Uvavu! Vic Reeves speaks exclusively to The Courier about his new book and the return of Shooting Stars Culture, page 21
Issue 1196 Monday 26 October 2009 www.thecourieronline.co.uk
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Inside today >>> Alarm bells Fire engines were called out to campus last week to tackle a blaze at Windsor Terrace. 1HZV SDJH
University break-ins There is concern for student security after international students were twice burgled at a University managed property. Student Liaison Coordinator Fay Paterson and University Flats Manager Paul Bandeen have their say on the matter. 1HZV SDJH
The rise of anti-fatism Is discriminating against overweight people the same as racism? Laura Heads discusses. &RPPHQW SDJH
Snail mail +DYH 3RVW 2IÂż FHV KDG WKHLU GD\ or is it one British institution that should not be lost? The Debate looks at the arguments for and against privatisation. &RPPHQW SDJH 8QLWH DQG Âż JKW VWXGHQWV UDOO\ DW WKH %%& VWXGLRV RQ %DUUDFN 5RDG 1HZFDVWOH ODVW 7KXUVGD\ DKHDG RI %13 OHDGHU 1LFN *ULIÂż QÂśV FRQWURYHUVLDO DSSHDUDQFH RQ 4XHVWLRQ 7LPH LQ /RQGRQ
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Lining up against the BNP Charlie Oven Student activists amassed outside the BBC’s Newcastle studio last Thursday in protest against the televised appearance of the British NaWLRQDO 3DUW\ OHDGHU 1LFN *ULIĂ€ Q RQ Question Time. The timing of the protest could be seen as a dramatic statement of intent, taking place just a few hours prior to the scheduled BBC programme. The demonstration involved a slow march from Newcastle University Students’ Union to the BBC centre on Barrack Road, where they were met by fellow anti-BNP campaigners. The BNP have often courted controversy with their far right views. Part of the party’s 12-page manifesto reads: ‘The British National Party stands for the preservation of the national and ethnic character of the British people and is wholly opposed to any form of racial integration between British and non-European peoples.’ The party’s opposition to racial integration resonates in what The Independent calls an “unashamed manifesto for ethnic cleansingâ€? in a
nation that has established a modern identity of multiculturalism. The incompatible nature of the BNP’s policies with many British citizens has traditionally marginalised the party. Nevertheless, the recent election of *ULIĂ€ Q WR WKH (XURSHDQ 3DUOLDPHQW in June 2009 propelled the party into the media spotlight. This is a key factor in explaining ZK\ *ULIĂ€ Q IRXQG KLPVHOI RQ WKH %%&¡V Ă DJVKLS SROLWLFDO GLVFXVVLRQ programme, Question Time, on Thursday evening. That aside, his appearance fostered contention. The BBC argued that as a democratically elected politician, whose party gained nearly a million votes at the European elections, he was entitled to a platform. ,Q UHVSRQVH WR *ULIĂ€ Q¡V LQYLWH /D bour MP, Andy Slater, told The Independent that it was “just irresponsible.â€? 2SSRQHQWV RI *ULIĂ€ Q IHDUHG WKDW being on the programme would hand his party the legitimacy it had long craved and which it had not been granted. It was these very fears that offered an incentive for the local protesters to act. With the protesters congregating outside the Students’ Union, there
was a feeling of anticipation as numbers gathered. Such feelings were fuelled by impassioned slogans on signs erected by the enthusiasts that preached racial equality. Speaking to The Courier, Phil Wilson, a coordinator of the protest, commented: “I’ve been encouraged by the levels of interest and participation. The aim of the protest is to show the need for unity in order to combat fascism. “It was a successful formula when confronting the National Front in the 1970s.â€? As protesters marched through &DVWOH /HD]HV RQ WKHLU PHDQGHULQJ MRXUQH\ WR WKH /RRN 1RUWK VWXGLRV chants of ‘black and white unite’ echoed around the walls of the student accommodation. Ian Pattison, a third year Politics student at Newcastle University, told The Courier: “I hope the protest ZLOO UHĂ HFW WKH VWUHQJWK RI SXEOLF opinion against the BNP.â€? However, Pattison was quick to draw a distinction between the BNP itself and certain BNP voters. He continued: “Many supporters of the %13 DUH GLVVDWLVĂ€ HG PHPEHUV RI WKH working class who felt betrayed after the failings of mainstream politi-
cal parties.â€? On reaching the studios, the student-led protest joined with fellow anti-BNP activists under an observant police presence. The stage was now set for activists to make politically charged speeches, where rhetoric ran deep. One protester cried: “Question Time is a platform for debate, but there is no debate to be had with fascism.â€? Such an uncompromising attitude to the BNP’s far right policies was met with wide enthusiastic applause, encapsulating the consensual undertones of the protest. As the protest came to a conclusion, Michael Dixon, a protest coRUGLQDWRU UHĂ HFWHG ZLWK RSWLPLVP “In terms of organising the campaign, we did all we could in order to deliver a successful message of anti-fascism in this region.â€? With this in mind, it is clear that local protesters can walk away safe in the knowledge that their campaign against the BNP was one of many protests that emerged across the country on Thursday. Elsewhere, over 150 protesters had gathered outside BBC Television &HQWUH LQ :HVW /RQGRQ Commentary, page 6
With plastic surgery popularity at an all time high, how far would \RX JR WR JHW WKH À DZOHVV features you’ve dreamed of? /LIH 6W\OH SDJH
Hockey off the mark Men’s hockey 1sts got their season up and running with a thrilling draw away at Durham. 6SRUW SDJH
University Challenge Jeremy Paxman talks about the iconic game show and how you can get involved at Newcastle. &XOWXUH SDJH
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Monday 26 October 2009 THE COURIER
The Union Society, King’s Walk, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8QB. Tel: 0191 239 3940
International students refused entry
News Students miss out 30,000 prospective students have not been granted a place at university this year Page 7
> News, page 5 News Editors: Simon Murphy and Jessica Tully - courier.news@ncl.ac.uk
Durham students campaign for Culture Capital
Life & Style
Rose Akehurst
Metro mating
In the wake of Liverpool’s massive success as last year’s European Capital of Culture, Durham is now one of the 29 cities vying for the title of WKH Ă€ UVW 8. &LW\ RI &XOWXUH Everyone in the city has shown their support for the bid, but it is the overwhelming enthusiasm from students that has really upped Durham’s chances of bringing the highly coveted title up North. Durham Students’ Union has now been asked to campaign to bring the prize to the city after over one thousand new students from across the UK showed their support at the Durham University Freshers’ Fair. Back the Bid project manager, Marion Ingleby, said: “We’ve had a great time at the fair and the students have got behind us in a really big way. Their energetic and enthusiastic support has been fantastic. In just under two days, we’ve had 1,080 people sign up to back the bid,
What happened when our reporter asked a stranger out on the Metro Page 16
Culture Carnage in the spotlight The Debate looks at the infamous t-shirt bar crawl which took place in Newcastle on Sunday Page 24
Sport Poly thriller 1HWEDOO Âż UVWV QDUURZO\ miss out on a famous win over Northumbria in BUCS Premier League Page 41
Conservatives hint at large tuition fee hike James Brown
Meetings Timetable: Monday Sport - 11am, Function Suite News - 12pm, Function Suite Comment - 12pm, Function Suite Photos - 1pm, Function Suite Tuesday Life & Style - 12pm, Committee Room A Wednesday Film - 12.30pm, Committee Room A Music - 1pm, Committee Room A Thursday TV & Radio - 11.30am, Committee Room A Arts - 12pm, Committee Room A Editorial Team: ‡ (GLWRU 'DYLG &RYHUGDOH ‡ 'HSXW\ (GLWRU )UDQ ,QIDQWH ‡ 1HZV (GLWRUV -HVVLFD 7XOO\ DQG 6LPRQ Murphy ‡ &RPPHQW (GLWRUV &DUROLQH $UJ\URSXOR Palmer and Nicholas Fidler ‡ /LIH 6W\OH (GLWRUV /DULVD %URZQ $OH[ Felton and Ashley Fryer ‡ &XOWXUH (GLWRU $OLFH 9LQFHQW ‡ $UWV (GLWRU 6WHSKDQLH )HUUDR ‡ )LOP (GLWRU )UDQFHV .URRQ ‡ 0XVLF (GLWRUV 0DUN &RUFRUDQ /HWWLFH DQG Chris Mandle ‡ 79 5DGLR (GLWRU $LPHH 3KLOLSVRQ ‡ 3X]]OHV (GLWRUV 6X]L 0RRUH DQG 1HG Walker ‡ 6SRUWV (GLWRUV 3DXO &KULVWLDQ -DPLH *DYLQ DQG 7RP -DPHV ‡ 'HVLJQ (GLWRU 9LFWRULD %HOO ‡ &XOWXUH 2QOLQH (GLWRUV *RUGRQ %UXFH DQG -HVVLFD 0RQVRQ ‡ 3URRI (GLWRUV 5XWK $OVDQFDN &ODLUH Childs, Kath Harmer, Lucy Houlden, Anna Kenolty, Charlotte Loftus, Emma Peasgood and Claire Russell
The Courier is printed by: Harmsworth Printing Limited, Northcliffe House, Meadow Road, Derby, DE1 2DW. Tel: 01332 253013. Established in 1948, The Courier is the fully independent Student Newspaper of the Union Society at the University of Newcastle-UponTyne. The Courier is published weekly during term time, and is free of charge. The design, text, photographs and graphics are copyright of The Courier and its individual contributors. No parts of this newspaper may be reproduced without the prior permission of the Editor. Any views expressed in this newspaper’s opinion pieces are those of the individual writing, and not of The Courier, the Union Society or the University of Newcastleupon-Tyne.
which is phenomenal!� According to the company behind the European Capital of Culture programme, over 3.5 million people
Tuition fees would rise to ÂŁ7,000 a year under a Conservative government, according to its shadow universities minister, David Willets. Willets gave the clearest signal yet that the Conservative Party will seriously consider raising tuition fees to ÂŁ7,000 a year. This was the sum demanded by many vice-chancellors, especially WKRVH RI WKH 5XVVHOO *URXS RI OHDG ing research-intensive universities, to which Newcastle University belongs. $OWKRXJK QRW \HW RIĂ€ FLDO 7RU\ 3DU ty policy, when the government’s review of higher education starts later this year, fees – and support for poorer students – will be up for discussion. 5XVVHOO *URXS YLFH FKDQFHOORUV have already stated that their preference is for higher fees of up to ÂŁ7,000 a year, with some advocating unlimited fees, such as those at American universities. Responding to a Confederation of British Industry (CBI) report this September, which called for higher fees and more support for poorer VWXGHQWV WKH 5XVVHOO *URXS FKDLU 'U Wendy Piatt said: “An increase in tuition fees, as recommended by the CBI, is clearly one of those options [to solve the funding crisis at universities] but we want to be 100% sure about the impact of any changes to fee levels on students.â€? Willets made clear that a future Conservative government would support such a rise if the review demanded it. He told the London Evening Standard that vice-chancellors had been pressing him to raise fees to ÂŁ7,000. However, Willets was keen to stress that the issue was not “whether it be ÂŁ5,000 or ÂŁ7,000â€? but what a rise would mean for “the teaching experience for students.â€? He insists standards, such as access to lecturers and the time it takes
to receive feedback on written work must increase before fees can rise, something echoed by Lord Mandelson, the Labour Cabinet minister, with overall responsibility for universities. Mandelson, unlike Willets, has made it clear that access for poorer VWXGHQWV DQG WKH Ă€ QDQFLDO VXSSRUW they receive at university is a priority for Labour if fees do increase. While Conservative leader David Cameron has not made any explicit FRPPHQWV RQ KLJKHU IHHV DQG RIĂ€ cial Tory policy on fees is not likely WR EH DQQRXQFHG EHIRUH D *HQHUDO Election, it is clear that many in the party favour higher fees. Newcastle’s ex-chancellor, Lord 3DWWHQ DQ H[ *RYHUQRU RI +RQJ Kong and one-time Conservative Party chairman, resigned from his post as the Chancellor of Newcastle University in September 2008, just days after making controversial comments about university fees. The Courier previously reported that Lord Patten told the Headmaster and Headmistresses Conference in September 2008 that the current cap on fees at ÂŁ3145 a year was “intolerably low.â€? He opined: “Can there be a middle-class objection to higher fees? “It is surely a mad world in which parents or grandparents are prepared to shell out tens of thousands of pounds to put their children through private schools to get them into universities, and then object to them paying a tuition fee of more than ÂŁ3,000 when they are there.â€? His comments were interpreted as out of touch – only 9% of children go to fee-paying schools – and as having contributed to his resignation. First year History student, Katie Fearon, told The Courier: “I’m shocked it has even been suggested that tuition fees could rise. “I’m lucky enough to be in a good Ă€ QDQFLDO VLWXDWLRQ DW KRPH EXW , would be completely put off applying to university if I had to pay that much.â€?
YLVLWHG /LYHUSRRO IRU WKH À UVW WLPH LQ 2008 following their European win and this tourism alone generated an impressive £176m.
If Durham were to be successful in 2013 it would play host to a number of prestigious cultural events, including the Turner Prize, the Brit Awards, and the Baftas. Ben Robertson from Durham Students’ Union backs Durham’s bid: “We have over 140 different student societies, and many other sports teams and associations all providing fantastic cultural opportunities in Durham. “We have theatre groups, dance societies, orchestras and bands and loads of groups putting on fantastic events in the University community and also out in the local areas.� Cities have to put forward their initial bids by December 11 and then a shortlist will be announced early in 2010. The winner will be announced next Spring. Durham County Council has said too much of Britain’s culture is still focused on London and it wants to bring the desirable title to the North East. To sign up for the bid visit www.durhamcityofculture.co.uk.
University disabled access under spotlight Anna McAuley This month sees the launch of an undercover investigation into the accessibility of leisure services in the North East, carried out by 150 young disabled campaigners as part of a nationwide campaign. Pubs, clubs, cinemas, theatres, and other leisure facilities are to be targeted in the investigation carried out by Trailblazers, a national network of 16 to 30-year-olds from the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign, ZKR Ă€ JKW IRU WKH ULJKWV RI \RXQJ disabled people. The investigation is a response to reports of inequality from wheelchair users, and aims to commend accessible leisure facilities while “naming and shamingâ€? inadequate facilities. .LQJ¡V *DWH WKH 8QLYHUVLW\¡V ODWHVW building development, is set to cater fully for disabled students but in the past critics have slammed the University’s disabled access. 6WXGHQW 6XSSRUW 2IĂ€ FHU 3HWH 0HU cer said: “I don’t think disabled access on campus at the moment is great. For instance, the Disability Support Unit is located within the Wellbeing Service on Claremont Road at the moment [until it moves WR .LQJ¡V *DWH@ DQG LW GRHVQ¡W KDYH disabled access. “But I do know disabled access is very high up on the Vice Chancellor’s agenda – a lot of the development on campus is taking the needs
of disabled students very seriously; LW¡V KHDYLO\ LQà XHQFLQJ D ORW RI WKH capital development.� The University has a duty of care to all students; when a student registers with Disability Support the University works to provide access to the facilities that the student needs, wherever possible. While a few pockets of inaccessibility remain on campus due to the number of old buildings, the University is working to improve WKH VLWXDWLRQ E\ UHQRYDWLQJ WKH 2OG Quad and the area outside Robinson Library. Inside, there are an increasing number of accessible toilets and electronic doors, while timetabling can be organised according to rooms with wheelchair access. The Union building’s disabled access has come under the most scrutiny. Both entrances have steps and once inside stairs are needed to get most places. The lift is currently out of order, restricting access for wheelchair users. There is no lift access to the basement, meaning some disabled students are automatically excluded from attending gigs at the Union. The 1995 Disability Discrimination Act states that reasonable adjustments need to be made to make sure venues are fully accessible (Section 21 (2)). So, while the University itself undertakes a range of initiatives to ensure greater accessibility, the Union is lagging 14 years behind current legislation.
Archaeologists save precious artefacts Caroline Howley A group of Newcastle archaeology students helped to save precious artefacts from being lost forever during a recent dig at Birdoswald Roman fort on Hadrian’s Wall. 7KLV ZDV WKH À UVW PDMRU H[FDYDWLRQ of a Roman cemetery anywhere on Hadrian’s Wall and was hoped to reveal much about changes in ritual practise as well as anthropological
factors such as the different statuses and ethnic groups of those living on the wall. Emma Morris, stage two archaeology student, said: “The fact that Newcastle students got to take part LV YHU\ Ă DWWHULQJ DQG ZH ZHUH DOO very excited to be there. Almost everyone, by the end of the two weeks, had the opportunity to excavate one of the cremation features, with a few RI XV Ă€ QGLQJ XUQV RU SRWV ZLWKLQ WKH feature itself.â€?
THE COURIER Monday 26 October 2009
3
NEWS
/XFN\ HVFDSH DV À UH hits campus halls Tarren Smarr Drama ignited in Windsor Terrace ODVW :HGQHVGD\ PRUQLQJ DV D À UH broke out in the laundry room at the University halls of residence. Fortunately no one was harmed during the blaze which saw three À UH HQJLQHV UXVK RXW WR WDFNOH WKH À UH According to Jimmy Laffey, who works in the accommodation reception for Jesmond and Windsor Terrace, the popular laundry room was completely empty when a circuit board in the electrical cupboard overheated. No students were present in the laundry room at the time, and none of the washers were in use, which SRWHQWLDOO\ FRXOG KDYH LQWHQVLÀ HG WKH À UH An electrician, who happened to VHH WKH À UH WKURXJK D ZLQGRZ ZKLOH passing, called the Fire Brigade immediately. 7KH À UH WUXFNV ZHUH GLVSDWFKHG WR :LQGVRU 7HUUDFH DQG WKH À UH ZDV GL PLQLVKHG ZLWKRXW VLJQLÀ FDQW GDP age to the laundry room. Unfortunately for students, as well as Windsor Terrace employees, there is currently no electricity on WKH JURXQG à RRU RI WKDW VHFWLRQ RI Windsor Terrace. As a result, students are unable to access any laundry facilities at this time. Windsor Terrace resident Mike Collins told The Courier ´$W À UVW LW
seemed kind of cool. “People were excited about the rush of no power on the ground Ă RRU ´1RZ , Ă€ QG LW DQQR\LQJ VLQFH , DP scrounging around for something to wear. All my clothes are dirty and I can’t do the washing.â€? Former Windsor Terrace tenant /DXUD *ULIĂ€ V FRPPHQWHG ´, IHHO UH ally sorry for the residents.â€? 7KH $FFRPPRGDWLRQ 2IĂ€ FH LV VWLOO working to determine the cause of WKH HOHFWULFDO Ă€ UH A spokesperson, Karen Costello, told The Courier: “As of now, we have no ideas as to what made it overheat, but we are working our hardest to get the electricity back on.â€? Several departments, including the Law School which also has a home in Windsor Terrace, were unaffectHG E\ WKH Ă€ UH
Inside today >>>
International students burgled in Easton Flats News, page 4-5
Tom Lowenstein on social networking sites Comment, page 40
Where there’s muck, there’s money Katy Covell Twenty-four determined volunteers, IRUW\ HLJKW ZHOOLHV VHYHQ VKLIWV Ă€ YH massive tractors and one mammoth pile of poo‌ It could only be the Agrics’ mighty ‘Muckathon’. Held on Saturday October 10 at Cockle Park University Farm, the event was set up to raise money for DebRA, a charity that supports and assists sufferers of the rare skin condition Epidermolysis Bullosa. The challenge was to spread a mountain of muck as fast as possible. Raising over ÂŁ500 for DebRA, ‘Muckathon’ organiser and Agriculture student Jack Smith, humbly said of the Agrics’ efforts: “They
had a very big heap of muck which needed spreading and we said we would spread it for charity.� The University Farm Manager David Watson is a patron of the charity as his daughter suffers from the rare genetic disorder - a painful skin condition which causes the skin and internal body linings to blister at the slightest knock or bump. The muddy affair took place at Cockle Park University Farm just outside Morpeth, and despite the less than favourable weather and before-sunrise start, the intrepid team turned out in force to begin their epic challenge which saw the day split into seven two-hour shifts. The determined workers soldiered on long after the crowd of spectators
had retired home, celebrating as the À QDO ORDG PHW HDUWK MXVW DIWHU QLQH o’clock in the evening. Students meandering from one lecture to the next a few weeks back might, understandably, have been a bit confused when they were asked to estimate the amount of time it would take to spread a sizeable heap of manure, but for two lucky students, their spot on guess of 13 hours and 20 minutes won them each £25. Special thanks go to Lloyds and Rickerby Agricultural machinery dealerships, without whose sponsorship and machinery donated, the event simply couldn’t have taken place.
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Monday 26 October 2009 THE COURIER
NEWS
Robbed of their safety: students > International students at the University’s Easton Flats have suffered a double break-in by opportunist burglars, reports Deputy Editor Fran Infante and Takashi Oshimi International students living in University accommodation have been left fearing for their safety after two break-ins in just over a fortnight. The students have said that they are so traumatised following the second break-in at Easton Flats that they are scared to leave the property. 7KH à DWV KRXVH RYHU SRVWJUDGuate students, most of whom are from overseas. 7KH ÀUVW LQFLGHQW RFFXUUHG RQ WKH QLJKW RI WKH 6HSWHPEHU WKH VHFond less than three weeks later, in broad daylight on Thursday 8 October. 7KH YLFWLP RI WKH ÀUVW EUHDN LQ Li Zhe, 26, returned to his room at DURXQG SP RQ WKH GD\ RI WKH LQFLGHQW WR ÀQG WKDW KLV JURXQG à RRU
window had been smashed and alPRVW Â… RI HOHFWULFDO HTXLSPHQW had been stolen. The Chinese national who recently began studying for his Masters in ,QWHUQDWLRQDO DQG (FRQRPLF 6FLHQFH immediately telephoned the police DQG UHSRUWHG WKH ORVV RI D Â… ODSWRS DQG Â… FDPHUD
“I no longer feel safe in my home and I’m fearful that a repeat attack will take place in the futureâ€? When police arrived at the scene WKH\ VHDUFKHG IRU Ă€QJHU SULQWV EXW no evidence was found. The stu-
dents were told, however, that the pattern of the crime was consistent with that of a juvenile offender. Both stolen items had been left on the student’s desk and were therefore visible to the intruder, presumably prompting the opportunistic attack. The second incident took place under rather more complicated circumstances. It is suspected that an intruder walked around the outside SHULPHWHU RI WKH FRPSOH[ RI Ă DWV DQG entered the property through the ZLQGRZ RI WKH JURXQG Ă RRU NLWFKHQ which had been left slightly open. The victim, WeiMing Wu, lost a camera and lenses worth around Â… DV ZHOO DV D ODSWRS DQG GHVLJQHU EDJ ZRUWK RYHU Â… WKDW had been given to him as a gift by friends. More bizarrely, he later discovered that several pairs of socks had also been taken. WeiMing has been left so disturbed by the burglary that he told The Courier: “I wish to move out of Easton Flats, because I no longer feel safe in my home and I’m fearful that a repeat attack will take place in the future.â€?
The student who occupies the room next to WeiMing, and who was asleep in his room at the time of the attack, reported hearing the sound of someone pushing at the other side of his bedroom door. Assuming that it was his neighbour and friend he ignored it, although now it seems clear that it was the thief attempting to enter his room as well. Perhaps most worrying of all is the fact that, during this second attack, a distinctive Chinese cooking knife was also removed from the communal kitchen, which was entered by a thief via the window. Potentially, therefore, the burglar may have not only been wandering undetected in the corridors of the complex, but doing so armed with a weapon. When police were called to the scene, footprints were found in the kitchen but WeiMing’s bedroom door remained locked as he had left it. Police concluded that the thief had entered through the kitchen and had attempted to enter the rooms but was unable to gain access from the inside. WeiMing’s room was accessed through his window which had been left on a latch. Following the break-in, the Taiwanese student raised the issue with the University Accommodation OfĂ€FH EXW ZDV OHIW GLVFRXUDJHG ZKHQ he was told by one staff member: “I’m sorry but I can’t do anything – you have to be more careful about closing windows.â€? The victims, along with their fellow students, have asked the UniYHUVLW\ WR Ă€W HLWKHU &&79 DW WKH KDOOV of residence or metal bars to the outVLGH RI WKH JURXQG Ă RRU ZLQGRZV LQ order to improve security, but they have received no guarantee that this action will take place. This account has caused concern for Manager of University Flats Paul Bandeen, who said: “We are committed to providing a safe and secure student environment. “We do take issues of security very, very seriously. We not only provide accommodation, but have a pastoral duty to our residents and will take whatever measures necessary to make them feel protected.
The burglar may have not only been wandering undetected in the corridors of the complex, but doing so armed with a weapon “It is true that not all University PDQDJHG VLWHV KDYH &&79 EXW LW¡V something we are happy to look at and see whether it would be a deterrent and whether it is the most effective way to spend money. “We can demonstrate that our sites are very secure and very safe, across all the university owned accommodation. ´7KHUH ZHUH RQO\ Ă€YH UHSRUWHG incidents of forced entry over the whole of the last academic year.â€? When informed of the students’ dismay at the initial handling of the affair, Bandeen was adamant, saying: “We do have guidelines for all staff to follow if there is an incident. If we haven’t handled a concern properly I can assure you that it will be dealt with internally. “If students are still concerned about their safety we are more than happy to reinvestigate an appropriate response.
Scared out of house and home: concerned
´$ODUPV KDYH DOUHDG\ EHHQ Ă€WWHG in all the ground level room windows and we hope that will ease concerns.â€? 6WXGHQW /LDLVRQ 2IĂ€FHU IRU 1RUWKumbria Police, Fay Paterson told The Courier of the need for students to more vigilant and more aware of their possessions, whether they live in University managed accommodation or in the private sector. ´6WXGHQWV DUH WDUJHWHG E\ FULPLQDOV purely because they are students, because they also tend to own more expensive consumer goods per head than the rest of the population. “The problem seen at Easton Flats is a common one. Criminals freTXHQWO\ WDUJHW KDOOV RI UHVLGHQFH MXVW RQ WKH RII FKDQFH WKDW WKH\ ZLOO Ă€QG an entry. ´6WXGHQWV PXVW EH PDGH DZDUH RI how vulnerable they are.â€?
THE COURIER Monday 26 October 2009
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NEWS
left traumatised after break-in New UK visa system leaves overseas students unable to enter the country Jack Stevenson International students face having their educational dreams left VKDWWHUHG DV WKH\ ÀQG WKHPVHOYHV blocked from starting degrees under a new UK visa system. It comes as universities in Britain IDFH WKH UHDOLW\ RI D ÀQDQFLDO SLWIDOO as they fail to receive the hefty tuition fees that students pump into higher education. The new visa system, which came into place last year, has complicated many international students’ applications, as well as some given out under the previous system. This has led to confusion and chaos amongst international students, who thought they would be able to enter the UK in order to study. Some students already studying in the UK have found themselves having to obtain new visas in order to continue with their courses. Students from outside the European Union pay vast sums to be educated in the United Kingdom. At Imperial College London, students wanting to study sciences will pay £20,400 in fees for this year alone, and whilst the fees are lower at Newcastle at £13,360, they still make an important contribution to
the University’s budget. It is feared that the UK will lose its favourable reputation as a place to study if the visa crisis is allowed to continue. Universities UK (UUK), the representative body for leaders of universities in this country, has expressed great concern over the situation. Within the next few weeks, it will be too late for many international students to start their courses and they will be asked to defer their education for a further year. 7KLV SUHVHQWV D YHU\ GLIÀFXOW VLWXDWLRQ IRU XQLYHUVLWLHV ÀQDQFLDOO\ EXW is also devastating for students who PXVW QRZ ÀQG VRPHWKLQJ HOVH WR GR for a year, in the hope that the UK Border Agency (UKBA) will have found a way for them to enter the country. In a last attempt to help students who may receive their visas in time, some universities have started to ÀOP OHFWXUHV VR WKDW WKH VWXGHQWV have the chance to keep up with their peers already studying in the country. It is thought, however, that many universities will cut students off from around the start of November if they have still failed to gain access to the UK. One Newcastle student from the
USA, fortunate enough to have dual citizenship, said that when she arrived in the UK from the States, two American students behind her were refused entry because of problems with their visas. The postgraduate Law student told The Courier: “Students on my course are just now learning that the visa they received before the new standards were put in place may be in jeopardy. “They are now having to re-apply for a visa under the new policy and worry that they may not be able to continue with their studies.â€? International students contribute ÂŁ4 billion to UK universities in fees; this contributes over 8% towards education funding. With Newcastle being a prominent UK university for international students from around the globe, the University is likely to be amongst the hardest hit by this problem. Mark Crane, President of the Modern Languages Society, said: “Whilst there are clearly abuses of the student visas system, the government is attempting to look tough on immigration by making an example of genuine international students, who in reality prop the higher education system up. “It’s a cheap political shot.â€?
Survey reveals international students SOXJ WKH JDS LQ 8QLYHUVLW\ÂśV ÂżQDQFHV Elliot Bentley
international students stand outside Easton Flats
Police safety tips Fay Paterson 6WXGHQW /LDLVRQ &RRUGLQDWRU ‡ .HHS YDOXDEOHV DZD\ IURP WKH window, especially if your room is downstairs. Working on your laptop at the window is a blatant invitation to thieves. ‡ &KHFN WKH ZLQGRZ ORFNV HVSHcially on downstairs and basement windows and your doors - make sure they’re strong, secure and with proper locks! ‡ .HHS \RXU GRRUV DQG ZLQGRZV locked when you go out - this includes kitchen windows in Halls. ‡ ,I \RX KDYH H[SHQVLYH LWHPV
7 26+,0,
GRQœW OHDYH WKH HPSW\ ER[HV RXWside your house, rip them up and ¿OH WKHP XQGHU D ELQ 7KLQN DERXW LW OHDYLQJ WKH ER[HV RXWVLGH OHWV WKH WKLHYHV NQRZ H[DFWO\ ZKDW JRRGLHV you have inside your property! ‡ ,I \RX KDYH QRW DOUHDG\ PDUN \RXU SURSHUW\ 7KLV FDQ PDNH LW harder for a burglar to sell your property on and help the police to return items to you. ‡ *HW LQVXUHG ¹ LWœV EHWWHU WR EH safe than sorry! Be aware that some insurance companies don’t pay out if the thief gets in through an unlocked door or window. Keep lists of the make, model and serial numbers of your electronic items to help police track them down if they are stolen. See www.immobilise.com for further details.
An annual survey of tuition fees has revealed that international students are being charged more each year. This comes amid fears that Newcastle University is becoming increasingly reliant on non-EU stuGHQWV WR ÀOO JDSV LQ IXQGLQJ The survey, published on The Guardian website, lists Newcastle University among 175 other institutions, comparing tuition fees for EU students with international students studying the same course. Although Newcastle charges the maximum tuition fees of £3,225 per year for a bachelor’s degree (offset by around £7,000 from the government), international students are charged an average of £10,215 for an arts degree or £13,360 for a science degree. Though these are both well above the national average and up £1000
from last year’s fees, bachelor’s degrees at Imperial College London can cost up to ÂŁ20,000 a year for international students. International postgraduate students fare better: UK fees are ÂŁ4,195 per year, compared to ÂŁ10,215 for a master’s in an arts subject (about a hundred pounds below average) and ÂŁ13,360 for a master’s in a science subject (ÂŁ1500 above average). In the academic year 07/08, international students made up around 7% of undergraduates and almost 40% of postgraduate students. Around ÂŁ31m - 9% of the University’s total income - comes from international student fees, according to Professor Tony Stevenson of the University’s Planning and Resources department. “International students currently represent some 15% of the student body and we will see this grow to around 20% as a result of our developing operations in Singapore and
Malaysia, where we are developing international branch campuses,â€? he said, going on to point out that international fees are increased at the UDWH RI LQĂ DWLRQ President of the Modern Languages Society, Mark Crane, said: “International students are invaluable WR WKH 8QLYHUVLW\ LQ ERWK Ă€QDQFLDO terms and in the way they contribute to the cultural and academic exchange that is the whole point of university.â€? Without international students, universities would likely see “more departments closing, worse infrastructure, and less investment in libraries,â€? according to Dominic Scott of the UK Council for International Student Affairs. He told The Guardian: “At a time RI KXJH Ă€QDQFLDO SUHVVXUH LW LV WKH international student income that is enabling universities to invest, expand and survive.â€?
Friends of Palestine campaign on campus Jonny Pickering The newly-created Friends of Palestine Society has been highly active on campus over the past week, holding stalls and increasing awareQHVV RI WKH GLIĂ€FXOW VLWXDWLRQ IDFHG by Palestinians in the Occupied Territories. After the Israeli invasion of Gaza last December, the Palestinian people are still trying to recover from the devastation, and the Friends of Palestine at Newcastle are assisting with the reconstruction in whatever
way they can. They are involved in a number of campaigns, including providing education materials for Palestinian schools and are organising a trip to both Israeli and Palestinian universities this summer. The Friends of Palestine is also involved in an ongoing campaign against Newcastle University’s investments in the arms trade, which they consider a corrupt and destabalising industry that is more likely WR HVFDODWH FRQà LFW WKDQ WR HQG LW Weapons sold to Israel by BAE Systems – in which Newcastle Uni-
versity holds shares – were used against the Palestinians during last December’s invasion A spokesman for the group said that they wish to encourage other students who feel strongly about an issue to actively campaign around it and to return to the spirit of student activism of the past. The Friends of Palestine are hosting a public meeting on Tuesday October 27 in Lecture Theatre 3 of the Bedson building, which all students are welcome to attend to listen and discuss the situation in Palestine.
6
Monday 26 October 2009 THE COURIER
NEWS
A. BELL
1LFN *ULIÀQ RQ 4XHVWLRQ 7LPH ZKDW The Courier ZULWHUV WKLQN Nick Jackson Commentary Should the BNP be allowed a platform in order for us to see them as the bigots they are? For me, the question has not been looked at in a wider context. In our rush to promote the independence and equality of the BBC, we have forgotten that we are not the only ones watching. In many developing countries, there is often little realisation that our government is not controlling the media. The Iranian authorities’ aversion to BBC Farsi, often shut down in times of tension, indicates this, as does the violence directed against Danish embassies around the world in 2005, after the printing
Caroline Argyropulo-Palmer Commentary Having watched the edition of Question Time, which included 1LFN *ULIÀQ RQ WKH SDQHO , FDQ RQO\ FRQFOXGH WKDW WKH %%& ZHUH MXVWLÀHG in their decision to allow him to appear. The programme was incredibly HQFRXUDJLQJ WR VRPHRQH ZKR ÀQGV the BNP, and their growth in popularity, frankly stomach turning. 6HHLQJ 0U *ULIÀQ KLGH EHKLQG IDNH and highly inappropriate laughter; hearing the audience boo his outrageous comments; cheer the other panel members, and ask real, probing questions. Seeing the other political parties come together to bring down an incompetent sham of an M.E.P, rather than alienating the electorate by in-
of offensive cartoons of Mohammed. This violence engulfed countries such as Pakistan, currently a key DOO\ RI WKH :HVW 1LFN *ULIĂ€Q¡V DSpearance on Question Time could be interpreted as a move to promote a man who believes the Koran is ‘a monster in our midst.’ Seen in this context, the argument of letting the BNP dig their own grave on Question Time lacks punch, particularly if we are reminded of the numbers behind the European election results. The BNP in fact polled fewer votes in Yorkshire at this year’s European elections than in those of 2004. Their gain of two seats in the European Parliament can be attributed to the Labour vote share dropping disastrously by just under 7% in the
polls. For this reason alone, the BNP does not deserve this extra exposure and it seems doubly foolish to give them it with Britain’s international reputation already in a parlous state. 1LFN *ULIÀQ DQG KLV FRKRUWV FXUrently receive a wealth of coverage in the press, of an almost exclusively negative nature. A prime example can be found this ZHHN ZLWK *ULIÀQ¡V OXGLFURXV FRPparison of the British Army’s retired top brass to the Nazis hanged at Nuremberg. We must ask whether it is worth distorting Britain’s image abroad, in order to give the BNP special treatment it has not earned and does not need to undermine itself. For the reasons above, I believe the answer is no.
Ă€JKWLQJ Watching, I laughed, I cheered, I felt part of this country; a country of many races and faiths that feels there is no place for racist views in our political system, a country that was cheering with me. There is no way that the BNP came out of the programme looking good or reasonable; even to people with sympathy for them. 0U *ULIĂ€Q EDUHO\ DQVZHUHG D TXHVtion coherently, was completely outclassed, outwitted and outsmarted on all accounts, and was shown to be racist, ignorant and very, very stupid. 7KH Ă€QDO TXHVWLRQ RI WKH VKRZ ZDV the very question that has been so discussed in the media: “Was this an early Christmas present for the BNP?â€? 7R WKLV HYHQ 1LFN *ULIĂ€Q FRXOG QRW answer that the party had gained
any advantage. He said the BBC did what they had WR GR *ULIĂ€Q¡V SDUW\ KROG VHDWV LQ the European Parliament. The BBC’s exemplary constitution enshrines free speech and impartiality; there was no choice. The choice they did have, however, as was highlighted in The Debate in Issue 1194 of The Courier, was how they responded to the BNP’s presence. And as urged in that article, they went on the attack; they DVNHG TXHVWLRQV DERXW 0U *ULIĂ€Q¡V racial policies and views, and they shattered all of them. And with this, they shattered any feelings of apathy I had; any feeling of inevitability about the BNP’s rise. 7KHUH LV VRPHWKLQJ WR Ă€JKW IRU DQG good on ‘Auntie’ for bringing the Ă€JKW LQWR RXU KRPHV
*ULIÂżQ RQ The BBC
Winston Churchill
“I regard the BBC as part of a thoroughly unpleasant, ultra-leftist establishment which, as we have seen here tonight, doesn’t even want the English to be recognised as an existing people�
“If Churchill were alive he would belong to the BNP�
Racism “I shared a platform with David Duke, who was once a member of the Ku Klux Klan, an almost totally non-violent one by the wayâ€? “The indigenous people of this island are the English, the Scots, the Irish and the Welsh. We are the aborigines hereâ€? Hitler’s Mein Kampf “The chapter I most enjoyed was the one on Propaganda and Organisation. There were some really useful ideas in thereâ€? Jack Straw “My father was in the RAF during the Second World War while Mr Straw’s father was in prison for UHIXVLQJ WR ÂżJKW $GROI +LWOHU´
Immigration “We have said it is time to shut the door because this country is overcrowded; that criminals, bogus asylum seekers and people who are not loyal to this country should be deported. Everyone else can stayâ€? London London is no longer a city my grandparents would recognise. It is changed beyond all recognition. Many of the ancestral Londoners have left over the last 20 years because they can no longer call it homeâ€? Homosexuality Âł$ ORW RI SHRSOH ÂżQG WKH VLJKW RI two grown men kissing in public very creepy. I understand that homosexuals don’t understand that, but that is how a lot of us feel...Militant homosexuals do not have the right to try and preach to schoolchildren. That is perverseâ€?
THE COURIER Monday 26 October 2009
7
NEWS
Applications on the up Joshua Shrimpton Dean Undergraduate applications to Newcastle University saw an increase of 1.2 percent this year. Figures obtained from the uniYHUVLW\ DGPLVVLRQV RIĂ€FH VKRZ WKDW 23,470 prospective United Kingdom and EU students applied for a place at the university for 2009 entry, an increase of 1.2 percent. 7KH Ă€JXUHV DOVR VKRZ WKDW RQO\ RQH in every six applicants are successful in obtaining a place at Newcastle University, with 3,940 undergraduates beginning a course this year, an increase of 2.1 percent. Applications from international students saw an increase of a staggering 19 percent. 7KH Ă€JXUHV FRPH DV DQ HVWLPDWHG 30,000 people across the United Kingdom missed out on a place at university this year, many of which ZHUH ZHOO TXDOLĂ€HG DQG ZRXOG KDYH been successful had they applied last year. Despite the competition for places, Newcastle University was still able to accept some candidates who had not met the conditions of their offer. Katherine Hind, Senior Undergraduate Admissions Manager, said: “It is impossible to say how many wellTXDOLĂ€HG DSSOLFDQWV PLVVHG RXW RQ D place, but, for most of our courses,
the University accepted a number of ‘near miss’ applicants who had not met their offer conditions.â€? The current recession has frequently been cited as a factor for the increase in university applications. Mature students are among those who have taken the opportunity to enter into higher education in the face of an unstable jobs market and ULVLQJ XQHPSOR\PHQW Ă€JXUHV The government have been criticised for contradicting their longstanding commitment to higher HGXFDWLRQ E\ LPSRVLQJ Ă€QHV RQ XQLYHUVLWLHV WKDW KDYH GHĂ€HG D TXRWD on 13,000 additional admissions this year; 35,000 extra places were offered nationally. Figures supplied by the admissions department do not include any applications made after 28th July 2009, although very few clearing places were available. It appears Newcastle University ZLOO EH XQDIIHFWHG E\ DQ\ VXFK Ă€QHV but the situation remains ultimately uncertain. Katherine Hind said: “We do not believe that we shall suffer DQ\ Ă€QDQFLDO SHQDOW\ IURP WKH JRYernment, although the position is not yet clear.â€? UCAS disclosed that 43,359 students obtained a place through clearing this year, compared with around 35,000 last year.
