until December 2010 work will begin on the bottom floor of the library, then from January until June 2011 the first floor of the Library will be refurbished. Prior to June 2011, the Ready Text Collection will have to move to the Law Library, when work
on the ground floor begins. By December 2011, plans suggest that the ground floor should have been redeveloped and the new Main Library will be launched. In a press release issued by Steve Vinall, University Academic Services Marketing and Communications Manager, it was stated, “the overall vision for the Main Library is to be a ‘top-10’ library facility.” The first shops to be affected by the developments were Blackwell Bookshop, the University Shop, and the Print Shop, which were relocated during the Christmas holidays from
outside Devonshire House to the Queen’s Shopping Parade. There are currently no plans to close any Guild outlets, including the Ram. As of yet, there are no plans to move the NatWest bank campus branch yet as the mobile banking facilities that were lined up for use have been diverted to an area affected by the recent severe floors in the North West. Joanna Bowery, Students’ Guild Marketing and Communications Manager, has said that the move “has had no impact on trading levels.” She added that the relocation of the University Shop appears to have had
a positive impact on trading in the Students’ Guild Shop in Devonshire House. Surrounding facilities, including the Great Hall and Lower Exam Hall, are due to close on March 14, as the contractors working on the Forum are expected to arrive on the site on the following day. A short-term works notice board is available online which will help students to pre-empt any disruptions on a day-to-day basis. In addition, some measures have already been put in place to combat disruption to students’ work.
WORRIES have been raised over Northcott attendances in the leadup to the student theatre company Exeter Footlights’ annual show. The car parks have been closed following the start of construction work on the INTO Centre on Stocker Road. While the Northcott claims that the closure of the Stocker Road car parks hasn’t affected attendance at the theatre, some students and members of the general public have voiced their concern for the theatre’s sustainability. John Holmes, Audience Development Officer for the venue claimed, “despite the closure of the Stocker Road car parks, there are still more than enough parking spaces on Streatham Campus for all who wish to attend evening performances at the theatre. Since the car parks closed in October, we’ve welcomed more than 27, 000 through the doors.”
Welcome Team applications open
APPLICATIONS for the University Welcome Team 2010 are now open. The Welcome Team aid the transition of new students starting at the University in October each year during a week of unpaid work. Alternatively, you can apply by visiting http://www. surveymonkey.com/s/M8LLZQ9. For more information, email Guild Activities Co-ordinator Joy Taylor at j.l.taylor@exeter.ac.uk. One member of the Welcome Team last year said the experience was “rewarding.” She added that in spite of the position being unpaid, the free food provided in students’ halls more than made up for it.
Time capsule to go under Forum
The new library is not expected to open until December 2011. Photo by Alex Moss.
Northcott calm car park storm
Chris Hardy Senior Reporter
News
A number of societies at the University use the Northcott to produce and perform productions. Popular musical theatre company Exeter Footlights are set to stage Guys and Dolls this week. Daisy Campey, the producer of Exeter Footlights’ Guys and Dolls, spoke to Exeposé ahead of the show. When asked what it would mean for the musical theatre society
if the Northcott was forced to close following poor attendance, Campey said, “it would be a disaster! Footlights performs a full scale production at the Northcott every year and it is an invaluable experience to everyone involved.” In reference to the car parks closing, Campey added, “It is likely to decrease ticket sales somewhat. However, I don’t think it will put
Northcott Theatre’s attendance may be affected by construction. Photo by Alex Moss.
off those members of the audience who have a genuine interest in the theatre and supporting the local community.” Deputy Lord Mayor of Exeter, Ruth Smith, recently told the Express & Echo, “I have had so many complaints about the car parking that I think it will have an adverse affect on Northcott attendance. “When parking access to the Northcott is prohibitive for those who can’t walk, or if the weather is bad, and you have waited for a shuttle and you have to sit in wet clothes through a performance, people will just not be going.” Stuart Franklin, University Director of Communications, said, “We are trying to engender a culture change in terms of car parking. There is enough car parking signs and facilities.” The production of Guys and Dolls runs from January 26-30, and is entirely run and performed by students.Tickets can be bought from the Box office on 01392 493 493 or online at www.exetertickets.co.uk.
A TIME capsule is to be placed under the central street of the new Forum Project. The objects placed in the time capsule will be determined by student nominations to form a shortlist, which will then be voted on by students to decide which objects make it in. Nominations can be made by accessing by writing on the wall of the Facebook group ‘Exeter University Forum Project Time Capsule’. Current suggestions have included Exeter University stash, a bottle of Sainsbury’s basics red wine, and a third year English student’s dissertation. One student wrote on the Facebook group they “would put photos of the campus we had 6 months ago, the one we all know and love, not the building site that the current students have the misfortune of working in.”
Students urged to put their sausage in the Guild THE Students’ Guild have announced a competition to name a brand new variety of sausage being launched at popular student venue, The Ram. Entries can be made by entering what could be the chosen sausage name on the Guild website, www.exeterguild.org. The winning student will win a packet of six Ram sausages, and have the honour of naming the Ram sausage Stuart Smith, Guild Communications and Insight Assistant Manager, revealed, “The sausages contain a secret combination of herbs, spices and meat.” The competition opens on Monday January 25 and is the first of its kind. The Ram enjoyed high takings in the post-exam weekend. There are currently no plans to close the pub during the building of the Forum project.
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Opinion
Confessions of a Flyerer (or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Hate My Life) James McMeekin, Editor, laments common reactions to leafletters on campus.
I’d like to talk/vent, if I may, about another role I occupy in a Student’s Guild-affiliated body besides that of editor of Exeposé. So as to avoid nepotism I shan’t give its full name, so let’s call it ‘Shampus Shinema’ for the time being. As President of said Shinema I have a personal responsibility to oversee its publicity campaigns, meaning a lot of face-to-face flyering work, distributing programmes and leaflets en masse whilst loitering suspiciously on the corner of Natwest. Perhaps you’ve seen me there, garbed in a tattered suit, muttering frantically to myself and doing my best attempt at puppy dog eyes so as to coerce you to take just one measly programme. If you did so then may I thank you hugely, however my experience on the streets (as it were) over the 20 hours of brute labour I managed to clock in last week made me realise just how vast and widespread the ambivalence – often verging on hostility – towards flyerers is on campus from students. There are a number of common reactions to leafletters such as myself, each infuriating in a number of ways; the most common is probably the simple tactic of blanking the offending individual. Quickly pacing past, especially after having made eye contact with the person in question 20ft earlier, certainly makes for an awkward drive-by display of abject apathy for both parties and, in all seriousness, is something of a downer for unpaid student volunteers. Indeed, this goes double for another surprisingly common reaction in direct confrontation – directly challenging the individual distributing said leaflets in a war of words. Certainly, being constantly badgered or berated by some besuited loon waving a wad of programmes with what appears to be a stuffed fox on the front of them may grate somewhat, but surely there’s no real antagonism there? It might be worth remembering that these individuals more often than not do not personally gain from the work they are doing; in reality they are usually promoting a club, society or event which strives only to enrich Exeter’s cultural fabric. Sure, we all know about nights out at Arena and Timepiece, but I would
guess far fewer of the lay student audience know what the latest EUTCo performance is or what’s on at Debating Society that week (let alone the latest screening at the Shinema). Thus, if said flyerer occasionally mentions to you as you walk past “membership now only £10” then they are not doing it in an attempt to challenge you to some strange verbal duel or call your manhood into question; rather they are simply trying to inform you that there is a special offer available to students. The bastards. Nonetheless, there are at least those who opt to acknowledge your existence, yet nevertheless reject your cause. Fair play, this is at least honest, polite and communicative but the stinger is that such individuals then occasionally express some form of condescendingly vocal pity. A slight tipping of the head to one side, a halfsmile and a raising of the voice as they amble away are the usual companions to such a turn-down, possibly the most emasculating reaction in the wacky world of leafletting. Actually, scratch that – what really gets you in the Beecham’s pills is when someone approaches you, looks at the programme and then gives it back, accompanied by the aforementioned faux-politeness. At the risk of sounding paranoid, I swear that most times that happens the individuals walking off then emit a loud, barelyconcealed titter, reminding the flyerer that they’ve hit rock-bottom (it’s worst when that person lived with you in first year and has to see what you’ve become). But such responses, though infuriating, are only natural; campus is a place where students generally want to do two things; work or relax. Unfortunately for myself and my fellow leafletters, our dark work does not necessarily comply with these criteria, and so rejection and annoyance are commonplace. Still, I would ask that next time you see a sinister-looking bloke in a coat advertising for some film about nymphomaniac Korean vampires (or whatever) please put yourselves in his pitiful shoes, as unless you’ve experienced it first-hand flyering can be an exceptionally demoralising and humiliating exercise in futility.
JANUARY 25 2010
Exeposé
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Gemma Dye, Rebecca Lewis and James McMeekin
editors@exepose.com
It’s snow big deal
Alex Moss, News Editor, discusses how in this country snow is only fun until you have somewhere to be.
Over the Christmas break, snow blanketed almost all of the UK and the world came to a grinding halt. People abandoned cars on motorways, post lay undelivered in Royal Mail depots, the army was put on standby in Kent, Jonathan Ross quite the BBC, and planes fell out of the sky… Okay, so maybe the last bit is an exaggeration, but it’s just as well – our infrastructure would not have been able to do anything if planes really had fallen. While radio talk show hosts lamented the failure of central and council budgets to adequately deal with the adverse weather conditions, millions of British people who couldn’t make it into the office sat in the comfort of their homes with a hot drink and listened to the warnings that confirmed their decisions not to even brush the snow off their cars. While the weather is as ephemeral and temperamental as it is unpredictable, our national response to it is not. The failure to deal with any sudden, though not wholly
unexpected, change in the weather belies part of the British condition, a unique communal attitude that comes out once or twice a year, regular as clockwork. You’d think we’d take the hint. Perhaps its our cultural roots in the dramatic plays of Shakespeare, our national love affair with soap operas, or our tabloid press who were actually willing to estimate the number of snowrelated deaths at over one hundred thousand (I believe the final figure was closer to 60), but it seems to me that the British nation is one of melodramatists. Our history is one of histrionics, of overreactions, and of predictable responses to the unpredictable. When it started to snow, the idea of a white Christmas was something to look forward to, to anticipate. It becomes quickly apparent, however, that snow is only fun until you have something to do or somewhere to be. You’d think it had never snowed here before. Similarly, it’s reached the point
where after several dark and grey months, people start to long for the summer. I would put any amount of money on the bet that as soon as it starts to warm up, it will all of a sudden become ‘too hot’ for the British majority. The press will swap “snowstorm” for “heatwave”, people will start to die from heat stroke rather than pneumonia, and somehow National Rail will manage to delay or cancel innumerable services due to ‘adverse weather conditions.’ Truman Capote wrote that it is better to look at the sky than live there. The British love to look at the sky, and the possibility of a real or imagined meteorological future diametrically opposed to whatever situation we currently have. But as soon as it comes, the two swap places, the sky becomes the earth, and we’re right back to square one. Pack your winter coat, swimsuit, and patience to listen to every person you meet to complain about the weather.
Embrace diversity in Exeter
Dear Exeposé
Two weeks ago, battling through snow and ice like a polar explorer, I headed off to Ireland with a group of Exeter students to attend a European Union Conference. Well, it was only a Model EU, but I guarantee it was much more fun than the real thing! Students came from around the globe; we met people from Turkey, Romania, Bulgaria, Germany and the USA to name a few. During the day we were essentially actors, playing the roles of EU politicians and discussing policies regarding the EU. It was an eye opener to see the opinions of such diverse countries coming together and creating policies as one body. Afterhours, helped by one or ten beverages we got together and took over Limerick; as an American friend said, alcohol is the international language of students! Through MEU I was given the opportunity to travel, last year I went
to New York and Washington, this year Ireland, next year who knows. Yet I realised something while away. I could meet as many people from different places and backgrounds here in Exeter. Contrary to popular belief, which I think is over exaggerated, we are not all stuck in one well known group with a bad reputation; there is diversity right here in Exeter, something which OneWorld announced so well. How diverse is your University experience right now? We are lucky to go to a university which offers so many opportunities; sorry to sound like the prospectus but it’s true. Not enough people know that you can take a year or semester out and go abroad to study. In fact one of the biggest opportunities we have as students at this university is studying abroad. You could re-live your gap year in New Zealand or spend time in somewhere new like China. Whether you choose to take a year away and extend your studies, a
semester at a different university, or even just a long weekend at a conference like we did, there is always the opportunity for your time at Exeter to take you to a new place for a new experience. If you want a shorter experience go on one of the trips arranged by societies, or hitchhike to Amsterdam with RAG. So, grab studenthood by the horns and, if you are a first year, think about whether you have slipped too easily into one set of friends. Second or third years, try thinking about that year abroad more seriously, join something new. Sure you can meet new people and do new things in Exeter, and that’s great, but who wouldn’t want to be doing the same in Madrid? Whatever you will do you will find some great new people, or do something amazing, and if you’re really lucky, both. Yours, Bertie Archer Politics/IR Subject Chair
Correction: In the “Decoding the Initiations Myth” article published on pages 1 and 3 of the Week 10 issue, an event entitled “The Bottle Match”, run by the Camborne School of Mines, was incorrectly named as “The Bottle March.” Exeposé apologises for the inaccuracy. Thanks to everyone who helped proof this issue: Anna-Marie Linnell, Claudia Sondergaard, Matthew Allen, Calum Baker, David Brake, Dominic McInerney, Katie Allen, Rachel Bayne, Felicity Stone, Ellie Steafel, Laura Le Brocq, Emma Pritchard, Harry Coombe, Kate Ross, Catherine Webb, Josephine Howe, Melinda Greenacre and members of the Exeposé editorial team.
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E-mail your views to letters@exepose.com Opinions and perspectives expressed on this page are those of the authors of the letters printed and not necessarily those of Exeposé or the editors. All letters are printed as received, in full, unedited, and uncorrected by Exeposé
Police alert - Radical New University Regulation You are now required to report your sexual activity
I’d like to bring your attention to a new university regulation which affects all of you who reside in university accommodation. In each porters lodge or hall managers office you will find a red folder. The Sexual Activity Register. You are now required by university regulations to enter in
the register, relating to your hall, the details of any sexual activity you participate in. This must be done either before commencement of such activity or as soon as reasonably practicable. The minimum information required is; date, time, location, number and names of participants (only one entry is required by a couple or group if all activity is reported), activities undertaken (or attempted).
Although not mandatory, sketches are often helpful, and it is possible to attach photographs or other memorabilia if you feel creative. In fact, there have been some fine examples of artwork recorded already, most notably by residents at Birks and Northfield. (you shall remain anonymous, Sam). Of course, the above regulation does not exist. Your sex lives are no business of mine, the university,
Guild or anyone else... But sometimes this changes, and student’s sex lives do become police business. Each year including this one – students find their sex lives are the subject of a criminal investigation. It is not an experience anyone would willingly choose. The line between consensual sex and the alternative, ugly words - sexual assault and rape, can be a fine one.
You are now required by university regulations to enter in the register the details of any sexual activity you participate in.
I urge you to be careful and clear with each other and ensure you do not cross that line where your sex life is no longer your business – but is now police business. On a different note if you are sitting exams I hope you are well prepared, that you all had a fantastic seasonal break, and that you have a trouble-free term ahead of you. Diesel. PC 3344 – david.dalziel@devonandcornwall. pnn.police.uk Tel Exeter 491978
Information from the ICO: Protect yourself against fraud Students are urged to respect and protect personal information or risk ID fraud Telling organisations about a new address or disposing of personal documents securely is often the last thing on a student’s mind. Unfortunately this creates opportunities for an ID fraudster to get their hands on your personal information. The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is urging students to protect themselves against identity theft by ICO top tips for staying safe online
1.
Always be wary of websites asking for your personal information. Are they genuine? How will they use it? Will it be passed on to others? If unsure, ask for answers to your questions or check privacy policies.
2.
Think about the type of information you are uploading to your social networking profile
thinking before giving information away. It is advising them to update organisations with changes to personal details and to dispose of personal documents such as bank statements and bills securely. David Smith, Deputy Commissioner at the ICO, said: “A number of factors combine to make students particularly vulnerable to identity fraudsters in the early weeks of the academic year. Almost every day they give out personal details, whether signing up to student clubs or opening a bank account. The ICO is urging students to think about who has their personal information and what they are doing with it. Your personal information is valuable – simply forgetting to update organisations when you have moved house and leaving your pages – details such as your address and date of birth can be used by fraudsters. Remember less is more. You can control who sees your profile by adjusting the privacy settings.
3.
Always read the small print carefully. You must give permission for your details to be passed on to other organisations or used for marketing purposes, and you can refuse by opting out.
bank statements or university enrolment documents to be opened by someone else can be a gift to ID fraudsters. By following our top tips you can safeguard your information and reduce the risk of falling victim to ID fraud.” The ICO’s student specific booklet ‘Your personal little book about protecting your personal information’ – is available to help students protect and manage their personal information. The booklet includes advice and tips on how to access the information that organisations hold about you, how to correct inaccurate information and how to reduce unwanted marketing calls and texts. The personal information booklet is available by calling 08453 091091 or at www.ico.gov.uk.
4. Use different passwords and PINs for different accounts and take extra care when using public computers to access personal information.
5. Think before you buy – use a secure website which displays their contact details, look for a golden padlock symbol and clear privacy and returns policies.
Is your electronic footprint putting you at risk?
Every day university students give out a wealth of personal information online. Whether buying festival or gig tickets with their credit card or using personal details to create a social networking profile, each student is building their own electronic footprint often without realising it. The ICO is urging students to think before giving personal information away online, check websites are genuine, read and understand privacy policies and remember that what goes online often stays online for years to come. This includes those embarrassing drunken photos and comments you may come to regret later on in life.
6.
Remember to log out of secure sites and check the web address begins with https.
7. Keep your computer current and safe – use firewall and anti virus software, back up your data and make sure your web browser is secure.
8. Beware of scam emails – don’t click on the links.
The ICO’s top tips to avoid ID theft
1. Store any documents carrying personal information, such as your driving licence, passport, bank statements, utility bills or credit card transaction receipts, in a safe and secure place.
2.
When no longer needed, shred or destroy your personal documents so that nothing showing your name, address or other details can be stolen.
3. When you move house, make sure you update organisations such as your bank, mobile phone provider, energy providers and The Royal Mail with your new address – you don’t want the new tenants to have access to letters containing your personal information.
4. Remember, less is more. The less you give away about yourself, the lower the risk of information falling into the wrong hands.
5. Think before you buy – use a secure website which displays the company’s contact details, look for a golden padlock symbol, clear privacy and returns policies and user agreements.
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JANUARY 25 2010
Features
A New Hope for Zimbabwe
Exeposé
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Features Editor Munyaradzi Hoto takes a look at Zimbabwe after the power sharing deal
ON my last trip to Zimbabwe which was at the beginning of 2009, I came back to England and wrote a piece entitled; “I have walked a thousand miles in the mouth of a graveyard.” Life was incredibly difficult. The Zimbabwe dollar was still operational and hyperinflation still had its grip on the economy. I remember paying a speeding ticket for four billion dollars and being aware that although it was utterly worthless in real value terms, it was way more than what many civil servants were earning from a salary point of view. The country was in real trouble, I was walking through the ruins of our healthcare delivery system, with a brain drain affecting the country, our main hospital for the entire country was operating at perhaps 20% of its capacity with very few nurses turning up for work, and even fewer doctors. Being in Zimbabwe at that time was like watching a tragedy unfold before my very eyes. The Zimbabwean people had been robbed of their way of life by poor governance, greed and a lust for power that was willing to sacrifice anything and anyone to keep control. The leadership blamed the “illegal” sanctions imposed by the west for the poor state of the economy and effectively attempted to justify their corruption as a war against 21st century imperialism.
