The Courier 1208

Union Elections 2010: who gets your vote?

Elections pull-out, turn to centre pages

THE

C OU RI E R THE INDEPENDENT VOICE OF NEWCASTLE STUDENTS

EST 1948

Issue 1208 Monday 8 March 2010 www.thecourieronline.co.uk

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University challenged: Paxman tests Newcastle students

News, page 4

Inside today >>> Freshers’ Week goes global A t-shirt from Newcastle Freshers’ Week 2008, still bearing its logos from city centre bars and clubs, is found for sale in Uganda News, page 3

Violence in Bar 42 Police called to Bar 42 as Stan Calvert celebrations turn sour News, page 5

A step too rah?

After The Sunday Times’s attack on Newcatle’s ‘rah’ culture, Katie Bayles hits back at ‘such appalling generalisations’ Comment, page 9

Coping with Crohn’s %X]]HUV DW WKH UHDG\ 1HZFDVWOH 8QLYHUVLW\ VWXGHQWV UHDFKHG WKH OLYH 79 VWDJHV RI 8QLYHUVLW\ &KDOOHQJH DQG ZHUH TXL]]HG E\ -HUHP\ 3D[PDQ DV WKH\ IDFHG 6KHI¿ HOG 8QLYHUVLW\

Vice-Chancellor calls for an end to university cuts

Crohn’s disease sufferer Rachel Flint explains how she copes with a traumatic illness and argues that effective treatment shouldn’t be down to a post code lotterry Life & Style, page 12-13

Calvert reaction Newcastle Director of Sport, Colin Blackburn, expects Norhumbria to come back strong in 2011 Sport, back page

Brink describes higher education as the UK’s ‘trump card’ Simon Murphy News Editor Newcastle University’s Vice-Chancellor has warned a future government against more university funding cuts.

Speaking exclusively to The Courier, Chris Brink said that the higher education sector should lead the economic recovery.

Brink’s comments follow Lord Mandelson’s announcement that higher education’s 2010-11 budget is to be slashed by ÂŁ449 million. “If this really is the knowledge economy – which everybody is saying – then universities must have a central part in it,â€? said Brink. “Higher education is a huge benHĂ€ W WR WKLV FRXQWU\ LW PXVW EH SUR tected and it must be grown - in terms of size and quality - on the international scene. If you affect con-

straints, you must be very careful of the long-term effects of them. “Don’t kill geese that lay golden eggs.�

Brink echoed the University’s Executive Director of Finance Richard Dale’s recent comments, stating that Newcastle is well placed to deal with the latest budget reduction. “We are hoping for the best but planning for the worst,� the ViceChancellor said. “We are aware of the fact that there may be another hit coming on higher education and the public sector generally after the election.�

Brink said that any incoming government would have to deal with the national debt. “Constraints on the public sector are needed and higher education can’t escape that, but higher education doesn’t want to bear the brunt

Vice-Chancellor Chris Brink says the University is “planning for the worst�

of it,� he said.

The Vice-Chancellor, appointed in 2007, was keen to acknowledge the value of the university sector.

The South African said: “This is clearly not a country with rich natural resources – you don’t have oil,

or gold or lots of natural minerals.

It’s not a country that has vast agriculture because physically you’re a small country. “What other cards can you play in the international arena? One of them surely must be higher education – this is one of the best places in the world for education. “If that’s the main trump card you have, then be very careful how you deal with it.�

Brink described the outcome of the general election as “highly uncertain� but said that if it were to be a hung Parliament, then another election would be called within a year.

He said: “You have no tradition in this country of hung Parliaments – I don’t think the British politicians, the British political parties, have an appetite for a hung Parliament nor, I think, do the public.�

Bonnie Greer talks at Newcastle The legendary American-born playwright and critic discusses theatre, Obama and her encounter with the BNP Culture, page 24

2

Monday 8 March 2010 THE COURIER

Lib Dem candidate Wendy Taylor on her election hopes

The Union Society, King’s Walk, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8QB. Tel: 0191 239 3940

Comment The joy of six %%& EXGJHW FXWV KDYH WR EH PDGH but are they the ULJKW RQHV" Page 11

News Editors: Simon Murphy and Jessica Tully - courier.news@ncl.ac.uk

> Page 6-7

Dead angry: students protest against arms trade

Life & Style Great North Run regime )UDQFHV *RXJK VKDUHV KHU WLSV RQ how you can enter, train and enjoy the ELJJHVW URDG UDFH LQ WKH 1RUWK (DVW Page 17

Culture The Bombay Bicycle Club 3ROO\ 5DQGDOO Âż QGV out how the band are coping with their new found fame Page 28

Sport F1 in the spotlight 7KH &RXULHU WHDPÂśV FRPSUHKHQVLYH SUHYLHZ WR WKH XSFRPLQJ VHDVRQ ZLWK KHOS IURP 0DUWLQ :KLWPDUVK Page 35

Meetings Timetable: Monday Sport - 11am, Committee Room A News - 12pm, Committee Room C Comment - 12pm, Committee Room C Photos - 2pm, Committee Room B Tuesday Life & Style - 12pm, Committee Room A Wednesday Film - 12pm, Committee Room A Music - 1pm, Committee Room B Thursday 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 and Tom James ‡ 'HVLJQ (GLWRU 9LFWRULD %HOO ‡ 2QOLQH (GLWRUV *RUGRQ %UXFH -HVVLFD Monson and Laura Walker ‡ 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.

J. WHITLAM

Caroline Argyropulo-Palmer There were scenes reminiscent of a war zone outside the Union last Thursday as protesters in blood stained t-shirts lay on the ground in front of the building.

The Newcastle University Campaign Against the Arms Trade (NUCAAT) staged the event, also recreating the scene in front of King’s Walk and the Robinson Library, ahead of a Union Council meeting taking place later that day where a motion was successfully put forward on the campaign.

Kat McCrave, a second year Politics student and the group’s co-ordinator told The Courier: “We wanted to highlight to students especially that the University doesn’t have an ethical investment policy. We want to try and show that they could do a lot more, and it’s arguable that they have an obligation to. “With the Union Council meeting we also wanted to encourage people to go to that. We need votes to show the University body has a real drive for this to happen, and an awareness.�

One of the members who staged the protest was Friends of Palestine President Jamie Sanderson. He told The Courier: “We got a largely positive reaction; you always get sniggers, people jumping and saying boo, taking the mick. “I heard people saying it was creative, or that’s clever and interesting.

Bystanders were then going to talk WR WKH SHRSOH JLYLQJ RXW OHDĂ HWV DQG

Arms wide open: second year Politics student Jonny Pickering played dead for protest

signing the petition. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We wanted to grab attention, not just have people standing around JLYLQJ RXW OHDĂ HWV <RX FDQ¡W LJQRUH SHRSOH O\LQJ RQ WKH Ă RRU Âľ 3DXO <RXQJHU WKH 8QLYHUVLW\¡V Pro-Vice Chancellor for Engagement, also saw the protest. He said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was very striking, it made me stop, and look, and think. It was a very effective way of raising awareness; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s great to see such altruism

in the student body.â&#x20AC;? <RXQJHU KDV EHHQ LQYROYHG LQ GLV cussion with the group about the Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ethnical Investment Policy.

He told The Courier that the question was whether the University should adopt a policy towards arms companied similar to that which already exists with regards to tobacco companies, where investment was seen to counter the efforts of the

Medical School in particular.

The process for this to be considered by the University requires a document from the student body to be put forward arguing the case for an implementation of this kind of policy. The motion to the Union Council last week was a primary step in this process. <RXQJHU VWUHVVHG KRZHYHU WKDW this was not an area in which there ZDV D ´GHĂ&#x20AC; QDEOH MXGJHPHQWÂľ 8Q der Charity Law the Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s trustees have a legal responsibility to act in the best interests of the institution. <RXQJHU FRPPHQWHG WKDW DO though that could be seen as not investing in things which made people uncomfortable, it could also be argued that if altering investments caused chaos not comparable with the effect on reputation that they have an obligation not to accept the proposal.

He also said it was sometimes difĂ&#x20AC; FXOW WR NQRZ RU Ă&#x20AC; QG RXW ZKDW LQ volvement companies have in the arms trade, or where there were large parts of their activities that had nothing to do with the arms trade, there were â&#x20AC;&#x153;grey areas.â&#x20AC;?

However, with regards to NU&$$7 LQ SDUWLFXODU <RXQJHU VDLG â&#x20AC;&#x153;I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to pour cold water on anything. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s great to see students raising issues and opinions, and to see students caring about issues beyond their own lives. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I look forward to receiving the document and we will give it very serious consideration.â&#x20AC;?

Students begin â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;free higher educationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; battle on campus Verity Cunningham Despite previous university budget cuts, proposed plans to further reduce funding were announced last month, to an uproar from universities nationwide.

In response, the Newcastle Free Education Network is beginning its campaign.

Universities will receive individual budgets on the March 18, detailing where their funding is being cut. In DQ DWWHPSW WR SUHYHQW WKH Ă&#x20AC; QDQFLDO Ă&#x20AC; VVXUH 1HZFDVWOH 8QLYHUVLW\ SODQV to increase the number of international students.

International students pay ÂŁ13,765 a year, which would certainly help to ease the damage. Still, with growing numbers of students being rejected from universities each year, more international students will further decrease the number of places for UK students.

An independent review of university fees is due in September, but in the meantime, the Confederation of British Industry has suggested raising tuition fees to ÂŁ5000 a year.

As the typical student will graduate ÂŁ23,500 in debt, the admission RIĂ&#x20AC; FHV PD\ QRW KDYH WR UHMHFW ODUJH numbers of applicants: students will be put off attending university by the prospect of huge debts.

Across the UK, protests have already been held, and the Univer-

sity and College Union (UCU) for academics and lecturers has started preparations against the cuts.

Ian Pattison is the founder of the Newcastle Free Education Network (NFEN).

This group was set up at the end of 2009 to unite students, lecturers and other staff against challenges to the University.

NFEN stands against course cuts, increased tuition fees, and job losses, campaigning instead for free education. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Students are being forced to pay for an economic crisis they didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t cause,â&#x20AC;? Ian Pattison told The Courier. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Here at Newcastle, job security and academic freedom is under attack.

Cuts will affect every student, lecturer, and member of staff. â&#x20AC;&#x153;After the billions spent on the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, after spending ÂŁ1 billion on the most recent wave of RBS bonuses, students ZLOO KDYH WR Ă&#x20AC; JKW DJDLQVW SD\LQJ IRU WKH *RYHUQPHQW¡V ZDVWHIXO VSHQG ing.â&#x20AC;?

With the possible closure of the Philosophy department looming, NFEN plans to join nationwide campaigns against funding cuts.

Including their involvement in the Newcastle Union elections, they aim to involve every member of the University. With the support of the students, NFEN plan to proceed with their active and radical campaign.

Anthony Ash Commentary â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Defend Education!â&#x20AC;&#x2122; was the bold black-on-white title on the screen when I stepped into the lecture theatre, followed by the organisationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name: Newcastle Free Education Network.

I went along asking myself, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;surely any cuts the Government will make are within reason, or is there another explanation?â&#x20AC;&#x2122; 7KH Ă&#x20AC; UVW ZRUGV RI WKH RSHQLQJ speaker, Ian Patterson, divulged the groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mission loud and clear: â&#x20AC;&#x153;A new group that aims to be on campus bringing students DQG VWDII WRJHWKHU WR Ă&#x20AC; JKW DJDLQVW HE cuts and tuition fees.â&#x20AC;?

As I listened to Ianâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s informative oration, I learnt how the Government cuts will be materialised in thousands of job losses, tens of thousands fewer students going to university and millions of pounds removed from research funding.

Ian also pointed out that our own National Union of Students is not opposing the cuts and, unlike the 1HWZRUN LV QRW Ă&#x20AC; JKWLQJ WRZDUGV abolishing tuition fees.

Matt Perry (lecturer in the History department at Newcastle and a unionist in the UCU) told how he expects some 700 job losses in the next three years at Newcastle

with ÂŁ35 million being cut from the Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s budget.

The Academic Board Meeting is where the Vice-Chancellor reports on the Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s current situation, normally to an audience of three people and a dog (quite literally), yet Matt, who attended this year, told how a whopping 97 members of the academic staff came to hear what the Vice-Chancellor had to say.

Given that chancellors up and down the country seem to be behind these cuts, it comes as no surprise that his report dismayed his audience.

The Vice-Chancellor announced that he anticipates no job cuts in WKH ÂśFRUH DFDGHPLF DUHDV¡ $W Ă&#x20AC; UVW it seems as though the issue lies with deciding which subjects are considered to be â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;coreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.

However, one sees through this quite easily and discerns that what lies at the centre of this abrasive statement is not the subject areas but time, as it is only a matter of time before the subjects which are core now will be moved to the outer layers to become peripheral subjects as the cuts dig deeper and deeper.

The question is: how are students going to oppose this? Will they stand up against these proposed FXWV DQG Ă&#x20AC; JKW IRU WKHLU ULJKW WR education? Only time will tell.

THE COURIER Monday 8 March 2010

3

News

18 months on, Pandamonium hits Uganda Kevin Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connor So there I am in the middle of my normal morning newspaper-buying routine in our local trading centre in a suburb of Kampala, Uganda.

And then I spy a young man wearing a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Pandamonium - Newcastle University 2008 Freshersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; tshirt.

The wearer of the t-shirt is Michael, 21. He is a labourer on a building site. Although he had reached the Ă&#x20AC;UVW \HDU RI VHFRQGDU\ VFKRRO WKH typical Ugandan family problem of not having enough money for VFKRRO IHHV FDXVHG KLP WR Ă&#x20AC;QLVK KLV education in 2002.

Michael has never been outside Uganda. He only knows that Newcastle is in the UK because of its football team. He believes the animal on the front of the t-shirt to be a dog (and does not understand the word â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;pandaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, let alone â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Pandamoniumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;). So, why is Michael wearing this t-shirt?

Most Ugandans wear imported second-hand clothes, as do many people in poor Third World countries. Used shirts, blouses, trousers, caps and much other clothing reach

Uganda in huge bales from USA, UK, and other developed countries, and are known locally as mivumba.

Michael bought his t-shirt for 3,000 Ugandan Shillings (around ÂŁ1) from Owino market, the main market for mivumba in Uganda.

Is there not something a little unsettling about the First Worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cast-offs being worn by the poor in the Third World? But, on the other hand, in these environmentallyFRQVFLRXV WLPHV WKLV Ă RZ RI VHFRQG hand clothes can be viewed as an important form of recycling.

Every now and again there are calls in the Ugandan media for banning imports of second-hand clothes. Such a ban, it is claimed, would promote the development of homegrown textile industries and enhance economic growth. But this would not have the support of most Ugandans â&#x20AC;&#x201C; for rather than expensive brand new clothes, their preference is for the cheapness and variety of styles and fashion provided by imported second-hand clothes.

Michael knows nothing of pandas.

Nevertheless, he likes his Newcastle University t-shirt and wears it with pride.

From home to Kampala: Michael, 21, sports a Newcastle University Freshersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Week t-shirt from 2008 which he brought for ÂŁ1 from his local market in Uganda. Most Ugandans wear imported second-hand clothes from the UK

Scientists discover link between liver disease and falls in the elderly Alex Irwin Scientists from Newcastle University have discovered a link between liver disease and falls in the elderly; a discovery which could reduce physical and emotional pain and save the NHS millions of pounds.

Scientists in the school of Clinical Medical Sciences at Newcastle University have discovered that patients suffering from Primary Biliary Cirrhosis (PBC), an autoimmune liver disease, are more than twice as likely to fall as non-sufferers.

PBC affects 40,000 people in the

UK and causes postural dizziness, poor balance and lower limb weakness.

The research, published in the current edition of the Quarterly Journal of Medicine, states that of these sufferers, 72% had had at least one fall, 55% had had a fall in the past year and 22% fell over regularly.

7KH UHSRUW VKRZHG WKDW RQH LQ Ă&#x20AC;YH PBC sufferers who had fallen had to be admitted to hospital, with many suffering fractures.

Every year the NHS spends ÂŁ1b treating fall injuries, around ÂŁ7.8m of which are associated with PBC.

This discovery could potentially VDYH D VLJQLĂ&#x20AC;FDQW SURSRUWLRQ RI WKDW money, as well as the physical and emotional pain caused to the elderly.

Julia Newton, co-author of the report, said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Falls cause serious injuries to thousands of people every year. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Now we have found this link we may be able to offer treatments to patients who are high risk and hopefully stop some of these falls IURP KDSSHQLQJ LQ WKH Ă&#x20AC;UVW SODFH â&#x20AC;&#x153;A fall can cause huge emotional issues as well as the physical prob-

OHPV 3HRSOH ORVH WKHLU FRQĂ&#x20AC;GHQFH and independence after they fall. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A recent survey suggested that many older women would prefer to die than suffer a broken hip. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This would leave them feeling vulnerable and stop them living their life. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It appears that people with PBC are falling as a result of abnormal regulation of their blood pressure.

There is a strong link between PBC and blood pressure regulation. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In addition falls also appear to be related to abnormal gait and balance, which is probably a result of

abnormalities in the system which controls blood pressure.â&#x20AC;?