)UHVKHUV¡ %DOO Ă€DVFR Bethany Sissons The Union Society has been forced to cancel this year’s Freshers’ Ball due to low ticket sales. The ball, which was a sell out in 2008, was due to take place on 21st October and the cancellation has left many freshers disappointed. (VWKHU ,QQHV D Ă€UVW \HDU +LVWRU\ student, said: “The Freshers’ Ball should be a big event. It doesn’t seem to have been organised well this year - I’m gutted I won’t get to ZHDU P\ RXWĂ€W Âľ Some students believe that the low sales were due to the expensive ticket price of ÂŁ32.99. The recent stuGHQW ORDQ Ă€DVFR ZKHUH WKRXVDQGV of students are still without a loan, could also be another reason why freshers chose not to buy a ticket for the ball. Furthermore, the event was due to have the same James Bond theme as last year, but it would appear that a new and fresh idea was needed in order to repeat the success of 2008. Alice Hogg was planning to attend this year’s ball. She told The Courier: “I’m quite glad that I can get my money back. Second year students had told me that the 2008 ball was disappointing.â€? Roisin Watson attended the Freshers’ Ball last year: “It wasn’t the best night out I’ve had in Newcastle - the meal felt rushed and the tickets were expensive.â€?
There was also a problem with the marketing of the event, as unlike in 2008, ball tickets were not made available to buy on the Union Society website at the same time as Freshers’ Week wristbands. This appears to have been a huge oversight from the Union Society, as PDQ\ Ă€UVW \HDU VWXGHQWV KDYH WROG The Courier that they didn’t even know the event was taking place, and that they were informed of the cancellation before they knew it was even happening. Jennifer Scott said: “I think more tickets would have been sold if the event had been more widely advertised.â€? The Union Society expressed regret at the cancellation. Activities 2IĂ€FHU *HRUJLD 0RUJDQ :\QQH told The Courier: “In order to make the night a success we required a minimum of 500 ticket sales. “This ensures we can transform and drape the venue and provide excellent entertainment and quality food and drinks. “Due to low ticket sales the Union was at risk of making a large loss so instead we are offering either a refund or an upgrade to the Winter Wonderland White Tie and Tiara Ball which is ÂŁ36.50 per person or ÂŁ35 when booked in groups of ten.â€? If you purchased a ticket for the Freshers’ Ball and want to get in touch with someone regarding your refund or upgrade, please contact marketingsales.union@ncl.ac.uk.
Inside today >>>
Culture Chat with Jeremy Paxman Culture, page 35
University’s Elite Athlete Squad announced Sport, page 40
National Samantha Hockney
Oxford student hangs himself in room
%\NHU %ULGJH WKH ORFDWLRQ IRU WKH QHZ &RTXHW 6WUHHW ÀDWV
MP slams proposed %\NHU VWXGHQW à DWV Olivia-Marie Viveiros A local council’s plan to increase the number of purpose-built student à DWV LQ 1HZFDVWOH ZDV FULWLFLVHG DV another development was given the go ahead last week. Newcastle councillors approved RI D QHZ FRPSOH[ RI à DWV LQ &RTXHW Street next to Byker Bridge, after SODQQLQJ RIÀFHUV DJUHHG LW ZDV VXLWable for the council’s plan to create KRXVLQJ ZKLFK VSHFLÀFDOO\ FDWHUV WR students. The complex, which contains 254 bedrooms, is one of many developments set to take place under Newcastle council’s ` Student Housing Strategy’, which aims to provide a further 5,000 beds for the city’s students. As previously reported in The Courier, the plans by the Liberal Democrat council, to try and vacate students from areas such as Jesmond and Heaton, have been the cause of much controversy between students, landlords and local residents.
Bill Shepherd, the Lib Dem Executive for Regeneration and Housing in Newcastle, claimed the local council was meeting the requirements of the government’s housing policy, which allowed married students, or those with children to apply for housing in the same way as local residents. He said: “Students are an important part of the city and we welcome them and the vitality they bring to the region. The important issue is to try and bring an appropriate mix of different housing types to the city, and to ensure that all students have access to decent accommodation.� Local Labour MP, Jim Cousins stated in a letter to the council: “The city council’s Soviet-style student housing policy takes no account of the variety of student housing needs. “It assumes that ‘bedspaces’ in suites of four to six single bedded rooms with very limited common space are a student housing policy for a modern, diverse, sophisticated and inclusive student community. They aren’t.“
A student at Oxford University ZKR VROG KLV UDUH Ă€UVW HGLWLRQ Harry Potter book to fund his studies has been found hanged in his room. Toby Rundle was found dead at the university’s Lady Margaret Hall by two friends just a IHZ ZHHNV LQWR KLV Ă€QDO \HDU The 21-year-old, from Wilton in Somerset, had been out drinking with friends a day earlier, was said to be increasingly troubled by sombre thoughts. Days before his suicide, he had posted an update on social networking site MySpace, saying: “Who I’d like to meet: God – to ask him what I’ve done wrong.â€? Rundle had hoped to one day become a food writer in San Fransico, a city he had fallen in love with on his gap year.
Ministers launch inquiry into loans An emergency inquiry has been launched into the Student Loans Company after thousands of students were left without loans at the start of term. It is claimed more than 88,000 students are still waiting for their loans, while thousands more have received only a partial payment. David Lammy, universities minister, ordered the inquiry and promised a ‘frank assessment of what went wrong.’ The Student Loans Company (SLC) is under intense pressure to resolve the situation as quickly as possible, as students become increasingly frustrated DW DWWHPSWV WR SXW WKHLU Ă€QDQFing in place. Ralph Seymour-Jackson, chief executive of the SLC, said: “We are very sorry for the genuine worry, confusion and distress this has caused students. “I understand how much worry has been caused, especially when students can’t get through on the phone.â€? He added that a recessionfuelled rise in loan applications was one of the main reasons for payments being delayed.
Student aged just 20 dies of heart attack A twenty-year-old university student has died after suffering a heart attack while out running on campus. Eleanor Keeler, a student from University College London, was just weeks into her transfer year at the University of Pennsylvania when she collapsed from a sudden cardiac arrest. She was taken to the university hospital but never regained consciousness and died eight days later with her family by her side. Poignant messages have Ă RRGHG LQ RQ D ZHEVLWH VHW XS in Eleanor’s memory by her parents. Her brother Matthew spoke of the shock at losing her, saying: ‘We do not know what caused it or what it could have been; all we know is that our bright and beautiful Eleanor is gone.’
8
Monday 26 October 2009 THE COURIER
NEWS
Editorial
Editorial Editor: David Coverdale - editor.union@ncl.ac.uk
Record recycling rise for University Students and staff at Newcastle UniYHUVLW\ DUH RQ FRXUVH IRU D Ă€UVW FODVV with honours in recycling, after more than doubling their recycling UDWH IURP WR SHU FHQW RYHU WKH past year. As well as registering such an impressive increase in just under a year, the University’s improved performance has resulted in them registering the ‘best ever’ carbon savings LQ D UHSRUW SURGXFHG E\ 6,7$ 8. The University saved an average of 242 tonnes of carbon last quarter ² QHDUO\ Ă€YH WLPHV DV PXFK DV WKH DYHUDJH 6,7$ 8. FXVWRPHU The carbon saving – which in real WHUPV UHSUHVHQWV GD\V LQ WKH OLIH RI DQ DYHUDJH 8. UHVLGHQW DQG ZRXOG WDNH EURDG OHDI WUHHV D year to digest – has been described DV WKH EHVW 6,7$ 8. KDV HYHU VHHQ “We produce carbon saving reports for all of our customers on a quarterly basis, and whilst we are
XVHG WR VHHLQJ VRPH LPSUHVVLYH Ă€Jures, this is the best report I’ve ever seen,â€? said John Godfrey, Corporate Reporting Analyst. “Obviously the organisations we VHUYH GLIIHU LQ VL]H EXW WKH DYHUDJH VDYLQJ LV XVXDOO\ DURXQG WRQQHV For Newcastle University to have DFKLHYHG D VDYLQJ RI DOPRVW tonnes proves how vastly they have improved in a relatively short space of time.â€? Much of this is thanks to the positive attitude of staff and students at 1HZFDVWOH 8QLYHUVLW\ $URXQG recycling bins for plastic bottles, mixed plastics, paper and cans were UROOHG RXW WR DURXQG RI WKH ODUJest buildings on campus towards WKH HQG RI JLYLQJ VWXGHQWV DQG staff more opportunity to recycle their waste. Daniel O’Connor, University Waste Manager, said: “It has been a tremendous effort by the students and
staff who are embracing the new facilities. It is a real treat to work with people who are so enthusiastic and proactive about diverting as much ZDVWH DV SRVVLEOH IURP ODQGĂ€OO Âľ Newcastle University’s Pro-Vice&KDQFHOORU DQG 3RUWIROLR +ROGHU for Sustainable Development, Tony Stevenson, said: “If you’d have said last year that we could hit almost UHF\FOLQJ , ZRXOG KDYH QRW EHlieved you. ´+RZHYHU RXU DSSURDFK GHPRQVWUDWHV MXVW ZKDW LV SRVVLEOH QRW RQO\ are we now diverting hundreds of WRQQHV RI ZDVWH IURP ODQGĂ€OO EXW we are saving carbon and getting more value out of waste. /DVW TXDUWHU WKH VWXGHQWV DQG VWDII WKDW XVH WKH 1HZcastle University campus managed to register such an impressive carERQ VDYLQJ E\ UHF\FOLQJ WRQQHV RI SDSHU WRQQHV RI SODVWLF DQG – perhaps unsurprisingly, but also
PRVW LPSRUWDQWO\ ² WRQQHV RI DOXminium cans. Recycling aluminium cans in particular saves a large amount of carERQ ² LQ WKH 8QLYHUVLW\¡V FDVH WRQQHV RI &2ʚ DORQH ² DV LW WDNHV VR much energy to create a new can as opposed to recycling used cans. The University also recycled six and a half tonnes of cardboard, four tonnes of glass and a ton of ferrous PHWDO EHWZHHQ $SULO DQG -XQH
Inside today >>>
SeĂąora Rosa is back to answer your questions Life & Style, page 17
Give it a Go this term ‘Give it a Go’ is an exciting and innovative initiative of the Union Society to allow students to get involved in fun and exhilarating activities without any long term commitment of time or money. As the name implies, Give it a Go is a programme of activities every week during term time that allows students to take part in various activities either on campus or in the wider region. Activities vary from Reiki sessions to employer presentations, white water rafting to cultural trips to museums, aquariums and art galleries. There is something for every student and if you feel your interests aren’t represented, come and have a moan and they will make sure WKH\ Ă€QG VRPHWKLQJ WKDW VXLWV \RX With a budget given to ‘Give it a Go’ by the Union Society, the money they have is there to provide fun and free activities for every student, so there really is no excuse not to Give it a Go. There have already been a number of activities this term, including Go Ape (a high ropes adventure
Vacancies www.ncl.ac.uk/careers/vacancies The Careers Service provides information DQG DGYLFH RQ GHYHORSLQJ \RXU VNLOOV ÂżQGLQJ a part-time job, work experience, supporting business start-up and (when the time comes) exploring graduate opportunities. For more details about these and other vacancies, including details of how to apply, visit their website at www.ncl.ac.uk/careers.
Job Title: In Store Demonstrator Employer: Big Picture Business: Marketing Closing date: 31/10/2009 Salary: ÂŁ10.00 per hour Basic job description: They are looking for an In Store Demonstrator to demonstrate the LED TV range for SHARP, based in John Lewis in Newcastle. The aim of the role is to raise awareness of the new TV range in store and to increase sales. The hours of this post
FRXUVH LQ 0DWIHQ VXUĂ€QJ OHVVRQV in Tynemouth, studio photography sessions, free yoga lessons, street dance, tango and a caving trip – the list is exhaustive. To make sure you don’t miss out on any more fun and free activities, become friends with ‘Give it a Go’ on Facebook and Twitter (GIAG Newcastle), email giag.union@ncl. ac.uk, go to www.unionsociety. co.uk/giveitago or pop up to the $FWLYLWLHV 2IĂ€FH RQ WKH VW )ORRU RI the Union building. Upcoming activities include white ZDWHU UDIWLQJ D ZRUOG UHFRUG DWWHPSW FUD]\ JROI D FKHDS WULS WR (GLQEXUJK =RR IHOO ZDONLQJ LQ .HVZLFN DQG PDQ\ PRUH giag.union@ncl.ac.uk www.unionsociety.co.uk/giveitago www.twitter.com/GIAGnewcastle
are Saturday: 10.00 - 17.00 / Sunday: 10.00 - 16.00. The initial contract is for 4 weeks but may be extended. Person requirements: If you have a passion for technology, have great communication VNLOOV DQG FDQ LQÀXHQFH SHRSOH ZH ZRXOG OLNH to work with you. Location: John Lewis, Newcastle Upon Tyne Job Title: Christmas Temps Employer: Claire’s Accessories Business: Fashion and Accessories Specialist Closing date: ASAP Salary: NMW + Basic job description: They are currently looking for two temporary Sales Assistants over the Christmas holidays to work a miniPXP RI KRXUV SHU ZHHN ZLWK WKH ÀH[LELOLW\ RI working up to 16 hours per week. You will be required to work evenings and weekends. Person requirements: Experience in a customer service role would be helpful. You must EH RXWJRLQJ FRQ¿GHQW FKDWW\ DQG JRRG ZLWK dealing with members of the public. You must be available to work over the Christmas holidays. Location: Metrocentre (Blue Quadrant) Gateshead
Job Title: Temporary Christmas Baristas Employer: Starbucks Business: Coffee Company Closing date: 30/10/2009 Salary: NMW Basic job description: Baristas are the face of Starbucks. They create an uplifting experience for our customers and make perfect drinks... one drink and one customer at a time. Starbucks in the Lower Red Quadrant of the Metrocentre are currently looking for two Baristas to start working as soon as possible until January 2010. You will be required to undertake the following duties: general housekeeping; cleaning tables; cash handling; till work; serving beverages and food; and general customer service. This position is for 12 hours per week, mostly evenings and weekends, with the possibility of more hours if required. Person requirements: Experience of cash handling and customer service is preferred but not essential as training is provided. Location: Metrocentre (Lower Red Quadrant) - Gateshead. Job Title: Outreach Workers Employer: Victim Support
Business: Charity Closing date: 30/10/2009 Salary: ÂŁ18,045 per annum, pro rata (plus 5% pension) Basic job description: We are looking for Outreach Workers to assist the manager in organising and developing our busy Northumberland and North Tyneside Branch, with a focus on one or more areas of Northumberland and North Tyneside. These posts are for 18 hours per week. Person requirements: We are looking for people with excellent communication skills who will work well within this small team. Applicants must have experience of recruiting, managing and supporting volunteers, direct work with service users, working in communities, and knowledge of the issues facing victims of crime. Good IT skills are also essential. Location: Northumberland and North Tyneside
Education Station Emma Budge (GXFDWLRQ 2I¿FHU education.union@ncl.ac.uk This week I’ve been joined by Yoshiko, your Representation and Democracy Co-ordinator GHPRFUDF\UHSRIÀFHU XQLRQ#QFO ac.uk) and we’ll be taking you through a potted history of western universities, and next week we take you on a whistlestop tour of the history of Newcastle Uni. 7KH ÀUVW KLJKHU HGXFDWLRQ LQVWLWXWLRQ LQ PHGLHYDO (XURSH ZDV the University of Constantinople, founded in 425 AD, and the ÀUVW GHJUHH JUDQWLQJ LQVWLWXWLRQ LQ (XURSH ZDV WKH 8QLYHUVLW\ RI %RORJQD 7KH ROGHVW XQL LQ WKH 8. LV 2[IRUG FORVHO\ IROORZHG E\ ² QR SUL]HV IRU JXHVVLQJ ² &DPEULGJH <RXQJ PHQ LQ PHGLHYDO (Xrope had to study the liberal arts, which consisted of the trivium – grammar, rhetoric and dialectic or logic – followed by the quadrivium – arithmetic, geometry, music and astronomy. This in turn prepared them for the study of philosophy and theology. Universities went on to be shaped by broader changes VZHHSLQJ WKURXJK (XURSHDQ VRFLHW\ VXFK DV WKH (QOLJKWHQPHQW DQG 5HIRUPDWLRQ HUDV %\ WKH WK century, German and French university models were clearly deÀQHG WKH IRUPHU HPSKDVLVHG WKH importance of freedom, seminars and discussion, while the latter involved strict control over all aspects of university life. By the end of the century, the German model had been widely adopted across the world. Mirroring societal changes, universities moved from a concentration on religion to a focus RQ VFLHQFH 7KURXJKRXW WKH WK DQG WK FHQWXULHV VWXGHQW QXPbers increased and university education became much more acFHVVLEOH $OVR LQ WKH WK FHQWXU\ WKH ÀUVW KLJKHU HGXFDWLRQ LQVWLWXtion for women was founded by (PLO\ 'DYLHV DQG /HLJK 6PLWK and became Girton College, &DPEULGJH LQ +RZHYHU opportunities for women to advance their education were still H[WUHPHO\ OLPLWHG /XFNLO\ WKLV LV no longer the case in the western ZRUOG LQ WKHUH ZHUH female undergraduate students LQ WKH 8. FRPSDUHG ZLWK male. Overall student numbers are DOVR LQFUHDVLQJ ZLWK 8&$6 DSSOLFDWLRQV LQ 6R what does this mean for you? œ$FDGHPLF LQà DWLRQ¡ UHIHUV WR LQcreased minimum requirements from employers in a market which contains far more highly educated people than it has previously seen. This means tougher competition for jobs – but all is not lost! There are plenty of opportunities here at Newcastle for you to make your CV stand out from the crowd. Contact us in the Union or the Careers Service, and ORRN RXW IRU D IXWXUH (GXFDWLRQ Station on how to sex up your CV.
THE COURIER Monday 26 October 2009
9
,V WKH 3RVW 2IĂ€ FH still a viable organisation? Comment Editors: Caroline Argyropulo-Palmer and Nicholas Fidler - courier.comment@ncl.ac.uk
> The Debate, page 10
The rise and rise of the anti-fatists gle seat at a cinema or on the metro DQG À QG LW WR EH WRR VPDOO DQG ZDON away mortally embarrassed; but the second, the idea that doctors cannot even discuss weight loss without a patients consent, is, in my opinion, absurd. It appears to me that this is taking the whole idea of weight issues and fat-ism to another level. How is this discriminatory?
Laura Heads It’s no secret that many people have problems with how much they weigh, you just need to watch an episode of ‘How to Look Good Naked’ to understand. But in this day and age it has become apparent that the way you see yourself doesn’t only affect your RSSRUWXQLWLHV DQG VHOI FRQĂ€ GHQFH throughout life, it affects the decisions made in employment too. So called ‘fat-ism’ was recently highlighted by a study carried out by the Size Acceptance Movement, who found that 93% of employers would rather hire a thin person as opposed to someone bigger, even if WKH\ KHOG WKH VDPH TXDOLĂ€ FDWLRQV As a result, the campaign to get fat-ism made illegal on the same grounds as race, age and religious discrimination is well underway. /HW PH EH WKH Ă€ UVW WR VD\ WKDW , DP QRW FRPSOHWHO\ FRQĂ€ GHQW ZLWK P\ body, or indeed my weight, but I see this as my issue. The idea that my future employers may be judging me on this just makes me even more insecure than I already am, and I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one who would feel this way. Surely in a society where we want people to become as body loving as they can, we are going the wrong way about it by making weight such a big issue. On the other hand, if making a once taboo subject something of a talking point is going to help people EHFRPH PRUH FRQĂ€ GHQW LQ WKHP selves by feeling they can go for any job and be considered equally, then I’m all for it.
93% of employers would rather hire a thin person as opposed to someone bigger, even if they held WKH VDPH TXDOLĂ€ FDWLRQV
it. 1RZ GRQ¡W JHW PH ZURQJ WKH À UVW idea is a great one, I have seen many a person attempt to get into a sin-
Why should a doctor not be able to give options to their patient? It is their job after all. It strikes me that, although on the face of it, the issue being raised does make some sense, it could lead to worse outcomes in the future. Anyone who has ever studied or indeed followed politics will know that when the cry went up about the lack of ethnic minority MPs, political parties were suddenly rushing to see who could ‘recruit’ the most. This could very well be the outcome if fat-ism comes into force; companies could deliberately bypass perfectly eligible, thin candidates for their slightly bigger counterparts for fear of legal action. Then where would we be left, a ‘thin-ism’ campaign maybe? To me this just seems like a never ending circle. Someone is always going to feel hard done by.
them all. Just to think that this is on a competition when at least eight acts competing are really rather good, and yet will be lucky to get a record
contract lasting over a year, should they win. It really does say something rather sad about the moneyobsessed priorities of a supposed “talent� competition.
R. MAIR
Take San Francisco as an example, fat-ism is illegal there, meaning that public places are required to make wider seats and other allowances to
accommodate the overweight; doctors aren’t even allowed to pursue the idea of weight loss with a patient if the patient chooses not to discuss
The lacklustre factor $OLFH 9LQFHQW Culture Editor The fancy houses that don’t even belong to the judges, the fascination with what Cheryl and Danii are wearing, and the fact that Heat magazine doesn’t have to stress over its page content during the winter months: all evidence that The X Factor has become the new Big Brother in the reality TV stakes. Love it, loathe it, chances are you won’t have missed it. Even the most high brow, TV-free student households will have found the programme discussed on the internet, in lectures, even in broadsheets as ‘quality’ as The Telegraph. And now, The X Factor has even made it into Newcastle’s very own The Courier. I’m not ashamed to admit I relish in a bit of Saturday night humdrum, glued to the screen with the rest of P\ Ă DWPDWHV DGPLULQJ 'DQLL¡V KDLU thinking Louis is an idiot and wishing Cheryl would eat something. However, the Sunday night show usually takes it a step too far, not least because of the insistence of whoever is in charge of this ever-increasing beast of a programme to include has-been musical “iconsâ€? who are trying to kick start their careers. You’d have thought that after Britney’s highly anticipated, yet disap-
pointingly shambolic appearance last year – that one where Dermot had to hand her his microphone to speak into during the interview because, shock horror, the one she used during her performance was completely useless – the brains behind X Factor would’ve nailed the celebrity comeback thing on the head. But alas, this year they’ve created a whole new Sunday night show for it, and it seems the viewing audience are morbidly entranced to watch these major contributors to musical history crash and burn. Britney, Robbie, Whitney, and, to a certain extent, even Cheryl; they all disappoint on stage. Whether it’s Robbie’s sweaty skanking demonstrating just how little he ‘looks good naked’, or the dichotomy between Whitney’s age-defying face and her sad attempts to deal with dress and dancing - both very much indicative of her state of mind and body - these pop heroes just can’t cut it anymore. Granted, they’ve got the voice. However, it seems an even crueller act on the producers’ part to preempt what we’ve come to expect as a diabolical performance with a video montage of clips of these musicians’ hey-days. What with impressive vital statistics blared at us; the fact that Robbie once sold out Knebworth and now he’s stooping to play a
show where the winner is likely to enter the charts a good twenty places beneath him, the heights from which these stars have dropped is made painfully apparent. Given that the performance is alZD\V Ă€ QLVKHG RII ZLWK &RZHOO¡V XQ naturally grinning face, saying some hugely obvious lie, such as “that was incredibleâ€?, it’s almost as if the X Factor has made its full progression into a circus of cruelty. Viewers could, however, almost forgive the questionable performances were it not for the increasingly terrifying interviews with these heroes of pop after their performances. Who can forget Britney’s advice for WKH Ă HGJOLQJ FRQWHVWDQWV RI ´MXVW keep doin’ itâ€?? And yet, such wisdom almost seems logical in comparison to Whitney’s slurred ambivalence over her album release the next day: “it’s going out over this weekend, or next weekâ€?, and the admittance that the fake monopoly money was “all mineâ€?. In a stark contrast, Robbie was too busy staring with tiny-pupils and wide-eyes whilst making maniacal announcements of just how brilliant it all was to even offer much verbal advice, settling instead for a repeated, near phallic, punching of the air around his crotch. God knows how much they pay Dermot O’Leary to try and summon some sense out of
10
Monday 26 October 2009 THE COURIER
COMMENT
3RVW 2IÀ FH UHWXUQ WR VHQGHU" YES 2OLYHU 6DYRU\ There are two aspects to this whole debate: the current Royal Mail strikes, and the closure of many 3RVW 2IÀ FHV WKURXJKRXW WKH ODVW IHZ \HDUV LQFOXGLQJ RXU RZQ 3RVW 2IÀ FH in the Union. )LUVWO\ ZKDW GRHV LW QHHG VDYLQJ from? The Government, Royal Mail DQG WKH 3RVW 2IÀ FH KDYH XQGHU JRQH D QXPEHU RI FRVW VDYLQJ LQLWLDWLYHV over the last few years that includes branch closures, service cuts and job losses. 7KH DUJXPHQW IRU WKLV EHLQJ WKDW LW needs to be a self-sustainable business; but this was never the point of D 5R\DO 0DLO LQ WKH À UVW SODFH ,W LV D public service that allows easy communication for all.
<RXU ORFDO '+/ RIÀ FH MXVW LVQ¡W FRQYHQLHQW RU À QDQFLDOO\ YLDEOH ZKHUH SULFHV VWDUW IURP … UDWKHU WKDQ S We need to view it as an important service for our country that allows a man in Devon to send a letter to his cousin in the Hebrides with minimum hassle, and the pensioner in Byker to be able to pick up their pension and pay their bills within ZDONLQJ GLVWDQFH RI WKHLU KRXVH This service is still necessary, and WKHUH¡V SROLWLFDO ZLOO IRU NHHSLQJ LW LI ZH FDQ MXGJH IURP WKH UHDFWLRQ WR WKH 3RVW 2IÀ FH FORVXUHV Anyone who’s had to queue at WKHLU ORFDO SRVW RIÀ FH WR SD\ WKHLU bills knows that people still use this.
We do still need to send letters, and for the vast majority RI SHRSOH À QGLQJ RXW ZKHUH \RXU ORFDO '+/ RIÀ FH MXVW LVQ¡W FRQYHQLHQW RU À QDQFLDOO\ YL able, where prices start from £5.95 rather than 39p. So what are the strikes about? The VWULNHV DUH SDUW RI D ORQJ WHUP GLV pute between the Communication Workers’ Union and Royal Mail over the 2007 Pay and ModernisaWLRQ $JUHHPHQW 7KLV DJUHHPHQW ZLOO OHDG WR IXUWKHU job losses, over 50,000 posts have been cut since 2002, a pay freeze and compulsory overtime. These cuts directly hit performance; we’ve already seen a cut from two deliveries a day to one, and \RX¡G QRZ H[SHFW D À UVW FODVV OHWWHU to take several days to arrive even over a short distance. A cut in performance directly hits WKH UHOHYDQFH RI WKH PDLO $V LW JHWV worse it becomes less convenient for people, who are therefore less likely WR XVH LW ,W¡V D GRZQZDUG VSLUDO LQWR irrelevance. This works the same as the Post OfÀ FH FORVXUHV WKH\¡UH D JUHDW VHUYLFH for everyone, but especially for the elderly and the poor who still rely on them to pay their bills and pick up pensions, sometimes both in one WULS DV WKH\ VLPSO\ FDQ¡W JXDUDQWHH money in their account to set up direct debits. While it’s easy for us in a city to GLVUHJDUG 3RVW 2IÀ FHV DV LUUHOHYDQW DV RQH FORVXUH GRHVQ¡W PDNH D KXJH difference, to someone in the counWU\VLGH ZKHUH WKH QH[W RIÀ FH LV VHY eral miles away, it starts to become a problem. :H KDYH WR SURWHFW WKH VHUYLFH ,I we allow the cuts to continue we will see the death of the post as we know it, and it’s those who rely on it PRVW ZKR¡OO EH KXUW À UVW
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Next week’s planned postal strike KDV UHYLYHG WKH ORQJ UXQQLQJ GHEDWH over whether the Royal Mail is really worth the effort. Many people, in and out of the Government, are DUJXLQJ IRU D SULYDWLVHG SRVWDO VHUY ice. They have a point. The Royal Mail remains one of few truly public-sector enterprises in the country. Many people see it as some kind of taxpayer-funded haven in a world of heartless capitalism. Nationalisation, however, means monopoly, and the Royal Mail has monopolised the postal service for far WRR ORQJ ,W GHOLYHUV RI WKH OHWWHUV ZH VHQG VTXHH]LQJ RXW DOO FRPSHWLWLRQ by its sheer size, but functions as a ZUHFN VHFXUH LQ WKH NQRZOHGJH WKDW it will be funded by the taxpayer whatever happens. 7RGD\ WKLV JLDQW LV LQ WURXEOH $V letter volume dwindles and internet based companies like Amazon turn WR SULYDWH GHOLYHU\ À UPV DV D FKHDS and reliable alternative to the Royal 0DLO WKH WD[SD\HU LV À QGLQJ LW KDUG er to justify the Royal Mail’s existence as a nationalised body. 3ULYDWH À UPV FDQ JR LW DORQH ZK\ should the Royal Mail be any exception? As a public enterprise, the 5R\DO 0DLO LV QRWKLQJ PRUH WKDQ D VSRQJH ZKLFK VXFNV SUHFLRXV IXQG LQJ DZD\ IURP WKH DUHDV WKDW QHHG it most. ,I WKH 5R\DO 0DLO LV FXW DGULIW LW will either sink or swim. Whether it survives on its own affects us little. Countries such as Germany privatised their postal services decades DJR ZLWKRXW GLVDVWHU LQ IDFW WKHLU performance is up and prices are
6RFLDO QHWZRUNLQJ (YHU\RQH¡V DW it these days, aren’t they? No, not VFKPRR]LQJ DURXQG FOLTXH\ SDUWLHV VKDPHOHVVO\ SURPRWLQJ \RXUVHOI EXW \RX NQRZ VLWWLQJ LQ IURQW RI D telescreen for hours at a time repetiWLYHO\ FOLFNLQJ EXWWRQV :KLOH )DFHERRN KDV VLQJOH KDQG HGO\ FUHDWHG D YLUWXDO SURÀ OH RI HYH U\ RQH RI XV *RRJOH LV GRLQJ SUHWW\ ZHOO DW GRFXPHQWLQJ HYHU\ VLQJOH IDFHW RI FXOWXUH DQG DUFKLYLQJ WKHP RQ VRPH VXSHU FRPSXWHU WKLQJ\ PD MLJJ\ :LNLSHGLD KDV EHFRPH WKH ODUJHVW HQF\FORSDHGLD HYHU DQG LV JURZ LQJ GDLO\ 0\VSDFH KDV EHFRPH WKH ZRUOG¡V ELJJHVW MXNHER[ DQG <RX7XEH LV WKH ODUJHVW YLGHR DUFKLYH in history. And all in the space of a few years. 0\ VSHOO FKHFNHU GRHVQ¡W HYHQ UHFRJ nise them, that’s how new they are! +DQJ RQ GLG VRPHRQH MXVW PHQWLRQ Second Life? Oh dear. So pretty soon the entirety of huPDQ NQRZOHGJH LV JRLQJ WR H[LVW RQ line. Wherever that is. Why don’t we just skip the next 20 years of technoORJLFDO HYROXWLRQ DQG MDFN RXU EUDLQV VWUDLJKW LQ WR 7KH 0DWUL[" ,¡P QRW NLGGLQJ ,¡P VFDUHG 'DPQ VFDUHG Yes, the internet was talked about DV WKH À UVW WUXO\ GHPRFUDWLF PHGLXP but did anyone really believe it? While it holds the potential to be the absolute medium of mass inter-
action, it could so easily end up as the ultimate weapon of mass distraction. 7KHUH DUH VLJQV WKDW SRLQW WR WKLV *RRJOH¡V GHDO WR SURYLGH FHQVRUHG content to China is one example. $QG WKH ZD\ )DFHERRN WDUJHWV DG YHUWLVLQJ DW LQGLYLGXDO XVHUV KLQWV that commercial imperative may always override the public interest. But there’s another side to this that LV ULGLQJ WKH ZDNH RI WHFKQRORJLFDO DGYDQFHPHQW DQG LW JRHV D ORQJ ZD\ WR QHJDWH WKH WUDGLWLRQDO DUJX PHQW WKDW WKH PHGLD LV QRWKLQJ RWKHU than the doctor of indoctrination. The fear that media ownership is concentrated in the hands of a few nasty old men is almost – but only almost – bypassed when individual XVHUV VWDUW FUHDWLQJ WKHLU RZQ PDWH rial free from the red pen of slavish editors. We don’t need to be paid profesVLRQDOV WR JHW RXU VWXII RXW WKHUH anymore. We have become masters of our own universe. Maybe.
7ZLWWHU LV SRWHQWLDOO\ WKH LQIUDVWUXFWXUH WR WUXO\ OLQN KXPDQV WRJHWKHU Ofcom reckons that this year 75% RI DOO 8. DGXOWV DUH XVLQJ WKH LQWHU QHW DQG RI WKHP DUH SURGXFLQJ WKHLU RZQ œXVHU JHQHUDWHG¡ FRQWHQW
This is up almost a half from 22% in 2007, and it’s on an exponential curve. ,W¡V QRW MXVW EORJJLQJ HLWKHU 3HR SOH DUH FUHDWLQJ WKHLU RZQ PXVLF videos, comments, articles. So much so that the entire media industry is EHLQJ WXUQHG RQ LWV KHDG ,I ZH¡UH DOO SURGXFLQJ DV ZHOO DV FRQVXPLQJ SURVXPLQJ WKH\ FDOO LW KDYH ZH been empowered? 1RZ XQOHVV \RX¡YH EHHQ ORLWHULQJ somewhere back in medieval times you can’t have failed to notice the WZLVWHG NQLFNHUV 7ZLWWHU¡V FDXVLQJ 6XUHO\ D ULGLFXORXV FRQFHSW ULJKW" Why limit our inanely incessant EORJJLQJ WR FKDUDFWHUV" 2K , see. But it seems that it actually works. ,Q WKH ODVW ZHHN DQG D ELW 7ZLWWHU has been hailed responsible for two PDMRU HYHQWV WKDW ZRXOG SUREDEO\ not have happened without it. Not content merely with preservLQJ IUHH VSHHFK E\ RXVWLQJ DQ RLO company’s attempts to hush-hush UHSRUWLQJ RQ WKHLU LOOHJDO DFWLYL WLHV 7ZLWWHU WKHQ NXQJ IX NLFNHG D homophobic Daily Mail columnist ULJKW RII KHU SHGHVWDO All in a week’s work it would apSHDU $QG LW ZDVQ¡W ORQJ DJR WKDW 7ZLWWHU ZDV KHOSLQJ ,UDQLDQV FRRU dinate their protests in the aftermath of a bloodily disputed election. As a collective, humans are pretty rubbish when it comes to coordinated interaction from the bottom up. 6RFLDO QHWZRUNLQJ FRXOG SURYLGH XV
3RVW LV D VORZ DQG H[SHQVLYH ODVW UHVRUW With far fewer items to deliver, it should be easier for the postal service to keep track of them all. These DUH LPSRUWDQW WKLQJV DIWHU DOO QRW just birthday presents, but also passport applications and those allimportant student loan forms. How many of us have spent days DQ[LRXVO\ ZDLWLQJ IRU FRQÀ UPDWLRQ that those documents we sent out actually reached their destination? Usually, the answer is yes; but when the worst happens, it is a disaster. A lack of competition makes for a lack of effort. The postal strikes of OHG WR D EDFNORJ RI PRUH WKDQ PLOOLRQ SLHFHV RI PDLO 6RPH GH liveries were delayed for more than a month as the Royal Mail went DERXW FOHDULQJ XS WKH PHVV LW KDG made. The Royal Mail feels no need to impress anyone because, unlike a private company, its income is not EDVHG RQ LWV SHUIRUPDQFH +LJK prices and a low quality of service are inevitable if the Royal Mail rePDLQV D ELJ À VK LQ D VPDOO SRQG
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down. The idea of privatisation makes PDQ\ SHRSOH VKXGGHU ,W VHHPV VRXOOHVV FRQVXPHULVW $PHULFDQ ,W LV QRW WKH ZD\ ZH %ULWLVK GR WKLQJV 7LPHV KRZHYHU DUH FKDQJLQJ DQG WKH 3RVWPDQ 3DW LPDJH WKDW PRVW of us have of the Royal Mail simply does not apply. (PDLO KDV PDGH D ODUJH SDUW RI WKH postal system obsolete; letter volume has fallen as more and more homes have become connected to the inWHUQHW 3RVW LV LQFUHDVLQJO\ VHHQ DV D slow and expensive last resort.
with the ability to operate as a netZRUN RI LQGLYLGXDOV VKDULQJ NQRZO HGJH DQG LQIRUPDWLRQ JOREDOO\ LQ DQ instant. Twitter is potentially the infrastrucWXUH WR WUXO\ OLQN KXPDQV WRJHWKHU in a way in which each human node FDQ JHQXLQHO\ LQà XHQFH WKH RYHUDOO development of the network. Now WKDW ZRXOG EH SURJUHVV 0RUH WKDQ EHLQJ HPSRZHUHG DUH ZH DFWXDOO\ EHJLQQLQJ WR UHDOLVH RXU WUXH SRWHQ tial as a species? 2I FRXUVH WKRVH ZKR EHOLHYH œ, WZHHW WKHUHIRUH , DP¡ QRZ KDYH one more avenue to disseminate their banal non-entities of meanLQJOHVV GULYHO EXW LI WKH\ WKLQN LW¡V important to tell others what their IDYRXULWH à DYRXU RI WRRWKSDVWH LV on this particular Monday, then at OHDVW WKH\ IHHO WKH\ DUH FRQWULEXWLQJ VRPHWKLQJ
%XW GRQ¡W JHW PH ZURQJ WKLV LVQ¡W VRPH GLJLWDOO\ LQGXFHG SDQDFHD 7HFKQRORJ\ PD\ EHFRPH WKH QHZ ZHDOWK JDS LI WKRVH ZKR WKUHZ WKH instruction manual out with the ZUDSSLQJ GRQ¡W NQRZ KRZ WR VZLWFK RQ WKH OLJKWV 7KH\ FRXOG VSHQG D YHU\ ORQJ WLPH in the dark. And what would hapSHQ LI 0XUGRFK ERXJKW 7ZLWWHU RU *RRJOH JRHV ORFR" 7KHUH¡V DOVR WKH GDQJHU RI WKH XQVFUXSXORXV VSUHDG of misinformation, never mind the IULJKWHQLQJ HDVH DW ZKLFK WKLV LQ formation can be monitored by the Mothership. $Q\ ZKLFK ZD\ LW JRHV WKHUH¡V QR GHQ\LQJ RXU OLWWOH ZRUOG KDV EHHQ completely turned upside down. :KLFK KDV JRW WR EH D JRRG WKLQJ , PHDQ LW ZDVQ¡W H[DFWO\ JUHDW WKH ULJKW ZD\ XS ZDV LW" $W OHDVW XSVLGH GRZQ ZH¡OO JHW D IUHVK SHUVSHFWLYH
THE COURIER Monday 26 October 2009
11
COMMENT
Morals, anyone? James Stubbs &ROXPQLVW
A friend of mine told me recently that he suffered from a common thing called cold sores. Or Herpes Labialis, if you’re posh. Yes that is what they’re called, and it couldn’t sound worse. The word ‘labialis’ alone smatters grins, fear and grimaces onto people’s faces everywhere. Maybe not gynaecologists’. But as I shrank away from KLP WHUULĂ€ HG , PLJKW DOUHDG\ have been infected with his heinous disease, he assured me that there was little to worry about; apparently if you stay clear of sharing hands, faces, kitchen utensils, drinks and cigarettes etc. you’re alright. So basically if someone in your family, your close group of friends or your girl/boyfriend has one then you’ve got it too. I exaggerate; after all I’ve never got one before, but it can be done all too easily. The problem I had with him is that later in the night he told me he often forgets to, or doesn’t let on to, random girls he pulls that he’ll most likely give them the virus, should he succeed in wooing them. That seems to me a problem. It probably seems to everyone a problem, unless their moral compass has jogged a good long way off. Ok, so it’s not as bad as telling your trusting other half that you’ve got AIDS as you light your post-coitus cigarette, but it’s a similar conundrum. Cries of W.T.F must erupt nationwide as people look in the mirror and see a nasty blister one day and scan their brains IUDQWLFDOO\ WU\LQJ WR Ă€ JXUH RXW who’s to blame. Obviously it’s important to note that having the condition doesn’t mean you have a cold sore sitting slap in the middle of your face all the time. Some people only get them once in their lives and if they haven’t got an outbreak when you kiss them, as far as I know (and I don’t know much – ask someone who does) you won’t have anything to worry about. It’s not your moral obligation therefore to go around telling people that you have the virus, in fact it’s to be discouraged; it could ruin the moment. Then again, it could be a useful tool for getting rid of that annoying person trying to get with you all night - just a quick whisper in their ear and they’ll be gone. Unless it turns out they have actually got a raging cold sore, Ă LQJ WKHLU DUPV DURXQG \RX DQG shove their tongue down your throat. $ OLWWOH ZKLWH OLH WKDW EDFNĂ€ UHV into a little white thing on your lip for two weeks‌ think about that one folks before you go telling pork pies. In the end you just have to let people know if you’re going to give them it. But what if you’re drunk and forget? What if you’re drunk and don’t care? Is that a problem? So many questions, so few answers. Just don’t go around kissing people and licking their spoons if you have it - it won’t go down well.