All they did in reality, in the words of Ngugi Wa Thiong was to “water the tree of freedom with the blood of the people.” My return to Zimbabwe this last Christmas was the complete opposite. As I landed at Harare International airport this time, I was expecting some improvement but I was not prepared for what I experienced. It was unbelievable. With the implementation of the Global Political Agreement (GPA) and the power sharing deal between the three main political parties, that is Robert Mugabe’s Zanu PF, Morgan Tsvangirai’s Movement for Democratic Change (MDC-T)
it has been the best thing to happen to Zimbabwe in 15 years. Zanu PF’s failure to live up to its side of the deal cripples the progress of the arrangement but because it is powered by the will of the people, it carries on regardless. Under the GPA, the country has abandoned the Zimbabwe dollar and is now a multi currency state with the United States dollar being the preferred currency of choice by most Zimbabweans. The government, through credit lines secured by the MDC-T side of the government under a reformed ministry of finance, is now able to pay civil servants a basic minimum
I journeyed with my father to the village and made our way to the main business centres to get a feel of the effects of change on the people that were affected the most by the poor management of the economy. Under the canopy of the starlit sky we witnessed a Christmas celebration that had become a myth in the time of the great suffering of the people. Although they don’t have much in the way of money, the stores are full and the prices of the goods are low. I understand that a teacher in the rural areas is taking home about $140 a month. With relatively no other expenses except perhaps transport to travel to the city from time to time, life in the village is manageable on what many consider to be a small amount. What really amazes me is that the money looks after not just one family, but many families within the community. The growth point was alive. The shabeens were open and the radios were blaring out the popular tunes from Dembo to Macheso. Old men
to come up having collapsed under corruption. The minister of finance, Tendai Biti, allocated the biggest share of the national budget to the ministry of health and to the ministry of education. He is systematically starving the military junta, not without protest of course. The resources are being used to empower the people by providing our youth with a solid educational delivery system and our ill and ailing with proper care. The stores are full of goods and the consumers are spending. You are able to get fuel at the filling stations which had become a thing of the past in the last few years. There are no queues for basic commodities and transport is not scarce. The change has to be witnessed with one’s own eyes to be believed. The country has resumed trade and the manufacturing sector is booming. Export of minerals and agricultural goods is on the increase with many international players looking to do business with Africa’s former bread basket.
and young men were sat together in huddles passing the chibuku (traditional beer) from hand to hand as they reminisced about how difficult the years gone by have been. Most of the talk at these watering holes is political but the tone is positive. This transformation can also be detected the delivery systems in the country that are now starting
The country still faces challenges but it is headed in the right direction. It seemed impossible this time last year that the country would be where it is now, but in the words of Dale Carnegie, “most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all.”
“Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all” Dale Carnegie and Arthur Mutambara’s MDCM, Zimbabweans truly have a new lease of life. After Zanu PF’s defeat in the March 29 presidential elections of 2008, of which it was decided, albeit suspiciously, that there was no outright winner, the three parties agreed to share power and concentrate on building the nation and reconciliation. The power sharing arrangement faced huge implementation problems and has nearly collapsed on several occasions, but with all its problems
wage of $150 a month. This is not a lot of money when you look at it from an international point of view but it is more than they were getting before these changes, which was effectively nothing. This is the wage that all teachers, nurses and doctors are earning and it has transformed their lives. I often visit the rural areas on my trips to Zimbabwe, and it is in the villages where you can normally gauge the extent of the success of the GPA’s initiatives. On this particular trip
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Sacrifice of a Child
Natalie Audley comments on recent reports of child sacrifice and witchcraft in Uganda.
WE can all agree on one point I think; child sacrifice is probably one of the most inhuman and barbarous of acts. Thankfully a majority of its incidents belong in the distant past or in fiction or movies, and that’s where it stays. If only that were the case. What do we really know about child sacrifice other than what comes from horror films or novels? We might know that it may be performed to appease or please angry hungry spirits, some of us may be aware that it is referenced and discussed in the Old Testament and two Psalms, and a few might remember the case nine years ago when the body of a little boy (aged between four and seven) was discovered floating in the Thames. It was difficult to specify his age since he had been decapitated, and his limbs had been removed. He couldn’t be traced, and therefore he didn’t have a name, and his killers have not been caught. The evidence that did emerge however was that he was tortured, then killed and finally his body was thrown into the Thames.
Scientists and experts suspected that one or both of his parents were involved in the murder. This is an isolated incident in Britain (as far as we are aware), and it rightly created shock, disgust and sympathy when it happened. However, in Uganda, this isn’t the case. Evidence is certainly shaky, but what is emerging are figures well into the hundreds of little boys and girls who are disappearing and being sacrificed. Oddly enough this is actually to do with increased prosperity in the region, and the
child sacrifices. And that’s great, but it doesn’t stop the truth, which is that Mr. Angela sacrificed his son as well as about 70 other children. He is a murderer. I believe that forgiveness for crimes and retribution is possible in many cases, but the sacrifice of a child, the removal of its body parts and the likelihood that throughout the process the child is awake, means that if I were in charge of Uganda I would find it impossible to forgive those who committed these crimes. It might have the backing of religion behind it. The mysticism of angry, exciting spirits and the allure of deep black magic, as well as the ancient links to the present Bible, but this is a murder. And in the cases in Uganda this is serial killing, with completely innocent victims dead centre. It is a crime, an atrocity against nature, and I’m not the one to work out what the sentence should be, but there definitely needs to be one. For a crime like this no one should be allowed to go unpunished.
An Age of Insecurity?
“ALL that was solid melted into air,” stated The Sunday Times beside a picture of the crumbling Twin Towers. “Welcome to the age of insecurity.” This one devastating attack is seen as the definition of a decade: 9/11 was a turning point in the West’s relation to the rest of the world, and sparked an anxiety complex that altered the way those in the West relate to each other. Yet rather than trying to label a time span that can simply not be defined by a single image, what is more important is that desire for definition. The current approach towards, and reanalysis of, the event is crucial. A more important challenge than pinpointing a metaphor for our age is to understand why we need to find one. 9/11 was a huge event and it changed the world. A simple fact, put simply. 2976 people were killed, from over 90 countries. The 19 hijackers, not counted as victims of the disaster, are not included in this figure. If it can be claimed everybody remembers what they were doing the day
‘religious’ belief that having parts of a human body will boost the chances of wealth. A similarity with the incident in Britain is the fact that often it is the parents who will kill their own child, in their desire for money. It’s actually a system working in Uganda; there is a network of witch doctors, almost like the mafia, interlinked and solely interested in extorting cash. Yes, the gaining of wealth not only costs the life of a child but will also set you back by about 500,000 Ugandan shillings (£160/$260).
The authorities aren’t too interested in prosecuting the guilty; they just want it to stop. Understandable sentiments, but who exactly is going to go about preventing this crime if they aren’t likely to arrest or convict the guilty? ‘To punish retrospectively would cause a problem... if we can persuade Ugandans to change, that is much better than going back into the past’ says James Nsaba Buturo, Uganda’s Minister of Ethics and Integrity. The logic behind this statement is that it would be difficult to trace and discover those behind the murders of the uncountable missing and dead children. To a certain extent this makes sense. This becomes especially logical when some of the best people that you have working on the disappearing children, and those convincing current witch doctors to ‘retire’, are actually those who used to practice witchcraft. One good example of this is Polino Angela, (pictured), who has managed to convince roughly 2,400 other witch doctors to stop performing
Anna-Marie Linnell discusses a post-9/11 political and social climate.
Kennedy was shot, the same can be said of 9/11. The financial heart and pride of the world’s most powerful country, America, was brought to its knees and humbled by the uncondonable actions of terrorists. A war on terror, multiple conspiracy theories and - according to The Sunday Times - an entire new outlook on life were launched. With our faith in the infallibility of power damaged, the naïve celebrants of the millennium developed to a new breed of cynical, insecure subjects. Trust in the firmness of the outside world started to diminish. We followed America into Iraq on the word of our leading politicians, and then discovered the threat to be a sham. Later, people’s lives have been changed by a recession which is reported to us, and seems both distant and dangerously close to home. With such uncertainty and dissatisfaction rife in the outside world, an increasing number of people have turned to social networking sites and a perfect computer profile. The impact of
this shift can be demonstrated through the rise of the darling of ‘the Noughties’, Facebook, which now has over 350m users worldwide and was only started in 2004. Some kind of definition is grappled for: single, in a relationship; photos tagged, others de-tagged; This person is… . Profiles can be monitored at any time, which offers a sense of security. Ironically, assurance in the existence of a firm reality is provided by a virtual world. However, more important than this insecurity is the craving that lies behind it: a craving for affirmation through information. The increase in available information is the key achievement of the Noughties. If a person reads The New York Times for a week and a half, they will absorb more information than a medieval person did in their lifetime: we are hungry for the security of knowledge. It is the identity we fashion for ‘The Noughties’ that will be more important than the events themselves; history is an interpretation, and we are in the age of re-evaluation. The
second page of The Times is now dedicated to opinion, and the power of independent thought is heralded for every person. Our need to label and project an identity onto the past decade tells us more about our mindset than a single event ever could, especially an event as unexpected and disastrous as 9/11. The label ‘Noughties’ implies that the past ten years have been
carefree, even mischievous. This ideal of a happy-go-lucky subject, devised by our insecure selves, could be seen as a ploy to soften the shocks and blows we have experienced from 2000-2009. It is this need to produce an image for the time that can help to define the past decade, not the image itself.
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JANUARY 25 2010
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Marring of the African Cup of Nations Ben Townsend discusses the January gun attack on Togo’s national football team.
THE extraordinary result of the opening group game of the 27th African Cup of Nations left those watching gobsmacked. With little over ten minutes remaining tournament hosts Angola led Mali in the opening group game by four goals to nil but a remarkable comeback saw the game finish 44. Yet even a result as stunning as this is left overshadowed by the events two days previous, which saw the Togo national football team attacked by the Front for the Liberation of the Enclave of Cabinda (FLEC), an Angolan separatist guerrilla group, as they made their way by coach to a training session. With three left dead, others injured and all understandably psychologically shaken by the experience, the team withdrew and returned home. Eyebrows had been raised when the south central African nation were awarded the right to host the tournament, so shortly into its position of political stability. Angola had been politically unsound ever since it had gained independence from Portugal in 1975 due to the devastation caused by a civil war fought between two main groups: the Popular Movement for the
Liberation of Angola (MPLA) and the Nation Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA), though other groups were actively attempting to secure power themselves such as the National Front for the Liberation of Angola (FNLA). Intense warfare raged as fighting for control of the country resulted in the deaths of millions of civilians following the breakdown of a coalition government made up of each of the aforementioned groups following Portuguese withdrawal. A minor theatre of Cold War interest, the MPLA had wrestled control supported by
the Soviet Union with its main challenge to power UNITA, supported by the USA and South Africa was quickly marginalised by the ruling party. UNITA rebels continued to challenge the MPLA’s control for over two decades until the death of UNITA leader Jonas Savimbi in a clash between the group and government officials which led to an agreement to a ceasefire and an adoption of democratic political measures by the remaining figureheads of the group. Particular concern about the tournament being held in Angola fostered from its decision to host
matches in the province of Cabinda, which is geographically cut off from Angola by the Democratic Republic of Congo. FLEC, led by Rodrigues Mingas who accepted responsibility for the attack, refute Angolan control of the region and see its governance in the same light as the previous Portuguese occupation. The territory is rich in oil with 65% of Angola’s total reserves located in the region and the independence craved by FLEC and other guerrilla groups in Cabinda looks extremely unlikely. The loss of lucrative contracts with both China and the United States, supplying the two superpowers with oil would seemingly be too dramatic a loss for a politically and economically developing country. The wider significance of the attack comes in the form of this year’s FIFA World Cup which is hosted by South Africa with many concerned about the safety of travelling players and the large number of fans that will subsequently fly out to support their respective nation. The political situation in South Africa rests in a far more stable position and such concerns have been played down by both the authorities and the FIFA hierarchy
alike. Whilst South Africa has increased security as a result of the Togolese terrorist attack, this is the second attack upon an international sports team by a rebel group in recent times, the Sri Lankan cricket team similarly attacked in Pakistan, and so the safety of sports players has never been such a priority. 2010 had been earmarked as a huge year for African football with the FIFA World Cup hosted by South Africa in June in addition to the Africa Cup of Nations. The standard of footballers emerging from the continent has increased significantly in the last five to ten years with the English Premier League home to a mounting number of African players: Didier Drogba, Michael Essien, Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Adebayor (of Manchester City football team) the cream of a blossoming crop. Yet this attack has reaffirmed the perception of Africa as a continent that, despite making great strides towards a position of political stability in many nations, is undermined by its susceptibility to events that have soiled the reputation of both Angola and Africa as a whole.
What’s wrong with Wossy?
With the limelight on Jonathon Ross, Davina Cameron-Gale explores TV’s Mr. Controversial
JONATHAN Ross’ recent decision to leave the BBC got me thinking about what exactly it is about him that people don’t like. Is it his floppy hair and bizarre style choices? Is it the fact that he seems to be able to get away with behaving hugely offensively towards elderly men on his radio show and hugely offensive towards women on his television show? Is it absolutely necessary for him to ‘flirt’ with every female guest like somebody’s drunk embarrassing uncle at a wedding? Or is it the mammoth salary that he gets (or used to get) for combining all of the above? For some I’m sure it simply stops there, but I would hazard a guess that the ever-increasing national distaste for ‘Wossy’ (a speech impediment was once vaguely amusing, now it just adds to his annoyance), perhaps runs deeper, into something I like to call ‘life envy’. The Noughties were a decade of excess. We greedily grabbed everything we could get,
spending without restraint, slowly becoming more and more selfobsessed as we informed all of our ‘friends’ on social networking sites every time we made a trip to the toilet. As the decade came to a close and we now embrace a new one, we’re reaping what we’ve sown. In the midst of this comes Mr. Ross, who seems to be able to evade his comeuppance at every available opportunity. Not only was he able to keep all his BBC projects on the go, post-Sachsgate, but he also managed to slot in jovial references to it, showing no sign of remorse, or inclination to tone down his brash nature. Now he’s made the decision to leave the BBC, I can guarantee nothing will change; he’ll simply move to another channel and merrily carry on, cracking jokes about the Beeb as he goes. This is key to Ross’ Marmite-like appeal; some people love him and his ninelives capability, casting him as the cheeky chappy who says what
everyone else is thinking; others loathe him for being a jumped up idiot with an ego the size of his North London palace. Either way, I reckon that these people are bonded together by a feeling of burning envy towards him and all that he embodies. In a time when English reserve should be prominent and prudence and caution should be exercised, in order to purge ourselves of the last decade’s sinful behaviour, Ross simply cruises on, taking his crazyhaired, eccentric, merry brood to Disneyland and hosting raucous celebrity-filled festive parties, where no expense is spared. The very fact that he dares to behave like this is what drives people mad. Ross is doing exactly what we all want to be doing, behaving without a care in the world, saying what he likes, doing what he likes, spending what he likes, whilst the rest of us mere mortals look on, with a green flash of jealousy in our eyes. It’s not as if this envy is new either. Throughout the last decade
he’s encountered some of the most famous celebrities on the planet – and Ricky Gervais – on his Friday night show. Instead of asking them important and revealing questions, he instead chose to behave as if he was in a Carry On film, merrily adjusting his tie and raising his eyebrows suggestively at his female guests – and that was the more tame side of things. His suggestion to Gwyneth Paltrow that she was desperate to sleep with him was a notable example of his more outlandish behaviour.
His insouciance, flirtatiousness and enormous ego all lie at the heart of the envy he encourages; he’s lucky enough to be able to meet hundreds of people far more famous than him, yet he behaves as if it’s the other way round, as if they are the ones who should be humbled. This kind of behaviour is shocking, yet also something that we all perhaps secretly yearn for: To be able to release our inner child – and inner yob and inner pervert from thinking about some of his comments – without any kind of consequence. Ross was merely given a slap on the wrist and sent on his way. His shows received a ratings boost because people wanted to see what all the fuss was about, and he continued to be paid extortionate amounts of money. This is surely what everyone secretly desires, to be behave as they please, say what they like, and be paid for it.
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Burning Bras vs. Whipping Them Off Laetitia Redbond discusses what the term ‘feminism’ means in today’s society.
IN a 9am seminar last term our tutor fired out the question to a room full of dozing girls, “who’d here consider themselves a feminist?” Everyone looked around at each other, rolling their eyes with semismirks on their faces, keeping their hands firmly down on the desks, before a couple raised their hands begrudgingly, and only one ‘typical’ individual shot her hand into the air, eyes glazed over, glasses askew in her eagerness to prove herself to the cause…But I’m reflecting exactly the attitude towards the term ‘feminism’ in my critical take on the girl who raised her hand to those exaggerated and negative connotations we place on feminists today: geekiness, rejection of material goods and, gasp, lesbianism. Why has it become so ‘uncool’ to consider yourself a feminist? A new era of ‘feminism’ is emerging - an association of the term with female promiscuity. In a rejection of the old, frumpy stereotypes, girls are using the term
GORDON Brown recently announced that there would be a “gradual introduction” of full body scanners at all British airports. A twelve month trial of the scanning machines, which perform a virtual strip search on passengers, went ahead at Manchester airport last month. The system already penetrates US airports with 40 machines used in 19 airports. The effort for an enhanced security system follows the attempted Christmas terror attack on Northwest Flight 253 from Amsterdam to Detroit. As the plane carrying 278 passengers neared its destination, 23 year-old Nigerian Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab tried unsuccessfully to detonate plastic explosives sewn into his underwear. The proposed machines are operated by airport officials; as a passenger stands in a booth, electromagnetic waves create a virtual 3D image from the reflected energy. However civil liberty campaigners have argued that the machines and the images they produce could potentially break child protection laws. The full body scan which can graphically
the male gaze is firmly objectifying the sexualized female? Phil Hilton, editor of Nuts magazine, recently told The Times “You can’t put old-fashioned sexual politics from another era on to this generation of young women…things have changed”. He argued that it’s the women that are driving these highly sexualized campaigns, even queuing up to “get their kit off” in the world of glamour modeling. A survey amongst teenage girls in 2006 suggested that half of them would consider glamour modeling as a career, whilst a third saw Jordan as a role model figure. Unsurprising,
“Should we really be encouraging femininity in the form of overt sexualisation in young girls?” as a justification for promiscuous behavior; an “I can do whatever I want” attitude, using their sexuality to ‘get ahead.’ But is a woman’s ability to take control of her sexual life, and to sleep with whomever she chooses, empowering and ‘feminist,’ or just possibly a backwards step as
you might argue - society has the glamour world in plain view of all on a day to day basis in the media, but the alarming statistics stem from the ages of the girls surveyed, with the youngest being merely 11. Should we really be encouraging femininity in the form of overt
sexualisation in girls of this age?! I had a real ‘grandma moment’ on the tube in the holidays as I was happily people watching away and listening in to the conversation of three girls sitting opposite me. They were all dressed to go out, super high-heels, impeccable makeup, so I played the ‘guess how old’ game with myself (hey I’m cool; it was a long journey) After about five minutes of conversation of the Leicester Square club they were obviously attending that evening, I nearly choked on my Starbucks to hear one ask another what she was hoping for her 14th birthday. I could’ve sworn they were at least 18… nil points for me. Excuse the English Lit. influence shining through here for one minute, but it is significant that something of a Jane Austen inversion is at play here. In Austen’s time, the promiscuous woman was marginalized, nowadays, the girl who doesn’t conform to the sexualized appearances of her developing peers is the one pushed
Features to the margins and ostracized from the clique. Feminism used to be a break from the restricting social conventions for a girl, but promiscuity is such a narrow view of female empowerment. Its all good though, because I’ve come up with a female role-model that embodies ‘definitely cool-not overtly promiscuous-new sort of feminism - ta da: Michelle Obama. Not super original you might argue, but the First Lady does indeed inspire. Do we like her because we like how she looks or because she likes how she looks? Her attitudes to her appearance – her smiles, her demeanor and not forgetting her toned arms – suggest she’s enjoying herself. In a bad-tempered, resentful era that is a surprisingly confident, positive message. Her clothes don’t project her message for her, they support it, and with two Ivy League degrees under her belt, why shouldn’t her dress convey female empowerment? That’s clever feminism for you…
Virtual Strip Searching
Hannah Brewer discusses whether airport full-body scanning is a breach of privacy?
expose a passengers’ intimate body parts, obviously breaches the 1978 legislation which bans the creation of indecent images or a ‘pseudoimage’ of a child. Despite the predominantly positive feedback received from the 500 volunteers at the Manchester trial run of the machines so far, campaigners are concerned that the images could be circulated on the internet. Airport officials insist that the image is only seen by one individual in a remote location before it is destroyed. However, the machines do have image storing and sending abilities when in ‘test mode.’ Although transport officials assure us that the images are
declared anonymous and deleted immediately, Shami Cholarabarti of Liberty asks “where are the government assurances that electronic strip searching is to be used in a lawful and proportionate and sensitive manner?” Under 18s have been made exempt from the scan as a response to the campaign. The scanners have received further bad press, as the experts admit that it is unlikely that they would have detected the key plots affecting the UK in recent years. Tory MP Ben Wallace who used to work for QinetiQ, one of the companies making the scanning technology, declared that the new
airport scanners are no ‘big silver bullet’; they should be considered as a “part of a layered approach to security.” The screening system is designed to locate irregularities concealed on the human body, it is therefore not easy to detect liquids and plastics unless solid. It is therefore likely that the 3oz of the chemical PETN on Abdulmutallab’s body would have been missed. Clearly, the advantage of the scanning machines is that they are quick and harmless to travellers, but as a spokeswoman for QinetiQ assured, “no single technology every eventuality.” Consequently, the scanners are to initially operate alongside metal detectors and more traditional ‘pat down’ methods and hand luggage inspections. Yet many still believe that thorough identity based profiling of passengers to be the key to Western security. Philip Baum in The Times stated “we need trained streetwise security professionals, who evaluate our appearance, behaviour and travel documents”, and only then determine how to screen each traveller. Yet “here we go again” said Ed Hussain in The Guardian, another failed bombing followed by more talks
of “profiling Muslims” which in itself has proved ineffective; the Christmas attempted attack is evidence that the sweeping reorganisation of counter-terrorism agencies following 9/11 have failed to enhance the country’s safety. Alarm bells should have been ringing when the 23 yearold passed through the security system to board the flight; he had bought a flight from Lagos to Detroit via Amsterdam in cash; he had left no contact information; he had no checked bags in the hold; he was a Muslim who spent time in the terrorist hotbed of Yemen; and worst of all, the man’s own father had warned the CIA of his extremist links! Although it seems that the reorganisation of airport checks has done little to improve Western security in recent years, mistakes are inevitable, and the introduction of full body scanners, behavioural analysis and profiling techniques undoubtedly have made some safety progress. What we need is a more thorough application of all such techniques, but until then “if you want to be 100% safe, you should stay at home” concludes Palmer in The Telegraph.