By addressing these abnormalities in blood pressure control, poor balance and lower limb weakness, the risk of falling could be reduced sigQLĂ&#x20AC;FDQWO\ Experts suggest that through a multidisciplinary approach involving a doctor, physiotherapist and occupational therapist working together with each individual patient at risk, the number of injuries and deaths could decrease and quality of life will improve.

4

Monday 8 March 2010 THE COURIER

News

Newcastle students take on Paxman challenge J.WHITTAKER

James Brown Five Newcastle University students made their way down to Granada TV studios in Manchester last Saturday for the ultimate showdown in university general knowledge.

The team prepared to put themselves under the piercing glare of notoriously harsh host Jeremy PaxPDQ WR EDWWOH LW RXW LQ WKH Ă&#x20AC;UVW VWHS to becoming the University Challenge champions.

7HDP 1HZFDVWOH IDFHG 6KHIĂ&#x20AC;HOG 8QLYHUVLW\ LQ WKH Ă&#x20AC;UVW URXQG RI WKH classic TV quiz.

1HZFDVWOH Ă&#x20AC;HOGHG D ZHOO URXQGHG team; this year selected from a quiz held in the Studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Union last November.

In recent years there have been some criticisms of how the team for University Challenge is selected, with some students feeling that Newcastle should send the best possible team to the prestigious national TV programme in order to fully represent Newcastle Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s academic prowess.

Those critics neednâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have worried this year as team members came from a broad range of degree disciplines.

Not only were they quiz winners in the Union but had to endure two rounds of heats under the watchful eye of Granada TV producers last November.

Team Newcastle consisted of Laura Bailey (PhD in Linguistics), Oliver Sutherland (fourth year Marine Engineering), Patrick Foan (Modern Languages â&#x20AC;&#x201C; French, Spanish and &KLQHVH DQG ZHUH OHG E\ Ă&#x20AC;IWK \HDU MRes and Molecular Bioscience medic David Craig, whilst Ross Dent (second year Economics) was on standby as the all-important reserve team member, just in case of accident or injury.

The team travelled down to Man-

chester by train together and were supported by all their parents, who watched from the audience.

Team captain Laura Bailey told The Courier: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Jeremy Paxmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a really nice guy; a lot different to how he is

when heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s asking the questions, and he offered some insights into how WKH Ă&#x20AC;OPLQJ SURFHVV WRRN SODFH â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve never been on TV before, but it was really interesting. It took about double the length of time of

WKH DFWXDO SURJUDPPH WR Ă&#x20AC;OP 6RPHtimes we had to re-shoot questions if Paxman cocked up.â&#x20AC;?

The programme is set to run in the next series of University Challenge and the team have been sworn to

secrecy about the result.

If Newcastle happened to beat fellow redbrick northern rivals ShefĂ&#x20AC;HOG WKH WHDP ZLOO EH UHWXUQLQJ WR 0DQFKHVWHU WR Ă&#x20AC;OP URXQG WZR DW WKH end of March.

New Digital Economy Bill puts Newcastleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s library internet access at risk Rosie Libell Universities and libraries across the country are among those who are protesting against the Governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Digital Economy Bill.

The Bill includes plans to make organisations like universities and libraries, who offer free wireless, responsible for policing their users.

It also includes the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;three strikes ruleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, where anyone accused of using it to pirate music, for example,

will have their internet connection slowed down or disconnected by regulator Ofcom.

Although areas of the Bill are designed to tackle internet piracy, the Government is under heavy criticism.

Universities, libraries and small businesses will not be exempt from the penalties, meaning they can also be disconnected if the network is used illegally. Professor of Internet /DZ DW 6KHIĂ&#x20AC;HOG 8QLYHUVLW\ /LOLDQ

Edwards, said that many will stop offering free Wi-Fi to avoid the risk of prosecution.

Critics have also argued that the Bill does not give the accused proper legal recourse and that ministers are trying to rush the Bill through Parliament.

Newcastle University librarian, Wayne Connolly, told The Courier: â&#x20AC;&#x153;There is no doubt that some aspects RI WKH %LOO DUH EHQHĂ&#x20AC;FLDO IRU H[DPSOH the potential to digitise and make

freely available books which are in copyright but whose copyright owners cannot be traced. â&#x20AC;&#x153;However, we are concerned with the responsibility of policing the use of networks. The University already has policies and procedures in place which we regard as adequate to prevent misuse. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The additional administrative burdens which may be required by the Bill are unnecessary and excessive in the academic environment.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is not yet clear within the Bill whether universities and their libraries will be regarded as network suppliers or subscribers, and until WKDW LV FODULĂ&#x20AC;HG WKH IXOO LPSOLFDWLRQV for us will not be known. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t believe that there is an immediate threat to our ability to provide networked services or WiFi to students, but we are concerned about the long-term implications for the way we may be required to manage those services.â&#x20AC;?

News of Unionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s redevelopment plans welcomed by Newcastle students Laura Heads With news of the overhaul to the 8QLRQ Ă&#x20AC;QDOO\ Ă&#x20AC;OWHULQJ WKURXJK LW LV fairly clear that most students are taking the news positively and are looking forward to the up and coming new look Union planned for September 2011.

It is obvious to gauge an overall excitement about the plans to change the Union and to completely revamp the inside, something that many feel is long over due.

Rebecca Clements, a second year History student, told The Courier: ´, WKLQN WKH 8QLRQ FRXOG GHĂ&#x20AC;QLWHO\ do with a revamp, and it would

GHĂ&#x20AC;QLWHO\ HQFRXUDJH PH WR JR WKHUH more than I already do. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Basement is quite dank and dark so not really somewhere I want to be. I think that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the perfect time for a revamp because itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s less likely that current students will change their going out patterns but if they impress the future freshers then it might become a more popular night out.â&#x20AC;?

Another student told The Courier: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t really tend to go into the Union all that much, if I do itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just to grab something to eat before heading on to lectures. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That being said, if it was all done up new I would probably spend a

lot more time in there. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m a little bit gutted itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be completed just after I graduate though; Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d have liked to see what it will look like.â&#x20AC;?

Having spoken to many second and third year students who are on a three year course it appears that the only widely-held negative view is that of disappointment that they will not be able to view it when it is Ă&#x20AC;QLVKHG However, most agree with the timing of the renovation and, despite missing the Union next year, are grateful for the movement of the services to other buildings, although were a little confused as to where these were located.

First years appear the most enthused about the renewal and revamp of the Union, with many afĂ&#x20AC;UPLQJ WKDW WKH 8QLRQ KDGQ¡W OLYHG up to the expectations they had of LW ZKHQ WKH\ Ă&#x20AC;UVW MRLQHG WKH XQLYHUsity.

Many newcomers anticipated it to be the place most students were to be found on a night out and instead found that students would rather go elsewhere despite the drinks deals and facilities.

They are now hoping that this renovation will give the Studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Union the boost it needs to put it back on par with other unions across the country.

At the opposite end of the scale Kris Smith, a postgraduate student at the University, told The Courier: â&#x20AC;&#x153;At the moment the Union isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t really attracting people into it; I very rarely go in there. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think ÂŁ8 million is enough to make the Union totally different and I think it will probably need more to make it the way they want, especially given the amount of time and money they spent on the Kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gate. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re doing it just in time for two new sets of freshers, both of whom are going to want to try it out to see what itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s like and will hopefully like what they see.â&#x20AC;?

THE COURIER Monday 8 March 2010

5

News

Riotous students force police to Bar 42 J.WHITLAM

trouble from students. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We rely on them a lot and in the few years I have been working here this is only the second or third time the police have been called.â&#x20AC;?

The barâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s management have chosen not to release CCTV images at this stage as they are considering taking legal action against the individuals involved.

A statement released by Northumbria police said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;At 10.36pm on Sunday 28 February, police were called to Bar 42 on Hood Street in Newcastle following reports of a disturbance. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Those believed to be causing the disturbances were removed from the premises and no arrests were made.â&#x20AC;?

The incidents come fresh on the back of recent comments from the Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pro-Vice-Chancellor Charles Harvey, who warned against excessive drinking in the Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sports teams.

Newcastleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Athletic Union OfĂ&#x20AC;FHU 9LFN\ 7\DV VDLG ´1HZFDVWOH¡V Athletic Union does in no way condone this sort of behaviour. Stan Calvert is a wonderful event that hundreds of students work hard for every year. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our winning was a testament to their commitment and ability. It is therefore extremely unfortunate and frustrating if a small minority take it upon themselves to discredit the rest of the student body with such appalling behaviour.â&#x20AC;?

A spokesman for the University VDLG ´7KLV LV WKH Ă&#x20AC;UVW ZH KDYH KHDUG about this incident but if it is found that Newcastle University students were involved, then we would take matters very seriously. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We deplore drunken, rowdy behaviour especially if it involves Ă&#x20AC;JKWLQJ RU GDPDJH WR SURSHUW\ ,W is not typical of the vast majority of students who deserve the respect of the community.â&#x20AC;?

edging a group that is otherwise a small minority at the University. It arguably incites feelings of social division and resentment in an envi-

ronment where all students should be able to capitalise on the social and educational opportunities that University has to offer.â&#x20AC;?

Jessica Tully News Editor Christabel Dickson A popular Newcastle bar was forced to close its doors three hours early last week, as a group of drunken students smashed glasses against ZDOOV GHVWUR\HG OLJKW Ă&#x20AC;WWLQJV DQG defecated in cups.

On one of the busiest nights of the year, the shocking behaviour of students celebrating Team Newcastleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Stan Calvert victory, forced staff at Bar 42 to contact the police.

Following the excitement of the events on Sunday 28 February, the city centre was packed with both Newcastle and Northumbria sports players, but celebrations in the trebles bar turned sour.

Speaking to The Courier, a member of staff who was working at Bar 42 at the time said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;They were just a group of hyped up, drunken boys who got carried away and started causing trouble. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They were throwing glasses at the walls and smashing them on the Ă RRU â&#x20AC;&#x153;They were banging on the ceiling and one of our emergency lights fell down. They were head-butting the lights, which was a pretty stupid thing to do as there were live wires and someone could have got seriously hurt. â&#x20AC;&#x153;One boy was picked up by several of his friends and thrown behind the bar so at that point we turned the lights on, turned the music off and called the police. â&#x20AC;&#x153;At one point I even saw a guy eating someoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sick.â&#x20AC;?

As it was a Sunday night bouncers were not on duty at the time, and staff were left to deal with the group of between 20 and 30 troublemakers

Calvert carnage: Bar 42 was forced to shut early following wreckage caused by Newcastle students on the night of Stan Calvert

before police came to the scene.

There was considerable damage caused to the bar interior, with staff reporting broken glass everywhere and human faeces later found left in

glasses.

The member of staff, who wished to remain anonymous, told The Courier: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hopefully this wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t happen again and we usually never get any

Student backlash over â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;rah cultureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; portrayal in Sunday Times article Charlie Oven A recent article published by The Sunday Times has sparked criticism from members of the student body at Newcastle University.

Entitled â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s grand up north in Newcastleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, the report covers the so called â&#x20AC;&#x153;culture clashâ&#x20AC;? at the University.

A particular emphasis is placed on WKH OLIHVW\OH DQG SRUWUD\DO RI DIĂ Xent students, who are colloquially referred to as â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;rahsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.

The author, Giles Hatersley, claims Newcastle has become â&#x20AC;&#x153;the University of choice for the Upper Classesâ&#x20AC;? overtaking the likes of Bristol and Exeter University.

According to Hatersley in 2007/ RI WKH XQLYHUVLW\¡V Ă&#x20AC;UVW year undergraduates came from state schools â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 17% below the national average.

The article can be seen as an observational piece which studies the habits of students at Newcastle University.

First year accommodation Castle Leazes is described as the starting point for privately educated students, a place offering a â&#x20AC;&#x153;perfect storm of sheep mentalityâ&#x20AC;?.

It insinuates that student accommodations are characterised by certain social groupings offering mini-

mal diversity. This is developed further with references to Jesmond.

The residential pocket to the north of town is seen as a place to â&#x20AC;&#x153;catch a glimpse of the poshos in their natural habitatâ&#x20AC;?.

It is here where the article describes a generic dress code that helps identify the so called rah; â&#x20AC;&#x153;girls are seen to be dressed in leggings, Uggs and smock tops topped off with leather jackets. The boys, curiously, seem to dress in the style of upmarket chavs.â&#x20AC;?

The article mentions student nightlife at Newcastle, with referStudentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Union President Andriana Georgiou said the social stereotype implied in the article was â&#x20AC;&#x153;a complete exaggerationâ&#x20AC;?

ences to drinking trebles at â&#x20AC;&#x153;triples barsâ&#x20AC;? heightening assumptions of a binge drinking culture. One particular evening at a popular venue is labelled as somewhere â&#x20AC;&#x153;guaranteed to make anyone who didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t go to school with some manner of quad in it feel like a total outsiderâ&#x20AC;?.

Suggestions of exclusiveness simply seem to antagonise ideas of social unease. At one point in the evening Hatersley talks of â&#x20AC;&#x153;nostril

action in the loos as girls and boys emerge in the stalls together and HPHUJH VQLIĂ&#x20AC;QJ DZD\Âľ +H IRUWKrightly declares: â&#x20AC;&#x153;That theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re doing coke is hardly shocking.â&#x20AC;? The implied notion of hedonistic drug use can be seen to have damaging ramiĂ&#x20AC;FDWLRQV UHJDUGLQJ WKH UHSXWDWLRQ RI the local student population.

The provocative nature of the article has led Andriana Georgiou, President of the Newcastle Studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Union, to write a letter of complaint to The Sunday Times.

The letter details that from the 29% of privately educated students at Newcastle University only a small portion would recognise themselves as the rah types depicted in the images and narrative of Hattersleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s article.

Georgiou told The Courier: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The article over implied a social stereotype which is a complete exaggeration as the student population is much more diverse than is suggested.â&#x20AC;?

A student who was photographed in the article, but wished to remain anonymous, told The Courier: â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is disconcerting knowing that people who read the piece may draw unfounded connotations between my image and the content of the article itself, which I feel is overtly and unashamedly stereotyping. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The article is excessively acknowl-

6

Monday 8 March 2010 THE COURIER

News

From cancer wards to the Houses of Parliament: one womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dream ,Q WKH Ă&#x20AC;UVW RI D VHULHV RI SROLWLFDO LQWHUYLHZV News Editor Simon Murphy talks to the Liberal Democratâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new candidate for Newcastle East, Wendy Taylor, ahead of this summerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s general election.

Wendy Taylor is not your run-ofthe-mill politician â&#x20AC;&#x201C; she saves cancer patientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lives.

Now the doctor has a new mission, sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s running for Parliament.

The mother-of-two has juggled her work as a Liberal Democrat councillor for 22 years alongside her consultancy role at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve worked as a doctor for 30 years now and it is an important job.

But being an MP is also important.

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to use the knowledge and LQĂ XHQFH ,¡YH JDLQHG WKURXJK P\ career to help improve the NHS and other areas, such as climate change. ´<RX FDQ LQĂ XHQFH ZKDW KDSSHQV in different ways.â&#x20AC;?

Mrs Taylor, who joined the Liberal Democrats as a fresh-faced 16year-old, and studied medicine at the University, has been chosen to attempt to prise the Newcastle East and Wallsend seat from Labour chief whip Nick Brown after fellow Newcastle city councillor and former candidate Greg Stone was forced to resign.

Stone was found to have abused political opponents on an online blog. Writing under a pseudonym, the former candidate suggested Foreign Secretary and MP for South Shields, David Miliband, was on drugs, described Labour MP Sharon Hodgson as â&#x20AC;&#x153;the thickest in the Houseâ&#x20AC;? and implied former Communities Secretary Hazel Blears was â&#x20AC;&#x153;on Botoxâ&#x20AC;?.

But Taylor played down the negative impact of Greg Stoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s antics. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think it was short lived. It was very foolish what he did. People unfortunately do put daft things on websites and blogs. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It sounds worse when itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s taken out of context but thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no excuse â&#x20AC;&#x201C; it was a stupid thing to do and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m sure it has caused some harm. I think he will carry on as a councillor. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s learnt a lesson and wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t

do anything as foolish again.â&#x20AC;?

When asked whether she thinks the incident might have lost the party votes in Newcastle, she appears unconcerned. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I doubt it has,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Students are probably more likely to be understanding about technology and the risks of it than older people.

Older people donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t tend to use blogs and websites so much and perhaps donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t realise how easy it is [to make mistakes]. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not going to make the same PLVWDNH ² GHĂ&#x20AC;QLWHO\ QRW ,¡P QRW LQ to Twitter and blog sites.â&#x20AC;?

The 54-year-old does have a Facebook campaign page and notes the importance of branching out to new audiences. Though, at last count, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Wendy Taylor 4 Newcastle Eastâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; only has 42 members.

6WXGHQWV YRWLQJ IRU WKH Ă&#x20AC;UVW WLPH count as the newest audience for politicians. The National Union of Students (NUS) is campaigning to encourage more students to vote in the summerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s general election and has highlighted key constituencies where students could swing the vote.

