Issue 1452 by The Courier Online

Issue 1452 Monday 19th February 2024

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Est. 1948 thecourieronline.co.uk

Using IVF to save Africa’s White Rhino

Sustainability week: Guide to minimising food waste

The Muse: More than a myth

Food and Drink | page 16

Arts | page 28

Science | page 10

Students rally on campus against Leonardo Grace Boyle - Campus Comment Sub-Editor t 1pm on the 7 February, a s protest surrounded The Arches on campus calling for Newcastle University to end connections with Leonardo S.p.A. Newcastle University. The University website gives information on their current partnerships, though there is little public information. Leonardo S.p.A is an Italian defence contractor that develops targeting and radar systems currently being used in the ongoing war in Gaza. The company and its subsidiaries are one of the largest of its kind, developing military technology and naval artillery known to have been used by the Israeli government. Leonardo recently opened a ‘hightechnology science and engineering facility’ back in October last year within the Newcastle

Helix, the innovation cluster created in partnership with Newcastle City Council, Legal & General, and Newcastle University. The University website gives information on their past partnerships, though some students wish for full transparency on Newcastle University’s current stakeholder position. Since then, some students believe the university’s approach has been insufficient, both with regard to the ongoing conflict and the association with the company. This lack of transparency has raised concerns that tuition fees could be going towards facilitating potentially harmful research. One student at the protest said the ‘lack of transparency and support for Palestinian students is making us angry’. Hundreds of students chant ‘Leonardo’s got to go’ as they left lectures to join the demonstration that took place on the University’s Post-Graduate Open Day. Signs, banners and flags were held high

historically underfunded region to transform its economy and quality of life. Alongside the funding, the election of a new mayor will allow the North East to hold more power over major decisions that were previously in the hands of Westminster. For example, the North East mayor will have extended powers over the region’s transport systems, such as the Tyne and Wear metro as well as the power to make bus services public. There are six candidates running for North East mayor: Jamie Driscoll, Kim McGuinness, Guy Renner-Thompson, Andrew Gray, Paul Donaghy, and Dr Aidan King. Jamie Driscoll, the current North of Tyne mayor, will be running as an independent candidate after leaving the Labour party last year. In his manifesto, Driscoll’s three main focuses are employment opportunities, which

comprises of an effort to tackle child poverty, a green new deal, including a retrofit housing scheme, and a total transport network. Driscoll is the co-founder of Net Zero North East England. Kim McGuinness, the only female candidate, will be running on behalf of the Labour Party. McGuiness has been the Police and Crime Commissioner for Northumbria Police since 2019. McGuinness’ manifesto is made up of 12 pledges, including to end child poverty, improve the metro, introduce a mayor’s childcare grant, and to go beyond net zero. She states that “ending child poverty will be the thread that runs through every decision I make as mayor.” Northumberland county councillor Guy Renner-Thompson was selected as the candidate for the Conservative Party.

A Image Credit: Emily Maines

whilst protestors powerfully spoke out about the conflict. Lewi El Hawary, President of NUSU’s Amnesty Society, said ‘100 000 Palestinians are injured, missing or dead. Don’t become numb, visualise the numbers. Imagine St. James’ stadium full to capacity…that times two.’. Police, stewards and members of the public watched as a sea of students walked down to Kings Gate to hand over the open letter signed by students, alumni, societies, local charities and campaigns urging the executive board to reconsider the implications of Leonardo being close to campus. Palestine support and action is spreading in Newcastle with protests occurring outside the Civic Centre, Northumbria University’s campus, Monument, Northumberland street, the Rafael Factory on Scotswood road Continued on Page 4

Using your vote in the North East Mayoral elections Roseanna Leconte - Food and Drink Sub-Editor

he first ever North East mayor to oversee the entire region will be elected on May 2 to form the North East Mayoral Combined Authority (NEMCA). The new position follows a historic devolution deal with the central government, which will see increased funding and political powers for the North East. NEMCA brings together all seven local authorities of the region: Northumberland, North Tyneside, Newcastle, Gateshead, South Tyneside, Sunderland, and County Durham. The former three had previously formed the North of Tyne Combined Authority (NTCA), electing Jamie Driscoll as the

first and only North of Tyne mayor in May 2019. NEMCA will therefore replace NTCA, meaning the new mayor will subsequently replace the North of Tyne mayor.

“The devolution deal comes after years of negotiations between local leaders and the central government.” The devolution deal, which was agreed in December 2022, comes after years of negotiations between local leaders and the central government. The deal consists of at least £4.2 billion of investment into the North East over a 30-year period commencing when the new mayor is elected, rendering it a monumental opportunity for the

In his manifesto, R en nerThompson pledges to generate more industrial jobs, introduce a Image Credit: Scott small business Cawley on Flickr, and grant scheme, PXHere and level up schools and colleges. Continued on Page 4

Interested in Creative Careers? Take a look at pages 17-20!

A note from your Editor...

ell well well! A n o t h e r semester, another year - another issue of The

Courier. So much has happened since our last issue. We've had the festive break, a new year has begun, January lasted about a million years, and Valentine's day has just passed (hence this issue having some romantic touches). It's also been my birthday, and I am so blessed to have been surprised by the amazing Editorial team of this paper during our editor's meeting. You're all stars - both in your amazing work, and the people you are. Never, ever stop shining.

Following this paper, there are also so many exciting things coming up this semester. You may have seen some whisperings around, but NUSU Elections are coming up! As the current Sabbs' terms come to a close, you'll be selecting a whole new group of us to represent YOU at your Students' Union. NUTV will be streaming Candidates' Spotlight, and The Courier will be bringing you exclusive coverage of all things elections all the way through to results. We've also got Varsity to look forward to at the end of March, which we're hoping to cover in The Courier to celebrate all out successes...and comiserate our losses too (hey! it's only fair!). Your AU officer, Kimiko, has been working super hard on this all year, and

Inside 19th February 2024

f you're interested in getting involved in student media, come along to our weekly Student Media Afternoons (SMAs)! You'll be able to meet the team, hear from our SMO, attend workshops and pick up as many articles as you'd like! We alternate between article SMAs, and Workshops, where you'll have the chance to learn new skills

British Museum to return Ghanaian artefacts 32 artefacts are set to be returned to Ghana under an unprecedented loan deal | Page 8

Life & Style | Lifestyle

OUR NEXT SMA

Gabbi THE COURIER SECTIONS Image Credit: Instagram - @thecourieronline

Gabbi de Boer mediaofficer.union@newcastle.ac.uk

Life & Style | Travel Sustainability and Eco-Travel: How can you be a more conscious traveller in 2024 A look at how to enjoy the wonders of the world without contributing to the climate crisis| Page 21

Social Media

Senior editor: Sam Norman S.Norman3@ncl.ac.uk

News

Amana Khan Izabela Kirschnerova Tommy Atkinson Rhys James Jude Ventress

Campus Comment Libby Griffiths Grace Boyle Mia Dale

Opinion

Culture | Arts Wattpad: pride or prejudice for fan fiction? Has smut ruined our perception of romantic literature in the modern day? | Page 29

Sports| Features

Adelaide Dodson Rosie Brennan Margaux Martinez

Science

Elisabeth Gores Matthew Barratt

Sport

NUWFC visit Saudi Arabia to promote women's sport Newcastle University's women's futsal team played an exhibition match against Princess Nourah University (PNU) | Page 36

Deputy Editors

Rachael McCreanor and Ross Bennett R.Mccreanor2@ncl.ac.uk / R.Bennett3@ncl.ac.uk

Heads of Social Media: Paige Rutter and Jess Bradbury P.E.Rutter1@ncl.ac.uk / J.L.Bradbury2@ncl.ac.uk

Current Affairs

LGBTQ+ History Month: Under the Scope Our writer explores the move to celebrate contributions made by members of the LGBTQ+ community to medicine | Page 12

and become an even better writer. Our SMAs are open to all, regardless of previous experience, and we would love to have you. If you can't make the SMAs, left over articles will be posted to the sections' facebook groups, so keep an eye out! Up-to-date information will be posted to our Instagram.

Wednesday 21st February 1:30pm The Bamburgh, NUSU

Editor

Current Affairs | Opinion

Creative Careers

Hi everyone! My name is Gabbi, Iand can'tI wait seeabsolute what it holds! havetothe pleasure of The your 19th Student - 23rd media February also being Officer marks Sustainability Week, andOver the and Editor-In-Chief this year. SU doing loads promote more the issummer, I’veto been working environmentally lifestyles. hard behind the friendly scenes alongside Alex, your activities has put the Editorial team officer, and NUSU to on a whole events inlcuding bring you range this ofFreshers’ issue. aNot second andfind swaploads shop, so onlyhand willsale you of keep your eyesarticles peeled! written by incredible Lastly, I wantsub-editors, to say a you’ll huge our fantastic CONGRATS Sam Norman, also find a to one-stop guide our to Head of Current Affairs, who has been Freshers’ week, including an awarded Highly to Commended in the introduction the Freshers’ regional SPA awards for best have article! put We week assistants who love you Sam! together an amazing programme of daytime activities for you all. With that, I'm offskis love n hugs, week is Freshers’ a time to get to know more about

Want to get involved?

Senior editor: Arthur Ferridge A.Ferridge2@ncl.ac.uk Mitchell Hall Castor Chan Sophie McMillan Dan Balliston Adam Tibke

Life & Style

Senior editors: Daisy Harrison D.M.Harrison3@ncl.ac.uk Samantha Seidu B.S.Seidu2@ncl.ac.uk

Relationships

Adriana Newbury Charlotte Burnley-Hnat

Blind date and Agony Aunt: Charlotte Lee

Lifestyle

Zahra Hanif Jay Barber Marina Snyder

Fashion & Beauty

Lana Free Ivy French

Travel

Charlie Reid Ollie Withers Avika Sharma

Food & Drink

Roseanna Leconte Anna Nix

Website

Heads of Online: Anthony Welsh A.J.Welsh2@ncl.ac.uk

Culture

Senior editors: Imogen Smillie I.C.Smillie1@ncl.ac.uk Lucy Bower L.A.Bower2@ncl.ac.uk

Music

Poppy Bedford Madeha Ali

Ella Townson Jenica Davis

Film

Jess McKeown Olivia Carter Ned Carter-Owen

Gaming

Adam Lovegrove James Kellett

Arts

Sarah Tunstall Laura Kasongo

Puzzles

Katie Siddall K.E.Siddall1@ncl.ac.uk

We bring you a special feature about the amazing opportunities the creative industries can provide with exclusive interviews with some of the key speakers from across the week. Pg. 17-20

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Monday 19th February 2024

Sub-Editors: Amana Khan , Izabela Kirschnerova, Rhys James, Jude Ventress and Tommy Atkinson

News

Sunak bans disposable vapes Student Council, Vol.4: Beth Davidson

UK government announces plans to ban disposable vapes by the year 2025.

n one of the first new policy announcements of 2024, the government has announced it will seek to ban disposable vapes in the UK, in the name of ‘children’s health’. It is estimated that 9% of 11-15-year-olds vape either occasionally or regularly, although the number is likely to be higher. The measures announced also include means to reduce the marketing of vapes to children, in particular regarding the placement of them in shops and the bright colours and designs used. This is yet to be specifically discussed, although it seems that the remaining refillable vapes will undergo significant changes, and a public consultation will be held to review how to proceed with these amendments, concerning flavouring and how these will be sold. Fines will also be introduced to those businesses found to be selling refillable vapes to children. The long-term health effects of vapes are still largely unknown, particularly for young children, which is one of a myriad of reasons why campaigners have been calling for this ban. Another significant argument for this ban is the

environmental effects that disposable vapes have – they are acutely wasteful and contain harmful materials, including lithium batteries, which makes them difficult to dispose of safely. Disposable vapes can be recycled, but this is little known and it is estimated that only 17% of users do so. These measures have received crossparty support, with Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer asserting his endorsement for the bill. Questions have arisen as to why the government have waited so long to act, as Starmer claims that the Labour Party have been calling for the ban for two years. He states that a new bill is not needed to proceed with the ban, as it can be brought in using existing legislation, which would speed up the process significantly – it would remove the Parliamentary ‘ping-pong’ that takes place between the House of Commons and Lords.

Naturally, there is some opposition to the introduction of this bill. The UK Vaping Industry Association have expressed their objection to the policy, stating that they are ‘dismayed’, referring to the ‘key role’ disposable vapes have played in aiding millions of people quit cigarettes. Vape companies, including the notorious ‘Elf Bar’ have voiced their support for the government’s wish to reduce the amount of children using their products, but disagree with an ‘outright ban’. The bill is likely to be passed into law sometime this year, before the General Election, but this ban will not be introduced until 2025, giving businesses time to make the necessary changes. There is hope that this will greatly reduce the number of children who vape, reversing the 4% rise from 2020, although only time will be able to measure the success of these policies.

Image: Source Flickr Vaping360

Call for university "duty of care" spotlighted after student death Trigger Warning: this article contains themes of suicide, which some may find distressing

Sadif Rahman

Parents of Bristol student who took her own life push for better support systems at University.

Mental Health Trust about her suicidal thoughts prior. The current situation reflects that even though help is offered at universities, there is no method of enforcing it or determining those who require care. The access to help is dependent on the students. Though the High Court has yet to issue a verdict, the legal consensus appears to be that duty of care is a very theoretical concept riddled with ambiguity.

"Reforms are needed for

n April 30, 2018, second-year physics student mental health student Natasha needs." Abrahart tragically took her own life, after struggling with social anxiety. Students, parents, and even Ministers Seeking justice, her parents took all seem to agree on the fact that reforms the case to the court against the are needed for student mental health University of Bristol. They want the UK's academic infrastructure to keep up with the times and give students' mental health the attention that it deserves. Universities in the UK, at the moment, are not legally required to provide "duty of care"- which refers to putting a certain value on individual well-being, welfare, compliance, and good practice. Natasha's parents filed a case to make it a legal obligation, as they believe the University of Bristol could not provide the necessary support to their daughter. The university allegedly provided alternatives for the large presentation Natasha was supposed to display the day she took her own life. However, her parents also claim that Natasha told the University, the student GP practice, and the Avon and WiltshireIm-

needs. While the UK Universities seem to be trying, with things like "trusted contacts", it is evident that there is a lack of support systems in place. At the moment, we can wait for the High Court to come to a judicial decision. However, we can do our part by supporting friends who appear in need of support. Universities should also broadcast their mental health and well-being services more widely. Newcastle University provides extensive Student Health and Wellbeing services, for students who require extra support. Students get free access to a counselor who provides therapy sessions in a safe environment. If you think that you, or someone you know, might need some help, please take the appropriate steps and contact the Student Health and Wellbeing services.

Image: Source Wikimedia Commons

NUS policy and calls for ethical investment Sam Norman - Head of Current Affairs

he 8th February hosted the fourth Student Council of the year, with a large turn out and students ready to use their voice. Two motions were submitted as well as an impassioned debate around the principles universities should employ when considering external relationships, following student outrage surrounding Leonardo defence technology. Chair of Council George Wood opened the meeting, inviting President Yaseen to give the State of the Union report regarding the Newcastle University Student's Union (NUSU) Sabbatical Officers. Yaseen recapped how he is currently organising a Mayoral candidate debate for students to get involved in, as well as introducing a 'Rate Your Landlord' platform. Education Officer Lulu has met with University officials for ways to increase the number of water coolers on campus. Welfare and Equality Officer Lucy has met with police and crime commissioners, whilst also working on exam well-being campaigns with Student Media Officer Gabbi. Gabbi has begun training the new sub-editors for The Courier as well as working towards the radio refurbishment. Activities Officer Alex has been working on Sustainability Week campaigns, including organising markets, workshops and information sessions to commence on the 19 February. Kimiko, the Athletic Union Officer, has been working on the refreshers' Clubs and Societies fair, whilst Postgraduate Officer Chirag has been lobbying MPs to write a letter to the Home Secretary on the matter of Visas and the NHS surcharge. Attendees of council were then given the opportunity to ask questions directly to the Sabbatical Officers. The first question raised concerns around the State of the Union Report, with a student voicing a lack of hope with no mention of Palestine in the report. Yaseen responded, stating support for students is available within the Support and Advice Centre, as well as referencing the statement the union and university made in October. Another student raised the question to the Sabbatical team into how they are succeeding in the decolonisation pledge by not pushing the university to end their relationship with Leonardo. The officers responded by referring to the decolonisation pledge's journey through a council their predecessors have worked on. They also reassured they continue to push the topic in meetings with the university however are receiving push back. A student then questioned what steps the officers are taking to end this relationship. Lucy answered, stating lobbying the University would have to come through a council motion, allowing them to go to the University to apply pressure.

This was followed by a question stating a motion was submitted, but consequently rejected. Yaseen clarified the motion did not meet requirements as it was not proposed by a Newcastle University student, nor was it formatted in the correct ways. Another student questioned the support the university has provided for those suffering due to the acts in Gaza. Alex answered clarifying the relationship between the Student Union and university is more separate than assumed, with the officers not directly involved in how the University handles it. Yaseen added that the support offered by the Union has been outlined. Following a student questioning the Officers role in pushing against partnerships like Leonardo, Alex referenced the role of the Sabbatical Officers as directors and trustees of a charity, and therefore held accountable by the job description guided by the rules and constitution of the Charity Commission. She stated whilst tedious, the role of Council is for students to voice their perspectives and file motions to guide the Officers, as without it as directors and trustees it would be considered undemocratic. When the Sabbatical Officers were asked on their knowledge of the partnership and whether they feel blindsided, Lucy stated they are in the same positions as students, and continue to ask questions as the situation progresses. As questions came to a close, a student referenced flaws in the University well-being system, after a formal report was made about the 7 February protest, with the student stating the University is contributing to the fearmongering. Lucy and Alex both expressed support for any complaints, and that the Union remains open to support all students. Before motions, ten open spaces at council were randomly allocated to be filled. Disability Officer Leo introduced the first motion, aiming to implement a Disability Policy for the Union. Leo stated there is not any current guidance on how to support disabled students, and believes enacting one will help NUSU become a more inclusive environment. Welfare Officer Lucy spoke on behalf of the motion, addressing the Union "should have had it in past, really important to push it now." The motion passed with full support at a 100% vote. Leo returned for the second motion, regarding the policy submitted by NUSU to the National Union of Students (NUS). The policy centred around support for disabled, mentally ill and neurodivergent students. If the motion failed to pass, NUSU would withdraw the policy from NUS. Read more about the last student council at www.thecourieronline.co.uk

Sub-editors: Amana Khan , Izabela Kirschnerova, Rhys James, Jude Ventress and Tommy Atkinson

Monday 19th February 2024

News

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The 2024 Mayoral election Students protest Continued from front page

Roseanna Leconte - Food and Drink Sub-Editor

e would like to "make the North East the home of the jobs of the future". The councillor stands against the introduction of mayoral tax rises, low traffic areas, and clean air zones. Andrew Gray, who works at Durham University, will be standing for the Green Party in the mayoral election. Some of Gray's priorities include making homes warmer and more energy efficient, regulating bus services, increasing funding for adult education, and supporting local businesses. Sunderland city councillor Paul Donaghy is running for mayor on behalf of Reform UK. The Newcastle University alumni believes in "prioritising the needs and concerns of the community above all else." Donaghy will "strive to create a safer, greener, and more vibrant community, where opportunities for growth and success are accessible to all." Lastly, Dr Aidan King, who works at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle, will be the Liberal-Democrat candidate. One of King's top priorities will be to support the NHS, such as with bursary schemes for trainee nurses. As the latest candidate to join the race,

King does not yet have an accessible manifesto. Some of the big issues that candidates are likely to have to answer to are climate change, bus services, and reopening the Leamside railway line between Gateshead and Durham. Renner-Thompson, Gray, McGuinness and Driscoll have explicitly mentioned reopening the Leamside line in their manifestos. The latter 3 are also pledging to use their mayoral powers to regulate the region's bus services.

"The Courier reached out to all six candidates to ask how their policies will take the North East's student population into account." The Courier reached out to all six candidates to ask how their policies will take the North East's student population into account, with four universities in the region. We received responses from Gray, McGuinness, Renner-Thompson, and King. Gray told The Courier: "The rights of Future Generations are at the heart of my manifesto". Gray emphasised that he wants to ensure housing is "secure, good quality, affordable and well insulated". He would also like to "support[ ] vibrant local economies and cultural opportunities, so that young people do not have to leave the region to find work

or pursue a career." McGuinness expressed that she would like to "make the North East both a place to study and to start your career." She is also "campaigning for powers to take on rogue landlords" and is striving for "an integrated bus and Metro system [in which] we can find more ways to offer subsidised student fares." Renner-Thompson is keen to cooperate with universities to tackle housing, transport, and employment issues, such as exploring the demand for new bus routes. The Newcastle University alumni is planning to create thousands of new jobs in sectors such as automotive manufacturing, digital and AI, pharmaceutical and life sciences, renewable energy, and more. He would like to launch a homes retrofit programme and "make it easy for students to report issues with poor housing." Lastly, King shares the sentiment to keep talented graduates in the region by providing "long and productive careers in the North East", working with universities to secure relevant skills training. King is eager to develop housing that meets grade A energy standards: "I will ensure that the graduates of tomorrow have good, well-paid stable jobs and a comfortable warm home to live in." Anyone living in the seven local authorities that make up the North East can vote in this election. Register online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote ahead of the election date: 2 May.

against Leonardo Continued from front page

Grace Boyle - Campus Comment Sub-Editor ewcastle University has a Socially Responsible Investment Policy, which states the institution does not 'permit investment in [...] companies manufacturing armaments' and are 'working towards aligning its approach to investments with its commitments to social and environmental justice.'. A spokesperson from Newcastle University has said: 'We have not invested in Leonardo as we do not invest in companies making armaments. As a University, we are committed to embedding environmental, social and governance criteria within our investment approach in accordance with our sustainability commitments.' 'We have no current research with Leonardo.' 'Discussion about any future collaboration is due to take place at Executive Board which comprises the senior management team of the University and has central oversight of the day-to-day business of the

University.' Chandni Choprai, International human rights lawyer has stated 'It is important to recognise this is your university, your campus, and you are entitled to have your voice heard.'. When asked for comment, Student Union President Yaseen told The Courier: 'I would like to re-iterate that the Students’ Union is here for and to support all students, irrespective of belief, religion, or nationality and I urge all students to be respectful to each other. If you have been affected by the conflict, please reach out to our student support services for help.'

Image Credit: Emily Maines

Drug dealers who targeted vulnerable students across Newcastle have been jailed Sarah Myles

Six Newcastle drug dealers jailed for admitting to selling drugs to students.

everal Newcastle drug dealers have been jailed after targeting students near student accommodations. Newcastle Crown Court heard that after three student deaths, David Knowles, age 27, and his associates have been caught selling cocaine to undercover police. Six individuals along with Knowles have been jailed for up to five years and five months, with some suspended, for admitting various offences. Judge Penny Moreland stated that the students were an “easy target” due to struggles with student life post-COVID lockdowns.

“An undercover officer was able to make several deals for cocaine over the phone.” Prosecutor Michael Bunch shared that Northumbria Police wanted to address a "noticeable increase of drug supply to the student population of Newcastle", using an undercover operation from February to October 2021. Bunch stated that the drug-

related deaths of three students were the "immediate trigger" for the operation although there was "no suggestion" Knowles and his co-accused were involved in those specific cases. An undercover officer was able to make several deals for cocaine over the phone on multiple occasions by Knowles, in the Richardson Road area which is near several student accommodations.

"The youngest defendant had accumulated £3,000 worth of debt through his use of cannabis." My Bunch has said that Kieran Cash, aged 27, William Campbell, aged 22, and Knowles' partner Charlotte Johnstone, aged 22, were also present at deals with the undercover officer. Dealers Hamzah Ali, aged 27 and Dilawar Tariq, aged 21, along with Knowles, source their drugs from “upstream”, the court heard. Both Ali and Tariq operate their own drugs supply chains in Newcastle. Tariq was caught in the student area with almost £2,000 worth of drugs after being arrested and released. During mitigation, barrister Tony Cornberg said that Knowles, who worked as a doorman, felt “regret” and “disgust” for his offensive actions. He also said that Knowles suffered a "very unfortunate start in life" with a "horrendous" childhood featuring physical and emotional abuse with criminal behaviour being "normalised.” For Kieran Cash, Glenn Gatland said that he had a serious kidney illness and

has been “beaten up” and “threatened” into selling drugs by Knowles as a consequence of accumulating drug debt. For Ali, Gerard Doran said that he had shown remorse and was seeking to "change his way of life", sharing that he "became involved in the use of and supply of drugs" after suffering depression due to a bereavement. For Tariq, Peter Schofield said that the youngest defendant had accumulated £3,000 worth of debt through his use of cannabis, leading to his involvement in dealing, adding that he was "now a much more mature individual.” Tariq admitted his possession with the intent to supply Class A drugs and Ali possessing with intent to supply Class B drugs, whilst Knowles admitted to possessing an illegally powerful air rifle.

Charlotte Johnstone, 22, of Beaumont Court, Blaydon, jailed for 21 months suspended for two years with 250 hours unpaid work Hamzah Ali, 27, of Brighton Grove, Newcastle, jailed for three years three months Tariq Dilawar, 21, of Wingrove Road, Newcastle, jailed for five years five months Kieran Cash, 27, of Strothers Road, High Spen, jailed for two years eight months

"Six defendents admitted conspiracy to supply Class A drugs." Penny Moreland, the judge, stated that all the defendants were "responsible for supplying cocaine into the student community in Newcastle with the consequent harm from that activity". She added that Ali and Tariq had "senior roles" in the gang whilst Cash had a "management" position and Knowles was a "trusted lieutenant.” Six defendants, who admitted conspiracy to supply Class A drugs, were sentenced to the following: David Knowles, 27, of Beaumont Court, Blaydon, jailed for three years

Image: Source Daniel Foster on Flickr

William Campbell, 22, of Burnopfield Road, Rowlands Gill, jailed for 21 months suspended for two years with 150 hours unpaid work Billy Galbraith, aged 31 from Ainslie Place, Newcastle, admitted to possessing Class B cannabis with intent to supply and possession of Class A MDMA. He was sentenced to nine months in prison suspended for 12 months, with 150 hours unpaid work.