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JANUARY 25 2010
Lifestyle
Aesthetic Adventures in the SouthWest
Spring Pastels on the Catwalk Lo u i Gol se den
Juliet Markham goes window shopping with the National Trust
A LARGE proportion of National Trust members are on the wrong side of 50. So with an excess of 3.5 million members, who else would have the time to make these trips? Oh yes we do. With six hours of lectures a week and being one of a few within my friendship group to have a car in Exeter, I realised that driving to a country pub and watching friends get smashed was no longer how I wanted to spend my days. My money could be spent in better ways. We’re spending our time getting this education so that one day we can inevitably make our millions. We might as well start the house hunting now whilst we have the time! A country pile in the middle of Devon, known for its historical past and outstanding beauty? I would call that a perfect place to start! The variety of the 32 National Trust properties and sites in Devon is extreme; from the picturesque Killerton House (just outside Exeter) to Castle Drogo – the most recently built castle in England. One of four Exeter boys I know
Killerton House
that visited it claims “it offers fantastic views of Dartmoor, and is an impressive building. Also, because it has the word ‘castle’ in the name, I felt my manhood was intact whilst visiting; no one needs to know it was only built 100 years ago and so no one had a heroically brutal death there!” For just £16.13 a year, via direct debit, I can have copious cheap days out without watching my friends get sloshed. What is better is that there is not one National Trust property I know that doesn’t do a smashing cream tea! Although I would recommend the year’s membership otherwise it is around £8 a pop depending on the site. With membership you get lots of freebies – like being able to park free at a lot of the beaches in Devon. Relative cheapness and good food aside (oh Lord, what a typical student), why else do I love National Trust properties? Take Knightshayes Court, a Victorian house designed by the eccentric William Burges. The house is quite possibly the quirkiest house
I have seen. Set in a romantic and gothic style this house has a grand hall with overlooking galleries. In bright reds and deep woods it is so unlikely it’s fantastic. The bedrooms are a delight, with grand four poster beds and large windows offering sublime views. There is also a nursery that has pictures of every bird you could possibly name. What’s more, three rooms come complete with a grand piano, which any guest can have a tinkle on. Although, they didn’t seem to appreciate my rendition of ‘Baa Baa Black Sheep’ that much… philistines! The 35-strong staff demonstrate all the gimmicks with insightful detail. Examples are a crazy clock on one of the desks, and a large table in the drawing room that for some reason has a tree growing through the middle of it. Apparently, the Welsh National Trust have tried to nab it for one of their houses – see! A National Trust day out offers top notch gossip too! Although I really do love the house, the cream teas and mixing with the OAPs, the main reason I
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head to National Trust properties are the gardens. Knightshayes has fantastic parklands to roam in, a huge lily pond of fish and darting dragonflies, sweet statues, topiary, water fountains, immaculate lawns, exotic trees, herb gardens, and a huge walled vegetable patch complete with roaming ducks and chickens. There are also some highly amusing fancy dress scarecrows! The sights are breathtaking, the walks enjoyable and on a nice day I could quite easily spend hours upon hours just wandering. In fact I have. Finally, if you do have to put some effort into forcing your chums to come along – you can always stop off for a cheeky pint in many of the fine establishments that line the drive home!
Gems of Devon Watersmeet House Compton Castle Exeter Castle Buckland Abbey Coleton Fishacre Cockington Village Lydford Gorge
Ch r Ka i s t o p ne he r
Richarid Cha
y errm b r u B ro r s u P
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Lifestyle
Exeposé week FOURTEEN lifestyle@exepose.com
10 Pros for The Bumbag
Laura LeBrocq brings back the nineties accessory
1. It is handier than a handbag as you never have to hold onto it. 2. Rather than cutting your body (and more importantly, your outfit) in half like an across-the-body bag, the bumbag defines your waist beautifully.
3. Bumbags are far cheaper than proper handbags, therefore you can afford to buy one to compliment every outfit. 4. All your stuff is usefully stashed on your front, so therefore you feel no threat from pickpockets.
5. A bumbag sticks out, providing a convenient shelf, on which you can balance drinks, food etc, much like a beer belly.
6. If you get one now, you’ll be ahead of the trend: last decade saw a return of 80’s fashion, this time around, it’s the 90’s. 7. Chances are, most of us grew up in the 90’s, and you probably already have a bumbag lying around somewhere, left over from the days when your Mum made you carry your lunch money to school safely. An excellent money saving tactic.
8.. A bumbag is the ideal place to have your iPod, or phone, when you are walking to campus. It is higher than a coat pocket, but not as inconvenient as your hand, when the headphone wires are just too short.
9. Wearing a bumbag leaves your hands free when dancing, to throw them ecstatically in the air, round your friend, onto the nearest man… 10. For the boys: a bumbag is the perfect alternative to the manbag. It is smaller, lighter, and less conspicuous.
New York Magazine
One spring trend naut-to miss
SEX-ON-THE-EXE
Charlie Marchant discusses why spafe sex is safe sex BLUNT scalpels, sterile white rooms and utter brutality are conjured in the mind at the words “contraceptive implant.” There is some bizarre misconception among the people who actually know about the implant that getting it holds similarities to some horrific scene from Saw. For most people though, they just have no idea. The implant is a form of contraception for women, which is more than 99% effective. It’s a little hairclip sized tube put into the upper arm that releases progestogen to stop girls getting pregnant. The most amazing thing being that it lasts for 3 years. For idiots like me, it’s pretty good: you don’t have to remember to take the pill everyday and if you don’t suspect your partner of STDs (which I don’t) then condoms aren’t needed either. I’m not going to pretend that my experience of having the implant was pain-free though, because it wasn’t. It is supposed to be; but as usual I appear to have been the unlucky one. My two best friends, irrelevant of my nasty experience followed in-suit and didn’t feel a thing. They often rub that in. So pretty much, just FML for me. The family planning clinic – ironic, as a more apt name would be the ‘family prevention clinic’ – is where I found myself sitting. The volunteers there are always a bunch of extremely
Stephanie Marston reviews the high-street craze for Coco-Chanel
TALKING about the weather is something fundamentally British, so it was no surprise that the arrival of snow was a main conversation topic for Brits this winter. Don’t get me wrong, I love a snowball fight and being relentlessly bombarded with images of snowmen on the news, but I was not unhappy when it began to melt. For the arrival of
warmer weather not only signals the beginning of spring, but also the start of a new and exciting fashion season. The key trends for SS2010 are similar to those in springs gone by, especially with the return of the ever popular nautical theme. It is hard to enter a clothes shop without being aware of a Breton stripe, the trend synonymous with French designer
Chanel who featured the design in her iconic collections; anyone who has seen Coco Before Chanel that adorned the big screen last year would notice that her inspiration came from sailors she saw in Brittany. The good news is that dipping into the student loan to make nautical purchases is a justified investment, as the trend is likely to remain on the fashion radar and return in following years. So it might make buying this navy nautical £70 coat or £28 skirt from Topshop a little
more guilt-free. The nautical trend this season does differ in that it seems to place a more prominent emphasis on its French roots and especially focuses on any Parisian emblems. Topshop’s collection seems to pay a large homage to France, such as with this £38 jumper. This waist belt from ASOS.com also features an Eiffel Tower logo in gold and has happily been reduced to just £10. The influence of Chanel on the trend is also particularly apparent in the new collections. The colours most often attributed to Chanel’s designs are light, nude pastels, and these remain in trend for SS2010. New Look do a peach version of the classic Chanel quilted bag for a reasonable £12; the
nervous, maternal women as well as one old hag. I took my mum for moral support, or more, my mum took me for peace of mind. One of the women calls you in; you shuffle into the tiny little room and sit down. They ask stupid questions, you answer stupid questions. Then they put the implant in for you, you go home. A simple process, the idea being: anaesthetic kicks in so you can’t feel anything, they make a tiny incision in your arm and slide in the implant. Most girls’ minds probably scream about now, ‘what if the anaesthetic doesn’t work?’ This thought never even crossed my mind. But of course, the anaesthetic didn’t work for me. The nurse tapped my arm, got out the little scalpel thing, put the cold metal against my arm and pressed it in… Oww! Not only the horrible feeling of a little knife cutting down into my flesh but then the shoving of the implant under my skin. I bit my lip to bleeding point. The old hag nurse looked at me gormlessly and muttered; “guess the anaesthetic didn’t work.” Oh my gawd it didn’t. Despite this though, getting that implant was possibly one of the most useful things I’ve taken the initiative to do. Especially if you’re forgetful, or get utterly sloshed a good proportion of the time; get the implant. It’s free, it’s safe and you get protected.
long strap makes it ideal for hanging across the body when clubbing. This £25 skirt from River Island is also bang on trend, with its dusky pink colour and cute frills making it both feminine and fashionable. Polka dots, bows, frills, and stripes are also key features of SS2010’s nautical trend. Miss Selfridge do an expansive range, such as this £18 blouse and these £40 heels. These prints can also be teamed with blazers and skinny jeans to make them less cutesy, more edgy, and perfect for 2010.
Opportunity awaits Are you looking for options that will open new doors? Would you like to develop valuable skills? Do you want to be part of a collaborative team culture that brings out the best in you? Step forward at www.deloitte.co.uk/graduates
www.deloitte.co.uk/graduates Š 2010 Deloitte LLP. All rights reserved.
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Lifestyle
Exeposé week FOURTEEN lifestyle@exepose.com
Marbella: Living a champagne filled dream? Isabel Salmon relates her experiences of a Spanish resort with a lavish reputation
Lying in the heart of Spain’s south coast, known as the Costa de Sol, the town of Marbella is described as a playground for the rich and famous. The population is said to increase seven fold in the summer as thousands of tourists descend on this beautiful, sun-drenched resort. Some like it so much, they never leave. There are around 300,000 British expatriates living in the area, alongside immigrants from many other European countries. Unfortunately, it is largely due to the foreigners living in Marbella that has earned the Costa
del Sol the nickname, ‘Costa del Crime.’ This reputation is probably what led Piers Morgan to make a documentary on Marbella, about a tale of two cities: the wealthy and the criminals. However, after my experience of living in Marbella, I discovered it was rather the tale of three cities: the wealthy foreigners, the lawless, and the majority of Marbella’s citizens, ordinary people just trying to get on with their lives. People’s reactions when I tell them I spent a year living and working in Marbella never cease to amuse me. There are those whose
eyes widen at the thought of a year spent lazing around in the sun drinking champagne cocktails. Then there are those who turn their noses up and ask if I was paid legally, having bought into the ‘Costa del Crime’ spiel. Both of these stereotypes tend to overlook that fact that Marbella is also a working Spanish town with, surprisingly, normal people. While there is indeed a class of people teetering around in stilettos with their well accessorized Chihuahuas and enjoying the ‘glamorous’ Marbella lifestyle, there is whole community of, often immigrant, workers whose income is governed by the whims of the super rich. This inequality became apparent when I was searching for accommodation on arrival. I visited a couple of flats where whole families had moved into one bedroom so they could rent out a larger second bedroom for a little extra income. The rich-poor divide is extreme. While walking along the front of the port watching Rolls Royces and Lamborghinis cruise by, a friend told me how, as the recession hit hard and unemployment soured, she was so desperate to earn money that she was considering joining the hordes of prostitutes who wait outside the bars and clubs every
night. Within my first month there, I read news reports on three separate daylight shootings. On further reading, I realised it was all involving gangs of foreigners. While we were all aware of what is said to happen, unless you seek it out, you are unlikely to be involved in a shoot-out and I myself have never witnessed any. I was however a little disappointed to be advised not to go and see a particular world famous DJ live, because last time there was a shooting in the super-
so many people come and go as they soon realised they could not escape all life’s problems by leaving England for a new life in the sun. In fact, the majority of foreigners I met in Marbella have now left the Spanish resort. Following this advice and by probing people about their motives in Marbella, helped me meet some of the genuine people who did not take themselves too seriously, but were simply persevering to live life honestly, in one of the most beautiful places in
“People’s reactions when I tell them I spent a year living and working in Marbella never cease to amuse me” club. Perhaps the only valid point made in Piers’ documentary, was that you can easily be sitting on the beach front sipping a pina colada, completely unaware that in an apartment block twenty yards away there is a brothel or a shoot-out going on over the sale of cocaine. Maybe it’s better that way. I was told very early on, by an English girl, not to immediately trust every person who moves out to ‘live the dream’ and join the biggest British expatriate community in the world. In the seven years she had lived in Marbella, she had seen
the world. Like those pursuing this dream, I quickly saw that 300 days of sunshine a year and a bit of luxury does not automatically make life fine and dandy. I also realised that while chasing money can lead to fun in one of the many exclusive beach clubs, it can also lead you into murkier waters. Despite Marbella’s ‘disturbia’, there is little that beats cruising down the coastal highway under a bright blue sky with the sea sparkling on one side of you and snow capped mountains on the other.
“Jimmy Carr’s face? For you, is special price…”
Tom Richards finds vomiting revellers and some men called Dmitri in Cyprus
YOU can travel a great many places with a five hour flight from Heathrow. You can get to Milan for a shopping binge, or skinny-dip in a geothermic puddle in Iceland. Or perhaps you could have your wallet stolen in Prague, or your dignity taken in Amsterdam’s red light district. But heed my advice when I tell you this - when the travel agent with shiny hair and shiny clothes mentions a flight to Cyprus, run a mile. You’ll be told that, having landed in Limassol on the southern end of the island, you’re within spitting distance of the Limassol tourist strip, a bus ride away from Ayia Napa, rave central, and just moments from some of the finest Cypriot vineyards. However, the reality is far removed from what’s in the brochure because while you may be well within spitting distance of the tourist strip, anyone with any interest in actually going to this frightful place will be testing this theory the minute they leave the stuffy, un-airconditioned airfield,
and gobbing up the phlegm-riddled remnants of their in-flight meal all the way to their destination. If you can imagine the tourist strip as a plaster that’s just been torn off a grazed knee after a week, then dropped into the middle of a Mediterranean equivalent of Torquay, you’ll have some idea of what this most appalling of places is like. The same goes for Ayia Napa, where you’ll stumble across revellers with the kind of morals that would surprise even the most hard-boiled of lager lout. I’m talking here about the kind of behaviour I’ve only ever witnessed in Reading on a Friday night. And ignore the vineyards too, because any country that counts ouzo as a national drink can’t be trusted to judge these things impartially. Still, you’ll eventually be able to coax some life into your dusty Korean rental car and make it to your countryside retreat, to find that the sewage system across the island is… Well, there isn’t one. I don’t mean to get lavatorial here, but the toilets
are merely ornamental. Everything else has to go in the diminutive fliptop bin under the sink. First impressions, then? Not so great. And neither are the restaurants, where someone called Dmitri in a polyester suit and fake Gucci aviators will grab you by the arm and ask if you’d like to eat something “for special price” that will later manifest itself as something that can’t go into the drainage system. However, wander around for a week or so, and there are certain jewels to be found, the biggest, shiniest and glintiest of which is the biggest water park I’ve ever seen at Paphos, containing too many flumes to count, a wave pool the size of Jimmy Carr’s face and some deliciously oleaginous waffle-andice-cream dishes. Then there are the coastal fortresses from the Ottoman invasion 500 years ago, the ancient Roman theatre at Kourion, some truly beautiful (and mercifully deserted) beaches, and the promise of no rain. Ever.
If you know anything of Cyprus’ history, you’ll know that the north of the island belongs to the Turkish. The port-town of Kyrenia alone is definitely worth a peek for the colourful markets, the food and a distinct lack of tourists. Cyprus, then, is a bit of a mixed
bag. It can certainly be fun, even sort of interesting, and extremely warm. Just avoid the food, the other tourists, the clubs, the rental car, the wine, the loos, and Dmitri. And the travel agent. Because when all’s said and done, you’re still better off in Milan.
16
Music Do Not Miss
Give A Damn Dance
WANT to celebrate the end of exams in style and support four fantastic charities at the same time? Then the Give a Damn Dance is the post-exam party for you! The Dance, which is hosted by Amnesty, Stop Aids, Unicef and Gender Equality societies, will be
held in Reed Hall on Thursday January 28 from 7.30PM – 1AM. James Dixon and Gift for a Ghost Town will be performing live and there will be DJ sets from Lofi Hofi. Guests will also be provided with a free drink on arrival, a sumptuous buffet and a society goody bag.
JANUARY 25 2010 Exeposé
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Tickets are only £23 and can be purchased at society meetings, from the Lemmy Box Office, and from in the Devonshire House foyer between 12-2 on Friday January 22, Monday 25 and Tuesday 26. All the profits will go to the registered charities nominated by
the host societies! This promises to be a great night, and an awesome way to celebrate the end of exams. Don’t miss out as there are only 200 tickets available and they will sell fast!
music interview
Lalita Korzybska, Music Editor, speaks with Owen Clarke from Hot Chip
HOT CHIP. This Grammy Award nominated British electro-pop band started off in 2000. Joe Goddard, Owen Clarke, Felix Martin, Al Doyle and Alexis Taylor. Having released their 3rd album Made In The Dark in 2008, they did a massive world tour, also previewing a few of the songs featuring in One Life Stand, being released this February. “We spent a year working on it. Dedicated a lot of time to it.” But it’s finished now and Owen says that “it’s nice to shut the door on it, sort of speak”. In an early 2009 NME interview, the band described the album as “more mid-tempo and disco influenced” compared to their previous albums. But when asked about this, Owen said that at this time they had only done one song, “the one disco song”, so it’s really not representative of the entire album. So what about this album and how does it compare to Hot Chip’s previous work? “The last album had quite clattery drums and fast sounding rhythms. And it had quite a lot of balladery and slow songs. It may appear deceptively appear quite electo-beaty but it’s more simple this time around, influenced by some early house from the 90s. We strive to do something different every time we record a new song. The intention we had going towards this record was to have something that would be in sync as a record. Ten songs, and for them to be quite melodic and stand in their own light. There is more of a structural thing going.” In terms of progression between Made In The Dark and One Life Stand,
Owen says he was “struck” when after they finished the record, he saw the “Playboy” video playing in his local pub. This was their very first record from the Coming On Strong record. “I was struck by how the records are in a way quite similar, our first and our latest… but at the
same time the first one was home produced and sort of disjointed and wonky. And that was part of it’s joy, whereas this one is more relaxed and it has an open sound but also
beats sound.” When it comes to personal achievement, Owen is quite proud of the song “Thieves In The Night”, the album’s opening track. “It features a modulated synthesizer part which myself and Al in the back both played. He is playing the actual keys while I was modulating the range of the keyboard a n d the
sounds on it. So one complete take which goes on through a whole three minutes. And it was made up on the spot. I think it’s quite a sort of bright sounding theme. It’s nice to create something like that!”