STD tests to be made compulsory

could be the only way to halt the epidemic of infections including chlamydia and HIV. The research suggests that STDs are transmitted to people who have not had the opportunity to consent to a risk of infection because their sexual partner would prefer to remain ignorant rather than deal with any consequences.

Any person infected with the disease can be prosecuted if they engage in unprotected intercourse without telling their partner of their

Joshua Shrimpton Dean A leading human rights researcher has controversially suggested that testing for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) should be compulsory.

Writing in The Guardian, Rosa Freedman of Queen Mary, University of London, said the measures

â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are still the only major party that has promised to get rid of tuition fees. All weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve VDLG LV WKDW LW¡V D GLIĂ&#x20AC;FXOW Ă&#x20AC;QDQFLDO VLWXDWLRQ and it canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t happen immediatelyâ&#x20AC;?

The NUS has dubbed Newcastle one of the â&#x20AC;&#x153;student battlegroundsâ&#x20AC;? and is urging candidates to state their position on tuition fees. While the Liberal Democrats have traditionally attracted many student

votes due to their no tuition fee stance, leader Nick Clegg recently announced that such a plan will not be implemented immediately if they gain power. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are still the only major party that has promised to get rid of tuition fees,â&#x20AC;? insisted Dr Taylor. ´$OO ZH¡YH VDLG LV WKDW LW¡V D GLIĂ&#x20AC;FXOW Ă&#x20AC;QDQFLDO VLWXDWLRQ DQG LW FDQ¡W happen immediately so theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be phased out over a number of years.

But weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re strongly committed to getting rid of tuition fees whereas other parties will probably continue to put them up and up. Education is certainly the way forward. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We just think itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s completely wrong to leave students in ÂŁ10,000 ZRUWK RI GHEW ZKHQ WKH\ Ă&#x20AC;QLVK WKHLU course.â&#x20AC;?

The Liberal Democratâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s revised stance on tuition fees is not the only policy area that has concerned students. The Liberal Democrat-led council in Newcastle has hit the headlines recently due to its controversial housing strategy.

The councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s strategy calls for an increase of between 5,000 and 6,000 purpose-built bed spaces, citing that the enlargement in student numbers over the past decade has not been met by an increase in the availability of purpose-built student accommodation.

Landlords and students have criticised the scheme, suggesting that it is merely a smokescreen as the council tries to drive students out of areas such as Jesmond and Heaton because of hundreds of noise complaints.

But Dr Taylor, who lives in Heaton, insisted that the strategy was simply intended to give students more choice and denied the council was guilty of trying to engineer the social make-up of the area.

Dr Taylor said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not trying to move students out of areas. Yes thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s some friction â&#x20AC;&#x201C; thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always condition beforehand.

Avoidance of an STD diagnosis is desirable to those seeking to take out health insurance, according to the research.

Freedman said that people can become â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;incentivisedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; not to discover a condition in order to avoid higher premiums.

Freedman concluded: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Draconian as it may sound, the only way around this might be mandatory testing for STDs.â&#x20AC;?

3DFNLQJ KHU EDJV IRU 3DUOLDPHQW :HQG\ 7D\ORU KDV EHHQ FKRVHQ WR UHSODFH IRUPHU

friction between different groups of people living in different areas â&#x20AC;&#x201C; but weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got lots of young professionals who also have late-night parties. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in the landlordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s interest to perhaps give out a certain amount of misinformation because if thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more student properties available then rents canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be as high.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s competition for them and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in their interests to try and stir things up a little bit. â&#x20AC;&#x153;People have to understand that we welcome students. We couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do without them. They bring a huge amount to the economy. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Personally, I lived in Richardson Road and I preferred being in university accommodation â&#x20AC;&#x201C; it was warm, it was close, there were no hassles with landlords, I was with my friends and it was nice community. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That suited me, but I can understand that doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t suit everybody. A lot of people want to get out into the community.â&#x20AC;?

Of the 70% of Newcastle University graduates who come from other

areas of the country, currently half RI WKRVH VWD\ RQ LQ WKH FLW\ WR Ă&#x20AC;QG employment.

When asked whether the problems between students and local residents in areas such as Jesmond and Heaton â&#x20AC;&#x201C; which Taylor described as â&#x20AC;&#x153;unsustainable communitiesâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201C; might encourage students not to stay in the city after graduation, she replied: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think that would detract someone from staying. â&#x20AC;&#x153;For example, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m someone who came to university in Newcastle from the south and never left the area â&#x20AC;&#x201C; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a wonderful place to live.

I wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t dream of moving away from Newcastle.â&#x20AC;?

Dr Taylor was adamant that the council was victim to â&#x20AC;&#x153;misinformationâ&#x20AC;? and admitted that the â&#x20AC;&#x153;false messageâ&#x20AC;? that the council is antistudent has harmed the Liberal Democratâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reputation in the area. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think it has [harmed the party].

Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s disappointing because weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not anti-student. The opposition parties probably play on that as well because in the past I think a lot of

Lecturers paid more than PM

likely to be met with anger from prospective 2010 university entrants as the squeeze on places is set to tighten. Recent Government funding cuts coupled with a surge in applications are expected to result in RQH RI WKH Ă&#x20AC;HUFHVW FRPSHWLWLRQV IRU places in years.

Some universities have admitted that a third of the ÂŁ3,000-a-year topup fees, introduced in 2006, is now swallowed up by lecturersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; salaries and that teaching time has failed to increase in line with pay.

Joshua Shrimpton Dean The number of university lecturers earning over ÂŁ100,000 has leapt from 495 to 2,225 in just four years, DFFRUGLQJ WR Ă&#x20AC;JXUHV UHOHDVHG E\ WKH Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE).

Details of the lavish salaries are

THE COURIER Monday 8 March 2010

7

News

+RZ WR DYRLG EHLQJ VFDPPHG Rebecca Curtis 6$& ,QIRUPDWLRQ 2IÂżFHU Scams are schemes to con you out of your money, and usually come by post, telephone, email, or text message. According to a recent survey

by Consumer Direct, approximately three million people - many of whom are students - fall victim to scams per year, losing an average of ÂŁ850 each.

Common Scams Property Rental - There are plenty of bogus agencies out there that target students, so beware! Always try to see the property before signing a contract, and check that the agencyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s address and contact details are real.

Plenty of students get scammed this way every year, so donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hand over a deposit or - in some cases - several monthsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; rent up-front until you are certain of their credibility and the existence of the property.

Protect Yourself If you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to get conned out of cash, get clued up! Remember these following points, and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be MXVW Ă&#x20AC;QH 1) If it sounds too good to be true,

then it almost always is. Beware of extravagant promises!

2) Be wary of messages putting pressure on you to make an immediate decision. Always think carefully before giving out your details or paying cash to strangers!

3) Be suspicious of any banks/ Government agencies that contact you demanding your details. CredLEOH Ă&#x20AC;UPV QHYHU GR WKLV YLD HPDLO RU text message; only by letter.

4) Know who youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re dealing with.

Research the company online, check if they are registered, and that their full address/contact details are authentic.

5) If shopping online, always try to use a credit card, as you are more likely to have the money reimbursed if you get conned out of ÂŁ50 or more.

For more info, go to www.unionsociety.co.uk/sac.

Vacancies www.ncl.ac.uk/careers/vacsonline

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students have supported the Liberal Democrats because of our stance on tuition fees. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Obviously, other parties are trying to win votes by exaggerating the policy.â&#x20AC;?

Political commentators have often condemned modern politics, noting a lack of difference between the major political partiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ideologies. But Taylor still believes in the political cause. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There are still differences in the major political parties â&#x20AC;&#x201C; maybe not as much so as 50 years ago. The Liberal Democratâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vision is based on civil liberties, emphasis on the environmental protection, fairness, European support. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re against ID cards. The governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s got far too involved in our everyday lives, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve used the threat of terrorism to take away a lot of things we took for granted in the past. Simple things like being able to protest outside the Houses of Parliament â&#x20AC;&#x201C; youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not allowed to do that anymore. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The DNA database is just dis-

graceful â&#x20AC;&#x201C; theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re keeping innocent peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s DNA on a database for years. Why should you have your DNA there? There should be a choice; if you want your DNA to be removed, you should be able to do so. They keep an awful lot of data about us and you do worry that it could start to be abused.â&#x20AC;?

Over 70 university Vice-Chancellors are fortunate enough to exceed Gordon Brownâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s salary of ÂŁ197,689.

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Over 70 university ViceChancellors earn more WKDQ 3ULPH 0LQLVWHU Gordon Brownâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s salary of ÂŁ197,689

A handful pocketed over ÂŁ300,000, including Sir Roy Anderson, former rector of Imperial College London, who was paid ÂŁ373,000 before leaving his post last year.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m someone who FDPH WR XQLYHUVLW\ LQ 1HZFDVWOH IURP WKH VRXWK DQG QHYHU OHIW WKH DUHD ² LW¡V D ZRQGHUIXO SODFH WR OLYH â&#x20AC;?

Last week a YouGov poll showed the Liberal Democrats on 17 points, behind Labour on 32 and the Conservatives on 38 nationally but Taylor was still in a positive mood. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There was another poll a few days later that showed us on 22 points so it goes up and down,â&#x20AC;? she said.

The three major political parties

Joshua Shrimpton Dean An investigation by BBC Newsnight has uncovered fraud at the centre of the UK student visa system.

Undercover researchers on the programme were able to buy two bogus â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;visa lettersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; which could have guaranteed a fraudulent applicant entry

have all agreed to three 90-minute televised debates which are set to be broadcast on the BBC, ITV and Sky in the three weeks running up to the General Election, which is expected to take place on May 6.

Taylor said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have great hopes for the television debate because I think Nick Clegg is extremely good at debating. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s possible that if people watch they might actually get bored of all the bickering between the two other parties and want to try something different.â&#x20AC;?

Though Taylor projects positivity she remains realistic about the Liberal Democratâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s chances. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Of course itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unlikely weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll win the General Election but the more people who vote for us, the bigger LQĂ XHQFH ZH¡OO KDYH ,I ZH JHW DERXW 100 MPs Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be delighted.â&#x20AC;?

Newcastle East is a different story: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a reasonable chance weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll win.â&#x20AC;? Treating cancer patients, Wendy Taylor says, has taught her that nothing is ever certain, so she is cautiously optimistic that the she might just have a chance. into the UK. The letters, which are a formal invitation from one of 2,000 approved colleges and universities, were obtained for as little as ÂŁ150.

Newsnightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s investigation revealed that a small private college in West London, Gateway2uk Education, had been selling the letters for cash.

The UK Border Agency suspended the collegeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s licence and searched the premises.

The Careers Service provides information and advice on developLQJ \RXU VNLOOV ÂżQGLQJ D SDUW WLPH MRE ZRUN H[SHULHQFH VXSSRUWLQJ EXVLQHVV start-up and (when the time comes) exploring graduate opportunities. )RU PRUH GHWDLOV DERXW WKHVH DQG other vacancies, including details of KRZ WR DSSO\ YLVLW WKHLU ZHEVLWH DW www.ncl.ac.uk/careers.

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Job Title: Support Cleaner Employer: Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service Business: Fire Brigade Closing date: 12/03/2010 Salary: ÂŁ6.295 per hour (ÂŁ125.90 per week) Basic job description: Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service are looking for a Support Cleaner to work 20 hours per week. The vacancy is EDVHG DW 1HZFDVWOH :HVW )LUH 6WDWLRQ EXW \RX ZLOO EH UHTXLUHG WR ZRUN DW any Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service location. The purpose of the role is to undertake cleaning duties either individually or as part of a team, DV GLUHFWHG E\ &OHDQLQJ 6HUYLFHV Manager.

Person requirements: Applicants PXVW KDYH EDVLF QXPHUDF\ DQG OLWHUDF\ VNLOOV DQ 194 %,&6 &OHDQLQJ TXDOLÂżFDWLRQ RU ZLOOLQJ WR ZRUN towards), experience in the use of SRZHUHG EXIÂżQJ SROLVKLQJ PDFKLQHV and a full UK driving licence and transport or access to other means of PRELOLW\ Location: 1HZFDVWOH :HVW )LUH 6WDWLRQ :HVW 'HQWRQ :D\ 1HZFDVWOH XSRQ 7\QH 1( 5% DQG YDULRXV locations Job Title: Summer Camp Work 2010 (PSOR\HU %DUUDFXGDV Business: Summer Activity Camps Salary: Various Basic job description: Work Monday to Friday - no weekends! Gain experience, enhance your CV and make IULHQGV IRU OLIH (DUQ PRQH\ DQG KDYH an awesome summer. Barracudas KDYH EHHQ UXQQLQJ DFWLYLW\ GD\ FDPSV for children for 18 years over the VFKRRO KROLGD\V DQG QHHG EULOOLDQW DQG enthusiastic people to deliver fun and

exciting activities for them. We have opportunities for Sports Coaches, 4XDOLÂżHG /LIHJXDUGV *URXS $VVLVWants, Group Coordinators, Activity ,QVWUXFWRUV 6ZLPPLQJ &RDFKHV DQG ,QVWUXFWRUV IRU 3HUIRUPDQFH DQG Creative Arts. Barracudas have many locations situated around the South (DVW RI (QJODQG :H RIIHU IUHH WUDLQLQJ LQ QDWLRQDOO\ UHFRJQLVHG TXDOLÂżFDtions and in-house training courses.

We operate camps from three to six weeks during summer, depending on location. The experience we offer RXU VWDII LV H[FLWLQJ GLIIHUHQW SDLG EXW DERYH DOO )81 Person requirements: We are looking for people who have experience of working with children or those that may want to pursue a careers in childcare, sports and leisure or teaching, or who are drama and arts and craft HQWKXVLDVWV WR ÂżOO RXU UROHV RQ FDPS Location: 6RXWK (DVW YDULRXV Job Title: Brand Managers Employer: Teach First Business: (GXFDWLRQDO FKDULW\ Closing date: 26/03/2010 Salary: Up to ÂŁ200 per term Basic job description: Teach First is looking for inspiring individuals to ZRUN DV EUDQG PDQDJHUV DW \RXU XQLYHUVLW\ ,W LV DQ H[FHOOHQW RSSRUWXQLW\ to further your self -development and JDLQ DQ LQYDOXDEOH ZRUN H[SHULHQFH with one of the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top graduate UHFUXLWPHQW FRPSDQLHV <RX ZRXOG EH UHTXLUHG WR ZRUN XS WR KRXUV D ZHHN for two terms promoting Teach First at your campus and acting as a key contact for the students, increasing the awareness of the company and communicating with the recruiter on a ZHHNO\ EDVLV <RX ZLOO EHQHÂżW IURP D salary of up to ÂŁ200 per term, gaining experience in marketing and management and overall self- development.

7KH MRE FRPPHQFHV LQ 6HSWHPEHU DQG WKHUH DUH SRVWV WR EH ÂżOOHG Location: On campus

8

Monday 8 March 2010 THE COURIER

Faith schools: education or indoctrination?

Comment Editors: Caroline Argyropulo-Palmer and Nicholas Fidler - courier.comment@ncl.ac.uk

> Comment Page 10

$ GLVK VHUYHG FROG James Stubbs Columnist

5HYHQJH DOVR NQRZQ DV YHQJHDQFH or payback) is a harmful action against a person or group as a reVSRQVH WR D UHDO RU SHUFHLYHG JULHY DQFH 7KH JRDO RI UHYHQJH XVXDOO\ FRQVLVWV RI IRUFLQJ WKH SHUFHLYHG wrongdoer to suffer the same or greater pain than that which was RULJLQDOO\ LQĂ LFWHG 7KDQNV :LNLSHGLD ,¡YH DOZD\V been quite fond of the concept of UHYHQJH QRW VR PXFK LQ LWV SUDFWLFH but more the idea; for some reason it appeals, though Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not sure why. While thinking about that I WULHG W\SLQJ LW LQWR YDULRXV ZHE sites, hence the Wikipedia explanation, and it yielded some interesting results. On Facebook I came across D JURXS WKDW LQYLWHG PH WR EHFRPH a fan of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;killing a spider then worrying its spider buddies will seek UHYHQJH ¡ , KDWH VSLGHUV EXW PXVW admit this isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t one of my pressing worries while Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m killing them. I WKHQ HQGHG XS MXVW VFDULQJ P\VHOI ORRNLQJ DW SLFWXUHV RI PDVVLYH VSLGHUV DQG SORWWLQJ P\ YHQJHDQFH against any that might be thinking of doing the same to me.

For the most part, my searches IRU UHYHQJH FDPH XS ZLWK SORWV RI Ă&#x20AC; OPV 7KDW¡V UHDOO\ QRW WKDW VXUSULV ing, as seeing someone wronged get their own back is great, especially if itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Clint Eastwood thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s doing it. Seeing it on-screen is great fun, but the idea only works well in my imagination; when it comes down WR LW LQ UHDOLW\ UHYHQJH FDQ VHHP D bit impractical.