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Monday 19th February 2024

Sub-editors: Amana Khan , Izabela Kirschnerova, Rhys James, Jude Ventress and Tommy Atkinson

News

Newcastle's first BAME lord mayor quits the Labour Party Jessica McKeown - Film Sub-Editor

Labour Councillor stands down over party's stance on IsraelGaza conflict.

ouncillor Habib Rahman, Newcastle's first Muslim lord mayor, has quit the Labour Party over the party's stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict and has accused the party of a "culture of institutional racism". Councillor Rahman moved to the UK from Bangladesh in 1985 and has served on Newcastle Council since 2010. In May 2021 he became the first BAME individual to hold the ceremonial role of Lord Mayor of Newcastle. Councillor Rahman is a dedicated campaigner against hate crime and for equality following the murder of his father in a racist attack in 1977 in Wallsend. He has been a member of the Labour Party since 2008. In a letter to Labour leader Keir Starmer, he wrote: "During my 13 years as a Labour councillor, I have faced various forms of abuse within the party. I have... concluded that the party does not take other forms

of racism including Islamophobia and hate crimes as seriously as it does antisemitism." He continues: "I cannot accept your inhumane position in support of the Israeli government's continuous bombardment of innocent Palestinian people."

"We are incredibly sad to hear of Councillor Rahman's decision today." "Your reluctance to call for an immediate ceasefire indicates that you no longer have the moral authority to be the leader of the Labour party." A spokesperson for Newcastle Labour Group said: “As a Labour group we are incredibly sad to hear of Councillor Habib Rahman’s decision today. We would like to thank him for all he has done for his constituents in Elswick and the City of Newcastle at large.” “The Labour Party is an anti-racist party, committed to combating and campaigning against all forms of racism, including antisemitism and Islamophobia.” This letter comes after the police removed pro-Palestine campaigners from a city council meeting last month. Councillor Rahman will now act as an Independent on the city council and will continue to represent his Elswick constituents until elections in 2026.

Image: Source Pexels-Knelstrom ltd

Tyne and Wear(ing down) Male suicide charity Zahra Hanif - Lifestyle Sub-Editor

After concerns about the neglect of the Tyne Bridge, funding for it has been signed off.

arlier this month, the £35 million of funding required for the restoration of the North East’s iconic Tyne Bridge was finally signed off, following significant delays as the project was first promised the funding in June 2022. The bridge, described by Gateshead’s Labour MP Ian Mearns as “instantly recognisable around the world as an emblem of Tyneside”, is in dire need of servicing due to corrosion, peeled paint, and rusting.

following years of campaigning for the Department of Transport to recognise the need for the bridge’s refurbishment, as no major maintenance has been carried out on the bridge in over two decades to date. The delays caused particular concern due to the timely nature of the bridge’s repair works, with several unique challenges in the Tyne Bridge’s refurbishment. For one, the ever rising costs of materials, which would mean additional charges that the original budget would not cover. Secondly, the return of Kittiwake seabirds, who, each Spring, establish nesting spots on the

bridge and are unable to be disturbed or relocated due to their status as a protected species. The urgency of this project, for the above reasons, was stressed by North East Labour MP’s, who penned a letter to Rishi Sunak to express their concern over the matter. With the funding now in place, work is expected to begin shortly, and hopefully the Tyne’s former glory will be reinstated in time for its 100th anniversary in October 2028. The restoration of the bridge, once complete, will also prove an asset for the North East’s economy, as it is predicted to generate £90 million in economic benefits.

Cory Goyle

James' Place opens new branch in Newcastle to support mens in the area.

he Centre is set up in memory of Newcastle University student James Wentworth-Stanley, who took his own life aged just

21. James’ Place was founded by Clare Milford Haven and Nick WentworthStanley to provide free treatment to suicidal men, after their son James took his own life back in 2006. The first treatment centre opened in Liverpool back in 2018 with a second centre opening in London back in 2022. Since the opening of the first centre back in 2018 the charity has helped over 1,800 men. The newest treatment centre, on Summerhill Street, will also provide free treatment to suicidal men across the region. Chief executive Ellen O’Donoghue said: ‘With men in a suicidal crisis it is really important that they get the right help really quickly.’ This is something that is clearly paramount to the charity who have proposed to open two more centres in Birmingham and Bristol by

“No major maintenance has been carried out on the bridge in over two decades to date.” This conclusion follows months of rows, with Mearns previously accusing the government of showing “crass neglect” towards the symbolic structure in delaying the delivery of the required funding. The funding was first pledged in June 2022, however this only ensued

expands in Newcastle

Image: Firmatography. Wikimedia Commons

2026 so that half the male population in the UK will be within around two hours of a James’ place centre.

"The centre has no waiting list and usually sees people within two working days." The centre is open Monday-Friday from 9.30-5.00pm and you can seek treatment by appointment only. Men can refer themselves to the centre or be referred by someone else. The centre has no waiting list and usually sees people within two working days. CEO Ellen O’Donoghue also said: ‘We’ve really tried to create a place that makes it as easy as possible for men to open up.’ Therefore, the centre’s place emphasis on creating safe, respectful and non-clinical environments. Suicide is the single leading cause of death for men under 50 and this is a particular issue within the North East as it has the highest rate of suicide in England. Over 75% of suicides in the UK are male suicides and only 36% of referrals to talking therapies providedby the NHS are for men. The charity aims to treat up to 2,000 men per year moving forward.

Sub-Editors: Grace Boyle, Libby Griffiths and Mia Dale

Campus Comment

Monday 19th February 2024

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The Dissertation diaries: how I'm feeling and my current progress Sarah Tunstall -Arts Sub-Editor

One of our writers updates us on their dreaded dissertation.

oming into second semester and the only thought that consistently crosses my mind is that due date; May 1st. I’ll admit most of my time now is attempting to do some work, panicking over this word count, then procrastinating out of anxiety. Constant cycle. If you ask me what my dissertation is on, for simplicity purposes, I will just say Bob Dylan. I grew up surrounded by Dylan’s music. My mum has always told me stories of my grandfather playing his music on his turntable. She always talks about him being in our family, growing up confused and calling him Uncle Bob; and even now I still hear her sing the lyrics to Subterranean Homesick Blues. The man became this sort of significant

figure in our house for everything. The basis of our love of literature, art, reminiscing, recovering, you name it. Alongside other artists, which my peers will know of (a keen obsession with Stevie Nicks) I have a lot to hold onto with Dylan’s lyrics.

"The man became this sort of significant figure in our house for everything." My diss will explore the connections between classical poetry and Dylan’s early lyricism in the 1960s (mostly looking at Blonde on Blonde). Since going to university, I can see Catullus, Ovid, Homer, Tibullus, and others in his lyrics and wanted to take time to explore it in a scholarly setting. Catullus was one of the first classical figures to introduce the personal love elegy into our understanding of literature; these draw on Greek/Roman mythology for allusions of human phenomenon and experience – exploring the universally common. He writes often about his beloved, Lesbia, conflicting her lyrical voice with his. Questioning the

Understanding the Student Elections Libby Griffiths - Campus Comment Sub-Editor

Voting opens March 4 to elect your Sabbatical Officers for 24/25 year!

ominations are now officially closed on the February 8 for all Sabbatical Officer roles for the 2024/25 academic year. With over 10 positions ready to be filled, here's why your vote matters in the upcoming student elections.

"Each position plays a significant role in making up the Students Union."

positions are to be filled; President, Education Officer, Postgraduate Officer, Activities Officer, Welfare and Equality Officer, Athletic Union Officer, and Student Media Officer. And there's a lot to consider.

"Read over the manifestos, listen to the Candidate Spotlights, use your vote." Each position plays a significant role in making up the Students Union and shaping your experience at Newcastle University. To not read over the manifestos, listen to the Candidate Spotlights, and use your vote carefully for important changes, would be ignoring the difference you can make for your own experience at university.

Voting opens on March 4 and your vote can determine the outcome for what happens in our Students Union for the next academic year. All the following

Image Source: PXHere

The Officers can help shape University and Union policy for your time here! Don't waste your vote and your chance to have an influence on the big decisons made about your university experience. Once again, voting opens March 4. Head to nusu.co.uk to find out more information, and make sure to vote!

philosophy about seeing love, then actually knowing it. It seems most of Dylan's music is, if not political, examples of classical love elegies. If you listen to Girl from The North Country (The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan, 1963) what practically screams from Dylan’s music is the Homeric notion of the lover leaving and the beloved staying. Waiting. Reminiscing about the other. This excitement, albeit nerdiness, covers up the fear.

talking it out. Even if you just talk about your topics, you start to notice yourself naturally fall into that knowledge. You notice the research you’ve done click into place.

Also, if the panic baking sets in, your housemates will be as happy as mine are (anxiety chocolate muffins always go down well). And as my mum said on FaceTime the other day as I cried (mums shouldn’t ask how you’re doing when you’re stressed) it’s just 2-3 essays. Break it down. You’ve got this “schmu-bug”.

"Anxiety chocolate muffins always go down well." I have not started writing it. Have I cried? Yes, a good few times. Am I stressed? Yes, a lot. But at the end of the day, I know other people are and have been in my shoes and these 10k words will be written in time. For me, so far, the best ways I have been coping Image Source: Mohamed Hassan, Pixabay of which I recommend are walks, singing/dancing around, baking and Image Source: Unsplash_Glenn Carstens Peters

Ventures in Vermont: is study abroad worth it? Charlie Hemming

A student shares his thoughts and opinions on the study abroad opportunity offered by the university.

t Newcastle University, students across many disciplines are offered the opportunity to study at our diverse partner universities across the globe. Here's why you should do it. Despite how exciting it sounds, many ask whether the experience is worth the huge hassle of the preparation and bureaucracy that precedes it, along with the fear of the cost of the time abroad. Like many young people, an itch for travel and worldwide experience has followed me for many years and was in part what drew me to study Combined Honours at Newcastle. Thankfully, I was lucky enough to spend the first semester of my final year across the Atlantic at the University of Vermont, where I could do more than I could ever imagine, from hiking the titular Green Mountains to kayaking on the beautiful Lake Champlain and playing American football with my fellow international buddies.

Before my studies even commenced I was lucky enough to be able to travel across America for a month, exploring the bustling cities of San Francisco and Boston, seeing amazing cultural sights like the Chicago Bean sculpture, reconnecting with family members I have not seen for over a decade, and getting to spend quality time with my partner. An understated benefit of doing this solo was the greater independence skills I gained in my month of travelling; I made my way across the states by plane and train; I slept on 16-hourlong Greyhound buses; I stayed in hostels nestled in bustling metropolises. This travel section of my study abroad experience made the whole thing worth it. Although, it did require countless hours of gruelling hospitality shifts to pay for it… Studying at an American college felt like a fever dream a lot of the time. From the roar of the ice hockey crowd and the bizarre chants that you were meant to know, to the drastically different style of education when compared to the countless essays I was doing at Newcastle, it was a steep learning curve that you had to adapt to very quickly but I found myself quickly preferring it.

At Vermont, two other people were coming from Newcastle, and we quickly settled in with other international students on exchange from around the world, creating inseparable bonds and making friends for life. We sang Stick Season by Noah Kahan an unfathomable number of times and had each other's backs while navigating the sometimes crazy American way of life.

"Studying at an American college felt like a fever dream a lot of the time." The friendships I made during my time abroad, being able to grow closer with the person I love, and the experiences I was able to have thanks to the amazing program offered by Newcastle make me hugely confident in saying that it is worth it. Every Newcastle student should be seeing if they can do something similar because it will change their life, and give them an experience they will never forget.

"I was lucky enough to spend the first semester of my final year across the Atlantic at the University of Vermont." Image Sources: Charlie Hemming

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Monday 19th February 2024

Sub-Editors: Grace Boyle, Libby Griffiths and Mia Dale

Campus Comment

Towards setting the precedent for a survivor-led institution Trigger Warning: Mentions of abuse

Lewi El Hawary

Navigating change to prioritise the safety and wellbeing for students.

s the Chair of Scrutiny and Disciplinary Committee at Newcastle University, I am taking a transformative approach with the hope of addressing issues of power and imbalance within our community.

"This is not just about responding to incidents, but building a safer environment." I believe we should move from taking statements from victims and performative activism, to a path

towards a survivor-led institution that prioritises the safety and well-being of all. Especially, those who belong to marginalised groups who too often face the brunt of discriminatory and harmful behaviour.

"Albeit not an exhaustive list, it's a blueprint for action." The call for change stems from acknowledging the painful realities that many students face within the university community. Instances of harassment, discrimination and abuse disproportionately impact individuals from marginalised backgrounds, highlighting systemic power dynamics that leave them vulnerable and unheard. These issues cannot simply be brushed aside; they demand a decisive and proactive response. My goal this year is to adopt a twopronged approach when on the panel of disciplinary, or scrutinising NUSU issues: championing a survivor-led

framework and bolstering support for minority groups. This is not just about responding to incidents that have occurred, but fundamentally changing and building a safer and more equitable environment. At the core of this vision lies the empowerment of survivors of any vitriol and minority based abuse, systemic change must occur. This includes targeted awareness campaigns, increased training programmes, enhanced support services specifically designed for the needs of all groups, specialist services to deal with religious hate crime, such as Islamophobia, and diversifying student involvement.

"The call for change stems from acknowledging the painful realities that many students face." Finally, I recommend a dedicated fulltime specialist that can work with the Executives of both the University and NUSU to recommend real change, that

will be felt by all marginalised people – from sexual violence survivors to hate crime survivors. Albeit not an exhaustive list, it’s a blueprint for action. Building a survivor-centred, equitable university will require continuous dialogue and collaboration, but it must happen now, not later. Reporting issues should be heavily emphasised by the University and NUSU, and to make it more accessible should be a priority. The Survivor Led motion put in place by our Welfare and Equalities Officer demonstrates that people are trying to make change, but it requires mobilisation of people! Get involved, make yourself heard and make change.

Image: Source: Pixabay_Nathan DeFiesta

Saving on scran for Cashless campus conundrum: is student brunchin' it time to end cash on campus? Amy Chanoch

The best brunch spots in the city...

runch? In this economy? I know it might seem like a far off myth to even consider getting your morning meal out for less than a tenner, but I’m here to tell you that it’s not just possible, but can be incredibly tasty too! 1. Olive & Bean

Starting off strong with a Newcastle classic situated in the heart of the city, adjacent to Grainger Market. If this is your first year and you don’t yet know about their ‘Olive & Breakfast’ menu yet, then prepare to get well acquainted. Their very generous portions for a low cost often sees a queue of people out the door, so be sure to wrap up warm! Oh, and take a took at their homemade cake stand on the way in too. 2. Super Natural

3. The Camera Shop

I wasn’t aware of The Camera Shop until this year, and wish I had known of this beauty beforehand. A nondescript shop down the Quayside, I believe that this café might be one of the very last to honour the Geordie spirit in food and prices. Halloumi Sandwich? £4. Breakfast Toastie? £4.20. With limited space inside, I recommend getting the full brunch experience by finding a bench on the Quayside to eat on whilst fending off the pesky seagulls from also taking their share. 4. Aidan’s Kitchen If you’ve been around Sandyford for any amount of time, Aidan’s Kitchen is probably a familiar and welcome sight. Despite some dishes being slightly more expensive than others on the list, this café is still pretty much always full up. With both basic breakfast staples and elevated dishes - think Eggs on Toast to Steak and Eggs - there’s something catered to everyone’s taste, but make sure to book in advance!

All vegan, all affordable, all delicious! As a vegetarian, I found this cafe in first year and quickly dragged my non-veggie boyfriend to try it with me and it has been our go to since! Just up from Central Station, this often overlooked café dishes up breakfast sandwiches and waffles for £7.99 in a homely atmosphere. A true must try for vegans and non-vegans alike! Image Source: Unsplash_Joseph Gonzalez

Benjamin Moore

As more vendors stop accepting cash, where is the university headed?

espite the Prime Minister’s struggles with contactless payments, electronic card payments have grown rapidly while cash has been in a steady decline. Some have predicted that cash will eventually be phased out altogether. So the question arises should Newcastle University go cashless? Well, its hard to say.

"Newcastle University has long standing commitments to the environment." With an ever changing technological landscape, the idea of a cashless society is quickly gaining traction. The gains in efficiency and convenience for the customer have been evident with the increased use of self-service across most supermarkets and retailers where contactless payment is often essential. A much weaker risk of theft and loss poses as a bonus for retailers and restaurants. With large cash registers, venders within the Students Union and the wider university could face serious security risks. So, the adoption of a cashless policy would dramatically decrease this risk. Newcastle University has

long standing commitments to the environment, which has brought success for the University in meeting sustainability goals, reflected in the sustainability league tables. Going cashless could help contribute to the university's already impressive sustainability performance. The mining of metals for coins contributes large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and the new polymer banknotes initially thought to be more sustainable, actually release more CO2 than the old paper notes in manufacturing.

"One of the main arguments is the adverse effect it has on the elderly." However, one of the main arguments against going cashless is the adverse effect that it has on the elderly. Change is not easy, especially for those who have been

set in their ways for so long. For many elderly people cash is, and will be, their staple form of payment and removing that could cause serious harm for those people who already find the technological changes difficult to cope with.

"Vast majority of students use electronic payment." But in the context of the University, this problem is somewhat minimised with the vast majority of customers on campus being students who increasingly use electronic payment. So, the transition to cashless probably makes sense for the university in the context of its wider technological and sustainable progression, but in the wider society the jury is still out on the future of a cashless world.

Image Source: Wolfgang Eckert, Pixabay Image Source: OpenClipart-Vectors, Pixabay

Sub-Editors: Adelaide Dodson, Rosie Brennan and Margaux Martinez

Opinion

Monday 19th February 2024

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British Museum to return artefacts to Ghana following unprecedented loan deal Samantha Seidu - Head of Life and Style

n 24th January 2024, it was announced that the UK would be sending 32 golden artefacts back to Ghana under a longterm loan deal. The gold artefacts in question held significant cultural and spiritual importance to the Asante people and the Asante Kingdom and were subsequently stolen by the British as they colonised Ghana. This deal can be seen to some as a landmark moment in Britain acknowledging its colonial past, however as a Ghanaian, I don’t personally see this as enough. The key word we have to remember is ‘loan’. The gold artefacts that were stolen by the British are only being given to the Asantehene (the monarch of the Asante people and the rightful owner of these artefacts) temporarily before they are to be returned to Britain. Whilst of course, this can be seen as a small step in the right direction, this deal to me is quite laughable. To simplify the situation so this can be better understood, imagine you have an item of great value or significance to you. One day, a thief breaks into your house and steals this valuable item much to your horror. You then spend the next few years trying to get your valuable item back to no avail. After several years have passed and no hope of getting this item back, the thief says that they will give you your item back but only for

three years then they will have to take it away again. Now imagine all of this on a bigger scale with culturally significant gold from Ghana, or the equivalent of the British Crown Jewels. For this reason, I cannot truly be happy about these artefacts being returned to Ghana. I cannot accept or be happy that the British government have decided after 150 years that they would like to lend the Asantehene his relics for a few years and bring them back to Britain where they do not belong. The only way this situation can truly be rectified, is if all stolen artefacts, from Ghana to India, are returned to their respective and rightful owners. This to me, is the only way Britain can start to right the wrongs of British colonialism and the atrocities of the British Empire. Anna Nix - Food & Drink Sub-Editor

f you are chronically online as much as me then you too have noticed a picture circling the internet of the five Caryatid statues in the Acropolis Museum in Athens. If you haven’t seen that picture, then you might be confused as to why this is interesting at all. The pun is that there used to be six statues and there is an empty pedestal reserved for the statue that is resigning in the British Museum. That particular statue has been stolen in the nineteenth century and has not seen its five sisters since. There have been many disputes over who the rightful owner of the statue is and as

much as Greece does not recognize the British Museum as its rightful owner, the museum in London believes they have legal right to own the statue. However, this statue is not the only stolen piece on display that has been demanded to be returned to its home. Recently, the British Museum and the V&A have agreed to loan 32 Asante gold pieces back to its rightful owner – Ghana. An agreement reached between Ghana’s king Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and King Charles III, is set to last only three years with the possibility to extend the loan for another three years. This loan once again brings forward the topic of permanently returning artefacts in British museums to their original owners. And the loan would seem as an acceptable solution if, however, it is intended as a first step towards fully returning the artefacts. On the other hand, if the British museums are only looking to taunt a solution in front of the whole world, and do not actually intend on solving the problem of stolen goods, then it seems rather disrespectful. No trustees of major UK museums can permanently return artefacts in their collection because of two acts (the British Museum Act 1963 and National Heritage Act 1983), which prevent them from doing so. Nevertheless, the museums in Britain should finally own up to the crimes they’ve committed and find a legal way to return the artefacts back to their home. As much as giving the artefacts back is the right thing to do, it is understandable why the museums in

the UK are hesitant about returning stolen pieces, after all, what would they have left to put on display?

go-to phrase seems to be 'We focus on the sport not the politics.' It never did quite click for them that the two go hand in hand. In the lead up to the 2016 Olympics in

Rio de Janeiro, a reported 4,120 families lost their homes and a further 2,486 were threatened with eviction to make room for the new infrastructure. The lack of care for human rights due to the games has long-lasting impact. We cannot forget that human rights abuses don't just disappear once that Olympic torch is set alight. More and more actions are undertaken to try and limit the ethical and ecological implications of the

Grace Scott

he museum’s argument for their refusal to return artefacts resides solely on the 1963 British Museum Act, arguing in defence of the maintained legality of their ownership of the artefacts within its collection as determined by Parliament. However, the real question is, is this decision really Parliament’s to make? Free entrance to the museum and the vast collections inside create an accessible and encouraging nature for exploration and enrichment. It continues to be a typical spot for school trips and its encouragement of higher academic level research alike, accommodating for varying levels of study.

"These artefacts aren't just pretty ornaments or historical treasures, they represent the histories of countries." Sounds great, doesn’t it? And yet whilst most of their collection is underappreciated, as the eager child searches for the mummy coffins of Egypt, and the retired teacher searches for

the Greek statues and writings, each artefact represents a fragment of history of another culture stolen away, leaving the memories of their past broken and unfulfilled. It seems that whilst displaying a surface-level appreciation and celebration of other cultures, we simultaneously starve them of the satisfaction of a re-joined history. These artefacts aren't just pretty ornaments or historical treasures, they represent the histories of countries worldwide, some of whom have been asking for the fragments of their history back. Equally, regardless of its quantifiable status, the obtaining of artefacts continues to act as a continued reminder of the British Militia’s thefts of artefacts as part of domination of the colonised areas. The returning of artefacts may allow this gashing wound to attempt to heal in the wake of post-colonial existence, as the British museum’s continued ownership of artefacts from the very areas it previously colonised serves to act as continued reminder of the suffering of the past. The position of the British Museum is evidently worsened by the recent thefts, in which the sanctity of the British Musuem’s right to ownership and protection of the artefacts is brought into question by the quantity of 2,000 artefacts stolen. Ultimately, this begs the question of whether finders really deserve to be keepers, and whether the British Museum is entitled to continued domineering the history of others as its own?

From Rio to Tokyo: the Olympics are an ethical and ecological disaster Cory Gourley

With another games looming, what are the ethical and ecological impacts of the Olympics?

t's really nothing new though, is it? 1,590 kilotons. No, it’s not how much you drink after a night out in the toon, believe it or not. It’s the estimated number of greenhouse gases emitted as a result of the Winter Olympic games hosted in Pyeongchang back in 2018. This sort of thing doesn’t make national headlines as media coverage focuses more on the athletes themselves, their achievements and personal lives. Which, of course, is important but not when the ethics behind the Olympics are so skewed.

"Olympics is starting to steer towards the right direction, that direction being green."

Let’s take the 2014 Winter Olympics, hosted in Sochi. They needed to build a completely new infrastructure to host the Olympics which led to the destruction of countless animal migration trails and parts of Sochi national park. These types of incidents often get neglected by the mainstream media and lead to cases of sports-washing with the official Committees. The International Olympic Committee's

Olympics. Take the games hosted in Tokyo back in 2021.

"These ethical and ecological implications have been staring us in the face for years." They made the environment a genuine priority. One way they showed their effort was through carbon offsetting. This was widely reported at the time but we must remember that a portion of the wood in the new stadium came from Indonesia through deforestation. These efforts are positive but it does beg the question Why has it taken so long for changes to be made? These ethical and ecological implications have been staring us in the face for years. After all, human rights abuse is nothing new, is it? One thing that we know for sure is that the Olympics is starting to steer towards the right direction, that direction being green.

Image: Pixabay, YazanMRihan Image: Flickr, Cristian Ibarra Santillan1

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Monday 19th February 2024

Sub-Editors: Adelaide Dodson, Rosie Brennan and Margaux Martinez

Opinion

Can Trump be president... again? Benjamin Moore

One of our writers discusses the possibility of Trump's re-election.

he echoes of 2016 are still ringing in the ears of US Democrats as, for the third time in a decade, they comprehend the possibility of a Donald Trump presidency. Surely the disgraced vainglorious, impeached, and indicted real estate tycoon can’t win a second term in the highest office there is? Well, like a phoenix he has risen from the ashes of his 2020 defeat and attempted insurrection to lead the incumbent President Joe Biden in the national polls, making him the favourite to be the next President of the United States.

"[Trump's] main opposition has not come from within his party." In the age of post-truth, deglobalisation and populism: Trump has personified all these

qualities in abundance. Such is the loyalty and strength of his voter base, he has so far dominated the Republican Primary. With all his opponents, bar former South Carolina Governor Nicky Haley, getting blown away. While Trump looks poised to win the Republican nomination his main opposition has not come within his party or the opposing party, but from the legal system. The main scourge on Trump’s

"His polling among Black and Latino voters has imrpoved significantly from 2020." campaign has been his painful series of legal battles across the United States. Having just lost a defamation case in New York, Trump has been ordered to pay journalist E Jean Carroll $83.3m. He also awaits the verdict of a New York civil fraud case, as well as 13 counts of election meddling crimes including racketeering and forgery in Georgia, a federal case in Washington over the January 6th insurrection, classified documents charges in Florida, and a Hush-money case in New York. The series of litigations have fuelled Trump’s base and raised questions such as: can Trump run from prison and can Trump pardon himself if elected?