In terms of what he likes best, “Brothers” is Owen’s favourite track. “It has a very nice sentiment to it, without being sentimental. It’s quite kinship and brotherhood. That’s a nice theme. Themes that aren’t really spoken about that much in pop music, I guess.” But the song that he’s most attached to is “Alley Cats”, which he “really enjoyed playing live.” “It’s just like a warm song. It’s nice. I like that one.” The band are starting a three month European/North American tour in the next couple of weeks. “It’s very exciting. It’ll be good playing live. For this past year we‘ve gone back and redone, rethought things, reimagined things.” And Owen is quite optimistic about the result it will produce. Hot Chip is also excited about playing with support band Casiokids on their upcoming tour. “They are very exciting. And hopefully it will make a good show for everyone!” But that’s not all, as Owen says that they should have some special guest on tour as well. “It’s always fun to expand and try new things.” One can equally see this in the new album, for instance through the collaboration of steel pan player Fimber Bravo. So what happens to the band after the tour ends in April? When asked about Glastonbury, Owen said that he’s “not sure what the plans are”. They “don’t have plans after 2010”, and “sort of don’t know what’s going on.” “We are just going to see this year, see how things go and try to have a great time and make the most of it!”
Upcoming
25/01 - Campus Bands: Gift For A Ghost Town / Hang On Look John / 11am / +more (TIMEPIECE) 25/01 - Anderson + The Deering (CAVERN) 26/01 - Haiti Benefits with The Cut Ups (CAVERN) 26/01 - Beat Roots (MAMA STONE’S) 27/01 - Toby Barelli aka King Size Slim / Gift For A Ghost Town (MAMA STONE’S) 28/01 - Idiom - The Painted - Smiles - Sanguine (CAVERN) 28/01 - Who’z In The Room With Norman? (MAMA STONE’S) 29/01 - Cabaret Voltaire presents Ramadanman (CAVERN) 29/01 - The Man From Funkle (MAMA STONE’S) 30/01 - Indie Club with Kosmo Kings and Hot Dub Bikini Party (CAVERN) 30/01 - Pam’s House Go West -Andy Whitby (PHOENIX) 30/01 - Freshly Squuzed (MAMA STONE’S) 31/01 - Alessi’s Ark (PHOENIX) 31/01 - Blues/Jazz/Jam Night with the House Band (MAMA STONE’S) 02/02 - Acoustic Night with Paul Besselle (MAMA STONE’S) 03/02 - Beats and Bass Soc (CAVERN) 04/02 - Sham 69 -Street Punk (CAVERN) 05/02 - The Magic Hatstand (CAVERN) 06/02 - Trash City Alt Clubnight (CAVERN) 06/02 - Rinseout -Hazard (PHOENIX) 07/02 - Fairport Convention (PHOENIX) 07/02 - Peter Von Poehl (PHOENIX) 08/02 - Metal Mondays -Silent Screams / Violent Virtues /Terrorform / These Ruins (CAVERN) 08/02 - Stornoway and Beth Jeans Houghton (PHOENIX)
Playlist
THE BRIAN JONESTOWN MASSACRE - The Devil May Care WE ARE SCIENTISTS - Altered Beast BADLY DRAWN BOY - Another Devil Dies ARCADE FIRE - (Antichrist Television Blues) STEREOPHONICS - Devil LAURA MARLING - Ghosts THE SMITHS - Handsome Devil JOY DIVISION - Dead Souls THE DELGADOS - I Fought the Angels THE BLACK LIPS - I Saw a Ghost TRICKY - Hell is Round the Corner RJD2 - Ghostwriter AIM - Demonique SVEN VATH - The Beauty and the Beast ELECTRIC RESCUE - The Devil’s Dance Joel Moktar music editor
17
Music
Exeposé week FOURTEEN music@exepose.com
WS live REVIEWS live REVIEWS live REVIEWS live REVIEWS liv Florence + The Machine Brixton Academy, December 13
IT’S Sunday December 13 at Brixton Academy and the atmosphere is vibrant. Music fans of every stripe excitedly queue, smoke and chat outside. From shrill 13 year old girls to
Gallows
middle-aged drunks, everyone is united in restless anticipation of the arrival of Florence + The Machine. First though we had to contend with The Temper Trap. Having
Lemon Grove, December 8
THE excitement provided by Tom “second year theology” Yates and Steph Carter’s ill health masked what in some senses was an entirely proficient but essentially functional mid-tour show for Gallows at the end of last term. If I were to level a harsh critique at Watford’s finest I would compare the evening’s performance to Leeds United’s recent 4-2 win over Stockport County – whilst they did nothing wrong and no one went home feeling let down, it was inescapably a run-of-themill three points away from home on a rainy Tuesday night and ultimately not the blistering upset of beating Manchester United 1-0 at Old Trafford that they are evidently capable of. Football analogies aside, my point is that although Gallows did not play a poor show, by their own standards they were slightly guilty of phoning it in. Granted I am not really giving them the benefit of the doubt, the crowd was hardly the rabid mob they’ve become accustomed to and Carter Jr’s persistent asthma attacks which caused the final two dates of the tour to be rescheduled is excuse enough for not being at his best, there’s no doubt that Gallows have played better shows than this. Perhaps while they can turn it on for the big occasions they still lack the bewildering consistency of scene stalwarts like Every Time I Die and Converge.
When they hit their highs they are a joy to watch, and the congregation was observably galvanized by the bludgeoning breakdown to ‘Leeches’, the unlikely set opener, and ‘The Great Forgiver’ is a surprisingly forceful track in the flesh. The opportunity also arose for Frank and co. to display the confrontational wit that gained them so much deserved attention
never heard them before and seeing their standard indie band look I expected something solid but conventional. Much to my surprise the band’s playing was not only tight but fun. Before their final and best song ‘Sweet Disposition’, they warned the already bristling crowd that Florence had something special in store. After a short break, and as more and more musicians built up Florence’s Machine, the surprise revealed itself to be the presence of not just the usual four piece band, but of a harpist, string section and a whole gospel choir. Opening with ‘My Boy Builds Coffins’, she set the scene for a high energy set, which nonetheless lacked no measure of complexity. She explained that many of the songs she was about to play would be having their first life on stage, never before having had a full instrumentation live. She
continued with ‘Kiss with a Fist,’ the punky anthem which recounts a relationship that ended on less than good terms. As she sang the orchestra behind her provided a spectacular platform from which she launched her soaring voice. It’s difficult to describe Florence + The Machine without resorting to a list of superlatives. Her stage presence is phenomenal; she seems something more than human, almost supernatural. Wearing a white dress with a ragged skirt made of papery tentacles, her red hair burning in the stage lights, her whole body seems to strain with the seismic power of the voice emanating from her. The consequence of the ensuing barrage of sound is not a lack of musical variety but an unashamedly personal performance. She also played some more laid
back acoustic numbers, including ‘I’m Not Calling You A Liar’ which was one of the highlights of the show, her haunting voice equally well suited to simple melancholic songs as to thumping anthems. As the evening drew to its climax with ‘Rabbit Heart’ and ‘Dog Days Are Over’, and, despite her angelic presence, she was neither distant and nor could she hide her joy at the acclaim from her home crowd. The rapture with which she sang Beyonce’s ‘Halo’ as an encore was barely concealed. This combination of musical talent, great stage presence and disarming authenticity convinces me that not only is she one of the acts that will be remembered from 2009, but that here is the seed of a brilliant performer and of an engaging artist.
in their pre-NME cover days when a somewhat inebriated punter stood behind me decided to make it known that he considered guitarists Steph and Lags ‘boring’. He soon found himself standing on stage, Les Paul thrust around his neck giving a performance that would have made even his mother wince. Resoundingly humiliated he was sent back into the throng and advised to sing
along only if his voice was better than his guitar playing. The set was sadly not too well balanced between new and old, featuring one too many new songs to really keep the atmosphere at anything nearing fever pitch whilst the old gems chosen were popular but a little on the nose. ‘Come Friendly Bombs’ and ‘In the Belly of a Shark’, behemoths of songs though they are, were
hardly unexpected - a minor gripe but it’s the little details that make the really memorable shows. However despite another trotting out of a seemingly irrelevant Black Flag cover, they are captivating. Frank Carter is undeniably a very good frontman and the passion is still evident in guitarist Laurent Bernard and bassist Stuart GiliRoss. I’ll spare a thought for the chosen support acts for this tour; Sharks and Trash Talk. In all honesty there is not a great deal of point in my reviewing Trash Talk; I have really no time for this kind of machismo-based beat down hardcore, it’s about as original and interesting as a public service announcement and tonight heralds one of the genre’s worse examples. Sharks did intrigue me. Though a bit unpolished in their current imagining they had some of the flavour of the great Rancid and I’ll be keeping an eye out for them in the future. Tonight’s chief problem was that it was clearly a good band playing within themselves but that said they justified the ticket price and I will no doubt see them again. Sadly though, I think I might well wait until the stakes are a little higher and they have more to lose.
callum watts
JACOB MOFFAT
19
18
Noughties
Noughties
2000 Exeter students protest on campus in reaction to revelations that the Lord Chancellor is linked to a consortium building an oil pipeline across Burma, allegedly violating human rights.
DECADE IN REVIEW
2001 An Exeter student is detained in Jordan on suspicion of spying while on a field trip to the Middle East organised by the Politics department.
Exeposé looks back at the news, interviews and gossip that defined the decade.
2008
An Exeposé news investigation revealed that there were traces of cocaine in many buildings on campus. The editors used testing swabs to bring to light the news that was later picked up by national press.
2009
The drunken antics of a group of students made our front page, as well as The Telegraph, The Daily Mail, The Sun and BBC.
By Rebecca Lewis, Editor Contributions by Gemma Dye, Editor
2002
George Bush divided people across the world; the smoking ban proved controversial and Apple revolutioned technology.
Students joined 16,000 others to protest against student loans and grant policy.
2007 Exeter broke into the top twenty, leading to its entry into the top ten in 2009.
Photo by Adam Walmesley The Noughties were the decade of Labour, beginning and ending under their power. The decade ended in change, with the election of the first African American President.
2003 Students staged a peaceful protest against the unexpected start of building new accomodation blocks.
2004 Exeposé concentrated on the potential closures of the Italian, Music and Chemistry departments. They interviewed Steve Smith, Vice Chancellor, Tim Edwards, Guild President and covered the many protests around campus.
Usain Bolt stunned spectators during the Beijing Olympics, and again at the Berlin World Championships, smashing records in the process.
The boy wizard captivated audiences and currently holds records for the fastest selling books of all time.
2005
The terrorist attacks on September 11 defined foreign policy, much of which is still felt today. The deaths of Pavarotti, Michael Jackson, Marlon Brando and Benazir Bhutto shook the world amongst others, while the South Asian tsunami and Hurricane Katrina were two of the worst natural disasters of the decade.
Exeposé produced an election spread in May 2005 where they evaluated the candidates, parties and issues dominating the election. Their investigation found 80% of students were planning to vote, with a majority of 41% voting for Liberal Democrats.
2006
Exeter University was threatened with legal action from the ECU when the society believed their rights of freedom of speech and belief were threatened.
2005 saw England win the Rugby World Cup; Kate Moss fascinated us with her style and boyfriends and the Civil Partnership Act in 2004 gave same-sex couples rights identical to civil marriage.
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SOUTH WEST
22
Books
january 25 2010
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BOOKS FEATURE
Rachel Bayne uncovers the novel behind Slumdog Millionaire
A new film approaches; it is based on an acclaimed novel, and all you hear at the cinema are shouts of “how could they ruin a classic” and “it will never work.” Often these claims are truthful since ambiguity and a wellcrafted ending are often lost in films in favour of simplicity. This could be argued in the film adaptation of Ian McEwan’s Atonement. Perhaps this occurs to gain more money for
the film industry; or simply because directors want to fulfil the audience’s need for action, suspense and cheesy lines. However, it is true that film adaptations are often considered secondary since a film perhaps can never beat a good book. Although, one of the films that has made it and has definitely shown that a film adaptation can be done well is Danny Boyle’s Slumdog Millionaire. It is perhaps not well known that this breathtaking film was once a book, but sure enough it is based on Q and A by Vikas Swarup which was dubbed ‘vibrant’ and ‘lively’ by newspapers. Perhaps one reason the film is so good is because it was based in literature and so the plot was well-structured. On the other hand, no-one who has read Q and A could argue that the film makers have simply transferred the book onto screen. In fact, the film is very different to the novel, which makes Q and A an even more interesting read. It seems that Danny Boyle and his crew accepted that to adapt a
book well; it is important to capture the message and the essence, rather than just using a simplified version of the characters and the plot. The film does indeed use the same structure as the book, where Vikas Swarup ingeniously used the questions in a quiz show to narrate Jamal’s life. Danny Boyle also tries to maintain the spirit of Swarup’s novel by presenting the desperate struggle for survival for Indian street children in the slums, the sense of escapism the main characters experience when they win the quiz and the vibrancy of Indian culture. However, the plot of Jamal’s life is different in the book. Whilst both stories feature an Indian child from the slums rising to fame through winning a quiz show, the roads Jamal takes contrast distinctively. For example, Jamal’s name in the book is actually Ram Mohammed Thomas. Swarup originally highlights the variety of religious groups in India, but also the need to survive for Jamal who was given all three
AUTHOR PROFILE
Steig Larsson
Having initially found it tricky to get my teeth into the first novel of this trilogy, The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo (reviewed by Emma Vince in a previous issue), I soon found myself absorbed into the world of the Swedish thrillers, and raced through all three books during my already jam-packed Christmas holidays. The second book, The Girl who Played with Fire, picks up where the first left off; the charming Blomkvist is still reeling from his victory over the Wennerstrom affair, and Lisbeth Salander is making the most of her stolen assets. Once again the novel begins by focusing on each of the two main characters separately, and gradually interweaving their lives once more. The plot is complex; Larsson doesn’t shy away from grisly details. At first it appears that Salander is in danger from a former enemy, but when said enemy is found dead on the same night as two other people, with Salander’s DNA discovered at both crime scenes, she is suddenly the subject of an intense man-hunt. Awkward as she is, all Salander wants to be is left alone, as dark secrets from her past come to light. There is a lot of action in this middle book; but at times it felt a little slow-paced and occasionally as though it were
the filler between the first and third books. The story picks up by the end, culminating in a brilliant, if far-fetched climax, before the third book, The Girl who Kicked the Hornets’ Nest, begins as though only minutes had passed.
“You won’t be able to stop reading” The third book deals in detail with tying up every plot line, which unsurprisingly takes some time. It is really a direct continuation of the second, whereas the first book felt like a solved case. In The Hornets’ Nest we become fully aware of a terrible and long-standing conspiracy that goes right to the heart of the Swedish government. Larsson keeps the reader hooked through his use of different viewpoints, so that there is a constant sense of dramatic irony as we know things both good and bad, of which the characters are unaware. The characters undergo a lot of growth in The Hornets’ Nest: Salander comes out of her impenetrable shell for the purpose of sinking her enemies, and Blomkvist has a radical transformation in terms of his love life, which felt just a little contrived. A most brilliant aspect of this book was one plot line that was left hanging,
and appeared all but forgotten until the last 40 pages, when Salander once again proves herself to be incredibly deserving of the title ‘heroine.’ I enjoyed these books both for the fact that they are extremely wellwritten, even in translation, and combine an extraordinary amount of factual detail with fiction, which gives them a very realistic feel. It was also remarkable how much Swedish culture differs from British in terms of ideals, and I liked seeing day to day life from a different perspective. A bizarre detail I picked up on was the extraordinary amount of coffee consumed throughout the three books, principally by the ‘goodies,’ and I found myself wondering whether Larsson had some sort of in-joke with himself when near the end of the second book when the action is incredibly heated, he pauses and takes half a page describing the wonder of a particular coffee machine. My incredulity was further roused when the same coffee machine was again mentioned on the final page of the third book, but perhaps I am just reading into things too much. A definite recommendation, but not when you are near a deadline, as you won’t be able to stop reading. Laura le brocq
names so that he would be accepted. However, this is changed in the film perhaps to make the film simpler, or because Boyle presents the religious feuds visually. Another difference is that Salim is not Jamal’s brother in the book; but his best friend. Danny Boyle has manipulated the book to make it more suited to a cinematic audience. Whilst maintaining the spirit, he has made the book appealing on the screen by enhancing relationships and adding more action. For example, a strong visual image from the film is when the famous actor visits their slum; hundreds of people are running, following his helicopter because they had to meet this celebrity. The event in the book is far more low key in comparison and perhaps even unimportant for the reader. So, it is surprising that there should be such differences in the plot, but these differences have helped the book to remain individual and separate to the film adaptation. Q and A itself is an enjoyable read and I feel it is not tainted by
High Fidelity
Nick Hornby
ISBN: 0140293469 ‘Top Five Favourite Books’: one of the few lists not compiled by Rob, the droll and down-trodden protagonist of our story. Running a niche record shop in London, Rob pinches a small living, which is just the beginning of his torrent of complaints and categorises next to everything into ‘Top Fives.’ Rob’s “Top Five Most Memorable Split-Ups” throws you immediately into the character’s mind. Failed relationships, no grounding in life and no purpose other than ordering a huge back-catalogue of albums Hornby masterfully creates a downto-earth man. Rob recognises that life isn’t all flowers in your window but he soldiers through the drudgery anyway, as we ourselves do. The reader feeds on the rapport established with Rob, the colloquial narration reeling you right in. Stephen Frears’ (My Beautiful Laundrette, Dirty Pretty Things) film adaptation is superbly directed to replicate this emotional attachment of the audience to Rob (John Cusack). By the breaking of the fourth wall, Frears destroys the fantasy world of film to give a realistic portrayal of human life. The film is very close to the book, likeable for fulfilling its expectation as an adaptation and for
the presence of the film Slumdog Millionaire. There is still the same magic in the plot which must have captured readers at first, and in fact the book for me has added to my enjoyment of the film. This film can be an example for filmmakers of the future. It shows that an adaptation does not have to taint the book, and by no shape or form should copy the narrative word for word. In fact a film should add to the reader’s enjoyment of the book and help them to build a new, intriguing connection with the characters. I definitely recommend Q and A to anyone who enjoyed the film and the film to any lovers of Vikas Swarup’s novel. I also hope that next time I go to see a film adaptation instead of resounding cries of how the book has been carelessly destroyed; there will be the chance to see how a good film can improve or at least capture the spirit of a good book.
Rachel bayne
its dark comic value. The addition of Jack Black (as Barry) to the cast makes the film even more likeable. Barry and Dick are the characters that bring the lightness to the darkness of the deadpan humour. Rob recounts; “I hired these guys for three days a week and they just started showing up, every day. That was four years ago.” The trio may all be from different walks of life but they share a common loss of direction. It is this which pushes them through the blurred line of friendship. Apart from these three unfulfilled men, the novel really concentrates on only one other character, Laura. Laura is Rob’s ex-girlfriend, whom he constantly pines after, planning mix-tapes in an attempt to rekindle their not-perfect-but-good-enough style love. She is as in and out of Rob’s mind as he is in and out of a string of other meaningless relationships. Essentially, High Fidelity is a parody of our own life. Hornby writes to engage with at least a small part of our subconscious mind and challenges the escapist convention of mainstream fiction. Read the book, watch the film and see if it makes your top five. Charlie Marchant
23
Exeposé WEEK fourteen books@exepose.com
Condensed Classic
Wuthering Heights Emily Brontë
ISBN: 9781853260018
Despite its haunting nature, Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights is one the most gripping and passionate love stories of all time. Clichéd I know, but don’t worry, this is no straightforward
Romeo and Juliet and is honestly one of my favourite books. The novel revolves around the infamously wild and mysterious Heathcliff and the destruction love can cause, not at all the wimpy, simpering romance you might expect. It all begins when Mr. Earnshaw adopts a young “dark-skinned gypsy” boy, Heathcliff, into his family manor on the deserted Yorkshire Moors. An inseparable bond develops between Heathcliff and Earnshaw’s daughter Catherine, but when Earnshaw dies years later his son Hindley jealously excludes Heathcliff and forces him to work for the family. Eventually Heathcliff runs away and so Catherine ends up marrying their mild and,
No Country For Old Men
Cormac McCarthy
“Gothic supernaturalism and passion gives the romance its shadowy edge” truthfully, boring neighbour Edgar Linton, despite never forgetting her true soul mate. However, Heathcliff returns months later with an unexplained fortune and takes over the Heights, determined to get revenge on the families that ruined his life. He marries and abuses Edgar’s sister, and together they have a child named Linton who Heathcliff raises with hatred. The trauma Heathcliff causes on his return means Catherine descends further into illness and eventually dies giving birth to her daughter Cathy. Heathcliff passes his bitterness into the next generation and so new set of
relationships and conflicts form between the children. The story becomes increasingly complex and disturbing as Heathcliff’s obsession for the dead Catherine occupies his life and ruins the lives of others around him. Wuthering Heights is highly emotive and its Gothic supernaturalism and brooding passion gives the romance its shadowy edge. The unforgettable characters are what really ‘make’ this novel and let it retain a highly popular position in the literary canon, timelessly enthralling its readers. Etty Eastwood
books Bestseller List 1. Long Lost Harlan Coben An old flame contacts Mylon Bolitar after hearing her ex has been murdered.