For example: if someone were to GR VRPHWKLQJ OLNH VKDYH RII RQH RI my eyebrows as a hilarious practiFDO MRNH , ZRXOG MXVW JHW SLVVHG off, and do something equally or more annoying to them, and the ZKROH YHQGHWWD ZRXOG FRQWLQXH LQ an unfunny downward spiral until one party backed down or one of us ended up killing the other. But then of course that personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s uncle or younger brother would come DQG JHW PH DQG VR RQ DQG ,¡G KDYH WR HVFDSH WR $PHULFD 3HUKDSV ,¡YH EHHQ ZDWFKLQJ WRR PDQ\ Ă&#x20AC; OPV My own experiences of getting my own back at people for YDULRXV MRNHV RIWHQ WXUQHG RXW WR be unfruitful; as I remember when I was much younger when one hot summerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s afternoon at the end of RQH RI WKHVH YHQGHWWDV , IRXQG P\ EDJ IHVWRRQHG DQG Ă&#x20AC; OOHG ZLWK VRIW cheese. As I recall it was Brie - what a waste. Another time when I was in halls here I came back to my URRP WR Ă&#x20AC; QG VRPHRQH KDG ZLSHG VQRW DOO RYHU P\ GRRU KDQGOH DQG for a long time I worried that I had offended someone on my corridor. It turned out to be one of my hilarious friends. Getting him back ZRXOG RQO\ SURYRNH VRPHWKLQJ worse. Worse yes, but perhaps more interesting than simply wiping off the cheese and going home.

'R \RX NQRZ WKH .OLQJRQ SURYHUE WKDW WHOOV XV WKDW UHYHQJH LV D GLVK EHVW VHUYHG FROG" :HOO LW¡V YHU\ cold in Newcastle.

Should the use of airbrushing in magazines be prohibited?

Yes Verity Cunningham

Ten or twenty years ago, heeled shoes were for adults, mobile phones were for emergencies, and make up was only seen on HalORZHHQ 1RZ , Ă&#x20AC; QG P\VHOI ZDONLQJ through the city centre aghast that D Ă&#x20AC; YH \HDU ROG KDV D EHWWHU SKRQH than I do, and that the same child is wearing high heels and lipstick.

It seems as though the children of today are more mature, though emotionally this is unlikely. In fact, as a psychologist reported last week, children are exposed to exFHVVLYH YLROHQW DQG VH[XDO LPDJHU\ I would like to deny this, but I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t. Indeed, simply turning on any music channel I can watch scantily clad women writhing DURXQG 2WKHU WHOHYLVLRQ SURJUDPV DQG YLGHR JDPHV LQFOXGH D ORW RI YLROHQW EHKDYLRXU ´7RS VKHOIÂľ magazines arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t necessarily found on the top shelf, and fashion magazines always show the skinniest JLUOV WKH\ FDQ Ă&#x20AC; QG About a third of people in the 8. ORVH WKHLU YLUJLQLW\ EHIRUH WKH legal age. Meanwhile, about 10% of WHHQDJHUV KDYH H[SHULHQFHG SK\VL FDO YLROHQFH ZKLOH LQ D UHODWLRQVKLS If that isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t bad enough, the millions of people affected by eating disorders now encloses four- and Ă&#x20AC; YH \HDU ROGV , WUXO\ EHOLHYH WKDW WKHVH VWDWLVWLFV are enhanced by exposing children to airbrushed photos, and displays RI YLROHQFH DQG QXGLW\ 5HVWULFWLQJ WKH DYDLODELOLW\ RI

YLROHQFH VH[ DQG LGHDOLVP LV QRZ EHLQJ WRVVHG DURXQG E\ WKH *RY ernment, but it shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need to EH GHEDWHG LI LW QHJDWLYHO\ DIIHFWV society. , KDYH QR REMHFWLRQ WR ´ODG¡V PDJVÂľ EXW WKH SURSRVHG DJH UH VWULFWLRQ VKRXOG KDYH EHHQ LPSRVHG from their creation. Allowing children to see these magazines stimulates a premature urge to lose WKHLU YLUJLQLW\ DQG LW LV ZHOO NQRZQ WKDW IRU PHQ ORVLQJ WKHLU YLUJLQLW\ LV a sign of manliness.

Similarly, an adult knows that women should be respected, but these magazines donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t emphasise this. Instead, young boys can easily EHJLQ WR REMHFWLI\ ZRPHQ VRPH thing that will continue throughout WKHLU OLYHV 0DJD]LQHV DQG PXVLF YLGHRV DOVR LQĂ XHQFH JLUOV , GHĂ&#x20AC; QLWHO\ GRQ¡W REMHFW WR IDVKLRQ PDJD]LQHV EXW airbrushing is undeniably one of the causes for the increase in eating GLVRUGHUV 7KH DYHUDJH FORWKLQJ VL]H for females in the UK is size 16, but magazines still use size 6 models.

7KH SKRWRV DUH WKHQ LPSURYHG E\ airbrushing. It can do wonders, as Alesha Dixon agreed on BBC3, but in her program, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Look But Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t 7RXFK¡ VKH LQWHUYLHZHG \RXQJ JLUOV ZKR EHOLHYHG WKDW D VL]H LV WRR big. This is certainly not a message that should be dispersed through VRFLHW\ ² ZKDWHYHU KDSSHQHG WR being healthy?

Without regulating the mateULDO DYDLODEOH WR FKLOGUHQ VH[XDO SURPLVFXLW\ DQG GRPHVWLF YLROHQFH ZLOO RQO\ LQFUHDVH DQG DW DQ HYHU decreasing age; in this day and age our attitude almost enforces it. Putting an age limit on certain PDJD]LQHV PRYLQJ WKHP WR WKH WRS shelf, and imposing a watershed for SDUWLFXODU PXVLF YLGHRV LV D VPDOO effort to make, if it means children can remain innocent and untrouEOHG E\ DGXOW OLIH IRU MXVW D OLWWOH longer.

No Danny Kielty

3HUVRQDOO\ WKH RYHQ EDNHG FRP plexions and make-up encrusted fakery featured in magazines such as Hello and OK! are about as appealing to me as counting Tiger Woodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s illegitimate children.

Imagine my surprise then, when UHVSHFWHG *RYHUQPHQW DGYLVRU 'U Linda Papadopoulos went public ZLWK KHU FRQFHUQV RYHU WKH KRQHVW\ of airbrushing in fashion magazines DQG WKHLU LPSRVLWLRQ RI ´LQDSSUR SULDWH DGXOW VH[XDOLW\ RQ RXU NLGV Âľ :KLOVW , WKLQN LW LV SUHWW\ REYLRXV that nowadays young people are being exposed to sexually proYRFDWLYH PDWHULDO HDUOLHU WKDQ HYHU EHIRUH WKH UHPRYDO RI DLUEUXVKLQJ ZRXOG EH DERXW DV HIIHFWLYH DV P\ recent attempt to chat up a girl with what I thought was a rather amusing anecdote about Henry VIII. If anything, we should use DLUEUXVKLQJ DV D ZHDSRQ :LWK MXVW D ZDYH RI WKH GLJLWDO ZDQG JRQH would be the WAGs, Z-list celebrity drug addicts and of course any WUDFH WKDW 3LHUV 0RUJDQ HYHU H[ isted. Suddenly, arrogant, self-obsessed gold-diggers will cease to be allowed to become role models for \RXQJ JLUOV +DYLQJ D SURSHU PHDO will become fashionable again. Dr Papadopoulos put this brilliantly ZKHQ VD\LQJ WKDW ´, WKLQN ZH DUH presenting young people with constructs and concepts that theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re QHLWKHU HPRWLRQDOO\ RU FRJQLWLYHO\ DEOH WR XQGHUVWDQG Âľ With all this rather uncomfort-

able talk regarding young women Ă \LQJ DURXQG ZKDW DERXW XV ER\V" I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know about the rest of the male population out there, but , VWLOO UHPHPEHU P\ Ă&#x20AC; UVW FKHHN\ glimpse of Michelle, 22, from Oldham on page 3 of The Sun, shameIXOO\ DYRLGLQJ WKH VKRS DWWHQGDQW¡V disgusted gaze as she realized that I wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t there for a 50p mix.

2EYLRXVO\ PRVW RI XV KDYH JURZQ out of clawing grimily through the silicon stained pages of Nuts and Zoo, but surely consigning these UHODWLYHO\ KDUPOHVV PDJD]LQHV WR the top shelf realm of sordid GerPDQ KRXVHZLYHV LV WDNLQJ LW WRR IDU" Apart from potential stiff resistance, such a policy would only KDYH OLPLWHG VXFFHVV :KLOVW WKH ORIW\ HDUO\ GHYHORSHUV ZRXOG FRQWLQXH WR RJOH GHĂ&#x20AC; DQWO\ ZLWK KRUQ\ HQGHDYRXU WKH VKRUWHU IRON ZRXOG KDYH WR EH FRQWHQW ZLWK WKH VWDLQ UHPRYDO WLSV LQ Good Housekeeping. )UDQNO\ , WKLQN , ZRXOG GHĂ&#x20AC; QLWHO\ be more worried if I caught my son ZLOGO\ ULĂ LQJ WKURXJK WKH OLQJHULH VHFWLRQ RI WKH $YRQ FDWDORJXH RU IRXQG KLP GULYHQ WR VWHSODGGHU raids on the local corner shop in the early hours of the morning out of sheer desperation.

2EYLRXVO\ LW LVQ¡W UHDOO\ D JRRG idea to be stapling pictures of classic porn stars to young boys before they are old enough, but trying to sterilize perfectly normal urges at that â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;special time of lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; would end up in a return to the time of the 9LFWRULDQV ZKHUH HYHU\ERG\ VDW around and discussed how arousing they found table legs.

In all seriousness though, parents can only take so much responsibility for what their children are H[SRVHG WR :H OLYH LQ D ZRUOG RI turtle-waxed newsreaders, toothwhitening kits and a mass-media that worships it. Exposure is unaYRLGDEOH 1RZ ZKHUH GLG , OHDYH my make-up bagâ&#x20AC;Ś

THE COURIER Monday 8 March 2010

9

Comment

&RQWHQGHU UHDG\ 5DK EDVKLQJ LV IDVW EHFRPLQJ WKH QH[W VSRUWLQJ FUD]H Katie Bayles

Forget the Stan Calvert Cup, the Intra Mural teams or even the sportsthemed socials. There is a new sport that is proving highly popular amongst the students of Newcastle, one that requires no effort apart IURP WKH Ă H[LQJ RI D UD]RU VKDUS tongue. Ladies and gentlemen, let me introduce you to rah-bashing.

The rules are simple; take one privately educated boy or girl, easily distinguished by accent and choice of clothes, listen carefully to their conversations and then hurl abuse at them for their opinions.

Then post these observations onto Overheard at Newcastle Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Facebook page and allow everybody else to have a good old laugh DW WKHLU H[SHQVH ,I \RX¡UH OXFN\ your sour attitudes to those who study alongside you may be noted by a national journalist, whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll then go on to write an incredibly narrow portrayal of the University and those who study there.

Step forward Giles Hatersley of The Times.

Hatersleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s article, which appeared on 28th February, gives a laughably ill-informed commentary on life as a student in this city.

His research stems as far as Sea on a Friday night and one of the more DIĂ XHQW VWUHHWV LQ -HVPRQG ZLWK D VKRUW VWRS DW &DVWOH /HD]HV ZKHUH else?). The article makes massive JHQHUDOLVDWLRQV VWDWLQJ WKDW -HV mond is an area to observe â&#x20AC;&#x153;poshos in their natural habitat.â&#x20AC;?

I write this article from my shared VWXGHQW KRXVH LQ -HVPRQG 9DOH

yet the last time I checked I was, having grown up 40 minutes from Newcastle, about as far away from posh as it is possible to be. According to him, â&#x20AC;&#x153;the toff invasion of Newcastle University has reached critical massâ&#x20AC;? and he goes on to represent Newcastle University students as being mostly arrogant and rude, with more money than brains.

As we all know though, every well-written article must have a balanced view, so he goes on to dismiss every other student as bullies who spend more time â&#x20AC;&#x153;rahbashingâ&#x20AC;? than working on the main reason we are all here: getting a de-

JUHH +LV UHVHDUFK WKHQ H[WHQGV WR that source of all knowledge these days; the Facebook page.

I am a member of Overheard. I have read the comments and have both laughed and been shocked at some of the ridiculous comments SHRSOH ERWK UDK DQG QRQ UDK KDYH made. But some of the posts have seemed so vitriolic, making angry outbursts about â&#x20AC;&#x153;f*****g rahsâ&#x20AC;? that it has taken away some of the spark of what was originally supposed to be mere â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;observational humour.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; 0RVW RI XV ZRXOG EH KRUULĂ&#x20AC; HG WR be accused of being racist, or appalled at being classed as homo-

phobic. And yet rah-bashing is seen as completely acceptable, despite the fact that those who do it are judging a person solely on how they look or live their life, without even bothering to get to know them Ă&#x20AC; UVW What I have always loved about Newcastle is how it has always felt like such a friendly city, one where the locals are welcoming and the students approachable.

But what pages such as Overheard and articles like the one that appeared in The Times do is cast a shadow over this, painting a picture of Newcastle University J. WHITLAM

Perdu bar and its Thursday night event, Ying Yang, was cited in Hatersleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s article as â&#x20AC;&#x153;the undisputed rah night out of the weekâ&#x20AC;?

students as being self-centred spoilt brats rather than some of the potential great thinkers of the future, and creating a strong divide between those who study here.

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not sure whether, had I read Giles Hatersleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s article prior to coming here, I would have been half as certain that Newcastle was the city I wanted to complete a de-

Hatersleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s narrow-minded commentary fails to address a cross-section of the Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s students gree in; such is the way it paints the town as being inhabited by cliques of privately educated students. In the two years I have been here I can honestly say that the majority of people I have met have been genuinely friendly and down-to-earth; a far cry from Hatersleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s narrowminded commentary that fails to address a true cross-section of the Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s students.

-XGJLQJ E\ WKH UHDFWLRQ RQ FDP pus the article has not gone down well. The idea of Princess Eugenie as â&#x20AC;&#x153;the mascotâ&#x20AC;Śthat unites the universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rahsâ&#x20AC;? seems to have come as a huge surprise to many stuGHQWV ZKR DIWHU WKH Ă&#x20AC; UVW Ă XUU\ RI photographers in Fresherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Week, have completely forgotten that we are amongst royalty, classing her as just another undergraduate.

On the whole, Hatersleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s article has been dismissed as poor journalism; mere â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;insight-lacking commentaryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; according to Patrick Gallagher, writing on the Times Online webpage, which fails to address the many diverse groups of people studying within the University.

The Christian Unionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Events Week: must all their activities have religious overtones?

Elliot Bentley

Before I begin, a quick disclaimer: I think that everyone has the right to believe whatever they want, and I also have no problem with the Christian Union running events for their members, or other Christians, to discuss spiritual matters.

However, I question the motivation behind Newcastle University Christian Unionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;events weekâ&#x20AC;?.

You may be aware of several goings-on organised by the C.U. towards the end of February, LQFOXGLQJ WDONV TXL]]HV DQG RSHQ mike nights, as well as a tent in the centre of the campus giving out free food and drink.

Apart from the talks, none were DGYHUWLVHG DV EHLQJ H[SOLFLWO\ religious events. However, they appeared to be squarely aimed at non-Christians in an attempt to broadcast their own beliefs.

7DNH IRU H[DPSOH WKH RSHQ PLNH night at Henderson Hall, which was advertised on posters as being â&#x20AC;&#x153;organised by the Christian Unionâ&#x20AC;?. Halfway through the PXVLF ZKLFK ZDV SUHWW\ HQMR\DEOH

a member of the Christian Union

VWRRG XS DQG EHJDQ WR H[SODLQ WR the unassuming audience members about sin and hell, and to talk us through a passage from the Bible.

He told us that what he was saying â&#x20AC;&#x153;may be the most important thing you will hear in your lifeâ&#x20AC;?.

There was an air of embarrassed silence among most in the room, and I know that I was certainly not the only one to be surprised and PLOGO\ RIIHQGHG E\ WKLV XQH[SHFWHG bait-and-switch tactic. One person stormed out in disgust.

The intention of this open mike night was clear to everyone who attended. Despite a few members of the Christian Union being present, the majority of the room had not attended on the basis of it being an event for Christians.

6OLJKWO\ PRUH SHUSOH[LQJ LQ WHUPV of motivation was the handing out of free food and drink to students stumbling through receptions of their student halls at 2am on a Friday night. While much appreciated by the hungry, drunken students, this act of generosity could only have been to promote â&#x20AC;&#x153;events weekâ&#x20AC;? to those clearly not abiding by strict Christian morals. , FDQ¡W DGPLW WR KDYLQJ H[SHUL enced anything but the two events described above, but neither appeared to be celebrating Christianity. In my mind, the Christian Union seemed to be attempting to force their own beliefs upon less religious or non-Christian students, which I

vehemently disagree with.

This is not to say that I believe public displays of faith should be banned outright. We live in a democratic society where people should be allowed to say or believe whatever they wish. However, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important to respect othersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; beliefs too, and to tell someone that their personal beliefs are incorrect is downright rude.