These questions may well decide the results of the November election. Should Trump be convicted and serve jail time, polling suggests that independents in key swing states would sway towards Biden. If he is somehow able to dodge all his legal trouble, then the election would be very difficult to call at this stage. While Trump polls exceptionally poorly with women due to his radical abortion stances, which could see a national abortion ban if the Republicans win both House and Senate in November, his polling among Black and Latino voters has improved significantly from 2020. Concerns over Biden’s age (81) and control over immigration have driven his unpopularity, causing voters to question whether they will be better off under a Trump administration. 2024 is set to be a defining year for world politics with 1.5 billion people heading to the polls. The US has perhaps the most important decision to make. It looks virtually certain now that we will have a rematch of the 2020 election, a choice that the majority of voters would rather not make. It is still a choice which could dramatically change the course of world history. The geopolitical landscape is precarious as ever, with rising tensions and conflict in the Middle East, along with Putin’s Russia posing a severe threat to Europe. The American Presidency will play

an important role in navigating this landscape over the coming years, the possibility of Trump’s ‘America First’ foreign policy along with his volatile personality could set of chain reaction of populism, division and conflict throughout the world. Can Trump win? Of course he can. Is the world prepared? That remains to be seen.

Image: Flickr, Gage Skidmore

How social media is altering our language

Jess Mooney

Are women losing from the current 'girl'trend?

ocial media has given rise to a modern form of globalisation in which every individual with an account can communicate with anyone else with an account whenever they choose. The implication of international platforms is that it eliminates physical distance as a boundary. Whilst this has many benefits including facilitating language learning and spreading sociocultural awareness, it can also have some negative effects. As social media like Instagram, YouTube and TikTok have developed, there has been an increased capacity for monetisation. Therefore, those who seek and have achieved success on such platforms cling to and perpetuate trending audios, dances and crucially key words that have developed complex intertextual meanings. If you’ve used TikTok, there is little doubt that you have encountered the term ‘girl maths’, a ditzy justification to spending money and making mental jumps to justify that which us ‘girls’ cannot afford. As the trend of ‘girl maths’ grew and subsequently developed the concept of ‘girl money’ a quickly expanding barrier was placed between women and their money or financial assets, dethatching them from it in a means to justify more and more overspending. It projects a pervasive narrative that most women have grown up absorbing their entire lives – that as women, we are not as good with our money as our male counterparts and sends a message that we are frivolous with our spending and incapable of making wise financial decisions.

Whilst at the surface, this is no more harmful than the latest dance trend, it is a moment that summarises the past ten years of media and its utilisation and commodification of the word ‘girl’. Are these TikTok’s something I have laughed at and related to? Totally. But what initially started as a selfdeprecating and light-hearted joke has spiralled across the internet and become something much more notable. 2023 was certainly the year of microtrends headlined with the word ‘girl’. Whether people are talking about their ‘girl dinners’, amounting to thrown together meals of leftovers and the items found at the back of your fridge, ‘hot girl walks’, walking, or their ‘feral girl summers’, or rebranding themselves to a ‘clean girl’, ‘girl boss’ or ‘rotten girl’, there is very little space left on the internet to be a woman consisting of a self-decided mix of traits, or, even if you think you have managed to become one, there is little time left before it will all be mashed into a commodified, predictable and titled template for you to inhabit. And make no mistake, regardless of your age, it will contain the word girl. The cruciality of “girl dinner” and the term “girl” over all is fun and unrestrictive.

"The cruciality of 'girl dinner' and the term " 'girl' over all is fun and unrestrictive." There is very little room to be a woman on the internet anymore. A scraped together meal cannot be a ‘woman dinner’ because the word woman comes with an expectation that the dinner must be thought out, nutritious and in many ways, boring. A ‘hot woman walk’ is just a walk and a ‘feral woman

summer’ a sign you need to mature and get your life together. Robin Wasserman writes that narratives about “girls” forget the age of the female characters and instead concern themselves with their societal milestones. A woman’s story begins after her transition from girlhood, “from being someone to being someone’s wife, to someone’s mother.” It is not her age that defines her as a woman but whom she belongs to. A woman of the same age may be deemed a “girl” if the trajectory of her narrative is not as followed. Therefore, if the absence of a spouse or child is the condition of being a girl, it is simple to understand why so many modern women are referring to themselves as girls. It places a distance between them and a traditional sense of female ‘sensibility’ and constriction. The image of a “woman dinner” seems sad, indicating a tired woman sitting alone having fed her husband and children, savouring any scraps discarded by those who grant her her womanhood. There is no room left for her to exist as an individual being and is thus undesirable to modern woman who don’t desire to only serve those around them. The cruciality of “girl dinner” and the term “girl” over all is fun and unrestrictive. Whilst the current trends we can track on TikTok are some of the prime examples, the internet is no stranger to the fanatical craze surrounding girlhood. We have seen it time and time again generate interest, and more notably, marketing value. Around 2015 we saw an audience grapple to the likes of Gillian Flynn’s ‘Gone Girl’ (2012), Stieg Larsson’s ‘The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo’ and Paula Hawkins’s ‘The Girl on The Train’. Revealed in their titles, all interest themselves with women, or should I say ‘girls’, who have dethatched themselves or been dethatched from the traditional values of what it means to be a woman and thus be stripped of their womanhood. These characters

exhibit values that resonate with many modern-day women and thus explains our modern attachment and inclination to align ourselves with the term girl. Women seem to always owe society something, even when it treats them poorly, whereas ‘girls’ are free from society to be free and have fun. The women who dominate the content creation industry are not ignorant to this history and know exactly what they’re doing when they dub everyday activities as “hot girl” or “messy girl”. By now these trends are notorious for going viral and as long as our association with girlhood doesn’t dwindle, will continue to do so and therefore, the term girl will continue to be a commodity. Additionally, in a year that has been marked by women striving to define themselves beyond what history and society has taught them to, it is no surprise that the rejection laced within the world girl has had such phenomenal

success. There is a freedom in defining yourself as a girl. Women seem to always owe society something, even when it treats them poorly, whereas ‘girls’ are free from society to be free and have fun. In other words, whilst the language we use on social media such as TikTok is without a doubt humorous, relatable, and enjoyable, it reflects a cyclical trend of the conflicts between girlhood and womanhood. Language has, throughout history, been a tool used to dehumanise woman and today we see it making them fearful of their womanhood. It strays women away from progressing into their womanhood from fear of losing what makes them fun when ultimately, it is a tactical marketing ploy. “Girl” sells, and “woman” does not and there is no sign that this cycle will change anytime soon.

Image: Pixabay, Kropekk

Sub-Editors: Matthew Barratt and Elisabeth Gores

Monday 19th February 2024

Science

Using in-vitro fertilisation to save Africa's White Rhino Jol Tarongo

Could IVF science save a species that humans have alomst led to extinction?

or decades, the northern white rhinoceros had been hunted for their horns which people superstitiously believed had medicinal properties, however their horns are simply made from keratin - the same as our nails and hair. This poaching caused a massive decline of the species to the point that only two members, both females, remain in the Ol Pejeta Conservatory in Kenya. And their extinction poses a great threat to the finely curated ecosystem of millions of years. Quite recently, our last two northern rhinos saw some hope of making more friends thanks to in vitro fertilisation. In vitro fertilisation (IVF) is the process where fertilisation of sperm and egg occurs outside the womb, in laboratory conditions, and is implanted into the uterus of a surrogate mother who then gives birth once the foetus has

matured. The surrogate mother in this case is a southern white rhino; a close evolutionary neighbour of the northern ones.

"IVF is the process where fertilisation of sperm and egg occours outside the womb in laboratory conditions." Currently, there are 30 preserved embryos to be implanted into the southern white rhinos. After that, the BioRescure team plans on genetically reengineering skin cells extracted from preserved tissue samples of dead northern white rhinos to develop them into sex cells using stem cell techniques. This will allow them to produce many more embryos and also increase the genetic diversity of the population, since a small gene pool means that they will have a limited ability to adapt to environmental changes which again increases the risk of extinction. Another approach to increasing numbers and genetic diversity is cross-

breeding northern and southern white rhinos; however, the behavioural and ecological implications of a cross-bred species in future cannot be determined, therefore making it a risky decision which should be kept as a last resort. So, will we humans be able to do Mother Nature justice? Or will our very existence mean destruction till the end? The success of the BioRescue team over the next few years might give us the answer.

Image: Source: Pixabay @ Michael_Luenen

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COURIER

Handwriting versus typing Zahra Hanif - Lifestyle sub-editor

study was conducted at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology in which forty university students undertook trials where they were made to alternate between handwriting and typewriting words. The analysis of the data proved increased brain connectivity when writing by hand in comparison to typing on a keyboard, as more of the brain is stimulated when handwriting, resulting in more complex neural connectivity. It is the precise and controlled movements that provide the benefit for the hand writer. Handwriting demands more attention due to intricate motor control rather than them repeatedly pressing corresponding keys on a machine. Therefore, the study has revealed the importance handwriting practice within school curriculum as well as the significance of handwriting is being a mainstay in the workplace, particularly in an increasingly digitized world, to ensure that the brain is appropriately stimulated.

Home sweet home: hermit Earthquakes causing crabs and artificial shells the moon to shrink Amelie Baker

Study shows that crabs are making homes out of our mess.

study published in the journal Science of the Total Environment has revealed a new behaviour trend among hermit crabs: multiple crabs have been photographed with our plastic waste on their backs instead of their normal shells. Using new technology, iEcology, scientists have scanned the internet for these photos, which are mostly tourist photos, revealing 386 crabs with artificial shells, such as bottle caps, or shards of plastic. Whilst at first glance, this new behaviour could seem cute or quirky, the reality is that our waste is impacting the very evolution of these crabs - the impacts of which have yet to be seen and studied.

as exhibiting this new behavioural trend; a widespread shift for these small crustaceans, and one which scientists are unable to say is beneficial or harmful. Whilst this adaptation could be considered impressive, the truth is that no one can safely predict the outcomes of this new relationship that hermit crabs have with plastic.

"It was estimated that at least 171 trillion pieces of plastic are now in our oceans." The study is raising new questions for ecologists, and calls for more research

into the effects of the artificial shells on the evolution of the species. It also highlights the extent to which our waste is inserting itself into the lives of other beings. In a recent study to calculate the extent of plastic pollution, it was estimated that at least 171 trillion pieces of plastic are now floating in our oceans - a figure that is set to triple by 2040 if no action is taken. Our coastlines, and its inhabitants, are being forcibly changed by our lifestyle. Whilst the hermit crab may be one species able to adapt to this invasion of their habitat, there are many other species that will not be so lucky.

"10 out of 16 terrestrial hermit crab species were identified as exhibiting this new behavioural trend". It is no small change either. From this data, 10 out of 16 terrestrial hermit crab species were identified

Image: Sourcenimrodins Pixabay

Ada Stockwell

American Astronomical Society finds moon to have shrunk by 150 feet.

hen the Moon split from the Earth around 4.53 billion years ago, the Solar System was tumultuous and hot. The Moon has been cooling from this ever since, and as it does, the interior contracts. This causes splitting and movement in the Moon’s surface, creating a scarred, fractured landscape, like areas of high seismic activity on Earth. Thousands of small fault lines have been detected on the surface of the Moon by the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO), where the contraction of the Moon’s centre has caused cracking and movement of the crust. Furthermore, the tidal force exerted on the Moon by the Earth causes movement of the Moon’s surface, creating more cracks and fault lines. The Apollo astronauts set up a series of seismometers (the Apollo Passive Seismic Network), detecting shallow moonquakes as the Moon’s centre contracts and initiates movement. The largest of these quakes had its epicentre on the Moon’s South polar region, near a proposed landing site for Artemis III, the first crewed Moon

landing mission of NASA’s Artemis program and the first crewed American lunar landing since Apollo 17 in 1972. This next mission is expected to carry the first woman to the surface of the Moon.

"Perhaps future Moonbased settlements will have to quake-proof their buildings." This discovery has important implications for future missions and exploration. Perhaps future Moonbased settlements will have to quakeproof their buildings and prepare for seismic events like we do in earthquake zones on our home planet. The placement of permanent outposts on the Moon must be carefully considered to mitigate the risk of moonquakes. To fully understand the future of lunar habitation, more seismic measurements must be taken across the surface of the Moon, not just at its south pole.

Image: Source: Pexels/Pixabay

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Blind Date and Agony Aunt co-ordinator: Charlotte Lee

Monday 19th February 2024

Hosted by Turtle Bay

Rate the Date What were your first impressions of Charlie? I wouldn't have usually gone for someone like her - my intuition told me as I walked to the table that we were incompatible but it would go against the whole point of a blind date if we didn't try! Did you have anything in common? Not much! I think we are very drastically different people. It seemed that we have very different interests, hobbies, views on social issues and different religious views. I think the only thing in common we had was that we were both wanting the other to be extroverted. What did you guys talk about? We talked about stories from our jobs, my love for Wetherspoons, religion, coming out to our families, and surprisingly a lot about Chesterle-Street. Describe the date as your favourite desert and why. Tiramisu - some people love it but it definitely doesn't suit my taste.

Lizi, 21 Stage 3 Mathematics

Valentine's Day. Best holiday or commercialised nightmare ? This year is very likely going to be the first year in my adult life spending it single so I'm not sure I'm going to be declaring it the best holiday! I definitely feel that it's overly commercialised, but this also runs for a lot of Christian holidays in the Western world. Do you think you'll see each other again? No.

Rate the Date What made you sign up for blind date? I thought it would be a good way to meet people with similar interests. What were your first impressions of Lizi ? She was pretty and has cool piercings. Did you have anything in common? Other than our lgbtq status, not really. What did you guys talk about? Our uni courses, tv shows, funny stories from work. How did you find Turtle Bay? Nice atmosphere but staff didn't pay much attention to our table. Describe the date as one your favourite desert and why. Victoria sponge cake, classic but sweet. Valentine's Day. Best holiday or commercialised nightmare, what do you think ? Commercialised nightmare. Do you think you'll see each other again? Maybe grab drinks as friends.

Unlucky in love? Dating apps getting on your nerves? Sign up for The Courier's Blind Date on Instgram @thecourieronline.

Charlie, 19 Stage 2 Archaeology

Monday 19th February 2024

Sub-Editors: Jay Barber, Zahra Hanif & Marina Snyder

Lifestyle

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COURIER

LGBTQ+ History Month: Under the Scope Jay Barber - Lifestyle Sub-Editor

LGBTQ+ History Month 2024 hopes to showcase the contributions made by members of the LGBTQ+ community to the field of medicine.

the top of the waitlist for an initial appointment at the Northern Region Gender Dysphoria Service has been waiting for 67 months – 5 years and 7 months. The person at the top of the waitlist for their second appointment has waited over 4 years since their initial appointment, and over 6 years since their initial referral.

"Under the Scope [hopes] to recognise the contributions made to the field of medicine by members of the LGBTQ+ community."

GBTQ+ History Month, celebrated each February in the UK, serves as both a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community and as a reminder of the inequalities still prominent today. Founding organisation Schools OUT UK have declared Unfortunately, long this year’s theme as wait times for gender ‘Under The Scope’, affirming care is only hoping to recognise one of many issues the contributions faced by the LGBTQ+ made to the field of community in the medicine by members healthcare system. of the LGBTQ+ From outright community, whilst also discrimination calling attention to the faced by both healthcare inequalities LGBTQ+ healthcare that remain rampant for workers and patients, queer people in the UK and to a reluctance to seek worldwide. treatment at all, healthcare Following Schools OUT UK’s inequalities arise from multiple theme, I believe its important to avenues. Although these facts highlight the state of healthcare in the are troubling, Image credit: Instagram @lgbthistorymonth there is hope to UK. As of December 2023, the person at

be found in their discussion – by bringing these issues to light, allies and members of the community alike can strive for change. ‘Under the Scope’ also calls for a recognition of those both past and present who have contributed to the field of medicine. Sophia Jex-Blake was one of the first women in Great Britain to practice medicine, acting as an integral part of the ‘Edinburgh Seven’ – a group of women campaigning for medical institutions to accept women into their ranks. Their success led to the Medical Act Law of 1876, which allowed institutions to accept applicants regardless of gender. Sophia is also assumed to have been queer, living with Dr Margaret Todd until her death. After Sophia’s death, Margaret wrote The Life of Sophia Jex-Blake, a celebration of the woman she loved and an account of the fight of women in the medical profession. LGBT+ History Month is a vital time to celebrate the past and fight for the future. Within Newcastle University, you can find

events hosted by the LGBTQ+ Society (@ ncllgbt on Instagram) throughout LGBTQ+ History Month.

Image credit: Flickr @ Simon Harriyott

Image credit: Wikimedia @Margaret Todd

The exploitative Can online friendships transcend into real life? entertainment of family vloggers Jessica Hughes

Why YouTubers vlogging their children for views and profit is inherently problematic.

n light of the arrest of Ruby Franke (the mother behind the family YouTube channel ‘8 passengers’) on four counts of child abuse, it is time to revaluate the ethics behind family vloggers. Just how ethical is it to televise milestones of childhood to millions of strangers and how consensual is it? Ruby Franke created the immensely popular family vlogging YouTube channel, it amassed 1 billion views and had 2.6 million subscribers. Initially celebrated for its entertaining videos, the channel soon started attracting criticism for Ruby’s disturbing parenting methods. The YouTube videos showcased Ruby withholding food, taking her sons bed away and other unsettling disciplinary action. Disgust with her actions accumulated, resulting in her channel being taken down and a 911 call that brought about her arrest in 2023. The case of family vloggers giving a platform to exploitative parents is not just limited to ‘8 Passengers’, rather it is an increasing epidemic. YouTuber, Jordan Cheyenne, accidently uploaded a clip to her channel in which she is encouraging her 9-year-old son to cry over their dying dog for the camera. Her son can be heard saying ‘‘no momma I am actually seriously crying” to which she responds “no I know but go like this for the video” and instructs her son how to pose

for the most dramatic thumbnail. A moment, that should have been private and, in which her son required comfort was exploited for strangers to watch. Children are not moneymaking vessels that can be contorted for the masses to enjoy, they are vulnerable and require nurturing. The lack of protection laws surrounding these channels combined with an enticing possibility of profit have cultivated an environment in which children have become commercial commodities, for their parents to exploit. The vast majority of the children on these channels are too young to comprehend the implications and permanence of being broadcasted online, thus making it widely non-consensual. While the effects on the children are widely unknown, due to it being a fairly new phenomenon, yet it is easy to see they will be overwhelmingly negative. Ultimately, the reality of family vloggers is dystopian and disturbing, their childhood has been capitalised on and corrupted with their formative years tarnished for the sake of profit.

Jenica Davis - TV Sub-Editor s someone who grew up in an age where every landline was being replaced by an iPhone and birthday cards were exchanged for an Instagram story, it is unusual that I am not really a part of any online communities. Without sounding triple my age, I have never had online friends – and I am intrigued by the concept of it. I have friends who keep in touch with people online, and my sister, a serial video gamer, has many online friends. If I’m being honest with myself, I know that it is the fact I text back at a snail’s pace that prevents me from forming online friendships, but I do think social media is a great (and quick) way to find people with the same interests as you; you get to know people who you would otherwise have never met in real life. Having said that, I do believe there is a danger when you exclusively make friends online. I’ve known people who have put more energy into their online friendships to the point where they completely distance themselves from their real life friends. You slowly detach yourself from the real world, becoming trapped in an online bubble. While it may feel like you are doing the best thing for yourself at first, you’re only making it harder for yourself when you have to eventually venture back outside.

"You get to know people who you would otherwise have never met in real life."

Image credit: Pixabay @JosepMonter

I think the appeal with online friendships is that they are ultimately less effort. You can pick up where you left off, whenever you feel like, with your online community. Perhaps this is personal preference, but I find a friendship so much more enriching when you both go out of your way to be with each other in person; it’s a sort of confirmation to me that they do care about our

friendship. I think there is a certain vulnerability with putting yourself in a position where you are physically present with someone, as people can use their screen as a safety net. For me, what makes friendships long-lasting are friends that you make memories with – you grow together with the more you experience together, and this is something that is harder to achieve online. Friendships that solely exist through social media are at risk of being ‘catch up’ friendships, where you simply update each other on your lives without experiencing life together.

"You can have deep meaningful connections with people online." Recently, I have come to learn about the term third place. Coined by sociologist Ray Oldenberg, a third place is a location that you go to regularly outside of your first place (home) and your second place (work/school). It tends to be a place where you can relax and interact with a community of people – such as the pub, Church, a park, the library, or a coffeeshop. The idea with your third place is that it is not a requirement to be there, but you go there out of your own choice – because you want to be there. However, in today’s society, whether they mean to or not, a lot of people are making the internet their third place. It can be easier to escape from the hardships of home and work life by diving back to the online persona and community you have created. However, your online third place will only do you more harm than good in the long run. I do not doubt for a second that you can have deep and meaningful connections with people online. You don’t need to be face-to-face with someone to be able to have an open conversation and I think many beautiful friendships start online. No one should ever invalidate how you feel about your online friend. Nevertheless, don’t forget about your real life community in the process! It is important to nourish your real life friendships too and not get too lost in the online world – especially if it is your third place.

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Monday 19th February 2024

Sub-Editors: Jay Barber, Zahra Hanif & Marina Snyder

Lifestyle

How does your lifestyle change when you move to University? Evie Bateson

How university may change your routine, lifestyle and the relationship you have with yourself.

s a first-year student, coming to university was a significant change, not just academically, but physically and socially too. Naturally, this presents countless hurdles, and as an anxiety-prone girly, these were (and some still are) difficult to face. Whether you're just starting your university journey like me or are a returning student, change can be intimidating, so I thought I'd share a snippet of my independent living experience!

"Rigid organisation can work well for some people, but I found it restrictive." Living without an enforced routine and having to plan everything myself was overwhelming to start with. I found some weeks, I'd try to do too much, and others, I'd feel incapable of anything.

University revolves around self-motivation, and people often advise sticking to a routine, which can be helpful. The rigid organisation can work well for some people, but I found it restrictive. Sometimes, things you need or want to do get held back, or new things crop up that don't 'fit' with the schedule you adopt, so you end up back where you started – without routine.

"Adopting a more flexible and intuitive lifestyle has helped me make sure I get things done." Instead, I allow myself to do things flexibly according to my mood and workload rather than forcing myself to do them at 'set' times. For me, adopting a more flexible and intuitive lifestyle has helped me make sure I get things done, but also ensures I look after myself. Living independently can also be tough from a social perspective. Even when you have your friends and housemates around you, it's still perfectly valid to feel lonely sometimes, especially since I think at university, there's some unspoken expectation that you must be socialising 24/7. People have such varied schedules that it can be difficult to arrange things. Still, instead of

overthinking my connections with people, I now embrace the 'me' time when plans fall through. That's the beauty of living for yourself – having more accessible opportunities for self-care and doing what makes you happy. Ultimately, it's all about finding balance and what works for you. University is full of highs and lows for everyone, and change is always uncomfortable, even when you desire it!

Image credit: Instagram@newcastleuni

Society Spotlight: Women's The spring equinox... Social Sports Society (NUWSSS) Daisy Harrison - Head of Life & Style

Looking to get active without the pressure? Find out about Women's Social Sports Society!

f you’re looking for the opportunity to try out a wide range of sports, but don’t have the time or skill level to join a sports team, Newcastle University Women’s Social Sports Society (NUWSSS) might be the perfect choice for you! The society is open to students of all abilities, and it is an inclusive space for women and non-binary people to play sports in a friendly, non-competitive environment. Each week, they offer a new sport, including classic favourites (netball, football, dodgeball). Or something a bit different (handball, Zumba, ice skating).

or something equally as innocent. There’s no worry that a ball will be pelted full speed into your face, that’s for sure! The sessions usually last about an hour, with time for warming up and warming down in between. It’s great to have the opportunity to take part in structured sports sessions, and I always come away feeling fulfilled. It’s a good idea to follow their account on Instagram, as they post updates and sign-up forms for each event.

"NUWSSS events are a refreshing reminder that you can have a good time whilst playing sports!"

I’ve had a membership with NUWSSS for 2 years and really enjoy attending their events; joining the society has put the fun back into sports. My enjoyment of any sporting activity was tarnished during PE lessons at school, as my classmates were either aggressively competitive, or they would not participate at all. Fear not, NUWSSS events are a refreshing reminder that you can have a good time whilst playing sports! The members are simply there to release some energy, try something new, make friends,

Image credit: Instagram @NUWSSS

beating January blues Zahra Hanif - Lifestyle Sub-Editor

The alternative way to celebrate the new year will put a spring in your step.

n the 1st of January, the new year is marked in England with the sound of neighbours’ fireworks, house parties with friends, and a notes app page full of half-hearted resolutions. However, this isn’t the case for many other cultures, who opt to reset the count in March instead. This was, in fact, once also the case in the United Kingdom, or at least until 1752, when we switched to the Gregorian calendar. This calendar altered the New Year to the winter solstice from its later position around the Spring equinox. However, there may still be logical reasons to start a new year in Spring rather than bang in the middle of Winter. Due to a combination of factors, January is often dubbed the most depressing month of the year - see: “January blues”, “Blue Monday”, etc. The days are still short and cold, which also contributes to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) for many individuals. There’s also the

whiplash of returning to work or education after a limbo period. Even when I celebrate the new year with my friends, I don’t wake up on the day feeling regenerated or like a massive shift has taken place - January always feels an awful lot like continuity, just counting down the days until we see an 8pm sunset again. Enter: Spring equinox. This day is celebrated towards the end of March (roughly around the 20th of March) and marks the first official day of Spring when the day and night are roughly the same length. Many cultures deem this a more appropriate new year due to its connotations of renewal; with the rebirth of nature and lengthening days. So, if you’re not feeling ready to step up into a new era on the 1st of January, there is a valid alternative for you, and you are most certainly not alone in this feeling. This is not to say that there’s a particular need for continuous selfimprovement like New Year’s marketing suggests that there is; that means you need to have a specific calendar date that you plan to elevate your entire existence on. This is just reassurance that if you’re not feeling brand new and energised when the months reset, this is so normal. We can only blame the placement of the Gregorian New Year being in one of our darkest months. But if anything, at least the load will get a little lighter by the time Spring comes around.