2. The Little Stranger Sarah Waters A chilling ghost story set in rural post-war Warwickshire.
ISBN: 0375706674
With the Coen brothers-directed film of this novel winning four Academy awards from eight nominations and the imminent release of a film based on his Pulitzer prize winning novel The Road tipped to be an early blockbuster, Cormac McCarthy has risen from literary acclaim to somewhere close to the public recognition his talents deserve. No Country for Old Men follows the fortunes of Llewelyn Moss, a welder from Terrell County, Texas, who happens upon 2.4 million dollars worth of misplaced drug money and enters into a sinister chase with murderous and venal sociopath, Anton Chigurh. The narrative is loosely seen through the eyes of County Sheriff, Ed Tom Bell; though it is third-person in nature and evenly tracks Chigurh, Bell and Moss. In an attempt to retrieve their money, hired gun Carson Wells is dispatched on the trail of Moss and Chigurh by the deal’s financiers, all the while Moss avails to escape his
pursuers to an idyllic life with his young wife Carla Jane. One triumph among many achieved in No Country For Old Men is the genuinely phenomenal characterisation exhibited in the three principle players. Essentially similar characters, each has a military background that reigns as the chief influence upon their actions. Each man is motivated and altogether obsessed by a single objective and it is this that colours our opinion of him. Moss, a Vietnam veteran of the regular army, puts the well-
“McCarthy demonstrates his mastery in the control of the story’s pace” being of 19-year-old Carla Jane above all, though his misguided opportunism when presented with the money is ultimately his undoing. Despite his folly however, we are invited to look kindly upon Llewelyn, whose classically Texan directness of speech and unwavering devotion to Carla Jane make him a particularly amiable character. McCarthy’s devil incarnate takes the form of ex-Special Forces officer Anton Chigurh. Chigurh is set upon the retrieval of money and is undoubtedly one of most intimidating and heinous characters of recent memory. Terrifyingly intelligent and unilaterally unsympathetic
Chigurh is urged on by a Kantian-like respect for duty. His duty to those who have bade him retrieve the money and a duty to repay those who trespass against him. Though an amoral code of ethics entwined into a killer’s modus operandi is not an entirely original concept, it works to focus Chigurh’s evil and thus he becomes an infinitely more sinister prospect. In his sheer lack of humanity Chigurh is reminiscent of Francis Ford Coppola’s interpretation of Colonel Kurtz (from 1979’s Apocalypse Now), his focused insanity and respect of destiny allows him to transcend to a fantastical demigod. McCarthy solidifies Chigurh’s super human intensity by the ease in which he disposes of rival hit man Carson Well’s – a man who on paper at least is a near equal. Finally there is the last of the three ‘swinging dicks’ that comprise this extended Mexican standoff, Sheriff Ed Tom Bell. Bell’s character invokes a great deal of sympathy. Urged on by guilt that stems from his World War II past and in the face of an untenable drug war that engulfs the border regions of Texas, Bell sees saving Moss and his young wife as his chance for redemption. Typified by his laconic Texan quasi-proverbs it is Moss’s words to a misguided young girl that most neatly describe Bell’s character: “Your life is made out of the days its made out of, nothing else”. The execution of No Country For Old Men is made flawless by McCarthy’s simple but precise
vernacular, notable for his recourse to dialogue throughout, no doubt one of the features of McCarthy’s writing that makes him so attractive to film makers. The heavy use of dialogue is paramount in creating a crystal clear sense of place, effortlessly situating the story in Texas and thanks to the authenticity of the dialects, it feels entirely natural. This feeling further extends to the manner in which we become accustomed to each of the characters, we immediately associate Bell and Moss, working to underscore that it is Bell’s age-accrued wisdom that saves him over Moss. McCarthy demonstrates throughout, his mastery in the control of the story’s pace. It is by the simplest conjunctives and the most carefully chosen verbal idioms of minor characters that McCarthy allows the story to build steadily to its climax without ever feeling forced. No Country for Old Men truly wants for nothing and you will struggle to find better writing by any author, living or otherwise. The Coen brother’s did well with their adaptation, but in truth it would have been difficult to make a bad film from this, it would make a good play, a good television series, a good radio show, because at the heart of this novel is good writing, immaculate and engaging characters, romance, well-posed moral and folk philosophy and above all a very good story. jACOB MOFFATT
3. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo Stieg Larsson A computer hacker and a journalist investigate a cold case.
4. Run for Your Life James Patterson & Michael Ledwidge A detective investigates a New York killing spree.
5. Handle with Care Jodi Picoult The mother of a child born with brittlebone disease sues her obstetrician friend.
Sunday Times Bestseller List January 17 2009
24
january 25 2010
screen
Exeposé bumbles in to the teenies
David Brake gives a run down of what films are set to be big in 2010
it’s the New Year and the film studios are all locked and loaded to blast us into 2010 with an array of sequels, re-inventions and new ideas to keep your eyes and ears entertained and the A-Team are back - what more can you wish for? Continuing an ever present trend within Hollywood, studios have returned to old franchises to ensure
big box office returns rather than narrative purposes. Here’s looking at you Shrek Forever After. Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz and Antonio Banderas return for one last adventure in eye-popping 3D. It seems to have an interesting story and looks set to be an improvement upon the travesty that was Shrek the Third. However, more importantly,
there is the long-awaited Toy Story 3, with the regular cast present with the additions of Timothy Dalton and Michael Keaton boosting the stellar cast, this could be amazing. There is also part one of the finale of the Harry Potter series which will be a huge success and will feature old favourites and much more of Severus Snape which can only be a good thing. Looking outside the children’s market, there is the return of Robert Downey Jr in Iron Man 2 where he faces the rejuvenated Mickey Rourke, Sam Rockwell and Scarlett Johansson which looks set to be a really cool summer blockbuster. Furthermore, there is the return of the third Twilight film, Eclipse. Add the
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following factors and work out whether this will be a success or not. Eclipse is the most popular book, New Moon grossed over $650 million dollars, Robert Pattinson is back and all form of upper body clothing has essentially disappeared. Sex and the City 2 is also released with the return of the girls and designer labels en masse, so if glitz and glamour is your thing, this is for you. Sadly it’s not for me. Nor will it ever be. A further revelation throughout 2010 is the revival of ‘80s films with Oliver Stone revisiting the topical Wall Street following the economic crisis of the last few years. Wall Street 2: Money Never Sleeps stars Shia LaBeouf, and Michael Douglas returns as Gordon Gekko. Here’s to hoping Stone returns to form after the sleep inducing W and the melodramatic World Trade Center. Nightmare on Elm Street, Predators and the Karate Kid also resurface making the Eighties the hot decade for Hollywood. This is epitomised in the big screen appearance of the A-Team. Yes, the theme tune has just gone off in your head. The cast stars Bradley Cooper, Sharlto Copley, Liam Neeson and, UFC fighter Quinton Jackson, who will don the bling to become B.A Baracus. Sadly, rumours of a cameo from Mr. T have been dismissed. Bad times. However, Hollywood has not limited themselves to the Eighties in their quest for successful remakes with Louis Letterier remaking Clash of the Titans, with Man of 2009 Sam Worthington taking the title role.
Furthermore, Tim Burton reunites with Johnny Depp to make his version of Alice in Wonderland with unknown Mia Wasikowska taking the lead role of Alice and a wealth of British talent such as Stephen Fry, Alan Rickman and Michael Sheen. Nevertheless, 2010 seems to have a funny bone with Matthew Vaughn’s Kick-Ass blasting onto our screens with Nicholas Cage and Christopher Mintz-Passe, better known as McLovin, about a teenager who decides to become a superhero. It received a standing ovation at Sundance and stars 12 year-old Chloe Moretz as Hit-Girl who will make you feel very inadequate due to just how cool she is. Another Sundance hit, I Love You Phillip Morris, stars Jim Carrey as a married Christian man who leaves his old life behind and pursues a new existence as a gay conman who ends up in jail where he meets the title character, Phillip Morris (Ewan McGregor). Furthermore, there is Get Him to the Greek with Russell Brand reprising his role from Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Cemetery Junction with Ricky Gervais and action comedy Knight and Day with Cameron Diaz and Tom Cruise. 2010 plays host to numerous amazing prospects, most importantly, Inception. This film is shrouded in mystery and directed by Christopher Nolan with an all-star cast led by Leonardo DiCaprio and with the tagline, “your mind is the scene of the crime” you know that you will be in for something special.
for the performance rather than the songs, there was none of the humming ‘All that Jazz’ in the car on the way home. I was uncertain as to whether Marshall was trying to make an ironic point by exposing the superficiality of the film industry from an inside perspective. “People want to live in a Guido film”, was one point that was made, in the same way that we all secretly would like to be Nicole Kidman in Moulin Rouge, in spite of the death, the prostitution and the tuberculosis. But although
Nine had captured the glamour of films, the spirit was lacking, and I didn’t find myself suddenly aspiring to “be Italian.” Individual performances could be highly commended, but the all celebrity cast is surely overrated, as in spite of great effort, Nine simply did not hold up to the standards of Moulin Rouge and Chicago.
Nine
Dir: Rob Marshall Cast: Daniel Day-Lewis, Marion Cotillard, Nicole Kidman (12A) 118mins
SO. You have a fantastic celebrity cast, a talented director and a flawless set and costumes, but that doesn’t make a story. This, is the incredibly ironic thing about this film, which follows a writer/director who cannot come up with a plot. Guido Contini is a celebrated Italian writer/director, who has made nine films to date, of which most were huge successes. Contini struggles to write another film, whilst coming to the realisation that he has lost the love of his wife through his affairs and his
inattention to their relationship. The narrative is a complicated one to follow: it darts between Guido’s present day life, flashbacks to his childhood and is interspersed with stage-set dance and performance scenes, not to mention visits from the ghost of his mother. Nothing is lacking in terms of props and settings, no expense is spared, but I felt the film to be overall deficient in depth, or at least a dramatic plot line. There is one stand out song, ‘Be Italian,’ sung by Fergie - it could not be described as
anything but stunning, but I felt this came rather too early in the film and the whole thing seemed rather flat after that. The performances ranged between average and exquisite. Dame Judy Dench, Sofia Loren and Nicole Kidman brought nothing spectacular to the film, but that is not to say their performances were by any means poor. Penelope Cruz, Marion Cotillard and Fergie evidently gave their all, and the effort showed. All three had particularly memorable solos, but they were memorable
LAURA LE BROCQ
25
Screen
Exeposé WEEK fourteen screen@exepose.com
Avatar
Dir: James Cameron Cast: Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver (12) 162mins Wow. Avatar has the ability to both shock and inspire, awe and impress. It is a veritable tour de force of cinematography by a director who is no stranger to the big screen. The filming of Avatar was due to take place in 1999, just two years after Titanic. Yet Cameron realised that the technology available could not support his vision. He needed to wait…12 years. But this film is certainly worth the wait. In Cameron’s broad-brush style, explosions are rife, plot lines just about hold firm and the setting of the film is a visual spectacle. It is by far the most impressive
technology that I’ve seen on the silver screen, without the selfgratifying tone of Peter Jackson’s King Kong. Avatar has already enjoyed a huge success at the box office and is set to triumph over its Cameron counterpart, Titanic. Titanic grossed $1.8 billion worldwide and already, Avatar is but $200 million behind and closing in fast (at the time of writing). This is no surprise as Avatar exemplifies Cameron’s
adherence to the Hollywood formula and his willingness to spend big to make big. The film is set on Pandora in 2154, in the alpha centauri star system. Pandora is inhabited by the peaceful Na’vi. These natives are very moral creatures who bear a
Daniel Parker Screen Editor
The cheapest cinema in Exeter M&D Room, Devonshire House www.campuscinema.co.uk
Dir: Jason Reitman Cast: George Clooney, Vera Farmiga, Anna Kendrick (15) 109mins two attempt to one-up each other with their impressive wallet-content. While embellished with an absolutely fantastic supporting cast – and an effective cameo from Juno’s J.K. Simmons – Clooney truly carries the film, shifting over a surprisingly brief 109 minutes from superficial mask (“I’m like my mother. I stereotype – it’s quicker”) to a more complex human whose charisma begins to slip as he realises – shock horror – he may want to settle down after all. While this description makes the film sound like standard, What Women Want-esque fare, the horribly effective twist and subsequent downbeat ending create an air of emotional profundity that sticks with you long after the closing credits. Again, this is down to Clooney’s wonderful performance. During Bingham’s epiphany upon achieving his precious miles, the actor’s face conveys so many conflicting attitudes that I personally empathise with: his fear of settling down and desire to keep moving when suddenly the opposite becomes more attractive is, rather than a specific problem, representative of any contradiction of ideals. The sickening feeling that a long-held
celebration of the development of film science as a Hollywood blockbuster. Watching this film in 3D has the effect of transporting you away from your stickyfloored cinema. However, there are inevitable inaccuracies in a film with such broad scope. For instance, Colonel Miles Quaritch is essentially a pantomime villain. His character lacks the depth that could strike terror into the hearts of an audience (think Hannibal Lector in Silence of the Lambs) due to the plastic take on colonialism. Quaritch is the villain we have all seen before; he’s devoid of sentiment, will gain the upper hand over our protagonist before being defeated in an explosive finale. I urge you to ignore as many of the flaws as possible and enjoy it for the spectacle that it is. Watch it in 3D and you will not be disappointed.
Campus Cinema
Up in the Air Jason Reitman, already known in cult circles for acclaimed independent films Thank You For Smoking and Juno, may well have punched into the mainstream with this, his third film as director and second as writer. The film, touted for nominations in the major Oscar categories – best film, director, actor, etc. – stars George Clooney at his suave, enigmatic best as Ryan Bingham, a ‘corporate downsizer’ who considers himself most at home when travelling. He picks up all the loyalty cards, knows the airport staff, and has so many Hilton Goldcards he actually mixes them up. His only goal in life? To obtain ten million miles of travel on his American Airlines loyalty cards, a feat only achieved by six others to date. We begin to progressively observe the materialistic Bingham’s motivations and untapped desires as he leads an optimistic new employee Natalie (Anna Kendrick) around the country to learn the ropes. Frequently appearing is his casual flame Alex (Vera Farmiga), a successful, confident high-flier who effortlessly matches Bingham’s cool materialism, highlighted in her first scene as the
striking resemblance to a blue Peter Crouch. Sam Worthington plays Corporal Jake Sully, the film’s protagonist. As a replacement for his brother, Sully partakes in the ‘Dreamwalker’ project, transforming his body into Na’vi form. However, Sully inevitably falls in love with a native and soon turns to defend Pandora and its people from human clutches. It’s all nonsense of course and when you leave the cinema you wonder why you’ve just shed tears for overgrown smurfs. This is a credit to the artifice of Cameron. His use of the handheld camera in conjunction with motion capture technology is engaging. The audience is thrust into the reality of the Na’vi world through this device. We assume a privilege flyon-the-wall status as the camera pans across the beautiful, unkempt scenery. Cameron creates an invisible bond between the audience and the Omatikaya tribe; a bond that you may not realise until the climax of the film. Avatar is as much a
political view may be irrelevant, for instance, is similar to Bingham’s dilemma as Clooney beautifully conveys a classic personality crisis. Reitman lucidly combines the character study with an edge of social commentary which further accentuates the depth of the film, something fast becoming a trademark of his movies. The unemployment problem is handled smoothly and diversely, with a roster of real redundancy cases providing a poignancy and realism confirming the picture as a relevant snapshot of modern life as we progress from the ‘decade of fear’ into the 2010s. Bingham, though something of a player, is as alienated as any of his laidoff victims in a world of fast travel, fast relationships, loyalty cards and sleek technologies where appearances may be more important than substance. These themes were clear in the Oscarsweeping American Beauty a decade ago and prove that, where Juno lost out on many major awards, with Up in the Air Jason Reitman may just go stratospheric.
a new term brings with it a new programme of films at your favourite campus-based student cinema, and so listed below are the coming fortnight’s releases. An Education, recently nominated for eight BAFTAs, is beautiful coming-ofage tale with a starmaking turn from Carey Mulligan which was widely hailed as one of the best films of last year. Miss it at your peril. Zombieland, meanwhile, is a lighthearted horror comedy about one geeky college student trying to survive a world ruled by the undead with the help of Woody Harrelson’s gun-toting redneck. Gory, witty and fun - this is the perfect film for weary
students. There Will Be Blood is, in this writer’s humble opinion, possibly the greatest film of all time and one that you owe it to yourself to see at least once in your lifetime, if only for the legendary performance by Daniel Day-Lewis. Finally, The Men Who Stare at Goats is a terrific comedy starring George Clooney, Ewan McGregor, Jeff Bridges and Kevin Spacey. What more could you possibly want? Oh, and did you know now that from now on whenever you come to Campus Cinema you will receive 20% off selected drinks at The Ram? Yet another reason to come along!
Tues Jan 26 - An Education (M&D Room, Devonshire House), 6.30 & 9pm Sun Jan 31 - Zombieland (M&D Room, Devonshire House), 6.30 & 9pm Tues Feb 2 - There Will Be Blood, in association with Business and Economics Society (M&D Room, Devonshire House), 6 & 9pm Sun Feb 7 - The Men Who Stare at Goats (M&D Room, Devonshire House), 6.30 & 9pm
Calum baker
26
january 25 2010 Exeposé
arts
www.exepose.com
arts
The Statues of Streatham
Across the Streatham campus, lies a wealth of hidden treasures, each with their own story to tell....
The Minoprio Fountain Vivien ap Rhys Pryce
TO begin our exploration of campus and the various artworks that are scattered across it, we take a look at the art and the artists- what inspires their pieces and the meaning behind each. We Exeter students usually pass by each statue at least twice a week, yet it seems they blend into the background. Our journey through campus begins high up the hill at the Peter Chalk Centre, with the Minoprio Fountain. The fountain itself was unveiled in October 1988, after just over a year of planning, designing, modelling and casting. Funded by the Constance Foundation, the site was chosen by them to be given a unique gift of a water feature. The University specified that they wanted a fountain depicting figures, and so after some searching Vivien ap Rhys Pryce was chosen as the artist to design a sculpture fitting for the area. The Minoprio fountain’s design was developed based upon the setting
provided. The geometric shapes of the surrounding modern buildings are mirrored in the geometric diamond shaped frame that the figures are grasping.Thesmoothlinescompliment the lines of buildings, and the water jets follow these lines to the surface of the water. Based upon a young boy and a young female dancer, the figures in the Minoprio fountain, are positioned so that they are reflecting and relating to one another. The colour was added to the bronze during casting, a beautiful jasmine colour, chosen to set the structure off against the wall. Since 1988 when it was first constructed, the sculpture has become more and more a part of the environment, the sea air has reacted with the bronze, bringing out the strong colour, and vines and greenery have grown, framing the sculpture on the wall. The development process of the sculpture began with a careful examination of the area by Vivien
herself. The design of the sculpture then began to take shape, moulded by the surrounding architecture. Next the figures were chosen, and modelled in clay, after posing grasping a bar, in a similar position to the one displayed in the sculpture. The clay models were then cast in plaster and sent to the bronze foundry to be cast. Vivien’s interest is primarily with human figures, she finds them ‘fascinating’, particularly favouring figures that share a relationship. Her previous work includes the famous war memorial in Wootton Bassett; a bronze globe of the world held up in bronze hands. She has also worked for Madame Tussauds, casting a number of waxworks in the past, including Richard Nixon. Despite being one of those statues which may get taken for granted, it is a beautiful and revealing piece, encompassing a feeling of unity and intimacy. Nicola Ranson
arts PREVIEW
EUTCo presents Harvey Northcott Theatre February 2- 6
HEADLINING the spring productions of Exeter University Theatre Company is Harvey, a Pulitzer Prize-winning tale from Mary Chase. Performed in the Northcott Theatre from February 2-6 and featuring a cast and crew of over 90, the play represents the best of the theatrical talent Exeter can boast and the pinnacle of what EUTCo can achieve. Harvey is one of the longest running comedies in Broadway history; but is probably best known for its 1950 cinema adaptation starring James Stewart. It follows the story of the affable Elwood P. Dowd and his imaginary friend Harvey,
a 6’1” rabbit. With concern for his sanity and the family name, Elwood, played by the fantastic Charlie O’Reardon, star of Footlight’s Sweet Charity last year, is committed to a sanitarium and a comedy of errors ensues. A much-loved story for all ages, Harvey is revitalised with youth and energy to celebrate it’s cinematic and stage roots. Perhaps most interesting though, are the arrangements to submerge the audience in ‘50s cinematic tradition. Upon arrival, the audience will be transported into the world of 1950s cinema; greeted by popcorn vendors and ushers who will guide them to their seats. To further enhance this cinematic experience, the show will begin with, and throughout be accompanied by a musical score composed by the Musical Directors Andy Kelly and Chris Bosher, along with their fabulous group of jazz musicians. This is also accompanied by a dance
showcase choreographed by Jo Forest-Jones, whose work can also be seen in the RAG Fashion Show this year. The scope of the project does not end here, however, featuring a collaboration with the talent at XTV for a series of pre-recorded videos projected live during the production. This performance represents total theatre, drawn together by the vision of its directors, Isolde Godfrey and Nick Cassen, and the hard work of its vast production team. The script is a comedic classic, carried off with aplomb by a well-drilled and talented cast. An endearing comedy with something for everyone. Tickets are on sale at the Northcott Theatre Box Office, available on 01392 493493, or at the Lemmy Box Office.