The capitalist manifesto James Winters There’s only so many times a man can witness idiots wearing Che Guevara or USSR t-shirts, or misguided rants on Northumberland Street, before he feels compelled to speak out against the growing political horrors that are socialism and communism in Britain. The ‘heroic’ Guevara was nothing more than a murderer - plain and simple. Stylizing his image is no worse than donning clothing with swastikas all over them; just because many are ignorant of Guevara’s crimes compared to Hitler’s, it doesn’t legitimise his image. By wearing such clothes you’re not being cool, you’re not being ‘ironic’, you’re not even being different (mass produced t-shirts - that’s just too easy); the only thing you’re saying about yourself is that you’re either massively ignorant, or you have no respect for human life and your views are comparable to that of the Nazis.
How many millions of preventable deaths are Marx’s ideas responsible for? Then there’s the issue about socialism as an ideology itself. Of course, freedom of association and political debate are staples of democracy‌ but then again socialism falls outside the aegis of democracy in my book. It can’t seriously be suggested that such a ridiculous set of ideas can actually hold a philosophical candle to something as brilliant as a free market economy.
Yes, capitalism is not entirely perfect (not far off it though) but it is so much better for the good of humanity than anything else we have ever come up with as a people. If you don’t want something, you don’t have to buy it, if you want to make a lot of money, you can - just get your head down and get busy, and if you don’t - great, that’s your decision to make and no one can take it from you. You’re empowered to make your own way in this world; capitalism removes almost every possible obVWDFOH WR WKH Ă RXULVKLQJ RI KXPDQV as they so choose. Why is it, (by rejecting capitalism), socialists hate freedom so much? What it is about our brilliant capitalist economic arrangement and the liberties it generates that are so terrible? I genuinely would love to know. My only idea is that some are perhaps ‘left behind’? Incidentally, choice works both ways. Just look at what capitalism can achieve when people are not dragged down by some foolish notion of equality or social justice and spread their wings: a list of capitalist achievements through the ages could occupy a miniature library. From day to day appliances right through to life saving and enhancing technologies and architecturally mind-boggling buildings; under the DXVSLFHV RI SULYDWH FUHGLW Ă€ QDQFH and contract, we have the potential for anything we as a race could ever need or want. Indeed the only things I have to complain about in this economy of ours are those very things that socialists would love to apply across the board; monopoly, oligopoly and the removal of liberty that follows. We have to use Northumbrian Water and their prices, we have a narrow choice of big oil companies
which strangles real competition (don’t think I don’t love big oil companies, more competition would be nice though) and we have to pay taxes. Why? Tax is nothing but theft, involuntarily put to use on causes outside the control of the taxpayer. Contrast this with the shameful socialist score sheet. Marx was nothing more than a charlatan whose ideas on economics were ridiculous. It’s like a toddler kicking and screaming, disregarding what he’s lucky enough to have whilst pretending we should all do what he wants. I wonder; how many preventable deaths are Marx’s ideas responsible for? I’d gladly wager it’s into the hundreds of millions. Sadly, the national curriculum in schools deems him the only ‘philosopher’ (yeah, right) worth making students actually study in any detail. But honestly, how long are socialists going to keep up the charade that the year is 1850 and we all work 18 hour days in factories making steel, and need emancipation from our evil capitalist overlords? Times have moved on, and so has politics. For all their rhetoric on how ‘capitalism isn’t working’ (actually, LW¡V ZRUNLQJ Ă€ QH WKLV UHFHVVLRQ LV what’s called the trough in the cycle, brought on by the fact that contrary to socialist ideas, we can’t just magic the economy to do our bidding as we please), can it honestly be said with a straight face that capitalism’s competitors have come even close to bettering it, never mind surpassing it? I mean, do you really, honestly, want to live in the places where these ideas did take hold: North Korea; Stalin’s Russia; Mao’s China or Castro’s Cuba (notice how in the West, individuals don’t appear to
claim ownership of whole countries! Democracy, anyone?) Amazingly, despite buckets of favourable empirical evidence, capitalism is brutally slandered wherever one turns in society these days. Say what you want about McDonald’s, Nike, Microsoft, Boeing and the like, but these companies employ hundreds of thousands of people across the world, creating prosperity and driving growth along the way. Indeed, the reason companies like McDonald’s thrive is because‌people choose to buy their products out of their own free will! I know, it’s actually unbelievable! I say it’s high time this city and this country wakes up and starts apSUHFLDWLQJ WKLV PDJQLÀ FHQW VRFLDO VHW up we have. We’re very fortunate to live prosperous lives; if the socialists of this country want to go and live in caves once again, feel free, just please don’t demand we all come with you.
Hung, drawn and out of date Caroline Howley In the past, England was well known for her loose attitude to execution: people could be sentenced to death for crimes as far reaching as sheep rustling, hanging with ‘gypsies’ for over a month or writing a threatening letter. You would assume, however, that a couple of centuries after ‘The Bloody Code’ (the name given to the time when we were particularly fond of the killing), we would have disposed with these draconian ideas and laughed at the idea of willingly giving the state power over our own life expectancy. However, a recent poll revealed that over half of voters in Britain would welcome back the death penalty with open arms. Although the strongest support comes from older generations, 49 per cent of 25 – 34 year-olds and 37 per cent of those aged 16 - 24 would support the reintroduction of the death penalty. Disturbing as it is that around half of voters have gone all Henry VIII on us, I have to admit that I had taken solace in the fact that these SHRSOH ZRXOG GHĂ€ QLWHO\ EH DJHLQJ right- wingers holed up in castles in the middle of nowhere. This is horribly ageist of me, but most of my previous experience with older people indicated that they might be the culprits. I have lost count of the times my grandfather has accused me of being a “bleeding-heart liberalâ€? just because I don’t agree that we should “bring
back the birchâ€?. Anyway, my theory was wrong; this British blood thirst does not belong in the nuthouse with crazy BNP neo-Nazis and the elderly hankering for the ‘good old days’ when a child could be executed for displaying “strong evidence of maliceâ€?. Its actually people just like us. Whilst I realise that (most) of the people in support of reintroduction would not tolerate it for petty indiscretions nowadays, there was a variety of crimes to which they felt GHDWK ZDV Ă€ WWLQJ Being involved in gun crime and drug dealing were up there with crimes such as murder. Whilst in no way excusing any of these offences, the world is not split into fairytale good and evil; there are messed up people from traumatic backgrounds and people who have done desperate things to get themselves out of desperate circumstances.
Ending someones life is XQQDWXUDO DQG KRUULĂ€ F and no-one should have that right. Saddam Hussein had many people killed in his time, but can anyone who watched his execution really say it gave them any satisfaction? Surely the authorities should rise above the Old Testament ‘eye for an eye’ stance; it needs to be made apparent that to take another human’s OLIH LV QHYHU MXVWLĂ€ HG ZKRHYHU \RX are.
Murder is not wrong because the law has said so; ending someone’s OLIH LV XQQDWXUDO DQG KRUULĂ€ F DQG no- one should have that right. Looking at it from an ethical point of view, by carrying out a murder, the state seems just as guilty as their executee. The punishment should Ă€ W WKH FULPH QRW EH WKH FULPH DQG by committing a crime, they are deeming it an appropriate action to take. The people who commit such serious crimes obviously need to be removed from society, put in prison, and rehabilitated. Whilst killing them would wipe out their individual threat to the community, it would not solve the problems in our society (‘Broken Britain’, if you will) which lead to these crimes. In addition to this, the idea of giving a democratic government the power to kill doesn’t seem very... democratic, really. The reasons people always seem to wheel out in favour of capital punishment - deterrent, less crowded jails, lower taxes, sentences not tough enough - seem pretty generic. Whilst it would presumably prove a deterrent, is that reason enough to overlook our basic humanity for? As for solving the problem of crowded jails and high taxes; how many people are they actually planning to kill? And of course, there’s always the danger that someone could be wrongly accused. Yes, that margin is decreasing with DNA evidence but it can never be completely erased. And there are tougher sentences and then there are
tougher sentences. Overall, I just like to think we’re a bit more evolved than we used to be, and have mostly got over our primal desire to kill. Execution just seems to belong with witch trials and superstition; not in the modern world. Hopefully, as psychiatry progresses, it will come to light exactly what drives people to commit crimes, and more work will be done to treat the cause and stop it happening in the À UVW SODFH 7KHQ ZH FDQ JHW ULG RI these ridiculous notions of the death penalty for good.
‡ ,Q %ULWDLQ WKH GHDWK SHQDOW\ ZDV VXVSHQGHG LQ DQG DEROLVKHG LQ ‡ %HWZHHQ PHQ DQG ZRPHQ ZHUH H[ HFXWHG LQ WKH 8 . ‡ FRXQWULHV KDYH DERO LVKHG WKH GHDWK SHQDOW\ ‡ ,Q FRXQWLUHV WKH GHDWK SHQDOW\ LV VWLOO LPSOLPHQWHG ‡ $W OHDVW SHRSOH ZHUH NQRZQ WR EH H[HFWXHG LQ FRXQWULHV LQ Sources: politics.co.uk and capitalpunishmentuk.org
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Monday 26 October 2009 THE COURIER
COMMENT
Letters to the Editor If you can’t take it with you...
> In response to ‘Keeping the children entertained’ in Life & Style, issue 1195 Dear Editor,
I would like to personally voice my concerns, and no doubt many other male readers would echo my sentiments, about the article entitled “Keeping the children entertained� in last week’s The Courier by Katherine Bannon. When reading the article it becomes apparent as to the undertones with which your so called journalist writes: patronising, sexist and misleading. Firstly, the headline suggesting that men are “children� is a lame attempt at clever word play. Furthermore, statements such as, “Apparently, babe, because you failed to increase his self esteem�, suggesting that men use and abuse women just for their self gain, is a poor judge of character and a radical, offensive generalisation that leads to poor stereotypes. In addition to this, a blatant retort of “men still retain the programming of a 5year old� is a scathing and unjust comment, and whilst Katherine is entitled to her own opinion, may I suggest she stops bathing in self pity, for such statements implore that it is in fact Katherine herself with the “programming of a 5 year old�, as she so elegantly puts it, and not the entire male human race. Also, the ending of the article with
which your author ‘offers’ in her esteemed opinion advice on how to make a relationship work is common knowledge, and if she feels the need to inform others of this then perhaps she should address her RZQ VW\OH RI MRXUQDOLVP Ă€UVW EHIRUH giving so called worldly ‘advice’. However, I must congratulate Katherine on the accompanying picture to the article for it caught my attention because of my admiration of the female form and so for this I must thank her. Well done sugar.
quality, sometimes there is the odd heinous error that needs to be corrected. Cheryl Cole is an exceptional talent who is always amazingly hot, and the courage that she showed GXULQJ KHU Ă€UVW VROR SHUIRUPDQFH should be commended. Indeed, the editorial staff of the Life & Style section would like to “Fight Fight Fight Fight Fight for this love, if it’s worth having, it’s ZRUWK Ă€JKWLQJ IRU Âľ
Regards,
Alex Felton Life & Style Editor
Richard Park
> In response to ‘What’s Hot & What’s Not’ in Life & Style, issue 1195 Dear Editor, Due to the freedom of expression that the writer’s of the Life & Style section enjoy, opinions are someWLPHV H[SUHVVHG WKDW GRQ¡W UHĂ HFW the editorial perspective and indeed that of the general public. In the What’s Not... box of issue 1196, Newcastle and X Factor’s very own Cheryl Cole is chastised about her brand new single ‘Fight For This Love’. I would like to highlight that although each article and view expressed in the section is accurate and exhibits the best journalistic
Yours Sincerely,
> In response to ‘Campus Style’ in Life and Style, issue 1195 Dear Editor, Putting aside my own personal distate for the two bland ‘Campus Style’ features so far in The Courier, I notice that this week the paper’s own columnist, Kath Little (of ‘Two Girls in a Coffee Shop’, printed only two pages before ‘Campus Style’) is featured. If those in charge of the ‘Life and Style’ section can’t be bothered to Ă€QG VRPHRQH XQUHODWHG WR WKHLU RZQ section to photograph, I suggest they take out the feature altogether. Yours, with apologies for sarcasm, L.A
No room at the global inn Danny Kielty Earlier this year, natural history presenter and environmentalist Sir David Attenborough became patron of the Optimum Population Trust (OPT); a body of academics and scientists who believe increasing food shortages, carbon emissions and the decimation of countless animal species can only be halted if a cap is placed on the world’s population. In 1950 the world population was two and a half billion. Currently standing at six-point-eight billion, a rise to nine billion people is thought to be achieved by 2050. The OPT propose a voluntary reduction of the UK population by at least 0.25 per cent per year, and a ‘Stop At Two’ campaign preventing parents from having any more than two children. The issue remains taboo in many quarters, with many believing it to be an infringement of human rights and basic freedoms. However, it could be argued that these individual rights and freedoms will face far greater threats in the near future as a result of dwindling resources, retreating rainforests and continued mass extinction of animal species, the like of which has never been seen. Many argue that for too long now the human race has seen itself as separate from the other organisms and eco-systems that make up this planet. Through our rise to dominance, we have developed more advanced technology to grow, feed, build and destroy with the materials around us. Whether or not you believe in global warming, the effects of WKLQJV VXFK DV XQUHJXODWHG Ă€VKLQJ agri-chemicals and the decline in fossil fuels are clearer than the invisible buildup of carbon-dioxide.
A growth in demand and consumption stems from population growth and impacts on the earth. But is a population cap really the answer? The results of a recent study conducted by David Satterthwaite from the International Institute for Environmental Development suggest that it is over-consumption, predominantly by the developed countries of the West, that have been the main cause of climate change. Satterthwaite told The Times (29th Sept) that, “Sub-Saharan Africa had 18% of the world’s population growth and only 2.4% of carbon emissions,â€? but added, “the United States had 3.4% of the world’s population growth and 12.6% of carbon emissions.â€? Even in countries where active population control has been adopted, the results appear unconvincing. The controversial one-child policy imposed in China has led to an acute drop in population growth, but the country contributes a whopping 44% of global emissions. The Times DOVR TXRWHV Ă€JXUHV IURP the Princeton Environmental Institute, which found 50% of world emissions are created by the richest 7% of the world’s population. It is clear that in developed countries with established state support, people actually have fewer children due to better healthcare, low infant mortality rates and higher costs for raising children. Within this system, reliance upon state help, poverty and a lack of education mean many women are having children at younger and younger ages, and are forced to conform to existing habits of consumption such as imported foreign foodstuffs to keep costs down. However, should not each child from the new generation be viewed as a fresh hope at changing the at-
titudes towards our planet? This issue becomes even more complicated when we look at examples from outside the developed world. Tribes in the Amazon rainforest, for example, have existed for years within an ecosystem which thrives as a result of respect for nature, the need for sustenance and as a means of survival. Touched by the trade of developed nations, these tribes are now being forced off their lands; driven into cocaine, oil, and soya production, as well as logging and illegal gold mining, having to produce vast amounts just to earn enough to survive. In Africa, China leads the so-called ‘land grab’, whereby swathes of land are being leased out or bought up for their raw materials. Western demand and consumption has left few areas of the world untouched. Proposals to limit the population therefore, are draconian and primitive solutions to the ongoing world crisis. The real problem lies in the lap of the monolithic global superpower and their existing habits of reckless over-consumption, trade and selfpreservation. Capping the global population would be an ineffective and hated measure, making for inadequate LPSDFW LQ ZKDW LV QRW DQ LQĂ€QLWH amount of time. What is needed is an overhaul of attitudes towards consumption of resources. Yes, our Government has made a start, but so far, solutions such as alternative energies and bio-fuels are limited and aim to minimize human concessions to nature. Though I cannot hope to cover every detail involved here, I do know it is time for us all to loosen our grip on planet Earth, before it does it for us.
Samuel Weaver Are you out of your mind to donate your brain? It’s the organ that keeps us alive; breathing, walking and talking. Its what we use to solve SUREOHPV PDNH IULHQGV DQG ÀQG D career. It’s the brain (not the heart) that lets us fall in love. So is it because of all these things that so many people choose not to donate their brain tissue? Do people feel that their body is connected to their brain even in death, and perhaps they may need it in order to persuade Charon the old Ferry Man to take you across the river Styx because someone forgot to put a coin in your mouth – I think not. We need to get over our need to retain our organs when we die, and embark upon a more generous and considerate way of thinking. Everyone is hoping to do something miraculous and great in life, why not do the same in death. Surely all of us are related to someone or know someone who suffers from or has suffered from one of the following; Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease, autism or epilepsy, and it not only affects the person suffering but also has an immeasurable and often untold effect on their entire family. There are whole ranges of people who can shoulder the blame for the lack of brains pledged to banks. It’s always great to start with the media, in particular television and its lack of interest and involvement in the imperative medical needs of others. Those bumbling clumsy morning news shows will tend to favour their crucial, world altering stories about David Beckham’s new beard or Charlie Boorman’s new adventure rather than focussing on the more important issues that all of us face every day. It’s their ignorance, which unfortunately is a big factor in the ignorance of the entire nation. Its true: over 15 million people are on the organ donors register, that’s around 24% of the population. But what most of these people on the register and those considering becoming a donor don’t know is the abysmal and inept way in which the donor system is run. To donate your brain to research \RX PXVW GRQDWH WR D VSHFLÀF EUDLQ bank rather than just the organ donor system doing the work. As well as this, even though you
have made your decision whilst in your earthly vessel, now you have left it, your next of kin retains control. This is currently leading to four out of ten organs considered suitable for transplant either being ceremoniously tossed in the ground and covered with dirt while some chap in a black robe and white collar makes some average comment about your average life, or shoved in a furnace, incinerated and pulverised then handed back to your relatives in a jar so they can either keep you in the house or sprinkle you over the turf of your favourite football ground – insanity! All this nonsense can still be done once the doctors have seized your useful bits, its just now you may actually be helping someone. The Courier last week featured an article on the former Home Secretary and vice president of the Alzheimer’s Association David Blunkett’s decision to lead the way and pledge his brain for research into Dementia. This is a tremendous gesture and one that I hope will resonate throughout the country, encouraging people to at least consider donation. If people continue not to sign up, there seems to be only one viable option. That is the introduction of an ‘opt out’ system where there would be ‘presumed consent’ and everyone would be regarded as a donor, because it appears that the prevailing reason for not registering is apathy. The ‘hard’ approach system as its known would see people automatically become donors as well as keeping relatives out of any of the decision making process. Is brain donation a step too far? Of course not, it is a step in the right direction; it’s a step forward to a greater understanding of the mind, a step towards the elderly not suffering as they come to the end off their lives and a step towards a society with a greater understanding of the most important and most powerful organ in our body. Life is inexorable and death a certainty, so as we cascade our way towards the inevitable, seemingly working hard and dealing with our petty dramas, why not stop for a moment, make that one phone FDOO DQG Ă€OO LQ WKDW RQH IRUP :KDW PLJKW WDNH Ă€YH PLQXWHV RI \RXU OLIH may prevent years of suffering for many others. R.YEH
14
Monday 26 October 2009 THE COURIER
Binge drinking in Newcastle > Food & Drink, page 18 Life & Style Editors: Larisa Brown, Alex Felton and Ashley Fryer - courier.life@ncl.ac.uk
Health & Beauty How far would you go for a new nose?
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THE COURIER Monday 26 October 2009
15
Fashion
Fashion show in aid of the Robbie Anderson Cancer Trust Linekers Bar, 7pm Tuesday 3 November >>>
LIFE & STYLE
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16
Monday 26 October 2009 THE COURIER
LIFE & STYLE
Sex & Relationships
Sex & Relationships Confessions of....
a blonde Katie Hicks
Role reversal: girls gone wild Rachel Flint It’s Tuesday night and I’m sat, once again, glass of wine in hand, watching repeats of Friends, whilst updating my SURÀOH RQ )DFHERRN DQG VLPXOWDQHRXVO\ FKHFNLQJ P\ SKRQH HYHU\ ÀYH VHFRQGV for the much anticipated text from the hottie I met the other night. ,W¡V EHHQ ÀYH GD\V VLQFH KH SURPLVHG WKDW KH ZRXOG FDOO , PD\ KDYH EHHQ D OLWWOH LQWR[LFDWHG EXW , XQGRXEWHGO\ UHPHPEHU KLV DVVXUDQFHV , ZDLW DQG ZDLW OLNH VRPH KRSHOHVV GHVSHUDWH VLQJOHWRQ E\ P\ SKRQH IRU KLV EHODWHG WH[W RU FDOO ZKLFK LQHYLWDEO\ ZLOO QHYHU KDSSHQ It’s not as if I couldn’t call him, send a FDVXDO W[W RU œQXGJH¡ KLP RQ )DFHERRN EXW LW ZRXOG JR DJDLQVW P\ œGDWLQJ SODQ¡ &DOO PH D WUDGLWLRQDOLVW EXW LQ FRXUWVKLS , OHDYH WKH FKDVLQJ DQG UHOHYDQW ZRRLQJ to the male sex. %XW , KDYH OHDUQW IURP WZR \HDUV RI EHing a singleton that waiting for a man WR DVN \RX RQ D GDWH RU HYHQ FDOO LV OLNH waiting for The Spice Girls to reform; excitingly anticipated, long awaited, and
when it occurs, extremely disappointing. Lesson learnt, I realised, if you want something done properly, do it yourself. 8QFRQÀGHQW WKRXJK , PD\ EH ZKHQ The Courier FKDOOHQJHG PH WR DVN RXW D stranger, I thought what the hell, and ELW WKH EXOOHW ,W¡V WKH VW FHQWXU\ DIWHU DOO ,¡P QRW (OL]DEHWK %HQQHW DQG ZKR NQRZV , PLJKW ÀQG P\ IXWXUH KXVEDQG /HW¡V VHH ZKDW LV VR VFDU\ DERXW DVNLQJ RU approaching the opposite sex that men MXVW FDQ¡W SLFN XS WKH SKRQH ZKHQ WKH\ say they will. I found myself standing on the platform waiting for the Metro. It’s fairly quiet at 7pm on a Wednesday. Dressed IRU D QLJKW RXW DQG , VSRW KLP 7DOO GDUN hair, ruggedly handsome, and alone. , SOXFN XS WKH FRQÀGHQFH DQG DSSURDFK KLP DVNLQJ KLP KRZ ORQJ LW LV XQWLO WKH QH[W PHWUR HYHQ WKRXJK LW FOHDUO\ VWDWHV LW DERYH P\ KHDG $W ÀUVW KH DSSHDUV UHVHUYHG DQG VRPHZKDW IULJKWHQHG E\ WKH VFDQWLO\ FODG ZRPDQ ZKR KDV GDUHG WR EUHDFK WKH XQVSRNHQ %ULWLVK HWLTXHWWH RI SXEOLF WUDQVSRUW KRZHYHU KH ZDUPV WR PH DQG ZH
HQG XS VDW VLGH E\ VLGH LQ WKH FDUULDJH This is speed dating; metro style. In just D VLQJOH VWRS , NQRZ DOO KLV GHWDLOV QDPH DJH RFFXSDWLRQ DGGUHVV KREELHV HYHQ VKRFNLQJO\ KLV VXUQDPH ZKLFK XVXDOO\ WDNHV PH DW OHDVW WKUHH GDWHV %\ WKH WLPH WKH WUDLQ EHJLQV WR SXOO LQWR WKH VWDWLRQ ,¡P EHJLQQLQJ WR IHHO OLNH DQ XQGHUFRYHU agent, wrangling information out of an XQVXVSHFWLQJ VXVSHFW FRYHUWO\ FROOHFWLQJ LQFULPLQDWLQJ HYLGHQFH EHWZHHQ 6KLUHPRRU DQG 1RUWKXPEHUODQG 3DUN 3HUKDSV , VKRXOG FRQVLGHU D FDUHHU DV D VS\" +RZHYHU P\ OLQH RI LQWHUURJDWLRQ KDV EHHQ VXUSULVLQJO\ HDV\ LQ WKH VPDOO ÀYH PLQXWH MRXUQH\ , KDYH PHUHO\ QRGded, prompted and twirled my foot, ZKLFK , VRRQ UHDOLVH VWLOO KDV WKH VWLFNHU RQ LW ZKLOH KH SUDWWOHV RQ DERXW KLPself. This twenty three year old, telephone VDOHV PDQ ZDQQD EH PXVLFLDQ DSSHDUV VHOI FHQWUHG DQG UDWKHU DUURJDQW KRZHYHU KH LV VWLOO UDWKHU FKDUPLQJ DWWUDFWLYH DQG OHW¡V IDFH LW ZLOOLQJ WR VSHQG ÀYH H[FUXFLDWLQJO\ ORQJ PLQXWHV WDONLQJ WR PH As the train shudders to a holt, we rapLGO\ H[FKDQJH QXPEHUV EULHà \ KXJ DQG
, EUDYH WKH GUHDGHG WRSLF VOLJKWO\ VKRXWing as the doors slide open, ‘We should JR IRU D GULQN VRPHWLPH"¡ KH VPLOHV DQG KXUULHGO\ UHSOLHV ÂśVXUH QH[W ZHHN"¡ 7KHQ , EUHDN DOO P\ LQKDELWDWLRQV DQG VKRXW SDQLF VWULFNHQ Âś,¡OO FDOO \RX ODWHU¡ Then he slides out of the carriage doors, and I watch him. 1RZ P\ EULHI HQFRXQWHU LV RYHU , IHHO strangely empowered and radiant. I SXW P\VHOI RXW WKHUH DQG GLGQ¡W IDOO Ă DW RQ P\ IDFH , KDYH RQH SKRQH QXPEHU DQG D EDJ RI FRQĂ€GHQFH DQG LW RQO\ WRRN DSSUR[LPDWHO\ Ă€YH PLQXWHV RI D XVXDOO\ lonely journey. It really was not as horrifying as I WKRXJKW DOWKRXJK , VWLOO KDYH P\ URPDQtic notions of Mr Darcy wooing me, and telling me I’m perfect as I am. , ZLOO QR ORQJHU EH D SDWLHQW ZDLWHU RI PDOH DGYDQFHV DQG ZLOO SXW P\VHOI RXW there in the name of Female empowerPHQW 6R FRPH RQ ODGLHV GRQ¡W OHDYH LW WR WKH PHQ LW PLJKW QHYHU KDSSHQ EUHDN traditional dating rules, and you too PLJKW KDYH D GDWH :DWFK RXW ER\V KHUH come the girls!
Our urban myth: hot tubs instead of condoms? Gemma Farina 2XU XUEDQ P\WK :KR QHHGV FRQGRPV ZKHQ \RX¡YH JRW D KRW WXE" 3HUKDSV LQ RXU OHVV WKDQ KXPEOH DERGHV KHUH LQ 1HZFDVWOH LW¡V XQOLNHO\ \RX¡YH JRW RQH 0D\EH \RX¡UH QRW FRQVLGHULQJ LQYHVWLQJ LQ D VZLPPLQJ SRRO IRU \RXU WHHQ\ WLQ\ EDFN\DUG TXLWH \HW , WKRXJKW
it was pretty interesting that a lot of peoSOH DFWXDOO\ WKLQN WKDW KRW ZDWHU UHQGHUV DOO QHHG IRU FRQWUDFHSWLRQ REVROHWH Apparently it’s a common misconcepWLRQ WKDW WKH KHDW RI D -DFX]]L KRW WXE RU KRW EDWK LV HQRXJK WR REOLWHUDWH DOO VSHUP )DOVH (YHQ LQ KRW ZDWHU PHQ FDQ HMDFXODWH XS WR PLOOLRQ KHDUW\ VSHUP ² DQG ZH DOO NQRZ KRZ PDQ\ LW WDNHV WR fertilise an egg. No amount of water’s VWRSSLQJ WKRVH EDG ER\V
:KHQ FKDWWLQJ WR IULHQGV DERXW WKLV one replied – ‘But how would a condom stay on in water anyway?’ - Fair point. 7KH\¡UH DZNZDUG HQRXJK LQ WKH Ă€UVW SODFH EXW LQ ZDWHU KRZ ZRXOG WKH\ VWD\ put? Surely they’d just slip off? Get water in them? Clearly, water plus sex doesn’t PDNH IRU DQ HDV\ FRPER EXW KRW ZDWHU ZLOO QRW SUHYHQW SUHJQDQF\ DQG DFWXDOO\ LQFUHDVHV WKH ULVN RI LQIHFWLRQ VR WKH\¡UH essential.
6R \RX¡YH UDQ D KRW EDWK OLW VRPH FDQdles and thrown a few rose petals in there for a night of passion with your other half. +RSHIXOO\ PRVW RI \RX KDYH DOUHDG\ realised that the customary ‘Shall I get a FRQGRP"¡ Âś7KDW PLJKW EH D JRRG LGHD¡ exchange is still necessary. Variety is fanWDVWLF EXW LI \RX GR IDQF\ KRW DQG VWHDP\ VH[ PD\EH LW¡V HDVLHU WR RSW IRU D VDXQD LQVWHDGÂŤ
Âś:KDW FDQ , KDYH GRQH ZLWK WKHP"¡ IRU WKH WKLUG RU IRXUWK WLPH WKDW HYHQLQJ , IUXVWUDWLQJO\ DVNHG P\ Ă DWPDWH /DXren. With my hands running through my KDLU DQG P\ WHHWK VLQNLQJ LQWR P\ OLS , VKRRN P\ KHDG LQ GLVEHOLHI +DYLQJ spent the whole day running through the time I last had them, I had a list of SODFHV WKH\ FRXOG EH EXW DIWHU JHWWLQJ EDFN WR WKH Ă DW DQG WRVVLQJ WKH PDMRULW\ RI P\ ZDUGUREH RQWR WKH Ă RRU WKH\ ZHUH QRZKHUH WR EH VHHQ I had put my mind at rest during the GD\ E\ FRQYLQFLQJ P\VHOI WKH\ ZHUH LQ DQ REYLRXV SODFH , DP XQVXUH ZKHWKHU , H[SHFWHG WKHP WR KDYH MXPSHG RXW RI WKHLU KLGLQJ SODFH DQG EH VLWWLQJ RQ P\ EHG WR JUHHW PH RU QRW EXW WKLV ZDV QRW the case. I dished out a pretty penny (and an XJO\ RQH IRU P\ LQQHUVROHV DQG , WKLQN P\ OLWWOH RXWEXUVW ZDV MXVWLĂ€HG ZKHQ , SLFNHG XS P\ UXQQLQJ VKRH DQG WKUHZ it across the room. This, of course, caused them to slide out from the front of my shoes and JLYH DZD\ WKHLU SUHVHQFH SDLUV RI VKRHV ODWHU DQG KDYLQJ VSHQW WKH GD\ WKLQNLQJ DERXW ZKHUH they were, they were in fact in my UXQQLQJ VKRHV WKH Ă€UVW SODFH , ORRNHG This moment is, unfortunately, not an alien concept in my life. I am what you would traditionally refer to as: a EORQGH %HLQJ D EORQGH , DP DVKDPHG WR VD\ WKDW , OLYH XS WR WKH VWHUHRW\SH (OOH :RRGV RI WKH Ă€OP Âś/HJDOO\ %ORQGH¡ says herself that we are a ‘hair minority group’ and that we are ‘discriminated against’. I confess though, that I am one of the reasons for this discrimination and I KDYH PDQ\ IULHQGV ZKRP , ZRXOG QHYHU FDOO XQLQWHOOLJHQW ZKR VXIIHU from the same plight. Knowing full well where Beijing is, I PDGH WKH PLVWDNH RI VD\LQJ WR VRPHRQH I thought they were from China when WKH\ WROG PH WKH\ OLYHG LQ WKH FLW\ RI WKH 2O\PSLFV The same gene in me caused me to GULYH WKH ZURQJ ZD\ XS WKH $ ZKHQ , ZDV PDNLQJ P\ ZD\ KRPH IURP WKH 'DOHV EHDULQJ LQ PLQG , OLYH QHDU /HHGV $V , WKRXJKW WKH ZD\ WR EH VXUH QRW WR JR ZURQJ ZRXOG EH WR UHWUDFH my steps, this seemed a foolproof idea; KRZHYHU , JRW RQ WKH URDG DW H[DFWO\ WKH same junction I had got off, and exactly the same direction I had got off. Scotch Corner’s nice. This similar NQRZOHGJH RU ODFN WKHUHRI RI JHRJUDphy caused me to head toward ShefĂ€HOG ZKHQ , ZDV JRLQJ KRPH IURP Barnsley; for those of you who don’t XQGHUVWDQG WKH VLJQLĂ€FDQFH LW VXIĂ€FHV to say that I added 45 minutes to my journey as a result of once again going WKH ZURQJ GLUHFWLRQ 3HQLVWRQH¡V QLFH too. 7KHUHIRUH , DP D VHOI FRQIHVVHG EORQGH LQ HYHU\ VHQVH RI WKH ZRUG +RZHYHU , FKDOOHQJH HYHU\ RWKHU EORQGH RXW WKHUH WR EH GLIIHUHQW VWULYH WR EH WKH 'ROO\ 3DUWRQ DPRQJ XV ZKR VDLG Âś,¡P QRW RIIHQGHG E\ GXPE EORQGH MRNHV EHFDXVH , NQRZ ,¡P QRW GXPE DQG , NQRZ ,¡P QRW EORQGH¡ $QG LI \RX UHDOO\ DUH EORQGH WKHQ WDNH (PPHW¡V DGYLFH /HJDOO\ %ORQGH WR ÂśWDNH WKDW SRZHU DQG use it to the greater good.’ %HFDXVH ZH PD\ GR EORQGH WKLQJV VRPHWLPHV EXW ZKR GRHVQ¡W GHHS GRZQ ZH DUH DOO EORQGH VRPH MXVW KLGH LW EHWWHU WKDQ RWKHUV
THE COURIER Monday 26 October 2009
17
Sex & Relationships
Ask SeĂąora Rosa
A. FRYER
6H[ DQG WKH Univer-sity
SeĂąora is back from a heavy weekend at the Warehouse Project in Manchester to answer \RXU TXHVWLRQV RQ VH[ DQG relationships. If you have questions that need to be answered or any problems then email her at courier.life@ncl.ac.uk
SeĂąora,
SeĂąora,
I have a very serious problem. I have recently started sleeping with a male friend of mine that my housemate really likes. She has liked him for a year now, and even though I tried to tell him, he made it clear he doesn’t feel the same way for her. The problem is, I have always liked him too, so I don’t want to end things with him, but is it unfair of me to carry on with him? Should I tell her, or just break it off and let it go? Help!
I recently had a threesome with my girlfriend and although it went well at the time, I can’t stop thinking about this other girl. It was a drunken night, and I barely know the girl, but now every time I am with my girlfriend, I just keep imagining I’m with the other girl. What do I do? Can I leave my girlfriend for a girl I hardly know? Or is it just a phase?
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Seùora, I have recently gotten braces and I am really worried that it is putting guys off. I am 20 now and I realise it’s late LQ WKH JDPH EXW , À JXUHG LW ZDV PRUH LPSRUWDQW WR JHW P\ WHHWK À [HG WKDQ WR be vain. However, now I am worrying that it was a mistake since I am really self conscious. Am I being stupid, or am I just going to face celibacy for two years??
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Seùora, I have just had an argument with my boyfriend and I wanted your opinion. I drunkenly pulled one of my female friends at a club last week, and while I told him I don’t have feelings for her, he seems to class it as cheating. I am not attracted to the girl (though , KDYH KDG à LQJV ZLWK JLUOV LQ WKH SDVW but he is still mad at me. Does kissing a girl count as cheating?? 7KH WKLQJ WR FRQVLGHU LV KRZ DWWUDFWLYH \RXU IULHQG LV ,I VKH¡V VPRNLQJ KRW DQG \RXU ER\IULHQG NQRZV WKDW \RX¡YH KDG à LQJV LQ WKH SDVW WKHQ WKH VLWXDWLRQ LV WULFN\ DQG , FDQ¡W EODPH WKH SRRU ER\ IRU EHLQJ D WDG ZRUULHG +RZHYHU LI \RXU PDWH ZRXOGQ¡W ORRN RXW RI SODFH LQ D )DW )LJKWHUV FDPSDLJQ WKHQ \RXU ER\IULHQG ZLOO VXUHO\ UHDOLVH WKDW \RX ZHUHQ¡W DFWLQJ VHULRXVO\ DQG DOO \RX¡OO QHHG WR GR LV PDNH KLP XQGHU VWDQG WKLV :K\ QRW à LFN RQ WKH DGXOW FKDQQHO ZKLOH \RX¡UH DW LW , VXJJHVW œ*LUOV *RQH :LOG¡ WR GHPRQVWUDWH KRZ PDQ\ XJO\ JLUOV PHDQLQJOHVVO\ JHW LW RQ HYHU\ GD\" 8OWLPDWHO\ \RX MXVW QHHG WR FRPH XS ZLWK D VWUDWHJ\ WR PDNH \RXU PDQ IHHO VHFXUH DQG UHDVVXUHG WKDW \RX ORYH KLP 7DNH LW DV D FRPSOLPHQW DV KH REYLRXVO\ FDUHV DERXW \RX +RZHYHU PD\EH JHW KLP VHHQ WR ² ,¡P QRW TXLWH VXUH KH¡V QRUPDO DV DQ\ PDQ , NQRZ ZRXOG OHDS DW WKH FKDQFH RI D JLUO RQ JLUO GLVSOD\
LIFE & STYLE
Vanessa Costello Columnist
Sophie Dinsdale 3rd year English Literature Email courier.life@ncl.ac.uk to nominate your friend
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Inside today >>>
Photos from Wired Culture, page 22-23
18
Monday 26 October 2009 THE COURIER
LIFE & STYLE
Food & Drink
The Penny Pincher
Food & Drink
Rowan Taylor Columnist
Terrible troubles with trebles Lucy Hadley Kat Bishop For some, booze-fuelled nights and cheap drinks promotions are the epitome of student life. Living on a tight EXGJHW LV QRW LGHDO ZKHQ LW FRPHV WR Ă€nancing your alcohol kick. Let’s face it, alcohol isn’t cheap. This is fast becoming an urban myth. With the rising amount of drinking promotions in student cities, alcohol is losing the ‘expensive’ stigma. In this current night-time climate of trebles for less than a coke, it’s no wonder getting drunk quickly and cheaply appeals to students on a tight budget. But the ethics of promotional drinking is increasingly questionable. The outrageous nature of such nights has seen Newcastle City Council crack down on irresponsible promotions withLQ WKH FLW\ 7KH WZR QLJKWV Ă€UVW WR IDFH WKH chop: ‘Debauchery’ at Venue, and new event ‘Trashed’, at Attic. The promotional material for ‘Trashed’ was undeniably shocking. Even hardcore partiers were taken aback by boastful claims of refunding the entrance fee RI WKRVH OHJDO WR GULYH DW DP Irresponsible advertising is fast be-
coming the promotional philosophy of Newcastle’s prominent student nights. There’s no denying that students appreciate cheap alcohol. But to promote excessive drinking is both reckless and manipulative. Promotions are persuasive. They pry on students looking for a good night without the expense. Cutprice drinks and the guarantee of being ‘battered’ is not a gesture of kindness. ‘Too-good-to-be-true’ drinks offers lead to an increase in custom and maxiPL]HG SURĂ€WV %XW PD[LPL]LQJ WKHLU SURĂ€WV FRPHV DW D SULFH IRU XV $IWHU RQH too many 50p drinks, we can lose our friends, our wits, and our dignity. Boastful advertising aiming to get students ‘well and truly done-in’ implies every student goes out with the express intention of getting drunk. This is a massively unfair perception of Newcastle’s student mentality. Students go out with the intention of having a fantastic night, a release from heavy workloads. Drinking is an added bonus, it helps you relax and lose pangs of self-consciousness. The modern student is money savvy. If they know they can drink cheaply, they will. Selling drinks at 50p is a recipe for
disaster. Advertising such as: ‘[we have] one simple aim, [to get you] nailed, battered, done-in and, well, proper f***ing trashed’, is borderline criminal. $FFRUGLQJ WR ODWHVW Ă€JXUHV 1HZFDVWOH is a black spot for binge drinking. 12 out of England’s 20 biggest binge drinking communities are in the North East, and alcohol-related hospital admissions are DERYH WKH QDWLRQDO DYHUDJH Irresponsible drinking promos exacerbate the problem. Too many cheap trebles fuel antisocial behaviour on the streets. Increased numbers of drunken students may lead to an unfavourable image of the student population, and cause friction between students and the Newcastle locals. Be honest, nobody wants reckless student behaviour to offend the nicest people in Britain. The promise of getting ‘proper f***ing trashed’ is far more poisonous than cheap alcohol promotions. Cheap drinks are appealing and appreciated by students, but openly promoting antisocial behaviour is a step too far. At the end of the day, the council cannot ban every discounted alcohol promotion. We are adults, and have to make our own decisions.