Sub-Editors: Adriana Newbury & Charlotte Burley-Hnat

Monday 19th February 2024

Relationships

Relationship Resolutions Amy Mescus

New year, new you, but most importantly, new standards, people! Here are the red flags you need to avoid in 2024.

irstly, anyone that is giving you mixed signals or leaving you with the dreaded, "What are we?" question is immediately getting put into the bin. We're loving and caring about ourselves before anyone else this year. We deserve someone who knows what they want, and not just says it but shows it too! Zero patience for these time wasters, make sure you're getting treated like the priority that you are.

you out, or posting you on social media, or introducing you to the people in their life. Your partner should feel so proud to be with you and should show you off. We are not accepting the "Ohhh, but they don't really post on social media." this year! If they're in a relationship, they do now! Post your lover people! And without them having to ask you please. One more, and arguably the most important red flag: your ex. Please stop going back to them. Leave them in 2023. I'm begging you. Pick yourself up off the floor, and just move on. I don't know who they are, but they're probably not worth it. Stop waiting on someone who you have literally broken up with to come back, when you may miss the perfect person walking right into your life. Lots of (healthy) love only in 2024.

“Stop waiting on someone who you have literally broken up with to come back into your life." Another huge red flag is your partner not giving you reassurance if you need it! Sometimes we all get a bit insecure, and that's totally okay! But your partner should cater towards that and make you feel appreciated and like you're the only one in their interests. If they can't do that, they're probably for the streets. Sorry. Tough pill to swallow, I know. This follows into your partner not taking

Image credit: Flickr Cindy K Image credit: Pixabay Sammy Sanders

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COURIER

Does distance make the heart grow fonder, or is it just really annoying? Sophie Jarvis

Getting into a new relationship at university is all fun and games… until you’re at the train station going home.

or some, distance only entails a short train away from home, but for others, it could mean a cross-country road trip or a flight. It can be frustrating— and if you’re in the same boat as me, the approach of graduation season means a more permanent version of long distance is on the horizon. But viewing time apart from your partner as a chance to build your bond from a different angle, rather than stressing over the dreaded can-we-makethis-work?, is the secret to keeping the spark alive— so here’s my crash course on what I’ve learnt after navigating long distance for the first time over Christmas. Always having the next date planned is essential. Not only does having the purpose of planning out a date make a good pass time, but planning it as early in advance as possible means having the day to look forward to can make time feel like it’s going the slightest bit quicker. Visiting eachother’s hometowns—bonus points if your partner has never visited yours and vice versa— makes for the perfect date and chance to learn more about your partner’s home comforts and even meet eachother’s hometown friends. Making time for virtual dates and activities are still just as important as in-person dates. Whether it be watching a film together over Teleparty, cooking together over FaceTime,

making shared playlists, playing games, or just chatting over the phone at random points during the day, it keeps communication strong and allows for space to check in on eachother’s feelings and wellbeing; prioritise chatting to eachother in the mornings and evenings. Having a variation of communication modes keeps the relationship interesting and a good foundation to build creative virtual date nights from. Having reminders of your partner softens the blow of the distance. Keep your photos together close, perhaps sticking some prints on your wall or saving a picture as your lock screen, wear items of clothing that belong to them that you stole and never gave back, or maybe read their favourite book or listen to their favourite song, allowing you to share your hobbies. Physical reminders is also a great opportunity to send surprises to them in the post, and poses as a creative, thoughtful alternative to having digital reminders. Swap and dabble in eachothers hobbies and interests, or try a new hobby together. Sending regular updates or little reviews of things you’ve tried will not only bring about avenues of new conversation, but will allow for you to build your bond with your partner and understand their likes and dislikes more. Keep lists of things you want to try together, such as films you want to watch, places you want to travel to, or future date night venues, and add to them accordingly. Being away from your partner is annoying, and can sometimes be daunting, and tackling long distance will look different for every relationship. However having a solid foundation to build from is crucial, and remember that long distance isn’t always about making it through the time apart, but instead, seizing it as a new opportunity.

Battling the Winter Blues in a Relationship Sarah Tunstall - Arts Sub-Editor

When you're feeling down, it can be hard to feel energised around your partner.

he nights are darker, festivities are over, and you’re left with bitter weather and shorter days. It can make you feel less productive, isolated and this leads to a lot of changes to us individually. How do you cope with this when there’s another person? January/winter blues, or Seasonal Affective disorder (SAD), has effects on our motivation, sleep patterns, sex drive, mood, appetite, and general outlook on life. When these start to come into your relationship it can be hard to distinguish what’s prompted by these feelings and what’s legitimate. It can be daunting in any relationship, especially the newer ones where you are experiencing this period together. Wondering how to navigate it suddenly with someone else is a lot to consider.

“Have consistent conversations about how you/the other person feels, and how you can support each other through it.” Some of you may relate, but, for myself these months cause a lot of anxiety, and thus a lot of irritation. There’s plenty of overthinking, worrying and frustration. Consequently, when I try to express

my feelings to a partner during this feeling, it often comes out as anger – causing overall disruption. I’ve been in a long-term relationship where I feel at some point, we got this down. But now navigating a newer relationship with someone, I feel like learning all of this again with my current partner has been almost a refresh.

“Little things to do together will help you both with some motivation. Maybe some study dates, cleaning together, crafting random stuff.” Here’s some tips for you and your partner to use during these months:

Notice these patterns and communicate!

Seasonal Depression or January Blues don't always come across as someone who is sad. Often patterns of irritation (where it is not usually found), lack of motivation to do things, drop in sex drive start to come into play during these months. It’s hard to notice these patterns in yourself and we can take this sudden lack of engagement very personally, causing miscommunications. If you notice it within yourself, or in the other person (boundaries considered) just talk about it. Have consistent conversations about how you/ the other person feels, whether this is a reaction to something in the relationship or not, and how you can support each other through it. These conversations don’t need to be frightening or concerning, and they don’t need to mean an end. Creating a space where you can talk about these

things within the winter months will also just simply better your communication throughout. Remember that summer is on the way By the time you've gotten to February, we're well over half-way through winter. Spring is just around the corner, meaning the days are getting longer and the evenings are getting lighter. A great way to manifest this is to book a summer holiday for you and your partner, or make summer plans. Even just discussing summer can give you both a mental break from winter. Why not make a summer vision board with your partner?

Help each other

When I say this, I don’t mean to then put your focus in the other person but do things together. You do not, and shouldn’t, play therapist for each other or see each other in this way. Little things to do together will help you both with some motivation. Maybe some study dates, cleaning together, crafting random stuff. It doesn’t need to be sudden and a lot, but if its within what you both feel you can handle at that point then it will encourage you both separately as well as partners. It also then, sort of, resets the whole tension of these months and your relationship. A breather for you both.

Image credit: Pixabay, Monicore

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Monday 19th February 2024

Sub-Editors: Ivy French & Lana Free

Fashion & Beauty

Lana Del Rey and Kim Kardashian: Pink and red: a Skims match made in heaven? match made Trinity Eadie

The unexpected collab that we didn’t know we needed.

im Kardashian’s SKIMS has just launched its 2024 Valentine’s Day store, and with Lana Del Rey as the face of the collection, it’s no surprise that it immediately went from a shock to a sell-out. If there is one notable thing about Kim (other than all her controversies), its her influence on fashion, and paired with Lana’s vintage romantic aesthetic, the success of the SKIMS Valentine’s Day line was only to be expected. Flaunting a range of pieces from charming loungewear to alluring lingerie sets, the line even includes outfits for your pets. But with prices ranging from £18 - £126, is it worth it?

“Kim puts her own stamp on the concept with a cheeky matching lingerie set literally made of sweets - and yes, they’re edible.” Typical of SKIMS’ signature style, the Valentines line strikes the sweet spot between contemporary trends and timeless fashion. The collection features a classic colour palette of red, white and black, complemented by soft pinks and pastel purples; although SKIMS is playing it safe with the standard colour scheme for the holiday, they still capture the very essence of Valentine’s Day with

a line that has something to make everyone feel even a cheeky play kit, SKIMS doesn’t shy away fabulous. The charming loungewear ranges from from embracing the sensual side of the season. It’s hardly unexpected that SKIMS has broken the silky robes to dainty pyjamas, perfect for a cozy night in binge-watching your favourite romantic internet with their collection that not only defies expectations but also adds a sweet and spicy twist to movies, whether you’re spending the day solo the Valentine’s Day fashion narrative. Although or with a partner. Delicate lace trims some of the line feels like more of a gimmick and cherry prints are a staple of the than a functional addition to a wardrobe, collection, not only building on the its clear why the SKIMS Valentine’s Day popularity of the current ‘coquette’ store completely shut down on its release trend but also adding the subtle date due to the amount of people rushing touch of romance that Lana Del to buy. Rey is known for. While it’s not uncommon for Valentine’s Day collections to incorporate sweets-inspired imagery, it comes as no surprise that Kim puts her own stamp on the concept with a cheeky matching lingerie set literally made of sweets – and yes, they’re edible. Although it’s obvious that SKIMS is pushing the boundaries with this collection, it’s easy to question the practicality of such a product, especially at such a high price tag. However, a Valentine’s Day collection wouldn’t be Image credit: Instagram, @skims complete without lingerie, and with corsets, thongs, and Image credit: Pixabay, Monicore

Glow in the gloom: a guide to hydrated skin in winter

Lonnie Bridge

Top tips to keep your skin healthy and hydrated in the brisk North East climate.

ry season would normally make you think of sandy beaches and hot sun. However, when it comes to the skin it is a very wintery issue. Cold weather and wind have a very low humidity. Paired with an increase in indoor heating, our skin becomes very dry and sometimes itchy. Whilst I don’t think any of us want to turn the heating off to prevent it drying our skin, there are other solutions to keep your skin hydrated throughout the winter.

skin. Winter is serum season Hyaluronic acid serum should be on all our skin care regimes in the winter months. Applying it after toning both in the morning and at night creates a barrier that locks in the skin’s natural moisture and allows self-hydration even when trekking to uni in the freezing North East wind. My personal favourite is the INKEY List hyaluronic

SPF... 50+ or Nothing Applying a moisturiser after your serums increases the moisture on your skins surface, adding an extra barrier to the cold air. Any moisturiser is good, but it is beneficial to use a water based one if you are prone to oily skin. SPF is often overlooked in the winter months. Experts recommend a factor 50+ for everyday use all year round, making Bondi Sands face suncream (priced at £7.99) a perfect option for student skincare.

Sarah Besancon

The mixture of red and pink in couture has morphed into a symbol of confidence, creativity, and femininity.

irectly next to each other on the colour wheel, it may seem at first glance that pink and red would do nothing but clash. However, the closeness of the colours actually creates an opportunity for stylists to play with shades and depth while simultaneously constructing an outfit with a clear theme. With both colours having deep historical roots in feminism and womanhood, the combination of pink and red can form outfits that, when styled right, are not only elegant and bold, but create a beautiful balance between a gentle and powerful aura. Stereotypically, the colour pink is seen as delicate. It symbolizes softness, daintiness, and grace, encircling the mind when one imagines fresh flowers, girlhood, and a coquette aesthetic. Especially in a lighter shade range, pink represents the suppleness of femininity, and is an expression of the elegance and youthfulness by which women can chose to exist.

“The combination of pink and red can form a beautiful balance between a gentle and powerful aura.” Contrastingly, the colour red is seen as ower. Much like in the movies, where the woman in the red dress is admired and awed, the colour is seen as passionate, fierce, fiery, and empowering. It is the older sister of pink, exuding confidence, ferocity, and sexuality throughout all of its shades. It makes sense, thus combining light shades of pink and dark shades of red creates a balanced outfit in both colour and meaning. As displayed beautifully in the Alexander McQueen spring/summer 2018 runway, the combination of colours creates looks that explore the delicate side of womanhood whilst quietly implementing the sexual, fierce aspects that were historically frowned upon.

“Combining light shades of pink and dark shades of red creates a balanced outfit.”

Do not over cleanse your skin! It is important to cleanse your skin to prevent a buildup of dirt. However, the moisture on the surface of the skin in the morning is a natural hydration produced to repair and nourish. I know it may feel ‘dirty’, but in these dry months it is best to double cleanse at night and NOT cleanse in the morning to allow the natural oils to hydrate your skin throughout the day.

With Valentine’s Day approaching, it might be intimidating to try and style these colours, but don’t let it scare you too much. Despite the apprehension of creating a look with such bold colours, you don’t have to run around campus in head-to-toe neon pink to accomplish the look. Try adding pops of pink and red accessories to more monochrome outfits as a way of celebrating your feminine side. Use tights, bags, hair clips, shoes, and scarves to elevate any of your looks and get in the Valentine’s Day feeling.

Toning... and I don’t mean in the gym Toning should be done after cleansing in the evening and first thing in the morning. I use a liquid toner on a cotton pad because of its gentle exfoliating qualities. Retinol is a popular compound in skincare because it unclogs pores whilst exfoliating which increases collagen production and makes the skin look plump. Toner does not have to be expensive either. Aldi have produced a ‘Glow Retinol Toner’ for £2.99 which I have been using to achieve glowing and hydrated

acid serum which retails at £5.99.

in heaven?

Image credit: Unsplash, @CheyenneDoig

Image credit: Pinterest @pngtree

Sub-Editors: Roseanna Leconte & Anna Nix

Food & Drink

Monday 19th February 2024

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COURIER

Exploring the culinary world Hot Spots one food documentary at a time Abi Ogden

Anuska Banerjee ood is our common ground, a universal experience." - A quote from the legendary American chef and food writer James Beard who emphasizes the unifying power of food. Beard's words underscore the importance of recognizing and celebrating the cultural significance of food as a shared and integral part of our lives. And in this context, we may look at the recent years, where food documentaries have taken the world by storm, offering viewers a tantalizing glimpse into the diverse and often complex world of culinary arts. These films are both entertaining and educational, shedding light on the complex processes behind some of our favorite dishes as well as the substantial effect that food has on our lives. Let's look at some notable food documentaries that have had an indelible impact on both the gastronomic and cinematic environments. One of my personal favorites would have to be "Chef 's Table," a Netflix original series that delves into the lives and kitchens of some of the world's most celebrated chefs. Each episode focuses on a different culinary master, highlighting their distinct cooking skills, ideologies, and the stories that influenced them. This series has not only elevated cooks to the position of artists, but it has also sparked debate about the social and cultural implications of food.

One of the most prominent documentaries in this category would be "Jiro Dreams of Sushi." Released in the year 2011, and widely available across streaming platforms such as Netflix. This David Gelb directorial follows the life of Jiro Ono, an 85-year-old sushi maestro in Tokyo. The documentary delves into Jiro's never-ending search for perfection in his art through spectacular graphics and a moving narrative. The video emphasizes the devotion, discipline, and passion required to attain greatness, a resonant emotion for many; providing viewers with a renewed appreciation for the craftsmanship that lies behind a simple dish of sushi. Another significant documentary is "Food, Inc.," a breakthrough film about the industrial food production system. The documentary, directed by Robert Kenner, reveals the hidden facts of modern food production, such as its environmental, health, and ethical ramifications. "Food, Inc." has spurred a worldwide discussion on sustainable agriculture, ethical consumerism, and the significance of knowing where our food originates from. Documentaries such as "Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat," based on Samin Nosrat's best-selling book, and "Street Food" have received international praise for honoring the world's unique culinary traditions. These documentaries emphasize the cultural relevance of food, demonstrating how it brings people and communities together across borders. The influence of these food docu-

mentaries goes beyond the screen. Viewers are both entertained and inspired to make educated food choices. The rise of sustainable and locally produced ingredients, the popularity of cooking shows, and the growing demand for culinary experiences can all be attributed to the influence of these shows. And for people away from home, such as many of our international students, a food documentary that explores their own culture, might feel like a warm hug on a lonely night, the bridge connecting them back to childhood memories. Food documentaries have become a powerful medium, influencing our perception of food as more than just nourishment. They have elevated cooks to the level of artists, promoted sustainable and ethical methods, and created a global respect for many culinary traditions. As we continue to enjoy these cinematic treats, the influence of food documentaries on our plates and in our lives is certain to endure.

Sustainability week: Guide to minimising food waste Karolína Janíková

Reducing food waste has never been easy, but here are a few tips to get you started!

ver found yourself gazing into the depths of your fridge, contemplating the sad fate of that once-vibrant bundle of herbs now wilted and forgotten? We've all been there. But fear not, fellow students! In this article, I've got some practical tips to not only tackle waste but also make your student life more sustainable and budget-friendly. Food waste is an issue that often gets swept under the rug, and admittedly, it doesn't sound like the most attractive topic for discussion. However, it's crucial to have these conversations and understand what's happening and what every individual can do to help. Did you know that globally, about one-third of all the food produced for human consumption is wasted every year? Or that in high-income countries, households are responsible for discarding around 163 pounds of food per person annually. That definitely doesn't sound alright to me!

“Turn last night's roasted vegetables into a stir-fry or frittata, or use leftover rice to make fried rice." The good news is that each one of us has the power to make a meaningful impact on reducing food waste. By adopting simple, yet effective practices you can contribute to a more sustainable future and also save quite a lot of money doing so. Remember, every small effort counts, and positive change begins with individual actions! So let's have a look at some practical tips.

Understanding Labels Decoding food labels like "use by," "sell by," and "best by" is crucial. Don't rush to discard items after the "best by" date; many are still safe to eat. Seamlessly integrate the "use by" system into your routine—plan meals around items nearing expiration, organize your fridge with closer-dated items at the forefront, and witness food waste shrink. It's a savvy strategy for student shopping, meal planning, and cooking that can make a real difference. Shopping When possible, opt for smaller quantities of fresh items. Stick to your shopping list, be realistic about the amount to prevent overbuying, and don't overlook the yellow-labeled reduction stickers on groceries. It's the best way to save money, enjoy good food, and reduce waste. Many supermarkets in Newcastle have specific days for reducing numerous items, just ask around and get ready for the hunt for the widest variety of options. Supporting locals Choosing locally grown, in-season foods not only reduces food waste but also fosters a sense of community and support. Engage with local farmers' markets, embrace seasonal eating, and enjoy fresher produce while minimising overproduction and surplus. And, shorter transportation distances contribute to less handling and reduced spoilage during transit. Planning and Cooking Before grocery shopping, plan your meals for the week to buy only what you need. Consider batch cooking and freezing portions for ready-made meals, preventing ingredients from going bad. Sharing is Caring Coordinate meal plans with housemates, cook together, and save time. Avoid wasting leftovers by offering meals to housemates. Consider donating excess food to local food banks, charities, or sharing with friends and neighbors.

Repurposing Get creative with leftovers by incorporating them into new meals. Turn last night's roasted vegetables into a stir-fry or frittata, or use leftover rice to make fried rice. And don't forget composting! Set up a compost bin for food scraps—an environmentally friendly way to dispose of organic waste that benefits your plants too! With Sustainability Week on the horizon, there's no better time to kickstart our journey toward reducing waste. While the focus may be on this designated week, it's more than just a temporary effort – it's a meaningful beginning. It's important to recognize that achieving 100% sustainability might not be feasible all the time, and that's perfectly okay. Be proud of every small step you take towards a more sustainable lifestyle and keep it going!

Image credit: Pixabay, Clker-Free-Vector-Images

Here are the bars and restaurants you can't miss this semester!

ewcastle prides itself on being a food and drink hotspot, so here is a list of the best places to eat this semester, including a selection of bars to offer a different drinking experience than the comfort of Osborne Road. The Exchange Newcastle’s hidden gem – literally hidden behind the door of a telephone box. This quirky speakeasy style cocktail bar is perfect for a more sophisticated night of drinking. Each table is equipped with a phone which enables guests to call other tables, a really unique aspect which helps make an inclusive friendly atmosphere. Their student friendly happy hour offers £6 cocktails and the extensive menu boasts everything from traditional martinis to their own creations, such as speed dial, my personal favourite. As well as drinks, The Exchange also offers an American style food menu, including tacos, burgers and waffles for when the cocktail drinking works up an appetite. No.28 This secret bar above Grainger Market is celebrated for its bottomless prosecco and boozy afternoon teas. It stands out for its beautiful décor and unique location which, combined with the regular occurrence of live music, makes this bar an unforgettable visit. The lively nature of this bar makes it the perfect place when you’re looking for a fun night that will get you dancing. No.28 has also served as the venue for a boozy brushes event which offers the opportunity to get creative accompanied by your favourite cocktails, a wholesome activity to give you a break from your assignments. Pizzeria Francesca A must-visit for Italian lovers. Their iconic £14.50 half pizza half pasta dish is the perfect choice for when you’re stuck between two items on the menu. For all of the pasta dishes, the choice of fusilli, penne, spaghetti or tagliatelle is offered as well as the option of gluten free pasta to make their dishes more coeliac friendly. Situated on Manor House Road in Jesmond, Pizzeria Francesca is the perfect place for an authentic Italian experience and is unmatched for fellow carb lovers! Earl of Pitt Street Nothing beats a wholesome Sunday roast, especially during these colder months, which is why the Earl of Pitt Street is a must visit this semester. Their ‘slow cooked Sundays’ are perfect for anyone craving a weekend pick me up, with a selection of meats and incredible crispy garlic roast potatoes. The portion sizes of their mains are extremely generous, but they also offer a selection of delicious starters and deserts, as well as sides, including pigs in blankets, an all-time favourite. A good roast can always be judged by the size of the Yorkshire pudding, and this one certainly passes the test. Fat Hippo A personal all-time favourite. Fat Hippo, despite now having branches all around the UK, began its journey in Jesmond and offers unbeatable comfort food. There is now a restaurant in both Jesmond and in Newcastle city centre, leaving no excuse for you not to try their renowned burgers. Their menu also includes four vegan burgers, which I can personally vouch are the best in Newcastle. The success of a restaurant is always largely attributed to its atmosphere, and the staff at Fat Hippo are incredible at creating a friendly space for food lovers.

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Monday 19th February 2024

Sub-Editors: Marina Snyder & Anna Nix

Creative Careers 28th - 29th February Are you thinking about getting a job in a creative sector? Then this week is what you need! Whether you're wanting to find out how to become a professional writer, or what the day to day of someone in the music industry looks like, Creative Careers week has you covered, involving multiple workshops and talks from professionals in the industry. Some of our special guests include music promotion executive Pippa Morgan, Art historian Danielle Burke, Copywriter and author Lucy Nichol as well as other guest speakers discussing a range of topics such as the effects of AI in the industry. This is a great opportunity you won't want to miss!

Monday 19th February 2024

Sub-Editor: Marina Snyder & Anna Nix

Creative Careers

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Medium fish in a small pond: A conversation on conse Interview with Pippa Morgan How an art history Castor Chan - Sport Sub-Editor

Adriana Newbury - Relationships Sub-Editor

Find out how Pippa has joined the freelance music industry!

or Creative Careers Week at Newcastle University, we have talked to Pippa Morgan, a music promotion executive, who is a freelancer and gets to work with many different artists in the music industry. She has studied at Newcastle University and stayed in the North East to work on her career. To begin, can you describe what your career is all about, for those that don’t know anything about the music industry? It’s very common for people in the creative industries to do freelance. Since I went freelance last year, I balance quite a lot of different things; some things are every day and some things are one off. My two main roles at the moment are with Liberty Music PR, where I basically go out and find artists, or deal with the artists that come in and say, “I have this song or this album, how do I get it so that people can actually hear this?”, and I’ll work with them to promote their music. Then I also work at Singing Light Music, where it’s just me and my boss Brad. We do interventions with artists, going all the way up to full management and down to distribution – which is where an artist wants their song on Apple Music or Spotify. Something fun we offer is a TikTok promotional service, because that app is here to stay, and it was designed to be a music discovery platform. They’ve also just signed a huge deal with Spotify, where there will be a button where a sound of a video that you're watching, goes straight into your saved videos.

“It’s not about not doing the work, it’s about getting to stop yourself from doing the work!"

wanted to hone my skills to music promotion. I have been lucky to take that leap into autonomy over my career; but you definitely have to be very organised and set boundaries, because you could be working 24/7 without any discipline. It’s not about not doing the work, it’s about getting to stop yourself from doing the work! Although I studied music at university, you don’t need to know any of that for this job. If anything, a media or marketing degree would’ve been more helpful! It’s more about being obsessed with music in your day-to-day life, like going to gigs and finding new artists that your friends don’t know. Networking is so essential, and my top tip would be to email people and ask to “pick their brains” rather than asking them for a job, which is a more positive spin than coming across like you’re only after one thing. It is a lot more encouraging for people in the industry to chat to you when you just want to get them to talk about themselves. How does an average day-to-day look in your job? It really depends on what I’m working on at that time, but I try to block off my day. The mornings will be for admin and emails. I’ll then spend time doing outreach at Liberty, which is the coolest part of my job. I basically get paid to sit on Spotify and listen to artists – once I find an artist I like, I’ll find out where they are in their career and reach out to them, offering them our services. It’s really fun. My job title is A&R executive, and some prefer to stick to one genre but I like to get involved with a wide range. I’m also a funding assessor for a charity called Youth Music, who give out pots of money to musicians who need it; I read applications, give scores and feedback to the applicant, and each application takes around 3 hours. The rest of my day will be talking to artists on calls. Artists have to be at quite a particular stage; if

they’re too small it will be too expensive for them, but if they’re too big they don’t really need us.