Alex Quayle
27
Exeposé wEEK fourteen arts@exepose.com
ARTS PREVIEW Guys and Dolls Northcott Theatre January 26-30
FOOTLIGHTS’ current production of Guys and Dolls guarantees an evening of light-hearted entertainment, with well known songs, spectacular dance routines, and excellent performances from some of Exeter University’s most talented performers. Guys and Dolls is a well-loved and celebrated Broadway musical set in the mid-Twentieth century, when New York was dominated by scantily dressed showgirls, sinful gamblers, and Salvation Army missionaries eager to reform the citizens from their immoral pleasures. Featuring
famous songs, such as ‘Luck be a Lady’, ‘Guys and Dolls’ and ‘Sit Down, You’re Rocking the Boat’, you will not be able to stop yourself singing along. The plot of the musical centres around a bet made between two gamblers, Nathan Detroit and Sky Masterson. Nathan bets Sky that he cannot take the pious and stubborn member of the Salvation Army, Sarah Brown, on a date to Cuba. Furthermore the gamblers’ underground gambling and betting provides much comic value to the show, with Nathan’s determination to keep his renowned ‘craps game’ running no matter what, even with his ‘doll’ keeping a close eye on his actions. As well as the comic value in the show, by the end it is evident to the audience that great sacrifices and changes will always be made for love.
Footlights, Exeter University’s Musical Theatre Company, brings this popular and vibrant musical back onto the stage with the help of Jenny Scourfield as director, and Kaitin Nixson as producer. It was a desirable choice for the company, as they wanted a production which enabled the ensemble to have a much bigger part, unlike their previous musical ‘Sweet Charity’ which was led by only a few roles. There are many cameo performances and an abundance of chorus numbers, with complicated harmonies and dance routines. Although these large numbers must have been challenging, the enthusiastic and gifted ensemble make it look easy. However, the four main lead roles all give excellent performances which help drive the show. Glynn Jones plays the sleek and cool gambler, Sky Masterson; Rosie Jones is the innocent and straight-laced, Sarah Brown; Olivia Clements plays the bubbly showgirl, Miss Adelaide; and Paul Baker is the charismatic gambler, Nathan Detroit. Footlights should be proud of their vivacious production, which is unmissable. Tickets are available now, so call 01392 493 493, or buy them on www.exetertickets.co.uk as soon as possible to support fellow students, or just to experience a truly dazzling production.
ELEANOR BUSBY
ARTS REVIEW
Cirque du Soleil WHEN one imagines a circus, two images spring to mind. I recollect tales of children who run away with the travelling folk in beautiful caravans, befriending monkeys and playing with elephants beneath the silken Big Top. Others minds may conjure a far more sinister image corresponding with a harsh reality; where animals are mistreated, looking beaten and sad, and where the grotesque features of clowns crouch in the mind and haunt the memory. None of the above does justice to the performance phenomenon that is the Cirque du Soleil. Started in the early 1980s the show fuses contemporary styles with themes and narratives from all corners of the earth to create a sight sensation, leaving audiences quite breathless. The company is large, making use of crowd scenes in a manner which is quite unexpected. The age range of
performers also draws attention with children often appearing on stage only to contort their small figures into shapes so strange, it appears impossible. The stadiums and arenas worldwide swell with the clamour of multitudes desperate to see this long heralded experience. 2010 sees the troupe begin another global tour with two dazzling shows that juxtapose different environments to create radically diverse acts. Saltimbanco details an urban experience, removing the cosmopolitan life from all former modes of perception, transfiguring it to create a visually poetic metaphor of modern life. The set combines the shapes of skyscrapers with the smaller details of city life, the title translating as ‘to jump on a bench’. The tour dates in England are from May 20 to July 28 across the country. Varekai is the second show,
translating as ‘wherever’ within the Romany language. It is more imaginative in narrative and set in the entirely fantastical world of Varekai at the summit of a volcano. The influence of gypsy magic creates a homage to the solitary soul. This particular show travels the country from early January to March. Whilst ticket prices vary, they are affordable for students. The performance is dramatic. The characters on stage are all delicate yet strong beings from a blend of ethnicities, their bodies painted or adorned with skin tight materials or costumes that are quite fantastical. They use fire and light in a manner that lifts the show from the realms of the impressive and gives it a sense of a grotesque yet stunning dream that leaves the eyes and mind craving more.
ANNA GARRETT
Arts
COMEDY RADAR Stewart Lee
WHILST the name may not mean much to you, Stewart Lee is quite simply an irrefutable giant of alternative comedy, gaining most of his respect from his peers as opposed to tabloid critics or the general public. Lee is rightly regarded within stand-up circles as a unique innovator in comedic form and a writer of unwaveringly brave polemical discourse. Some readers may remember back to early 2009 and a show entitled ‘Stewart Lee’s Comedy Vehicle’; the comedian’s first commissioned show for television in a decade, well-received but earning only a few million viewers. In addition to this, Lee has managed to contribute to various other mediums during his twentyyear career. As an obscure figure to the mainstream and a giant to the alternative scene, where does Stewart Lee fit in to the history of stand-up comedy? Well, according to Channel 4, he ranks at number forty-one in their ‘definitive’ list of all-time greatest stand-ups. This is a point that Lee deconstructs with admirable countenance in regards to a wider notion of popularity in his 2007 show ‘Stewart Lee – 41st Best Stand Up Ever’. Surprised and flattered to be placed so well on a predominantly mainstream list, he argues that an entire underground of superior performers are constantly overlooked in favour of easy-going, middle-of-the-road television and stadium comedians (Such as Peter Kay or Michael McIntyre). On January 25 2010 I saw Lee perform in a reasonably small
theatre in central London touring his new show, ‘If You’d Prefer A Milder Comedian, Please Ask For One’. I can comfortably say that I enjoyed this show more than almost any other piece of live entertainment or art I have seen ever. Genuinely enlightening and informative yet always entertaining, seeing Lee live is essential to understanding him as he often plays upon the relationship between audience and performer. I was lucky enough to be seated in the front row of this intimate setting and even have the performer swoop down into the first row of the audience and integrate my sister into his act with two questions to kick off the show. But Lee’s interaction is by no means a flashy gimmick, it’s his unique selling point that signals him out as a pioneer of craft. So what has kept Stewart Lee from taking the centre stage of comedy by storm? The comedian who was described by Ricky Gervais as, “The funniest, most clichéfree comedian on the circuit” and crowned comedian of the decade by The Times, is frankly never likely to gain a wide following. Loathed by reactionary right-wing fundamentalist Christians for cocreating Jerry Springer the Opera and completely uncompromising in his art, Lee is often quoted as saying that success in the entertainment industry is often more about what you’re prepared to sacrifice than anything else. Stewart Lee will be performing on February 18 at Exeter Picturehouse
MATTHEW HIGHMOOR
28
January 25 2010 Exeposé
videogames News
Bytesize
Bad news for Half-Life fanatics. It is rumoured that there will be no Half-Life game this year. That means no Episode Three or HalfLife 3. This remains unconfirmed by the ever-mysterious Valve, however, so fingers can remain crossed. Director Peter Jackson may branch out into videogame territory according to an interview in which he stated “I think some of the ideas I’ve got, I’d rather do them as a standalone game,” he said, “because that world is getting more and more interesting.” Some would rather he just focused his efforts on finally realising a Halo movie after the promise that District 9 delivered. BioShock 2 pre-sales have begun on Steam with 10% off the retail price as well as a complimentary copy of BioShock, which can be gifted to a friend should you already own it. There has also been confirmation that DLC will be available and work has already begun on that. First person survival game I Am Alive is being redesigned from the ground up. A teaser trailer showed a man escaping from his co-workers as they fought over a bottle of water and looked promising. The redesign has been prompted by a shift to the capable Splinter Cell game engine. Hopefully this one still sees the light of day. Related news; Beyond Good and Evil 2 is apparently also still on the way as well. Ubisoft France CEO Geoffroy Sardin said “They are both still in production”. Excellent. Videogames continue to break into artistic circles with the Writers Guild of America announcing a shortlist for best videogame writing. The list is heavily filled with sequels: Assassins Creed II, Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2, Uncharted 2: Amongst Thieves, Wet and X-Men Origins: Wolverine. February 20 will see the awards handed out.
Musical Genius
No room for Rock Band
Presumably, if you’re reading this you have some sort of interest in the audio-visual phenomenon that is gaming. Either that or you’ve just picked up a copy of Exeposé in the library, opened it on a random page, and began the essay procrastination process. In any case, it has recently come to my attention that the videogame industry turns over more revenue per annum than Hollywood. That’s a shitload of cash, and just goes to prove that the reclusive, socially inept lard-arses of this world wield the real power. But what exactly makes a truly great game? Gaming is addictive, yes, and provides hours of bullet-ridden, zombie-smashing visual escapism, but what really separates a good game from an iconic one is the effective interaction of the visual dimension with the audio. The musical score behind a videogame is often overlooked, or in some cases ignored entirely with a flick of the mute button, but accounts for half of the experience in many games. I therefore give you my top-five greatest videogame composers in gaming history. #5 Jesper Kyd Thoseofyouwhohaveexperienced the dark, moody atmosphere of the Hitman series will appreciate this Danish composer. Kyd, who also composed the scores for the Assassin’s Creed series, synthesizes classical music with electronica and symphonic techno to accompany the stressful and unpredictable environments in which
Mafia
Retro: PC
Mafia is possibly one of the most criminally underrated games of the last decade. Released way back in 2002 on the PC it tells the story of the protagonist Tommy Angelo’s rise through the ranks of the Salieri crime family.
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Agent 47 assassinates his victims. Go buy a copy of Hitman: Blood Money and play a few levels on professional difficulty. Then go back and repeat the same levels with the sound turned off. It’s shite. The fear and tension completely evaporates as you race around shadowy back alleys with a meat cleaver, swinging mercilessly at innocent passers-by. Whilst fun initially, you’ll last about a minute and a half before you’re given a lead enema by guards/police/pissed-off locals. The music dictates the tempo and style of play entirely and as such represents an integral aspect of Kyd’s games. #4 Nathan McCree Two words for you: Tomb Raider. I first played the Tomb Raider when I was eight or nine years old and I’m not ashamed to admit that it scared the crap out of me. I now realise that the source of this fear was not the triangular wolves or the retarded screaming mummies (whilst these were certainly key components) but the tantalizing musical score that was one minute serene and placid as you viewed the marvels of the Sphinx and the cavernous chambers of Midas’ palace, and then changed as abruptly as the angles of Lara’s chest into “DUN DUN... DUNNA DUNNA DUNNA DUNNA... DUN DUN” as boulders, lions and flying hell-beasts
were thrown at you. Terrifying. #3 Koji Kondo The Grandfather of videogame music. Kondo has contributed to some of the most iconic games of our generation including the Super Mario series, Zelda series, and Star Fox series. Whilst music for videogames has clearly evolved from the 64-bit soundtrack era of the early Nintendo days in favour of full orchestral epics to rival Hollywood scores, Kondo’s digitalised piano based pieces are still truly excellent and relevant to gaming. This is because the music Kondo writes is fun, upbeat and highly emotive. Youtube “Koji Kondo – The Legend of Zelda Medley” and you’ll see what I mean. Ah, the memories come flooding back to the days of lazily sitting at home glued to the N64 without a care in the world. Now there’s war and shit. #2 Harry Gregson-Williams & Norihiko Hibino This pair of composers have redefined their genre and raised the bar for videogame soundtracks to a whole new level. British GregsonWilliams has written soundtracks for a number of films including Kingdom of Heaven and The Chronicles of Narnia, whilst Hibino has received numerous musical composition awards for his work in videogame soundtracks. The
pair also wrote the scores for a series of little-known games from Japan called Metal Gear Solid. I thought Snake Eater was accompanied by one of the most breathtaking videogame soundtracks of all time. That was until I played Guns of the Patriots. I mean, seriously, how fucking good is the music in that game?! The ambient in-game music is riddled with tension and strain, whilst the cut-scene pieces are absolutely mind-blowing in their sheer scale. A modern classic. #1 Nobuo Uematsu Whether or not you appreciate the games this man composes for, his talent for composition is undeniable. One of the most prolific writers in the industry, and without a doubt one of the most respected and widely praised, Uematsu is a veteran of the videogame community. I can’t begin to explain how many hours of my life were spent playing Final Fantasy VIII as a kid, but my guess is that I’d be Ronnie Coleman if I’d spent the time doing sit-ups instead. The Final Fantasy games are an acquired taste but I could quite happily just sit and listen to the musical scores by myself in a darkened room. For days. Without eating. Uematsu seamlessly blends classical piano and violin melodies with often racy percussion and crunchy electric guitar riffs to create an unusual mix of suspense, happy-go-lucky action and impending doom. Youtube “Liberi Fatali” and then ask yourself how Danny Elfman still has a career.
Set in the 1930s in the fictional city of Lost Heaven, which was modelled on the Chicago, New York and New Jersey of the time, Mafia made its mark with its sandbox gameplay and the engrossing nature of the plot. It managed to create an engaging and enjoyable plot based on the best gangster films out there, including The Godfather trilogy, Goodfellas and Once Upon a Time in America. It is a shining achievement for a 2002 game to pass itself off as an interactive film whereby you actually develop a vested interest in the characters. The Grand Theft Auto series with its sandbox nature was fun but you didn’t really care for the characters, they were just faceless thugs. Even GTAIV’s Niko Bellic feels plasticky and simplistic next to Tommy Angelo. Mafia also made perfect use of cut-scenes to progress the story in a way many modern games have forgotten. No silly ‘take the girl
bowling’ as a crappy side mission, just beautifully animated and voice acted segments. The plot aside the game was also inventive and challenging in gameplay terms. Here crashes in cars could damage your health and so the game’s high speed chases (at speeds of up to 80 miles per hour!) took on an added sense of thrill. It also brought realism forward in encounters with the police; run a red light and an officer will pursue you. Stop in time and you can pay a fine without any further trouble, it is a small thing but added an important aspect to gameplay. Walking down the street with a gun drawn and the police will take notice, a baseball bat and no one cares. Gameplay mechanics draw you into the world and make it that much more believable. The love and level of detail in Mafia shone through with the large selection of cars. All were capable of being damaged from their engines
overheating to tires coming off and had their unique sounds and handling, from the roaring V8s to the cutesy cabs. Ironically though one of Mafia’s greatest weaknesses was the infamous race track mission. Told to race, you had little option but to swear and grit your teeth as time and time again you aimed for first place. Though a ‘cheat’ was possible it was infuriating.Yet this flaw was overshadowed by great set pieces such as shootouts in a church and liquor deals gone wrong in car parks. Of course the game also had its more sandbox side with the option to simply wreak 1930s-style havoc upon the citizens of Lost Heaven with your Thompson sub-machine gun. With its successor due out later this year, set in the 1950s, the original is well worth checking out.
Steve Font
Dominic Small VideoGame Editor
29
Videogames
Exeposé wEEK fourteen games@exepose.com
Bayonetta
I Hate Videogames
Ubisoft: Xbox 360, PS3
German folklore tells of the existence of what is commonly known as the ‘doppelgänger’; an ominous, shadowy mirror of oneself glimpsed in the peripheral vision, usually a harbinger of doom or misfortune. However, though fans of Devil May Cry (and its respective sequels) may wish to keep their eyes peeled - seeing as Bayonetta is very much the She-Ra to its metaphorical He-Man - the title’s arrival is hardly a malevolent omen, but rather a gleefully absurd rollercoaster ride laced with a delicious sense of brevity and rarely making any sense whatsoever. However, as frequently inexplicable as the plot is – which follows an amnesiac witch covered in hair fighting a hideous army of gibbering angels – the gameplay is reasonably simple. The player is given a joystick to move, the ability to punch, kick and shoot using as many buttons as possible and a vast array of combos and special moves to seek out and master. Indeed, perhaps what impresses most (at least initially) about the game is how refreshingly
Avatar
accessible it is; controls are simple but have depth, some attacks easily unleashed through sheer buttonbashing while other attacks require more skill and precision timing. Furthermore, the game does add some rather interesting and certainly enjoyable innovations, one being its ‘Witch Time’ feature, unleashed when Bayonetta dodges an attack, which slows down time Matrix-style and allows you to rapidly attack your bemused opponents. It’s a simple addition, however it does lend the game some surprising depth in allowing the player a choice in how they play the game; do you wage an all-out offensive, or do you go on the defensive, dodging and jumping until you get the chance to go all Hiro Nakamura on them? Credit where credit’s due; Platinum Games have implemented the system extremely well, and it perfectly complements the title’s frantic gameplay. However it is for their sheer showmanship that I feel the developers should be praised; these are people who obviously want to lend their game a certain feel, mood and character and so should rightfully gain some respect from this. The character and art design is superb, particularly impressive being the angelic antagonists, bathed as they are in a wonderfully twisted aesthetic of Judeo-Christian imagery. Likewise, the game has a superb (and particularly
Ubisoft: Multi-format
So, this is a film tie-in. Those don’t exactly have a stellar record. Yet, Avatar looks promising. At heart, it’s a third-person action game, but the real focus has been put on being allowed to explore areas of Pandora, interacting with a world that was so aweinspiring on the big screen. Interestingly, a moral choice early on branches the game into two separate campaigns. In one you side with the destructive, all round eeeevil humans, while the other path leads you to defending the noble,
oppressed Na’vi. Whether you explore the game as a ten foot blue native, or a marine with a machine gun, it will have a dramatic impact upon the experience. You will spend most of your time running from point A to point B, in order to kill some enemies, or recover an item, before moving on for further instructions. You run, guided down mostly linear paths, through the forest. As a human, everything in the forest wants to kill you, including the plants, and the game actually does a grand job
Ranting
Japanese) soundtrack, even if the endlessly repeated ‘Fly Me to the Moon’ indicates that Platinum Games have been watching far too much Neon Genesis Evangelion. Superb voice acting (tongues always lodged firmly in cheek), ridiculous Grindhouse-esque cut-scenes as well as stunning graphics and effects round off an excellent, stylised package. However, whilst levels are intricately carved and surprisingly detailed, Bayonetta is in fact a very linear game; one can’t escape the feeling of simply following a path and triggering off (admittedly outstanding) set-pieces, not helped by the game’s unfortunate tendency towards repetition. Nonetheless, I would argue that it is this linearity which lends Bayonetta its particular goofy charm and was very much one of the developers’ intentions. As I mentioned at the beginning of this
review, the game is a rollercoaster ride, packed as it is with peaks and troughs, innumerable thrills and moments of mad genius matched by a dogging familiarity which is numbing when played for too long in a single sit-through but largely unnoticeable when sampled in small doses. Bayonetta is fundamentally, ironically enough for a game centred around witchcraft, enchanting. It certainly does have its flaws but the game’s frantic structure, accessible gameplay and addictive impression ensure that the overall experience is giddying, if perhaps slightly more than the sum of its parts. Highly recommended.