The Teapot Ingredients: 175ml (about Âź of a bottle) vodka )XOO PO ERWWOH EOXH ZNG Some ‘dilutey’ orange to taste Glass: You guessed it, a teapot! Method: You have a certain amount of creative licence when creating this cocktail; the three ingredients form the base on top of which you can add almost anything you think will go. Try adding fanta and Malibu for a tropical taste, or add golden syrup for a certain sweet viscosity to the mix. The idea is that you pour the contents into a teapot and share amongst friends, taking it in turns to drink from the spout. Best with: A large group of friends.
Restaurant Reviews Canteen and Bar, Clayton St James Parker With its classical ambiance and welcoming front door, The Canteen and Bar is D UDUH JHP VLWXDWHG MXVW RII &HQWUDO 6WDtion in the attractive downtown area of Newcastle. With a continental-esque dĂŠcor and yet local down to earth splash of Geordie culture, the two combine to make the perfect cocktail for dining and drinking. Value for money is often a term over used, although in this case it would certainly be an understatement, with fantastic offers throughout the week including the ‘Sunday Recovery’ menu for students, which combines a full breakfast along with traditional Sunday roast dinner. The aptly named “We’re Too Good To Youâ€? menus are a brilliant combination of mainstream dishes with a cracking se-
Paradiso, Market Lane
lection of foods on offer. Not to mention the story book style in which all the menus are written. Reading about Rupert Bear over a pint of Peroni epitomises all that is good in keeping the young at heart entertained. Unlike other restaurants, customers go to the bar and order their food and drinks from here. From then on though, VLW EDFN DQG HQMR\ DV WDEOH VHUYLFH LV UHsumed. For starters, the small dish meatballs DUH D VXUH ÀUH ZLQQHU IRU DQ\ DSSHWL]HU On a tomato based sauce combined with cheese and herbs it’s the perfect way to warm up your taste buds. For the main course, being a pasta fanatic, I naturally sampled the lasagne, with my dining companion opting for a rustique English dish in mince and dumplings. The lasagne at a mere £4.95 and the dumplings for a lean £6.50 are not only generous on the wallet but in portion size too. The lasagne was rich in taste, creamy and above all else did what Italian food LV UHQRZQHG IRU EXUVW ZLWK à DYRXU The dumplings combined everything P. DIXON
Katherine Bannon If you’re after something more memorable than another happy hour down Osborne Road, or a more individual experience than what’s offered by the glaring lights of mainstream cuisine at The Gate then Newcastle’s best kept secret, Paradiso, is the answer. Greeted warmly by manager Giuseppe upon our entrance, whose presence is more permanent than the contemporary red and black merged with French cafÊ chic furnishings, we were shown to our very own private window-side booth. This, combined with the mellow lowlevel lighting, created an altogether in-
timate ambiance (despite the laminated menus). Selecting from both the Evening Set Menu and the A La Carte we began with the chef’s freshly made soup of the day, sweet potato and coriander, and goat’s cheese and basil won tons with a trio of tapenades. For our main course we sampled the duck breast presented on a bed of sweet potato and served with
that’s good about traditional English IRRG ZLWK D MXLF\ PLQFH WH[WXUH DQG D soft dumpling serving complimenting one another perfectly. :LWK PRUH WKDQ MXVW IRRG WR RIIHU 7KH Canteen and Bar is a chilled out environment harmonized by a selection of modern background music to suit all tastes. Fantastic food, classy dÊcor, and two meals for as little as £7.95, culminates in giving you a very unique experience that you would be foolish not to try.
Mediterranean vegetables, and the pan roasted chicken with parma ham and mashed potato. This is what food is meant to be. Intricately arranged without compensating with ridiculously miniscule portions it made Heinz cream of anything a thing of the past and ‘Smash’ an insult. Bursting with freshness you’re not going WR Ă€QG HDVLO\ LW GLGQ¡W QHHG WR EH FRQĂ€UPHG WKDW HYHU\WKLQJ LV SUHSDUHG IURP scratch in the restaurant, even the bread which was in plentiful supply throughout the meal. After acknowledging our awkward over-and-under plate swapping antics through two courses, we were offered all three of the deserts they have to offer: Bailey’s crème brulee, warm pecan and chocolate pudding served with vanilla ice cream and tiramisu. Although the limited selection might cause disappointment the deserts themVHOYHV GHĂ€QLWHO\ GLG QRW 7KH FUqPH brulee was coated in a layer of crystal-
COMPETITION Win dinner for two at the Canteen and Bar To win a free meal, send your answer to the following question to courier.life@ncl.ac.uk Which Newcastle graduate, turned chef, featured in last week’s paper?
ised sugar and of a thick creamy texture which even after two courses remained on the right side of sickly; the tiramisu ZDV OLJKW DQG à XII\ DQG WKH FKRFRODWH pudding rivalling anything Mistletoe bakery has to offer. At up to £14.95 for a main course on the Evening a la Carte menu it might be slightly beyond the regular student budget, but at £8.95 for two courses Mon-Thurs it’s time to ditch Frankie and Benny’s for a taste of what the Newcastle culinary scene really has to offer. And if that’s not tempting enough, Italian classes are on offer from half six on a Wednesday night, completely gratis, and the large function room upstairs caters for up to 45 people, from birthday parties to wedding functions. Meanwhile, a private balcony will provide the perfect way to while away an afternoon when summer comes around again.
Lesson Three: House Bills Let’s get this one out of the way. I can’t make bills exciting, and realise they can get pretty unpopular upon leaving the mothering embrace of Ă€UVW \HDU KDOOV EXW MXVW WKLQN RI WKH potential extra cash. The responsibility of house bills can fall unwittingly on the housemate ZKR KDSSHQV WR DUULYH Ă€UVW RU WKH one who puts up the least resistance. Read on if this person has turned out to be you. I have seen various clumsy methods of splitting bills between housemates, but the slickest way is to set up a house bank account to pay all the bills, which is fed by monthly standing orders from each housemate. Internet - My recommendation is Virgin Media broadband. Virgin’s offering is unlimited and fast, and works on a handy 12 month contract matched to most student tenancies. Their current tariff for internet on its RZQ VWDUWV DW Â… IRU WKH Ă€UVW PRQWKV and ÂŁ20 after that. It is possible to get ÂŁ65 cashback through Quidco.com, the cashback site that I explained last week. TV - If you watch any television live as broadcasted, you need a TV license. Otherwise scary people visit your house in a scary van. Cost: ÂŁ142.50 per year and you can get a reIXQG IRU WKH Ă€QDO PRQWKV RI WKH \HDU if you leave your house. You may be happy with a Freeview box, but the really posh students can pay for a TV subscription. Look at Virgin Media and Sky, and mates ZLOO Ă RFN WR \RXU KRXVH Energy - You can do smart comparisons of gas and electricity at Moneysupermarket.com or Uswitch.com. When you switch the only things to change will be the customer service and the prices; your supply will be uninterrupted. 7KLV FRXOG EH WKH HDVLHVW Â… \RX have ever saved. Water - Your water in Newcastle is supplied by Northumbrian Water, and only Northumbrian Water. This lack of choice makes it simpler for you. Typical water rates are ÂŁ7-10 per month per bedroom, and most are on an ‘all-you-can-drink’ basis. You can really get your money’s worth in the summer time by having D ZDWHU Ă€JKW
Deals of the Week 1. Knightlite Bike Front Light: ÂŁ2 delivered @ chainreactioncycles.co.uk Long summer nights are already hard to remember, so we may as well accept the return of shockingly early darkness. For responsible cyclists, that means bike lights. This one has been reduced IURP Â… MXVW LQ WLPH 2. Polaroid Digital 3.5â€? Photo Frame: ÂŁ12.98 delivered @ empiredirect.co.uk This little gem plugs into a USB port and entertains you at your desk with photographic relics of your life. Your pictures will be glad to be released, but you may be less glad when it discovers the more ‘interesting’ pictures in your albums.
THE COURIER Monday 26 October 2009
19
Travel
Hitchike to Morocco meeting Lecture Theatre F, Medical School, 6pm Tuesday 27 October >>>
LIFE & STYLE
INDIA
Indian Princess on a moped Sarah Skinner OK, so we all use the whole ‘marmite’ comparison far too often, but when it comes to India it pretty much sums it up! 3HWULĂ€ HG E\ DOO WKH KRUURU VWRULHV ZH¡G been fed about the Indian culture shock, the attendant at Delhi Airport didn’t help by welcoming us with ‘Dangerous, very dangerous!’ It is undeniable that India is a country full of contradictions; I know people who have taken one look and turned straight back to the West. But those travellers who fell in love will continue to seek each other out with glazed over eyes and whisper ‘I just want to go back!’ $UULYLQJ WR Ă€ QG \RXU KRWHO KDOI LP mersed in rubble is any holiday maker’s nightmare, and yet in India it is precisely moments like this that give the country its own individual elegance. 7KH FRQVWUXFWLRQ VLJKW WKDW VXUURXQG ed ‘The Royal Jaisalmer’ was nothing like the men in the orange vests we see around the Student Union, but instead GDLQW\ ZRPHQ GUHVVHG LQ IXOO VDULV FDU
rying large baskets of rubble on their heads! <RX¡OO Ă€ QG PRVW ,QGLDQV ZLOO JUHHW English travellers with big smiles and DQ DPXVLQJ FDWFKSKUDVH RU WZR $ FRX ple of my favourites were ‘Don’t worry have a chicken curry!’ and ‘Music is life, and life is music!’ – perfectly summing up our experience! With 28 states, 4 leading religions and GLIIHUHQW ODQJXDJHV WKH VRXQG RI ,Q GLD IROORZHG XV GRZQ IURP WKH +LPDOD yas to the rough waves of Kerala’s coast. Bright buses resembling the hippy vans of the 60s skidded round rickshaws and cows as the sounding of horns hit the cries of market sellers and Bollywood hits blared from car stereos. Yes this was ,QGLD OLIH DQG PXVLF So, where to go? India caters for all tastes and all holidays, from hitting the VWUHHWV RI 'HOKL DQG Ă€ JKWLQJ WKURXJK WKH hoards of Indian Tourists to Amritser’s Golden Temple – the Sikh’s Mecca. If picturesque serenity is what you’re after, head down to the chilled out South DQG HDW IULHG Ă€ VK RQ WKH EDFNZDWHUV RI Cochin or take a camel trek through the
desert. Or, combine the serenely spiritual with the manic and head down the winding EDFN URDGV RI 9DUDQDVL WR WKH ULYHU *DQ JHV $W DP WKH JKDWV DUH D KXE RI DFWLYL ty as the city comes down to bathe, wash clothes and pray in view of the black cloud of smoke that rises as a constant V\PERO RI WKH GHDG ZKR DUH SXEOLFO\ FUH mated there. $QRWKHU UHDVRQ WR WUDYHO WR WKLV DOOXU LQJ FRXQWU\ LV RI FRXUVH DOO WKH WRQJXH tingling curries on offer! Down south, RSW IRU D 0DVDOD 'RVD D FUHSH Ă€ OOHG ZLWK fried potatoes, onions and spices. 6WRFN XS RQ IUXLW IURP PDUNHWV ² HV pecially the bite sized bananas that cost near to nothing! And of course, get ready to drink a lot of ‘chai!’ – milky tea full of aromatic Indian spices! So please don’t let the horror stories put you off, this stunning country is crammed with culture. There are people who will try and rip off rich tourists, but try to distinguish between those who are taking you for a ride and those who are just trying to feed their family! The darker side of India is shown by
the 55% of Mumbai that live in slums, MXVW D VWRQH¡V WKURZ DZD\ IURP WKH EHDX WLIXO 9LFWRULD 7HUPLQXV VWDWLRQ D XQLYHU sity and a famous cricket ground. This poverty stretches out through the country and you’ll be face to face with large numbers of beggars of all ages and ZLWK GLIIHUHQW GLVDELOLWLHV DQG GLVÀ JXUH ments. Its hard to know what to do when a VPDOO JLUO RI QR PRUH WKDQ À YH VWDUWV SXOOLQJ DW \RXU OHJ XQVXUH ZKHWKHU JLY ing will help or hinder the situation. In most cases giving food is better than money, but whether you decide to give RU QRW NHHS \RXU FRRO ZKHQ EHLQJ KDV sled and think what you might do in their situation. North, South, East and West, every corner offers a new person and a new perspective, something to love or hate. Beautiful, almond eyed women ride side saddle in their saris on the back of their KXVEDQG¡V VSLWWLQJ PRWRUELNHV OLNH PRG ern day Indian Princesses, as the streets buzz with market stalls and rickshaws.
Top 5... Places to eat out in the world Harri Borg-Bartolo Forodhani Night Market, Zanzibar, Tanzania From fried cassava chips to grilled FDODPDUL DQG IUHVK Ă€ VK WKLV QLJKW market set down on the beach is worth building an appetite for. Even if you’ve already eaten, the YLEH LV HOHFWULF DQG WKH FRPLFDO H[ change of banter between the locals is entertainment enough. Happy Herbs Pizza, Phnom Penh, Cambodia If the thought of another curry is about to push you over the edge and you’re feeling in need of some home comfort food, the pizzas at happy herb will more than make up for the never ending noodles and rice that you may have been stocking up on. It is cheap enough to cater for the EDFNSDFNHU¡V EXGJHW DQG GHVSLWH EH ing a Cambodian attempt at Italian food, compromises very little on the standards. Ali Baba’s, Dahab, Egypt $IWHU D KDUG GD\V GLYLQJ RU H[SORU ing of Dahab’s rocky bays, an escape IURP WKH KHDW LV GHĂ€ QLWHO\ LQ RUGHU and this is exactly what Ali Baba’s provides for you so well. Unlimited sheesha, dangerously comfortable cushions and the calmly lapping sea makes this an irresistible place to chill and digest the mass of steaks, authentic kebabs and freshly FDXJKW Ă€ VK VHUYHG KHUH Snake Village, Hanoi, Vietnam -XVW RXW RI WKH FLW\ FHQWUH LV ZKDW DS pears to be a normal local restaurant, with a welcoming open plan area and balcony to sit, eat and watch the world go by. +RZHYHU WKH DUUD\ RI YDVHV FRP plete with scorpions, cobras and JHFNRV GLVSOD\HG HYHU\ZKHUH TXLFN O\ GLVSHOV WKLV Ă€ UVW LPSUHVVLRQ The ‘menu’ includes fried snake and a shot of snake blood and vodka, complete with the still beating snake heart of the latest unlucky victim. Certainly not for the faint hearted or the particularly famished, but a GHĂ€ QLWH H[SHULHQFH Ristorante Da Rosi, St Paul’s Bay, Malta
Photo of the Week Nicholas Drummond - 3rd year Politics “Whilst traveling through the wilderness of Alberta, Canada, I stumbled upon the beautiful serenity of Bow Lakeâ€? Send your travel pictures to courier.life@ncl.ac.uk and you could win ÂŁ10 worth of photo prints as well as your photo printed and framed.
6HW GRZQ E\ WKH ZDWHUIURQW LV D KLG den gem of a restaurant that feels like LW LV VWXFN LQ D EDG JDQJVWHU À OP 0DLQWDLQLQJ PDQ\ RI LWV 0DÀ D LQ à XHQFHV IURP SUHYLRXV RZQHUV WKH set up is family run with a subtle WRXFK RI JUDQGHXU DQG 0HGLWHUUD nean high society. Although a little on the pricey side, Maltese cooking does not get more authentic and undeniably deserves the price tag.
THE COURIER Monday 26 October 2009
21
The horror movie sequel - shocking or a scream? > Film, page 28-29
Culture Editor: Alice Vincent - courier.culture@ncl.ac.uk
with Vic Reeves >Culture Editor Alice Vincent caught up with the comedy great We found Reeves deep within the labyrinthine passages of Northumberland Street’s HMV on the day of his signing. Arguably, not the most glamorous RI SODFHV EXW SRVVLEO\ Ă€ WWLQJ IRU D man who prefers to refer to Leeds as ‘Ilkley’. After watching him pretend to drive a car and make all manner of Shooting Stars faces behind the backs of the ITV crew, we caught up with Reeves to talk his new book, that amazing programme and what female celebrities really think of his come-ons. How’s the book launch going? Very well, I’m on this massive tour of about eight places, which isn’t bad, isn’t it? So far I’ve done Ilkley DQG 6KHIĂ€ HOG >0DQDJHU UHPLQGV Vic he’s also been in Leeds] Well, that’s Ilkley, isn’t it? I’ve done two evening do’s and, well just been all over the place.
Once we’d written it and recorded it, there’s not a lot else for us to do. We liked it, so we didn’t have any worries. Shooting Stars is what we do, it’s our thing. The format is very similar to the original. A lot of people asked us why we didn’t change it, but we invented it LQ WKH À UVW SODFH VR ZH FDQ OHDYH LW be! I don’t think there’s any need, either, it’s just a framework for other stuff that goes on within it. $QG $QJHORV LV QHZ Yeah, we got him in and he’s gone down really well. :KHUH GLG \RX À QG KLP IURP" He wrote us a letter on a bit of bog paper telling us to come and have a look at him. We went and watched him do stand-up and so we rehearsed him, ran him through a few things and then just threw him in the show. You’re known for being a bit of a /DGLHV¡ 0DQ RQ WKH SURJUDPPH >&KXFNOHV@ <HDK
It must be nice to have an outlet for your art in such a shiny book?
+DV WKDW HYHU EHHQ UHFHLYHG EDGO\"
It is, it weighs quite a few pounds, LW¡V IXOO FRORXU DQG LW¡V RQO\ À IWHHQ quid. You can’t get much better!
No, they all know exactly what’s going to happen when they’re in that seat. 7KH\ DFWXDOO\ À JKW WR JHW in that chair. Unless they’re Americans, and sometimes they don’t understand.
Shooting Stars’ return has been a massive success. That must be TXLWH D FRQÀ GHQFH ERRVW" :HOO ,¡YH QHYHU EHHQ XQFRQÀ GHQW
Anyone in particular?
'R \RX KDQGSLFN WKH JLUOV IRU WKDW piece then? Well, it becomes quite obvious who’s most appropriate. But the girls seem to think that it’s the better looking ones who get put there, so they get offended if they’re not in the seat. But it’s not the case, for example, Kim, off Kim and Aggy, was clearly the woman to go in that seat. That was a bit of a magic moment, wasn’t it? Well, yeah. A lot of it gets cut out but it, it’s always good. That’s my favourite part of the show.
tell. There’s little things. Sometimes we get surprised by something we think is just going to pass by and it becomes something that everyone really likes. Then there’s other things which we think are really funny and are actually much less funny‌! But we usually hit it on the nail. <RX JX\V DOZD\V ORRN YHU\ GDSSHU GR \RX KDYH D VW\OLVW" Nooo! I’ve never had a stylist! I design all my suits myself. I do all that. I can’t account for what Bob wears, it’s usually a dirty tee shirt!
+RZ GR \RX WKLQN -DFN 'HH¡V HQ joying it?
Do you never get over warm in a WKUHH SLHFH WZHHG QXPEHU"
He’s, you know, I think he’s enjoying it.
Yes, I do, but I have to suffer for my art.
'LIÀ FXOW WR WHOO ZLWK -DFN 'HH UH ally, isn’t it?
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Yeah, it is actually. He mumbles about it being good, and that’s about it really. He’s pretty much like that. Was he the perfect choice for you?
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What’s your Dawes song?
favourite
George
Peanuts. I think it’s everyone’s favourite. I was absolutely creased up behind him when he was doing that, which in turn made him laugh. +DYH \RX HYHU KDG WR WU\ DQG UHLJQ it in when you’re corpsing? No! Not in the slightest, that’s what people like! If you see someone corpse then that kicks them off. That’s the best thing, you don’t want to get rid of any of that. It’s terrible because producers and directors are always like, “shit, do that again�, but we know what people want. People love people corpsing because, when you laugh, you’re in on it with them.
Ok, but was it scary to bring back something so epic?
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Not really. The way we look at it is that this is what we do and you can take it or leave it.
Win a signed copy of ‘Vic Reeves’ Vast Book of World Knowledge’
going on. But Jordan was the other one – she hated it, but that kind of made it all the better.
Do you ever worry that it might not be funny? Err well, y’know, we can usually
The Courier is giving away one copy of Vic’s hilarious new book. To be in with a chance of winning, all you have to do is answer the following question: Which comedian plays the role of George Dawes in Shooting Stars? Email your answers to editor.union@ncl.ac.uk before 5pm on Friday 30th October.
3am Girls Megan Sclater & Maudie Oppenheim Columnists One of the joys of second year is moving out of halls. Brilliant as they were, having friends with houses dotted over Newcastle’s suburbs has opened up a whole new kind of night for us 3 am girls. The house party. It’s not often that these parties equal those seen on the big screen. Rarely do student houses have swimming pools surrounded in bikini-clad women and never have either of us been able to locate those red plastic cups that are a staple of every American teen movie. ,QVWHDG ZH Ă€ QG DQQR\HG neighbours, sick in our sinks, and passed out people in the bath (if you’re lucky enough to have a bath). :H WUXQGOHG DORQJ WR WKH Ă€ UVW of this year’s house parties completely uninvited - not like that’s ever stopped us. Best memory of the evening had to be the disco in the dining room where the table was made into an impromptu dance Ă RRU IRU WKH ELUWKGD\ JLUO ZKR proceeded to undress her friend, Ă LQJLQJ FORWKHV RQWR WKH OLJKW Ă€ W tings. We’re just glad we didn’t have to help clear things up the next morning. We were actually invited to the next party, and were told the rule of the night: everyone must wear a hat. Brilliant, who doesn’t love toasty heads and themes? The only problem was it appeared that everyone was about to leave as we all arrived in our woolly head wear. Still not early enough to miss the projectile vomit on the fridge, mind. Our most recent house party ZDV WKH Ă€ UVW VW ELUWKGD\ FHO ebration of our group of friends. Their house is huge and all the rooms had something different going on. From upstairs wafted a distinctly herbal smell, which lingered on every bleary eyed individual who descended down... In the dining room was a game of beer pong, just what you need to get a party started. The living room was where everyone mingled and we actually had the chance to chat to everyone and anyone. Lovable aspects of the HP? The ability to encourage conversation with strangers (which never happens much in clubs and bars), wonderfully cheap and usually casual, meaning no heels which, reader, you must be gathering is a good thing in our books. Inevitably, the night will come to an end when an irate neighbour calls the police complaining about the ‘racket’ that is your music choice and the beer bottles on their front porch. Just to warn you, the university does not take to this lightly, often resulting in a disciplinary hearing - you can’t say that we haven’t warned you. So next time, for a more harmonious night, take our advice and just invite the neighbours. After all, you know they’re only jealous.
CULTURE
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Photos
Photos
THE COURIER Monday 26 October 2009
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Photos by Eleanor Wilson
To claim your prize, come into The Courier RIÀ FH opposite Cochrane Lounge in the Union.
If your face is circled, you’ve got yourself free entry to the Union’s special ‘Haunted House’ Wired this Friday.
Every Friday at the Union
WIRED
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Monday 26 October 2009 THE COURIER
CULTURE
Murder at the movies
Carnage: night to remember or one to forget? Stuart Edwards Opinion Despite our individual preferences, if there’s a single entity that student life in Newcastle requires participation in, it’s being up for a good old night in town. With such a ridiculous amount of budget orientated bars and clubs in close vicinity, it’s no surprise the Toon is dubbed the student city of the north. Other t-shirt bar crawls come and go, but none return every term in such scale and controversy as Carnage. Last Sunday sees around two thousand students dressed in the iconic white t-shirts, with a completely innocent Doctors and Nurses theme, hit some of Newcastle’s most popular bars as SDUW RI WKH SLOJULPDJH WR WKH ÀQDO venue, Liquid.
Carnage isn’t perhaps as great a deal as the promotion material leads us to believe Although such a proposal logically goes hand in hand with student lifestyle, the reality of it divides opinion greatly. From one point of view, it’s the ultimate student night out in town, with a key to every bar in the city. Then on the other, it’s a Sunday night of long queues for the bar in rammed venues. For many, one of the best aspects of a bar crawl is being with a select group of people who share a common interest. Yet when it seems that the only similarity is everybody wanting to get drunk, the event more resembles
Pete Duggan
a standard night out than a bar crawl. £6 for a t-shirt and free entry to every venue seems a good deal at face value, but in reality, the economic balance is more than likely to swing admirably far in favour of the organisers. Whilst this isn’t a factor which will particularly belittle the experience at the time, reading between the lines shows Carnage isn’t perhaps as great a deal as the promotion material leads us to believe, as is usually the case with successful organisations. Despite being open to all students, us righteous second and third years generally seem less inclined to participate, the majority of selfawareness rules from fresher’s week need to be taken into account. Like most events though, it’s the things that went wrong that we hear the most about and, despite its criticisms, Carnage should be experienced, even just the once. Trying to relocate your friends in a GUXQNHQ KD]H SURYLGHV D FKDOOHQJH enough on a normal night, let alone in a sea of white; it’s like the 101 Dalmatians running around on a giant chess board, so try and convince a ginger to grab a shirt. You’ll spend double the amount of money as usual, but what other night do you plan a month in advance that isn’t your birthday? It’s only November so that beautiful overdraft still has plenty of stretch! When two mind sets give such a different perspective, it’s easy to see why Carnage splits opinion so heavily between those who usually share a common benefactor. Despite the logistics of it, there’s a unique blurry evening to be shared. It’s dirty, it’s expensive and keeping the corporate machine turning, but we’re at uni so why the hell not?
The Response: ‘Saving Newcastle’s students from mediocrity’ Chris Williamson Carnage UK City Manager When Carnage launched in Newcastle two years ago there were a plethora of competitors trying to offer the ‘t-shirt’ type night out. Now into 2009 these ‘other competitors’ no longer exist. The only one still standing strong is Carnage UK, selling out quicker and getting bigger every year. If this isn’t a testament to it offering ultimate value-for-money, what is? Any company running an event LV JRLQJ WR PDNH D SURĂ€W RWKHUwise why bother?!) but not every company spends as much money as Carnage UK does to ensure student’s welfare on their events. Carnage UK pay for a dedicated On Site Medical Service to operate from the beginning to the end of the event; it’s simply a proactive measure - Carnage UK care about their customers and their welfare.
Think about it, when else on a night out are you going to have a IDVW UHVSRQVH %ULWLVK $PEXODQFH Association Approved) medical service devoted to giving you a plaster for your toe that one of the Rugby players just stood on? Other provisions for students safety include over 50 stewards employed on the night to help students, navigating them skilfully between venues – these guys are there to help and to ensure your safety.
Buying into Carnage is buying into a premium ÀUVW FODVV SUHPLHUH HYHQW Free soft drinks are available in every bar, at the request of Carnage UK. Discounted bar food is made available at the request of Carnage UK - Carnage UK does a lot
to make these nights the best you could ever have. Venues who are on the route are required to price drinks responsibly. Yes, this means you can’t get paralytic on the change in your pocket, but it also means that you limit your drinking relative to your budget. Carnage UK wants all students to have fun and to enjoy themselves but in a safe and responsible manner. Student societies, groups of friends and sports clubs organise bar crawls every week. If you want a night out where you can drink your own weight in alcohol for ten quid and can stand at a bar with no TXHXHV DQG DGPLWWHGO\ QR RQH HOVH to talk to), then there are enough of these events to attend. But once a term you can enjoy a monumental night experienced by students in circa 35 university cities up and down the country. Buying
into Carnage is buying into a prePLXP ÀUVW FODVV SUHPLHUH HYHQW Carnage is a great opportunity for students to go out and meet students from different ethnic and social backgrounds. If you can’t make friends on a night with over 2,000 students in attendance, then you’re socially doomed to walk Osborne Road alone for the remainder of your days. There’s something almost patriotic about Carnage Newcastle, you go into these venues every week for normal nights out, but for one Sunday every term YOU and your 2000+ strong group of friends are stars for one evening. At the end of the day when else have you got the excuse to wander through the biggest bars in Newcastle dressed as a Baywatch Lifeguard complete with red speedos and not look out of place!?
Newcastle’s cinemas are going all out to deliver the perfect scare this Halloween. Whether it’s a ghostly haunting, rabid beasts or just a good old fashioned serial killer, the toon’s got them all and between the region’s four cinemas there are six special occasions on offer on or around the 31st October. So whether you’re a hardcore horror fan or someone of a more nervous disposition, read on to see what’s right for you. Starting at the Gate’s Empire Cinema we have a whole night of Halloween entertainment with a special IRXU ÀOP KRUURU H[WUDYDJDQ]D Running back to back from 11am, we have the latest in horror’s most successful franchise; Saw 6, followed by John Carpenter’s The Thing, the re-mastered An AmeriFDQ :HUHZROI LQ /RQGRQ DQG ÀQDOO\ My Bloody Valentine in 3D. Newcastle has got the most excitLQJ EOHQG RI QHZ DQG ROG ÀOPV DW Empire cinemas nationwide; priced DW RQO\ … IRU VHYHQ KRXUV RI ÀOP this is the perfect opportunity for DQ\ KRUURU QXW WR JHW WKHLU ÀOO RI scares and gore! This was an immensely successful event last year so booking tickets is a smart move. The Tyneside cinema has three different presentations on show, including a live musical accompanied screening of the 1932 classic Vampyr, perhaps the most unique night on offer. Although a tad before Halloween RQ WK ZLWK D OLYH EDQG DQG D ÀOP few will have seen before, it is sure to be one to remember. Tyneside is also the proud host of North East’s Favourite Scary Film vote off. After weeks of online voting, the city’s favourite horror movie has been announced as Sam Raimi’s classic Evil Dead 2. 7KH ÀOP LV EHLQJ VFUHHQHG DW SP on the 31st and is another truly great interactive idea from the ever inventive Tyneside. Well worth checking out especially for any old school splatter fans. At the Star and Shadow cinema, by Byker bridge, there has been D PRQWK ORQJ %ULWLVK KRUURU ÀOP VKRZFDVH ZLWK ÀOPV IURP WKH ODVW 50 years being shown with special guest accompaniments. From the ’58 classic Dracula to Peeping Tom and The Haunting WKHUH DUH VRPH DPD]LQJ %ULWLVK masterpieces on show including a special double bill on Halloween night. With expert guests providing talking points and discussion before DQG DIWHU WKH ÀOPV WKLV FRXOG EH D QLFKH HYHQW IRU ÀOP VWXGHQWV DQG obsessives! Overall there are some top notch events on offer; regardless of your taste or budget there really is something for everyone. Google the cinemas for more info and updates but when Halloween rolls round this year make sure you trick or treat yourself to a night of scares at one of Newcastle’s great cinemas!
THE COURIER Monday 26 October 2009
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Easy Rider is coming to town Rachel Craig Something smooth, quick and gently purring is coming to Ouseburn this week, and it’s not a sex toy. Although it wouldn’t surprise me if the organisers claimed it to be one. In fact, Joseph Steele’s and Tom Whitty’s upcoming exhibition Easy Rider is launching itself on Hanger 51 this Thursday. Steele set up his business ‘getonthewall’ in September 2008 out of a desire to promote and support art and culture in the North East and UDLVH LWV SURĂ€OH The opportunity to see one of ‘getonthewall’s’ exhibitions, especially one as inventive as Easy Rider, probably shouldn’t be passed by. Both recent graduates, Steele and Whitty are Newcastle Arts School alumni who just can’t kick a habit for ludicrous events. Their unique work has continually attracted attention. Joe’s previous exhibitions prove he thinks beyond berets and the small scale, and have included a ÂŁ37K JCB digger, a mini BMW and a Harley Davidson Rocker FX. Also of note is the John and Yokoesque day in bed chatting to people about art and his now-trademark wall art in huge steel frames. His self-professed favourite themes are sex and violence. Whitty’s exhibitive efforts to date have comprised of paintings of four WR Ă€YH PHWUHV LQ VL]H 'XULQJ D \HDU¡V worth of travelling and adventure, the boys have been chased by police in numerous countries, subsequent-
with Laura Attridge Eleanor Threlfall
ly being gassed by them in Turkey and held at gunpoint in the Middle East, apparently. The latter exploit was an effort to win the head to head competition the pair started last February to take the title of best artist. Their upcoming exhibition, Easy Rider is a continuation of this rivalry, naturally.
Although surprise is clearly going to be a major part of Easy Rider, the evening will also include wall displays, Steele and Whitty arriving on Harley Davidsons, a car being deVWUR\HG D 1LVVDQ 3DWKÀQGHU SDUW of the show Steele is particularly excited about - and a number of VKRUW ÀOPV LQFOXGLQJ WKH LQHYLWDEOH
erotica. If that wasn’t enough to convince you, the free entry and bar might be. Easy Rider opens 7pm, Thursday October 29th at Hanger 51, 51 Lime Street, Ouseburn Valley. For more information visit www.getonthewall.com.
Funnyman Izzard talks politics at Museum > &DWFK (GGLH ,]]DUG DW The Great North Museum on Wednesday Aimee Philipson TV & Radio Editor If indeed we are all political animals as Aristotle once suggested, then (GGLH ,]]DUG WKH DZDUG ZLQQLQJ comedian, must be the chameleon among us. Lively, amusing and androgynous, Eddie is not only a stand-up comedian but an actor, political activist, extreme marathon runner, pianist, tri-linguist, transvestite extraordinaire and all round entertainer. At the end of the month, he’s bringing his sell-out tour ‘Stripped’ to Newcastle Metro Radio Arena but don’t worry if you didn’t manage to get tickets because there is another
chance to see the world famous comedian at an exclusive event at the Great North Museum (near the university library) this October. Well known for his stand-up and DFWLQJ PDQ\ GRQ¡W NQRZ WKDW ,]]DUG LV D NHHQ SROLWLFDO FDPSDLJQHU
for the Labour Party, even donating ÂŁ10,000 to their campaign in 2008, and is pro-European Union, eager for the UK to integrate more with Europe. He often performs in other European languages on stage, believing himself to be British-European and encourages others in the uptake of foreign languages and culture. It is also rumoured that he will stand IRU RIĂ€FH LQ (XURSH ZLWKLQ WKH QH[W decade. $V ZHOO DV SROLWLFDO ZRUN ,]]DUG has also been known to do his bit for charity, recently running 41 marathons in 51 days for Sport Relief, starting in London and running to Cardiff then Belfast then Edinburgh and back to London. He joined the campaign to stop human rights abuses in Burma and DOVR GRQDWHG DOO WKH SURĂ€W IURP D JLJ he did in New Orleans to the Neighbourhood Housing Services of New Orleans to help rebuild homes after
Things that go bump in the Union Chris Mandle Music Editor Fresher’s Week is now nothing more than a distant memory, and with all the hard work we‘re all doing at uni (what‘s that? dissertation?!) it’s time to let your hair down. What better way to do so then than the most hair-raising weekend of the year, as on Friday 30 October 30, your Students’ Union will be celebrating the dawn of Halloween in style. The Union is sure to host the best Halloween spectacle in town that evening as the unique, old, historic
building is transformed into a haunted house for one night only with its PDQ\ Ă RRUV DQG URRPV FUHHSHG RXW to the max. The bar is serving up an array of ghoulish cocktails throughout the night, with big cauldrons of punch, vodka jelly shots and even special Halloween costumes. And with trebles at just ÂŁ2.50 and pound pints from 11pm, you‘ll have plenty of money to spend on your best scary costume which will be well worth it, as anyone dressed for the occasion gets free entry to the Union before 11.30pm. When the clock hits 12 expect the unexpected, as the Union gives out
all the accessories you might need to make your Halloween fancy dress stand out from the rest. Ben Yates of Digital’s sell out Monday night ‘Born in the 80s’ will be providing the main room tunes as well as Turbulence resident Ruffneck who will bring to the Union his spooky jungle and drum and bass sound with a twist of the goriest dubstep for all you Hallows’ Eve ravers. Newcastle University’s Students’ Union has never seen anything of its like before, so make sure you get yourself down to what promises to be a very special evening.
Hurricane Katrina. $W œ7DONLQJ SROLWLFV ZLWK (GGLH ,]]DUG¡ RQ :HGQHVGD\ WK 2FWREHU ,]]DUG ZLOO EH FKDWWLQJ DERXW KLV SDVsion for politics, his opinions on the world and why he is proud to support the Labour Party, whilst also explaining the importance of politics and why more people should get involved in their government. It’s the perfect opportunity to ask him any burning questions about his life experiences, career and future ambitions or to learn more about politics in an informal and charismatic way. The event, which is mainly aimed at students and young people, is ticket only and is £5 for non-Labour Party members and £3 for members. You can get your tickets online at www.labourcampaignshop.org. uk/tickets, or from the also Politics common room on Wednesday between 12-2.
On Tuesday 27th October, The Bridge Hotel will be populated with literary types as Pints and Poetry takes place. The evening, hosted by Laura Attridge and her co-organiser Vanessa Costello, follows two previously successful events bringing poetry to the city. I had the pleasure of meeting Laura to learn more about Pints and Poetry. Now fairly well established, Laura is excited to make the third Pints and Poetry the best one yet. ´2XU Ă€UVW YHQXH SURYHG QRW quite big enough. “It was just this immediate smash hit and I was overwhelmed by the amount of people that arrived and the level of work submitted was of an extremely high standard.â€? The evening is open to any young people in the North East who want to read their poetry or simply come along to be entertained. “People are more than welcome to just come along and listen and enjoy. “The sound of poetry is just beautiful and to listen to really good poetry being read to you just can’t be beaten.â€? Third year English Literature student Laura has a keen interest in writing poetry. “I write to challenge myself but also to respond to the way that I see things.“ Her course was a key inspiration for the Pints and Poetry. “Vanessa and I both had the idea simultaneously while working on our Poetry Workshop Module. “We thought all this writing is being produced and where is there for it to be shared and enjoyed? “Pints and Poetry is the most fantastic event which just enables people to take part in an informal sharing of poetry with others of a similar age.â€? For anyone wanting to get involved it couldn’t be easier. “If people want to submit their poetry all they need to do is check out the facebook group.â€? 7KH HYHQW KDV IXOĂ€OOHG /DXUD¡V aim of creating an outlet for young poets in the North East. “I think more and more people are beginning to use poetry and this event is popular as it allows people an opportunity to share what they have been creating.â€? For Laura: “Poetry is a way of expressing things that are different to just talking, or writing in a diary, it is a way of communicating with other people to help them share your experiences but at the same time it is a deeply personal experience.â€? So why not come along to this great event and decide what poetry is for you. Pints and Poetry is at The Bridge Hotel, Castle Garth Street, Tuesday 27 October, starting at 7.30pm. It’s completely free, feel free to pop down for a beverage of choice and experience some of the best new poetical talent of
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Monday 26 October 2009 THE COURIER
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Arts
Arts Arts Editor: Stephanie Ferrao - courier.culture-arts@ncl.ac.uk
The drugs don’t work
A Tender Thing Eleanor Wilson
Ciara Littler In celebration of its 175th year of excellence, Newcastle University’s Medical school is joining forces with the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art and the TATE to host one of the UK’s greatest and most controversial modern artists. Damien Hirst’s installation piece Pharmacy is a little more serious than a pickled shark - provoking onlookers to question the blurred boundaries between art, science, and popular culture. The piece itself occupies a single room, and is set out like a real working pharmacy, with a counter and wall to ceiling shelves holding all numbers of drugs, medicines and prescriptions. The clinical atmosphere encourages questions about the modern world’s attitude towards, and belief in, modern medicine. Hirst explores the void between life and death where medicine lies, questioning our own reliance on a system so closely related to death and the unknown. The installation is a critique on how we use medicine today, symbolising our immediate reliance on drugs before more natural or preventative solutions. It highlights the common belief that everything should be, or could be, cured through simple means. By combining the ideas of art and science Hirst directs us to explore our own human experience, introducing somewhat morbid connotations of the futility and fragility of mankind’s existence. Pharmacy was originally shown at the Cohen Gallery, New York in 1992 and was acquired by the TATE in 1996. Newcastle’s BALTIC has secured its place as one of the country’s leading contemporary art venues by hosting one of Britain’s greatest and
TATE, LONDON 2009
Damien Hirst’s exhibition at the BALTIC: Pharmacy
most successful living artists. After winning the 1995 Turner Prize, Hirst has gone on to break the record for a one-artist auction, whilst constantly making headlines for challenging how both individuals and society reacts to popular culture. His work sets out to provoke debate and inspire minds; something that Pharmacy achieves easily - it is a seductive installation that draws the viewer into a world of the unknown, where we are forced to question how we relate to both art and science.