“I have chosen to be a medium fish in a small pond, rather than a tiny fish in a huge pond." Would you say the phrase “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know” true? I honestly hate that phrase, because it’s so ‘gate-keeper-y’, but it is basically true. Radio plugging is also very useful in my job, we have international and local contacts; people think radio is dying but it is so key for getting out there. I help artists build relationships with DJs and their teams, it’s so important to get radio play, especially because people know you don’t pay people to play your songs, so it’s an authentic way to get out there. So this whole method of promotion relies on relationships with DJs and stations. I do struggle with that part because the creative industries are like that. But there is hope; there are a lot of people who want to help out with anyone who’s new, I have found plenty of people up here in the north-east who want to help out, like offering shadowing and importantly, second chances. I guess that’s why I have chosen to stay up here, rather than move to London or Manchester where everyone is competitive and out for themselves. I have chosen to be a medium fish in a small pond, rather than a tiny fish in a huge pond.

and film lover found her way into the convervation industry.

anielle Burke is the Lead Art Historian at the Fine Art Restoration Company in Carlisle. We chatted with her to discover how her journey with art evolved, the emotional side of conservation, and how her love of visual media paved the way to working on a fibreglass gorilla. How did you first get into art restoration and decide that it was something you wanted to do? To be completely honest, I studied art history at university but I took about ten years to get back into doing anything related to it. It is a bit of a difficult field, when you’re at university you feel like there’s only one route - to be a curator at a museum or something else museum focused. I come from a working class background and it really didn’t seem like an accessible space to me, and what I was more comfortable in was the area of media and marketing. When I was at university, I got involved in a lot of societies, so I used that to start my career rather than my art degree. I used to run

Marina Snyder - Lifestyle Sub-Editor

Interested in turning your scribbles into a career? Here's what you need to know...

What do you do as a Copywriter?

I studied contemporary and popular music here at Newcastle university, and for one of my modules I did an industry placement at a company called Generator, who then offered me a job after graduation. They’re talent development, non-forprofit organisation based in the north-east. They’re government funded too, but it became slightly restricting because obviously I was contracted so I couldn’t take any one-off or freelance offers, which made me figure out I Image credit: Marina Snyder

Image credit: Pippa Morgan

How do you research information about more difficult works? I think, when I’m writing (because I write about every piece that comes in), I like to think that I can find a story in everything that we see. Sometimes it’ll be an entirely unnamed landscape, you look at it and think, "there’s not really much going on there, it’s just field and some clouds." But the more you look at it and spend time with it, the more you realise there all sorts of allegorical undertones, and you can pull so much out of that and find historical events that go alongside that too. For example with a Dutch landscape, where you look into it and realise that it is a patriotic piece about the Spanish having rulership over them, but on first glance it is a man sitting on a hay bale! So it’s one of those things where you just need to be creative

"If you are writing, y interview with copy e talked to Lucy Nichol about her time as a copywriter. Lucy is currently a published author who has had plenty of experience getting her words out into the world, from brochures to books - she tells us a bit about her experience.

How did you get into the industry?

York student cinema, and I got a job a week after graduation in the film industry. I was there for a long time, and with all of the technical and practical skills I picked up in doing that, I was finally able to come full circle back to my degree because those skills, when combined with my studies, were what made this role something I could do and felt confident in.

With copywriting, there is promotional copy which is the words you see on flyers, posters and ad campaigns and then there is more formal copy such as writing press releases. The sort of writing that I do started off when I used to work for a theatre called Hull Truck Theatre, which produced its own theatre shows. My job was to write the brochure copy for show to sum up what they were about and to promote them. The creative copywriting I love that I've done over the years has been about promoting theatre shows or comedy gigs and thinking about coming up

with creative one liners or something similar.

How did you first get involved in the industry? I saw this job advertised for a press officer for a theatre company and it just sounded so exciting, so I applied for it. As part of the job interview I had to write some copy but I had never written a press release so I ended up writing some creative copy for the show, called Bouncers, and though it didn't fit in a press release format at all, they saw something in my writing. Once I got the job, I learned over time how to write in the required formats. In your opinion, what makes a good copywriter? I think you have to be able to break the rules a little bit...it's more important to grab someone's interest, to make them smile, laugh or provoke them, than to be technically spot on. I think creativity and the willingness to do things a little bit differently, is

Image credit: L

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Monday 19th February 2024

ervation: Danielle Burke about how you interpret things, dig into it in a visual way if there’s not much substance to it or there’s no artist name. As part of Fine Art’s Studio team, what role does the Lead Art Historian play in that atmosphere? We have two sections to our studio, the practical side, where our conservators are working on frames, furniture, all sorts of items. Then you have offices, where I work alongside people who are dealing with the clients and keeping them up d at e d on our processes. We get 1 5 0 people

contacting us every week, and we have to go through all of those leads and find who in there wants to commit to conservation as it is an expensive thing to undertake. We make sure that everybody has the same experience and level of customer service. Then on top of that, we have the logistics team who pick up artwork and furniture all over the country all week long. There’s actually a lot of support that goes alongside restoration work, and that in itself is a whole other science that happens once the piece arrives. It seems like such a simple thing, but all the parts in between make for a big operation. How does one explore a career in conservation ? There are two different aspects. Obviously there’s office work like mine, I do art history but I am also expected to help with leads and quoting people. I also work out logistics and help with business development by bringing in technology. So if you have experience in working in a shop or an office role, you can support an art restoration business, especially if you have a passion for art. If you wanted to become a conservator, it depends on what type of work you want to restore. If you want to do frames and furniture, you look at a more practical route with City and Guilds courses; if you wanted to become an art conservator, easel painter or ceramics, you would have to do a masters course in that specific field.

you are a writer": An ywriter Lucy Nichol

Lucy Nichol

a really good thing.

What would be the pros and cons of this career? A positive is that if you're a writer, there are so many different things you can turn your hand to and it's so diverse. I think that there are just so many different opportunities out there. It's also great being a freelancer because of the flexibility and being your own boss. The downside is that you don't have that guaranteed salary. With that said, I've actually found that since I've been freelancing, I've probably earned more and have had more fun. What is your favourite part about being a copywriter? I just love writing. You're creating something new and playing with words, and if it's something that you love, and if reading is also something you love, it's a good job to get into. What do you recommend students to do if they want to become a copywriter? I think actually getting

Sub-Editors: Marina Snyder & Anna Nix

Creative Careers

Using AI in marketing with Kathryn Wharton Anthony Welsh - Head of Online

With AI taking the world by storm, it's made its way into the marketing world.

n our latest Creative Careers segment, we reconnect with Kathryn Wharton, the strategic force at KLW Marketing and a celebrated champion in the tech marketing arena. We explore her insights on AI, unravel the essential skills for marketers in 2024, and delve into the power of personal branding. Plus, get an inside look at her planned AI in Marketing workshop on campus and her side hustle, Women in Tech North East. What inspired you to start your own marketing consultancy, and how has your diverse background influenced your approach to marketing in the tech industry? I think what inspired me was quite a lot of people fall into being self-employed or a business owner, and sometimes it's for positive reasons, but quite a lot of the time your hand is forced. The experience design agency I was working for went into liquidation and staff were let go at the end of May 2023. Going through that made me stop and reflect about what I really wanted. The thing that I knew for certain is that I didn't want to go back into full-time

employment!

landscape?

In a recent article, you noted the significance of AI in marketing. How has this changed your strategy?

Using AI isn't flawless, but it accelerates content creation and enhances human creativity. Even if AI-generated content is recognisable without edits, the key is the speed of production. I'll introduce them to Canva's bulk content creator, which can turn a ten-point spreadsheet into ten social posts instantly. In my workshop I’ll show how marketers can adopt five immediate actions to transform their workflow with AI.

Early adopters get ahead, and AI's no exception. I liken AI to an intern, assisting but not replacing my thinking—it offers alternate perspectives and helps to get rid of rubbish ideas. AI isn't replacing jobs just yet; it's here to boost creativity. The real challenge is keeping up with it all! Moving on to AI in marketing, what practical uses do you find most advantageous? For strategy, if I'm short on time, I can't write a blog in an hour. By providing AI with prompts and a structure, it can draft the post, allowing me to edit and publish faster. Creating 10 social posts now takes half the time. For unique images, AI struggles with people and text, but excels in creating non-stock-like visuals. I always review AI-generated content before posting due to its occasional biases and the potential for offensive content. It's crucial to apply a human touch. You're delivering a workshop about AI in Marketing on campus. What key concepts and tools do you intend to introduce to students?

What is your Creative Careers session going to be about and why should students attend?

I'm going to give them a brief overview of how AI can help you with your marketing tasks, especially when it comes to building your personal brand or using social media and share the top 5 things I’ve discovered from using AI in marketing. Students can then use it on platforms like LinkedIn or other social channels they use so they can experience putting content out there. I’ll be covering ethics, the importance of fully editing your work and using AI responsibly.

I will be touching a little bit on the different career paths and the different types of work you can get into, as well as the writing skills you can use in the industry to be for example, a copywriter, journalist or blogger. I will also get into the process of getting into publishing such as how to get an agent, the benefit of it and whats involved when it comes to the publishing industry.

How do you plan to get students excited about AI in marketing, and what skills do you believe they should focus on developing to thrive in a tech-driven marketing

your work published...that's how I started, I wrote a couple of pieces for free just so I could get my CV looking better and then I started getting paid for them. Also, note down any ideas you have, if an idea comes to me, I'm just always writing it down, you never know when it will be of use to you.

Have you got any last advice for our readers? If you are writing, you are a writer. You don't need to have been published by one of the biggest publishers, have a regular column in the Guardian or have worked for the biggest brands in the world...If you're doing it, then you are a writer; so just get that pen to paper.

Could you recommend any specific people that you follow that helped you to get a better understanding of AI tools? Yeah, there's someone local called Lucy Batley, from Traction Industries, she’s brilliant. How important is personal branding for acquiring clients, and does it outweigh past professional relationships? My personal brand has been instrumental in winning clients, whether that’s through networking events or LinkedIn connections. Social media has its downsides, but professionally, it's invaluable. I regret not focusing on personal branding sooner. It's central to my business and my involvement in the Women in Tech Northeast Community, which I co-founded in April 2022. The community provides a supportive space for over 1000 members, including women and non-binary individuals. We host quarterly events, fostering a diverse and inclusive tech environment. Based on your experiences, how do you see AI shaping marketing in the next five years, and how should prospective marketing professionals prepare? Short answer- Who knows! But if you don't keep up to date, you will get left behind. AI is not going away. Since Chat GPT's launch 18 months ago, AI's growth has been exponential. Marketers must stay informed through reliable sources like AI newsletters or thought leaders. AI augments, not replaces, human creativity. Firms replacing copywriters with AI will lose the genuine tone that only humans provide.

Monday 19th February 2024

Sub-Editor: Marina Snyder & Anna Nix

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Creative Careers

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What are some creative careers? Videographer Graphic Design Photographer Broadcaster Screenwriter Stage manager Animator Copywriter Game design Dancer

Publishing Museum curator Journalist Music Web designer therapist Public Relations Officer

Illustrator Sports editor Director

designer Author Fashion Media researcher

Stage manager Graphic design

Actor

Set Designer

Conservator

Image credit: Pixabay, mariya_m

Image credit: Pratyush Joshi

SCAN ME

Who, What, When, Where: Your guide to Creative Careers Anna Nix - Food & Drink Sub-Editor

f you ever considered steering your future career into more creative waters, then we come bearing good news. Starting 28 February, you will be able to attend workshops with professionals who turned their creativity into a career. With events lined up throughout two days, you will be able to find something that engages your mind. Sign up for the events and learn valuable experience which you can apply in your future. Making Magazines - with editors of The Modernist, Extra Teeth and Pilot Date: 28 February 2024 Time: 14:00 – 18:00 Location: The Boiler House – Room G.03 If you are interested in becoming a journalist than this session is right for you. You will be able to hear from Eddy Rhead, co-founder of The Modernist; Dagny Tepper, editor-in-chief of Pilot; Heather Parry, co-founder of Extra Teeth and Steve Watson, founder of Stack. If your head is filled with ideas that are itching to be put into print, then book your slot for this masterclass.

How I Became a Published Author with Lucy Nichol Date: 29 February 2024 Time: 10:00 – 11:30 Location: Henry Daysh Building Room 1.02 Lecture Theatre If writing is your thing, then hearing from a published author such as Lucy Nichol, has got to be on your calendar. Lucy has taken her career as a copywriter all the way to publishing five books. She will be talking about what it is like to work with agents, how to get into the publishing industry as well as the many writing skills you will be able to use across the industry. Let's go on a(i) journey Date: 29 February 2024 Time: 12:00 – 13:00 Location: Henry Daysh Building Room 1.14 PC Computer Cluster Interested in AI and what it holds for our future? Then attending a talk with Kathryn Wharton, a marketing and communications leader from KLW Marketing, might just answer some of those burning questions. She will be sharing how you can use AI to enhance your marketing copy as well as some of the things she has discovered since using AI in her career.

The Real "Repair Shop" - Exploring Careers in Art Conservation Date: 29 February 2024 Time: 13:00 – 15:00 Location: Henry Daysh Building Room 1.10 Have a passion for art or history, or both? If so, then you simply must attend a session with Danielle Burke, Lead Art Historian at the Fine Art Restoration Company. She will be talking about her work with 16th century oil paintings, Banksy murals and much more. An introduction to editing using DaVinci Resolve Date: 29 February 2024 Time: 14:00 – 16:00 Location: Henry Daysh Building Room 1.14 Computer Cluster Enjoy filming and editing videos? If so, then you should note down this session with Howell Media, who will be teaching you the basics of video editing using DaVinci Resolve. In this workshop, you will learn some valuable tricks to get you started in the programme. This could be useful for any film students, or even some aspiring content creator.

Music Promotion in Practice with Pippa Morgan Date: 29 February 2024 Time: 15:00 – 17:00 Location: Henry Daysh Building Room 1.06 Pippa Morgan, like you, has attended Newcastle University, and she is now coming back to tell you all about her successful career as a music promoter. She will talk about her journey as an A&R Executive from Liberty Music PR and will help you gain knowledge about the music promotion industry. We hope that these events have caught your eye and don't forget to scan the QR code to find out more about them and reserve your spot. Attending some of these sessions might just be that first step towards the career you have been curating in your dreams.

Image credit: Pixabay, AILes Image credit Front page: Pratyush Joshi, Marina Snyder

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European Music Festivals Jodie Steer

With festival season on the horizon, our writer gives her take on the top events to head to this summer.

s someone who loves a summer festival and can’t say no to a holiday (there’s a reason my overdraft is always maxed out), the premise of a European music festival in 2024 is tantalising to say the least. In more recent years, the jury has been out on English festivals, as lineups seem to have taken a significant downward spiral after Covid. It is perhaps a combination of bands choosing to do their independent tours, the price of a weekend ticket skyrocketing, and the cost of living crisis which has left most of our pockets being squeezed empty after basic, fundamental payments. However, there is hope! For those worried about European festivals costing a fortune, fear not, as tickets for a weekend at some of the most popular events are pretty much the same price as British staples such as Leeds Fest, Y Not, and Kendal Calling. If you’re looking to get a summer holiday in with your mates, why not combine that quintessential European summer vacay with a festival sandwiched in the middle, saving you on two lots of flights and organisation? Here are my top picks for the 2024 Festival Season, for both destination and lineups:

"Why not combine the quintessential European summer vacay with a festival." Mad Cool - Madrid, Spain. 10th- 13th July The perfect combo of pop, indie and rock, this year’s lineup for Mad Cool includes: Dua Lipa, The Smashing Pumpkins, Pearl Jam, Tom Morello, Bring Me the Horizon, Sum 41, and April Lavigne. As a city break Madrid brings together sights, food, culture and night life in a harmonious blend for those pushing the boat out for a week long getaway. Tickets cost €210 and return flights from most major airports are around £100 in July, making this a fairly reasonably priced festival for the height of the summer months. Rock Wercher – Belgium. 4th – 7th July Another mid-summer festival, Rock Wercher’s 2024 lineup certainly lives up to its name with the Foo Fighters, The Hives, The Kooks, Maneskin, Royal Blood, The Streets, Young Blud, and Snow Patrol set to play. Festivalpark Wercher isn’t far from Brussels, meaning a few days of stuffing yourself with beer, Belgian Chocolate and Belgian Waffles could easily be added to the trip. At €309 for a 4 day ticket, Rock Wercher is on the more pricey side, but with return flights at around £60 you can’t complain for that busy summer season. Some honourable mentions include Øyafestivalen in Oslo, Love International in Croatia, Sziget in Budapest, and Primavera Sound in Barcelona. This summer, overdone lads and girls’ holidays to Zante, Kos and Magaluf need to be swapped out for a European festival with all of your mates, to give you a holiday that you’ll never forget for all the right reasons, not the wrong ones.

Monday 19th February 2024

Sub-Editors: Charlie Reid, Avika Sharma and Ollie Withers

Travel

Valentine's or Galentine's: top destinations to visit as a pair Martha Lewis

Here are 5 incredible destinations to visit with someone to celebrate the Valentine's season.

whether you and your partner want a romantic getaway, or you and a friend want a cute trip, here are some destinations for a quick city getaway this Valentine's. 1. Vienna My most recent trip was to Vienna with a friend just this January. The serenity of this city makes it perfect for a two man jaunt. The way of life here feels slow and considered, sharply contrasting many UK cities. Vienna’s highlights are extensive: Germanic buildings line the streets, the

galleries offer the best of Klimt and Schiele, and the coffeehouses are some of the oldest in the world. This is an underrated one for certain - if you visit be sure to sample some Viennese delicacies like Sachertorte, strudel, and schnitzel. 2. Florence Another place I have visited with just one mate, but the romance of such a city makes it equally a hotspot for couples. I’d push it and say Florence is probably my favourite city ever (a bold claim I know), but its beauty is truly inexhaustible, its Medici history rich, and every street seems to glow with this warm Florentine light. If you visit, you must hit the key sites of the Duomo, Uffizi, Ponte Vecchio, and Palazzo Pitti, but I’d also try the cities’ various wine bars, gardens, and markets like mercato centrale. 3. Paris It’s a classic but for good reason. Some people write off the city as cliched, overly-romanticised, or assume it is filled by disgruntled Parisians, but look beyond these tropes and give Paris a go. Its literary and artistic past make it the prime destination for couples of all ages, with quaint restaurants and cafes populating every street corner. But for friends, the city offers ample nightlife and culture hubs like the Pompidou, Louvre, and Musee D’Orsay. The city is ideal for walking, and each district, from Montmartre to the Marais, has a distinct feel.

Image credit: Pixabay @JoshuaWoroniecki

4. Marrakech The chaos but excitement of this Moroccan city makes it perfect for pairs to explore. The medina offers new sensations at every turn, with spice markets, bazaars, ceramic ateliers and street food vendors in abundance. It’s an assault on the senses but in the best way possible. Staying in a traditional riad is ideal for both couples and friends, as these palatial hotels are often cheap to stay in but remarkably beautiful and tranquil, and many also house a hammam for spa treatments. My highlights of this city would be the secret garden in the medina, Badi palace, the souks, and the food scene/rooftop bars and cafes. It's only a short flight from the UK, but it feels like experiencing a new world. 5. Copenhagen The Danish capital isn’t cheap but it’s probably the coolest place you will ever visit. It’s a laid-back but chic city break if you are feeling leisurely and wanting to indulge in some hygge. The food here is practically the best in Europe, home to many of the worlds’ best fine dining restaurants and Michelin stars. For Galentines, sample Danish breakfast or smorrebrod at many cafes and you will not find yourself stuck for small plates or cocktail bars for evening outings. Nyhavn, Tivoli, and the Design Museum are some Scandi staples to see, and the city is perfect to trot around via bike or foot. With these suggestions in mind, perhaps treat yourself to a city break to cure the February blues, whether this be with a partner or a pal!

Sustainability and Eco-Travel: How can you be a more conscious traveller in 2024 Amie Cooper

A look at how we can enjoy travelling without contributing to the decline of our planet

ap years, backpacking and weekend city escapes from studies: our generation are increasingly globetrotting and exploring new places. Teenagers and young adults are getting the opportunity to explore the world more than ever before, presentingnew ways of learning about cultures, communities and connections with people and places. Whilst finding yourself in southeast Asia is becoming an increasingly attractive prospect, it is crucial that we travel in a sustainable way, preserving our wonderful earth so that it can be equally explored by our future generations.

whilst adopting responsible travel practices that minimize our ecological footprint. It focuses on reducing tourism’s negative impacts and maximizing its positive benefits for communities, cultures, ecosystems, and the planet. One way to avoid ‘overtourism’ of popular travel destinations is to explore the beautiful corners of the world that are not the ones that appear every day on your Instagram feed. These places often do not live up to expectations due to overcrowding, long queues and gentrification. Furthermore, the consequences of overtourism mean the authentic culture of the destination becomes diluted. Instead, talk to local people for advice on the best places to visit, try locally made food and ex-

“ Learn from the locals and give back to them. Use your own skills and experience to benefit their communities.” Around 2.5% of global CO2 emissions come from aviation, and this number is likely to increase along with the increase of people travelling. In November 2023, Virgin Atlantic flew the world’s first 100% sustainable aviation fuel flight from London Heathrow to New York. EasyJet are another airline striving for fuel efficiency, recently introducing the Airbus Neo aircraft, which are 15% more fuel efficient than older planes. When booking flights, it is often a default to opt for the cheapest one; however, be mindful of the airlines you are booking with and their ethics. Sustainable tourism aims to find a balance between fulfilling the curiosity of travelers

Image credit: Pixabay, @Yong_

perience the culture in a more authentic way. Give back to the communities that you are visiting. Instead of rushing your travels and trying to tick off as many tourist points as possible, try to slow down and experience the lifestyle of each place. Learn from the locals and give back to them. Use your own skills and experience to benefit their communities. A few ways you can do this include volunteering to teach in local schools, joining environmental sustainability projects or even something as simple as taking a couple of hours to collect litter. Travel mindfully and preserve the beautiful communities and ecosystems of our planet.

Sub-Editors: Poppy Bedford and Madeha Ali

Monday 19th February 2024

Music

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Valentines Looking ahead: the 2024, A UK Playlist BRIT Awards 2024 Festi-flop?

W Liv Aylwin

ith Valentine’s Day just around the corner, it is an important reminder to show love to your special someone. No matter how big or small your gesture is, whether it’s with a boombox on your shoulder outside their bedroom window or a love letter, music is often a powerful tool in translating that love. So, when you don’t know what to say, start with a song!

everlasting.

'Lover, You Should’ve Come Over' - Jeff Buckley (Grace, 1994) With lyrics such as “It’s never over / She is the tear that hangs inside my soul forever”, Buckley translates the feelings of love into song effortlessly. I devote this song to the love that is

ImageCredit: Instagram @jeffbuckleymusic

'ur so pretty' - Wasia Project This song’s simplicity, (consisting only of vocals and piano accompaniment) forms a love that breathes comfort. This song can be for couples, but I also see it as the perfect platonic soulmate tune. 'Don’t Delete The Kisses' - Wolf Alice The storytelling style Wolf Alice uses perfectly portrays the process of falling in love and combatting that initial apprehension. It is just right for a new couple still discovering each other.

made some of the biggest contributions to popular music this year, producing thoughtful and compelling hip hop and soul albums respectively. Arlo Parks also gets a deserved nod after her career culminated with the poetic My Soft Machine, whilst Central Cee, Dave and Dua Lipa get nods largely on the back of hugely successful singles.

Album of the Year

Who should win? On musical merit alone, PinkPantheress’ Boy’s a liar and RAYE’s Escapism are clear leaders in a large, patchy field. Elsewhere, Dua Lipa’s mediocre Barbie track and Kenya Grace’s derivative TikTok hit are more dubious picks, whilst Ed Sheeran and Lewis Capaldi seem to gain nominations on fame alone.

Bertie Kirkwood

he 44th annual BRIT Awards are coming to ITV1 on Saturday 2 March. I’ve had a look at the runners and riders for the three biggest categories. Which artists have had the strongest year and, most importantly, which artists are most likely to win big?

Who should win? In a strong field, RAYE’s My 21st Century Blues stands out as being both accessible and universally liked, and it’s hard to envisage her going home empty handed after a BRIT's record of seven nominations. Perennial favourite Little Simz would be another worthy winner although NO THANK YOU is second-best to her debut. Who will win? RAYE must be a favourite with a brilliant album that has sent her career to the stratosphere, but Little Simz’ record and J Hus’s Beautiful and Brutal Yard are also contenders that had huge commercial success last year. And don’t rule out old favourites and five-time BRIT winners Blur.

'Home' - Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros Lyrics such as “Man oh man you’re my best friend, I scream it to the nothingness” create that warm feeling in your heart when you’ve found your soulmate, whether it is platonic or romantic. I particularly imagine this being sung on a roadtrip with best friends. 'I’ll be Seeing You' Billie Holiday This song is perfect for that old-fashioned couple that still enjoys dinner dates and ballroom classes. A stunning easy jazz piece to slow dance to. ImageCredit: Instagram @billieholidayofficial

'When I’m In Your Arms' - Cleo Sol Three words to describe this song: sultry, sexy and soulful. Cleo Sol’s voice is ethereal and hypnotic 'Unknown/Nth' - Hozier Hozier is the king of translating love into lyrics, such as: “Do you know I could break beneath the weight / Of the goodness, love, I still carry for you”. He keeps the standard of love high. 'Misty' - Ella Fitzgerald version Just like Billie, Ella is the OG of slow love songs. She sings about how the world seems happier when there’s a special someone you can share it with. This one is perfect for those real romantics. 'Live Well' - Palace My favourite lines from this song have to be: “The future is bright if we can ebb with the flow. You’re something, I’m nothing, we were everything”. Palace creatively shows how being in love with someone makes you feel like a better person.

Who will win? It simply must be Dave & Central Cee’s inescapable hit Sprinter, arguably the most successful track of the year and pure BRIT's catnip. J Hus’s hit with Drake Who Told You has an outside chance, and there’s reasonable pop options from RAYE and PinkPantheress.

Artist of the Year Who should win? J Hus and Jessie Ware stand out as having

ImageCredit: Instagram @wolfaliceband

'Nothing Matters' - The Last Dinner Party This song has only recently become a big hit. It forms a thrilling love that makes you want to dance around your bedroom.