What made the Christian Unionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;events weekâ&#x20AC;? particularly offensive was the way that its organisers seemed to believe their belief system and moral code to be so superior to anyone elseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s that they felt the need to convert non-believers, even if it meant resorting to some rather underhand tactics.

Laura Heads

As a member of the Christian Union, perhaps not the most prominent or obvious member but a member nonetheless, I feel somewhat hurt by the comments written

by Elliot and slightly ashamed that what we planned was taken in the ZD\ LW ZDV , IHHO , RXJKW WR H[SODLQ H[DFWO\ ZKDW (YHQWV :HHN ZDV

about and why it happened.

Essentially Events Week is a week, once a year, where the Christian Union puts on a week of events with something going on each day.

This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s theme was â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;WHO?â&#x20AC;&#x2122; aimed at looking at who Christians EHOLHYH -HVXV LV DQG ZK\ WKH\ WKLQN heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important. Events run include lunch bars, evening events and opportunities to ask questions and gain answers to questions anyone may have.

I have to admit that I wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t present at the Henderson Hall event and therefore do not feel able to comment on the running of the evening, however having been to many events last week, all of which were widely accepted and appreciated, I can vouch for the fact that at no point did I feel pressured into believing what they told me to believe; the fact I am already a Christian is irrelevant.

In the nicest way possible, I feel the need to contest the fact that when attending an event run by the Christian Union you were surprised that a member stood up and spoke.

There was no intention to make people feel guilty, pressurised or awkward with the situation, it was merely a chance for the C.U. to H[SODLQ ZKDW WKH\ DUH DERXW ZKDW they believe, and to give you a chance to believe the same if you so wish, no strings attached.

By choosing to attend the event it

is plausible that you should have KDG VRPH UHDVRQDEOH H[SHFWDWLRQ that there would be something to do with the Christian Union there and even if you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t believe in what they are saying I would hedge a bet that there were people there that did.

Free tea and coffee at Castle /HD]HV KDV EHHQ D IHDWXUH VLQFH 6HS WHPEHU DQG KDV UXQ IRU PDQ\ \HDUV previous to this also) and is again, in no way designed to pressure those who are â&#x20AC;&#x153;clearly not abiding by strict Christian moralsâ&#x20AC;?; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just a chance to show hospitality, and if students ask, to chat about faith and the questions that they may KDYH WR GR ZLWK LW ,W LV GHĂ&#x20AC; QLWHO\ not a chance to pressurise people into dramatically changing their ways and life.

It begs the question as to whether if this was an event run by any other society you would feel the same way; if you were to attend an event run by the Islamic Society, the Labour party or even the Disney society, would you have been as surprised if a speaker got up and spoke about their beliefs and their society?

All of the outcomes and remarks I have heard about the Christian Union Events Week have been positive and highly complimentary, I can only apologise if it made you feel at all pressured throughout the week at any event you went to; it certainly was not the intention.

10

Monday 8 March 2010 THE COURIER

Comment

0RYH RYHU &KHU\O ,¡P RQ 7HDP $VKOH\ Roger Hamilton-Martin

Chat Roulette allows you to connect to â&#x20AC;&#x153;random strangersâ&#x20AC;?, primarily via webcam

Virtually occupied, but for how long?

Caroline Argyropulo-Palmer Comment Editor

Once upon a time, in the halcyon days of Enid Blyton, or somewhere in the early to mid eighties, people had pen pals.

Friends you shared your darkest secrets with in letters spanning your whole childhood and adoOHVFHQFH OHDGLQJ WR D OLIH IXOĂ&#x20AC; OOLQJ friendship roughly along the line of the plot of Beaches.

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not more depraved, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re no weirder. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re just bored. Pen and paper doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t cut it anymore Now, we have Chat Roulette: a FKLOG SURWHFWLRQ RIĂ&#x20AC; FHU¡V QLJKWPDUH of a website where you can connect to â&#x20AC;&#x153;random strangersâ&#x20AC;? through webcams and a chat function.

A bit like MSN; except if you opt RXW RI WKH YLVXDO DVSHFW LW¡V JHQHUDO O\ MXVW D F\FOH RI UHMHFWLRQ JR Ă&#x20AC; JXUH

DQG \RX GRQ¡W NQRZ ZKR WKH\ DUH And when you get bored you can just click on to the next stranger, QHYHU DJDLQ WR Ă&#x20AC; QG WKH SHRSOH ZKR have previously popped up on your spins of the virtual wheel.

Somewhere along the line we lost our concentration span. We lost our concentration span for meeting and making friends, and we lost our internet concentration span for VRPHWKLQJ WKDW ZH FRXOGQ¡W XSGDWH second by second.

Similarly we have Twitter. Not content with seeing what your friends were up to on Facebook that week we now need multiple daily updates. Interestingly Chat

Roulette also has a Twitter feed. $V WKH VLWH¡V QDPH VDNH VXJJHVWV there is a bullet somewhere in the chamber. However, rather than seeking to avoid it, it seems that this is what users are seeking.

No one wants to chat to some VZHHW ORQHO\ JLUO LQ 6KHIĂ&#x20AC; HOG People want to see the ridiculous, the grotesque and hopefully some QXGLW\ ,W¡V D PRGHUQ GD\ IUHDN show, cum porn site.

Googling the name pulls up lists of the best screen shots. And best in this context range from the frankly odd to the embarrassing to explain if an unassuming parent wanders up behind you.

People try and out-weird each other â&#x20AC;&#x201C; solving their boredom and their partners in one easy and philanthropic swoop.

The thing is, the lack of concentration span that created Chat Roulette KDV RWKHU RXWFRPHV 7KH œFODVVLF¡ shock tactics get older every day, people catch on quicker.

2QFH \RX¡YH FRPH DFURVV WKH JX\ dressed as Hitler your friend told \RX DERXW RU VHHQ \RXU Ă&#x20AC; OO RI XQDW tractive nudity the effect starts to dull. The giggles and groans emanating from across our sitting room at what or who ever had popped up lasted for about a week. :H¡UH QR PRUH GHSUDYHG ZH¡UH QR ZHLUGHU :H¡UH MXVW ERUHG 3HQ DQG SDSHU GRQ¡W FXW LW DQ\PRUH )DFHERRN GRHVQ¡W FXW LW DQ\PRUH Is there any way to provide us with amusement and instant, constantly changing distractions or are we doomed to lives of trying to Ă&#x20AC; QG VRPHRQH RQ &KDW 5RXOHWWH MXVW weird enough to make our day?

There is one thing. It constantly PRYHV ,W KDV YLVXDO DQG DXGLR ,W¡V XQSUHGLFWDEOH ,W¡V IUHH 1XGLW\ FDQ EH DUUDQJHG ,W¡V ROGHU WKDQ HYHQ Bette Midler.

I might be sounding as old as (QLG KHUVHOI EXW ,¡G UDWKHU RFFXS\ myself with a macaroon, a cup of WHD DQG VRPH DFWXDO à HVK DQG EORRG human beings.

Go to your computer. Type â&#x20AC;&#x153;Support for Ashley Coleâ&#x20AC;? into your search engine of choice. Now be unsurprised by the scarcity of posiWLYH UHVXOWV :DLW KROG RQ WKHUH¡V one: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Support Team Ashley Cole!Support Now! Twibbon.comâ&#x20AC;?

Twibbon, the self described easiest way to promote your cause on Twitter, allows you to start a following and get people behind a movement or ideal. Upon further inspection, the pro-Ashley page has one eremitic supporter. Such is the KDWUHG IRU WKH ZRUOG¡V EHVW OHIW EDFN The vast majority of the female population, that is the ones who do FDUH DERXW LQVLJQLĂ&#x20AC; FDQW FHOHEULW\ culture, breathed a sigh of relief last week as the hapless, some might VD\ QDwYH &KHU\O &ROH FRQĂ&#x20AC; UPHG once and for all that she would be leaving the player (this word does indeed have more than one meanLQJ

The vast majority of the male population in Newcastle mentally masturbated over the idea of meeting newly single Cheryl in the Gate

on a Friday night and having their way with her after she decided to return to her Tyneside roots. Maybe just me. But as the girls bitch about Ashley and share sob stories of bad experiences, lads have a think.

Recently the big three sporting philanderers have been: Tiger Woods - face of golf and arguably biggest sports star in the world, has been linked with as many as 19 ladies during his 5 year marriage to Elin Nordegren;

For me as far as this matter is concerned, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Team Ashley all the way Ashley Cole - emerged to have taken Liverpool secretary Vicki Gough into his hotel room before games against Hull and Birmingham while married to Cheryl Cole; John Terry - who in 2009 won the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dad of the Year Awardâ&#x20AC;? had an affair with girlfriend of ex teamPDWH DQG H[ IULHQG :D\QH %ULGJH French underwear model Vanessa Perroncel.

One big difference between these 3 cases is that only Ashley Cole has EHHQ Ă&#x20AC; QHG E\ WKH RUJDQLVDWLRQ KH represents, to the tune of, going by some reports, ÂŁ400,000.

The reason given by Chelsea was that he broke the rules by having a

woman back to his hotel room, and has consequently â&#x20AC;&#x153;tarnished ChelVHD¡V UHSXWDWLRQ Âľ :KHQ \RX ORRN at the respective cheaters, Tiger is the one who stands out as being the frontman of his sport.

Apart from a couple of apoloJLHV 7LJHU KDV HPHUJHG Ă&#x20AC; QDQFLDOO\ unscathed, the PGA (whose tour KH SOD\V RQ FHUWDLQO\ KDYHQ¡W Ă&#x20AC; QHG him after tarnishing the game.

-RKQ 7HUU\ LV &KHOVHD¡V IURQW PDQ the captain, and following the fall out of his affair, Chelsea have been fully behind him, not even dropping him as skipper.

He was having an affair with anRWKHU WHDPPDWH¡V JLUOIULHQG VXUHO\ the ultimate betrayal that without a GRXEW WDUQLVKHV &KHOVHD¡V UHSXWD tion. Apparently, the Chelsea board disagrees, and considers Ashley playing away with a Liverpool Secretary a more heinous crime. &KHOVHD¡V SRVLWLRQ LV WKDW WKH FDVHV are completely different, and they are unhappy that Cole deceived a &OXE RIĂ&#x20AC; FLDO 6WHYH $WNLQV +RZ this is ÂŁ400,000 worse than Terry having an affair with best friend :D\QH %ULGJH¡V SDUWQHU LV EH\RQG me.

The fact that Cole is an overpaid arrogant mother is irrelevant.

He still should be treated fairly, and for me as far as this matter is FRQFHUQHG LW¡V 7HDP $VKOH\ DOO WKH way.

Thou shalt not teach prejudicial sex education Bethany Sissons

More girls under eighteen fell pregnant in 2008 than in 2001, and the UK has the highest rate of teenage pregnancy in Europe. These high Ă&#x20AC; JXUHV KDYH EHHQ EODPHG RQ D ODFN of sex education in school and from parents. Young people are learning about sex from their friends in the playground, rather than being given the facts of life in a detailed way and in a serious environment.

The Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, Ed Balls, hopes to improve sex education with an amendment to the Children Schools and Families Bill.

The new bill forces faith schools to teach students about same sex relationships and contraception, but still gives faith schools the freedom to express their opinions on sexual relationships.

Faith schools can therefore tailor their teaching of sex education around religious beliefs.

Ed Balls has denied the fact that this means sex education in faith schools will be â&#x20AC;&#x153;watered downâ&#x20AC;?.

He told the BBC: â&#x20AC;&#x153;If a school GRHVQ¡W DSSURYH RI FRQWUDFHSWLRQ or abortion or homosexuality then it can give that message.

A Catholic faith school can say to their pupils we believe as a religion that contraception is wrong but ZKDW WKH\ FDQ¡W GR LV WKHUHIRUH VD\ that they are not going to teach children about contraception and how to access contraception.â&#x20AC;?

Previously, teachers at faith schools were able to leave out parts of the sex education curriculum ZKLFK GLG QRW UHĂ HFW WKH UHOLJLRXV

beliefs of the school.

One third of schools in England are faith schools, who as religious organisations are opposed to homosexuality and contraception.

It seems a positive move that faith school pupils will now be taught more about the diversity of sexual relationships, as before these issues could be ignored.

However, it remains that a high proportion of young people will be advised against contraception and will in effect be taught homophobia. To this effect the Government appears to be supporting large religious organisations by allowing

The biological facts about sex perhaps need to be emphasised more than the moral vision in faith schools faith schools to denounce homosexuality, rather than supporting the idea of liberty for individuals.

Many faith school pupils do not actually practise a religion. For this reason, faith schools have a responsibility to teach their pupils about the secular side of sex. Indeed a Channel 4 survey reported that 73% of teenagers felt that sex education in their school was poor and more than one third of them did not discuss sex at home.

With the new bill young people at faith schools will not be in the dark about what, for students at nonfaith schools, is common knowledge.

However, the amendment to the ELOO VWLOO GRHVQ¡W JLYH FKLOGUHQ ZKR attend faith schools the chance to hear the facts about sex in the same objective way as their peers at nonfaith schools.

When it comes to puberty, getting

pregnant or contracting an STI, teenagers surely need to know the VFLHQWLĂ&#x20AC; F IDFWV UDWKHU WKDQ IRFXV purely on the morality of sex. However, the new bill is an improvement on the previous bill, which kept young people at faith schools uninformed; teenagers need to know about the diversity of sexual relationships in order to make their own considered decisions about sex. /DERXU¡V 7HHQDJH 3UHJQDQF\ Strategy is supposed to half teenage pregnancy in the UK but at the moment it is failing hopelessly. There has been a 32% increase in teenage pregnancy since 1997. :LWK Ă&#x20AC; JXUHV OLNH WKLV LQ RXU FRXQ try, schools should see the need to educate their pupils fully and objectively. The biological facts about sex perhaps need to be emphasised more than the moral vision in faith schools.

The question of what is right and wrong in terms of sexual relationVKLSV LV FHUWDLQO\ LPSRUWDQW ,¡P QRW VD\LQJ WKDW VFKRROV VKRXOGQ¡W express the view that a sexual relationship should be started in a ORYLQJ UHODWLRQVKLS 7KHUH LV D GHĂ&#x20AC; nite tension amongst young people between religious beliefs and learning about safe sex. ,W LV GLIĂ&#x20AC; FXOW IRU IDLWK VFKRROV QRW to pass judgement and enforce their beliefs about sexual relationships on to their pupils. Surely it is a narrow minded view for schools to limit sex education to a simple biology lesson?

7KHUH¡V PRUH WR VH[ WKDQ WKH UH SURGXFWLYH V\VWHP DQG LW¡V LPSRU tant that young people are exposed to the emotional values of a sexual relationship.

However, young people, as individuals, should have the opportunity to make up their own minds about the relationships they want to experience.

THE COURIER Monday 8 March 2010

11

Comment

BBC Radio: making cuts in the wrong direction James Brown

After a year of controversy over the so-called Sachsgate scandal, the Jonathan Ross debacle and subsequent resignation, the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Crowngateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; affair and increasing media and public unease with the largesse and frivolity at the BBC, Auntie last week proposed axing the BBC 6 and Asian Network radio stations, importing less US drama at high cost and sizing down its large website by 25%.

In the face of this pressure on the Beeb, all this seems sensible. But one should never take things at face value: a thorough understanding of the workings and costs of the BBC is necessary. Radio 6 has 695,000 listeners a week and costs ÂŁ9m a year: that is just 3.4p per user per hour.

This doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t compare well with larger mainstream stations such as Radio 1 and Radio 2 with 10.8 and 13.3 million listeners a week respectively and a cost per user per hour of 0.6 and 0.5p.

However, compared with smaller similarly sized stations, 6 fares well: Radio 1Extra has 0.9 million listeners per week and costs 4.5p per user per hour; Radio 3 has 2 million weekly listeners and costs 6.3p per user per hour.

Value for money is important in the recession, but ratings are not

the most important thing when considering which BBC services are of value; the BBCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s output has an intrinsic value as a public service broadcaster, it must do things that commercial broadcasters have no obligation to do in order to justify the license fee.

There are some things that no one would do if the BBC didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do them.

The axing of the Asian Network is a huge blow to the Beebâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commitments to ethnic minorities and if Radio 6 didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t play the new artists it does, commercial radio, with its focus on ratings, advertising revenues and the lowest common denominator, most certainly wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t: â&#x20AC;&#x153;let the BBC play itâ&#x20AC;? is what producers at commercial radio say of emerging artists.

BBC Director General Mark Thompson claimed in The Guardian that â&#x20AC;&#x153;the proposed changes we are announcing â&#x20AC;Ś are not a piece of politics,â&#x20AC;? as he announced them just weeks before a general election that it looks likely the Conservatives, no big fans of the BBC, will win. Pandering to the Conservativesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; (i.e. Murdoch empireâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s) massive anti-BBC rhetoric before an impeding election smacks of pure cowardice in the face of opposition.

BBC Online is the premier British news site, covering all areas of the globe, all facets of the news and much more besides.