of making you feel the hostility of the environment. As Na’vi, the maps feel smaller, and you are more in control. The problem comes with so much of the environment being barren of anything to interact with. Exploration yields next to no rewards as there is simply nothing to find, and so you discover yourself simply sprinting down narrow paths, hurrying with all your speed towards your next objective. Reaching said objective will almost inevitably mean being thrust into combat, and this is probably the game’s weakest area. As Na’vi, close combat works using one button. One. There are no combos, no different attacks, all you can do is run towards humans and hammer that one button. Unless you decide to go with ranged weaponry, which both sides can enjoy. These feel far too weak for the majority of the game; most enemies able to soak up huge numbers of bullets. Linear objectives reward you with pre-set experience points, unlocking predetermined upgrades. This all feels so unsatisfying. The game has its own ‘original’ story, which is truly horrible. It serves as
nothing other than an excuse for your endless run of fetch-quests. It doesn’t fit with the narrative of the movie, let alone explain or develop anything. The avatar program is never given depth, nor the mysterious unobtanium. In fact, the entire plot feels like an incredibly poorly written fanfic. Avatar however does have some more ambitious elements. Inside the main campaign is a ‘conquest’ mode, a simplistic version of Risk where you attempt to win control of the planet for your faction. Sadly, this is almost completely detached from the main game. It serves as a pleasing distraction, though not one which presents much of a challenge. There’s also a minimalistic multiplayer mode, which is reliant on those weak combat mechanics, has very few users, and as such not worth much time. The game also supports 3D, but this requires a 3D capable TV, a rarity at the moment. As it is, all these extra elements feel rushed and incomplete. The saving grace for Avatar is not the gameplay, or the plot, but the atmosphere. Largely, it’s the fact that Pandora was so exciting on the big
8/10 james mcmeekin Editor
Recently, whilst scouring the internet for recent and upcoming releases worth a shit, I found very little. I was hoping that I would be compelled to start calling up PR companies for copies of something that ignited at least a morsel of inspiration in me, but the shovelware-ridden swamp that is the modern videogames market did little to alleviate my disappointment with, well, everything. I did notice a few familiar names in the bunch - I was hopeful upon seeing a Bethesda release, but I was quickly disappointed to find that it had already garnered unanimous damnation, even from a games press that I ordinarily find far too forgiving. The next familiar name for me was Max Payne 3, and were I more naïve, I might have been excited. This naïve doppelgänger would soon be crestfallen, as Max Payne 3 has been delayed, and I’m not talking about a two week delay, I’m talking about a one fucking year delay - pretty much wading into vaporware territory. Luckily, as I lack said naïveté, I can take some comfort in this could-be cancellation, as this latest instalment in the excellent Max Payne series is not attached to previous author Sam Lake, nor original developer Remedy Entertainment. Instead, Rockstar have their mitts on it, and have released artwork for it identical to the artwork for Grand Theft Auto IV. A round of applause for the cashcows, folks. ALEX BENNETT VIDEOGAMES EDITOR
screen, for this carries over. Every time you ride a blue direhorse, or fly a scorpion gunship, there is a sense of excitement to all this. Pandora is a fantastic place, and the opportunity to run around this world for the ten hours or so your chosen path will take, is one with many wonderful vistas and great moments. Climbing the floating mountains, so you can reach your first flight on the bird-like Banshee, provides a joy that Pandora was built to present. It is a great setting for a videogame. It’s a shame this is not a great videogame for the setting. While the gameplay is extremely basic, and the story terrible, the game still maintains a charm. There is fun to be had. Although, to be honest, how much fun you can have in this respect is dependent on your love for the movie. Pandora itself can be so exciting, and yet Avatar is an average game, which at no stage does anything to break expectations. 6/10 Iain dawson
Nominations Open: 12 January 2010 – 12 February 2010 http://elections.ex.ac.uk/guild Voting: 19 February 2010 – 26 February 2010 http://elections.ex.ac.uk/guild
For more information on the elections, or to ask any questions please email SEO@guild.ex.ac.uk
building a new team:
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Drop-In Session
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Drop-In Session
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all drop-in sessions are in the G.I.Hub (first floor of Devonshire House, next to the JCR and the Works.) http://elections.ex.ac.uk/guild
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Sport
january 25 2010
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2009 was a spectacular year for sport full of heroes and villains. Rory McIlroy had a sensational year establishing himself on the PGA tour. Golf was stunned when Tiger Woods became embroiled in a sex scandal. His good friend Roger Federer finally won the French Open, becoming the greatest Tennis player of all time with 15 Grand Slams. Ricky Hatton’s career hit the canvas, but Britain had a new boxing Champion in David Haye. Jessica Ennis was one of many who stormed to success in the World Athletics Championships as she won Gold for the Heptathlon but the Semenya row caused worldwide controversy. Rugby was hit by the embarrassing ‘Bloodgate’ scandal in which Tom Williams and Dean Richards have been hit with heavy bans. Formula One graced Britain with another World Champion, Jenson Button, but was not exempt from controversy thanks to the ‘Crashgate’ scandal involving Flavio Briatore. Mark Cavendish broke the record for the number of stage wins for a British cyclist in the Tour de France. English Cricket had a year to remember as England’s women won the World Cup and the men regained the Ashes. Let’s hope 2010 is as good!
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Exeposé week fourteen sport@exepose.com
South Africa Tour Ratings
Is the F.A. Cup hot or not?
Football
Andrew Bloss Senior Sport Correspondent
The F.A. Cup. England’s most prestigious Cup competition. The competition which can pit the Davids against the Goliaths. The competition which means so much to so many. The competition which captures the imagination of the nation. Or perhaps not. Does the F.A. cup really matter to clubs anymore? If we look at
the teams in the lower echelons of the Premier League, what is more important to them; a stab in the dark at silverware or fighting tooth and nail for Premiership survival? The attendance at Wigan’s cup tie against Hull City - 5,335 for the record, with one stand even remaining shut – probably answers that question. However, this stat. wasn’t in isolation. There were a host of games, ranging from Portsmouth to Middlesborough that suffered from
half full stadia. So what on earth is going on? Is the F.A Cup going from superiority to mediocrity? Perhaps fans are becoming too greedy nowadays. For a Leeds supporter or a Reading supporter, the third round was a great day out. It showed, as many would say, “the magic of the F.A. Cup.” Is this what England’s most historic cup competition has come to now, relying on the glamour ties? I’m not going to lie, as a Crystal Palace fan the F.A. Cup certainly
Strauss- 5 Cook- 7 Trott- 4 Pietersen- 3
Collingwood-8 Bell- 7 Prior- 4 Broad- 7
Swann- 9 Anderson-7 Onions- 7 Sidebottom-6
Sport
doesn’t have much magic when your recent previous cup opponents are Northampton, Preston, Swindon, Leicester and Watford. I am sure there are various supporters who feel the same way. With purse strings tighter than ever, who is really going to pay to see a ‘bog standard’ game when prices are high and there is probably a more entertaining spectacle on TV? This year, the weather certainly didn’t help. If you aren’t going to pay £20 to see Wigan vs Hull, you certainly aren’t tempted to part with your money when there is several feet of snow to plough through. If I’m being honest, as soon as Alex Ferguson pulled Manchester United out of the cup back in 2000, the competition was undermined in a big way. The most experienced and successful manager in the country, pulled his team out to concentrate on other priorities and that set a precedent. From being a cup that for many was the be all and end all, turned into an unwelcome distraction. However, despite all of this, there is still something in me which admires this competition. When I see clubs like Bradford have sold 10,000 odd tickets to play Cheltenham, this shows that many clubs are still chasing the dream. Writing this before the fourth round, there are some great fixtures. It may be easy to neglect the F.A. Cup - and I will hold my hands up and say that I have happily not cared about what happens - but do that at your peril. The F.A. Cup has a funny way of biting back when it’s been knocked down. Just ask a Manchester United fan.
England Swann away victory Cricket
Joe Ridge Sport Correspondent
After England capitulated to the awesome pace and accuracy of Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel for the second time in four days in Johannesburg, Andrew Strauss and his side are left to ponder a series that has resulted in a creditable draw, but one that has also highlighted many chinks in England’s armour. Although England were destroyed by what is without question the best new-ball attack in world cricket, the Wanderers pitch again exposed the struggles England often have when trying to bowl out top sides. The exclusion of Graham Onions in favour of Ryan Sidebottom was a gamble that failed. One has to feel for Onions as the Wanderers
track would have suited his style of bowling, and although his series figures are not flattering, the Durham seamer consistently troubled South Africa’s top order in the first three tests. Graham Swann has been fantastic, yet the seam attack of Anderson, Onions and Broad is one that produces consistency and variety but lacks a strike bowler. 6ft 8in 20-year old Middlesex seamer Steve Finn should be considered and the inclusion of Yorkshire paceman Ajmal Shahzad for the tour of Bangladesh shows that the selectors realise that this is an area that needs to be adressed. England’s top six batsmen failed more often than not in South Africa. The key figures of Strauss, Trott and Pietersen have all had poor tours and Matt Prior isn’t contributing enough as a wicketkeeper-batsmen, he
now has Steven Davies and the newly qualified Craig Kieswetter breathing down his neck. The fact that Graham Swann, England’s number nine, was their fourth best batsmen tells a story in itself. Ironically it was those in the poorest form who performed best with the bat. Alastair Cook and Ian Bell both contributed to a match-winning first innings total in Durban and both looked in good nick thereafter. The problems for England’s top order are one’s that can only be solved by individual application rather than selection tinkering, and the insurance policy of having the immovable Paul Collingwood in the middle-order should allow Trott and Pietersen time to find their form, just as Bell has done before them. Despite the points for improvement noted, there are many positives to take from the
tour. When the dust has settled, a drawn series away against a side who are only a decent spinner away from being the best test outfit in the world is a decent end result. I’m sure that privately Andy Flower and Strauss would have taken that before the series began, especially when one considers the impressive one-day series win. England have demonstrated a fantastic fighting spirit throughout the tour of South Africa, and despite individual improvements being needed, the net team performance was good. The dogged resilience of Paul Collingwood, Ian Bell and Graham Onions will be remembered for years to come, and there is certainly the talent within the current squad waiting in the wings to allow England to build on what was a brilliant 2009 and a good start to 2010.
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january 25 2010
Murray’s Musings...
AU President Tom Murray
Welcome back all you sports lovers. The weather may be cold, wet and snowy, with no one really wanting to go outside, but the BUCS championship is just about reaching boiling point, with teams only having a couple of games left to help them reach BUCS glory. We have several teams in tight positions in their leagues, looking for promotion. One of these being the Netball Firsts who have a crucial game this Wednesday vs Gloucester 1s (who they drew with at home) to see who will top their group. Another group deciding game will take place this Wednesday January 27 in Streatham sports hall, where our Men’s First team Basketball will be taking on Cardiff in what is set to be the game of the season. Exeter is currently top of the group with Cardiff a couple of points behind, with the winner of this game taking the title. Having spoken to Henry Conrad, club captain, he and all the boys are hoping for a big crowd to cheer them on. They have enlisted the help of Exeter Emerald Cheerleaders who will be cheering at the game. If you would like to come along and support
the basketball and the cheerleaders in what is set to be one of the best games of the season, the tip off will be 5pm in the sports hall; please come along and support the green machine! However if cold and snowy is just the conditions you thrive in and a couple of feet of fresh powder is your ideal day of fun, or even if you have never tried skiing or snowboarding before but have always thought you would love to, then the Snowsports Easter trip is definatly one for you; there is no better time to learn that than at uni and at a price that you will not find cheaper! Snowsports are heading out to Val Thorens (VT) in France and the three valleys (the biggest ski area in Europe) from April 9 -17, with all transport paid for, great accommodation in the centre of VT, a 6 day lift pass and with a whole host of night time activities planned, this could be the best week of your lives. Tickets are on sale for only £369, to book your ticket before they all sell out go to www.exetersnowsports.com. Finally our team of the week this week is not a team pushing for promotion, but a team locked in a battle for survival. The Football First team are hovering over the drop zone for demotion from the premiership; however a very spirited 4-1 victory over Hertfordshire last Wednesday has left them needing a win in the return leg to secure premiership football next year. What is set to be a cracking finish to the season, Jack Allman’s boys have set the last game up to be a season decider.
Hats off to Wonder Watson Football
Tom Vinten Sport Correspondent
Last Wednesday saw the EUAFC 1st Team, languishing dangerously near the foot of the BUCS Premier South table, make the arduous 400 mile round trip to the University of Hertfordshire in a must-win fixture to maintain their aspirations of playing Premier League football next season. Unsurprisingly, after arriving at the ground half an hour before kickoff, Exeter had to soak up a sizeable amount of early Hertfordshire pressure but managed to gain a foothold in the game after 15 minutes when Sam Taylor’s perfectly weighted through-ball found Luke Davis, who was calmness personified as he guided the ball past the despairing dive of the onrushing goalkeeper and into the bottom left hand corner of the net to give Exeter a 1-0 lead.
Hertfordshire responded positively and forced Exeter goalkeeper Tom Vinten into action as he was required to turn two shots from range around the post at full stretch. Exeter then started to settle down and play some good football and, on 30 minutes, Tom Watson doubled their goal tally with a fearsome drive from 25 yards. The score-line was to remain 2-0 until half-time. Following a passionate team talk from captain Jack Allman during the interval, Exeter came out for the second half determined to see the game through. Unfortunately quite the opposite happened as Hertfordshire got back into the contest on 55 minutes when a goal mouth scramble resulted in their striker firing home from close range. Exeter were subsequently pinned back to defending on their 18 yard line and it took another good stop from Vinten and an acrobatic goal line clearance from Matt Minett to preserve their lead.
However then came the best move of the match as, arguably against the run of play, Minett fed Sam Taylor down the right hand side who delivered what can only be described as an ‘undefendable’ ball across the six yard box for Tom Watson to stroke home at the far post to restore Exeter’s two goal advantage. The Green Machine then rounded things off in style as a delightfully deft touch from Jonathan Badrock put Watson in to complete his hat-trick with a cool left-footed finish and make it 4-1 and game, set and match to Exeter. This was undoubtedly one of the best performances of the season as the determination and passion from each member of the squad was firstclass and if this attitude and desire is sustained then there is no reason why the team cannot be victorious in their next two BUCS fixtures and, on this showing, maintain their rightful status amongst the elite footballing universities of Great Britain.
Exercising your Demons in the BUAFL
US Sport
Daniel Ericsson Sport Correspondent
Those who know me knew I couldn’t go a full term without at least one abysmal pun as a headline! I met up with Alex Berriman, Chris Appleyard, Chris Watts and Alistair Campbell from the Exeter Demons (the University American Football Team,) who are playing their first season in the British Universities American Football League – and by all accounts are looking extremely strong. Their thoughts on the season
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so far, their prospects for the future and why you should get involved are here. They all are extremely positive about the challenge of playing in the BUAFL, and have been promoted on the league website as the exciting new team to watch for this season. The team accept the difficulty of entering the league as a new team but feel they play well as a unit as well as having a lot of fun, and this should contribute to their expectations of entering the league with a winning season even at this stage. I asked the team why they had so much confidence so early given the big step-up to league play and the answer
was contributions at both end of the scale: some guys have been training with the team for several years and this has paid off at this stage with the experience these players have passed down to those more new to the sport. That said, all members of the team were keen to emphasise that the team is a meritocracy and they’re always looking for new players to contribute, with the starting lineup based solely on who can bring the most to the table. Apparently a common worry people have about getting involved with the game is they worry they’re not the right size or shape – but with the sheer variety of positions in the game and
different skillsets for each, everyone should be catered for. They’re also more than happy for anyone to come along for a “taster” session of the game to see if they like it. One thing the team are very keen to expand is the support of the club from the University as they get “bigger and better” to use their words, and hope to market the game through exciting play and providing an alternative to the rugby scene. A bit part of this will be a planned varsity game against Plymouth later in the season – a well established team who have been part of the BUAFL for a number of years and a obviously geographical rivalry
candidate for Exeter! If you’d like to get involved with the society, you can do so in a number of ways: *Check the Facebook group “Exeter University American Football” for how to get involved and the match schedule *If interested in playing, you can head along to practice on the Rubber Crumb on Wednesday from 4pm. *Or if you’d just like to help out, the team are always looking for people to help out with game organization and pitch setup. *And finally, all are welcome to join the society for the Superbowl at Walkabout from 7.30 on Sunday, February 7.
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Selby Stuns Rocket Ronnie Mark Selby staged an astonishing comeback from 9-6 down to claim his second Masters title in three years to win 10-9 against world number one and four time winner of the event,
Steve Davis and Stephen Hendry popularising the sport with its heyday coming in the ‘80s to mid-’90s. Yet since then snooker has had to fight tooth and nail to keep the sport financially sound and attract new viewers to a sport with a reputation as boring. This reputation in some respects has been unfortunately justified. Whoever remembers the epically dull 2006 World Championship final between Peter Ebdon and eventual winner Graeme Dott can pay homage to that with one frame lasting over seventy minutes and even the most diehard of fans reaching for a noose. Yet it is not just the snooker that has failed to keep fans interested with both Dott and Ebdon amongst a field of players criticised for lacking personality off and around the table. Such exciting snooker in this year’s Masters would have undoubtedly pleased new World Snooker president Barry Hearn. The appointment of the sports entrepreneur begins an exciting chapter for the sport which has so desperately needed a man of Hearn’s experience and ability to revolutionise the game and take the
Exeter Ace to Premier Playoff Tennis
Joe Simpson Sport Correspondent
Exeter Men’s 1sts secured their place at the top of the league with a convincing win over Bournemouth 2nds in their penultimate league game. Following an unbeaten campaign Exeter just needed a win to guarantee winning the league, which would place them in a promotion playoff with the winners of the South-East region, ultimately deciding who will be playing premier division tennis next year. It took Exeter’s tally for the season to nine wins from nine matches, amassing 80 points from a possible 90, only encountering three singles defeats and two doubles collectively over the course of the season, from 54 matches in total. Exeter wasted little time in either of the doubles matches. Alex Parry and Chris Gardiner continued their season-long successful partnership to record a convincing 8-2 victory over the Bournemouth 1st pair. It was one-way traffic as the Exeter pair surged ahead in the first few games and never looked back, dominating the net very effectively from start to finish. Dan Preston and Joe Simpson then managed to
go one game better by thrashing their opponents 8-1 to put Exeter in a strong position going into the singles. Dan Preston in particular played some inspiring tennis on return to constantly pressurise the Bournemouth pair, and subsequently maintained his unbeaten record in the unique doubles format. Exeter had the luxury of all four indoor courts so there was no waiting around for other matches to finish, which simply meant Bournemouth’s misery wasn’t prolonged in any shape or form. Judging by many of the scores and length of matches it appeared they wanted to exit Exeter in the swiftest manner possible. Alex Parry in particular raced through his match in roughly 35 minutes whilst many of the other matches were still mid-way through their first sets. He offered just one sole game to his opponent during a 61 6-0 demolition. Chris Salisbury had stepped in for Dan Preston who was to be rested after his inspiring doubles performance and was the second man off court, with an equally dominant display, dropping just one more game during his 6-1, 6-1 victory. He used his size advantage to great effect by imposing himself at the net, often making forays forward behind his serve and even on
return to completely boss the match. Chris Gardiner and Joe Simpson had slightly tougher matches, both coming through tricky first sets before strolling to victory. It took both as long to win their first sets as it had the previous two to win their matches, perhaps suggesting something about their respective opponents’ fighting spirit. Chris Gardiner exchanged breaks of serve in the first set before eventually sneaking it 7-5. He then upped his level significantly to stroll through the second 6-1. Likewise Joe Simpson was a break down early on but managed to win a 20 minute eighth game to break back to 4-4. This seemed to suck the life out of the opponent, who only managed one more game in a 6-4 6-1 defeat. It was another positive result for the Men’s 1sts who are aiming to regain their place in the premier division. With three strong 1st year players in the five-man squad they will be looking to gain promotion to ensure strong competitive tennis next year. It’s a team which should ultimately be pushing for the championship after recording convincing 4-0 wins over Bath and Bristol 1sts in other competitions over the course of the year.
sport to the next level. The chairman of Leyton Orient F.C. has had astonishing success with his rebranding of a number of sports with his overhaul of darts as head of the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) proving Hearn’s greatest achievement yet. It is the blueprint to success here that he has adopted in the case of snooker. Hearn’s biggest task is to attract more money into the game, something that has plagued the sport since the government’s ban on tobacco advertising in 2003 with sponsors since then hard to come by. At this year’s Masters event entrance music for each player was introduced while a six-ball world championship, reducing the reds on a table from fifteen was devised last year aiming to have a similar effect as twenty20 cricket. These changes have been met with a lukewarm response. In particular, the six-ball tournament became even more tactical than the traditional format of the game as a ‘glass half empty’ approach was adopted with players seemingly more worried about losing a frame quickly than winning one in the same vein.
Snooker’s trump card, however, is the enigmatic Ronnie O’Sullivan. Hearn has signalled his intention of using the most naturally talented and controversial player in history as the sports figurehead, much like Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor in the PDC. But it will be Hearn’s aim to tease out the characters of existing players such as Neil Robertson and Stephen Maguire to create a more interactive playeraudience relationship. It will not be easy for snooker to change its appearance but if anyone can mastermind it, it’s Barry Hearn.
no.10 by Psycho. (Originally printed Dec.