You don’t just have to be an art lover or a science geek at heart to enjoy it; Pharmacy presents a truly LQGLYLGXDO SURÀ OH XSRQ WKH VRFLHW\ that we live in. The installation is an entertaining and thought-provoking experience for anyone with an enquiring mind, and is sure to ignite a lot of interest and debate around the city. It is rare to have such a good opportunity to see one of the world’s leading artists so close to home and with constant cultural attention placed on Hirst’s work, this exhibi-
WLRQ LV D JUHDW FKDQFH WR VHH À UVWKDQG the impact of modern art today. Such an exhibition has never been better suited to our city –the city’s recently re-vamped cultural scene now stands side-by-side with the longevity of Newcastle University’s VFLHQWLÀ F SUHVWLJH +LUVW·V H[DPLQD tion of the clinical nature of modern medicine encourages everyone to think just that little bit deeper about the direction our world is going in. Pharmacy will be on at the BALTIC from Saturday 24 October 2009 until Sunday 7 February 2010
Heaney visits University Joe Barton Newcastle’s literary credentials are set to become even more impressive, after the launch of the Newcastle Centre for the Literary Arts (NCLA) this autumn. Established as a University Research Centre, the NCLA hopes to contribute to the North East’s already exciting literary scene by organising readings and other public events, as well as making courses and workshops available to members of the public. Emerging from the now sadly defunct Northern Writer’s Centre, which was also based at Newcastle University, the NCLA also aims to link the North East with international writers. The inaugural reading by Nobel Laureate Seamus Heaney last week has set a high standard for the NCLA’s programme of events, with Heaney composing a poem especially for the launch of the centre. The poem, entitled Slack, was projected onto the side of the University’s Percy Building, as well as being given its public airing at Heaney’s
reading at the Newcastle Civic Centre. Heaney, who is considered by many to be one of the greatest living poets in the English language, expressed his fondness for the North East at the reading, acknowledging many of the poets associated with the region, such as Tony Harrison and Basil Bunting. Other writers that the NCLA will be bringing to the region in upcoming months include poets Fred D’Aguiar and Grace Nichols, as well as current Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy, who will be giving a reading on Friday 6th November. Also, Nick Hornby, the writer of novels such as About a Boy and High Fidelity, will EH OHFWXULQJ RQ À FWLRQ ZULWLQJ ODWHU in the month. In addition to bringing some of the world’s greatest living writers to the region, the NCLA also hopes to offer a wide range of courses and workshops for members of the public, strengthening the link between the North East’s writers and readers. Some of the short courses currently on offer include Creative Writing and Psychology, Poetry and Translation, and Memoir Writing. Held
Seamus Heaney speaking at Newcastle Civic Hall
in blocks of six weeks, the courses cover a range of topics and allow access to the expertise of some of the region’s best literary minds. Spring and Summer writing schools are already planned for 2010 and the Centre is currently building an archive of past literary events in Newcastle, including readings and events. The NCLA is also looking at bringing together many of the North East’s literary organisations, and so
J.WILSON
far, their partners include Bloodaxe Books, New Writing North, and Seven Stories. The North East has enjoyed a rich tradition of writers in the past, and, as anyone who witnessed the NCLA’s recent readings by Seamus Heaney will know, this literary heritage is in safe hands. For more information, visit www.ncl.ac.uk/ncla
The world premiere of Ben Power’s adaptation of Romeo and Juliet, A Tender Thing, is at the Northern Stage this autumn. It forms part of the annual residency of the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) in Newcastle. Power is the Literary Associate of Headlong Theatre where his work has included Six Characters in Search of an Author and Faustus. He was consulted for the stage-writing on A Disappearing Number for Complicité which won the 2007 Evening Standard Critics’ Circle and Olivier awards for Best New Play. The text of Romeo and Juliet will be woven into a new tale of love, a melancholic but hopeful account of the depth and power of the human capacity for love, whatever age. The characters of Romeo and Juliet will be in their seventies, something dramatically different from Shakespeare’s original teenage protagonists. When asked what had inspired him to write the play, Ben Power said: “It arose from a discussion with Michael Boyd (Artistic Director) about how we might make the poetry of Romeo and Juliet available for older performers. I was fascinated to see if it was possible to investigate a very different kind of relationship, a different kind of love, using the words that Shakespeare gave to his teenage protagonists. “I wanted to challenge some of the assumptions we make about older people, particularly in terms of their romantic lives, whilst at the same time making the case that what Shakespeare has written is universal, transcending the speFLÀ F FLUFXPVWDQFHV RI WKH RULJLQDO play.” Kathryn Hunter plays Juliet and Forbes Masson plays Romeo, both DFWRUV EHLQJ À UVW FKRLFH IRU %HQ Power when it came to casting the play. “They are both performers who have the capacity to really, really move you without becoming indulgent or overly-sentimental and that’s crucial to this play.” Hunter directed the RSC’s recent touring production which visited Northern Stage, so she should be well equipped to play a character that the audience of Newcastle will connect with, having had the experience of guiding others through their performances here. It should be really interesting to see how the change in the characters’ age affects the tone and resonance of the story. How easily will audiences take to WKH LGHD RI VXFK GHHS ORYH DW À UVW sight amongst those in their seventies as opposed to two young, carefree teenagers? I for one am really intrigued to see how it will work, and how the actors will combine the efforts of acting seventy while falling so rapidly in love, there isn’t exactly a precedent to work from with this story line. RSC productions are always world class and this ground breaking interpretation should be no exception, it is especially exciting WKDW WKH À UVW VKRZLQJ RI WKLV UH working will be on our very doorstep! The RSC’s season runs from 20th October to 7th November 2009.
THE COURIER Monday 26 October 2009
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CULTURE
Window shopping with a twist > Daisy Wallis explains why these pennypinching Fine Art students are abandoning galleries for abandoned shops Forget about expensive gallery spaces and exclusive studios, these students know the best way to advertise their art is to literally put up shop in the hub of Grainger Market! Final year Fine Art students Tom :KLWWOH DQG 5REELH +XGVRQ KDYH realised the cost-effective advantages of exhibiting their own works of art to the public, using the window and interiors of recession-hit abandoned shops. After liaising with Newcastle City Council, Whittle and Hudson were granted permission to exhibit, and VXEVHTXHQWO\ XVHG WKHLU FUHDWLYH Ă DLU to create a unique space to showcase their recent works for free. Both students spent time in Istanbul during their Erasmus semester abroad and have drawn inspiration for their recent works from what they learnt, discovered and experienced while out there. The decision for them to work together was largely drawn from the similarities within their work and both artists have displayed a strong variety of pieces within the space, from drawings and paintings to
sculpture. Tom’s art in the exhibition is largely displayed on chalk slates, with the emphasis on the ever progressing movement of his subject matters, being inspired by different ‘social connotations and embedded meanings.’ 5REELH¡V ZRUNV FRXOG EH GHVFULEHG as alien like landscapes which have been inspired from his interests in literature, drama, music and sculpture. The ways in which both artists have arranged their works are simple yet hold a strong degree of effectiveness ZLWKLQ WKHLU SRVLWLRQLQJ DQG Ă XHQF\ within their structure and purpose. 5REELH¡V ZRUNV DUH SULPDULO\ GLVplayed on the walls of the shop and are set up in a story like fashion. By leading the viewer’s eye from one scenario to another, detailing each movement that he has created through his inspiring subject matters, you are almost left with the sense that you are following the rhythm of a piece of music, with the different shapes and sizes of his imDJHV RQ WKH SDSHU UHĂ HFWLQJ KLJKHU
or lower notes within its sound. In contrast, Tom’s works are much more chaotic, which is detailed by their less purposely structured positioning and by the evidently strong use of colours in his works which display an element of frenzy about them, drawing the viewer’s attention to the subject matter.
Having viewed the exhibition myVHOI LW¡V GHÀQLWHO\ ZRUWK SRSSLQJ E\ to check out what can be achieved from a single telephone call to the City Council and a bucket load of determination. The project has really shown that when it comes to the crunch, art can still be accessible and promotable,
without breaking the bank. FolORZLQJ WKH VXFFHVV RI WKHLU ÀUVW H[hibition last week, the pair plan to organise further displays, so watch this (shop) space! 7R ÀQG RXW PRUH DERXW WKH DUWLVWV DQG WKHLU ZRUNV JR WR WRPZKLWWOH ZRUGSUHVV FRP RU UREELHZDOODFHKXGVRQ ZRUGSUHVV com
Stop! In the name of art
No such thing as society
Lucy Hadley
During her Prime Ministerial days, Margaret Thatcher famously quipped: ‘Society? There’s no such thing.’ This particular gem of Thatcherism has been seized upon in a new photographic exhibition at the Laing Gallery, exploring Britain’s state of social transition and unrest between the 1960’s and 1980’s. The collection of documentary photographs depict a society going through great change and upheaval, and presents a nation struggling to come to terms with is own identity. 33 photographers contribute to the exhibition, including the likes of Martin Parr, Peter Fraser, Brian *ULIĂ€Q 7RQ\ 5D\ -RQHV *UDKDP Smith and Homer Sykes, with the images divided into six chronologiFDO WKHPHV UHĂ HFWLQJ WKH GLIIHUHQW and contrasting aspects of British society at the time. A Social Carnival (1967-75) presents a playful representation of Britain through images ranging from sea-front beauty contests to races at Ascot. In contrast however, Portrait and Place (1973-75) shows a different side to a deeply divided country, the image of play is contrasted by photos of industrial workers and representatives of youth culture. Issues of race were just as topical as they are today, and Ethnicity, Community and Street (1972-80) explores the tensions of a nation tryLQJ WR Ă€QG LWV VHQVH RI EHORQJLQJ LQ D time of deep racial tensions. This changing face of Britain and its society is explored further in Picturing the Civic Crisis (1976-81) which presents images ranging from patriotic sentiment at the Queen’s 6LOYHU -XELOHH WR ZRPHQ FDPSDLJQing against domestic abuse. Wastelands (1976-82) focuses on industrial changes, and its stark damaging effects on once lively communities. Society in Colour (1984-87)
The original girl group is in Newcastle. No it’s not Girls Aloud, but the Supremes - the legendary divas 'LDQD 5RVV 0DU\ :LOVRQ DQG )ORUHQFH %DOODG ZKR FDPH WR GHĂ€QH WKH era of Motown and Sixties’ fashion. This winter, the Shipley Art Gallery plays host to the “Story of the Supremesâ€? from the collection of Mary Wilson – not only will the exhibition feature the display of the group’s music and archive footage, but the singer’s original clothes and VWDJH RXWĂ€WV The costumes of the original and the remade 70’s Supremes will be on show, along with an examination of how the Motown producer Berry Gordy styled the group, rocketing them to worldwide fame. Founded as “The Primettesâ€? in Detroit, 1959, the Supremes went on to become a chart-topping, wig wearing, female-artist inspiring phenomenon. They remain Motown’s most commercially successful act, America’s most successful vocal group of all time and were instrumental in proving how much of American popular culture originated in the black comPXQLW\ 7KHLU PXVLF IXVHG 5 % blues, jazz, soul, pop and disco to create a sound that was truly unique and appreciated by both black and white audiences. The impact that the Supremes have had upon today’s performers is sigQLĂ€FDQW ² IURP %H\RQFH WR 'XII\ WKH sound and image of the group has survived within modern music. The look of the Supremes is perhaps as famous as their sound – their iconic ‘wigs and lashes’ look shows how they were sporting backcombed and bee-hived hair long before Amy Winehouse. Motown bosses wanted the look of the group to match the feminine vo-
Ciara Littler
The Supremes
cal styling; hence the graceful choreography, elaborate make-up and RXWÀWV 7KH H[KLELWLRQ FKDUWV WKHLU changing style, from their homemade teenage dresses as the Pipettes, to their later Hollywood look and couture gowns. The exhibition is a must for all both Motown lovers and fashion fans, and be sure not to miss the glamorous series of events surrounding the exhibition too. The rise of the Supremes is set against the backdrop of the AmeriFDQ &LYLO 5LJKWV 0RYHPHQW D SHriod of extraordinary contradiction – where the Supremes and Motown may have been topping the charts, but African Americans weren’t allowed to eat in the same restaurants, use the same bathrooms, or get the same education as white people. Motown records promoted African American artists that achieved mainstream and crossover success – a major achievement in a time of
MOTOWN RECORDS ARCHIVE
such racial division and prejudice. The exhibition explores the inspirational role the Supremes played in this era, challenging racial percepWLRQV DQG KHOSLQJ WR UHGHÀQH $PHUica as a multi-cultural society. The Shipley Art Gallery hosts this fascinating new exhibition as part of Black History Month 2009 –a series of events across the North East to FHOHEUDWH WKH VLJQLÀFDQFH RI $IULFD and the Caribbean upon our society. The Shipley is just a (pink doubledecker) bus ride away in Gateshead, and is the North East’s leading gallery of design and craft and after a major new redevelopment, it’s the perfect time to visit such a varied and extensive collection. The extraordinary look, sound and story of these women has formed an exhibition that is certainly not to be missed.
ends the show with a look at life in Thatcherite Britain, contrasting the simultaneous moments of prosperity and depression her impact had on society. The link with the Iron Lady is ÀWWLQJ DV VKH LV VWURQJO\ DVVRFLated with huge social and political change both in the North East and Britain as a whole. The Miners’ strikes and troubles in Northern Ireland are linked to the rise of Thatcherism, and her impact on society can be observed through many of the images on display. This is a great chance to see what affected society in our not so distance past and even sheds light on changes that still affect us 20 years later. Britain as we know it today OLQNV ÀUPO\ EDFN WR WKH LVVXHV WKDW surround many of the images and this collection shows us an important documentation of very recent history. The show is a joint collaboration between the Arts Council of Great Britain and the British Council who both collect and commission documentary photography to capture British social history on camera. No Such Thing as Society is a powerful collection of images that not only highlights the importance of the development of photography, but holds witness to times that were so turbulent, transitional and exciting. We see the human cost of political decisions, both for individuals and society as a whole. The exhibition is a must for anyone with an interest in the country we are living in and its past. It is a strong collection of images by renowned photographers and both successfully and powerfully outlines the development of British photography during the era it depicts. The Exhibition is running at the Laing art gallery from October 31st 2009– January 24th 2010.
28
Monday 26 October 2009 THE COURIER
CULTURE
Film
Award winning documentary ‘Sisters in Law’ screened in the Union Function Suite, 7pm Thursday 29 October >>>
Film )LOP (GLWRU )UDQFHV .URRQ FRXULHU FXOWXUH Âż OP#QFO DF XN
Best of British
7RS VFDU\ À OP EDGGLHV Michelle C. Alister 7KH VODVKHU à LFN ZRXOG EH QRWKLQJ without its slasher villain. Though Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’s Child Catcher will always be the scariest thing I’ve ever hid behind the sofa from, here are my top 5 villains from the best of the horror genre.
> From Hammer horror to Hitchcock: why us Brits do it best Thomas Ward ,W¡V RIĂ€ FLDOO\ KRUURU VHDVRQ DQG WKLV Halloween sees the release of some major Hollywood fright-fests, including Halloween 2, Triangle and 6DZ 7KLUW\ 6HYHQ! The cinemas are awash with American movie blood this week but how do us Brits measure up in the horror movie stakes? 7KRXJK WKH %ULW KRUURU Ă LFN LV QRW as frequent as the yank splatter-fest, I aim to prove why Blighty is the nation of horror. For a start, British ‘Hammer HorURU¡ Ă€ OPV DUH OHJHQGDU\ &RPLQJ from Hammer Film Productions, WKHVH ORZ EXGJHW \HW VW\OLVK Ă€ OPV have been going since 1934 and have featured some of the cream of British acting talent, such as the late Oliver Reed and Christopher Lee. (DUO\ Ă€ OPV VXFK DV The Curse Of Frankenstein, Dracula and The Mummy were particularly low-budget and shoddy quality. However, this DIY approach only DGGV WR WKH ORQJHYLW\ RI WKH Ă€ OP Modern horrors may have the best effects that money can buy but there’s nothing quite like seeing red paint burst from a fake eyeball, just for pure cheesiness. The camera work in particular in WKHVH HDUO\ Ă€ OPV ZLWK WKHLU OLPLWHG lighting equipment and lack of digital enhancement, are vital to the RYHUDOO WH[WXUH RI WKH Ă€ OPV Hollywood today is still continually trying new techniques to add that all special spooky factor to their Ă€ OP For example, the hand-held camera (as used in &ORYHUĂ€ HOG and The Blair Witch Project) has proved pop-
ular in creating a sense of realism. But there has not been a HollyZRRG Ă€ OP WR GDWH WKDW KDV PDQDJHG to recreate the eerie shadows and gloomy atmosphere of these early British efforts. ‘Hammer Horror’ aside, who could talk about British horror without mentioning a certain British institution - the late, great Alfred HitchFRFN SHUKDSV WKH PRVW LQĂ XHQWLDO KRUURU Ă€ OP GLUHFWRU RI DOO WLPH Hitchcock started out working on VLOHQW Ă€ OPV LQ %ULWDLQ DQG WKHQ HDU O\ VRXQG Ă€ OPV EHIRUH SURJUHVVLQJ to Hollywood and the big leagues, where despite the backing of American studios, Hitchcock’s movies remained essentially British in style and directorial drive. 7KH &KXUFKLOO RI KRUURU Ă€ OPV Hitchcock is to thank for many of WRGD\¡V JUHDWHVW KRUURU Ă€ OPV Psycho is undoubtedly his masterpiece. The infamous shower scene LV RQH RI WKH PRVW UHFRJQLVDEOH Ă€ OP scenes of any genre. Shot using seventy seven different camera angles, the scene was almost LQFOXGHG LQ WKH Ă€ QDO FXW ZLWKRXW
6FDULHVW Ă€ OP Pete Duggan Stephen King once said that terror was the primary emotion he tried to bring to his books. If he couldn’t terrify his audience with his work then he’d try to horrify them, and if in doubt, then he’d just try to gross them out. Well that idea has been very prevDOHQW WR KRUURU Ă€ OPV LQ WKLV GHFDGH ZLWK WKH UH ELUWK RI WKH VSODWWHU Ă€ OPV or ‘torture - porn’, as they’ve been christened. Now when you go to the cinema WR VHH D KRUURU Ă LFN \RX¡UH OXFN\ LI you get a cheap jump as the heroine does the slow creeping walk down a dark corridor. It’s almost as if the art of terrifying horror has been lost - but has it? 0\ IDYRXULWH KRUURU Ă€ OP RI WKH last ten years, Juan Antonio Bayona‘s 7KH 2USKDQDJH, scared the hell out of me. It’s not bereft of blood and gore, nor does it refrain from the occa-
sional jumpy moment, but it is a À OP ZLWK D KHDUW DQG D FRQFHSW GH signed to eat away at you - the loss of a child. 7KH À OP WHOOV WKH VWRU\ RI D FRXSOH who try to re-open an old orphanage as a school for disabled children, but before they can, their own adopted
the famous screeching violin music. Luckily for cinema, Hitchcock saw sense, thus creating one of the classic cinema moments of all time. Whilst Psycho deals with what is QRZ IDPLOLDU KRUURU Ă€ OP WHUULWRU\ at the time a ‘slasher-maniac’ as the baddie was ground-breaking, ZLWK SUHYLRXV KRUURU Ă€ OPV KDYLQJ all been centred around the idea of some supernatural creature as the source of the frights. But there’s something all too sinister and believable about Norman Bates’ relationship with his mother that pushes Psycho over the edge. In The Birds, however, Hitchcock managed to create a whole new foe to haunt our nightmares. Spielberg was to later do the same to sharks in Jaws, but sharks are pretty scary anyway - who was ever scared of ELUGV EHIRUH VHHLQJ WKH Ă€ OP" The pure premise of these everyday, unassuming creatures randomly turning on humans is a terrifying prospect. Standing on the shoulders of such greats, modern British horror continues to deliver. 28 Days Later, dison goes missing in mysterious circumstances. The parents are then faced with an agonising search for him, unravelling the orphanage’s tortured past and the prospect of life after death. 7KH Ă€ OP FRQWDLQV VRPH RI WKH most atmospheric set pieces I have ever had the pleasure of watching, and with great acting from the entire cast, it is easy to get lost in this pseudo-ghost tale. What I remember most is actually EHLQJ VFDUHG DV WKH Ă€ OP KLW LWV Ă€ QDO stretches; a scene where the mother plays a game of knock on wood with ever-approaching ghosts will stay with me for ever. Produced by Guillermo Del Toro, WKLV Ă€ OP LV GLVWLQFWO\ QRQ +ROO\ wood and has an ending that packs a punch and retains its power after repeat viewings. It is perhaps endemic of the current state of horror that this is a foreign ODQJXDJH Ă€ OP DQG SHUKDSV ZKHUH horror’s real scares may lie for years to come.
rected by the brilliant Danny Boyle, is perhaps the best zombie movie ever made and certainly rivals George A. Romero’s original Dawn 2I 7KH 'HDG The success of the genre I feel is largely down to a factor impossible to replicate across the pond - isolation. Films like The Descent and The Wicker Man are all centered around this theme. The sheer sense of claustrophobia is exacerbated in 28 Days Later in particular, where the focus is on Britain as a remote island, cut off from all help, which all adds to the tone and LQWHQVLW\ RI WKH KRUURU à LFN So there you have it - the reasons why British horror is king of the genre. From Hammer to Hitchcock, we Brits have been pioneering the way from the beginning. It’s all too easy for Hollywood to re-hash the same old story line in endless sequels full of college kids getting chopped up, but more often than not, British efforts hit the stake on the head.
Piranah (1978) Frances Kroon Film Editor Few of you, I’m guessing, will have seen this particular beauty, and general 70s throwback. I only happened upon it after me and my friend couldn’t be arsed to leave the sofa after watching Romeo and Juliet on telly. Essentially it was only ever produced in a lame attempt to reap VRPH RI WKH SURÀ WV DIWHU WKH VXFFHVV of Jaws. It pretty much mirrors Spielberg’s classic, even down to the opening scene, where some horny teenagers go swimming in an erm‌.reservoir down by a chemical plant. Lush. What makes it a bad-good gem is the fact some remedial script writer, in an attempt to give it an ounce of
1. Freddie Krueger – Nightmare on Elm Street (1984). A brown hat, scarred face, dirty striped shirt and NQLYHV IRU Ă€ QJHUV Synonymous with horror, the iconic image of Wes Craven’s inventive masterpiece Freddy Krueger is instantly recognisable and left a generation of teenagers too scared to go to bed. “One, two Freddy’s coming for you‌three, four better lock your GRRUÂŤĂ€ YH VL[ EULQJ \RXU FUXFLĂ€ [ÂŤ VHYHQ HLJKW JRQQD VWD\ XS ODWHÂŤQLQH WHQ QHYHU VOHHS DJDLQ Âľ 2. Hannibal Lector – The Silence of the Lambs (1991). Anthony Hopkins brings sophistication to the performance of his career. Horror Ă€ OPV DUH UDUHO\ QRPLQDWHG IRU DQ 2VFDU WKLV ZRQ Ă€ YH 3. Michael Myers – Halloween .LOOHU 0\HUV RSHQV WKH Ă€ OP butchering a teenage girl, and then is revealed as being her brother and a mere six years old. ,Q WKH Ă€ OP¡V PRVW IDPRXV PR ment, Myers slowly looms out of the darkness at scream queen Jamie Lee Curtis, his infamous Shatner mask the only thing emerging from the pitch black. 4. Regan – 7KH ([RUFLVW (1973). Not one for the faint-hearted, ambulances were on standby as Linda Blair’s performance as a girl enduring demonic possession hit theatres, and all hell broke loose literally. Head spinning, levitating, self mutilation and projectile vomiting accompany this vile creature in RQH RI WKH PRVW GLVWXUELQJ Ă€ OPV RI all time. 5. Jigsaw – Saw (2004). A twist on the traditional Baddie, this mastermind breaks the rules by not actually murdering anyone; his victims do it themselves.
originality, has decided somewhere along the way to make the killer À VKLHV PXWDWH LQWR ZDONLQJ À VK monsters of death. The special effects for this, I can only describe as epic. Not Lord of the Rings, or Finding Nemo epic - 10,000 years BC epic. I doubt the technicalities behind such a masterpiece account to more than a man taking separate shots of D À VK\ VKDSHG SLHFH RI SODVWLFHQH LQ different positions. Such technical methods make Morph from Smart look like a CGI wonder. Once word of the mutating chemiFDO SODQW À VKLHV VSUHDGV SHRSOH à HH - on boats downriver of course. Most are maimed on the way, in various incidents involving prosthetic limbs, and only those wise enough to recognise the swimming FDSDELOLWLHV RI À VK VXUYLYH 7KH À OP FDQ RQO\ EH GHVFULEHG DV a bucket of shit – minus the bucket, which is what makes it so invaluably hilar! It’s so good-bad it seems a shame that it wasn’t made in the eighties, the decade host of the best of the bad!
THE COURIER Monday 26 October 2009
29
Film
6WDU DQG 6KDGRZ VFUHHQ $QQD %LOOHU¡V FRQWURYHUVLDO ÀOPV ZZZ WKHFRXULHURQOLQH FR XN ÀOP !!!
Reviews Ong Bak: The Beginning Directors- Tony Jaa, Panna Rittikrai Cast: Tony Jaa, Sorapong Chatree Run time- 98mins When Ong Bak came out in 2003 audiences quickly establish that Thai kick boxer Tony Jaa was someone you did not want to run into in a dark alley. If you wanted to make a martial arts movie, this was how to do it. Though while its sequel boasts the VDPH ERQH FUXVKLQJ ÀJKW VFHQHV with no wire work or CGI involved, it does not have any relevance to its predecessor in any way, other than its leading star. The story is set in a completely different time period with none of the characters bearing any relation to the ones from the original.
Halloween II Dir: Rob Zombie Cast: Tyler Mane, Scout Taylor Compton Run Time: 101 mins Halloween II is the second instalment of Rob Zombie’s remake of the original series of horror movies of the late 1970s and early 1980s. With it comes the return of the iconic masked murderer Michael Myers, on a brutal killing spree. The sequel picks up right where WKH ÀUVW OHIW RII WKH QLJKWPDUH FRQtinues. After an exhausting beginning in which we are reintroduced
Triangle Directed by: Christopher Smith; Cast: Melissa George; Michael Dorman; Henry Nixon; Length: 99 mins Triangle is a maritime thriller with a twist. Despite the predictable Open Water-esque opening episode of typical good looking twenty-somethings embarking on a yachting trip, the unexpected twists throughout make this a cut above the rest. This is largely down to Smith’s direction which juxtaposes normal shots with unnerving dreamy jump cuts and swift camera movements, JLYLQJ WKH ÀOP D FHUWDLQ JUDYLWDV The plot follows the good looking twenty-somethings out to sea, where a storm leaves them strandHG 7KH ÀUVW ELW RI H[FLWHPHQW DUULYHV
The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus Director: Terry Gilliam Cast: Heath Ledger, Christopher Plummer, Johnny Depp, Colin Farrell, Jude Law, Lily Cole. Run Time: 123mins “Where are we?â€? Geographically, in the Northern Hemisphere. Socially, on the margins. Narratively, “with some way to goâ€? - so speaks Tony (Ledger) at the beginning of WKH Ă€OP Directed by Terry Gilliam, The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus delivers, in a typical Gilliam way, mysterious and peculiar plots and characters.
CULTURE
The horror sequel
Focusing on the rise of an outlaw king, the narrative is riddled with à DVKEDFNV DQG LV FRQVWDQWO\ MXPSing back and forth between character histories. This may have been intended to add a little complexity to the story, but unfortunately ends up achieving WKH RSSRVLWH DQG PDNLQJ WKH ÀOP fairly messy in the process. HowHYHU ZKLOH WKH ÀOP PD\ EH WKLQ RQ plot, it’s heavy on action. When Jaa is allowed to unleash his raw talent, it is arguably one of the best martial art showcases you are ever likely to see. Choreographed to perfection and EUXWDOO\ YLROHQW WKH ÀJKW VFHQHV DUH probably worth the admission price alone. The climatic showdown takes place on and around a live elephant, which is even more insane than it sounds. Ong Bak: The Beginning does borURZ D ORW IURP WKH ÀUVW ÀOP WKH
martial arts test is practically a repOLFD RI WKH QLJKWFOXE ÀJKW QLJKW RI the original. But unlike Ong Bak ZKHQ WKLV ÀOP tries to be serious, it becomes unintentionally amusing. This said, if we are to judge this on the ballet of physical carnage on offer, then Ong Bak: The Beginning does set a superior standard to what the genre has had to offer in recent years. Bruce Lee would have been proud and maybe just a little bit jealous of Jaa’s potential too.
to our villain, the plot gets under way. If I could just take this opportunity to remind people of the particular villain in question - the reincarnation of a dead child in the form of a seven foot giant, who has the ability to torturously kill anyone he chooses no matter how badly he is beaten. Plausible? Didn’t think so. Michael Myers kills at random WKURXJKRXW WKH ÀOP HYHQ WKRXJK he has one target. The driving factor in Myers’ spree is some hallucinatory images, propelling him to kill. Although a somewhat questionable motive, these should not be overlooked, as they are the sole thing
holding the plot in one piece. After a series of gore-driven dream sequences which do nothing to progress the narrative, we are faced with the real action in the climax of WKH ÀOP DOWKRXJK JLYHQ KRZ GLVDSpointing it is, climax seems like the wrong word. This is a highly predictable bloodDQG JXWV KRUURU ÀOP WKDW IROORZV DOO the clichÊd conventions of your runRI WKH PLOO VODVKHU à LFN WHHQ SDUWLHV with alcohol and sex are bad, people die at them, and that person everyone thinks is dead suddenly reappears. If that is a part of your agenda for this Halloween, then this is the
when they are rescued by another ship, and female lead Jess (Melissa George) is convinced she’s been onboard before. Aboard the deserted ocean liner there is an overwhelming feeling of dÊjà -vu, with the scenes looking very similar to the 2002 adventure horror, Ghost-Ship. The endless wandering around eerie corridors and bizarre coincidences don’t seem to suggest otherwise, DQG LQ WKH PLG VHFWLRQ RI WKH ÀOP it’s easy to lose interest in the rather non-descript characters. However, to maintain the audience’s interest, the Director successfully plays on the viewer’s intellect, as one by one the gang is hunted down and single mum Jess discovers more than one of herself on board. This psychological turn gives subVWDQFH WR WKH ÀOP DV WKH P\VWHU\ EHhind breaking the disturbing loop of events is solved.
7KLV ÀOP LV PRUH VRSKLVWLFDWHG mental thriller then general gorefest. Innovative and disturbing, audiences will want to watch it again and again. Triangle is not going to be a classic to relish or reminisce over, but at only 99 minutes long it’s an intriguing watch providing a plot that goes against the expected. It acts as a strong alternative to the abundance RI œJRUQRV¡ DQG WKUDVKHU ÀOPV RYHUwhelming our screens at this time of year.
Unfortunately, Gilliam does not use this to his advantage, and thus creates a two hour pandemonium of illusions and ideas. The story begins in present day London, with Doctor Parnassus (Plummer) leading a crew of four, including his daughter Valentina (Cole), in a travelling theatre. Here members of the audience are invited to step inside Parnassus’ bizarre ‘Imaginarium’ - a device allowing him to guide the imagination of others. However, despite such an extraordinary talent, Parnassus is cursed with a secret. Years ago he made a bet with the Devil, winning immortality and youth; however, in return Parnassus must surrender any children to the Devil by the age of sixteen. With his daughter’s sixteenth
birthday just around the corner, Parnassus does all he can to protect her, including recruiting the mysterious Tony Liar (Ledger). 7KH ÀOP UDSLGO\ VZLWFKHV EHWZHHQ reality and imagination, through a series of comical, dark and extraordinary events. +RZHYHU WKLV UHVXOWV LQ D ÀOP more grasping for its spectacular imagery and artwork, than its plot. Although audiences will be hoping to love this movie, the chaotic narrative and structure make it difÀFXOW WR GR VR Even the star-studded cast fail to FUHDWH D ÀOP WKDW PHHWV RXU H[SHFWDtions. The tragic death of main man Heath Ledger during the production of the movie has created a hype over his last performance. 7KRXJK /HGJHU FDUULHV WKH ÀOP DW
YES: ‘Camp Blood’ here we come -DPHV )DLUĂ€HOG
-DPHV )DLUĂ€HOG
cinema outing for you. Personally I would rather stay home with some of Wes Craven’s best.
Alex Murray
As another entry to the Saw franchise reaches the silver screen, audiences are yet again treated to a fresh dose of gratuitous mutilation of the human anatomy, through various creative methods of torture. :H Ă€QG RXUVHOYHV DVNLQJ GR ZH really need anymore? I’m not going to try to suggest that these are horror sequels are masterpieces in any way, but they are a part of our movie-going culture and do deserve some praise for the cheap entertainment they offer. It’s easy to dismiss a horror sequel as another orchestrated orgy of blood and guts with paper thin characters and little narrative, but wasn‘t that also the same reason that you went to see the original? Dare I say that some horror sequels are better than their predecessors. Nowadays, watching the original Friday the 13th is more likely to make you laugh than scream, especially with classic lines like “He neglected to mention that downtown they call this place Camp Blood!â€? Horror sequels are fully aware of WKHLU SODFH LQ Ă€OP KLVWRU\ WKH\¡UH not asking to be classics, but rather provide the viewer with a cheap laugh and a cheap jump. Put it this way - would you rather be chilled out with your mates laughing at the extremes of Freddy vs. Jason and discussing who would actually win, over some fast food and a few drinks? Or waste your time trying to decrypt the ‘meaning’ behind the cinePDWLF ZDQN RI LQGLH KRUURU Ă LFNV OLNH
NO: <RX FDQœW ÀRJ D dead corpse! Thomas Ward
Jennie Mitchell
times, I hope that Ledger will be better remembered for his role as The Joker in The Dark Knight, or Ennis Del Mar in Brokeback Mountain. For those of us that have seen the movie, in answer to Tony’s question: geographically, we’re still in the Northern Hemisphere, socially we’re still on the margins, and narratively, we still have some way to go!
Matthew Stephenson
There’s nothing as effective at ruinLQJ D JRRG Ă€OP WKHQ D EDG VHTXHO $QG LQ KRUURU Ă€OPV WKLV LV GRXEO\ true. Take the Saw franchise for examSOH WKH Ă€UVW Saw movie was a masterwork of suspense and intrigue, WKHQ Ă€YH Ă€OPV ODWHU WKH IUDQFKLVH KDV EHFRPH QR PRUH WKDQ Ă€OPV IXOO RI cheap glory shots of sticky deaths. The sequel - and for that matter, the prequel - add nothing new to Ă€OPV )UHGG\ .UXJHU LV QRZ QRWKing more than a comedian, Jason will never die and they’re still always “behind you!â€? Nine times out of ten, the sequel is D FDUERQ FRS\ RI WKH ODVW Ă€OP (YHQ when the killer dies there’s a way for him to carry on, like in Scream 2 with the imitation killer. And what about the victims? More often than not, it’s hard to care about some obscure bimbo who was the cousin of the next-door neighbour RI WKH WKLUG YLFWLP LQ WKH Ă€UVW Ă€OP Do we really want her to survive or are we just watching in the hope that there’ll be some nudity? As each franchise progresses, originality becomes a foreign concept and the producers just up the levels of boobs and blood in the hope of keeping our attention long enough for them to milk a few more millions. There are certain rules to surviving horror movies, but only one rule on dealing with tacky sequels; give them a silver bullet in the head and then burn the body.
THE COURIER Monday 26 October 2009
31
Music
CULTURE
Music Music Editors: Mark Corcoran-Lettice and Chris Mandle - courier.culture-music@ncl.ac.uk
with The XX Louise Morris Head of Music, NSR Just before their sold-out performance at The Cluny earlier this month, NSR’s Louise Morris gained an audience with British music’s latest rising stars, The XX. Here’s what they had to say. How’s the tour been going so far? Oliver: It’s been really good - it hasn’t been too much yet, but we’ve got another year left so... A full year’s tour! Oliver: Uhuh yeah - I’ll get back to you in a year and let you know. I saw you had some dates coming up in America - how are you feeling about that? Romy: We spent ten days in New York this summer. It was really weird being over there, people would actually come to the gig - it was really exciting. How have you found audience reactions differing across different cities on the tour? Oliver: Yeah, I think in places like Germany they’re really intense, they’re there to listen, whereas I think in London - keep it short, keep it sweet. In Germany we play longer sets and people are willing to listen for an hour, which is strange - it’s amazing. Romy: I think over there they expect you to play for longer but in London it’s just “get in and get off�. I’ve spoken to other bands about London gigs, who aren’t from London, and they’ve always dreaded it and say it’s the scariest show. Obviously for you, coming from London, it must feel quite different? Romy: I think it’s an attention span, I don’t know! So having seen people’s reactions to your music, what kind of a reac-
tion would you hope to provoke from an audience? Romy: We’ve been supporting for so long now that we’ve kind of been used to the idea that people aren’t there to see us and they’ve talked through our sets, but now we’re headlining for the past few shows, especially yesterday, it’s been really silent, which has been really nice. Oliver: We were here last week with Florence [and the Machine] for two days. It was a really good show, really fun - the audience were great but a lot of people were there just to see Florence so it kind of didn’t really work to listen to us... Her music is very different. Oliver: Yeah, but there were a lot of people listening, and then headlining now, we’re not used to it I suppose. We’re going to do another support for Friendly Fires - again they’re like quite high energy which is maybe not where we’re at, kind of tempo wise, but it should be really interesting. You’ve created quite a minimal evocative sound; how do you work together to create this? Do the lyrLFV RU WKH PXVLF FRPH Ă€ UVW" Romy: The lyrics usually come Ă€ UVW :H ZRUN TXLWH VHSDUDWHO\ ZH usually share them via the internet over iChat and work from them and build up a song like that. We meet together and play guitar and bass and sort of link it together to make a song, then get Aria and Jamie along to make a rehearsal and it becomes a song. Oliver: It’s quite interesting ‘cos what Romy’s written, she sings, and what I’ve written, I sing. They’re love songs but Romy is my oldest friend - I’ve known her since I was three years old so it’s not a kind of Sonny and Cher relationship. I’m not really good at singing the songs to her and her to me, and it’s just a case of coming together and sharing what we have.
O. RICHARD
I was going to ask, your songs all seem very personal - how much do you draw on daily life and experiences of friends and how much is imaginary? Oliver: I dunno, a lot of the songs we wrote when we were about sixteen and then some only eight months ago, so time changes. Seeing as they are mostly love songs, when I was sixteen I hadn’t had so much experience in [laughs] love! So a lot of it was writing from observation and what was going on around me - friends’ relationships and how I saw them to be, and recently it’s been much more personal and kind of from what I’ve experienced. They’ve gone darker from that, which is probably a really bad thing, but yeah. You’ve got a lot of dialogue within your songs and I wondered whether you’ve ever been inspired by plays or whether it’s just musical inspiration you’ve drawn on? Romy: I’ve never thought of that actually; I can’t say directly, maybe subconsciously! We’re never really addressing each other in the songs because we do work separately and it’s more of a reaction to each other,
[when we write] we don’t explain what we mean - I take from what Ollie says what I think it means, so it’s like a conversation that never meets because it’s not actually to each other.
like them, if anything just to prove that I can think for myself. It’s terrible, I wish I wasn’t like that but I can be like that. But on the other hand, the stuff that’s happened has been so nice - I’m excited.
I wanted to ask how you felt about being so lauded by the musical press; Rough Trade named your album “album of the month� and you’ve been named the “next big thing�- how does that affect you? Do you feel pigeon-holed at all?
So on the back of that, what’s been the funniest thing you’ve heard or read about yourselves in the press?
Oliver: I dunno, since the album’s come out we haven’t had too much time to stop. Romy: Yep. Oliver: So we haven’t taken in all that’s happening, like I’m still overwhelmed that we were on Jools Holland three days ago. We met Shakira, let me say that back to myself - we met Shakira! So haven’t taken it all in, I think if we did it might freak us all out a bit more. And hype can be really scary ‘cos it seems that the British press seems to love building bands up just to knock them down. Also I know I can react badly to hype - when I feel like a band’s being forced on me I cannot want to
Romy: There’s a Pitchfork review of us that says that all our songs are about sex, and that’s led to a lot of European interviewers asking about LW VR ZH¡YH KDG D OLNH À IW\ \HDU ROG guy telling us how our song remindHG KLP RI KLV À UVW H[SHULHQFH DQG , think all the interviewers had based their interviews around that review, and it’s not something that’s talked about generally as a whole, so that was quite annoying! $QG À QDOO\ GR \RX KDYH DQ\ DG vice for students who are getting bands together? Romy: Don’t rush, take your time to make sure you’re ready and just keep writing, play lots of gigs... we’ve played lots of gigs and I’m still scared!