Song of the Year

o ng

f th e Issu

Murder on the Dancefloor by Sophie EllisBextor

Amy Mescus

ow I never thought I would say this, but has Reading and Leeds festival saved the UK from a festi-flop this year? It's not wrong to say that Wireless has blown its budget in 2023 on an immense line-up and are now left scrounging whatever they could for this year. There are still some big names on there such as Future and 21 Savage, but... hopefully the rumours of Drake going as a surprise guest are true, otherwise this line-up is possibly too far gone to try and save. The response online has been crazy with thousands of complaints across the Wireless social media platforms. The festival account has actually been blocking fans who try to speak up about it. Ouch. Not cool. Amazingly, Leeds and Reading festival has redeemed not only themselves, but the entirety of the UK for festivals this year. With headliners like Liam Gallagher, Catfish and the Bottlemen, and most notably Blink-182, it seems as though the event is going back to its old rock roots and finally starting to ditch the trendy, hip-hop acts - not completely, but baby steps people, we're getting somewhere. Other iconic names such as Two Door Cinema Club, Fontaines D.C., Neck Deep, and many more are also returning to the festival for 2024. Wow, wow, wow. I also can't go without mentioning the star that is Lana Del Ray will be headlining - don't fret people, Leeds & Reading have got the girlies covered too! Now if neither of these festivals are your vibe, that's a-okay! There's always Download, Isle of Wight, or Parklife with many notable acts and DJs and, never forget, there's still the Glastonbury lineup due March and May. Let's be real though, all of the best festivals are abroad.

ImageCredit: Instagram@brits ImageCredit: Instagram@raye

ImageCredit: Unsplash@MaximeBhm

Your new Roman Empire: 'Caesar On A TV Screen' Nathan Dove

Here's why you should listen to The Last Dinner Party's newest album release.

riends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears: I come here not to bury 'Caesar On A TV Screen', but to praise it. The latest Roman-infused offering from indie darlings The Last Dinner Party, brilliantly blends both power and poignance in a manner that would please even Apollo the God of Music himself. As the final single before their highly-anticipated debut album, this track sees the group reach an Olympian peak in a year where they have risen from Plebeian roots to imperial status within the British music scene. 'Caesar On A TV Screen' begins rather

understated. Teasing instrumentation is accompanied by a musical soliloquy courtesy of the band’s enigmatic lead singer Abigail Morris. The tune then explodes from this Roman Peace into an energetic groove that would make even the most disciplined of legions tap their toes along in time. This infectious melody can be attributed to the band’s bassist Georgia Davies, whose catchy licks have been the driving force behind the group’s previous singles. The chorus follows this, crashing in with all the voracity of gladiatorial combat and carrying through to a stirring outro tying together all the previously-introduced elements of this truly triumphant track. Away from the Romanesque bombast of the composition, Morris’ deeply-layered poetic prose explores themes of gender envy and hubris so deftly that it is as if it were ripped directly from one of Shakespeare’s

Roman Plays. Whilst TLDP came, saw and conquered the UK alternative scene, it seems the die is cast on their future. A mid-sized headline tour awaits in America this summer, with the group seeming destined to sellout the largest colosseums and amphitheatres on their return to Britannia in autumn. On an even more exciting note, we won’t have to wait till The Ides of March for new music from the band, with their debut album, Prelude to Ecstasy, which was released this month.

ImageCredit: pixabay@5163451 ImageCredit: Instagram@thelastdinnerparty

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Monday 19th February 2024

Sub-Editors: Ella Townson and Jenica Davis

The Lowdown on The Traitors Season 2 Daisy Harrison - Head of Life & Style

The latest season of the hit series has left nothing but chaos in its path...

he Traitors returned to BBC this January, leaving the nation hooked. With viewing figures of up to 7.10 million, the show was among the most watched of all TV broadcasts. For comparison, shows that were broadcast in the same period, such as Love Island: All Stars, were left in the dust, with an average of 1.85 million viewers. The reality TV show involves 22 strangers, one Scottish castle, and £120k up for grabs. Among the ‘Faithful’ players, there’s ‘Traitors’, who meet secretly, to discuss which Faithful they will murder that night. During the day, players participate in challenges, giving them the chance to add money to the huge prize pot. To avoid the Traitors murdering every Faithful, and easily taking home the money, each player participates in the round table. During this, all players – Traitor or not - are at risk of being banished from the castle forever. As the game progresses, numbers dwindle, the money gets closer to people’s pockets, and suspicions start to rise. There’s backstabbing, lies, accusations being thrown from all directions, and it’s so much fun to watch! The Traitors: This year, we saw six Traitors, but some stood out more than others. Paul and Harry were among the first to be recruited as Traitors,

in episode one. From the moment I saw Paul on screen, I knew he’d be the perfect Traitor. He had all the components: evil laugh; ability to turn on the water works at any given moment; endless cunning plans; and even throwing his fellow Traitors under the bus. Despite multiple red flags pointing in his direction, Paul’s friendly personality made all the Faithfuls feel bad about voting against him. Paul managed to last for 8 glorious episodes. His exit from the castle will go down in Traitors history.

“I hope Molly has learnt that men with dangly earrings cannot be trusted.” Before Paul left the show, Harry was overlooked as a Traitor. He seemed to just go along with Paul’s plans, but we soon saw his true gameplan come to fruition. Firstly, he was the one who finally got everyone to vote Paul out. This gave him an advantage in the game, as he was praised massively by the other players. Some even said that by being involved in the banishing of Paul, Harry proved he was a Faithful… For the remainder of the episodes, Harry came up with amazingly thought-out plots, which carried him all the way to the final. The final three players were Harry, Molly, and Jazz (affectionately known by the public as Jazatha Christie). Harry’s name got mentioned by Jazz in the final, but at this point it was too late – Harry had Molly firmly locked within his circle of trust - and he ended up wining the prize money. I hope Molly has learnt that men with dangly earrings should never be trusted. Diane and Ross: I’m sure everyone’s heard the line “Paul just

couldn’t be my son … but Ross is” by now. And for good reason; it’s another moment which will go down in Traitors history. The Diane and Ross (termed ‘Diana Ross’ by Ed Gamble) pairing was an excellent move by the show’s producers. Diane quickly became the ‘people’s princess’, with the nation going into chaos when she was murdered, and all for enjoying a glass of fizzy rose. However, she was given the most iconic ending of the show, with the players taking part in a funeral procession for her – brutal that Ross had to watch his mum’s funeral. And of course, we can’t forget about Ross breaking the fourth wall, or his shortlasting revenge narrative. Claudia Winkleman & the Production Team: Part of what makes this show so brilliant is Claudia Winkleman. She was truly born to host The Traitors. Each episode, she appears in a fantastic outfit and dominates the screen. She stands shouting at the players during challenges. She led a funeral procession. She called out the blatant sexism of the Traitors’ all boys club. She basks in the chaos of the round table. She makes the Faithfuls feel like they’ve led to someone actually being murdered. But above all, it’s clear that she loves the show just as much as the viewers. Long live The Winkleverse. The show would be nothing without its outstanding production team. From the skilful editing, thrilling soundtrack, and flawless setting, everything comes together perfectly. All episodes are available to stream on BBC iPlayer now, and I would strongly suggest doing so, if you haven’t already.

Image: Unsplash Image: Facebook @Cosmopolitan UK

Fool Me Once Review Love on the Spectrum Cory Gourley

Some thoughts on Netflix's Fool Me Once, starring Michelle Keegan.

er performance is not just a convincing part of the series, it is the only convincing part of the series. Middle class suburbia, SUV’s, dingy lighting and a story with more plot holes in it than Boris Johnson’s autobiography, no it’s not a Tory party conference, it’s yet another Harlan Coben thriller. The ‘Coben Televisual Universe’ has taken over Netflix with three of his novels being turned into Netflix thrillers since 2020. However, Fool Me Once has to be the must mind-numbing of them all. It is at times painful, the dialogue is patchy and melodramatic: "I’m Grieving" was definitely Maya’s go to line of the series. The plot feels implausible and contrived, although you could say that watching a Harlan Coben thriller for well-executed plots and believable dialogue is like watching EastEnders for Brando-esque style acting lessons. So, why has there been so much praise for this lack-lustre, formulaic Popcorn thriller?

captures this effortlessly. So, in spite of bad scripts, Keegan has proven she can flourish when given a leading role. She was organic, convincing and real (all qualities that this show was lacking throughout). Parking the Michelle Keegan fan club to one side, let’s talk about Joanna Lumley’s supporting role in the show. It felt almost as if she was playing a pantomime parody of her iconic character Patsy Stone. It seemed a bit tame for Lumley and her acting abilities were wasted because of, you guessed it, poor writing. However, the award for the most onedimensional performance goes to Richard Armitage. In fairness, Armitage probably has ‘Coben Universe Fatigue’ after appearing in all 3 of Coben’s Netflix dramas. The role of the dullard husband must get tiresome to play. In short, the plot washes over you like a tidal wave. Michelle Keegan stole the show and entered her earlier than expected Renaissance era after years of being used as the northern wild card. Joanna Lumley should have done another travel documentary and Netflix need to give Armitage a break: other actors do exist.

“The plot feels implausible and contrived.” The answer is simple. Enter Michelle Keegan. This was her show. Ex-Soap Stars typically have bad reps, often being referred to as one trick pony’s, but Keegan proves this stereotype wrong almost instantly. This is her first major role since the successes of Our Girl and Brassic, check them out if you want to see her shine even brighter. Her character Maya needed to have a level of ambiguity, but there also needed to be a subtle depth and warmth to her. Keegan

Mia Dale - Campus Comment Sub-Editor

A show filled with love, happiness and general wholesome vibes.

ove on the Spectrum – a show that represents the reality of dating with autism – has released its second series on Netflix and has won over the nation’s hearts once again. Not only is the show wholesome and lovable, but it also represents a large community of people with autism who often find it hard to build relationships with others. The series shows funny moments, some slightly awkward moments, and also some genuine feelings of love and happiness. Every individual genuinely wants to find love, but for some this journey takes a lot more guidance than others. Their relationship with their families is also crucial here, and so heart-warming to watch as they unconditionally love and support one another. The parents share the ups and downs of raising a child with autism, acknowledging any struggles they have faced –the show really sheds light on the strength of love and acceptance within these families and how raising a child with autism is not a linear journey but is a rich and inspiring one.

by practicing on a cupcake. Her openness to talk about female desire for love and sex is inspiring for all women, but particularly autistic women who at times struggle to even consider intimacy – she is not ashamed to admit that she wants to experience this, which I think is really empowering. This series also represents the LGBTQ+ autistic community. Journey had never dated before the show, but we see her confidence bloom as she takes on the world of dating women. She is so comfortable with her sexuality, having open discussions with her dates about roles within same-sex relationships. I would highly recommend watching this heartwarming series. The show encompasses so many emotions, portraying an accurate representation of the autistic mind, particularly within the world of dating.

“Her openness to talk about female desire for love and sex is inspiring for all women.”

Image: @netflixuk

Seeing Abbey and David’s relationship blossom in the wilderness of safari in Kenya was a truly heartwarming experience. They love and support each other whilst understanding each other’s passions. At the same time, Dani gets her long-awaited kiss with Adan, guiding him through the process

Image: Pixabay

Sub-Editors: Jessica McKeown, Olivia Carter and Ned Carter-Owen

Monday 19th February 2024

Film

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COURIER

Poor Things: A fresh take on Frankenstein that will leave you "dizzy with excite" Jess Bradbury - Head of Social Media

Poor Things is the latest in Frankenstein adaptatations, what's it about and is it any good?

little Frankenstein and a whole lot of wackiness, Poor Things is an anarchic dissection of gender dynamics and a touching comingof-age story which explores female sexual liberation. The film follows Bella Baxter (Emma Stone), a woman who has died and been resurrected by Dr Godwin Baxter (Willem Dafoe) - often affectionately and simply referred to as ‘God’ by our main protagonist. It is a visually absurd film, one which follows Bella leaving behind her sheltered environment to explore an expansive world in an attempt to seize her own autonomy. From the very beginning, Bella is surrounded by men who seek to control her, but as she embarks and progresses in her journey of

the outside world she is shown to develop into her own person, with every new idea and person informing her self discovery. The technical aspects of the film are something to be marvelled at. The use of colour in particular is brilliant, as we move from Bella’s chapter in Godwin’s home defined by its use of black and white into a shift of vibrant colour. There’s a hyperreal quality to Poor Things, with an uncanny colour palette reflecting Bella’s appetite for discovery. In addition to this, Jerskin Fendrix’s score adds to the film’s eccentricity, and its gradual sophistication mirrors the growth that Bella experiences as the narrative progresses. The combination of this and nuanced acting performances leaves a sense of wonder and a p p e t i t e in the audience for discovery too. Poor Things is undoubtedly driven by the physical performance of Stone, who gives a career best as Bella. It is a masterclass in how physicality can be used to show the development of characters, from her mastery of gangly limbs to raw emotions on her face which provide

unpredictable thrills for both the supporting characters and audience alike. Additionally Mark Ruffalo provides a hilarious performance as Duncan Webberburn whisking Bella away and, like other men in the film, attempts to shackle her down.

“As such, at times it feels like the male gaze is prioritised in Poor Things.” The narrative does not portray these men in a very sympathetic light, rather they are mocked and Bella is shown to grow more without their influence. It is of course worth taking into consideration how central Bella’s sexual experiences, or rather "furious jumping" as she naively puts it, with men is portrayed in her own self discovery. Indeed, the film somewhat places a disproportionate amount of time on said men and their bodies for this. Perhaps it would have been more interesting to see how Bella would respond to other aspects of womanhood, such as menstruation. The film does not address this and somewhat has superficial qualities because of it. As such, at times it feels like the male gaze is

prioritised in Poor Things. It does, therefore, feel a bit limited in its scope sometimes when taking all of these things into consideration. Yet, the film is still engaging and I can see why many women in the audience would either see a little or a lot of themselves in Bella Baxter, myself included. A film that identifies the absurdity of social norms and customs, as well as the amount of importance that is placed on them, Poor Things will certainly leave you dizzy with excite.

Image Source: IMDb

Wearing rose tinted glasses: are film's representations of relationships unrealistic? Sophie Austen

We all love a relationship in film to work out, but can this glorification of romance be harmful to your love life?

rom classics like Gone with the Wind (1939) and Roman Holiday (1953) to more modern sensations like The Notebook (2004) and When Harry Met Sally (1989), romantic films have been influencing audiences for generations. These iconic films have set the standard for what ‘true love’ is and the behaviours one should expect from a ‘successful’ relationship. There are many romanticised tropes that have originated from this

Image Source: IMDb

cinematic genre that have stood the test of time, such as: ‘love at first sight’, passionate kisses in the rain, grand gestures, the notion that men and women can never ‘just’ be friends, and the existence of ‘soulmates’ – to name a few. In the way that action films create unrealistic expectations of the human body’s resilience or horror films create unrealistic expectations of camping, romance films create unrealistic expectations of relationships. The typical ‘realism’ of romance film settings enables audiences to identify with the cinematic environment and therefore believe that these fanciful narratives could transpire in their own reality. This relatability and the portrayal of this idealised love and these ‘romantic’ behaviours as common-sensical is harmful to real-world relationships due to the paradoxically unrealistic expectations they encourage. Although some films to attempt to present all aspects of a romantic relationship, it is impossible to convey a truly accurate depiction of real human relationships. On-screen relationships will always be somewhat dramatized or idealised, despite efforts that may be made to counter this, as a whole

relationship is condensed into a two-hour long highlight reel. The exciting ups-and-downs of a relationship are prioritised, meaning the ‘boring’ mundanity of co-existence is omitted. This creates an expectation for continual thrill and intense passion in a ‘successful’ relationship when this is simply not reality. Depictions of tedious marriages in films tend to be less profitable than romanticised, idealised representations of love.

“Creates an expectation for continual thrill and intense passion in a ‘successful’ relationship when this is simply not reality.” As a result, these perspectives are emphasised at the expense of other significant but less fanciful aspects of a relationship. It is therefore impossible to depict the reality of a romantic relationship accurately or objectively in film, leading to unrealistic expectations being set and consumed by the viewer. Cultivation theory, developed by George Gerbner, suggests that repeated exposure to media, such as films, influences perceptions of social reality over time. People’s expectations and behaviours change because of this mass media influence and the messages it disseminates. Viewers repeated and regular exposure ensures not only companies’ profits but the socialisation process they aim to achieve. Media and film thus contribute to the preservation of order through the presentation of conventional influences as ‘the standard’ and therefore, by some means,

deserving of emulation. In this way, a social consciousness is cultivated as expectations and understandings of the reality of relationships are set. The conclusions viewers make about their own relationship archetypes and goals are drawn from the mediated condensed ‘standard’ set in film. This widespread adherence to dysfunctional beliefs encouraged by romantic films brings about both personal and societal repercussions. Despite the whimsical allure of cinematic love stories, it is essential to remember that romantic contentment can be found in the simplicity of shared laughter and the peace found in the mundanity of everyday coexistence.

Image Source: IMDb

THE

COURIER

Monday 19th February 2024

Sub-Editors: Jessica McKeown, Olivia Carter and Ned Carter-Owen

Film

First Date Films - the perfect Most iconic couples score to help you score in movie history

Jodie Steer inding the perfect film to watch at any time can be a challenge, but finding one to watch on a first date is a critical decision that all to often descends into “you pick”, “ no you pick” blah blah blah. There are a few criteria to selecting a first date film which must be fulfilled in order to achieve success and acclaim as having excellent taste in cinema. Firstly, run time: not too long, not too short - you don’t want to put on Gone With the Wind (1939) only to realise that it goes on for 4 arduous hours (and is also incredibly problematic). Next, there’s the issue of genre some people will love horror films and snuggle up to watch a gruesome slasher or terrifying haunting, others will balk at the initial notes of eerie music; likewise rom-coms range in their reception from avid supporters to immeasurable loathing. So, choose your genre wisely. And lastly, know your streaming services, you don’t want to boast about knowing the best film to stick on, only to spend twenty minutes scrolling through every platform to try, and ultimately fail, to find it. Personally, I’m still a fan of a good old DVD to avoid this slip up. Without further ado, here are my top 5 films of all time to ensure a first date success: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004) – a classic rom-com that avoids unnecessary cheese and

delivers a gut wrenching performance from Carey and Winslet alike. Warning, not the best for people who cry at films. Shrek (2001) - unbeatable, flawless, cinema at its finest. I will accept no Shrek slander. Shrek 2 (2004) - no arguments or questions on this one either please and thank you. The Lost Boys (1987) – the height of the eighties, this is a classic that never fails to please. With an amazing premise and soundtrack, you can’t go far wrong. Alternatively you could go for Ferris Beuller’s Day Off (1986) if you’re feeling a bit more cheesy but want to stick with the decade. Zombieland (2009) OR Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975) - I couldn’t decide, so have two. Very different vibes, both amazing, lighthearted films that will illicit a laugh for one reason or another.

Image: IMDB, Pixabay

Kieslowski's A Short Film About Love (1988) Laura Kasongo - Arts Sub-Editor

f, like me, you have a complicated relationship with the word ‘love’, I recommend watching Krzysztof Kieslowski’s A Short Film About Love this Valentines (or even outside of that capitalist trap). Unlike French or Italian cinema, where romantic love is often a primary focus, this 1988 Polish piece captures the lustful and multifaceted connotations of what it means to love within a gritty Communist world. The film follows the peculiar behaviour of 19-year-old Tomek and his obsession with his neighbour Magda, who he watches in the opposite window every night through a telescope. At first, Tomek’s behaviour disturbed me and was halfexpecting a masturbation or a murder sequence; neither of which happened. Not for us to see at least. When the 19-year-old and 30-something-year-old interact, we learn that Tomek used to be aroused by her but that was a while ago and no longer the intention of his stalking. Magda approaches him with a disturbed curiosity, entertaining her stalker more than I think I ever could.

himself after merely seconds, Magda says that is all there is to the so-called ‘love’ he feels. But she fails to recognise the power in her own words and it greatly traumatises Tomek, to an extent I heavily advise a content warning for in regards to selfharm and violence. Yet, she is almost instantly remorseful, ultimately becoming her symbolic nickname ‘Maria Magdalena’ for him. Kieslowski masterfully expresses how love stems from the most unusual places, provokes erratic behaviour and how looking into someone else’s life is more than just for sexual reasons. The final sequence is perhaps the most stunning, when she looks through his telescope at her own room and we rewatch the scene where she cries over literal spilt milk. Except this time, she is not alone. She envisions Tomek soothing her gently through his lens, learning a lesson herself that love is something unexplainable, uncontrollable, and ultimately, the strangest of feelings.

Jessica McKeown - Film Sub-Editor Elizabeth Bennett and Mr Darcy - Pride & Prejudice (2005) "It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife." Alright technically this couple originates from Jane Austen's 1813 novel but they still count as an iconic film couple in my eyes. There has been numerous adaptations over the years but the 2005 film starring Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen sticks out the most to me. One of the most famous couples in literature, the 2005 film brings their romance to life amid a beautiful Derbyshire landscape. Quiet p i n i n g , stubbornness, and a gut-wrenching love confession in the rain, this romance sprung from a first meeting at an assembly ball and culminates with a proposal at dawn.

Han Solo and Leia Organa - Star Wars franchise Let's look to a galaxy far, far away for another of cinema's iconic couples. Princess Leia and Han Solo are at the heart of the Rebel Alliance and managed to fall in love whilst fighting the Empire. The iconic "I love you" "I know" line as Han is frozen in carbonite at the end of The Empire Strikes Back (1980) is up there for iconic declarations of love. With Carrie Fisher revealing her affair with Harrison Ford during A New Hope in her final memoir The Princess Diarist, the chemistry between the two is palpable.

Image Source: IMDb

Esther Arnold

Morticia and Gomez. Created to challenge the depictions of a typical nuclear family, Morticia and Gomez remain passionately in love. Their talk of their "lifeless bodies rotting together for all eternity" in matching side-by-side coffins may sound dark but you have to admit the idea is romantic. Satine and Christian - Moulin Rouge (2001) Perhaps not an obvious cinematic romance, however Satine and Christian from Baz Luhrmann's Moulin Rouge (2001) defy all odds in the bohemian world of 20th Century Paris. A unique play on the classic tale of forbidden love, the iconic story of these infatuated lovers will get even the coldest hearts pumping. As fantastical songs injected with passion generate unending feeling between the pair, we find the show must go on despite huge bumps in the road. Avoiding any spoilers, after being left teary eyed, one heart-rending line from a dishevelled Christian resonates with viewers the most - the greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return. Take that as you will.

Elizabeth Swann and Will Turner - Pirates of the Caribbean franchise A swashbuckling romance that has never ceased to enthral, blacksmith-turned-pirate Will Turner and rebellious elite Elizabeth Swann will certainly not disappoint. With each Pirates of the Caribbean instalment building upon their electrifying chemistry, these two thrill-seekers are the epitome of fictional romance. Being a large focus of the franchise, their turbulent relationship certainly has issues that rock the boat. Encounters with costly betrayal, curses and an extremely slimy looking octopus hybrid, their devotion is clearly pushed to the limits. Though I must say relationships today definitely don't share the same issues, Elizabeth and Will still manage to stick together through everything the ocean spits at them. Olivia Carter - Film Sub-Editor Ennis and Jack - Brokeback Mountain (2005)

Morticia and Gomez Addams - The Addams Family films

“masterfully expresses how love stems from the most unusual places.” A particular scene which stood out to me was when they went to a restaurant, for ice-cream as Tomek intended, but she ordered red wine and asked him to caress her. His trembling hand could barely touch hers and turning to a pair of lovers, she tells him that’s how people do it when they know a little about these things. She invites Tomek back to her apartment, where she lets him touch her again, more intimately, and when he soils

Romance has always been a feature of cinema but with so many couples to choose from, which couples stand the test of time?

Maybe "they're creepy and they're kooky" but Morticia and Gomez Addams are truly one of the most romantic couples in film. Whilst their origins lie in a comic strip and television series, the incarnation of the Addams Family most audiences are familiar with are the 1990 and 1993 films starring Anjelica Huston and Raul Julia as

A revolutionary and tender representation of forbidden love, the rocky relationship between Ennis and Jack never fails to make me feel every emotion simultaneously. A pioneer for queer film in Hollywood, performances by Jake Gyllenhaal and the late Heath Ledger are a poignant reminder of what it means to be gay in an otherwise unforgiving society. The taboo word of "love" is never said, and yet their intimate love affair, grows deep and fierce into a glorious and revelatory experience, safe from the constraints of neo-western America.

Images: IMDB

Sub-Editors: James Kellett and Adam Lovegrove

Gaming

Monday 19th February 2024

THE

COURIER

This week's Memory Card goes to... Imitation or Animal Crossing: New Horizons (2020) Innovation:

upon hours, my virtual replica would run around my island, collecting fruit, chatting to Image: Source: IMDb my adorable villagers - no An adventure into a world social distancing needed - and completing silly without COVID... little side quests all while t was the worst of times. It was Spring avoiding public enemy 2020, and in the light of a completely number one and dirty thief, unforeseen pandemic, our lives were Tom Nook. completely turned around and put on While real life was pretty bleak, hold as we were put into lockdown and with a constant stream of forced to isolate away from our loved ones. depressing headlines haunting Naturally, this resulted in increased screen time, our TV screens, life in the with little else to do to fill the days. But scrolling little Nintendo Switch screen on Instagram and TikTok quickly got boring, provided a sweet escape from and so I was in the pursuit of new avenues to reality. Users had an island to be cure my chronic boredom - which is where responsible for, which offered Animal Crossing: New Horizons came in. a new-found sense of purpose I had little to no previous gaming experience, but and proved valuable for those I was compelled by the online hype and the cutesy suffering with their mental health during the graphics. The premise of the game was pandemic - so much so that a research paper has simple enough: do your been published investigating the game’s benefits tasks and build a in satisfying user’s basic psychological needs town. For hours during the pandemic. Zahra Hanif - Lifestyle Sub-Editor

experience and remains the staple of mine and countless others’ lockdown experiences. It asked for so little of us as to soothe the collective exhaustion we felt and for that, it will always have a place in my heart.