Ben Townsend Sport Correspondent
Ronnie O’Sullivan. In a repeat of the previous years final, losing finalist on that occasion Selby produced a spirited performance in what proved to be one of the most exciting finals of any tournament in recent years. Snooker has been on our television screens for years with names such as Ray Reardon, Dennis Taylor,
exeposé crossword
Snooker
Across
Down
1 5 8 9 10 11 13 16 18 21 22 23 24
2 3 4
Luck (6) Prejudice author (6) Shanty (4) Sympathetic (8) Contraption (7) Curl one’s lip (5) Recklessly; Urgently (11) Dock; Quay (5) Heavy artillery (3,4) Spanish city (8) Fossil...,Nuclear...(4) Figure (6) Flog; Batter (6)
5 6 7 12 14 15 17 19 20
European country (7) Immature insect form (5) O come, O come...(Hymn) (8) Piece of land (5) School subject (7) Duck; Dodge (5) Dweller; Denizen (8) Satan (7) Baseball team (7) Ticker (5) Scrub; Errand boy (5) Smart; Pound (4)
Notes...
Crossword 4 solution - Across: 1. Christmas 7. Time 8. Mistletoe 9. And 10. Wine 12. Children 15. Singing 18. Christian 19. Rhyme. Down: 1. Camel 2. Rasputin 3. Solar 4. Methane 5. Titania 6. Lead 11. Emigrate12. Chaucer 13. Deposit 14. Anon 15. Seine 16. Imply 17. Cram.
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January 25 2010
sport
FA Cup
Andrew Bloss discusses whether the FA Cup has lost its appeal.
Who had a good or bad sporting year in 2009 - page 32
Snowsports in the Sun No.62
GRID 2: MEDIUM
GRID 1: easy
No.61
Exeposé sudoku
students, means the infamous Mountain Meal… “…with a reputation for being slightly chaotic,” Polly suggests. “It costs £25, which includes an awful lot of wine and fondue. Everyone gets really merry. There’s a little bit of nudity, and there’s other rumours...” The trip runs from April 917, with around 250 places, plus hundreds from other universities. According to Weston, it is undoubtedly “the best week of your life.”
Fill in the grid so that the numbers 1 to 9 appear in each row, each column, and each 3x3 box
IMAGINE a holiday destination that’s sunny enough for tanning, but perfect for snowsports. Val Thorens is situated at 2,300m of altitude in the French Alps, is part of the world’s largest ski area, Les3Vallees, and is the location of Exeter Snowsports Easter trip. The Snowsports club are running a nine-day extravaganza to the South of France for some of
weather. If you’re just a casual skier, they’ve got some great mountain bars. It’s mellow people skiing and catching the sun simultaneously.” With 600km of ski slopes and 183 ski lifts in the area, the 260,000 skiers per hour aren’t exactly complaining. Val Thorens is equally known for its nightlife. Club Malaysia, a ‘snow bowl’ underground venue is apparently the biggest club in the Alps. Then there’s the Mountain Restaurant, which for Exeter
No. 63
Adam Walmesley News Editor
the world’s best snow slopes, and biggest nightlife in the Alps. Cost: £369. Memories: Priceless? Club Captain, Polly Weston and Vice Captain, Emily Allen are keen advocates. Allen says, “If you’re ever going to do snowsports, university is the time. We really want to encourage beginners to come.” The resort offer 10 hours of lessons with a qualified instructor for around £100. Weston is emphatic about the holiday-style of the trip: “The time of year means it’s sunbathing
GRID 3: hard
Snowsports
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Page 33
Football
Alex Sharp Sports Editor
A sell-out crowd at St James Park on February 16 were treated to an incredible result thanks to a brace from Ryan Harley, inflicting only a second defeat of the season on Leeds United. Leeds United arrived in Devon on an astonishing run of form. Top of League One and having pulled off one of the most noticeable FA Cup shocks in recent years by winning at Manchester United. On the other hand, Exeter City have been struggling for points and are dicing with the relegation zone. However, Exeter started brightly, not letting their superior opponents any time on the ball and capitalised within four minutes. A sweeping move across the pitch saw Tully in ample room to pick out Harley who headed into the top corner unchallenged. The goal was symptomatic of the early period, where Exeter played superb-flowing football and crossed early. As the half progressed Leeds began to assert themselves in the match. City had to soak up a lot of pressure despite dominating; Leeds failed to conjure up any serious chances. Leeds star man Jermaine Beckford was kept quiet by City’s resolute defending. The only glimpse of his talent came after 45 minutes, trying an audacious attempt to lob keeper Paul Jones from 40 yards out. It was Leeds’ first shot on target in a miserable half for the high flying away side. Leeds came out of the dressing room a much improved side with Beckford forcing several sharp saves from Jones. Simon Grayson’s side began to get frustrated by failing to break down Exeter’s solid defence and tempers flared with a succession of bookings. Leeds looked the more likely to score until Ryan Harley drifted in off the left to curl in a sensational drive into the roof of the net from 25 yards on 83 minutes. St James’ Park erupted into pandemonium. City stood firm six minutes of extra time and thoroughly deserved the three points. Manager Paul Tisdale added after the game, “It should be a standard we set ourselves but that is difficult week in week out... I think it was the first competitive sell-out here for a few years, since Manchester United visit, so I’m thrilled for everyone involved.”
ISSUE 20 MONDAY 25TH JANUARY 2010
The Review
Students tell us their thoughts on the new website 3
What's on?
Events and Gig listings 4
REBOOTED Celebrating the launch of the new Students' Guild website! 2
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Richard Stearn tells us why having a new Guild website is so important for our students
Richard Stearn Students' Guild President
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hen Tim Berners-Lee first considered the concept of the internet in 1980, while working for CERN, little could he have known of the development that would occur over the next three decades. CERN may have moved on to create the world largest particle accelerator but the internet has moved to the pinnacle that is the new Students’ Guild website. The Students’ Guild website first came into existence in 1995 when the internet was still a very novel concept. The Guild Vice-Chair, who was also a computer science student, was the inspiration behind these few pages hosted on the University server. In 1996 this concept grew into a site hosted on a separate server and the ability for a wide range of students to create their own content. You can see this original website here: http:// xmedia.ex.ac.uk/xpedia/ images/1/13/1996_lrg. png. The next big event was the creation of the Guild Media Team in 1999. This was combined with a redesign and expansion of the capabilities that the website had, meaning a regularly updated, informative and logical site. Ironically, given recent events, a hacker attack on the Guild Website the following year led to creation of a new website to replace it, X-Net. Over the next few years X-Net went from strength to strength until in 2006 the decision was made for the Guild website
to become a separate entity. This was met with some opposition but the advantages of separating the student run site and the Guild site were clear. X-Net became X-Media, a brilliant site combining all the student medias as well as its own content. The Guild enlisted a company called BAM to create a website similar to those of other student unions. Since the split there has been plenty of feedback on the Guild website and this came to a head in the huge General Meeting we had in the LEH in November 2008 when 818 students voted to commission the Guild to either radically overhaul the site or create a new one. Following this an online
poll showed that only 20% better layout, more visuals, of people actually liked the a better societies section and easier navigation. website. The next task was to make the thing and for that job we found Iron Star Media, run by former democratic services coordinator John Wordsworth. His experience with the Guild, knowledge of IT and track record in designing the Online Voting System made his company stand out from the seven others that pitched to build the site. After lots of planning and consultation Further research was and some great design work done both in the form of an we are now ready to launch online questionnaire and a the new Guild Website. paper survey which proved From today the first pretty conclusive. Combined version of the website will with a focus group the be available for everybody to demands were simple; more use. Having seen it already I up to date information, a can promise an improvement
"only 20% of people actually liked the website"
Send your work to the print shop online
Customise your backgrounds
Move info boxes around or hide them to see what you want, when you want
almost unfathomable 12 months ago. When fully up and running the website will prove a vital tool in communicating with students, managing out resources and allow a far greater scope for online activity.
"it should also eradicate that massive queue for the cash point!"
My favourite function is the ability to sign up to societies online. This will allow a far greater access to all the wonderful activity that societies do for people who either don’t attend the squash or who are unable to reach their chosen society through the melee. Hopefully it should also eradicate that massive queue for the cash point! However the version now available is only the Beta (trial). Through a series of consultations over the next few months we are going to make sure that this website works for everybody. So please check it out and given us your opinion as it’s only with your help that we can make Tim proud!
*USTINA 6ITONYTE ND YEAR I think that the overall look of the site is much better; it's easier to navigate around and cleaner to look at. I especially like that you will be able to sign up to soceties online, that's a fantastic idea, and being able to buy things from the student shop is better too. I found it hard to work out how to get back to the homepage though, it isn't immediately obvious that you have to click on the Guild logo- maybe a 'home' button would be helpful? I loved playing with the backgrounds and being able to delete news about things I'm not interested in is brilliant.
My Rating: (ENRY 7HITE ST YEAR This is much more clear and concise than the old website, it's easy to navigate and I like the colour scheme. It's much less 'messy' to look at. The drop down menu is a bit confusing which can sometimes be a bit of an issue, and I wasn't sure how to get back to the homepage until I was told, but it's generally good. I'd definitely rather use this site than the old one, and I think that new students will be able to find their way around it easily too. There are still a few kinks but I'm sure they'll be worked out.
My Rating:
,AILA +HAN TH YEAR The new features are really exciting, I'll definitely be sending my work to the Print shop in advance to avoid the queues and ordering my lunch online too! It looks a lot neater and it's more obvious where to find things, but I'm not sure about the look of the events calendar. I think that once all the new features are online and running- like the sabbatical blogs and all the events listings, it'll be a fantastic website! Much better than the old one.
My Rating:
OVERALL RATING: 4/5
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MONDAYS 4pm - 5pm German Society: Advanced Conversation Class Long Lounge, DH A great opportunity to practise your spoken German with native speakers in an informal and friendly atmosphere. Suitable for German undergraduates. Contact alt204@ex.ac.uk for more details. 7pm-7.45pm Folk Society: Folk Music Session JCR, DH An opportunity to play traditional folk tunes. All instruments welcome. Also see our slower music session on Fridays. Contact cgb203@ex.ac. uk for more details. 8.30 pm- 10pm Folk Society: Folk Dancing JCR, DH Come and try some traditional english folk dancing with Folk Soc, one of Exeter’s longest running societies. No partner needed. No experience necessary.Contact cgb203@ex.ac.uk for more details. 8:30pm Community Action:Pub QuizRam, DH Pub Quiz hosted by CA. Prizes include exciting vouchers from Dominoes and the Black Horse. Tickets £1 per person, half of which is charitably donated to CA and its volunteering projects. Prizes up for grabs include five Domino’s Pizza vouchers, five drinks from the Black Horse, a bottle of wine and a healthy cash sum is up for grabs. Contact cafundraising@ex.ac.uk for more details.
TUESDAYS 5pm - 6pm German Society: Beginner/ Intermediate Conversation Class Long Lounge, DH A great opportunity to practise your spoken German with native speakers in an informal and friendly atmosphere. Suitable for those wishing to speak German outside of their degree. Contact alt204@ex.ac. uk for more details.
6:45pm - 9:45pm Dancesport Society: Latin and Ballroom Lessons Hope Hall Dining Room Latin and Ballroom Lessons taught by a former world champion. No previous experience necessary for our beginner lessons. 6:45pm -7:30pm: Beginners Latin. 7:30pm -8:15pm: Beginner Ballroom. 8:15pm - 9pm: Novice and Intermediate Latin. 9pm - 9:45pm: Novice and Intermediate Ballroom. Email slc215@ex.ac.uk
WEDNESDAYS
1pm Amnesty International Meeting Freddie Mercury Suite, CH Amnesty’s weekly meeting, during which we plan our campaigns and fundraising events and take action on contemporary Human Rights issues. See www. exeteramnestystudents.co.uk for more details. 7pm Buddhist & Meditation Society: Meditation Evening Various Locations Come and experience Meditation every week with our excellent speakers. Each session costs £2 for non-members but is free to members (membership is £4). Held in various locations. Contact exeter. meditation@gmail.com for details of rooms and speakers. 7:30pm - 9pm Nooma Long Lounge, DH Exploring the relevance of Jesus and the Bible in contemporary society, looking at ‘building the foundations for a brighter future’ open to all. 8pm onwards Xpression FM presents Open Mic Night Lemon Grove, CH A free and fun evening. All new and returning acts welcome, come along at the beginning of the night to sign up. www.xpressionfm.com.
THURSDAYS
4:30pm - 6:30pm World Music Choir: Rehearsal
Knightley Seminar Room Come and join the World Music Choir for a fun rehearsal singing songs from around the world £2 members £4 non-members. Contact worldmusicchoir@yahoo. com for more details. 5pm onwards Poker Lemon Grove, CH 7pm - 10pm Dancesport Society: Salsa Lessons Hope Hall Dining Room 7pm - 7:50pm:Beginners class (beginners footwork and partner work). 7:50pm - 8pm:Practice time. 8pm - 8:50pm:Improvers class (a more challenging routine for those more confident with their salsa).8:50pm - 9pm: Practice time.9pm - 10pm:Intermediate class (for those wanting a much more challenging class,both with footwork, styling and turn patterns).Contact slc215@ex.ac.uk for more details. 8.30pm - 10pm Japanese Society The Lemon Grove Bar The Japanese Society's regular meeting; come along for a friendly chat!
FRIDAYS 1-2pm Arabic Conversation Classes Seminar Room 2, IAIS Colloquial Arabic conversation classes. Mainly Levantine dialect, incorporating some Egyptian. Anyone welcome! Contact kjm205@ ex.ac.uk for more details. 6pm onwards Free Fun Friday Ram Bar, DH Enjoy all the games in the Ram for Free from 6pm, as well as promotional drinks offers every Friday! 6:30pm Folk Society: Beginners’ Folk Music Session Claydon (behind Knightley) Come along and join in with a slow informal folk music session. All instruments and abilities welcome! We also teach instruments from scratch. Contact cgb203@ex.ac.uk for more details. 7:30pm Debating Society:Friday Debate Parker Moot Room,Amory The Debating Society’s weekly show debate,check the Debsoc Facebook group each week for the motion.Contact cf256@ex.ac.uk for more details.
SUNDAYS 8pm onwards RAG Quiz Lemon Grove, CH
Produced by Stuart Smith and Meri Wills. © 2010 University of Exeter Students’ Guild.
MONDAY, 25TH JANUARY 7pm 'Comedy and Cocktails' Open Mic Night Tickets £3 Contact RAG office for more details.
TUESDAY, 26TH JANUARY
12pm-3pm Mix Tape Exchange Lemon Grove, CH Exchange your CD and win prizes as you swap. 6.30pm & 9pm Campus Cinema: An EducationFilm Screening M&D Room £1.50 for members, £3.00 for non-members 7.30pm Tues-Sat Footlights Society: Guys & Dolls Northcott Theatre Broadway Smash Hit Musical. 26th - 30th Jan, Exeter Northcott. Theatre Box Office 01392 493 493 or www.exetertickets.co.uk 9pm RAGS to Riches Clubnight Arena £3, SOCIETY CARDS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED ON THIS NIGHT.
WEDNESDAY, 27TH JANUARY
5.30pm Arab and Islamic Studies: 'A Thousand days in Kibul' Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies Italian Diplomat Nicola Minasi will speak of his experience working in Kabul. 7.30pm Murder Mystery: 'Murder at Berryham Stables' Roborough 1 £2.50 per person to enter with max 5 per team. Price includes nibbles but as there is no bar, please feel free to bring your own drinks. ONLY 50 TICKETS AVAILABLE!
THURSDAY, 28TH JANUARY 12pm-6pm Sweet Sale Lemon Grove, CH 6pm Amnesty: Give a Damn Dance Reed Hall Amnesty, Stop Aids, Gender Equality and Unicef societies join forces to bring you this year’s best charity ball! All event profits go to charity! Performances from Gift for a Ghost Town, James Dixon, and DJ sets ffrom LoFi HiFi, a buffet banquet, society party bags... what more could you want!
7pm 'til late 'Where's Wally?' three-legged Bar Crawl. Lemon Grove, Black Horse, Timepiece, Coolings, ExShed, Mama Stones and Rococos. Tickets £4, T-Shirts £7. Both for £10
FRIDAY, 29TH JANUARY
New Event for RAG LOST Secret location Students are taken to a secret location for an epic clubnight Friday, fundraising and pub crawl Saturday to then hitch home on Sunday. £25price includes accomodation, queue jump club entry and a goody bag worth over £10! Boy/Boy or Boy/Girl partnerships only.
SUNDAY, 31ST JANUARY
6.30pm & 9pm Campus Cinema: ZombielandFilm Screening M&D Room £1.50 for members, £3.00 for non-members
TUESDAY, 2ND FEBRUARY 12pm-2pm General Meeting Lemon Grove 7.30pm (&2.30pm Sat) EUTCo's 'Harvey Northcott Theatre 6pm & 9pm Campus Cinema: There Will be Blood- Film Screening M&D Room £1.50 for members, £3.00 for non-members 6pm doors open, 7pm start RAG Fashion Show Great Hall (again on weds)
SUNDAY, 7TH FEBRUARY 6.30pm & 9pm Campus Cinema: The Men Who Stare At Goats- Film Screening M&D Room £1.50 for members, £3.00 for non-members
Don't forget to apply to be on the 2010 welcome week! Email Joy Taylor on j.l.taylor@exeter.ac.uk or visit The Works website and follow the links!
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Virus cripples campus
Monday January 25 2010 Week 14
Free and Impartial. Your paper, your views, your voice.
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Exeposé
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Adam Walmesley News Editor
COMPUTER experts were unable to prevent a computer virus causing a week of disruption at Exeter University. Thousands of computers, staff telephone lines and other internetbased systems were rendered useless when the University disconnected itself from the I.T. network to restrict the spread of the infection. The extreme decision was taken by University Senior Management on Monday January 18, following the discovery of a serious virus that may have been a deliberate attack. I.T. staff were unable to identify the source of the virus or isolate its source, but deemed it safe to restart most of the network by Wednesday afternoon. The University was unable to estimate the cost of the network shutdown. Stuart Franklin, University Director of Communication, said, “We may have been deliberately targeted or just unlucky. It would be difficult to assign a cost, but productivity has certainly been reduced.” The network termination caused widespread disruption across all three campuses at Streatham, St Luke’s and Tremough. Hundreds of students had essay deadlines extended by the University, because they were unable to log onto electronic resources or submit work via the BART system. Lectures were also disrupted, because high-tech resources were unusable, and some students were unable to access their timetables. Stuart Franklin commented “Teaching effectively went back to chalk and blackboard.” Library catalogues and online resources were only available off campus, although staff set up a manual scheme for the lending and returning of books. Many students were unaware they could still return books during the
centre Exeposé highlights the highpoints of the past ten years of Exeter-based student journalism
The virus completely shut down IT services on campus . Photo by Dominic Small. period, so any fines sustained during the shut-down period were waived. Stuart Franklin explained why the virus could not be removed from the system. He said, “None of our current virus protection systems could deal with the problem. Obviously we have I.T. staff, but I.T. is not one of our specialist departments. There is no ‘off the shelf’ solution.” Franklin admitted that the University were unsure of the virus source. He said, “We haven’t discovered a smoking gun, but these people are very good at covering their tracks.” A spokesman for AVG Security Company, who were working with the University on the problem, commented “There are so many points of entry for any virus. It is difficult to entirely protect the network.” By Wednesday 95% of the network was back online, and by Friday everything was almost back to normal
with ResNet running on a limited service. Staff urged students to get their laptops checked before attempting to re-connect to the network. They even requested the help of I.T.-literate students to examine computers. By Friday afternoon, 2000 students had attended laptop clinics across campus. Among those students given
“We haven’t discovered a smoking gun, but these people cover their tracks” Stuart
Franklin,
University
Director of Communications a week-long extension to their assignment deadlines were students in the departments of HuSS and Sports Science. One third year Law student expressed surprise at the length of their
extension. He commented, “A whole week was extravagant, considering the problem struck one day before our deadline, and was working again soon after. It was unfair on those who had already completed the assignment.” Students staying in Halls of Residence were unable to access ResNet until Thursday evening. Eleanor Busby, a first year student in Lafrowda said “We couldn’t access the emails, so we found out through word of mouth on campus. People were playing board games and even doing their course reading, because they didn’t have internet.” She added, “It’s been a frustrating week, but the University dealt with the problem quickly and efficiently.” The University say they have learnt from the experience. Stuart Franklin said, “It shows how we are all reliant on computers. It’s been a difficult week, and a turbulent start to the year.”
lifestyle investigates the merits of bumbags, National Trust sites in the South West and contraceptive implants
Books takes a look at No Country for Old Men, Q&A and the work of Stieg Larsson