Michael Jackson: is this really it? Daniel Kielty So, the ‘new’ Michael Jackson song, ‘This Is It’, is a strange one. The song’s co-writer, 60s legend Paul Anka, claims that the song is a complete rip-off of ‘I Never Heard’, which Anka gave to a band called 6DĂ€ UH LQ Don’t worry folks, I’ve never heard of them either, but I’ve listened to the song and the man’s got a point. As with anything involving ‘Jacko’, the lawyers are involved. Threats of lawsuits have forced Sony to hand over half of any profits made to the 60s star, and on top of this, Sony are saying the ‘single’
will only be available on a digitalonly EP or full album. Now, you could say this is a great way for die-hard fans to celebrate the career of the King of Pop, but I can’t help feeling that after all of the re-released classic ‘M.J.’ albums clogging up the charts in recent months, people should have had WKHLU Ă€ OO E\ QRZ The new song smells suspiciously like a pawn in yet another attempt by greedy record label fat cats to exploit a doting world-wide fan base; straining every penny they can from the shockwaves of the singer’s death. They’ll be digging him up for public display next.
Polly Randall Money - how it makes the world go round. The grievance surrounding MJ’s death was always going to be spectacular, and on the most part appeared completely heart-felt, his music having touched the lives of many people. But I get the impression that the market sellers I saw the other day with idolatrous paintings commemorating his death weren’t selling them from a sense of deep personal loss. Whereas ‘This Is It’ may be a fascinating portrayal of his last days, and will of course be a success due to the public’s fascination with both
celebrities and tragedy, questions are going to be raised as to the sincerity of its release.
Questions are going to be raised as to the sincerity of its release
7KH À OP ZKLFK DSSHDUV WR FRP prise rehearsal footage from his never performed UK shows, is a way for people who had Michael Jackson tickets to enjoy the show which they didn’t get to see, but
more sceptically it is clearly a way for the promoters to make back some of the money they will have lost. It would be unfair to accuse this Ă€ OP RI EHLQJ WKH RQO\ PHWKRG RI exploitation; it could be one of the more genuine attempts to commemorate his life, rather than the endless stream of ill-planned concerts and back catalogue releases. /RRN RXW IRU D UHYLHZ RI WKH Âż OP ‘This Is It’, documenting the rehearsals for Michael Jackon’s proposed O2 comeback performances in a later issue of The Courier.
32
CULTURE
Monday 26 October 2009 THE COURIER
Music
Seen and Scene The Cluny
Beth Jeans Houghton Joe Skrebels British new-folk has been quite a London-centric phenomenon, but allow us to introduce Newcastle’s own Beth Jeans Houghton, the glamrock-costumed princess to take the new-folk crown from London. Beth released her Hot Toast Volume 1 EP last month to acclaim from PDQ\ ZLWK À YH QHDW WUDFNV RXWOLQ ing her ambition; upbeat, slightly experimental folk. Ms. Houghton is FDUYLQJ KHU RZQ PHORGLF JOLWWHULQJ niche through the new-folk scene, DORQJ ZLWK KHU EDQG 7KH +RRYHV RI Destiny, complementing her breathy WRQHV SHUIHFWO\ ZLWK VWUDLQV RI YLROLQ and bouncing banjo rhythms. There’s a lot to look forward to from Beth Jeans Houghton, and she could well be putting our fair city on the map for a whole new reason.
Elliot Bentley
,V LW D PXVLF MRXUQDOLVW FOLFKH WR KDUS RQ DERXW 0\ %ORRG\ 9DOHQWLQH" 0RUH ZRUGV KDYH SUREDEO\ EHHQ spent on the band than actual cash, EXW WKH EDQG KDYH \HW WR IDGH LQWR obscurity (helped perhaps by their recent re-appearance for a run of reunion concerts last year). My Bloody Valentine pretty PXFK GHÀ QHG WKH VKRHJD]H JHQUH and changed the course of alternaWLYH URFN VWLOO LQà XHQFLQJ PRGHUQ bands such as Maps, A Place To Bury Strangers and The Horrors, a IHDW WKDW LV DOO WKH PRUH LPSUHVVLYH FRQVLGHULQJ WKH\ RQO\ HYHU UHOHDVHG two full-length albums. What they lack in quantity, though, they make up for in qualLW\ ZKLOH DW À UVW OLVWHQ 0\ %ORRG\ Valentine’s music may sound just like pure walls of noise, further lisWHQLQJ UHYHDOV KLGGHQ VWUXFWXUHV melodies and choruses amongst the sound, and occasionally amazing pop songs. ,W¡V PXVLF WR SXW RQ FORVH \RXU eyes and disappear into.
Mark Corcoran-Lettice Music Editor
Gordon Bruce Culture Online Editor
7KH 2XVHEXUQ 9DOOH\ PD\ SHUKDSV be one of Newcastle’s more secreWLYH WUHDVXUHV Slightly off the beaten path, it’s not exactly your standard student retreat (which is, of course, part of the charm), but it’s worth the effort for the plethora of delightful, character bars and pubs that line the area, amongst which the foremost must be The Cluny. $V ZHOO DV ERDVWLQJ D ORYHO\ EDU and the mighty, mighty Cluny Burger, The Cluny is also one of the FLW\¡V IRUHPRVW PXVLF YHQXHV ZLWK JLJV RQ DOPRVW HYHU\ VLQJOH QLJKW RI the week. +DYLQJ SOD\HG KRVW WR D KXJH YD riety of acts, from cult heroes like Portland’s pop-punk iconoclasts 7KH 7KHUPDOV DQG DYDQW MD]] WLWDQV 3RODU %HDU WR VHYHUDO KXJH EDQGV MXVW EHIRUH WKH\ KLW VWDUGRP KDY ing seen early performances from *ODVYHJDV 6HDVLFN 6WHYH DQG :KLWH Lies amongst others), The Cluny has seen remarkable night and has EHFRPH RI 1HZFDVWOH¡V EHVW ORYHG YHQXH And with its recently opened sister YHQXH &OXQ\ LW¡V D OHJDF\ WKDW¡V sure to continue.
([FOXVLYHV DUH FRPLQJ WKLFN DQG IDVW this week at www.thecourieronline. co.uk. :DYH \RXU FXUVRU RYHU WKH PXVLF section and lo and behold, you will À QG WKH RIÀ FLDO ODXQFK RI 7KH 2XVH EXUQ 6HVVLRQV œ:KDW WKH GHYLO LV 7KH 2XVHEXUQ 6HVVLRQV"¡ , KHUH \RX cry in anguish. Well, The Courier has teamed up ZLWK 1HZFDVWOH 8QLYHUVLW\ 79 WR SURYLGH \RX ZLWK À OPHG OLYH DFRXV tic sessions in the beautiful, lush surURXQGLQJV RI WKH 2XVHEXUQ 9DOOH\ 7KLV ZHHN ZH KDYH VHVVLRQV ZLWK San Franciscan scuzz rockers Sic Alps, and sublime Scottish miserablists The Twilight Sad. 7KHUH¡V DOVR H[FOXVLYH JLJ UHYLHZV DQG LQWHUYLHZV ZLWK 7HLWXU DQG Bowling For Soup, as well as an LQWHUYLHZ ZLWK UHFHQW :DUS VLJQLQJ Bibio, following on from last week’s UDWHG UHWURVSHFWLYH \RX OXFN\ GHYLOV \RX So don’t ask. Just go online. Now.
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Exclusive gig photos
COMPETITION Win free gig tickets to the O2 Academy The Courier has teamed up with WKH 2 $FDGHP\ WR JLYH DZD\ YRXFKHUV WR DQ\ RI WKH YHQXH¡V upcoming gigs. To win, simply tell us about the EHVW JLJ FRQFHUW IHVWLYDO \RX¡YH HYHU EHHQ WR 7HOO XV ZKR \RX saw, where and when it was and why it was so great. Email your entries of no more than 100 words to courier.culturemusic@ncl.ac.uk. Deadline is )ULGD\ WK 1RYHPEHU )LUVW SUL]H LV D … 2 $FDGHP\ JLJ YRXFKHU DQG WZR UXQQHUV XS ZLOO HDFK JHW D … 2 $FDGHP\ JLJ YRXFKHU Vouchers are redeemable DJDLQVW DQ\ 2 $FDGHP\ JLJ RI your choice! 7KLV WHUP 2 DUH DOVR JLYLQJ DZD\ IUHH JLJ WLFNHWV WR HYHU\ VWX dent who signs up to one of the following offers: Unlimited Text & Web, Friends & Family Bolt 2Q RU 2 &DVK 0DQDJHU &DUG For more information on these JUHDW RIIHUV ORRN RXW IRU \RXU 2 )L[HUV DQG 2 (YHQWV RQ FDPSXV RU YLVLW R FR XN VWXGHQWV
www.thecourieronline.co.uk A. BARKER
Live Reviews Franz Ferdinand, O2 Academy, October 15th
Tom Jones, Metro Radio Arena, October 13th
Frank Turner Union Basement, October 17th
$ IHZ \HDUV EDFN )UDQ] ZRXOG KDYH KDSSLO\ EHHQ RFFXS\LQJ WKH YDVW hollow expanses of the arena, but for tonight’s show the more intiPDWH EXW VWLOO FDYHUQRXV DFDGHP\ LV GHHPHG PRUH À WWLQJ Not that they don’t bring it big. The stage is backed by some fourty screens showing incredibly impresVLYH YLVXDOV FRPELQHG ZLWK DQ H[ WHQVLYH OLJKWLQJ VKRZ LW FRXOG DO PRVW KDYH EHHQ SRVVLEOH WR IRUJHW about the music. %HLQJ D ELW RI D VFHSWLF , KDG SUH sumed (wrongly) that the old ones would still be the best, but always VWULYLQJ WR HYROYH WKH VHW WZLQHG the classics with the more experimental third album – a raucous This Fire into Lucid Dreams, yes please (and only one song from the second DOEXP , GRQ¡W WKLQN DQ\RQH KDG LV sues with that). But no matter how much time passes, they just can’t seem to be DEOH WR JHW RYHU WKHLU ORYH RI HSLF drum solos, a nice nod back to the early days, with the main set closing on them they attacked the kit en masse. Some would question the ending ZKLFK FRPSULVHG D À IWHHQ PLQXWH long experimental electronic instrumental, but a bit of progression from 7DNH 0H 2XW ZDV UHIUHVKLQJ
1RZ , NQRZ ZKDW \RX¡UH WKLQNLQJ 3XUSOH ULQVHG ROG FRGJHUV Ă LQJLQJ crinkled apple-catchers onto the stage, in a haze of oestrogen-fuelled IUHQ]\" :HOO \HV PRVW RI WKH DXGL ence were born when Morse code was still cutting edge technology, but this gig was so much more than that. $PRQJVW D Ă XUU\ RI GUXPV DQG swooning spotlights, the sex bomb himself swaggered on stage, breaking into new song ‘Sugar Daddy,’ to a screaming reception. Just after slinking his way through the classic ‘Thunderball,’ he literally thrusts his way into ‘Delilah’, and by now, the crowd are swaying more than the ferry to Calais. What follows is nothing short of stunning. Whilst Sir Tom belts out his classic repertoire, including ‘Kiss’, ‘Sex-Bomb’ and ‘She’s A Lady’, certain sections of the crowd abandon their seats and proceed WR ÂśUDLQ GDQFH¡ RQ WKH DUHQD Ă RRU ZKLOVW RWKHUV DUH VDWLVĂ€ HG WR VKXIĂ H wildly in their seats. $W QHDUO\ VHYHQW\ \HDUV RI DJH he still oozes energy, charisma and most of all, the power to tempt any woman into bed with nothing more than a cheeky wiggle. $V WKH PDQ KLPVHOI SURYHG DJH KDV QR EHDULQJ ZKDWVRHYHU RQ ZKDW was simply, a cracking night out.
For a musician whose songs take pride in the ‘little man’, Frank TurnHU LV FHUWDLQO\ DFKLHYLQJ WKH DQWLWK esis. Usually such unexpected jumps to TXDVL URFN VWDUGRP FXOWLYDWH LQVH FXUH OLYH VHWV \HW )UDQN¡V H[SHULHQFH with punk/hardcore troupe Million 'HDG HYLGHQWO\ SDLG RII KH¡V D RQH man musical charisma machine! Surprisingly, Turner blasts onto stage with some newbies, but in his pulsing underground grotto no one cares. They just want to hear, listening intently until oldies (including an DFRXVWLF 0' FRYHU NLFN LQ Then hundreds of pissed, heartfelt YRLFHV ULVH XS JKRXOLVKO\ UHPLQG ing you that this is what people did in country pubs before rowdiness HDUQHG \RX DQ $6%2 ,QGHHG OLNH LQ WKH ROG GD\V )UDQN¡V set is still angry – at bureaucracy, the JRYHUQPHQW SUREDEO\ HYHQ 0DJJLH 7KDWFKHU PRVW RI \RX VKRXOG JLYH that a listen...) – yet the difference now is that instead of lynching ‘the man’ with mosh-pits, Turner’s new romping folk-rock tales imbue followers with a ceilidh camaraderie. Under one roof, one man simultaQHRXVO\ DFKLHYHV WKH XQFHUWDLQW\ RI anarchism, the passion of summer and the headiness of wine, and in turn creates a whole more ingenious social backlash.
Polly Randall
Daniel Kielty
Eleanor Chilton-Knight
To see what gigs are coming up at the Union visit www.unionsociety.co.uk/events
THE COURIER Monday 26 October 2009
33
Music
Record Reviews
Singles & Downloads Josh Wyatt Fans of one-man wonder James Chapman, aka Maps, will have already heard ‘I Dream of Crystal’, the second track (and single) from his new(-ish) album, and it serves as an excellent introduction. The combination of Flaming Lips-esque synthetic wails and looping drum beats works well to create a backdrop for his whispery, minimalist vocals. Bursting out the top of the popo-meter this week is the new single from Alphabeat, ‘The Spell.’ It should satisfy the many fans eager for the new album but is perKDSV D OLWWOH WRR *LQD * DQG GHĂ€nitely won’t pop up on as many GDQFHĂ RRUV DV Âś)DVFLQDWLRQ ¡ Rounding up this week are a couple of internet sightings from WKH ODVW IHZ ZHHNV ZKLFK DUH GHĂ€nitely worth checking out. Those of you yet to hear super-group Them Crooked Vultures, who played secret gigs at Reading and Leeds, should take a peep at the teaser trailers on YouTube in preparation for their album release in a few weeks. Finally, little-known band Fair To Midland have released a demo of their new track ‘Musical Chairs’, which I can’t recommend enough; it seems to have taken up somewhat permanent lodging in my iPod’s ‘most played’ recently.
The Flaming Lips Embryonic The Flaming Lips have been producing psychedelic space rock symphonies since 1983. Embryonic, their WZHOIWK VWXGLR DOEXP IXOĂ€OV WKH FULteria established over the last twenty-six years. Obscure song titles and experimental, multi-layered sounds set this up to be another classic Flaming Lips album. The album perhaps doesn’t overZKHOP WKH OLVWHQHU Ă€UVW WLPH DURXQG but after some serious listening time the Flaming Lips’ electronic arrangements grow into hypnotic and enjoyable songs. ‘I Can Be A Frog’ stands out as mesmerising with Karen O (Yeah Yeah Yeahs) contributing with weird animal noises. MGMT also contribute to the album, adding something a little different to previous works such as At War with the Mystics. ‘Worm Mountain’ is an epic song, to be enjoyed with the volume loud - here the Flaming Lips show how diverse, and insane, their music can be. ‘Silver Trembling Hands’ is a personal favourite, where as in many tracks on this album, a powerful
bass line is overlaid with a relaxed, chiming keyboard and odd, intermittent electronic sounds. Founding member and charismatic front man Wayne Coyne has cited Miles Davis and The Clash as key LQà XHQFHV IRU œ(PEU\RQLF¡ ZKLFK is, I feel, a bit more raw than other Flaming Lips albums. There is a more experimental feeling about the tracks; it seems that there was more creative licence in production. This is not something the Flaming Lips have ever been short of; however, if ever there was a time to go even more wild, it would probably be now. They deserve another successful album after such a lengthy career. I wonder what the future holds for Oklahoma’s favourite rock band. They already have plans to remaster Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon. Until then, fans and listeners should be more than happy with the sensual and creative Embryonic album.
8/10 Henry Jones
Converge Axe To Fall
Idlewild Post Electric Blues
Owen Tromans & The Elders
Ever since Petitioning the Empty Sky, Converge have been the heroes of hardcore, virtually untouchable within aggressive music. But rather than the inevitable fall from grace, they have instead continued to evolve, and this is no exception. Opener ‘Dark Horse’ swerves into a surprising, intricate, math rock-like melody, an unexpected twist that sets the listener up to be NQRFNHG Ă DW E\ SHUKDSV WKHLU PRVW crushing, bone-splitting riff yet. Converge may be experimenting with a wider array of ideas and sounds here, but, by God, these four Boston boys can still send the walls crashing down around you. This newfound melodious side adds a beautifully schizophrenic side to their usual unhinged and ear shattering sound until we see an even more experimental and atmospheric approach to the record, particularly in closer ‘Wretched World’, featuring Genghis Tron’s Mookie Singerman on vocal duties. Whilst not quite matching the emotional intensity of their magnus opus Jane Doe, the passion and intensity within Bannon’s vocals are still unparalleled, with the music signalling an intriguing progression. Some see Converge as extreme listening, I would call it essential.
Poor old Idlewild have never quite made it, despite near-constant popularity and acclaim throughout their career. But their loss is our gain, as they have changed and evolved on every album in search of that perfect sound. During the writing process for this newest effort, Post Electric Blues, Roddy Woomble said that he’d been re-reading Kerouac and watching the US election, and it’s this AmeriFDQ LQĂ XHQFH WKDW KDV UXEEHG RII :KHWKHU LW¡V WKH FRZER\ FDPSĂ€UH guitar on ‘Bring You Back To Life’, the lengthy guitar solo at the end of the title track or the Hold Steady bombast of ‘Younger Than America’, it’s the overarching theme of American guitar music that permeates the album. But whilst it’s all very uplifting, it doesn’t seem quite natural, like an impression of American music, and this is where the album falls down. The band seems to have absorbed every facet of the music they play, but sometimes on this new effort it comes across as a little false. Idlewild haven’t found that perfect sound yet, but they’re proving that they can turn their collective hand to most of them.
9/10 David McDonald
CULTURE
Tegan & Sara Sainthood
Bowling For Soup Sorry For Partyin’
Given that Owen Tromans has previously worked with the likes of Devendra Banhart, Idlewild and Sonic Youth, this album gave the impression of holding a lot of promise. What I didn’t expect was a mythical concept album of, and I quote, “a murky seaborne world of blind captains, ravens and shantiesâ€?. If the subject matter is more than inventive, the music is sadly not – eleven tracks of middle-of-the-road American blues and folk, with the soulful voice that lies beneath the turgid monotony only occasionally adding warmth to the record. This is apparent on ‘Acre’; stripped EDFN WR WKH EDUH HVVHQWLDOV WKH Ă€UVW half of the song is a tuneful, simplistic exploration of heartfelt emotion, that is until the second half becomes overwrought with clichĂŠd guitar chords heard a thousand times before in ageing American bands. The same is present in almost every track on the record, and when combined with the dire lyrics such as ‘I FRXOG VHH WKH Ă RZHUV LQ KHU KDLU DV she sat on the stair’, there is not even any kind of semi-intriguing subject matter to hold the interest of the listener. An initially promising artist, but not one who lives up to the word of mouth.
Lesbian identical twins Tegan and Sara have been gathering a cult following among the gay community for some time now, but despite joining a major label, they have yet to truly hit it big. Sainthood is their sixth studio album, and it shows. The pair have eschewed big choruses and angsty acoustic guitars for intricate melodies and complex rhythms that, with the exception of pop-punky single ‘Hell’, only reveal their charms with further inspection. There’s a clear maturity of sound on offer here, and though the songs’ brevity ensures they never drag, it prevents any from developing beyond great pop tracks. For established fans, the lyrical content, consisting mostly of failing relationships and self-loathing, will come as little surprise, but may turn off new listeners less partial to ‘emo’ lyrics. That said, this is no downbeat record; it’s full of energy, up tempo if not upbeat, and never bleak. Maybe this won’t be the album that Ă€QDOO\ EUHDNV WKH PDLQVWUHDP EXW LW DIĂ€UPV 7HJDQ DQG 6DUD DV WZR RI WKH best songwriters around at the moment, regardless of sexuality.
Four years ago, Bowling for Soup were, arguably, one of the pop punk bands of the decade. With lyrics such as “She says she’d like to score some reefer and a forty. She’ll never know that I’m the best that she’ll never haveâ€?, BFS were a cheesy band that didn’t take themselves too seriously, thus managing to produce catchy records while winning over teenage audiences with their comedic touch. Sorry for Partyin’ is amazingly BFS’s tenth studio album and sadly FRQĂ€UPV WKDW WKH\¡YH RXW VWD\HG their welcome. Although pop punk still remains, the band seems to have made no effort to move their music forward or grow up to keep up with their fans. With song titles such as ‘A Really Cool Dance Song’ and lyrics stating ‘Dance songs are cool now. So get up and shake what your momma gave ya’, they have tried to keep their comedy touch in making fun of pop music, but end up mocking themselves. Attempts at a ballad with ‘Me With No You’ contains more embarrassing lyrics than even 14 year old girls will cringe at. Sorry for Partyin’ does still contain some pop punk likeability but really just sounds like another outdated pop record that does not work anymore.
6/10
4/10
8/10
4/10
Joe Skrebels
Polly Randall
Elliot Bentley
Olivia Mason
The Fall Of Acre
34
Monday 26 October 2009 THE COURIER
CULTURE
TV & Radio
TV & Radio TV & Radio Editor: Aimee Philipson - courier.culture-tv@ncl.ac.uk
TV Highlights Casualty (special webisode) BBC1 Online 9pm 31st October Casualty fans are in for a treat this +DOORZHHQ DV &DVXDOW\ DLUV LWV À UVW ever online episode. It will follow straight after the transmission of episode 9 ‘Regrets’ and will be available to watch on the red button, online and as a downloadable episode on your mobile phone. The eight minute episode will follow the gritty storyline of downand-out Alistair and paramedic Polly. It will bridge the gap between episodes 9 and 10 by focusing on the seven days after Polly calls the police about Alistair. The story shows Alistair’s deepening madness and highlights the seediness of life on the streets. Alistair is on a high as Polly has À QDOO\ WROG KLP VKH ORYHG KLP DQG he thinks his life on the streets is over. But not everything is as it seems as he is arrested – and questioned about breaking into Polly’s Á DW Aimee Philipson TV & Radio Editor
Andrew Marr’s Making of Modern Britain BBC2, 9pm Wednesday COURTESY OF BBC
, RIWHQ À QG DW XQLYHUVLW\ WKDW HYHQWV from the past and people who have
done amazing things for Britain are mentioned in my lectures and I have to bluff my way through discussions pretending I know what people are talking about. I could tell you all about the French Revolution or Spain under the Umayyad rule (French and Spanish student...) but ask me about British history and I’m ashamed. Thankfully Andrew Marr has come to all ashamed students’ rescue with his new six part series on the making of modern Britain. The documentaries begin as the nation mourns the death of Queen Victoria and go on to cover the huge events that changed Britain forever such as the world wars and women’s suffrage, and the small yet powerful LQÁ XHQFHV RI SDUWLFXODU SHRSOH VXFK as Charlie Chaplin and Mr Rolls and Mr Royce. Using archive material and stills, anecdotes and analysis, Marr uncovers the growth of a nation and the events which shaped the country we live in. Aimee Philipson TV & Radio Editor
Fearne And ITV, 10pm Thursdays As if you’ve not had enough of her, Fearne Cotton returns this October for a four part series entitled ‘Fearne And…’ Each week, the golden girl of television follows a female celebrity in a bid to understand what makes them tick. Celebrities followed include Scarlett Johannsson, Paris Hilton and Alesha Dixon who climbed Mount Kilimanjaro with Fearne earlier this year. Fearne claims to be excited about the show due to her obsession with the rich and famous, stating “the series will be a real chance to peel back the layers of certain celebrities’ lives”. In all seriousness, just how many ¶OD\HUV· FDQ 3DULV +LOWRQ KDYH" The second show airs this Thursday 29th October at 10pm on ITV2 and shows Fearne following everyone’s favourite spoilt brat, Peaches Geldof. I think I’ll be tuning in, solely to
Want to drop a dress size? Aimee Philipson TV & Radio Editor Channel 4 has brought us a plethora of self-improvement programmes in recent times and it’s about to launch yet another. Not content with improving our diets and helping us to look good undressed, it now wants to help us lose weight (inner beauty being a somewhat neglected concept in TV land). ¶:DQW WR 'URS D 'UHVV 6L]H"· ZLOO help participants to lose weight and they’re looking for volunteers to take part.
The programme makers, who’ve previously entertained us with classics such as ‘Gok’s Fashion Fix’ and ‘Supersize vs. Superskinny’, are looking for six women who are ‘lively, lovely, outgoing and overweight’. If you or a group RI IULHQGV IXOÀ O WKHVH FULWHULD WKHQ you could take part. If you are interested in participating, email dropadresssize@endemoluk.com by 16th November to get an application form. The programme will be broadcast in January 2010 on C4.
have a good old laugh at Peaches’ expense. Helen Atkinson
The Lost Symbol: Truth or Fiction Five, 8pm 21st October :KR DUH WKH )UHHPDVRQV" 'RHV DQ\ RQH UHDOO\ NQRZ" ,Q D QXWVKHOO WKH Freemasons are one of the world’s oldest secular fraternal societies. Some say they’re a secret society; others describe them as more of a society with a lot of secrets. As with all things mysterious there is a large amount of speculation and media coverage; the latest addition to the Freemason media bank is The Lost Symbol: Truth or Fiction, on FKDQQHO À YH The documentary explores the mystery surrounding Dan Brown’s new novel The Lost Symbol, his follow-up to The Da Vinci Code. Delving into their secret world, the documentary provides unique access to Freemason lodges around the world, exploring the conspiracy theories and scandal surrounding the Freemason name. Is what they’re exposing to the world merely a decoy to mask ZKDW·V UHDOO\ XQGHUQHDWK" 0DNH XS your own mind. Catch the documentary on DePDQG )LYH DW KWWS GHPDQG À YH tv/Home Elizabeth Davies
Make me an Apprentice: Tonight ITV, 8pm 26th October Business experts, including the enterprise king Lord Sugar, former Dragon Richard Farleigh and business consultant Ruth Badger, are coming together to offer a ray of hope to young people who are struggling to make it in the economic depression. 16-24 year olds will be given tips on how to get ahead despite the economic situation. The presenter, Fiona Foster, will follow a 20 year old arts graduate
Axe Men reviewed Nile Amos One of the more precarious programmes to be found on the midday-obscurity docu-entertainment channels is Axe Men. This continuation of the “real men in danger” theme of reality television (Deadliest Catch, Ice Road Truckers) has taken a spectacularly dubious stance on the morals of logging some of the world’s oldest forests. Real life loggers, who put their lives at risk for the sake of some plywood eventually found in IKEA, are documented as they whoop and shriek at the sight of one of their trees creaking over.
who has spent 8 months claimLQJ EHQHÀ WV DQG D FDWHULQJ FROOHJH leaver who has to battle against 250 others in the interview process for a job as a baker’s assistant in a supermarket. Hopefully the advice in this show will help students all over to make LW LQ WKH MREV PDUNHW Eleanor Wilson
School of Comedy E4, 10pm Thursdays
What’s happening this week in the land where anything is possible... Aimee Philipson TV & Radio Editor
Coronation Street
Norris struggles with Kabin employee Joan as she seems to be seriously lacking in the conversational skills department. Kevin and Molly arrange another secret date but Pam smells a rat. Meanwhile Ashley sets off for his vasectomy again - will he À QDOO\ JHW WKH VQLS" $QG LV -DNH DERXW WR JHW KLV WDFNOH RXW LQ WKH 5RYHUV"
COURTESY OF E4
Eastenders
Whoever said leave comedy to the grownups clearly never watched School of Comedy. Those eagle- eyed viewers amongst you may recognise the program from Channel 4’s Comedy Lab in 2008. Now commissioned for its own series, School of Comedy is a sketch show comprising entirely of teenagers portraying their own unique take on everyday adult situations. Currently broadcasting on E4, the 35 minute timeslot leaves the viewer wanting more. $W À UVW , ZDV D ELW VFHSWLFDO XSRQ learning that the sketches would be portrayed by teenagers, but was bowled over by the sheer excellence of each of the actors and the brilliant comedy timing that is not often seen in actors of their age. Refreshing and downright witty, Thursday nights in have never looked so good. Ayse Djahit
Whilst it is a gentle reminder that we need and use this industry in our everyday lives, some might À QG FRYHUDJH RI WKH GHVWUXFWLRQ RI ancient American forests a little too enthusiastic. Careful examination is made of the chainsaws and various other appliances, and the loggers are incredibly proud. Nevertheless, consideration is given to the complete evasion of any environmental discussions whatsoever. Pine after pine is hacked down as various family-run logging comSDQLHV À JKW LW RXW LQ D FRPSHWLWLRQ WR UHWDLQ WKH PDVVLYH SURÀ WV WKDW are available. Is nature paying the SULFH IRU HQWHUWDLQLQJ 79" -XGJH IRU yourself. Axe Men is on History at 8pm on Wednesdays.
Heather returns to the Square with George but will the baby’s father face XS WR KLV UHVSRQVLELOLWLHV" Meanwhile Ian discovers something about Jane which troubles him and 'DUUHQ À QDOO\ JHWV WKH FRXUDJH WR stand up to Denise.
Hollyoaks
Cheryl and Gilly’s date ends in disaster, while across the street Newt decides to ditch his emo look and Malachy persuades Calvin to take on Jake as staff. Later in the week, Hayley investigates a mysterious thud from the bedroom – is it another secret Chester rendez-vous or someWKLQJ PRUH VLQLVWHU"
Emmerdale
Leyla receives a phone call from a shaken Nathan, demanding that she meet him on a road outside WKH YLOODJH 6KH LV VKRFNHG WR À QG his car in a ditch but even more shocked when she hears what he has to say. Meanwhile back in the village, Sally returns to Mulberry Cottage and Ashley and Laurel welcome normality - but how ORQJ ZLOO SHDFH ODVW"
Neighbours
Rebecca and Paul argue about her public display of nudity during her hen night. But as the morning of the wedding starts to fall apart, was the KHQ QLJKW IRU QRWKLQJ"
Home and Away
Nicole’s obsessive behaviour is the talk of the town and Sid contacts Miles in desperation. Meanwhile, Kirsty remains unexcited about her upcoming ultrasound scan.
THE COURIER Monday 26 October 2009
35
TV & Radio
CULTURE
Out with the old at BBC? Daniel Macarthur Now it is worth pointing out I have never been Jo Whiley’s largest fan. As a pop music man I knew I was not about to hear the premiere of the new Sugababes single or a pleasant remix by Soulwax blasted out on her show (God bless Scott Mills) but she appeared to be more about the music than her own antics - see Chris Moyles. Jump forward to July 2009 and the BBC announce one of the dreaded ‘major shake-ups’ that they seem to have bi-annually. Goodbye Whiley (and the delightful Edith Bowman, I never actually listened to her for more than 5 minutes at a time but it was nice to know she was there) and hello Fearne Cotton. I assume we all watched CBBC as kids? When did this happen? She was introducing Rugrats last time I checked, no? I will reserve judgement for now,
with Jeremy Paxman What advice would you give to a university or college about putting together a team? Apart from being good at general knowledge, what makes a successful team? Well, knowing stuff is a good start. Apart from that, character, charm, a clear conscience, interesting dress sense and an absolutely pure moral sense all help. Failing that, the best four people \RX FDQ ÀQG LQ WKH EDU ,I \RX ZDQW to get beyond round one, I suggest you put up a poster, spam all union members or something, and run a quiz to choose the best four you can ÀQG Occasionally, teams seem to be made up only of the student union RIÀFHUV 7KRVH RQHV GRQ¡W ODVW ORQJ You’ve been involved in University Challenge for 15 years. Have you noticed any differences between students then and now? Not really. I’ve always been amazed by what students know. And what they don’t know. But the production team are beginning to look a bit clapped-out. The number of teams representing the newer universities is frustratingly low – do you have any theories as to why this should be? I don’t just have theories. I have a fact: I heard the other day from a chap at one of the very new unis (no names) that his Student Union had stopped him getting up a team because they were worried the team might lose, and so the union would get less cash from the university. That struck me as completely pathetic. How do you account for University Challenge’s enduring success? Someone who once worked on the
but is ageism screaming out here? After Arlene Phillips was shown the plank on ‘Strictly Come Dancing,’ the BBC is raising a lot of eyebrows. Across the daytime schedule Chris Moyles is now the oldest presenter and he is only 35! Having said that, change is an obvious component in the success of Radio 1, with fresh presenters hopefully bringing in new listeners. This announcement may have been big news to students but I knew my mother was more interested in the announcement that Terry Wogan was leaving his breakfast show on Radio 2 (after 16 years!) and being replaced by none other than Chris Evans - a man told off by the broadcasting watchdog during his stint on Radio 1 for making excessive jokes regarding Holocaust victim Anne Frank. Chris Moyles will have to up his game if he doesn’t want to be joining the queue at the job centre by his next birthday.
Joe Mellor
programme - and who knows more about fashion than I do - said it was the Little Black Dress of quiz shows. Apparently, that’s a good thing. Not that I’ve ever worn one, you understand.
University Challenged Here’s your starter for ten – Are you smart enough to compete on University Challenge? Do you have an abnormal general knowledge? Have you always dreamt about introducing yourself, ‘[your name], studying [your degree course] at Newcastle University’? Or do you just want to beat ‘human Google’ Gail Trimble from the last series? :HOO WKLV FRXOG EH \RXU Ă€IWHHQ minutes of fame because University Challenge, the famous academic quiz show, is now taking applications for 2010. If you’re interested, come along to the Union auditions on the 2nd or 3rd November from 5.307.30pm in the Function Suite to try out for the Newcastle team.
> Station Manager Christian Allen gives his weekly update on NSRLive’s shows As you’d expect, NSRlive provides great music for the students of Newcastle but with this comes much conversation and a chance to hear the latest goings on in Newcastle. The NSR’s News team provide us with up to date bulletins and reports throughout the week as well as having a popular round up programme on Wednesday’s at 12. ,Q WKH Ă€UVW VKRZ RI WKH \HDU NSR News reported on the recent controversy surrounding the wellknown Friday night of ‘debauchery’ at Venue, after it was revealed that the council had ordered that the name must be changed over 2 years ago. We also announced the exciting
news for Geordies that a campaign has been launched by Newcastle United Fans to buy the club from the current owner Mike Ashley. Reporter Alex Bishop commented on the image problems that Tory leader David Cameron still faces after the recent Conservative Party Conference and Editor Beatrice 3LFNXS UHĂ HFWHG RQ WKH UHFHQW GHFLsion to award Barack Obama the Nobel Peace Prize. All of this in just half an hour! If sport is where your interest lies we have Friday evening’s NSR Sport’s Hour, broadcasting from 6-7:30pm. Gavin Callaghan and co-hosts Big Al and John ‘Murph’ Murphy keep you up to date with the latest in all sports, complete with exclusive interviews and previewing the best of the weekend’s action. So whether it’s new music, current affairs or just general banter you’re looking for then tune into nsrliveco.uk weekdays 10am-10pm .
E. WILSON
The pride of the nation > Nile Amos explains the appeal of the talking radio and his attraction to the Bearded Ladies If you’ve ever slipped off to sleep with the bizarre, murky recital that is the shipping forecast or perhaps woken up to the sound of John Humphreys making a mockery of VRPH LOO ÀQDQFHG SROLWLFLDQ \RX¡OO know that the radio airwaves are constantly buzzing with programs that make Chris Moyles sound like a talking clock. Let us leave Dermot, Jo, Fearne, Zane and Edith alone for a moment. I’m talking about the British institutions that are BBC Radio 2, and the pride of the nation, BBC Radio 4. Flick on at the right time of day RU QLJKW DQG \RX FDQ ÀQG \RXUself listening to some of the most interesting, funny and unrecognised people in the country talking about themes and issues which wouldn’t bother Colin Murray or Chris Evans. From the tongue twisting Just a Minute (12noon, Saturdays R4)
> This week Baywatch
to the endearing Book at Bedtime (10.45pm every weekday R4), from the award winning current affairs documentaries by File on 4 (8pm, Tuesdays R4) to the nonsensical collection of mock callers on Down the Line, Radio 4 is one great big ark of culture, comedy and information. The Afternoon Play (2.15pm every weekday R4) is often as whimsical as it sounds, with numerous scandals or mysteries involving the demolition of some poor soul’s hedge row being commonplace. Having said that, it also adopts the work of some of the country’s sharpest up-and-coming young writers, with Filthy Rich (Wednesday 19th) being a prime example of the type of black comedy that British humour churns out so successfully. Radio 4 has also been the harbinger of some of the best of our British sitcoms which have gone on
to popular fame on national television. It’s worth catching some of the shows that are currently airing now as you’ll probably see at least one of them on the telly in the near future. For a very British take on Sex and the City, try Meanwhile with the Bearded Ladies, as four women plough through life, work and their men. It isn’t pretty, but it’s very, very funny.
The beauty of comedy on the radio is that nothing is impossible to create or imagine if you are only hearing it. Okay so maybe your parents listen to Radio 4, but there are moments in the morning or maybe late at night, where the soothing drone of the talking radio is just simply right. Tune in to try it out at: BBC Radio 4 on 92.2FM BBC Radio 2 on 88.5FM
First and foremost Baywatch starred the Hoff. He might well be an alcoholic, have held his stomach in for the last three series and be the worst actor since his car Kitt. But we ADORE him. It was an innocent time when Baywatch was on our screens. It was titillation but it wasn’t perverted - they were lifeguards and that’s what lifeguards wear. It wasn’t just for the boys either, there were some mighty ÀQH KXQNV RQ WKH VKRZ , FDQ appreciate the male form). The women spent more time cavorting around in the sea saving lives than the men ever did. It did more for feminism then the Suffragettes (ok pushing it a bit). Baywatch launched Pammy, Gena Lee Nolan and Carmen Electra...straight into the homePDGH SRUQ ÀOP PDUNHW EXW what the heck, sex sells. And who can forget the episode (a personal favourite) when Brody and CJ fell asleep and both dreamt they were stranded on a desert island, only to wake up on the beach during their split shift? Actually, to be fair that episode was nearing the end for BayZDWFK 7KHUH DUH RQO\ D ÀQLWH number of ways one can drown after all. Episodes featured everything from earthquakes to shark attacks, serial killers to nuclear bombs. The theme tune is still played at student nights, and it’s a ERQD ÀGH à RRU ÀOOHU %D\ZDWFK is the all time most watched TV show in the world, with over 1.1 billion viewers; they can’t all be dead or impotent.
36
Monday 26 October 2009 THE COURIER
Puzzles Editors: Suzi Moore and Ned Walker - courier.puzzles@ncl.ac.uk
CROSSWORD Fill in the blank squares with help from the clues provided. The DQVZHUV ZLOO EH JLYHQ LQ QH[W ZHHN¡V HGLWLRQ 7KH À UVW SHUVRQ WR come to The Courier RIÀ FH ZLWK D FRPSOHWHG &URVVZRUG ZLQV D free beer and burger at The Hancock
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9. Story teller in a novel, poem or play (8) 14. Popular Italian pasta (9) 15. Home of Peter Pan’s adventures (9) 16. WW2 bomber plane; northern English city (9) 21. Material used in goals (3) 22. Not even; strange (3) 26. First; Werther’s -------- (8) 28. And so on (2,6) 29. Lime water turns milky when carbon dioxide is ------- through it (7) 31. Language and currency of Afghanistan (7) 35. Not as good as (5) 36. London cricket ground(5) 37. Our planet (5) 38. Eskimo’s home (5)
PICTURE PHRASE PUZZLE Use the pictures to come up with a Phrase, Thing, Place or Name. 7U\ WR À QG WKH FRPPRQ WKHPH
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HALLOWEEN SUDOKU
Solution to last week’s Crossword
Solution to last week’s Sudoku
7KH REMHFWLYH LV WR Ă€ OO WKH JULG VR WKDW HDFK FROXPQ HDFK URZ DQG each 3x3 boxes contains all the letters of the word HALlOWEeN. Note that the word contains an upper case and lower case ‘L/l’ and ‘E/e’ and therefore so will each row, column and box. For the completed puzzle check next week’s edition of The Courier.