It is the future of BBC output, alongside Radio and TV, which are now available online, for free. No other broadcaster can offer such a comprehensive range of program-

Letters to the Editor Homeopathy article questioned Dear Editor, I suppose I should be addressing this directly to the author, Rosie Tallant, or perhaps the editor who decided to run the article.

I would like to draw attention to the poor research which has gone into this article. It would appear that the research consisted of nothing more than a re-wording of some data from the Wikipedia page on homeopathy.

For instance, succession is the term used by homeopaths for the serial dilutions made not, as the article states, the process where the solution is â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;shaken vigorously with forceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; which is actually known by homeopaths as potentisation.

Potentisation is believed to add efĂ&#x20AC; FDF\ WR WKH UHPHG\ )XUWKHUPRUH the succession of dilutions used is almost always to a degree that none of the original (supposedly) active ingredient remains.

The fact that in effect homeopaths claim to be able to treat disease with nothing more than water is the major cause of scepticism within WKH VFLHQWLĂ&#x20AC; F FRPPXQLW\ DQG youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d probably assume with most members of the public also).

This crucial fact was left out of the article meaning any reader attempting to gain some knowledge of the issue is ill informed to make a deciVLRQ RQ WKH HIĂ&#x20AC; FDF\ RI KRPHRSDWKLF remedies.

I should add that stating â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;new theories in quantum physics are shedding light on the methodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; implies there is a lot more supportive evidence for homeopathâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s belief that water retains a memory than in fact actually exists (i.e. no evidence - if water retains memory than we should all be very hopeful that we never drink any water that coursed through the blood of Adolf Hitler or Joseph Stalin).

If you have a genuine interest in the subject and would like to enlighten readers, try a better source of information such as something written by Edzard Ernst (a doctor of medicine who started out practising homeopathy and is now the ZRUOG¡V Ă&#x20AC; UVW SURIHVVRU RI FRPSOH mentary medicine).

My personal belief is if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to write an article where your summarising point is that ignorance is driving decision making, perhaps you should ensure you are not ignorant of the topic yourself.

Yours truly, ARTHUR BRIDGES Dear Arthur, I apologise for the offence you seem to have taken regarding the content of my article. I assure you that my only intention was to shed light on the process of homeopathy and explain the opinions on its effectiveness.

Interestingly, the points to which you refer were taken from the webpage of The Society of Homeopaths, including the explanation of succession and the

A. BARKER

The BBCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s TV Centre in Newcastle: the corporationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s announcement that cuts will include BBC 6 Music and Asian Network radio stations has sparked a public outcry

ming and news, all for the bargain annual price of the license fee.

More than that, the BBC is Britainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest cultural institution, protecting and promoting the arts

at home, representing our nation abroad and raking in cash through its moneymaking arm BBC Worldwide by selling content to other broadcaster around the world.

description of the liquid being shaken vigorously.

It is the repeated process of succession that Hahnemann termed potentisation, but I hardly thought this small fact to be essential for readers to form an opinion on the effectiveness and safety of the practice.

It was also The Society of Homeopaths that stated that â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;new theories in quantum physics are going some way towards shedding light on the processâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, but if it is your belief that no such evidence can be found then you are entitled to that opinion.

Your defensiveness of the details of homeopathy when you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t seem to be in support of the process confuses me, but I appreciate your attention to the details of my article.

My apologies if this explanation does not satisfy your clearly superior knowledge of homeopathy, I assure you that I am certainly not ignorant of the topic and enjoyed researching and writing about it.

only â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;good-lookingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; people are victims of rape - should never have been allowed into print and damages all the good work that various rape awareness groups have done and are still doing. The fact that it appeared in the same issue as Rowan Rheingansâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s article about International Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day is both ironic and mysterious.

Ms Bannon also goes on to describe standing on a bar â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;out of armâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s length from any greasy Greeksâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;; another example of her insulting and ignorant (and in this case, apparently, racist) writing style.

I am extremely concerned that this poisonous attitude is being circulated and hence, I assume, deemed appropriate by the Editors. Please do rape victims (and Greeks!) a little justice and print a retraction.

Kindest regards,

JENNIFER WRIGHT

ROSIE TALLANT

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Poisonousâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; article Dear Editor, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m writing to complain about an article in last weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s The Courier (1207), â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Getting smashed and getting back aliveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; by Katherine Bannon. In it the columnist states that someone going on a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;ladsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; or girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; holidayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; should â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;grab a pair of sunnies, some suncream and perhaps a rape alarm, even if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not particularly good-looking.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; This disgusting sentiment - that

Yours,

Debate piece offends Dear Editor, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to comment on the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;NOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; end of the yes/no comment in The Courier 1207. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a reason why white middle class men dominate most political and legal institutions; the perspective gained through ULJRURXV HGXFDWLRQ DQG UHĂ HFWLRQ produces a far wider outlook than the average Heat Magazine reader is able to offerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; To me this reads as â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;We need white middle class men in power;

Only CNN, The New York Times, Yahoo and Chinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s QQ website have more unique users than BBC Online and with 120m requests a year; the iPlayer has been a resounding innovative success.

Cutting its output by 25% would mean direct job cuts, in addition to those at Radio.

The BBCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s budget will actually rise this year, despite the recession. The strategic reviews report suggests that the BBC has an extra ÂŁ600m to spend as other large SURMHFWV VXFK DV UHĂ&#x20AC; WWLQJ %URDG casting House in London, moving VRPH RIĂ&#x20AC; FHV DQG VWXGLRV WR WKH QHZ centre in Salford and paying for the digital switchover in time for the 2012 Olympics come to an end.

Surely some of this money can be used to protect vital services: emerging music on Radio 6; commitment to the Asian community in Britain on the Asian Network; and maintaining its leading position as the premier British news website.

The BBC is more than just a national institution, it is a cherished one (support for and pride in the BBC rose from 68 to 77% in ICM polls in 2004 and 2009) that deserves to be able to continue without fear of accusations of expansionism and without fear of its â&#x20AC;&#x153;impact on the independent sectorâ&#x20AC;? from Murdoch.

Maybe the BBC shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t expand in the current economic climate, LW VKRXOG GHĂ&#x20AC; QLWHO\ EH VPDUWHU LQ its use of money, but it certainly shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t offer up unnecessary VDFULĂ&#x20AC; FHV WR VHUYLFHV DQG MRE FXWV before it needs to. they are superior and can read up on anything ethnic.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Please explain your rationale and/or apologize for such an outwardly racist, sexist and ignorant comment. Plus the easy dig at Heat is amateur beyond belief. I appreciate that I am in fact writing directly to the author of WKLV DUWLFOH EXW , Ă&#x20AC; QG ZKDW KDV EHHQ written and deemed acceptable to be published deeply offensive.

Thank you, ALEX BISHOP Dear Alex Responding to your comment about WKH ´ZKLWH PDOH PLGGOH FODVVÂľ SURĂ&#x20AC; OH I made reference, I extend my sincere apologies for writing a comment which has been construed to cause offensive It was not intended as an abstract comment of needless racism or sexism but is a component part of the debate DERXW SURĂ&#x20AC; OHV LQ ODZ DQG LV WKHUHIRUH UHOHYDQW DV WKLV LV WKH VRUW RI SURĂ&#x20AC; OH that is traditionally associated with legal institutions.

It is a line which is frequently used in political circles to highlight the issue of institutionalised homogeneity and in a sense it embodies a general sentiment of one-dimensional representation and is not limited to the exact characteristics I included. For want of a better phrase, I was trying to highlight a stereotypical conception of what is frequently cited as an â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;idealâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; for the job in question.

It is an opinion and is not claiming to be factual. That said, it clearly has caused offense to yourself and again, I apologise for this.

Yours sincerely, NICHOLAS FIDLER

12

Monday 8 March 2010 THE COURIER

Burberry goes 3D > Fashion, page 14 Life & Style Editors: Larisa Brown, Alex Felton and Ashley Fryer - courier.life@ncl.ac.uk

life

/LYLQJ WKURXJK WKH WUDXPD Rachel Flint shares her experience of coping with an incurable and embarrassing illness that affects her ability to lead what most us of would consider a normal life

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THE COURIER Monday 8 March 2010

13

Life Life & Style

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L.BROWN

The Penny Pincher Lesson 15: Cooking Rowan Taylor Columnist

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14

Monday 8 March 2010 THE COURIER

Life & Style Fashion

fashion

Burberry goes 3D Nataly Birbeck on the new use of 3D on the catwalk, pioneered by Burberry

F

rom the archetypal trench coats which became synonymous with the desolation of the First World War, to the media explosion surrounding its impending 3D catwalk show, Burberry’s trajectory has proven to be consistently current and in sync with the contemporary.

Riding on the wave of Avatar’s 3D success, Burberry rewrote fashion KLVWRU\ E\ KRVWLQJ WKH ZRUOG·V À UVW 3D fashion catwalk show.

The luxury brand’s autumn/winter 2010 collection was brought to life before the bespectacled eyes of fashion-worshippers at Chelsea College of Art on February 23.

To add insult to envy-induced injury, the future-proof fashion was À UVW VWUHDPHG OLYH WR LQYLWDWLRQ RQO\ venues in New York, Paris, Dubai and Tokyo to a sea of fashion mo-

guls and veterans.

Designer and creative director for Burberry, Yorkshire-born Christopher Bailey, gushes that the 3D visuals and live streaming will emulate the experience of being front-row for the wider public sans invitation, allowing them to “see the colours and fabrics, to hear the music and to be a part of that moment when it all À QDOO\ FRPHV WRJHWKHUµ This love-triangle which consists of designer, models and the wider public is evidently important for Bailey, as this is what assists him in maintaining the immediacy and feasibility of the brand.

In 2009, Bailey enlisted Harry Potter’s female protagonist Emma Watson to inject her youthful vitality into the bones of the brand.

Watson’s quintessentially British reserve and It-girl status epitomises Burberry’s paradoxical yet enduring identity, whilst staying the right side of sexy.

Likewise, the employment of equally fresh-faced yet aloof singer and model George Craig to front the latest campaign with Watson et al adds edge and renders it the cam-

paign of-the-moment.

An excitable Craig effuses: “Burberry are so on it, they consistently make amazing clothes every season and go to huge efforts to show the world what they are truly about.

Streaming the catwalk in 3D is revolutionary and will give people all over the world the feeling of being LQ WKH URRP«LW·V VR H[FLWLQJ µ This affection for sharing the latest fashion innovations with the wider public is an idea that is diffusing throughout the industry and has been for some time.

British designers Antoni Burakowski and Alison Roberts have been dispersing their fashion endeavours via various mediums for a few years now, claiming that the catwalk “actually seems a very oldIDVKLRQHG ZD\µ RI FRQYH\LQJ WKHLU message at the moment. On the contrary, Burberry’s three dimensional fusion of fashion and technology seems far from dated.

For Bailey, the art of fashion is all about constant evolution and responding to what’s happening in the world.

Considering the world’s current

Setting the trend: catwalk photos from Burberry’s 2010 spring/summer collection

preoccupation with 3D media, it would seem a very appropriate stepping stone in Burberry’s life path, which has travelled from Britain’s nineteenth century pre-war Hampshire to Harry Potter’s wandwielding Hermione.

It evolves in time with its audience and customers. In the latest collection, George Craig was wearing a t-shirt bearing the face of Thomas Burberry himself, showing that in the midst of global domination, he has not been forgotten.

THE COURIER Monday 8 March 2010

15

Fashion Life & Style

CATWALKING.COM

Fashion for men

what’s hot Converse Bed hair

The ‘Bed-Head Look’.

Whilst most girls are jealous that they themselves can’t pull of the literal ‘I just rolled out of bed and into lectures’ hair-do; we sure do love a guy who can.

Stripes

Whether or not it’s due to every girl’s unconscious fantasy to be whisked off for a romantic weekend in Paris, a guy in stripes always appeals. Just remember boys – horizontal, not vertical!

Smarter than trainers and more casual than brogues or (god forbid) loafers, converse seem to scream a level of laid-back cool and classic style.

Always a win.

what’s not Guyliner

AU trackies in daily life

:H JHW LW <RX·UH RQ WKH ÀUVW rugby team, and as a result, you get all those fancy clothes telling you, in case you forget.

Wearing them to the corner shop to get your milk, complete with matching hoodie and body-warmer?

6DYH LW IRU WKH ÀHOG

You either look like an unpaid extra from Pirates of the Caribbean (just because it looks good on Captain Jack, does not mean the same applies to Uni students), or an overgrown emo. Stay well away, for everyone’s sake.

Earrings

Sorry, but there are some things which can only look good on JLUOV (DU SLHUFLQJV GHÀQLWHO\ fall into this category, and unless you’re trying to channel the Sex-Pistols, you shouldn’t try this fashion trend.

Lucy Alexander

16

Monday 8 March 2010 THE COURIER

Life & Style Sex & Relationships

sex & relationships View Askew Old School Feminism Kathy Jackman Columnist

Email courier. life@ncl.ac.uk if you would like to go on your very own Blind Date

blind date Emma Hudson & Scott McLoughlin She said:

I consider myself to be a feminist.

And when I say feminist, I mean a true feminist; someone who believes that women warrant and deserve equal rights to men in terms of employment, home life and so on. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the key word here: equality, not superiority.

It seems to me that somewhere along the line the true intentions of Feminism lost its way. Once upon a time it was about women gaining the rights that had previously been denied to them; the right to vote, the right to a career; the right to a life away from the house. They were radical, but their ideas were well thought out and progressive.

1RZDGD\V FHUWDLQ KLJK SURĂ&#x20AC;OH members, not naming any names, of the so called â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Third Waveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; of feminism genuinely seem to believe that to be a woman is to be superior to man, that we have been desexualised and repressed for generations out of male fear. Some have even postulated that womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ability to take the pain of menstruation and childbirth means that we are the more resilient and therefore the more advanced sex.

None of this could be further from the truth. Yes, sexism is still alive and well, the fact that women are still struggling to break the glass ceiling and get equal pay to their male co-workers is sickening, but it works both ways.

For every male orientated ad that depicts women as vapid sex object, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an ad targeted at women that portrays men as impotent, useless inconveniences. Whereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the fairness in that? We canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have our cake and then complain when everyone wants a piece.

Sure, we women have to put up with a lot biologically, and at times it can seriously work against us as a gender. Periods can be agonising, nightmarish things, and the whole experience can leave us feeling at odds with our own bodies, but that doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mean weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re better than men, not by a long shot.

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m just getting tired of these Third Wave feminists who continue to miss the point. Germaine Greer has been quoted saying that women should not wear bras, but that they also should not burn them because it is simply another form of repression in the guise of liberation. tures and can prevent back pain.

It seems to me that feminism is more mockery than movement nowadays, which disappoints me greatly, because itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important that men and women alike strive to be equal to one another.

Yes, women have been repressed, but we are constantly progressing.

The people who decry men have no right to call themselves feminists, because their ideas are fascist.

I, as a woman, do not think that men are evil, and I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think that we women are the superior sex. We are all humans, and we deserve the same degree of respect.

I became surprisingly nervous before our date; the only clue I had was that he was 6ft 2, a good start as this meant I could wear my new heels!

On arrival at Pitcher & Piano, I was soon put at ease; there was a beautiful red rose waiting for me on the table. Before long it was evident Scott was truly a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;nice guyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;... but possibly too nice for me.

During our meal, I had no reservations when it came to telling my drunken stripping story and the tale of the time I ate curry with my hands after one too many glasses, but Scott was more anxious to share similar anecdotes, and seemed worried about what Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d think.

After exposing my hair phobia (yes, I am afraid of strands of hair) he was still apprehensive to reveal his much more rational fear of heights as, in his words, he â&#x20AC;&#x153;didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to sound like a freak too!â&#x20AC;? .

What followed this comment was excessive apologising for referring to me as a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;freakâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; which started to take its toll after an hour or so.

Like a true gentleman, Scott paid for our meal and the bar crawl commenced.

Unfortunately though, even after a few woo woos in the following cocktail bar (Scott couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t bring himself to order the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;leg spreaderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;), I was still looking forward to getting home and catching up on Desperate Housewives.

The night seemed to go quickly,

as it was 1am before I landed home.

Scott was a genuinely a lovely guy but unfortunately not my type.

He said: A friend said to me: â&#x20AC;&#x153;blind dates are one of those things to do before you dieâ&#x20AC;?.

However, being only 20 I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t exactly feel close to death. In fact the only reason I put my name forward to go on the blind date was because the kind listeners of my Newcastle Student Radio show (One Step Away With Nick and Scott) voted for me to do so.

Though an unexpected develop-

ment in my love life, I felt I should be open minded about the date.

We agreed to meet at the Pitcher and Piano for a meal, somewhere we had both never been.

Emma arrived, and she looked stunning. At the beginning of the GDWH RXU FRQYHUVDWLRQV GLGQ¡W à RZ particularly well; after all we were still complete strangers.

By the end of the meal we seemed more comfortable in each otherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s company, thanks largely to stories Emma told that caught me completely off guard. Emma was funny!