Image: Source: IMDb

What a wonderful world: Super Mario Bros Wonder review George Brownless - NSR Head of Tech

D Mario has a long history. The original, released back in 1985, all the way up till Super Mario World in 1991. Aside from remakes, 2D Mario disappeared until the DS in 2006, with New Super Mario Bros releasing, a game I personally enjoyed a lot when I got it in 2009. The “New” series kept going until 2013’s New Super Luigi U, which, while it cranked up the difficulty, still had begun to feel very similar to the other entries in this part of the series. Super Mario Maker, and Super Mario Maker 2 subsequently resolved this, giving the power to the players to make their own stages, and show how creative, or indeed sadistic they could be. Super Mario Bros Wonder is the first wholly new 2D Mario in 10 years, and Nintendo have knocked it out of the park. Like all previous games in the series, enemies do reoccur across levels, but where Wonder differs is that minus Goombas, Koopa Troopas and Piranha Plants, most other enemies appear very rarely. There is such a wide variety of new ideas in platforms, enemies and how the level plays that there is no risk of the game ever feeling stale. It feels much more like a continuation from World back in 1991, than any of the other games that have occurred since then. The spark for all of this is

Toad also manages to be one the Wonder Flower, present in each of the cutest things possible. level changing it in unique ways The Drill Mushroom is also across every level. For example, the very fun to use, and it second level in the game, Piranha opens up a lot of options Plants on Parade. Traditionally, for traversing levels, the second stage of a Mario particularly along game is an underground level, ceilings. Finally the this time, it was closer to a jungle. Bubble Flower, which Filled with Piranha Plants, not just is probably the weakest coming in and out of pipes, but also of the three, but the walking around. On Christmas day, ability to create platforms I was playing the game with my sister, in front of you, alongside whilst my parents watched on, and when we hit the Wonder Flower in the stage trapping and killing enemies is and the Piranha Plants began to very interesting. sing, we all burst out laughing. It Badges are the other unique feature added was such a surreal experience, to Wonder, augmenting each characters and every time you hit a new abilities with everything from using a hat as Wonder Flower you have to a glider and being able to wall jump vertically, take a second to realise what is to having a consistent spring jump or turning happening. That’s by no means yourself invisible. a bad thing, it’s a testament to the development team that the same Image: Source: IMDb “It's a testament to the level of surprise in the first three levels carries all the way through to development team that the the very end.

“It's a testament to the development team that the same level of surprise carries all the way through to the end." Mario Wonder also brings back only a few past power ups, being the Super Mushroom, Fire Flower, and Super Star. Instead, it brings in the Elephant Fruit, Bubble Flower and Drill Mushroom, a very unique set of powerups. I will openly admit, I adored the Elephant Fruit from the moment I first saw it, just whacking enemies with a trunk is hilarious and a brilliant idea. Elephant

Trinity Eadie

Palworld: A Pokemon copy, or its own entity...

“I had little to no previous gaming experience, but I was compelled by the online hype.” With the comfortingly familiar echoes of the Animal Crossing’s before paired with the simplicity of life on the island simulation, New Horizons altogether made for a relaxing gameplay

Palworld

same level of surprise carries all the way through to the end."

Previous Mario games have definitely suffered from a lack of re-playability, beyond getting collectables in each levels. But with the badges changing the gameplay so dynamically, running back through levels to challenge myself has felt very gratifying. Super Mario Bros Wonder has truly been the 2D Mario games I’ve wanted to see for years, taking inspiration kindly from its past, but with a smorgasbord of so many new ideas that it’s been impossible to stop smiling while playing.

aving been a long-standing fan of Pokémon, hearing about Pocket Pair’s Palworld being dubbed as ‘Pokémon with guns’ had me, and millions of others, intrigued to say the least. Since its release, Palworld has completely swept the internet, and despite the game being in early access, its charming combination of features from many well-loved favourites such as Pokémon and ARK Survival Evolved have captured the hearts of many. With the game skyrocketing to the top of game charts for the new year, it hasn’t taken long for people to realise that Palworld brings much more to the table than stolen mechanics and may even have the potential to raise the standard for the monster-taming survival genre as a whole. Alongside its stunning graphics, the realm of Palworld immediately draws you in through its generous selection of monsters to catch and convert into lovable workers. It puts an interesting twist on the traditional monstertaming genre by giving pals a usefulness beyond combat, allowing the player to put them to work crafting or gathering resources, even to the point of exhaustion or death, depending on your morals. I was pleasantly surprised by how the game’s unconventional blend of features somehow manages to knit together seamlessly, creating an overall enjoyable experience.

“It puts an interesting twist on the traditional monstertaming genre by giving pals a usefulness beyond combat.” Palworld follows the traditional model of grinding experience to level up your base and unlock new buildings. While this initially seems compelling due to the game’s vast array of challenging bosses and fresh content to discover, it quickly becomes tiresome, especially with the empty open world and arguably messy combat system. The game feels hollow, and even after 25+ hours of gameplay I still find it difficult to connect with any of my pals, especially since the lack of a wider story leaves much to the imagination. Coupled with poor movement mechanisms and an art-style reminiscent of practically any other survival game, it is difficult to determine whether Palworld will stand the test of time as a lasting favourite or a short-term sensation. Despite its bugs, Palworld succeeds where many other games fail simply by providing a shamelessly fun experience. With other mainstream games becoming notorious for unsatisfactory content, Palworld shatters expectations by providing a fresh experience of the survival genre. If you’re seeking a gaming experience that is both familiar and refreshingly new, Palworld won’t let you down – you’ll probably end up spending hours on the game without even realising it.

Image: Source: IMDb

THE

COURIER

Monday 19th February 2024

Sub-Editors: James Kellett and Adam Lovegrove

Gaming

Pixel perfect date nights: Co-op gaming for couples

Sophie Turner

typical date night could include cooking, watching a movie or simply having a relax with your beloved. But if you're looking for new activities, why not try some of these exciting co-op games! Lego Video Games: One of my fondest childhood memories included running home and loading up Lego Indiana Jones on my XBOX 360. There is truly no greater joy than smashing every Lego item on the map. However, sharing this nostalgia with my partner was fairly close, indulging in the new Lego Incredibles over the holidays, and enjoying all of its hilarious storylines and unique side-quests. Lego have a large array of franchises to enjoy:

Image: Source: Flickr. @Kevin/Rainbow Bricks LUG

Jurassic World, Batman, Marvel, Star Wars, and even… Lego Fortnite? For a fun and reminiscent evening, allow your childhood joy to overcome you, stepping into the world of Lego!

“This short game only takes six to eight hours to complete and is a cheaper alternative for a fun experience with your partner.” A Way Out: A Way Out is designed exclusively for split-screen multiplayer, controlling two prisoners, breaking out of prison, and escaping the authorities. Both players experience different scenarios, yet the same story, working together to progress. This short game only takes six to eight hours to complete and is a cheaper alternative for a fun experience with your partner. Including fun mini-games and prison activities, this game induces a challenging and unique experience for everyone.

Overcooked 2: Considering scrapping romance, and instead engage in a screaming match over who is the best chef, and who has the worst co-operation you’ve ever seen? Overcooked is for you! Engage in a thrilling, fast paced, cooperative cooking game, serving food to provide for the ravenous zombie’s, the unbread. Exciting, engaging, and fun to complete, Overcooked also has many arcade variations, if you feel like taking it easy. Let your competitive nature strive, and as The Bear states, “it would be weird to work in a restaurant and not completely lose your mind."

“There is truly no greater joy than smashing every Lego item on the map.”

In honour of Valentine's Day, what are the best video game couples? Jordan Collard Content warning: The following article contains spoilers and themes some readers may find upsetting.

Story games often divide opinion, but hopefully, we can all agree that these couples virtually belong together...

n this article, I wanted to highlight two love stories, and how they vary, from the same studio: Naughty Dog. The first is Uncharted, a light hearted game focusing on action, adventure and some incredibly smart quips. The other is The Last of Us Part II, a story that is quite possibly the darkest video game of all time. Such games are known for their innovative storytelling which has proven to make them one of the most innovative developers of the 21st century. Many studios now desire to follow suit with a similar style of storytelling. However, this desire stems more from the exploration of human emotions like familial love, loss and grief. The Uncharted series is probably the best-known PlayStation series and is intricately tied into the console’s dynasty and control over a large portion of the gaming industry. The series is incredibly fun and light hearted and never gets too bogged down in exploring what it means to be human. Therefore, it is all the more impressive that the series manages to showcase a relationship, between the protagonist Nathan Drake and his eventual wife Elena. This provides great entertainment to the player, there is the incredibly memorable opener to the first game where Elena is abandoned by Drake and her subsequent punching of noses as consequence. Although, Elena is completely committed and in love with Drake it is his unwavering obsession with seeking out adventure that impacts their

relationship. Whilst the majority of the game may be light hearted and played for laughs, this subplot gives a real-world factor to the game. How far can one continue to be committed to their partner when they are committed to the game they love? It’s a fascinating element of the series, particularly because it showcases, early on in Naughty Dog’s existence, their ability to explore a relationship in games, which is something that was not done en masse in games for the longest time.

“How familial love, grief, a loss of purpose, and obsession can harm one's relationship." Whilst The Last Of Us Part II explores this idea of obsession more thoroughly, as discussed below, the reason why this element is impressive in the world of Uncharted is because the games never lose the gameplay as their main focus, whilst The Last Of Us is obviously a story first series. In more

recent years, Naughty Dog has moved away from this gameplay-first perspective, and as a result, their games have become more heavy and focused on stories that explore different facets of human living. However, it would be a nice experiment to see if they can still make this sort of Unchartedstyle experience. With a potential new Uncharted experience on the horizon from a developer not called Naughty Dog, it will be interesting to see if this sort of dichotomy is continued and what this breeds in terms of new gameplay and whether or not the new game has this same sort of relationship. With the quiet backdoor shooting of Amy Hennig from Naughty Dog, the studio was forever changed. Her final game Uncharted 4: A Thief ’s End was not finished by her, taken over halfway through by the new heads of studio Neill Druckmann and Bruce Straley. The game feels disjointed because of this change in leadership and there is a noticeable shift in vision, and even Druckmann himself has admitted that the game was the most difficult experience of his career. Following on, the next game in line was The Last Of Us Part II. Although this is the only game post the Uncharted franchise, it seems incredibly unlikely that the

studio would ever go back. Instead, the studio has become the masters of wading through the most difficult topics possible, and in Part II, the studio focuses in on several themes. Among others, familial love, grief, a loss of purpose, and how obsession can harm one’s relationship. Whilst the theme of romantic relationships may be used in back-to-back Naughty Dog games, the result is almost unrecognisable.

“How far can one continue to be commited to their partner when they are commited to the game they love?" The main couple in Part II is our protagonist Ellie and Dina. The game does not suggest a resolution where it is immediately possible for the protagonist to continue on with their normal life. Instead, the cycle of revenge and violence pulls apart both sides of the ensuing war, leaving no parties untouched. Both Ellie and Abby desire to destroy the other but yet in pursuit of this goal they destroy themselves and everyone around them, most importantly, they destroy the one they love the most. In the case of Abby, her love ends up dead alongside his wife and unborn child as a result of Abby’s pursuit of Ellie. It is implied to us that whilst the other members of Abby’s group were able to find some sort of peaceful resolution, she was not and sought out revenge. Likewise, Ellie seeks out revenge against Abby for killing Joel, in the process Dina and her unborn baby are almost killed... Read more at www.thecourieronline.com

Image: Source: Youtube, @AFGuidesHD

Image: Source: Youtube, @Gamer's Little Playground

Sub-Editors: Sarah Tunstall and Laura Kasongo

Arts

Monday 19th February 2024

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COURIER

Love letters: A romantic past on paper Marina Synder - Lifestyle Sub-Editor

Does a heart-eyes emoji really match up to the spilled ink of a lover?

he year is 1920. Writer Franz Kafka begins his love affair with aspiring writer and journalist Milena Jesenská through a series of letters. Within one, Kafka writes, "You are the knife I turn Inside myself; that is love. That, my dear, is love." The year is 1951. On a piece of paper, writer Ernest Hemmingway notes, "I can't say how every time I ever put my arms around you, I felt that I was home" and sends it to his fourth wife, Mary Welsh Hemingway. John Keats wrote to Fanny that his love was selfish because he could not exist without her. Even Napoleon would inscribe to his wife Josephine, who brought upon a "burning and a glowing flame in (his) heart." Before social media emerged in the picture, people experienced romance through words imprinted by heart and emotion. Letters from husband to wife, love affairs or a short-lived romance - capture love as a robust, magnetic structure, one strong enough to bring any being or power structure down. Men known for their stoic masculinity in history, such as Hemmingway and Napoleon, are revealed as weak and powerless through their writings to their wives. It is perhaps for this very reason that many view letter writing as a historical relic of the past – a romantic gesture that has

no place within a society of Tinder and Hinge profiles. The year is 2024. Someone just received a "u up?" text at 1 am, and it gave their stomach butterflies. Though letter writing has evolved through the emergence of texting, the two do not share many similarities at their core. The ability to send a text at any given time has reduced the value of writing. Where letter writing takes time and thought, sending a text can be achieved within

“Will classrooms analyse the number of 'X's' left at the end of the message?” classrooms analyse the number of 'x's' left at the end of a message? Will scholars write essays on how sending TikToks symbolized friendship in the 21st century? The concept of love will always remain constant. Ultimately, how we value, express and shape how we feel, will and can never remain the same.

“The ability to send a text at any given time has reduced the value of writing.” seconds. Perhaps that is why the act of writing love letters is becoming an unfortunate thing of the past. Despite this, there is evidence that we still long for these simpler times. Shows such as Bridgeton and Anne with an E have gained popularity over the past few years. It could be to do with the romanticism of these eras in which love, and desire are influenced through words; love within history is portrayed as this spiritual and soulful element. With letter writing fading out, it does make one wonder what the future generations will have to rely on to understand our concept of love in 2024. Will

Image: Source WikiCommons -Will iam Hilton

Image: Source Pixabay

The Muse: More than a myth

artist defines the muse, erasing their autonomy. This individuality is further degraded when the work is released from the hands of the artist and Does life imitate art or does into the world where recognition and credit are solely given to the art imitate life? Delving into artist. There's an the figure of the 'Muse'. insinuation from o be an artist and to create art, the art world that one must be inspired. That's the work is made easier said than done when in a vacuum, your occupation requires and the crucial inspiration most inspiration is of the time. Hence the artist’s redundant, not 'muse' - a source of fascination meriting sufficient for photographers, painters, and acknowledgment. designers alike. Due to the nature of It is important to the fixation, verging on obsession, mention that these these relationships tend to become dynamics have romantic, or it is the original historically been, romance sparks the artistic and continue to be, preoccupation. gendered; making the issue of feminist interest as the muse is normally “To be an artist and to a woman, playing a passive role at the hands create art, one must be of a male artist.However, oftentimes artists fall in inspired.” love with each other and subsequently The dynamics of each play both the relationship differ, but the role of the artist traditional model is quite and the muse. exploitative. Usually, the artist Such as Robert wields the power as they are in Mapplethorpe and Image: Source Pixabay control of the portrayal of their Patti Smith who subject; commonly intimate and were lifelong lovers, intrinsic to the reputation of the muse, friends, and collaborators. especially once the work is shared. Meeting as penniless artists in For many subjects such as Victorine Meurent 1960s New York, they faced many hardships (Manet), Kiki de Montparnasse (Man-ray), and on the path to fame including homelessness. Dora Maar (Picasso) the muse lacks an identity Robert’s explorative sexuality, and the evolution undefined by the artist and their artworks. of their identities is something that is consistently Meaning that the representational power of the Phoebe Clark

explore in their work. However, as Patti states in her book ‘Just Kids’, she and Robert always dedicated themselves to each other, providing support, inspiration, and artistic critique.

“These dynamics have historically been, and continue to be, gendered. " Their interchangeable relationship as artist and muse was never exploitative, because they were both working on poems, drawings, and photographs of each other. She sums up their working relationship succinctly ‘I trust in you. I trust in myself ' showing the immense faith needed for this dynamic to work. Patti created some of her most moving songs about Robert and the photos of her are some of his best.

Image: Source Pixabay

Image: Source Flickr -Marta Hildegarda

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Monday 19th February 2024

Sub-Editors: Sarah Tunstall and Laura Kasongo

Arts

Uphill Martha Lewis

The best things come to me when i'm just close on sleep lasping towards my own edges but somehow i cannot recreate those things right now/ a busy kitchen stands in the way of thought/ and things when I recall them never seem as how they really were -but how am I to know if this is what I am tricking myself into or if this is really it -I think too much and it pains me and memory changes so how am I to know/ then / what really happened between us when the lines of distinction bend themselves into corners /joining dots / to hold hands at the sides of my recollections and wave me goodbye.

I have traipsed my way through myself

So here i stand at the foothill of my own desires

What's gannin' on...

And stare towards the precipice we won't make it there Uphill As much i don't like you i still want to write about you a short, but heart-broken tragedy; i have forgotten the taste of your lips. Novelty is all it is.

8-12 MAR. 8 - Lasses: Kicking ass and gathering en masse @ Alphabetti 10-11 - NUTS production of Shakespeare's 'Romeo & Juliet' @ Alphabetti 11-12 - NUTS 'DARTMAN' @ The Cluny

Image credit: Martha Lewis

20-23 FEB. 20 - Disco Pigs premiere @ Alphabetti 21 - North-East heat of the Chortle Student Comedy Award 2024 @ Alphabetti 23 - The Monocle @ Northern Stage

25-29 FEB. 25 - Deadline for OOYH! Zine submissions 26 - Vogue with Juju @ Cobalt Studios

Wattpad: Pride or prejudice for fanfiction?

28 - L.A.D.S @ Cobalt Studios

We all loved Wattpad, I know we did, those 13-year-old girls were crazy good and somehow managed to spit out whole novels in a concerningly short period of time. The similarity between what we read then and what we read now is not that accidental. Whether it was a fanfiction or original story, we managed to find one type of book we liked and read it over and over again until we got sick of it and then continued regardless. We knew what we were in for even when the font changed and for many people, it’s been their first encounter with easily accessed smut. Exciting. Now the stories are copying each other, each including more and more of the popular tropes to draw people in and become the next big thing. Still, there is no place for judgement. Yes, Wattpad spoiled us when it comes to books, but after all, reading is supposed to be for fun and enjoyment; and while I do miss the older era of romance literature,

29 - OOYH! Poetry

Barbora Pacherova

Has smut ruined our perspective of Romantic Literature in the modern day?

nemies to lovers, spice level three, ‘Who did this to you’, slow burn. Sounds like a very immersive read; surely I don’t need to know something as ridiculously unimportant as the plot, for example, when I’m about to read a book. Throw a few tags in my general direction, that is enough to pique my interest.

“Love interests are cardboard cut-outs of popular literary tropes." The romance literary genre has been reduced to nothing but a soulless cash grab that relies on buzzwords, or rather ‘tags’, and the amount of insane sex scenes it can pack into a single book. Love interests are cardboard cut-outs of popular literary tropes. The two most popular ones I could only summarize as ‘meh’ and ‘oh my god, main character, get a restraining order’. There must have been a breaking point, something that started this chain reaction of releasing books that make me expect notes like ‘next book will be released when I hit 100k on Instagram’ at the end of the last page. It’s all our fault for letting them make fanfiction into serious books, and for making the After series - which I am convinced was the first domino that triggered all the others, popular and most importantly for not stopping there.

sometimes a paper equivalent of a telenovela is just what a person needs.

1-6 MAR. Image: Source British Library , WattPad logo on Wikimedia Commons

1 - Kelly Rickard: Free As A Bird @ Alphabetti Deep Cabaret + Moot @ Cobalt Studios 4 - Freshly Squeezed Open Mic @ Cobalt Studios 5-6 - Sao Paulo Dance @ Theatre Royal

Monday 19th February 2024

Puzzles Master: Katie Siddall

Puzzles

Crossword 1

Down

8 10

22 23

QR Code

Do you want to create your own puzzle?

Across

1 1 1 1

1 1

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

4 1 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 1 1 1 3 1 4 1 2 2

4 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 1

2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 6 1 5 3 2 2 1 1 1 1 1

1 1 1 1

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COURIER

1. Orange root vegetable (6) 4. Turn on a point (6) 7. To change something (5) 9. An uncommon occurence (4) 10. An abbreviation for etcetera (3) 11. Alanis Morissette song (6) 14. Capital of Azerbaijan 16. The last name of the author of War and Peace (7) 17. A platypus has a poisonous ankle ____ (4) 19. The first name of Ansel Elgort’s character in Baby Driver (4) 22. Chemical symbol for Sodium (2) 22. Suffering defeat (7) 23. A spoken assessment can be referred to as an ___ assessment (4) 26. Shakespeare’s Longest play (6) 27. King who tried to have Jesus killed at birth (5)

Valentine's Nonogram

Scan the QR code below to submit your very own creation. Also, scan the QR code for more info.

1. A vehicle raced by the Romans (7) 2. The Quantitative relation between two amounts (5) 3. Slang term for thank you (2) 4. A baked food typically made with a dough of flour, water and butter (6) 5. The leading points scorer in the Six Nations (5) 6. To perceive something with your eyes (3) 8. Abbreviation for Southern Ireland typically used in sport (3) 12. Mean (5) 13. How the republic made their army in Star Wars (7) 14. ___ the builder (3) 15. An item used to shield yourself from the rain (8) 18. To accumulate over time (6) 20. A women’s breast (5)

THE

2 2 1 4 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 3 5

THE

Puzzles Master: Katie Siddall

Monday 19th February 2024

COURIER

Puzzles

Valentine's Word Search ADMIRE

ANGEL

CARD

CUPID

FLOWER

HAPPY

HEART

ROSE

SWEET

VALENTINES DAY

COUPLE

LOVE NOTE PARTNER

Crossword

By Leila Mermelstein

R 5

H O

T 14

S H

D R

R B 17

G I

L 24

I 22

K 19

U 16

D 15

S 9

E 10

X M

E 7

C 23

T D

Issue 1451 Answers Word Ladders

CHOCOLATE

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COURIER

Monday 19th February 2024

Sub-Editors: Mitchell Hall, Castor Chan, Dan Balliston, Sophie McMillan and Adam Tibke

Sport

How to cheat on, then get back with, the sport you love Jack Evans - NSR Head of Specialist Programming

A writer's evolving love for the beautiful game, and his affair with water polo.

ever mind falling in love with a sport, have you ever had an affair with one? Maybe a weird idea, but luckily I'm weird enough to have experienced such a thing. I always loved football as a child. My grandad played to a pretty decent standard as a teenager, and my dad took me to my first ever game when I was six years old. Only problem was, I was never any good at it. Cast your mind back to 2013 (or don't, I don't particularly enjoy doing it either). I was ten years old and a bit too nerdy and uncool to play for any of my local sunday league teams. I also couldn't get into the school team, quite annoying considering there was only about 40 people in my year.

I did however, have a fondness for swimming at that time. My grandad taught me when I was very young (his second, and probably last, mention in this article and the Courier overall) meaning I never had to endure the pain of lessons or even worse, school lessons. This all culminated in me actually being a decent swimmer

Image credit: Flickr, Jon Pinder

by age ten. But going for an hour to my local pool once a week really wasn't filling the void left by my lack of ability with a ball at my feet. I needed a bit more. Luckily for me, Rotherham's Water Polo team were advertising for players. Seemed like a chance to finally be decent at a sport. Football was suddenly out the picture a bit. I still went to watch Rotherham play, but League One every saturday wasn't much compared to actually playing a sport. So I signed up and all of a sudden I'm part of a sports team. The excitement of Wednesday nights, two hours of water polo with my new friends. The sadness of failing a football trial at age 8 was now nothing but a memory. For three or so years this affair with water polo

“Football hadn't exactly gone away.” continued. I played a few tournaments, became a pretty good swimmer, made a few friends, but I found I wasn't getting very good at water polo. The fun was starting to wear off and a certain someone, or something, was coming back into my life. Football hadn't exactly gone away, I still watched Rotherham weekly (very painful, as we were now in the Championship) and I still played in the park with my friends. But when I was in year 8, the chance

Image credit: Wikimedia Commons

actually came to play with the school team. I did pretty badly and we lost, but the fun of actually playing football with my friends trumped any water based success from the previous three years. Things then got even better, I was asked by my friend to play for his Sunday league team (not because I was good they just hadn't got enough players) and obviously I said yes. So, by this point, football had won me over and my water polo love affair ended. I gave it up and never played again, in fact I didn't step foot in a swimming pool for good a while. I somehow went on to do four seasons of sunday league, turning into the world's most average to below average footballer. My first love had won me back after all. This isn't to say I hated water polo, it just didn't have the long term affection of football. In reality the swimming pool just couldn't compete with a rainy sunday morning, a muddy pitch and losing 15-2 after travelling half an hour for an away game (true story). So moral of the story? I guess don't cheat? I think that's what this is getting at.

Hamilton set for surprise move to Ferrari in 2025 Sadif Rahman

he iconic Mercedes star Lewis Hamilton is officially moving to Ferrari in 2025. Why the change, what does it mean for the teams, and most importantly, how will it affect the motorsport? Sentimental value aside, the most simple reason for Hamilton switching to Scuderia Ferrari is

the fact that they're closer to beating Redbull under the leadership of Fred Vausser, who was his mentor in F2 and F3. Compared to Mercedes's backward no-sidepod car concept, Vausser is bringing in engineers from both Redbull and Mercedes. It's not only a good marketing tactic for Hamilton, but it also lets him end his twilight years with a bang. After driving for McLaren and Mercedes, the iconic Ferrari is the natural next step.

Image credit: Flickr, JDC Images

Ferrari saw a huge bump in stocks even before the announcement was official which only goes to show how big of a financial move this was. Unlike most F1 drivers, Hamilton has immense star power which attracts sponsors and investors alike. Reminiscent of Michael Schumacher's switch to Ferrari in 1996, Hamilton is bringing engineers with 18 years of experience in Mercedes. The due of Hamilton and Charles Leclerc will arguably be the most dominant one we've seen in years. With their current track record, a consistent front-row lockout doesn't seem impossible. Mercedes however, loses their identity and star driver, who has represented them for the past decade. They lose both sponsors and fans who are loyal to Hamilton as a brand. This change sets back their championship plan by years, as George Russel, despite being a young gem, needs time to grow to contend against the top drivers. Mercedes will likely attempt to grow

a new portfolio with young drivers, such as Alex Albon and Andrea Kimi Antonelli. However, the now-free Carlos Sainz could also provide valuable experience to Russel and Mercedes as well. Though it's too early to predict 2025, we can expect to see Lewis and Leclerc forging their dynamic to contend for the constructors championship. Seeing as 2026 will have new regulations and new teams, that creates opportunities for the duo to topple Max Verstappen and Red Bull .The current year of F1, however, will be one of redemption and proving

a point. With the same driver line-up as 2023, the whole grid gets a rematch. With the threat of Hamilton switching to Ferrari, the dominant Redbull team will be ruthless in competition once again. The rising McLaren duo will need to prove themselves once again, with lots of expectations on the young Oscar Piastri under the wing of Lando Norris. Drivers like Albon and Sainz will be in unforgiving competition for the open Mercedes seat next year. But for now, all we can do is speculate and wait for the next "It's lights out, and away we go!"