WORD TRAIL ANSWERS Odd one out: The second cow from the left in the second row has no spot on its face. Word Trail: Hamster, Rabbit, Gerbil, Fish, Guinea Pig, Ferret, Cat, Dog, Mouse. Picture Phrase Puzzle: 1. Liverpool 2. Manchester 3. Cardiff 4. Portsmouth
Track the names of pets through the grid. You should use all of the letters in the grid but only once.
THE COURIER Monday 26 October 2009
37
Royals open their BUCS account Sports Editors: Paul Christian, Jamie Gavin and Tom James - courier.sport@ncl.ac.uk
> Football, page 43
“He didn’t quite get his leg overâ€? > Sports Editor Tom James WDONV WR -RQDWKDQ $JQHZ DERXW WKH $VKHV OLIH LQ WKH FRPPHQWDU\ ER[ DQG WKDW TXRWH He’s been the voice of cricket for over a decade and is responsible for one of the greatest on-air pieces of commentary ever. Known to everyone as Aggers, Jonathan Agnew speaks to Courier Sport about the Ashes, England in South Africa and life as a commentator. ASHES The biggest sporting story of the summer was undoubtedly England’s victorious Ashes campaign as Andrew Strauss led his team to victories at Lords and the Oval to regain the famous urn. In a closely contested series there were several moments which could DUJXDEO\ EH VHHQ DV WKH GHĂ€ QLQJ points of a series where momentum swung between the sides. “Certainly the batting at Cardiff (where Panesar and Anderson batted for forty minutes to save the WHVW ZDV D GHĂ€ QLQJ PRPHQWÂľ VD\V Agnew. “I think if Australia had won that test match then they might well have won the Ashes quite comfortably. “Strauss and Cook’s opening partnership at Lord’s was important after Cardiff and Broad’s spell at the Oval deserves a mention because WKDW ZDV DOVR D GHĂ€ QLQJ PRPHQW IRU him as he discovered what sort of bowler he is. “I hope the selectors have now worked out what role he plays in WKH WHDP Âľ 7KH $VKHV DOVR VDZ WKH Ă€ QDO WHVW series which Andrew Flintoff will be involved in, and after missing out at Headingley he himself provided one of the images of the summer at the Oval as he ran out Ricky Ponting. Although Flintoff demonstrated his undoubted ability at Lord’s when he single handedly demolished the Australian lower order, Agnew be-
lieves that England will miss Flintoff as much for his presence as for his ability with bat and ball. “Another turning point of the Ashes could be seen as Flintoff’s return at the Oval. I think that changed the dressing room mood. He hasn’t perhaps performed as well in test cricket as he should have which is something that frustrates him but he will be missed. “He’s a whole hearted man but it’s the end of the road for him in test cricket and the team has to move RQ Âľ When Graeme Swann bowled Mike Hussey on the Sunday afternoon at the Oval to win the test and the Ashes, Agnew was straight onto the pitch and speaking to a slightly shocked Andrew Strauss. As he recalls the event, it is clearly a special moment for him as he was at the centre of the emotion and atmosphere which was unfolding all around. ´, ZDV WKH Ă€ UVW SHUVRQ WR WDON WR Strauss after Swann bowled Hussey. He seemed surprised to see me because I was out there within twenty seconds of the wicket falling. “Being out there with the big crowd at that moment reminds you of how wonderful it is to be involved in those moments as a player, and I get a big kick out of that. It was brilOLDQW Âľ TMS Agnew clearly has a great passion for commentating, something which is evident when you listen to him on Test Match Special. After retiring at the age of thirty, having played in three tests for England, Agnew started at TMS in 1990 and today is regarded as the ‘voice of cricket’ on the BBC. His decision WR UHWLUH UHODWLYHO\ HDUO\ ZDV ´WRXJKÂľ
Living in a box: Agnew has been commentating for almost 20 years
he says. “I knew I wasn’t going to play for England anymore and that’s something you need to believe once you’ve played for England. I also had the prospect of getting a very rare opportunity to work as a cricket MRXUQDOLVW VR LW DOO PDGH VHQVH Âľ Today, after almost twenty years as a commentator, his enthusiasm for the game and commentating show no signs of diminishing because, he says, “I just love commentating. We’re working on a program that is VR Ă H[LEOH DQG LW LV DQ RSSRUWXQLW\ WR have some fun.
“The commentary is just a case of being yourself, sitting in front of a microphone and just having fun. Some things work, some things don’t and it’s just a happy place to be. I’m very lucky to be able to do it. “Occasionally, the amount of one day cricket can become tiresome but WHVW FULFNHW LV ZRQGHUIXO Âľ Joining TMS at a relatively young age was a somewhat daunting task to undertake, as TMS is regarded as something of a commentating institution. However, Agnew went down in commentating folklore within his Ă€ UVW \HDU RI FRPPHQWDWLQJ WKDQNV to one of the greatest pieces of innuendo ever to be broadcast. The story goes that Ian Botham dislodged his bails when trying to step over his stumps and in a moment of genius Agnew said that ‘he didn’t quite get his leg over.’ This comment caused fellow commentator Brian Johnston to break into hysterics. To hear it in all its glory is a must for all sports fans - and it is reasily available on youtube. Aside from providing a magic moment it also served to launch Agnew’s career as a commentator. “People talk about the leg over thing even now. I love the fact that people enjoy laughing at that but it’s not really commentary - it was a cock up. A very funny one and it was something which launched me DV LW RFFXUUHG LQ P\ Ă€ UVW \HDU ´,W ZDV D GHĂ€ QLQJ PRPHQW LQ D way, as I was being introduced to a public who on that program aren’t very used to new voices and you don’t get much leeway - so I was OXFN\ WKDW WKDW KDSSHQHG Âľ SOUTH AFRICA
How’s that? England celebrate winning the Ashes after Graeme Swann bowls Mike Hussey
Since that moment Agnew has been everpresent on TMS and will be in South Africa for the forthcoming test series. When I ask whether South Africa
away represents a tougher challenge than Australia at home he replies, “Probably. South Africa are D YHU\ JRRG VLGH ZLWK DQ H[FHOOHQW pace attack, a good batting line up and a strong captain. “They will be hard to beat and play on pitches which are suited to WKHP DQG QRW UHDOO\ DQ\ERG\ HOVH Âľ Clearly, then, the England side face a tough winter but they should EH ZLWK D Ă€ W DJDLQ .HYLQ 3LHWHUVHQ who is one of several players who have a South African background, something Agnew sees as a problem in the England side. “Strauss and Prior were born there but in my view Trott is a South African and I think the way these players are being selected needs to be looked at because it harms county cricket. “What’s happening is they’re playing under 19’s cricket for South Africa and for the convenience of their career they’re coming over here and playing cricket for England. “I think unless it’s addressed it will cause a lot of unhappiness and SHRSOH OLNH 5RE .H\ ZLOO ORRN IRU MXVWLĂ€ FDWLRQ DV WR ZK\ SOD\HUV ZKR should be playing for a different country are picked ahead of them. “Jonathan Trott should be playing for South Africa, he’s a product of their system and I feel it’s a dangerous policy that these players are beLQJ VHOHFWHG Âľ Agnew clearly has strong views when it comes to the England cricket team and their adopted policies. He was critical over the summer of the ill fated games of football which have seen injuries occur to some players including Joe Denly. “Every time something goes wrong they say they’ll stop and then they start up again. They are competitive young sportsmen who want to ZLQ Âľ “I’d much rather see them warming up properly by practicing crickHW VNLOOV Âľ
38
Monday 26 October 2009 THE COURIER
SPORT
1HZFDVWOH IHQFHU ÀJKWV IRU (XUR JORU\ Tom James Sports Editor 6HFRQG \HDU 0DWKV DQG $FFRXQWLQJ student Jennie Tillott will be swapping her calculator for a sabre next month when she represents Britain LQ WKH XQGHU ¡V (XURSHDQ &KDPSLonships in Odensk, Denmark. Jennie goes to the championships thanks to an excellent performance at the nationals at the start of the
month where she took the bronze medal. $ IRUPHU SHQWDWKOHWH DQG FOXE OHYHO runner, Jennie took up fencing when VKH ZDV D SXSLO DW 0LOÀHOG 6FKRRO which is regarded as the best school IRU VSRUW LQ %ULWDLQ 6KH KDV IHQFHG for the last four years and has aspiUDWLRQV RI EHLQJ LQYROYHG LQ WKH 2Oympic Games in Brazil 2016. After winning three of her four ÀJKWV LQ KHU SRRO DW WKH QDWLRQDOV Jennie had a low seeding going into
the knock out stage, which meant that she had to face tough compeWLWLRQ DQG ZRXOG KDYH WR EH DW KHU best to progress to the end of the competition. 6KH ZRQ KHU ÀUVW WZR GLUHFW HOLPLQDWLRQ ÀJKWV LQFOXGLQJ D ZLQ RYHU DQ ROG WHDP PDWH EHIRUH FRPing up against the girl who had beaten her in her pool. Jennie was by far the stronger fencer this time URXQG DQG UHFRUGHG D YLFWRU\ WR SXW KHU LQWR WKH ÀQDO IRXU ZKHUH VKH
lost 15-5 to another old team mate. 7KH UHVXOW OHDYHV -HQQLH UDQNHG third in the Junior Under 20 womHQ¡V VDEUH DOORZLQJ KHU WR WDNH KHU place in the squad going to Odensk along with the three other best fencers of her age from Britain. The championships take place in the ÀUVW ZHHN RI 1RYHPEHU DQG ZLOO see Jennie take on the best fencers in (XURSH :H ZLVK KHU ZHOO DQG KRSH she manages to make her point.
Leeds defeated Men’s Fencing
Leeds 1sts Newcastle 1sts
91 134
Edward Bailey Fencing Correspondent /HHGV¡ IRUPLGDEOH ÀYH \HDU XQEHDWHQ VWUHDN DJDLQVW 1HZFDVWOH ZDV ÀQDOO\ SXW WR EHG ODVW :HGQHVday, as the away side came home ZLWK D PHPRUDEOH ZLQ RYHU WKH league champions. The match began as a tense affair, EXW JUDGXDOO\ HDUO\ QHUYHV HDVHG DQG 'DYH 0RUULV IRU 1HZFDVWOH HQGHG XS ÀQLVKLQJ IRLO ZLWK WKH ÀQDO ERXW EHLQJ WLPHG RXW 1H[W XS ZDV VDEUH IHDWXULQJ D new addition to the squad, Patrick 1DYHLQ DQG WKH\ JRW RII WR D JRRG VWDUW ZLWK 1DYHLQ WDNLQJ D VWUDLJKW 5-0 win. 6DEUH FRQWLQXHG WR LPSURYH IRU the home team as the match went RQ ZLWK (G %DLO\ ZLQQLQJ KLV ODVW two bouts 5-2, 5-2. 1HZFDVWOH WKHUHIRUH ZRQ WKH weapon 45-34. 7KH ÀQDO ZHDSRQ ZDV HSHH LQ ZKLFK FRQÀGHQFH ZDV KLJK GXH WR their continuing strength. They did not lose this burgeonLQJ UHSXWDWLRQ ZLWK :LOO (GPXQGV getting some magical hits to comSOHWH WKH DOO URXQG YLFWRU\ WR 1HZcastle 1sts. 7KH PDWFK WKHUHIRUH ÀQLVKHG WR 1HZFDVWOH D VSHFWDFXODU YLFtory that is hopefully a barometer for the rest of an all ready successful season. Man of the match was DZDUGHG WR 3DWULFN 1DYHLQ IRU DQ excellent debut.
Loko left Shelvin title plans after Close House defeat Intra Mural Football Division One
Dyslexic Untied Lokomotiv FC
4 2
Charles Scott at Close House Dyslexic continued their unbeaten start to the season last wednesday, thanks to a well-taken brace by DysOH[LF PLGÀHOGHU 'DQ 6KHOYLQ ZKLFK sent them on their way to a memoUDEOH YLFWRU\ RYHU /RNRPRWLY DW Close House. The game started at a frantic pace ZLWK 0F/RYLQ YHU\ QHDUO\ SXWWLQJ /RNR LQ IURQW DV HDUO\ DV WKH ÀUVW minute. But it was Dyslexic that broke the deadlock after neat interSOD\ IURP 0DWWKHZV DQG 6KHOYLQ 5HFHLYLQJ WKH EDOO ZLWK KLV EDFN WR goal inside the penalty area, MatWKHZV XQVHOÀVKO\ IRXQG 6KHOYLQ LQ space, who guided his shot past a VWUDQGHG 7LFNOH LQ WKH /RNR JRDO /RNR ZHUHQ¡W EHKLQG IRU ORQJ DQG equalised through Turnock (not Turncock) minutes later. A hopeful long punt forward was cushioned E\ 0F/RYLQ¡V EDFN LQWR WKH SDWK RI Turnock (not Turncock) who found the back of the net with a wonderful right foot shot from 25 yards. 6WULNHUV DW HLWKHU HQG KDG FKDQFHV WR JLYH WKHLU VLGH WKH OHDG EXW IRXQG
WKHPVHOYHV WKZDUWHG E\ WKHLU RZQ SRRU ÀQLVKLQJ /RNR¡V OHIW EDFN 5LFKDUGVRQ KDG LOlusions of grandeur as the ball was cleared out to him from a corner. He shaped to strike it goalwards with his left foot. He kneed it out for a throw. Dyslexic were looking increasingly menacing going forward and their ambitious 4-3-3 formation seemed to be working on the narrow pitch. 7KHLU SUHVVXUH ÀQDOO\ SDLG RII DQG LW ZDV WKDW PDQ 6KHOYLQ ZKR H[tended their lead from a corner. A combination of poor defending and D JUHDW FURVV IURP 6DO UHVXOWHG LQ D WKXPSLQJ KHDGHU IURP 6KHOYLQ WKDW JDYH WKH NHHSHU QR FKDQFH Minutes later it was 3-1. Matthews broke free. Tickle failed to gather his tame initial shot and was made to pay when Matthews smashed home on the second time of asking. Dyslexic were running riot and it ZDVQ¡W ORQJ EHIRUH WKH\ JUDEEHG D fourth after another goalkeeping error from Tickle. $ OLJKWQLQJ EUHDN IURP 6DO GRZQ the left wing ended with a whipped cross across the face of goal that Tickle only managed to push into WKH SDWK RI $GULDQ +H ZDV QHYHU going to miss from three yards out. +DOI WLPH FRXOGQ¡W FRPH VRRQ HQRXJK IRU /RNR $ WDFWLFDO VXEstitution was made to deal with WKH RYHUZKHOPLQJ '\VOH[LF ZLWK
Turnock (not Turncock) coming off for Deano. The referee was becoming more DQG PRUH YRFDO DV WKH JDPH SURJUHVVHG +H HYHQ DGGUHVVHG /RNR¡V 7KRPSVRQ DV œ0U &OHYHU 6KLWH¡ IROlowing a mild act of dissent from the winger. /RNR SRVHG D IDU JUHDWHU WKUHDW LQ the second half and the whole outFRPH RI WKH JDPH PLJKW KDYH EHHQ GLIIHUHQW LI %XUU KDG FRQYHUWHG D penalty early in the second half. Instead he had to watch as the Dyslexic goalkeeper Josh made a IDQWDVWLF VDYH WR KLV OHIW %XUU WKHQ had another chance to claw one back IRU /RNR RQO\ IRU KLV VKRW WR GULIW DJonisingly wide of the post. Dyslexic then had chances to extend their lead further as sub Andy slammed his shot into the side netting and Conchie saw his ambitious cross-shot strike the post. 7LFNOH PDGH D VXSHUE VDYH IURP D GLSSLQJ 6KHOYLQ YROOH\ DV KH WULHG to make amends for his earlier goalkeeping errors. Dan Parkinson tried to ignite a late /RNR FRPHEDFN ZLWK D WLG\ FOLSSHG ÀQLVK IURP WKH HGJH RI WKH ER[ WR make it 4-2. /RNR SXVKHG WKHLU ZKROH WHDP IRUward in search of more goals but to QR DYDLO DV '\VOH[LF HPHUJHG YLFWRrious.
Real thrashing for Leazes Intra Mural Football Division One
Real Politique Castle Leazes
7 3
Nathan Cornwell at Longbenton 3ROLWLTXH HPHUJHG YLFWRUV RYHU D IUXVWUDWHG /HD]HV VLGH RQ D PLVHUDEOH GD\ DW /RQJEHQWRQ Both teams seemed unperturbed by the wet conditions at kick off but no one could predict the goal fest which would follow. Two minutes into the game PoliWLTXH WRRN WKH LQLWLDWLYH ZKHQ 0DWW Jawsey produced a defence splitting pass and Marchington calmly FRQYHUWHG WKH EDOO LQWR WKH ERWWRP corner. +RZHYHU /HD]HV HTXDOLVHG minutes later through a drilled effort from the edge of the box by Jack “Crouchyâ€? Medler. The sides continued to battle well WKURXJKRXW WKH Ă€UVW KDOI DQG WKHUH were countless chances created at either end. /HD]HV IRUZDUG &ROLQ 0DQO\ FOHYerly collected and charged along the by-line before squaring the ball to the six yard box where “Crouchyâ€? doubled his tally pouncing on the opportunity. The second half started and PoliWLTXH ZHUH JLYHQ WKH RSSRUWXQLW\ WR JHW EDFN LQWR WKH PDWFK $ Ă XUU\ of good chances were squandered before Tom Griggs cut a low cross into the danger area and, after a
VFUDPEOH /XNH %XUQV VWXFN LQ WKH equaliser. 6XVWDLQHG 3ROLWLTXH SUHVVXUH forced a number of corners, from one of which Player Manager Jack *UDYHVWRFN LPSUHVVLYHO\ RXW OHDSW the keeper and bulleted his header into the net. Politique were 3-2 up. +RZHYHU RQO\ D IHZ PLQXWHV ODWHU /HD]HV SXW WKHPVHOYHV EDFN LQ FRQtention with a powerful shot from 'DYH ´9LUJLQ¾ 0F0LOODQ WR WLH WKH score at 3-3. 3ROLWLTXH WKHQ VWXQQHG /HD]HV with two goals in two minutes which sealed the match. Firstly 'DYH .QRWW VOLG WKH EDOO SDVW WKH keeper, followed by a free kick just OHIW RI WKH JRDO /XNH %XUQV RSWHG WR shoot and curled the ball low into the far corner. Politique continued on their ramSDJH ZKLFK KDG REYLRXVO\ DIIHFWHG WKH /HD]HV PRUDOH DV D PLVSODFHG SDVV IRXQG -DPHV .QRWW ZKR WLPHG his interception perfectly and raced towards goal before slotting home. The scoreline increased further when Politique won a penalty on WKH VWURNH RI IXOO WLPH 1HZ ER\ 1DW Browning lifted the ball into the top corner, completing a second half ZKLFK KDG VHHQ VHYHQ JRDOV The ten goal thriller was creditable of both teams who ignored the bad ZHDWKHU WR SXW RQ D VKRZ /HD]HV will be rueing their missed chances and will hope to be more clinical in front of goal in their next match.
THE COURIER Monday 26 October 2009
39
SPORT
Intra Mural Football Division Two
Borussia Forsythe Crayola
3 2
Ed Langford at Longbenton
Say cheese: Charley Wright and his team pose in their new strip along with their furry friend
New deal leaves hockey boys looking Prim Tom James Sports Editor 1HZFDVWOH 8QLYHUVLW\ 0HQ·V +RFNH\ &OXE ZLOO IDFH RII LQ VW\OH WKLV VHDVRQ DV SOD\HUV VSRUW D EUDQG QHZ NLW VSRQVRUHG E\ SRSXODU VTXHH]\ FKHHVH EUDQG 3ULPXOD .DYOL KDV FRPPLWWHG WR VSRQVRULQJ 1HZFDVWOH 8QLYHUVLW\ 0HQ·V +RFNH\ &OXE IRU WKH VHDVRQ 7KH IXQGV ZLOO EH SXW WR JRRG XVH
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Agrics stun champions to claim rare win Intra Mural Rugby Union Round-Up
Agrics 2nds Engines
13 7
Nicholas Fidler at Redhall Drive The Agric second string were joyous last Wednesday as they won their ÀUVW JDPH IRU \HDUV PDNLQJ FDSWDLQ -DPHV 6WDUN WKHLU PRVW VXFFHVVIXO VNLSSHU HYHU 7KH YLFWRU\ ZDV DOO WKH PRUH UHPDUNDEOH DV LW FDPH DJDLQVW ODVW \HDU·V FKDPSLRQV $W WKH VWDUW RI WKH JDPH ERWWRP RI WKH OHDJXH $JULF V KXGGOHG WRJHWKHU ZLWK DQ DLU RI RSWLPLVP DW 5HGKDOO DQG WKH NQRZOHGJH WKDW D YLFWRU\ ZDV GHVSHUDWHO\ QHHGHG WR ODXQFK WKHLU ,QWUD 0XUDO FDPSDLJQ WKLV VHDVRQ $V WKH JDPH EHJDQ WKH (QJLQHV ZDVWHG QR WLPH LQ SXVKLQJ WKH $JULFV EDFN WKURXJK HIIHFWLYH NLFNLQJ $ PLVÀUHG (QJLQH OLQH RXW VDZ WKH $JULFV EDFN ZLWK WKH EDOO EXW WKH\ VRRQ FRQFHGHG D SHQDOW\ DOORZLQJ WKH (QJLQHV WR NLFN IRU JRDO 7KH NLFN IHOO VKRUW RI WKH SRVWV EXW DQ $JULF NQRFN RQ JDYH WKH (QJLQHV D VFUXP E\ WKH $JULF WU\ OLQH $ SRZHUIXO SXVK VDZ WKH (QJLQH·V FDSWDLQ GULYH RYHU WKH OLQH WR VFRUH WKH ÀUVW SRLQWV RI WKH JDPH DQG D VXFFHVVIXO FRQYHUVLRQ ZDV DGGHG 'HVSLWH WKH HDUO\ VHW EDFN WKH $JULFV FRQWLQXHG WR PDNH LPSUHVVLYH JDLQV WKDQNV ODUJHO\ WR DJJUHVVLYH GULYLQJ IURP WKHLU QXPEHU HLJKW DQG VRRQ HQRXJK WKH\ ZHUH EDFN LQ (QJLQH WHUULWRU\ 2QFH DJDLQ WKH
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Cheeky Ladies Larrikins
28 3
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$ VHFRQG KDOI SHQDOW\ IURP &KDUOLH +ROODQGV JDYH %RUXVVLD )RUV\WKH D ZLQ RYHU DQ XQOXFN\ &UD\ROD VLGH DW 5HGKDOO 7KH ZLQQHU FDPH ZLWK PLQXWHV WR JR DQG VDZ RII D VSLULWHG ÀJKW EDFN IURP &UD\ROD ZKR KDG FRPH IURP GRZQ DW KDOI WLPH WR GUDZ OHYHO ZLWK 'LYLVLRQ ·V HDUO\ SDFH VHWWHUV 7KH JHRJUDSKHUV WXUQHG KLVWRULDQV ZLOO IHHO XQIRUWXQDWH WR FRPH DZD\ IURP WKH JDPH ZLWKRXW D UHVXOW DIWHU GRPLQDWLQJ WKH JDPH IRU ODUJH SDUWV HLWKHU VLGH RI WKH LQWHUYDO 2Q D YHU\ ZHW :HGQHVGD\ DIWHUQRRQ RQO\ D IRRO ZRXOG KDYH WXUQHG XS DW 5HGKDOO ZLWKRXW D FRDW RU XPEUHOOD EXW WKLV VROH VRDNHG VSHFWDWRU ZDV WUHDWHG WR D WKULOOLQJ HQFRXQWHU ZLWK ERWK VLGHV HDJHU IRU WKH WKUHH SRLQWV It was Forsythe who started the VWURQJHU DQG VSXUUHG RQ E\ D JULWW\ GLVSOD\ LQ PLGÀHOG IURP +DUU\ 'XQFDQ KDG HDUO\ HIIRUWV WKZDUWHG E\ ¶NHHSHU 0DUN 7KRPSVRQ 5R\ +RZHYHU FRQWLQXHG SUHVVXUH DQG WZR VWURNHV RI OXFN VDZ %RUXVVLD )RUV\WKH XS LQVLGH WKH ÀUVW PLQXWHV $QJXV ¶*RRVH· %DUWUXP VDZ KLV \DUG VWULNH GHÁHFW RII DQ XQIRUWXQDWH &UD\ROD GHIHQGHU DQG QHVWOH LQ WKH ERWWRP FRUQHU Minutes later Forsythe were celHEUDWLQJ WKHLU VHFRQG WKURXJK D IUHDN RZQ JRDO IURP FHQWHU KDOI -DPHV &DUQHJLH %URZQ 7KH GHIHQGHU GLG ZHOO WR UHDFK D SXQW GRZQ ÀHOG IURP WKH )RUV\WKH ¶NHHSHU RQO\ WR VHH LW ORRS RYHU WKH KHOSOHVV 7KRPSVRQ 5R\ 0RPHQWV ODWHU &UD\ROD IHOW WKH\ KDG SXOOHG RQH EDFN EXW +XJR 7URZHU·V H[TXLVLWH WRS FRUQHU ÀQLVK ZDV UXOHG RXW IRU RIIVLGH &UD\ROD KDG IXUWKHU FKDQFHV WR QDUURZ WKH GHÀFLW EHIRUH WKH LQWHUYDO DQG ZRXOG KDYH GRQH VR ZDV LW QRW IRU D ÀQH EORFN IURP )RUV\WKH·V )OLQW DQG DQ H[FHOOHQW WLS RYHU VDYH IURP ¶NHHSHU 0\OR 0FNHQFLH $ FKDQJH RI HQGV EURXJKW DERXW D FKDQJH LQ IRUWXQHV IRU WKH &UD\ROD DWWDFN DV WKH\ QHWWHG WZLFH LQ VHYHQ IUDQWLF PLQXWHV DIWHU WKH EUHDN DQG JDYH WKHPVHOYHV WKH HTXDOL]HU WKDW WKH\ ULFKO\ GHVHUYHG 2OOLH +ROOVWURQ·V LQFUHDVLQJO\ GRPLQDQW GLVSOD\ VDZ KLP ÀQLVK H[SHUWO\ LQWR WKH WRS FRUQHU EHIRUH D ÀUVW WLPH ÀQLVK IURP WKH &UD\RODQ OHIW ZLQJHU KDG WKH JDPH ÀQHO\ EDODQFHG DW 7KH ÀQDO KDOI KRXU RI WKH JDPH VDZ HQG WR HQG IRRWEDOO ZLWK ERWK WHDPV FDUYLQJ RXW FKDQFHV WR WDNH WKH VSRLOV 7KH EUHDNWKURXJK DQG HYHQWXDO ZLQQHU FDPH ZLWK PLQXWHV RQ WKH FORFN ZKHQ )RUV\WKH ZHUH DZDUGHG D GXELRXV SHQDOW\ IURP WKH URWXQG UHIHUHH ZKR RSWHG XQOLNH WKH EDOO WR VSHQG PRVW RI KLV WLPH LQ WKH FHQWHU FLUFOH 7KH XQLQWHQWLRQDO KDQGEDOO DJDLQVW WKH &UD\RODQ GHIHQGHU VHHPHG KDUVK EXW +ROODQGV VWHSSHG XS DQG WKH VXEVWLWXWH ¶NHHSHU FRXOG RQO\ SDUU\ WKH EDOO LQWR WKH VLGH QHWWLQJ %RUXVVLD )RUV\WKH KXQJ RQ IRU WKH ZLQ GHVSLWH D ODWH UDOO\ IURP &UD\ROD DQG SLFNHG XS WKHLU VHFRQG WKUHH SRLQWV RQ WKH VSLQ DIWHU DQ LPSUHVVLYH RSHQLQJ GD\ YLFWRU\ DJDLQVW 6H[ 3DQWKHUV $WKOHWLF &DSWDLQ *HRUJH %URPOH\ 'DYHQSRUW ZDV ÀUVW WR JLYH SUDLVH WR WKH HIIRUWV RI WKH RSSRVLWLRQ EHOLHYLQJ WKH\ SOD\HG ´YHU\ ZHOOµ EXW ZDV TXLFN WR VKRZ KLV GHOLJKW ZLWK WKH EDWWOLQJ SHUIRUPDQFH RI KLV RZQ VLGH WR UHFRYHU DIWHU FRQFHGLQJ WZR TXLFN JRDOV
40
Monday 26 October 2009 THE COURIER
SPORT
7HDP 1HZFDVWOH¡V Ă€QHVW Paul Christian, Jamie Gavin & Tom James Sports Editors $ WDOHQW Ă€OOHG URRP ORRNHG RQ DV 1HZFDVWOH 8QLYHUVLW\¡V WRS DWKOHWHV were awarded their sports scholarships and welcomed into the Elite Athletes Squad. Director of Performance Sport Colin Blackburn praised those who were awarded scholarships and said WKDW WKH ´FKDOOHQJH LV QRZ WR Ă€QLVK LQ WKH WRS WHQ RI WKH %8&6 WDEOH DV well as retaining the Stan Calvert Trophy.â€? An excited Blackburn also stressed how important it is “for those awarded scholarships to come on and improveâ€? over the course of the year. :LWK QR VSRUWV FRXUVH FXUUHQWO\ RQ RIIHU DW 1HZFDVWOH WKH 8QLYHUVLW\ has to rely on attracting high calibre sportsmen and women through its DFDGHPLF SURZHVV DV ZHOO DV WKH Ă€nancial muscle of the scholarships. Registrar Dr. John Hogan was in attendance, and he highlighted the UHODWLYH VXFFHVV WKDW WKH 8QLYHUVLW\ had achieved in sport, especially when compared to other universities that take on hundreds of athletes each year into their institution on Sport and Sports Science Courses. “The achievements of our students in sport has been astonishingâ€? said Hogan. ´:H DUH DEOH WR WDNH VRPH RI WKH best minds in the country, and take talented individuals who, in addition to their academic prowess, have a remarkable sporting ability. ´,W LV D FUHGLW WR WKH VWXGHQWV DQG the coaches and staff that we are DEOH WR Ă€QLVK LQ WKH WRS WHQ Âľ The members of the Elite Squad come from numerous different sports: from acrobatic gymnastics WR VDLOLQJ WDUJHW ULĂ H VKRRWLQJ WR American football. And they all share the common denominator of sporting excellence, along with the collective goal of producing the best possible results for their respective teams when repreVHQWLQJ 1HZFDVWOH 8QLYHUVLW\ Amongst the new recruits is freshHU 'RULDQ :DONHU D Ă€UVW \HDU PHchanical engineering student who is DQ HOLWH J\PQDVW :DONHU ZRQ *ROG medals at both the British and European Championships in 2009. This is but a glimpse at the quality required to become part of the squad. $QRWKHU QHZ PHPEHU LV Ă€UVW \HDU modern languages student Rebecca Sparling, a rower. Sparling was part
Investing in talent: the seven students who have been awarded Commercial Scholarships with their commercial sponsors
of the Great Britain Junior European team in 2008 and she will no doubt add yet more substance to NewcasWOH 8QLYHUVLW\¡V DOUHDG\ JOHDPLQJ rowing pedigree. And hoping to take the sailing team by storm will be newcomer GeorgieAkin Smith. Studying marketing and management. Akin-Smith is a member of the RYA Youth Squad and was RYA National champion in 2007. American footballer Edward Tate is on the squad this year boasting a wealth of experience and talent. Tate has played for both the Southern and Northern All Stars, and was a runner up in last year’s Brit Bowl. Clay pigeon shooter Rory Gibson DOVR MRLQV ZLWK DQ LPSUHVVLYH &9 named as Scottish Schools champion on three separate occasions. 7KHVH DUH MXVW D IHZ H[DPSOHV RI the prospects within the twenty strong Elite Squad, who are under the guidance of performance sport manager Fraser Kennedy. ´:H DUH KHUH WR HQVXUH WKH\ KDYH every opportunity and all the support required to succeed at their sport and to be the best they can be,� said Kennedy. ´:LWK WKLV VXSSRUW LW LV KRSHG WKDW PDQ\ ZLOO JDLQ YDOXDEOH %8&6
points for Team Newcastle and go RQ WR EHFRPH 1DWLRQDO DQG ,QWHUQDtional athletes. ´, WKDQN WKH FRPPHUFLDO VSRQVRUV for their continued support to the DWKOHWHV DV ZHOO DV 6HQLRU 0DQDJHPHQW ZLWKLQ WKH 8QLYHUVLW\ ¾ There were 65 applicants for the Elite Squad and the chosen few can also expect strength and conditioning support from Julie Twaddle, who works for the English institute of sport, as well as nutritional advice and contact with sports psychologists and physios. And although Team Newcastle stayed at 10th last campaign, they will no doubt look to those in the (OLWH 6TXDG WR KHOS WKH 8QLYHUVLW\ to perhaps make inroads into the top ten this time around, hopefully surpassing the likes of Oxford and Cambridge, who narrowly edged in front last season. As well as the Elite Athlete squad, VHYHQ ÀUVW \HDU VWXGHQWV ZHUH awarded Recruitment Scholarships EDFN LQ 0D\ WR DWWUDFW WKHP WR 1HZcastle. There were also 22 Performance Scholarships given to the very best 1HZFDVWOH 8QLYHUVLW\ VSRUW KDV WR offer. Recipients of these accolades in-
L. SCOTT-ROBINSON
FOXGH EDGPLQWRQ SOD\HU :LOOLDP Smith, who was awarded the ‘Just Sport’ Sports Scholarship after being named as the world number 11 in singles and world number 23 in doubles. 7KUHH WLPHV %86$ FKDPSLRQ 0Dson Durant was again awarded the 6LU 5REHUW 0F$OSLQH 6SRUWV 6FKRODUship. He secured his status of one of Newcastle’s top athletes after leadLQJ WKH URZLQJ WHDP WR WKH :RUOG 8QLYHUVLW\ &KDPSLRQVKLSV DQG :RUOG XQGHU &KDPSLRQVKLSV LQ DQG WKH 8QLYHUVLW\ ZLOO EH EXoyed by his decision to do stay on to VWXG\ WRZDUGV D 0DVWHUV GHJUHH 7KH 5HHYHV ,QGHSHQGHQW 6SRUWV Scholarship was retained by RosanQD ,QQHV IRU KHU RXWVWDQGLQJ KRFNH\ FUHGHQWLDOV 1RZ D IRXUWK \HDU 0HGical student, she managed to make the Scotland senior national squad for this season despite an increasing workload. 6R WKH 8QLYHUVLW\ ZLOO ORRN IRU its elite squad and scholars to pay Team Newcastle back in the currency of performances and ultimately %8&6 SRLQWV And with Stan Calvert a glimpse RQ WKH KRUL]RQ DQG %8&6 DOUHDG\ underway, it will soon be time for WKH 1HZFDVWOH¡V Ă€QHVW WR VKLQH
&KDPSLRQV PDLQWDLQ ZLQQLQJ VWDUW Intra Mural Football Division One
Garnett Barca-Law-Na
2 0
Paul Christian at Heaton Two second-half goals made it three on the trot for Garnett as Barca slumped to their third defeat of the season. 7KH VFRUH OLQH UDUHO\ UHĂ HFWV WKH PDWFK LQ WKH WRSĂ LJKW RI ,QWUD 0XUDO football. Today was no different; it could easily have been 1-1. ,W ZDV D EDWWOH RI ZLWV IRU WKH PRVW part - Barca intricate in possession; Garnett penetrative in attack. Reputation preceded each team,
triggering a cagey opening ten in which they sized each other up. The ÀUVW SXQFK ZDV WKURZQ D PLQXWH ODWHU /LWHUDOO\ $ VFXIà H HPHUJHG between two players and the game exploded into life. ,W ZDV KDQGEDJV UHDOO\ EXW breathed new life after a static start. Barca reacted quicker and began to dictate possession. 0RUULV ORRNHG EULJKW RQ WKH OHIW wing and was inches away when he À]]HG RQH SDVW WKH SRVW 0RVV WULHG to make use of the slick surface, shooting from range when given a glimpse. The Garnett keeper was untroubled. For all their dominance, it’s hard to remember a clear cut chance for the lawmen. A creative spark in the ÀQDO WKLUG HOXGHG WKHP Garnett meanwhile defended
soundly, biding their time for an opportune moment. Esdon was reliable as ever, discharging that trademark grunt with each headed clearance. Apparently its soothing reverberaWLRQV FDQ EH KHDUG DW ,0 JURXQGV DOO over Newcastle. Like a mating call. The second half saw no change in tempo. Barca applied the pressure; Garnett soaked it up. Fairmichael’s low-key distribution quietly gave EDODQFH WR WKH *DUQHWW PLGÀHOG DQG the tide began to turn. Not long after the restart, the holders opened the scoring. Some good link-up play from Patel and Rishi Dhand down the right hand side FXOPLQDWHG ZLWK D ÀQH FURVV IURP Dhand, converted by Jones. Should the keeper have saved it? Probably. Barca refused to give in. A super VWULNH IURP 0RVV IRUFHG D VWURQJ
save from the Garnett keeper – who was outstanding all day. Two successive last ditch blocks from Garnett centre half Pearson epitomised his performance and quelled Barca’s resurgence. Barca still poured forward, but Garnett sensed a winner. And what a winner it was. Kilvington broke forward, resisted the temptation to shoot and played it smartly to Craig. &UDLJ VZLWFKHG LW ÀUVW WLPH WR 0RUUDQW 0RUUDQW ZDV FOLQLFDO ,W ZDV UHPLQLVFHQW RI 8QLWHG against Arsenal last year in Europe. Except much slower and worse. A great move nonetheless and a nice ÀQLVK WR WKH JDPH Garnett have climbed another step LQ WKHLU TXHVW IRU EDFN WR EDFN ,0 WLtles. Barca need a result quickly to dismiss the tag of nearly men.
Intra Mural Football Division Three
AFC Hydro Pink Panthers
3 2
Colin Henrys at Longbenton ,Q D PDWFK RYHUVKDGRZHG E\ VRPH very poor refereeing, AFC Hydro narrowly managed to defeat Pink Panthers at Longbenton. Both sides must have been thankful to have been drawn to play on the 3G pitch, as the all-weather surface withheld a steady autumnal rain allowing an open game of football. ,W ZDV WKH 0HGLFV ZKR VFRUHG Ă€UVW DIWHU MXVW WKUHH PLQXWHV ZLWK some direct football. A long clearance from the Hydro goalkeeper caused a mix-up between the Panthers’ centre-backs and Chris Holt burst through to score. Panthers replied almost immeGLDWHO\ DV &UDLJ 0XQG\ EURNH through the defence and coolly slotted home through the keeper’s legs to equalise. 8QIRUWXQDWHO\ WKRXJK WKH UHIHUHH ZDV DOUHDG\ EHJLQQLQJ WR LQĂ XHQFH proceedings, twice over-ruling the linesman’s goal-kick signal to award dubious corners to Hydro. The second of these forced a good diving save from the Panthers’ keeper low to his right-hand side. The referee was in the thick of WKH DFWLRQ MXVW PRPHQWV ODWHU WRR as he blocked a goal-bound Hydro effort with his right foot but they soon threatened again as Holt was played in by Tariq Sulieman. The big striker lobbed the onrushing goalkeeper but his goal-bound effort was cleared off the line. Sulieman continued to pose a threat on the left-wing, and a good individual run brought another Hydro chance, only for him to selfishly shoot wide with his teammates lined up on the back post. He made amends shortly afterwards though, as a good ball this WLPH IRXQG 0DWW :ULJKW ZKRVH GHĂ HFWHG FURVV ZDV FKHVWHG LQ E\ +ROW WR UHVWRUH WKH 0HGLFV¡ OHDG The Panthers’ tenacious Alex 'XNH ERVVHG WKH PLGĂ€HOG EXW +\dro continued to dominate and it ZDV QR UHDO VXUSULVH ZKHQ :ULJKW Ă€QLVKHG DW WKH EDFN SRVW IURP D Sulieman corner to make it 3-1. Far from killing the Panthers off however, the goal seemed to revitalise them and Duke and Harry Hibbert combined well to win a corner. Harry Chapman took full advantage when the Hydro defence failed to clear it, scoring with a half-volley. Panthers pressed hard for an HTXDOLVHU DQG Ă€QLVKHG WKH KDOI camped at Hydro’s end but the half-time whistle curtailed their resurgence and Hydro took a 3-2 lead into the break. 8QIRUWXQDWHO\ WKRVH ZKR KDG hoped for a similarly entertaining second half were to be left disappointed. The substitution of Duke removed the bite in the Panthers’ PLGĂ€HOG DQG D QXPEHU RI GXELRXV refereeing decisions went against them which further prevented a continuation of their strong end to WKH Ă€UVW KDOI The Panthers were lucky not to concede a penalty after a trip on 6XOLHPDQ EXW ZLWK WKH PDMRULW\ RI decisions going Hydro’s way, their frustration began to show and two players were booked for dissent. The reintroduction of Duke did lead to several late Panthers’ attacks and twice they had shots cleared off the line from corners. But AFC Hydro hung on to claim a hard-earned victory. The Panthers were clear in who they blamed for their defeat though, questioning why they still had to pay the referee following his ‘shocking performance’.