It was at this point I realized I was lucky enough to spend my Friday evening with exactly the kind of

girl I could have hoped for; a girl with a sense of humour, and one who didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t take herself too seriously. :H Ă&#x20AC;QLVKHG GHVVHUW DQG PRYHG on to â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The Vineyardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, where we had a few too many cocktails. The evening drew to a close in â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Vodka revolutionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. Perhaps not the perfect SODFH WR Ă&#x20AC;QLVK EXW SOHDVDQW HQRXJK We then shared a taxi back to hers, and parted ways with a kiss RQ WKH FKHHN 'LG , Ă&#x20AC;QG ORYH RQ P\ Blind date? One date isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t enough to make any such judgment.

Would I see Emma again? She has my number; I doubt Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d say no if she asked.

ask seĂąor jose

SeĂąor Jose is back from watching Vernon Kay squirm under the watchful eye of his beleaguered Mrs at The Princeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Trust Success Awards Problems? Then feel free to email him at courier.life@ncl.ac.uk

SeĂąor,

SeĂąor,

SeĂąor,

Last week I had an absolute nightmare! Whilst we were all out on the town with the boys after we had absolutely thrashed the poly, I might have gone home with a girl whom I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to... She is a lovely girl who I have known well for a while, but although we didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have sex, I have now cheated on my girlfriend of four years. I love my other half to pieces and would never do anything to hurt her but on this occasion I was too battered to make any informed decision. Do I tell her or not?

I really like glasses. My girlfriend has the cutest pair of Ralph Lauren bifocals that I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get enough of.

Now and then I ask her to keep them on whilst we are having sex.

A few days ago, tragedy struck!

She has switched over to wearing contact lenses all the time as she maintains that they were digging into her nose and leaving it sore.

7KH SUREOHP LV , GRQ¡W Ă&#x20AC;QG KHU that attractive anymore and I am Ă&#x20AC;QGLQJ LW GLIĂ&#x20AC;FXOW WR JHW ZRRG How do I suggest to her that maybe a sore nose isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t too bad after all?

It has been so long since the last time I had sex that I am worried that I could re-virginise. All the boys have been going on about how if you havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t had sex after six months then you revert back to zero. The problem is that I havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t had time recently what with dissertation and everyday work. Is it true that you can revert back into a state of no fun and am I going to break this habit? It canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t go on any longer, I tell you!!

Well, I hear you loud and clear.

In my youth when I was studying for my psychology degree at the Universidad de Chihuahua, a similar incident happened to me.

We had beaten our equivalent of Northumbria in the now infamous San Calverto Cup and I went home with Pabloâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s girlfriend, Penelope.

Now, I had drunk far too many types of tequila and was not in my right mind. I struck it all from my memory and denied any knowledge.

It never came out and I am now godfather to Pablo and Penelopeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s little chicos. Deny everything!

I think that this truly is an unfortunate turn of events. Perhaps the problem isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t that she has decided not to wear glasses and opt instead for lenses but the heart of this dilemma is your own bizarre fetish with the four eyed friend. Now I wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t say that I am a prude by any means but this is far too weird even for me. If you really like her then Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m sure you can look past the lenses and stay with her. Surely you should be attracted to her personality and not just her eyesight fashion. Indeed, keep with this girl and book yourself in to see a doctor to help with this. Preferrably your GP and not an optician.

The problem here is not that you are going to become a virgin again anytime soon.

Your virgin status is a lot like John Terryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s self-respect.

As soon as itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gone, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gone forever. All you can do to try and break this dry patch is put yourself out there a bit more.

It doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t sound as if you have always been helpless with the opposite sex so you just need to stop thinking about all this pesky work and start asking more questions.

Get out and about on the town and try to get with the ladies.

Hell, they can only say no and crush your already low selfesteem. Could be a lot worse!

THE COURIER Monday 8 March 2010

17

Health & Beauty Life & Style

health & beauty Preparing for the Great North Run Frances Gough shares her training methods for Newcastleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s famously gruelling September run

T

he Great North Run is the most iconic and popular half-marathon on the planet.

Every year runners turn up in their thousands and this year is no exception, with an expected 54,000 runners taking part on September 19, including celebrities such as Joe Swash and Gordon Ramsay.

Training for The Great North Run can be a daunting prospect and motivation is essential.

Building mental stamina is imperative; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one thing to be motivated to begin training, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s another to stay motivated throughout.

Developing the proper mindset for a half marathon is vital to enjoying training and reaching your goal of FURVVLQJ WKH Ă&#x20AC; QLVK OLQH ZLWK D VPLOH Each runner will have a different reason for taking part; improving Ă&#x20AC; QLVKLQJ WLPHV ORVLQJ ZHLJKW IXQ

GUDLVLQJ RU VLPSO\ Ă&#x20AC; QLVKLQJ DW DOO - ensure you have the right reasons and goals in order to be successful.

Before beginning half-marathon training, you should be able to run for thirty minutes without stopping; combining running and walking is a great technique to use pre-training as it eases your body into exercise and minimizes the risk of injury.

Wear the right gear while training; treat your feet to a new pair of running shoes as they are designed to Ă&#x20AC; W IHHW RI DOO VKDSHV DQG VL]HV Visit a local speciality running store, like â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Up and Runningâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; on the WKLUG Ă RRU RI )HQZLFN WR Ă&#x20AC; QG WKH best shoes for your feet.

When starting out, build up training gradually and adopt a stretching routine before and after runs. Mileage should gradually increase each week; remember as a general rule weekly mileage should not increase by more than 10% week to week.

Completing a run of 10 to12 miles about three weeks before the race should stand you in good stead for the full 13 miles on race day. ,W¡V DGYLVHG WR WDSHU RII LQ WKH Ă&#x20AC; QDO weeks to allow your body to recover from training and be strong enough on the big day.

Runners need fuel, and carbohydrates will provide this; during training 65% of your total calories should come from carbohydrates and 10% from protein. Be sure to get the correct nutrition needed to keep strong. As well as fuel, runners need K\GUDWLRQ DOZD\V FDUU\ Ă XLGV ZLWK you on runs of an hour or more.

While training, weigh yourself before and after each run; get your body back to your pre-run weight by drinking water or sports drinks ZLWKLQ WKH Ă&#x20AC; UVW IHZ KRXUV DIWHU WKH run.

Making sure that you look after yourself is always going to be half the battle and if you are able to do that then you will be en route for a better time when you actually get to WKH Ă&#x20AC; QLVKLQJ OLQH Recovery is equally as important as running itself; take recovery days as seriously as running days.

Do not run every day as the body needs time to recover and get stronger between runs.

Recovery days are also important for avoiding injury; use these days to ice any soreness, particularly in knees or shins, four times per day for around 15 minutes.

Be patient, as doing the right things

-RJ RQ WKH 7\QH 1HZFDVWOHÂśV *UHDW 1RUWK 5XQ ZDV Âż UVW VWDJHG LQ -XQH

in advance will reduce the risk of injury on the day. Add variety to training by changing the route, running an enjoyable and scenic route, varying your speed or introducing cross training.

Try going swimming or cycling or even taking a class at the local gym to work different muscles and avoid boredom.

Another option is having a solid and reliable running buddy to go out with you.

By holding conversation you can

ensure that neither of you run too fast â&#x20AC;&#x201C; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important to run at a comfortable pace that suits both of you.

If you prefer running by yourself, try â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Nike Plusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;; a device that measures the distance and pace of a walk or run and a really helpful tool for mapping out your run.

This can be hooked up to your iPod or iPhone and allows you to set personal targets, as well as compete with fellow runners online, keeping you motivated and keeping all the running fun.

18

Monday 8 March 2010 THE COURIER

Life & Style Travel

travel Two Girls & A Coffee Shop Kath Little & Fran Swan Columnists

/RXWV RQ 7RXU WRS Ă&#x20AC;YH FKDY GHVWLQDWLRQV Frances Gough and Amy Hewis are among the unfortunate enough to have experienced those LQIDPRXV FKDY GHVWLQDWLRQV WKDW VR PDQ\ RI XV KDYH ZLOOLQJO\ HPEDUNHG XSRQ +HUH LV WKHLU WRS Ă&#x20AC;YH 1. Kavos aka Chavos

The author of a certain Sunday Times article recently admitted that his drunken state at Perdu was â&#x20AC;&#x153;woefully shy off the markâ&#x20AC;?.

Amateur.

Thankfully itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s never been a problem weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had ourselves; but it did remind us of the particular point in our lives that we have reached.

Many of us are descending into our last few months at uni, and for WKRVH RI \RX QRW LQ \RXU Ă&#x20AC;QDO \HDU believe us, this point will come around all too quickly.

So, what should we learn from this? Rather than focusing on the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;rah-scumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; divide, perverted as it may sound, we want to bring your attention to this very unique window of opportunity that offers WKUHH WUHEOHV IRU D Ă&#x20AC;YHU DQG WKXV promiscuity off the scale.

It is such promiscuity that todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s read will be encouraging. This folks, is surely (if, like us, you plan to eventually settle down, get a job and in general become respectable) one of your last chances to sexperiment enthusiastically sans judgement. Maybe with the exception of the mothers doing the school run, as you teeter, still drunk, postcoitally past Starbucks circa 8am...at least thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no risk of running into student populous.

We recommend you embrace this possibly once in a lifetime opportunity and honour our now nationally recognised wasted status...to push us over the moral threshold into some hotties lap.

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not recommending that you sleep with anyone who crosses your destructive, stumbling path.

5DWKHU WKDW \RX KDYH WKH FRQĂ&#x20AC;dence to do what you know you want to do and stop letting outsideWKH XQLYHUVLW\ EXEEOH LQĂ XHQFHV prey on your conscience.

Next time youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re out (Thursday) DQG VXIĂ&#x20AC;FLHQWO\ FRXUDJHRXV 9RGka) go up to that Adonis youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been drooling over for the past three hours/days/years, whether it be from across the computer cluster or the crowded veg aisle in Tesco.

Flash a smile at the oh-so-ravishing guy from your course, wrap your legs around him, boast your received pronunciation and casually see what happens.

If the Times article is anything to go by, which it probably is, their state wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t warrant a memory of it in the morning anyway.

Even without this security, learn to laugh it off. Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the worst that can happen? And if that does happen (I mean, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unlikely that youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll have an allergic and violent reaction to the lube, but you never know) at least you know for next time (pull someone in front of him).

We want to instil not a sluttish DWWLWXGH EXW D FRQĂ&#x20AC;GHQW DOO HPEUDFing mentality, where we can gain valuable â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; experience without being condemned and have a bloody-good time while we do it.

Stay safe guys. See you at Perdu.

If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re intending to visit Corfu for your much anticipated sumPHU EUHDN WKHQ .DYRV D ÂśĂ&#x20AC;VKLQJ villageâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; at the bottom of the island; aptly nick-named â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Chavosâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;) is the end of the road, in every possible meaning of the phrase.

Night life hot spots include â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;SEXâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; night club, which boasts the best foam party in the world, as well as restaurants serving as much British food as possible so you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need to feel like youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re actually in Greece.

Kavos even has its very own KFC, making it ultimately chav-tastic and therefore topping our list.

2. Magaluf aka Shag-a-Scruff Magaluf is another well known chav-getaway destination and has proudly gained itself the nick-name â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Shagalufâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, although we also found the nick name â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Shag-a-Scruffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; equally appropriate.

In Magaluf, clubs promise to stay

open as long as you can stay awake; are you up to the challenge?

Magaluf clubs include the famous â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;BCMâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; which lies in the heart of the resort, as well as â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Heaven; the ultimate lap dance clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a never ending happy hour!

3. Skegness Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always a treat going to the seaside for the day, but if you live in Lincolnshire that means going to Skegness.

Although lots of families visit Skeg, most of the population conVLVWV RI Ă&#x20AC;IWHHQ \HDU ROG FKDYV ORRNing for a cheap caravanning holiday where there are plenty of arcades, laser quests and Maccy Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s to choose from.

Plus, you can drink White Lightning whilst sunning yourself on the beach to your heartâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s content. Chavs love Skegness: there are plenty of market stalls selling burberry caps, vulgar t-shirts and happy hardcore CDs.

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more, the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;funfairâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;( which consists of a 30-year-old ghost train, a rickety rollercoaster that travels at an average speed of 5mph, and some dirty Waltzers manned by pervy, fat men) truly is a chavâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dream.

Regardless of Skegnessâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; faults, it really is a legendary place to visit, so we recommend it to you all.

4. Kos .RV KDV UHDFKHG RXU WRS Ă&#x20AC;YH GXH WR the British attraction that is Kardamena. In true chav destination style, it aims to be a British home away from home for all those who are immune to the desire to experience some culture on their holiday.

Kardamena is on the south coast of the island and attracts team t-shirt clad tribes of 18-30â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s with its mix of exotic cocktails, lethal shooters and 24 hour clubs. The clubs themselves are just as sickly sweet as the drinks; â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Honeyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Sugarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; are just a few examples. +RZHYHU LI \RX DUH Ă&#x20AC;JKWLQJ WKH

urge to experience the delights of Kos but donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re up to such a chav-tastic experience, then try Kos Town. It attracts holiday makers and will be one of the best weeks of your life.

5. Newquay By day, Newquay is a well-estabOLVKHG KROLGD\ UHVRUW Ă&#x20AC;OOHG ZLWK KRW surfers, loved-up couples and happy families.

By night, Newquay transforms into Destination Chav. Like Skegness, Newquay is the perfect place IRU \RXQJ %ULWV WR JR RQ WKHLU Ă&#x20AC;UVW â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;matesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; holiday as its only just a step down from Kavos et al.

7KH FOXE Âś%DUUDFXGD¡ LV GHĂ&#x20AC;QLWHO\ worth a visit if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a chav, espeFLDOO\ RQ D :HGQHVGD\ ÂśWUDIĂ&#x20AC;F OLJKW¡ night: only ÂŁ2 entry with cheap drinks, scantily-clad girls and other rival Chav gangs.

What more could you want? Just steer clear of the people with red stickers on.

photo of the week

Martin Bell 2nd year Civil Engineering â&#x20AC;&#x153;This photo was taken from my apartment when i was on holiday in Turkey. It took me a few goes but by using long exposure shots I eventually got the shot I wanted. I was especially lucky to not only capture one streak of lightning but multiple streaks all coming from the same point.â&#x20AC;?

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

THE COURIER Monday 8 March 2010

19

Monkeying around? New Gorillaz record reviewed Culture Editor: Alice Vincent - courier.culture@ncl.ac.uk

> Music, page 32

feature

New Musical Excess Music Editor Chris Mandle grills Kasabian, Muse and Lily Allen at the NME awards Wednesday 24 February. The location is Brixton, South London.

Nandos, to be precise. Sitting in the curved, squishy booths, I barely touch my chicken and the garlic bread gets ever colder.

For on the table across from us, a gaggle of celebrities are laughing and joking, glugging champagne and dressed to the nines. Fearne Cotton has a smudge of peri-peri sauce on her face.

Nick Grimshaw picks up his glass and it slips out of his hand instantly; Alexa Chung eyes her Portabello burger with an air of apprehension.

While the after parties may take place all across Londonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hotspots, it seems that the pre-party is the famous chicken haunt.

Indeed, as half past six rolls around, a mass exodus powers out of Nandos and across the road to the bright, beaming location of the O2 Academy Brixton. In there, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bedlam.

Courtney Love, who performed with her band Hole after seven years, spoke on the red carpet, ahead of her presenting an award with Noel Fielding. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I always thought this place was beneath me,â&#x20AC;? she said of the awards night, adding, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Noel wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t come over last night because he was busy â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;preparing his linesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He has four lines! I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even know what Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m saying yet. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;And the

winner is...â&#x20AC;&#x2122; maybe?â&#x20AC;?

Love also declared her admiration for Florence and The Machine, but came to blows with Lily Allen on the night.

Opening the evening were The Maccabees, who were backed with a brass ensemble as they belted out Can You Give It?, taken from their second album â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Wall Of Armsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.

Later, Kasabian performed Vlad The Impaler, with Noel Fielding donning face paints and a cape to take on the role of the titular Vlad. Their third album, est Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, won â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Best Albumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Best Album Artworkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Yeah, yeah, the Newcastle paper,â&#x20AC;? murmured bassist Chris Edwards, when I met him in person. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I spoke to you with the biggest hangover, didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t I? F*** that was a massive night. Then we were off to 6KHIĂ&#x20AC; HOG 6RUU\ EHW WKH LQWHUYLHZ was rubbish.â&#x20AC;? /D 5RX[ VWURGH FRQĂ&#x20AC; GHQWO\ through the crowd, cutting the masses like a knife. She wears a cuULRXV Ă DW KDW DQG LV DOO LQ EODFN DV LW would happen, she was nominated for â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Worst Dressedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. She later wins the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Best Dance Remixâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; for In For The Kill (Skream Remix). â&#x20AC;&#x153;I deserve the award,â&#x20AC;? she told me, upon my proposition that the award goes to Skream, real name Oliver Jones. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s my song. But I suppose [the award] is half his.â&#x20AC;?

Not fair: Lily Allen supposedly fell out with Courtney Love at last monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s NME awards. Allen won the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Giving It Backâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; fan award

Later on, I chat to Muse in the access all areas bar. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That was a genuine surprise,â&#x20AC;? Matt Bellamy told me, when Muse won â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Best British Bandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.