Image credit: Flickr, Beto Issa

History made in Senegal: Gutiérrez becomes first female Dakar Rally winner since 2001 George Brownless - NSR Head of Tech

Women in motorsport claims another victory with desert rally glory

ristina Gutiérrez has become only the second ever female Dakar Rally winner, after taking victory in the Lightweight Prototype Class - completed with her co-driver Pablo Moreno Huete, in just under 54 hours. This is the first time since 2001 that a woman has taken victory in the Dakar Rally. Jutta Kleinschmidt from Germany won that year in the car category, and remains the only German to have won the event. Gutiérrez has been involved

in the category since 2022, but has been racing in Dakar since 2017. Despite not winning any individual stages this year, she was able to take the win with the overall fastest time. Previously in 2023, she finished 3rd overall with 2 stage wins. She also took a stage win in the SSV class in 2021.

“Gutiérrez, alongside Pablo, more than earned their victory.” The race itself takes place over 12 stages, this year, taking place in Saudi Arabia. Gutiérrez took the lead 130km into the final stage, overcoming the existing deficit of half an hour, over 2nd place finishers Mitchell Guthrie and Kellon Walch. Guthrie and Walch had been leading the event since

stage 6, but ended up finishing 36 minutes behind Gutiérrez and Huete. Guthrie’s final day was impacted by a turbocharger problem early on, which allowed Gutiérrez to take the lead, with a gearbox failure adding to Guthrie’s misery. While Guthrie and Walch were certainly unfortunate on the final day, Gutiérrez, alongside Pablo, more than earned their victory. Stage 4 caused the pair a lot of trouble, and resulted in them receiving 15 minutes of penalties. Failure of some of the car’s electronics meant that they lost front-wheel drive and couldn’t mark waypoints correctly. It left them one hour behind at the end of the stage. However, Gutiérrez was able to make the time up gradually, all the way till the final stage, taking the lead at that 130km

mark, with 200km left. For Gutiérrez, the win in Dakar means she is the first person to claim

Image credit: Flickr, Floren Gooden

both a Dakar win and an Extreme E championship. She took the title alongside Sébastien Loeb in 2022 for Lewis Hamilton’s team “TeamX44”. In 2024, she joined McLaren’s Extreme E team, a rallying championship, taking place at remote venues across the globe with electric vehicles, promoting sustainable rally driving. The rules also mandate that each team has both a female and male driver. Following on from her success this year, Gutiérrez will be participating in Dakar again in 2025, this time teaming up with Dacia’s brand new entry and technical partners Aramco and Prodrive. She’ll also be racing alongside Sébastien Loeb and Nasser Al-Attiyah, in the pursuit of victory once more, no longer in the challenger class, but the main category of Dakar.

Sub-Editors: Mitchell Hall, Castor Chan, Dan Balliston, Sophie McMillan and Adam Tibke

Monday 19th February 2024

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5 Sport Chelsea set Auf Wiedersehen, Jurgen! A beloved to face L'pool at Wembley legend from a begrudged team 34

Ivy French - Fashion and Beauty Sub-Editor

The two clubs will clash in the League Cup Final in 2022 rematch.

helsea and Liverpool have made it to the final of the EFL Cup and will face off for the trophy at Wembley on the 25th of February. They previously faced off in the 2021/22 EFL Cup final, in which Liverpool defeated Chelsea with 11 penalties to 10, after no goals were scored during regular match time. Chelsea came back after Newcastle held a 1-0 lead in the 92nd minute of the game in which Mudryk scored the equaliser in the quarter-finals. The game then went to penalties, which saw Chelsea defeat Newcastle 4-2. After this, in the first leg of the semi-finals, Chelsea shockingly lost 1-0 to Middleborough, but brought it back in the second leg with their dominating 6-1 victory, landing them a spot in the final. Liverpool dominated in the quarter-finals, beating West Ham 5-1. In the first leg of the semi-final, they beat Fulham 2-1 at Anfield, then drew 1-1 in the second leg. With the aggregate being 3-2 to Liverpool, Fulham was knocked out and Liverpool advanced to the final.

“Liverpool dominated in the quarter finals, beating West Ham 5-1 at Anfield." Recently, Chelsea and Liverpool faced off for a Premier League match that saw Liverpool dominate the Blues and win 4-1. If Chelsea want to stand a chance of redemption for their previous loss of the title to Liverpool, they will have to massively improve their teamwork and coordination. Liverpool had 13 shots on target in comparison to Chelsea’s 3 shots on target. Currently, it seems Liverpool has a better chance of being the 2023/24 EFL Cup winners.

Image credit: Flickr - Footballterms

Jack Evans - NSR Head of Specialist Programming

ll great things must come to an end, not just in life but in football too. Take Pep's dominance of Spanish football with Barcelona, Alex Ferguson's reign at Manchester United, or Steve Evans' promotion run with Rotherham in 2013 and 2014. All footballing greats that are sadly no more (especially the last one). This niche corner of football heritage will gain a new inclusion this year, as Jurgen Klopp announced his plans to depart Liverpool at the end of this season. To fully understand the weight of this announcement, you need to cast your mind back to 2015. Liverpool in 2015 really weren't the force they are now, with most people viewing them as a sort of joke in English football. Their most recent season had ended in disappointment, with them being knocked out of their Champions League group and finishing 6th in the league, only a year after being one game away from winning the premier league itself. During the 2015/16 season, a Steven Gerrard-less Liverpool sat 10th when Brendan Rodgers was sacked in October.

However, their next appointment would prove historic for them. Jurgen Klopp arrived fresh off a successful stint at Borussia Dortmund. A Bundesliga title and Champions League final had been his best achievements, as he helped turn Dortmund into the main challengers against Pep Guardiola's Bayern Munich. It's quite ironic really, that this battle continued throughout almost the whole of Klopp's stint at Liverpool, as Pep took over Liverpool's main league contenders Manchester City. It took Klopp a year or two to fully get going, but come 2018 he'd built up the core of a Liverpool team that now challenged for both domestic and continental silverware. Strong signings and faith in the side's talented youth players saw Liverpool construct their strongest team for the best part of 30 years. And while it took quite a lot of hard work, the silverware finally

came for him. 2019 saw Liverpool's first European triumph in 14 years and Klopp finally got another one over on Pep, beating him to the Premier League title in 2020. Not to forget the handful of domestic cups Klopp won as well during his time on Merseyside. Maybe the only regret for Klopp was the many near misses and lost finals of his tenure. Liverpool lost out in three European finals, along

with a John Stones goal-line clearance stopping them from winning the Premier League in 2019. Despite all the highs and lows, titles and losses, Jurgen Klopp has done something more important. He's brought a big sense of pride back to Liverpool Football Club. Fans now have a team to truly be proud of, and schoolkids up and down the country now have another team to glory hunt with instead of their local side. And maybe best of all, he's also brought the sense of hatred and bitterness back to opposition fans. Football supporters love to hate Liverpool, and Jurgen Klopp has only made them even more hated now that he's actually made them good again. Football fans always hate teams that are better than them, and unless you support Manchester City (let's be honest you don't) you probably dislike Liverpool. So if anything, that's the legacy he'll leave for the vast majority of football fans, even if he's no longer able to run down the touchline celebrating, or complain about kickoff times on television, in the red of one of English football's most hated superteams. Image: Flickr, Terry Kearney

West Indies hold Australia to a stalemate James Kellett - Gaming Sub-Editor

A West Indian resurgence in Brisbane.

fter a dominant performance in Adelaide, Australia looked to seal a series win against the West Indies at their reliant stronghold, The Gabba. Prior to India’s stunning Brisbane win in 2021, Australia had held a 32-year-long win streak at The Gabba, making the second test a difficult task for the Windies. To make circumstances even more tough, the second test was selected to be a day-night match, with Australia boasting a 100% record with the pink ball. The West Indians posted a competitive first innings total of 311, a remarkable achievement considering their timid start to the innings, with matters early on looking bleak as they struggled at 645.

It appeared the Aussies would continue their blazing pink ball form however the stern resilience of Kaven Hodge and Joshua Da Silva, posting 71 (194) and 79 (157) respectively, meant the tourists were able to grind out a competitive total. Akin to the first innings of the Windies, Australia would also find themselves plagued with a frail top order, with the exception of a patient Usman Khawaja 75 (131), stooping to 54-5. Alex Carey responded with pure aggression by hitting a score of 65 whilst striking at 132.65, however, Pat Cummins produced another ‘captains innings’ with a score of 64 (73), meaning the hosts were able to stay in the match. Reduced to 289-9, Cummins opted to declare with the hope of cleaning out the Windies top order by making the most of the pink ball movement under the lights. The strategy of the Aussie captain managed to claim the scalp of Tagenraine Chanderpaul before the end of Day two, with the tourists finishing the day at 13-1. Day three saw the reigning World Test Champions swing the game back in their favour, as the Windies

finished on 193, with their new star bowler, Shamar Joseph having to retire hurt with an injured toe. Their ‘goat’ Nathan Lyon was the pick of the bowlers by taking three wickets with an economy of only 1.90. Australia had been set a total of 217 to claim and retain the Frank Worrell Trophy.

“Enter Shamar Joseph." It was a sturdy start to the second innings with the hosts only losing two wickets for their first 100 runs and it appeared they would cruise to a series win with their new opener, Steve Smith, looking composed at the crease. Enter Shamar Joseph. Rewind one year, the West Indian seamer had been working as a security guard and had only just entered the realm of professional cricket. Although uneconomical, Joseph completed a mammoth twelve over spell, ripping through the Australian team by taking seven

wickets, all whilst bowling with an injured toe. The heroics of Joseph earned him both player of the match and the series. Most notably this was the Windies' first win down under since 2003, and only the second time the Australians had been defeated at The Gabba in over 30 years. Although a short one, the two-match series provided another great advertisement for test cricket and has given the West Indian faithful a beacon of hope as they seek to re-establish themselves as cricketing royalty.

Image credit: Wikimedia Commons

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Sub-Editors: Mitchell Hall, Castor Chan, Dan Balliston, Sophie McMillan and Adam Tibke

Monday 19th February 2024

Sport

Swifties take over the NFL: Is Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's relationship positive for American Football? money they would have to spend to gain the same media exposure. With Taylor cheering on her boyfriend in the tribunes, they get all of that exposure for free. Even more so, this popstarfootballer relationship has increased sales of Kelce's No. 87 jersey by 400%. Football fans are a bit touchy about the subject, and rightfully so. If you turn on football, you expect to be watching football and if the camera keeps on spanning over to some popstar it can get annoying. On the other hand, Swifties – fans of Taylor Swift – have tuned in to watch football, something many of which have admitted as being a first for them. After the Kansas City Chiefs won against Baltimore Ravens 17-10, they are heading to the Super Bowl. Some fans were left worrying whether Taylor would be able to make it to the game to cheer on Travis in person. She is playing a concert in Japan on 10 February, the Super Bowl taking place in Las Vegas on 11 February. But fret not, the Japanese embassy in Washington assured fans that even with the 17-hour difference and 12hour flight, Taylor can make it on time for the game. However, Taylor’s team has neither confirmed nor denied her attendance, therefore it will be a surprise for anyone watching. Whether it be a good or a bad surprise is, of course, up for debate.

Anna Nix - Food & Drink Sub-Editor

Swift's appearances at Arrowhead Stadium have brought legions of her devoted fans into the NFL, but at what cost?

f you thought that football and pop-culture don't mix, then you might have come to be corrected in the past few months. American Football has been impacted by one of the biggest, if not the biggest, popstars of our day, Taylor Swift. Taylor Swift has been attending numerous football games, in between her own stadium shows, supporting her beau Travis Kelce, American football player for the Kansas City Chiefs. Her frequent appearances on TV screens during games has left some football fans frustrated. Fact is, Taylor Swift has positively impacted NFL. She boosted female viewership, an astonishing 53% increase of female viewers aged 12 to 17, compared to average Sunday Night Football, which is something the NFL has unsuccessfully been trying to do for years. Apart from bringing in viewers, she generated $331.5 million in brand value for the NFL, which is the amount of

BUCS RESULTS AMERICAN FOOTBALL

O1 V Durham O1 (A) 37-6 O1 V Loughborough O1 (H) 8-24

BADMINTON

M1 V Nottingham 2 (H) M2 V Hull 1 (H) W2 V Leeds 1 (A) W3 V Bradford 1 (A)

BASKETBALL

M2 V Edinburgh 1 (A) W2 V Lancaster 1 (A) M3 V Leeds 2 (H)

104-91 29-42 81-58

M1 V USW 1 (H) W1 V Durham 2 (A) M2 V Sheff. Hall. 1 (A) W2 V York St. John 1 (A) M3 V Sunderland 2 (A)

5-2 3-1 1-1 0-7 1-1

M1 V Nottingham 1 (A) W1 V Nottingham 1 (H) M2 V Sheff. Hall. 2 (A) M2 V Lancaster 1 (A) M3 V Liverpool JM 3 (A) M3 V Huddersfield 1 (A)

3-1 1-6 1-5 7-3 2-7 1-5

FOOTBALL

FUTSAL

GOLF

1 V UHI 1 (H)

Image credit: Flickr, Eva Rinaldi & All-Pro Reels

6-2 6-2 8-0 3-5

HOCKEY

Record breaking nine NUWFC play in Riyadh to women compete at promote women in sport LACROSSE 24 Hours of Daytona

3-5

M2 V Leeds 2 (H) 2-1 M3 V Bradford 1 (A) 0-17 W3 V Northumbria 1 (H) 3-0 W4 V Leeds Beck. 2 (A) 0-4 W5 V Northumbria 2 (A) 0-3

Arthur Ferridge - Head of Sport

Sophie McMillan - Sport Sub-Editor

Penske win at Daytona again despite stewarding controversy.

orsche Penske Motorsport took the trophy at Daytona with car #7, driven by Dane Cameron, Felipe Nasr, Matt Campbell, and Josef Newgarden, with an overall time of 23:58:24.72 for 791 laps.

“IMSA reported an 'officiating error,' but not one that would change the outcome.” Second through fifth place were claimed by Cadillac #31, Acura #40, Porsche #6, and #5. The race saw the debut of BMW’s new Hypercar (the M Hybrid V8) as well as Porsche's, Cadillac's, and Acura's returns to the competition. The race was not without confusion however, as the checkered flag was waved for car number seven with 1 minute and 35.27 seconds left in the schedule - making this race the… Rolex 23.9775 hours at Daytona. An official statement was released on the 29th

of January, with IMSA reporting an “Officiating error,” but one that will not change the outcome of the race, as by regulation it is deemed to have ended when the flag is displayed.

“The all-female Iron Dames achieved their best result yet”. The race also saw a record breaking nine women make entries, including the all female Iron Dames squad reaching their best result yet, in 25th overall. The team consists of Rahel Frey, Sarah Bovy, Michelle Gatting and Doriane Pin, following on from their second place success in the FIA World Endurance Championship. Gradient Racing had three women behind the wheel, with Katherine Legge making her 12th Dayona 24 Hour start, alongside her teammate from last year Sheena Monk and joined by Tatiana Calderon, however despite climbing to P7, the car had to be retired due to an electrical system issue. Ashton Harrison made her second Daytona start for Wayne Taylor Racing, coming P17 overall and the Ferrari contracted Lilou Wadoux made her Daytona debut with AF Corse, as the only female driver competing in the LMP2 class. Despite Wadoux’s solid performance, running as high as third on the grid, an engine failure led her back to the pits for an early retirement.

Continued from back page

torie’s workshops focus on women’s empowerment, NUWFC aimed to impart wisdom around managing a student-run sports club, as Saudi Arabian teams are yet to adopt the board setup so often employed by British university teams. “The PNU team gets funding direct from the university, and the head coach decides where it goes,” Johnson explained. “With so much being student-led here, we don’t have to be told what to do, we just take our own initiative. They don’t have that as much.” The players do, however, hold plenty of optimism for the future of women’s sport in Saudi Arabia, citing their hosts’ personalities, the seemingly endless funding behind them, and a constantly changing Saudi culture as promising factors. “They’re so down to earth,” said Ellie Vayro, NUWFC’s Welfare Officer and central midfielder. “They’re confident, friendly, and will do anything to play football despite the taboos. It's inspirational.” While Saudi Arabia’s conservative culture has delayed the dawn of women’s sport, the players were left with the impression that times were changing, noting that women were permitted far more autonomy than most Western cultures might imagine, with PNU students free to interpret Islamic precepts, such as covering one’s skin or appearing in photos, however

they felt most comfortable. “We talk about women’s empowerment, that’s a woman making a decision about her own body,” Storie said. “We in the West make incredible assumptions about what happens in Saudi Arabia and actually we’re often wrong. All we can do is just support them to build up skills and confidence, and I think the country is changing massively, particularly around expectations of women.”

“NUWFC and Storie are both looking forward to continuing their work in Saudi Arabia.” With a year remaining in the project’s current timeline, both NUWFC players and Storie are looking forward to continuing their partnerships with Saudi Arabia. “We all hope it becomes an annual thing,” Paa-Kerner laughed. “The PNU players want to come back to Newcastle as well,” Johnson adds. “But maybe in the summer next time. It was snowing during their last visit, they were all freezing.” The ever-industrious Storie, however, is aiming to expand the project even further. “I have very high hopes for Saudi Arabia,” she reiterates. “The number of women in leadership roles is increasing significantly… we’re connecting some of the new sports federations like rugby and dodgeball to our workshops, and the less traditional sports are also showing significant growth. Saudi Arabia has the opportunity to be on equal footing, that’s what I like to see.”

M1 V Bath 1 (A) M2 V Durham 3 (H) W2 V York 1 (A) W3 V Durham 4 (H)

0-10 9-1 10-21 5-22

NETBALL

W2 V Leeds 4 (A) W3 V Sheff. Hall. (H) W4 V Teesside 1 (H)

24-56 37-54 77-54

M1 V Leeds 1 (A) W1 V Bristol 1 (H) W2 V Keele 1 (A) M3 V York 1 (H) M4 V Northumbria 2 (A) M5 V Sheffield 3 (H)

36-10 41-5 17-10 34-15 25-17 49-0

RUGBY UNION

SQUASH

M2 V Northumbria 1 (A) M3 V Durham 2 (A)

0-5 4-1

TABLE TENNIS

M1 V UCL 1 (A) M3 V York 1 (H) W3 V Liverpool 1 (A)

9-5 4-13 5-0

TENNIS

W1 V Nottingham 2 (A) M2 V Northumbria 1 (A) W2 V Cambridge 1 (A) M3 V Durham 6 (H) W3 V Durham 4 (A)

2-4 0-0 6-0 3-3 6-0

ULTIMATE

M2 V Northumbria 1 (H)

VOLLEYBALL

M1 V Leeds 1 (A)

9-6

0-3

WATER POLO

M1 V Oxford 1 (A) W1 V Cardiff 1 (A) M2 V Northumbria 1 (A)

10-11 14-21 14-15

WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL O1 V Hull O1 (A) O2 V Hull O1 (A)

19-40 28-14

THE

COURIER

Monday 4th December 2023

Sub-Editors: Mitchell Hall, Castor Chan, Dan Balliston and Raff Tindale

Sport

“They’ll do anything to play football”: NUWFC play in Saudi Arabia to promote women in sport Arthur Ferridge - Head of Sport

The early stages of the project, named Future Female Leaders in Sport, focused on identifying and remedying the natural gaps in the infrastructure surrounding women’s sport. “I assumed it would be leadership,” Storie said when asked which areas would require the most attention. “That’s coaches, officials, committee members, role models, women in sport not necessarily playing but leading. Everything we take for granted here.” The lack of female role models in Saudi society, athletes or otherwise, was earmarked as an important issue. “In one of the first sessions we ran, I asked [the attendees] to name as many female athletes or sports people as you can,” Storie remembered. “They knew none. Not even Serena Williams.” Once the trickier stumbling blocks had been identified, the project quickly

Kimiko Cheng - Athletic Union Officer

“They knew none. Not even Serena Williams.”

View from the AU

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NUWFC have made history in Riyadh...

ewcastle University’s women’s futsal team travelled to Riyadh in December to play an exhibition match against Princess Nourah University (PNU), the largest all-female university in the world, as part of a Universitysponsored scheme to promote women’s sport in Saudi Arabia, where traditional Islamic law has long prevented women from freely participating in athletics. Newcastle University has worked with partners in Saudi Arabia for years, though its work in women’s sport began in earnest following the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund’s £300m purchase of Newcastle United, a deal which caused a general downturn in public perception of Middle Eastern money affecting British businesses. It was after this leadership change that Katy Storie, Newcastle University’s Director of Sport and veteran England rugby player, saw an opportunity to bring about positive change amidst swirling accusations of sportswashing and corruption. At its inception, Newcastle University’s partnership with PNU was purely academic, designed to “foster collaboration in key areas of mutual interest” covering a variety of humanities and STEM studies, though Storie saw plenty of scope to expand into sport and fitness, using athletics as a means of promoting both health and social mobility for Saudi women.

hysical exercise has been scientifically proven to benefit your mind and soul. Team sport develops collaboration, so if you spend a lot of time on that grindset trying to get a top graduate scheme have you considered that sport can boost your CV as well as releasing endorphins to help you study better?

“I was floored by how fun it was!"

Image credit: Katy Storie

gained momentum. Storie secured the blessings of Newcastle University Chancellors and the British Embassy, who supported her in expanding her project beyond Riyadh to other major cities across Saudi Arabia. The Newcastle United Foundation (an independent charity supported but not directly governed by Newcastle United FC) and the Newcastle Eagles, a professional basketball team, have shown support for the project, sending representatives to help lead Storie’s workshops. The project has also featured advisory support from Sir Steve Smith, HMG’s International Education Champion, and Lisa O’Keefe, Secretary General of the International Working Group on Women & Sport, an influential organization promoting the development of women in sport in its 17 member nations. O’Keefe assisted Storie in securing the Saudi government’s formal support for IWG’s Strategic Plan, which helps its members to achieve IWG’s “vision of sport and physical activity contributing to a world where all women and girls thrive.” “I wanted a launch event to bring together the good and the great in Saudi to publicly back women’s sport,” Storie said. “Saudi’s commitment to [supporting the IWG] was amazing. I was hoping to get that by the end of our project and ended up getting it right at the start, so I’m really confident we’re making change.” Storie made sure to emphasize that her project is not a sportswashing enterprise, rather she is focusing entirely on women’s empowerment and

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using her own experiences as a female athlete to create opportunities for prospective female Saudi athletes.

“It was great to see, they get so many supporters. It was a really big occasion.” “This is participation and skills development, solely. We don’t do performance,” she clarified. “I have areas that I’m prepared to work in and [Newcastle University] has been brilliant in giving me their full support to say no to anything I was uncomfortable with, particularly areas where we wouldn’t be making a difference. It’s all about empowerment of women, that’s where our agenda fits in with that of the Commonwealth Office, promoting health for women globally.” Future Female Leaders in Sport has held workshops in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and Medina, covering leadership skills and performance education. Men are not allowed to attend the sessions, as Storie aims to create a safe space for all participants, free from judgement and societal pressure. She considers the workshop in Medina the best-attended session yet, to be something of a breakthrough moment for the project. “Medina is very traditional. The embassy actually told us we wouldn’t be able to work there as the women are too conservative, it’s a sacred city,” she explained. “It turned out women from Medina were driving four-plus hours to

Jeddah to see us, so we decided to do a one-off trip. We had 101 women, it blew me away. They were keen, they turned up early, they absolutely loved it.” Two exhibition futsal matches played between NUWFC and PNU have taken place to celebrate the project’s growth. PNU’s visit to Tyneside in December 2022 marked the first time the school had sent a team to compete in Europe, while the return leg in Riyadh, attended by 350 enthusiastic students, left an impression on the Newcastle delegation, despite the narrow 3-2 defeat. “It was great to see,” NUWFC’s Publicity Officer Lia Paa-Kerner told The Courier. “They had so many more supporters than we get. It was really a big occasion.” “They brought a megaphone, made banners, and made a point of playing Taylor Swift for us at full time,” added Freya Johnson, NUWFC club treasurer, evidently impressed by their host’s hospitality and passion for the game. Over the course of a week-long trip, the NUWFC and PNU players spent a great deal of time together, with the visitors trading their experiences as female athletes in England for firsthand experiences of Saudi culture, visiting cultural sites in Riyadh, and sharing traditional meals with their hosts. They also attended a Saudi Women’s Premier League match, a new league made up of eight teams and structured to nurture home-grown talent rather than investing in foreign stars.

Continued on p.35

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In my first year I met an ultimate frisbee player and laughed about their so called sport, three years later I turned up to a taster session on a whim and was floored by how fun it was. Once you learn to throw the disc you won’t want to stop cutting smooth shapes through the air. So what is ultimate frisbee? Is it just really intense frisbee? Technically yes, with elements of netball and rugby too. You score points by reaching the end zone but there’s no contact and you can’t move with the frisbee so you’ve got to get creative and be strategic. Unlike other sports, ultimate rates your spirit too, while being an arrogant winner won’t affect the scoreline, it doesn’t hurt to be somewhat modest. The Students’ Union Give It A Go (GIAG) program often collaborates with clubs (and societies) for taster sessions but they also offer standalone activities too. If you want a feel for club sport you can check out the Korfball taster session this Saturday for free! I truly believe there’s something for everyone so check out the program so whether you like sport or not as there’s a lot on offer. There’s no need to have any experience in any of the activities either. If you’re looking to participate in organised exercise by yourself, Parkrun is a well established timed 5k run with over 700 runs in the UK and over 2000 across 22 countries. If you’re unsure of what to get involved in feel free to drop me an email at au.union@newcastle.ac.uk.

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Image credit: Flickr, Beto Issa and Eva Rinaldi