THE COURIER Monday 26 October 2009
41
BUCS
SPORT
Heroic Royals undone by last gasp Poly A. BARKER
Kathryn Jones Netball Correspondent
Northumbria 1sts Newcastle 1sts
36 35
/DVW ZHHN WKH ÀUVWV DQG VHFRQGV JRW off to a solid start, both winning their opening matches of the season. This week, they had to build upon this, both teams playing potentially PRUH GLIÀFXOW RSSRQHQWV DZD\ IURP home, and the thirds and fourths had to try and follow suit to win WKHLU ÀUVW PDWFKHV After a good start against the newly promoted Leeds last week, the ÀUVW WHDP ZHUH LQ DFWLRQ DZD\ WR Northumbria and looking to build on their success. Well established as contenders for the title in the premiership, the Poly were always going to be a tough match, but the girls were up for it. Pumped and playing together brilliantly, the whole match was end-toend: goal for us, goal for them. It was nail-biting stuff. Stunning, brutal defence from GK Rochelle Quigley and great shooting from player of the match Ashleigh Stamp, meant that at one point the Newcastle girls led by four goals in the third quarter. Alas, the Poly pulled it back - and WKH ÀQDO TXDUWHU KDG HYHU\ VLQJOH spectator on the edge of their seats. So close to beating, or even drawing with the poly, could they hold on? It came down to the last minute of the game. The scores even, a fumbled pass and a Northumbria goal led to a cruel defeat for the Royals . A single goal in it, the Newcastle girls were left devastated and went down narrowly 36-35. But they can be proud of their performance against a team that was expected to win easily. A truly magQLÀFHQW SHUIRUPDQFH IURP WKH JLUOV
6KHIĂ€HOG QGV Newcastle 2nds
21 48
After a two and a half hour journey, the seconds arrived ready and raring to go against what seemed to be DQ DOO QHZ 6KHIĂ€HOG +DOODP VHFRQG team. After some tough matches against this opposition last season the squad
weren’t sure what to expect. Throughout the whole game the seconds were calm and collected, dictating the pace of the game, and never behind. After some dispute about the scores, it was 9-5 at quarter-time, a lead that the girls looked to capitalise upon. With some fantastic shooting from Anna Dickinson and player of the match, Fiona Brunt, this lead was extended to 21-13 at half-time. An astounding third quarter saw the Hallam team unable to penetrate the solid defensive unit of Sally Burden and Sassa Hamilton and the lead turned to an unassailable 35-13. <HW PRUH FRRO VKRRWLQJ DQG à \LQJ interceptions all over the court resulted in the seconds winning 48-21.
A much better start than last season from a team showing a lot of promise.
Newcastle 3rds Teesside 1sts
25 47
The thirds were in action against 7HHVVLGH ÀUVWV DQG ZLWK FRQÀGHQFH oozing from the squad after their easy promotion last season the girls went into the game with heads held high and started well. Unfortunately Teesside matched this and were ahead at the end of WKH ÀUVW TXDUWHU DQG GHVSLWH VRPH strong defence, by half-time this lead had increased. However after some classy netball from the New-
Moore of the same from NURL 5XJE\ /HDJXH
Liverpool JM 1sts Newcastle 1sts
16 26
John Kingswood The mighty NURL machine was on the road again in their search for Premier North domination. This time their destination was the European capital of grit: Liverpool. NURL were slow out of the blocks, giving away possession deep in their own half due to offensive handling errors courtesy of Jimmy “Doyle� Phillips. John Moore’s were quick to react, crashing over the try line minutes later to put NURL behind. After some stern words from captain Mikey Wardrobe, NURL began to play with the aggression and assertiveness for which they are renowned. NURL opener came from the likely hero, birthday boy Sam Boyd, col-
lecting the ball and sprinting 60 metres to the line and under the post to put NURL level. Again careless handling errors from the restart forced the University’s most successful club to defend Ă€HUFH ZDYHV RI DWWDFN IURP WKH GHlinquent John Moore’s pack. NURL absorbed all this pressure and converted it into attack with some slick handling from Liam McGee and pristine lines of running to see Kev Davey dive over the whitewash in the corner to give Newcastle the lead. The half-time whistle was music to 185/¡V HDUV DV WKH\ FRXOG Ă€QDOO\ UHhydrate and collect their thoughts. Newcastle was forced to make some squad alterations with an ankle injury to the “Wee Generalâ€? Rishi Sumra. NURL did not fear, as they had the stunning Steve Moorcroft in their armoury, indeed the gargantuan loose IRUZDUG SXW RQ D Ă€QH GLVSOD\ LQ front of his father – Rylands Sharks’
legend – Henry Moorcroft. The John Moore’s storm was weathered well in the second half, allowing NURL to play some great attacking rugby, resulting in massive Ian McFear scoring under the posts. The persistent John Moore’s refused to be shut out of the game and came back, ever ferocious at NURL, IRUFLQJ WKH Ă€QHVW UXJE\ OHDJXH squad in Newcastle to defend several attacking sets on their try line. David “Fortâ€? Knox refused to concede any tries though. NURL wrapped up the game with a well worked try from the familiar face of Sam Boyd scoring once again. Three conversions throughout the match by Rob C Grieves gave NURL the hard fought victory. Newcastle Rugby League celebrated long into the night before focusing their minds on rugby once again as they prepare to take on Leeds Met LQ WKHLU Ă€UVW KRPH Ă€[WXUH
castle team, especially Rebecca Meldrum (player of the match), and some dirty tactics from the opposing team, Newcastle came away ZLWK WKH ÀUVW ORVV RI WKH 1HZFDVWOH netball campaign – 47-25. With plenty of positives to draw on, hopefully next week will see WKHLU ÀUVW ZLQ RI WKH QHZ VHDVRQ
Newcastle 4ths York St Johns 2nds
44 22
The fourth team opened their season with a home game against York St. John seconds. Having been promoted last season the girls went into the game blind, knowing nothing about their oppo-
nents. After a brilliant start there was no slacking or complacency as they found themselves ahead by 14 goals at the half-time marker. Freshers Katie Marron, Rhiannon Desmond and Christie Burns all showed their worth, helping the team extend their lead to a fantastic 35-13 by the end of the third quarter. With the game in the bag the fourths eased off the gas and York managed to close the gap to 44-22, but it was a brilliant win for the newly-promoted team and their player of the match Anna Rosenberg.
%8&6 Âż[WXUHV FDQFHOOHG DIWHU 6SRUWV &HQWUH ZDOO FUXPEOHV A collapsed wall at the Sports Hall SXW D KDOW WR WZR %8&6 Ă€[WXUHV ODVW Wednesday. Women’s Basketball and Netball were both cancelled as scattered bricks obstructed the court. The problem emerged the previous Friday after a Men’s Basketball training session, when it appeared that the folding frame was hauling bricks from the wall. “In effect, the frame was coming down and it was dragging the wall down with it,â€? said Nick Beale, Facilities Service Manager at the Sports Centre. The new frame was installed at the start of September by the University States Department and it seems that Sports Centre staff have been misinformed about its security: “They gave us the okay at the start of the year that the wall would hold,â€? Beale stated. “Six weeks on it’s started to fall down already.â€?
To repair the damage, part of the wall has been taken down so the EDVNHWEDOO ULJ FDQ EH À[HG LQWR WKH steel work behind it. All team sports that require full use of the court have been cancelled until Tuesday. 7KLV LQFOXGHV ,QWUD 0XUDO ÀYH D side matches as well as the aforePHQWLRQHG %8&6 À[WXUHV +RZever plans are already in motion to replay both BUCS matches at the earliest date possible.
42
SPORT
Monday 26 October 2009 THE COURIER
Rugby
Newcastle crush Trent at rain soaked Cochrane Men’s Rugby Union
Newcastle 1sts 28 Nottingham Trent 1sts 8 Jonathon Taylor at Cochrane 1HZFDVWOH 0HQ¡V VW WHDP VHFXUHG WKHLU ÀUVW ZLQ RI WKH %8&6 VHDVRQ last week, comfortably beating QHZO\ SURPRWHG 1RWWLQJKDP 7UHQW Despite encouraging yet ultimately winless performances in the last WZR À[WXUHV DJDLQVW /HHGV 0HW DQG Loughborough, the Royals will be delighted to have maintained a high standard of performance, as well as managing to take the points and RSHQ WKHLU %8&6 DFFRXQW The wet conditions at Cochrane Park appeared ominous, and boded for an error-prone match. However, notable excellent performances by back-row Shaun English and man of the match Dave Smith ensured the Royals dominated the game from VWDUW WR ÀQLVK UXQQLQJ LQ IRXU LPpressive tries. 1HZFDVWOH EHJDQ WKH PDWFK GRPLnantly, with the forward pack immediately proving too powerful for WKHLU 1RWWLQJKDP FRXQWHUSDUWV :LWK
only three minutes on the clock, the hosts outmuscled the Trent scrum E\ WXUQLQJ LW D IXOO GHJUHHV DQG came close to taking the lead from Adam Armstrong’s ambitious drop goal from half-way. Armstrong however made amends IRU KLV SUHYLRXV PLVV ÀYH PLQXWHV ODWHU VXFFHVVIXOO\ ÀULQJ WKH KRVWV LQWR D OHDG DIWHU 1RWWLQJKDP were found guilty of handling in the ruck. This was soon followed by the opening try of the game: after good work from Shaun English, winger Dave Smith collected the ball on the OHIW ZLQJ DQG DIWHU H[HFXWLQJ D ÀQH grubber kick towards the try-line, chased and collected the ball, sending the Royals into a commanding OHDG 1HZFDVWOH ZHUH VKRZLQJ JUHDW FRQÀGHQFH GXULQJ WKH ÀUVW KDOI WKH forward pack were successfully reF\FOLQJ TXLFN DQG FOHDQ EDOO WR WKHLU EDFNOLQH DOORZLQJ à \ KDOI (G <DUQton to dictate the pace of play with ease. :LWK RQO\ ÀYH PLQXWHV UHPDLQLQJ LQ WKH ÀUVW KDOI WKH 5R\DOV IXUWKHU increased their lead with a try out of the top drawer. After centre Mike %ODFN VWROH WKH EDOO IURP WKH 1RWWLQJKDP PLGÀHOG WKH KRVWV VSUD\HG the ball wide, where clinical winger
Dave Smith gratefully accepted his second try of the game, beating two defenders before touching down in the corner. 1HZFDVWOH ZHQW LQ WR WKH LQWHUYDO with a comfortable 13-0 lead, but ZHUH IRUFHG WR ÀQLVK WKH ÀUVW KDOI with 14 men, after lively back-row Shaun English was sent to the bin for killing the ball. This moment of indiscipline however proved to be the only tarnish to a hugely impresVLYH ÀUVW KDOI E\ WKH 5R\DOV The hosts began the second period complacently, and found themselves GHHS LQVLGH WKHLU RZQ IRU WKH ÀUVW ten minutes of the half. After intense SUHVVXUH E\ WKH 1RWWLQJKDP SDFN 1HZFDVWOH ZHUH DJDLQ SXQLVKHG for their indiscipline by the referee, ZLWK WKH YLVLWLQJ à \ KDOI FRQYHUWLQJ a simple penalty straight in front of the posts. This appeared to revitalise the RoyDOV KRZHYHU ZKR TXLFNO\ UHFRYHUHG WKHLU ÀUVW KDOI GRPLQDQFH XS IURQW $IWHU à \ KDOI (G <DUQWRQ RQFH DJDLQ ZDV IHG TXLFNO\ UHF\FOHG EDOO E\ KLV WLJKW ÀYH 1RWWLQJKDP ZHUH SHQDOised themselves for killing the ballallowing Adam Armstrong to reinstall the hosts’ 13 point advantage. By mid-way through the second period, the result was never in doubt. Due to their dominance at
Premier points: Royals off the mark after victory at Cochrane Park
the break-down, any pressure that was exerted upon the Royals by the YLVLWRUV ZDV OLIWHG ZLWK D TXLFN Ă XUry of penalties continuously allowLQJ $UPVWURQJ WR NHHS 1HZFDVWOH deep in the opponents half. The pace of the Royal’s backline was frightening, and the visitors soon appeared ‘out on their feet’. After good work in the contact area by stand-in captain Harrison PickHUYDQFH 1HZFDVWOH VFRUHG WKH WKLUG WU\ RI WKH PDWFK ZLWK (G <DUQWRQ performing a miss pass to industrious full-back Armstrong, who darted into the corner, much to the delight of the Cochrane Park faithful. ,I RIIHUHG D VFRUHOLQH EHIRUH the game, the hosts would have been GHOLJKWHG +RZHYHU 1HZFDVWOH GLG not appear to settle with the current scoreline, and persisted in supplyLQJ TXLFN EDOO WR WKH EDFNV ZKR LQ WXUQ UHSHDWHGO\ GLVVHFWHG WKH 1RWtingham defence at will. The fourth try for the Royals will
S.OAKES
have delighted the management team- after a strong lineout, the 1HZFDVWOH IRUZDUGV VHW XS D GULYing maul which effortlessly crossed WKH 1RWWLQJKDP WU\ OLQH ZLWK 6KDXQ English capping an excellent performance with a try. Despite a late consolation try for the visitors, the relief on the faces of the Royals at full-time was clear to see. After an outstanding team SHUIRUPDQFH 1HZFDVWOH 0HQ¡V VWV KDG Ă€QDOO\ UHFRUGHG WKHLU Ă€UVW ZLQ of the season, and have certainly set the benchmark for performances in the upcoming weeks. Captain Harrison Pickervance said after the game, ‘after two close defeats in the last two weeks it was very important we got the win. The boys really stepped up today, with David Smith and Tom Drummond playing exceptionally well.’
0DQFKHVWHU OHDYH VRUU\ VHFRQGV LQ VHDUFK RI ÀUVW %8&6 ZLQ Men’s Rugby Union
Newcastle 2nds Manchester 1sts
6 13
Robert Logan at Cochrane Park The Royals slumped to their third consecutive defeat on Wednesday as they were defeated 6-13 by Manchester 1st’s on a frustrating day at Cochrane Park. Similar to the match last week, the Royals were slow off the mark and allowed Manchester onto the front IRRW ZLWKLQ WKH ÀUVW PLQXWHV 1HZcastle’s defence looked more than capable of subduing the onslaught and were eased of the early pressure by a steal from Tom Bull. However, pressure continued to
mount on the defence and an impaWLHQW 1HZFDVWOH IURQW OLQH ZHUH LPpeded for having hands in the ruck, allowing Manchester a simple conversion kick to take the lead within 10 minutes. It seemed that going behind affected the team in a positive way as they began to form constructive moves within Manchester’s half. A steal from Andrew Binner on the OHIW à DQN DOORZHG 1HZFDVWOH¡V EDFNV to test the Manchester defence for WKH ÀUVW WLPH DQG VRPH ORYHO\ TXLFN KDQGV IURP 1HLO 5RZDUN DOPRVW OHG to the breakthrough. The constructive nature of the Royal’s play continued with a darting run by Tristan Corpe, who averted several tackles before being brought down, which created an opportunity for Andrew Binner. After kicking the ball past the try-line he was
brought down recklessly and was awarded a penalty kick. However, this controversial decision, which could have been given as a penalty WU\ PD\ KDYH EHHQ D VLJQLÀFDQW turning point in the match. From the penalty kick and resulting line-out, a penalty was awarded XQGHUQHDWK WKH VWLFNV WR 1HZFDVWOH for a break-down in the scrum. The SHQDOW\ ZDV FRQYHUWHG E\ à \ KDOI Dave Lesley to deservedly make it LQ WKH ÀUVW PLQXWHV The Royals had the chance to take the lead shortly after, when Manchester gave away another penalty. However, from the tight angle Lesley was unable to convert leaving WKH WHDPV¡ OHYHO JRLQJ LQ WR WKH ÀQDO 10 minutes of the half. 1HZFDVWOH FRXOG EH DFFXVHG RI VLWting back after their mid-half push, as Manchester were allowed back
in to the game. A lapse of concenWUDWLRQ IURP 1HZFDVWOH¡V GHIHQFH DOORZHG 0DQFKHVWHU¡V à \ KDOI URRP to manoeuvre and feed their inside centre for a simple try, which was then followed by a conversion, leaving the Royals trailing 3-10 at half time. The try on the brink of half time seemed to give the away team a psychological advantage as they continued to press at the start of the second half. An important tackle from Tristan Corpe prevented the Royals from slipping further behind. :LWKLQ PLQXWHV RI WKH UH VWDUW came the introduction of Stu RobinVRQ DW à \ KDOI ZKR PDGH DQ LPSUHVsionable entrance kicking a drop goal from the twenty-two metre line making it 6-10. However, from the re-start Manchester were awarded a SHQDOW\ DV D 1HZFDVWOH SOD\HU IDLOHG
Ambulance drama as Medics game abandoned Intra Mural Rugby Union
Medics Southern Faries
A A
Dominic Pollard at Close House This match between the Medics and Southern Fairies showed promise of being an entertaining and closely fought affair. However after the Southern Fairies player Jack Campbell suffered a broNHQ DQNOH PLG ZD\ WKURXJK WKH ÀUVW half, the match was abandoned. When observing the two teams during the warm up, the Southern Fairies appeared to be the more proIHVVLRQDO RXWÀW They appeared highly focused in their brand new kits as the start of the match approached on a miserable, grey and wet day at Close
House. However, when the match began it was the Medics who made the far more convincing start, as they pressured their opponents from the kick off but were unable to capitalise on their early pressure and territory. It was a break by centre Matt Waugh that gave the Southern Fairies their only real spell of possession in opposition territory. And the Southern Fairies took advantage of their early trip into opposition territory. 7KH ÀUVW DQG XOWLPDWHO\ RQO\ points of the match were scored by WKH ERRW RI WKH 6RXWKHUQ )DLULHV à \ KDOI 0LNH 8OZRUWK This came about as the result of a late tackle off the ball for which the Southern Fairies were awarded the penalty that allowed them to take a 3-0 lead. Having gone behind, the Medics once again enjoyed a threatening
period of possession. After several SKDVHV RI SOD\ LQ WKHLU RSSRQHQWV they were denied a try in the corner by an excellent try saving tackle into touch by the Southern Fairies player Sain-Ley-Berry-Gray. It was after this incident, around PLQXWHV LQWR WKH PDWFK WKDW WKH injury that was to bring an end to the game was sustained. An awkward attempted tackle by Jack Campbell left his foot pointing in the wrong direction as his ankle was broken in what must be GHVFULEHG DV D WUXO\ KRUULĂ€F LQMXU\ an injury similar to that suffered by footballer Eduardo last season. An ambulance was promptly called for, but it was over half an hour until any medical aid came. Even then they were still unable to move the player until a proper ambulance arrived, and as such Jack Campbell laid unmovable on the pitch for well over an hour before being stretch-
ered into the ambulance. As the player could not be moved it became clear that game could not restart and thus was abandoned. The two sides proceeded to have a drop goal contest with only bragging rights at stake, the medics won LW The match had been shaping up to be a very entertaining affair, but ultimately and rightly the rugby took a back seat to the welfare of Jack Campbell who one can only hope is able to make a full and speedy recovery. 6SHDNLQJ WR WKH PDWFK RIĂ€FLDO DIter the incident, he stated that Jack had handled the very serious injury extremely well, even saying he had been joking about the state of injury while awaiting medical attention on the pitch. The referee went on to say that the match would be rescheduled, most likely for next week.
to roll away in the ruck, allowing their opponents an easy conversion kick which was duly accepted takLQJ WKH GHĂ€FLW EDFN WR 1HZFDVWOH ZHUH XQDEOH WR FRPH back from this and played out the remainder of the second half with little attacking conviction. ManchesWHU JUHZ LQ FRQĂ€GHQFH DQG ZHUH aided by two long breaks in play for injuries and the deteriorating weather conditions, which helped slow down the match and fragment the Royals attacks. The frustration of losing a tightly contested match was echoed by Coach Tom Wilkinson’s words at the end. He summarised the game as “a good performance up front but PDVVLYHO\ GLVDSSRLQWLQJÂľ 7KH QG¡V will now have to regroup in preparation for a tough match against Birmingham 1st’s next week.
,175$ 085$/ 5(68/76 )227%$// 'LYLVRQ /RNRPRWLY '\VOH[LF 8QLWHG %DUFD /DZ 1D *DUQHWW 5HDO 3ROLWLTXH &DVWOH /HD]HV 'LYLVLRQ 6H[ 3DQWKHUV $WKOHWLF (FRVRFFHU %RUXVVLD )RUV\WKH &UD\ROD 'LYLVRQ 3ROLWLF 7KLVWOH ,QWHU &LW\ 2O\PSLF 0D\RQQDLVH )& %DSSDJH $)& +\GUR 3LQN Panthers 'LYLVLRQ 7XE %R\V )UHH PDQV 5 8 6KDYLQJ D /DXJK +DSS\ )HHW 58*%< 81,21 0HGLFV Y 6RXWKHUQ )DLULHV 0DWFK $EDQGRQHG &KHHN\ /DGLHV /DUULNLQV $JULF QGV (QJLQHV
THE COURIER Monday 26 October 2009
43
Football
SPORT
Royals Thack on track
Seconds bounce back to secure vital win at Durham
! 7KDFNZUD\¡V JRDO helps Newcastle to a point at Teesside
Durham 2nds Newcastle 2nds
1 1
Jamie Gavin Sports Editor Newcastle will rue a catalogue of PLVVHG FKDQFHV DIWHU FRPLQJ DZD\ ZLWK MXVW D SRLQW LQ D JDPH WKH\ dominated at Teesside. 7KH 5R\DOV ZHUH GLVDSSRLQWHG ZLWK WKH GUDZ EXW ZLOO WDNH KHDUW IURP D SHUIRUPDQFH WKDW ZDV D ZRUOG DZD\ IURP WKHLU RSHQLQJ GD\ GHIHDW WR 6KHIÀHOG 7HHVVLGH EDUHO\ WKUHDWHQHG RQ KRPH VRLO DQG WKH DZD\ VLGH WRRN the game to their hosts throughout. $IWHU WDNLQJ DQ HDUO\ OHDG WKURXJK WKH LPSUHVVLYH 5RE 7KDFNZUD\ WKH 5R\DOV VTXDQGHUHG D QXPEHU of chances in the minutes that folORZHG DQG DIWHU 7HHVVLGH OHYHOOHG DJDLQVW WKH UXQ RI SOD\ IURP D FRUQHU RQ WKH KDOI KRXU PDUN WKH DZD\ VLGH IDLOHG WR ÀQG D ZLQQLQJ JRDO 7KDFNZUD\ ZDV LQ IRU *DUHWK 3LFNXS LQ PLGÀHOG ZKR ZDV WDNHQ LOO RQ the morning of the game. And he exFHOOHG LQ KLV UROH VKRZLQJ VWUHQJWK DQG WHQDFLW\ WKURXJKRXW He opened the scoring on seven minutes. A free kick was pumped IRUZDUG E\ FHQWUH EDFN $QGUHZ +DUWOH\ DQG WKH WRZHULQJ ÀJXUH RI fellow defender Ben Lenders was on hand to meet the ball. ,W ZDV SDUWLDOO\ FOHDUHG E\ D 7HHVVLGH KHDG EHIRUH /XNH +DPPHWW¡V FXVKLRQHG KHDGHU IRXQG 7KDFNZUD\ in space in the area and he controlOHG ZHOO EHIRUH ÀULQJ KRPH IURP WHQ \DUGV ,Q WKH SHULRG WKDW IROORZHG 1HZFDVWOH ZLWK WKHLU WDLOV XS SOD\HG VRPH ÀQH IRRWEDOO RQ D JUHDV\ ORQJ surface in the rain. 7KH\ IRUFHG D FRUQHU DIWHU DQ DWWDFN GRZQ WKH ULJKW DQG ZLQJHU 0DUWLQ +LOO VZXQJ WKH EDOO LQ $JDLQ D 7HHVside clearance was incomplete and WKH EDOO IHOO DW WKH IHHW RI +LOO ZKR was allowed to cross once more. 7KH EDOO IRXQG LWV ZD\ WR /HQGHUV and the defender was one-on-one with the goalkeeper as the home side appealed for offside.
'HOD GHOLJKW 1HZFDVWOHÂśV :LOO 'HOHGLTF ZDV LQ ÂżQH IRUP LQ WKH QGV YLFWRU\ DW 'XUKDP
/HQGHUV ZLWK MXVW WKH ÂśNHHSHU WR EHDW RSWHG WR VTXDUH WKH EDOO DQG KH VXUSULVHG HYHU\RQH LQFOXGLQJ D VWDUWOHG (G 7L]]DUG ZKR VFXIIHG KLV effort wide with the goal gaping. Had the defender been more selfLVK WKH 5R\DOV PD\ ZHOO KDYH GRXbled their lead. %XW WKH\ ZHUH OHIW WR FXUVH WKH PLVVHG RSSRUWXQLW\ DQG WKHLU VSHOO of constant pressure in the opening half hour - after Teesside drew level on 31 minutes. A rare attack from the home side OHG WR D FRUQHU DQG LW ZDV VZXQJ LQ EHDXWLIXOO\ IURP WKH ULJKW KDQG VLGH A Teesside defender rose majesticalO\ WRZHULQJ DERYH +DUWOH\ WR VHQG a powerful header in to the back of the net from close range. 7KH 5R\DOV ZHUH VKHOO VKRFNHG DQG were relieved when the half-time whistle allowed them to regroup. The goal had put them on the back IRRW DQG WKH\ PRPHQWDULO\ ORVW WKHLU ZD\ ZLWK 7HHVVLGH HQMR\LQJ their best spell of the game. %XW SDWWHUQ ZDV QRW WR FRQWLQXH DV Newcastle pressed once more in the second half. Wave after wave of attacks from WKH 5R\DOV VDZ WKHP RYHU UXQ 7HHVVLGH DQG WKHLU EHVW FKDQFH DUULYHG
after a surging forward run from +DUWOH\ $ +LOO FURVV IURP WKH ULJKW IRXQG 7KDFNZUD\ LQ VSDFH DQG KLV FRRO KHDGHU ZDV GLUHFWHG SHUIHFWO\ in to the path of the Newcastle defender. +RZHYHU +DUWOH\¡V FRPSRVXUH GHVHUWHG KLP DQG KH VFXIIHG KLV VKRW IURP HLJKW \DUGV ZKHQ LW VHHPHG certain he would score. The game seemed to culminate LQ WKLV PRPHQW DQG LW SDVVHG DV SURPSWO\ DV LW DUULYHG %XW WKH 5R\DOV ZHUH QRW WR EH SXW RII DQG WKH\ FRQWLQXHG WR SLOH WKH pressure on Teesside. Ben Burt proved to be a constant WKUHDW GRZQ WKH OHIW DQG KH KDG WZR opportunities to win the game in the closing stages. 7KH Ă€UVW KH FUHDWHG IRU KLPVHOI DIter cutting inside and evading two FKDOOHQJHV +RZHYHU KH Ă€UHG KLJK DQG ZLGH RI WKH JRDO DQG ZDV D YLVLEO\ IUXVWUDWHG Ă€JXUH DV WKH UDLQ ZRUVHQHG RQ D GLVPDO GD\ And Burt was soon cursing the conditions after the Teesside ‘keeper spilled the ball following a Newcastle corner. The ball fell at his feet but KH VOLSSHG DW D YLWDO PRPHQW DOORZing the ‘keeper to collect and recover from his mistake.
J. WEEDEN
7HHVVLGH LPPHGLDWHO\ EURNH DQG WKH 5R\DOV ZHUH OHIW H[SRVHG DW WKH back. Their push for a winner had seen them throw men forward and a home centre forward looked to be LQ WKH FOHDU EHIRUH D WUXO\ PDJQLÀcent last ditch tackle from Lenders HIIHFWLYHO\ VDYHG WKHLU EOXVKHV ,W SHUVRQLÀHG WKH 5R\DOV GHWHUPLQDWLRQ DQG FRPPLWPHQW DQG WKH\ could not be faulted for lack of effort RQ D GD\ WKDW UHTXLUHG WKHP WR GLJ LQ DQG EDWWOH IRU WKH EDOO SDUWLFXODUO\ LQ PLGÀHOG ZKHUH FDSWDLQ *HRUJH &R\OH OHG ZLWK H[DPSOH ,Q WKH G\LQJ VHFRQGV VXEVWLWXWH 5\DQ /HDFK FUHDWHG DQ RSHQLQJ IRU KLPVHOI EXW KLV GHà HFWHG VKRW IURP \DUGV FRXOG RQO\ ÀQG LWV ZD\ LQWR the arms of the grateful Teesside œNHHSHU DQG WKH ÀQDO ZKLVWOH IROORZHG DEUXSWO\ Newcastle are now off the mark in %8&6 OHDJXH % EXW WKH\ ZLOO VWUXJJOH WR FRPH WR WHUPV ZLWK KRZ WKH\ didn’t collect all three points. Whilst WKH\ ZLOO EH IUXVWUDWHG ZLWK WKH UHVXOW WKH SHUIRUPDQFH ZLOO QR GRXEW HQFRXUDJH WKHP DV WKH\ KHDG LQWR this week’s cup game against Leeds Met.
Thirds top table after Cochrane thriller Men’s Football
Newcastle 3rds +XGGHUVĂ€HOG VWV
1 3
Tom Milnes at The Racecourse Ground
Men’s Football
Teesside 1sts Newcastle 1sts
Men’s Football
5 3
Matt Gouland at Cochrane Park An enthralling game was decided E\ WZR JRDOV LQ WKH ODVW WHQ PLQXWHV which gave Newcastle their second ZLQ LQ DV PDQ\ %8&6 JDPHV DV WKH\ VHQW +XGGHUVÀHOG EDFN WR 6RXWK Yorkshire with no points to show IRU WKHLU DZD\ WULS 2Q D YHU\ ZHW :HGQHVGD\ DW &RFKUDQH 3DUN 1HZFDVWOH UG¡V stepped into this important clash XQEHDWHQ WKLV VHDVRQ NQRZLQJ D win would leave them top of the league. +XGGHUVÀHOG VWV ZHUH FRQVLGHUHG WKH 5R\DOV¡ ELJJHVW SURPRWLRQ ULYDOV this season and it didn’t take long to VHH ZK\
:LWKLQ WKH RSHQLQJ PLQXWH WKH 5R\DOV IRXQG WKHPVHOYHV D JRDO EHKLQG GXH WR D GXELRXV SHQDOW\ GHFLVLRQ DJDLQVW VNLSSHU 1LFN 3HWHUV ZKR FOHDUO\ ZRQ WKH EDOO WR DOO EXW the ref. A show of character was needed from the home side who found themselves a goal behind for the ÀUVW WLPH WKLV \HDU 7LP 5DNVKL DQG 6LPRQ 0XUSK\ stepped up to the mark with a strong presence in the centre of the park. 0XUSK\¡V KDUG ZRUN ZDV UHZDUGHG VRRQ DIWHU E\ JHWWLQJ RQ WKH HQG of a superb swinging cross from the ever present Mitch King for a back post equaliser. :LWK D VSULQJ LQ WKHLU VWHS WKH hosts pressed for the lead and were JLYHQ WKH RSSRUWXQLW\ EHIRUH WKH break when Ben Castillo’s darting run down the left was brought to DQ HQG LQ WKH ER[ E\ D FOXPV\ GHfender. 8S VWHSSHG 0XUSK\ ZKR FDOPO\
slotted passed the stranded ‘keeper giving the hosts a deserved 2-1 lead. $ EULOOLDQW VWRS E\ 5R\DOV ÂśNHHSHU Matt Thorpe soon after gave the home side the advantage going into the break. A nervous start to the second KDOI JDYH WKH WUDYHOOHUV D VRIW HDUO\ HTXDOLVHU WKURXJK VRPH VORSS\ GHfending. When the Newcastle ship was VWHDGLHG +XGGHUVĂ€HOG¡V ORQJ EDOO WDFWLFV VRRQ UDQ GU\ ZKHQ 1HZFDVtle’s passing game began to shine through again. )URP D QHDW WKURXJK EDOO -DPHV 6ZDLQVWRQ URXQGHG WKH NHHSHU ZKR swiped the legs of the front man and D WKLUG SHQDOW\ ZDV DZDUGHG (VFDSLQJ ZLWK RQO\ D ERRNLQJ WKH NHHSHU ZDV HDVLO\ EHDWHQ IURP WKH VSRW E\ WKH LQ IRUP 6ZDLQVWRQ WR SXW WKH 5R\DOV EDFN LQ WKH OHDG $V WLUHG OHJV WRRN HIIHFW WKH JDPH opened up. Despite the hosts being
RQ WRS WKH WKUHDW RI D EUHDN ZDV UHDOLVHG ZKHQ D OHQJWK\ VSULQW GRZQ the wing allowed a cross for an unPDUNHG PDQ WR VORW DZD\ DQRWKHU OHYHOOHU IRU +XGGHUVĂ€HOG $V WLPH ZDV UXQQLQJ RXW 1HZFDVtle pressed for a winner. :LWK WKH DZD\ GHIHQFH RQ WKH EDFN IRRW D GULOOHG FURVV VKRW IURP &DVWLOOR VSUD\HG DFURVV WKH VRGGHQ VXUIDFH DQG ZDV WXUQHG LQ E\ D GHfender who placed his red face in the Cochrane mud. With minutes left and a top of the OHDJXH SODFH LQ VLJKW 1HZFDVWOH sealed the win with a delicate chip IURP 6ZDLQVWRQ OHDYLQJ WKH ÂśNHHSHU helpless watching the ball bounce into his net. A 5-3 win and top of the league spot were the rewards for a strong performance from the 3rds who are now looking good for promotion.
Newcastle 2nd’s bounced back from last week’s humiliation at WKH KDQGV RI /HHGV LQ Ă€QH VW\OH with a convincing 3-1 win against Durham 2nd’s at the Racecourse ground. ,W ZDV D JDPH WKDW WKH 5R\DOV GRPLQDWHG IURP VWDUW WR Ă€QLVK SOD\LQJ DQ DWWUDFWLYH EUDQG RI football whilst pressing Durham in all areas of the pitch. )UHVKHUV (OOLRW &RQQROO\ DQG Rob Mackenzie were on target IRU WKH DZD\ VLGH DORQJ ZLWK WKH IUHH VFRULQJ &KULV 0XVRQGD ZKR now has two in two. %ROVWHUHG E\ WKH UHWXUQ RI WHDP talisman Dave ‘the enforcer’ 0HHFKDQ WKH 8QL VHFRQG VWULQJ VWDUWHG SRVLWLYHO\ DV 'XUKDP struggled to get a foothold in the JDPH EXW ZHUH LQLWLDOO\ OLPLWHG WR long-range efforts. 7KHLU HDUO\ GRPLQDQFH ZDV VRRQ rewarded however as Durham failed to clear from a corner and VQD]]\ FDUGLJDQ ZHDULQJ FHQtre-back Rob Mackenzie lashed home from the edge of the area at WKH VHFRQG DWWHPSW ZLWK D Ă€QLVK WKDW DQ\ FHQWUH IRUZDUG ZRXOG have been proud of. Newcastle continued to create FKDQFHV ZLWK ZLGH SOD\HU 0LNH 3HDFH FRQWLQXDOO\ PHVPHULVLQJ the opposition defenders with KLV VNLOO DQG WULFNHU\ DQG ZHUH XQOXFN\ WR EH RQO\ RQH XS DW WKH break. The second half started as the Ă€UVW KDG Ă€QLVKHG ZLWK WKH 5R\DOV bombarding Durham’s goal - hitting the woodwork four times. %XW WKDW NH\ VHFRQG JRDO ZDV proving to be elusive. On 80 minXWHV 1HZFDVWOH ZHUH PDGH WR SD\ for not taking their chances as a KRSHIXO SXQW GRZQ Ă€HOG FDXJKW RXW 1HZFDVWOH¡V \RXQJ GHIHQFH and a Durham striker raced on to WKH ORRVH EDOO EHIRUH FRROO\ VORWting past goalkeeper Paul MacauO\ ,W ZDV 'XUKDP¡V Ă€UVW PHDQingful effort at goal and it could KDYH EHHQ D FUXVKLQJ EORZ EXW WKH 5R\DOV UDOOLHG DQG UHVSRQGHG LQ Ă€QH VW\OH From a Durham corner MacauO\ SOXFNHG WKH EDOO RXW RI WKH DLU EHIRUH VZLIWO\ Ă€QGLQJ &KULV 0XVRQGD ZKR SOD\HG LW LQVLGH WR WKH effervescent Will Deledicq. Deledicq then released Meechan ZKR SOD\HG D EHDXWLIXOO\ ZHLJKWHG GHIHQFH VSOLWWLQJ SDVV WKDW Peace latched on to. +H GURYH WR WKH E\OLQH EHIRUH cutting the ball back to the front SRVW DV VXEVWLWXWH &RQQROO\ VWROH a march on his marker to get to WKH EDOO Ă€UVW DQG WXUQ LW LQWR WKH net. It was a superb move and just what Newcastle deserved. As Durham pressed for a secRQG HTXDOLVHU 1HZFDVWOH SXW WKH game to bed. More good work down the right hand side involving Deledicq and Peace led to 6ZHGLVK \RXWK LQWHUQDWLRQDO 0Xsonda getting on the ball in the Durham box. +LV SUHGDWRU\ LQVWLQFWV WRRN hold of him and from a seemLQJO\ LQQRFXRXV SRVLWLRQ KH DUrowed the ball into the bottom left corner of the goal. ,W VHDOHG D Ă€QH UHVXOW IRU WKH 5R\DOV DQG ZLOO KRSHIXOO\ DFW DV a springboard to further victories in the 2nd’s quest for consecutive promotions.
THE COURIER Monday 26 October 2009
44
Exclusive interview with TMS legend Jonathan Agnew Sports Editors: Paul Christian, Jamie Gavin and Tom James - courier.sport@ncl.ac.uk
> Sport, page 37
Cream of the crop: elite athletes and sports scholars announced
Meet the elite: Newcastle University’s newly named elite athletes and sports scholars stand with the Team Newcastle banner at the 2009/10 Awards Ceremony at the Sports Centre on Friday
Sport, page 40
L. SCOTT-ROBINSON
Fraser brace seals dramatic derby GUDZ DV 5R\DOV FODLP À UVW SRLQW Men’s Hockey
Durham 2nds Newcastle 1sts
3 3
Charley Wright at Maiden Castle A tightly contested 70 minutes brought about a fair result in Durham, as Newcastle came back against their local rivals to draw 3-3 and get their BUCS season up and running. After a heavy rain fall the Maiden Castle pitch did not require watering, suiting the away side greatly. The advantage of a lack of a fast surface was obvious only two min-
utes into the game when Newcastle went ahead through an Ollie Fraser sweep ten yards out, beating the ‘keeper to his left with Mike Sedcole the architect. The early goal seemed to settle both sides with a lot of the game being played at a relatively low tempo through the middle of the pitch. The Royals’ defence held strong, managing to clear three penalty corners in a row to safety. However, a fourth penalty corner soon after fooled the away side’s defence with a well drilled move bringing an equaliser for the Durham team. Soon after the home side got their second on a break down the right leaving Newcastle outnumbered
and a goal down through an unopposed strike at the back post. But, with the Royals determined to keep their opponents on level terms at half time, Rollo Lewis used some exquisite skill to win a penalty corner. The corner was converted for the equaliser by captain Ian Rossiter, GHÁ HFWLQJ WKH VWULNH IURP /HZLV LQWR the gaping goal. With the scores level at the break, both teams were striving to get an early third goal to put pressure on their opposition. Unfortunately for the Royals the goal went to their opponents from sloppy defending from the away VLGH PLGÀ HOG DQG GHIHQFH WR PDNH LW 3-2 to Durham.
But, in contrast to previous weeks, Newcastle didn’t give up and continued to pile pressure on their opponents. However, with two key penalty corners going begging it was starting to look like a second loss in two games for the Royals in this year’s BUCS competition. But suddenly out of nowhere the away side produced a goal of sheer brilliance. :LWK RQO\ À YH PLQXWHV UHPDLQLQJ some great vision from John Colville at a sideline ball found Fraser who, at full stretch took the fast pace pass completely under control before rounding his marker and hammering the ball home reverse stick for a wonder goal, bringing the local
rivals level. 7KH ODVW À YH PLQXWHV ZHUH DQ[ ious with both sides pushing for the win. With a minute left the home side won a short corner and proceeded WR Á LFN LW WRZDUGV WKH WRS OHIW KDQG corner, only to see the effort denied by the stick of Charley Wright on the left post, picking the ball above his right shoulder and putting it out to safety in two well judged movements. :KHQ WKH À QDO ZKLVWOH VRXQGHG both teams seemed happy with a point, though Newcastle will be looking for three next week against Liverpool at home. Men’s Hockey Club sign lucrative sponsorship deal, page 39