They beat Kasabian, Arctic Monkeys and Oasis to the coveted award.

Matt delivered a succinct speech upon accepting the award, saying â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very humbling. A great pleasure.â&#x20AC;? Muse also won â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Best Websiteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;; while Bellamy himself later went on to win â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Hottest Maleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; award.

While Little Boots moaned about the state of the dubious free hotdogs, The Big Pink drank into the night with Lily Allen, after she joined them on stage for their trynot-to-love-it track Dominoes.

They also sang together for a cover of Carly Simmons Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re So Vain.

Unfortunately the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Smileâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; singerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

mic was acting up, and she spent most of the set in silence.

Probably for the best, eh Lils? She later accepted the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Giving It Backâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; fan award, for a Twitter-based treasure hunt she launched for her fans to win tickets to one of her gigs. However, accepting the award, Lilyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s speech was slurred and she invited her fans to â&#x20AC;&#x153;give something back to herâ&#x20AC;? or something.

Along the same theme of crazy duets that wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t work unless a PR person thought them up, Marina & The Diamonds front-woman Marina Diamandis joined Biffy Clyro to perform their track Captain. She later admitted she hadnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t heard of them before, but growing up in Wales can do that to you.

One of the highlights of the night

was seeing The Specials take to the stage. The Coventry ska-band accepted the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Outstanding Contribution To Musicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; award, before taking to the stage and performing Gangsters and Too Much Too Young.

The evening was indeed a celebration of some of the best talent to emerge in the last year.

Make no mistake, none of us were surprised when bands like Kasabian and Muse swept over and claimed awards, nor were we shocked when artists like Animal Collective or Friendly Fires were snubbed.

Instead, we applauded those who have left a huge impact on the music industry, for better, for worse, or for Paramore, whose victory as â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Best International Bandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; was met with a deluge of beer-soaked boos.

comment

news

Should we Google the canon?

Channel 4 to broadcast new surveillance show

Mark Corcoran-Lettice In recent months, Google Books has been embroiled in several controversies over its project to scan millions of books to be provided online.

In December 2009, French courts ruled against the scanning of books published in France, claiming it ZDV LQ GHĂ&#x20AC; DQFH RI FRS\ULJKW ODZV More recently, thousands of major authors, including the likes of Zadie Smith, Thomas Pynchon and Louis de Bernieres, opted out of a controversial settlement to allow the company to proceed with digitizing millions more titles.

Obviously, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s quite a problematic situation. With so many books now seemingly out of bounds for Google, it seriously limits any attempt to make information easily available across the internet, and to have so many big-name authors pull out of their scheme weakens the authority of the project greatly.

But should all of this information be easily available online? With falling sales, the book industry has increasingly been in a rush to WU\ DQG OHDS LQWR WKH WZHQW\ Ă&#x20AC; UVW century, resulting in products such as Amazonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Kindle, which allows the user to download thousands of books to a hand-held device and read them on the go.

Googleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s project is to make available millions of works through their search engine, allowing people to read excerpts or, if the text is out of copyright, the entirety of it.

Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a few problems with this.

Google, as I probably donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to point out, is hardly a charity, and theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d never embark on such DQ DPELWLRXV SURMHFW LI WKH SURĂ&#x20AC; W margins didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t make sense â&#x20AC;&#x201C; their motives are dubious at best, and as such itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s probably best to regard them with a certain cynicism. $OVR ZKLOH LW PD\ EH XVHIXO WR Ă&#x20AC; OO out your references in a last-minute essay, the limited range of Google Books and the amount of partially-

available texts make it a somewhat Ă DZHG VHUYLFH DQG WKH PRUH DX thors that drop out, the worse itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll become.

This digitization of books, as well as posing a problem for traditionalLVWV ZKR VDYRXU WKH LQN\ Ă&#x20AC; QJHUV and the heft of a good volume, could also lead to them running into similar problems as the music industry has done of late.

Books may not be as easy to distribute and copy for free as music Ă&#x20AC; OHV EXW DV LW EHFRPHV LQFUHDVLQJO\ digital, then itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll become far easier for piracy to occur; it wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be long, surely, until your average Kindle is full of illegal copies.

It rips off the authors, and beyond the copyright problems, it devalues WKH VLJQLĂ&#x20AC; FDQFH RI OLWHUDWXUH DV ZHOO All this considered, maybe itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not such a bad thing that Google Books have been encountered such problems.

To paraphrase the well-known saying, a book is for life, not just for a page refresh.

Channel 4 have revealed a new show WRXWHG WR Ă&#x20AC; OO WKH JDS LQ LWV VFKHGXOH RQFH Ă&#x20AC; OOHG E\ UDWLQJV JUDEEHU Big Brother.

The show will follow ten residents of Notting Hill, the home of David Cameron in West London, around their everyday lives for eight weeks, and will be titled, rather imaginatively, Notting Hill.

Notting Hill has been described by producers as a cross between a documentary and a soap, with each episode shown in the week it is Ă&#x20AC; OPHG WR HQVXUH FRQYHUVDWLRQV VWD\ topical.

Such docu-soaps have proved popular in the US, particularly The Hills and its New York spin-off The City, which document the lives of glamorous teenagers.

The project will have much in common with Big Brother with regards to the surveillance of its â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;starsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; everyday lives, but removes the closed

environment of the house.

It is the latest venture of executive producer Stephen Lambert, who also oversaw the hit reality shows Faking It and Wife Swap, as well as last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s infamous documentary The Queen, which was criticised for misleading editing.

He described the show was â&#x20AC;&#x153;ambitious and riskyâ&#x20AC;?, and said that Notting Hill was picked because of its â&#x20AC;&#x153;international fame and cultural and economic diversityâ&#x20AC;?, although some have criticised this choice as further proof of the mediaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s London-centric nature.

It can probably be presumed that it was also chosen because of the wellNQRZQ Ă&#x20AC; OP DOVR NQRZQ DV Notting Hill, starring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant.

Notting Hill will be broadcast sometime later this year.

Elliot Bentley

As the AV Festival announces itself across all the best local venues, you may be forgiven for not noticing the club night â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Habitâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; under the line-up of all those loop-machine orchestras and avant-garde directors.

On the schedule of the coming weekendâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s events, however, it is these local promoters of the monthly underground KRXVH QLJKW WKDW ZLOO GHĂ&#x20AC;QH 6DWXUGD\ DV the embodiment of what Audio Visual stands for.

They are offering an explosive bombardment of the senses through exhibiting the legendary DJ, producer and record label owner Francois K in one of WKH PRVW Ă&#x20AC;WWLQJ YHQXHV LPDJLQDEOH IRU D festival that knows no creative boundaries. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Habitâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; kicked up a fuss in December 2004 when they bounded onto the NewFDVWOH KRXVH PXVLF VFHQH ERRNLQJ LQĂ Xential underground house acts that the North East were crying out for and in unique locations that were crying out to be showcased.

Houltâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Yard, Building 34, Saturday, 22.00, ÂŁ17

highlighted Habit Secret Warehouse Party

With their previous successes of inventive outdoor summer parties behind them, they are leading the way once again in their occupation of warehouses, and it would be sore judgement not to follow where they beckon.

The host venue for Saturday night is an industrial estate in Ouseburn known as â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Houltâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Yard, Building 34â&#x20AC;&#x2122;. For one intimate night only this ambiguous warehouse space is being transformed into a FOXE YHQXH Ă&#x20AC;QDOO\ EHĂ&#x20AC;WWLQJ RI D SDVVLRQate and imaginative clubbing culture, which up until now Newcastle has been sorely lacking.

So what can you expect on this tempting night of audio-visual merriment? â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Habitâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; resident Scott Udberg will be adeptly warming up the space ready for exceptional visionary Francois K, who is expected to whip out a mind transcend-

Have you got a picture that epitomises Newcastle for you?

Whether it be your favourite landmark, an artistic shot of the city or just you and your friends on a night out, The Courier wants to see it.

Please send your photos through to editor.union@ ncl.ac.uk. The best photo of the year will be chosen to be the front cover of the 2010/11 Alternative Prospectus

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I always forget to stop and look at the Civic Centre as it is right in the centre of town, but it really is an iconic building in Newcastle. It GHĂ&#x20AC;QLWHO\ LVQ¡W DV hideous as some people say it is.â&#x20AC;?

by Helen Hayes

Civic Centre

L. SCULLION

Eliza Lomas

ing four-hour set.

It is a rare chance to see the Paris-born USA-living maestro in action, whose fore frontal past work includes albums mixed IRU .UDIWZHUN DQG 'HSHFKH 0RGH DV ZHOO as killer remixes of Diana Ross and U2.

At the authoritative age of 56, he surely sums up the AV festival theme of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;energyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; in his perennial relevance to music.

Contributing to the atmosphere is an expert video jockey who will be staging live visual projections, and of course the authentic warehouse space, which is better to be experienced than described.

With the last 100 tickets out of 500 being eagerly purchased, the incentive is to buy a ticket sharpish and go down there yourself for the best Audio Visual sensation you could imagine.

NSR Studio, 15.30, free

NSR Presents: Kuran and The Wolfnotes Acoustic Set

radio

Q & A with the director and leadLQJ DFWUHVV RI WKH Ă&#x20AC;OP GXEEHG WKH â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Polish Trainspottingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

Empire Cinema, ÂŁ5-7

Snow White and the Red Russian (release)

film

This week, the Newcastle Islamic Society host a number of exhibitions on Islam. The event aims to promote interaction and mutual understanding between people of all different beliefs and backgrounds. You will have the chance to learn about the religion, its people and gain some information. Lecturers will be made by notable speakers from 18.30-20.00 in Lecture Theatre 1 in the Herschel Building on Tuesday and RB Green Theatre in the Dental Hospital on Wednesday and Thursday.

Claremont Quadrangle, all week

Discover Islam Week

arts

monday

Gemma Collinge has only one ambition â&#x20AC;&#x201C; to be famous by the time sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 21 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; but the clock is ticking.

Her dreams of escaping the quiet backwater of rural Lumb Dean mean everything to her and it appears all her dreams are about to come true when a talent agent shows interest in meeting her.

New series, BBC THREE, 22.30,

The Gemma Factor

tv

02 Academy, 19.00, ÂŁ17.50

Fun Lovinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Criminals

Star and Shadow Cinema, 20.00, ÂŁ10.00

AV Festival & NO-FI: Atsuhiro Ito

music

A documentary about the prostitute turned murderer Aileen Wuornos who was executed in 2002. Part of the Inside Stories season, exploring incarceration. This documentary is largely credited for the success of the Ă&#x20AC;OP 0RQVWHU EDVHG RQ $LOHHQ¡V story.

Side Cinema, 19.00, ÂŁtbc

Life and Death of a Serial Killer

film

A fab night of acoustic music, an excuse to get rid of your old clobber and munch some cake - all for West End Refugee service.

Heaton Perk Cafe, 19.00, ÂŁ2.

Old Clothes, New Music STAR fundraiser

charity

What is rapidly becoming an arts institution to be proud of, P&P returns with the creme of Newcastle University literary talent.

The Bridge Hotel. 19.30, free

Pints & Poetry

Belatedly celebrating International Womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s day, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re promised an array of talented female performers.

A fantastic line-up including punk, folk, comedy, poetry, songs, dance and more. Hosted by the University Feminist society.

The Cumberland Arms. 19.30, ÂŁ3-5

Bread & Roses

arts

tuesday

the guide: 8 March to 14 March

my newcastle

Culture

20

:LWK ORFDO ER\ -RH 0F(OGHUU\ WRS of the bill and appearances from all WKH RWKHU Ă&#x20AC;QDOLVWV IURP ODVW \HDU¡V series â&#x20AC;&#x201C; yes, including the infamous Jedward â&#x20AC;&#x201C; tonight is sure to be a chart-tastic spectacle.

Metro Radio Arena, 19.30, ÂŁ28.50

X-Factor Live 2010

02 Academy, 18.30, ÂŁ16.50

Trivium

music

A modern classic of Asian Cinema, Park Chan-wookâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Oldboy sees Oh Dae-soo embark upon a violent quest of revenge and redemption after being suddenly released from a 15-year SHULRG RI VROLWDU\ FRQĂ&#x20AC;QHPHQW ZKLFK was forced upon him in equally mysterious circumstances.

Tyneside Cinema, 21.00, free

Oldboy

The mains switch is tripped at the Star and Shadow for an informal participatory exploration into precinematic technologies and early animation devices including shadow puppetry, magic lanterns and phenakistascopes. Worth going along to Ă&#x20AC;QG RXW ZKDW D SKHQDNLVWDVFRSH LV

Star and Shadow Cinema, 19.00, ÂŁ3-4

AV Festival: Power Down

film

7KH 0XWLQ\ WHDP DUH EDFN DIWHU D couple of successful nights last year IRU D RQH RII QLJKW RI SRS SXQN Ă&#x20AC;OOHG noise and some hardcore attitude.

Fast-paced, good attitude and free Haribo around the club.

World Headquarters, 22.30, ÂŁ3-4

Mutiny

clubbing

BALTIC and AV Festival present D VSHFLDO OHFWXUH E\ WKH LQĂ XHQWLDO DUWLVW DQG DFWLYLVW *XVWDY 0HW]JHU UHĂ HFWLQJ RQ KLV OLIH ORQJ H[SORUDWLRQ of politics, ecology and the destructive powers of 20th Century society.

0HW]JHU ZDV DKHDG RI KLV WLPH LQ KLV adoption of industrial materials and concern for environmental issues.

His work is more relevant today than HYHU DQG FRQWLQXHV WR LQĂ XHQFH QHZ generations of artists and thinkers.

BALTIC, 18.30, free, but booking required.

AV Festival: Gustav Metzger Lecture

arts

wednesday

THE COURIER Monday 8 March 2010

Getting dressed up: Vintage Fashion at WHQ

A radical mash up of almost every JHQUH FRQFHLYDEOH VS\ VFL Ă&#x20AC; ZHVWern and horror - theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re all in there VRPHZKHUH 7KH Ă&#x20AC;OP LV EDVHG RQ stories on Californiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s post-war subcultures of rocket pioneers, alternative religions and Beat lifestyles.

Star and Shadow Cinema, 21.00, ÂŁ3-4

Mock Up On Mu

Archivist Rick Prelinger introduces a VHOHFWLRQ RI VKRUW Ă&#x20AC;OPV WR GR ZLWK WKH AV festivalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s theme, Energy. Prelinger archives of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest collections of public information, industrial, educational, advertising DQG DPDWHXU Ă&#x20AC;OPV WKLV VHOHFWLRQ gives us a peak at some great shorts from the 30s and 50s.

Tyneside Cinema, 18.00, ÂŁ6-7

AV Festival: Rick Prelinger In Person: A Is For Atom

film

The Cluny 2, 20.00, ÂŁ10

Lucy Wainwright Roche

02 Academy, 19.00, ÂŁ8

Blood Red Shoes

music

Heaton Perk, 18.30, free

Knitting Club

Ageing rockers return to the city.

The makers of classic tracks Peaches and Golden Brown, they are a must see for anyone with a penchant for 70s punk.

O2 Academy, 18.30, ÂŁ23.50

The Stranglers

The Cluny, 20.00, ÂŁ5.00

The Invisible + The Lost Riots

Digital, 19.30, ÂŁtbc

Delphic

music

See more of Jesmond than Tesco and Osbourne Road and get involved with this two-week festival of interesing events. The Festival Parade will be travelling down Osborne Road and Acorn Road between midday and 12:30pm on Saturday, en route from St Georgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Church to West -HVPRQG 6FKRRO LV WKH Ă&#x20AC;UVW \HDU students have been involved in the network behind the scheme, so get involved with your community.

Various locations, free

Jesmond Community Festival Launch

arts

saturday

O2 Academy, 18.00, Sold Out

You Me At Six

The Cluny, 20.00, ÂŁ12.00

Ian Siegal

With the latest album â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Come Down ZLWK 0H¡ UHOHDVHG WKLV \HDU WKH Glasgow band are a hot tip to see live with their mix of electronic beats and minimalist pop. Catch them now whilst they are still in such intimate venues.

The Other Rooms, 20.00, ÂŁ7.50

Errors

music

Hoults Yard, 22.00, ÂŁ17 See highlighted

Habit Warehouse Party

clubbing

Lucky Dragons at the Star and Shadow

'LUHFWLQJ OHJHQG 0DUWLQ 6FRUVHVH LV back after four years of absence with the psychological thriller Shutter Island, based on a 2003 novel by Dennis Lehane. Leonardo DiCaprio SOD\V RQH RI WZR 8 6 0DUVKDOV VHQW to investigate the disappearance of a patient from a hospital for the criminally insane.

Empire Cinema, ÂŁ5-7

Shutter Island (release)

film

The cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s two biggest dance nights go head to head with D FUDFNLQJ OLQH XS 5RQL 6L]H headlining with sets from Caspa, the ever-elusive Herve and '\QDPLWH & 5RG $]ODQ /RFDO heroes ApeX join Bowski to kick start the night. Expect serious messiness.

Digital, 22.30, ÂŁ11 adv

Subprime vs.

Heavyweight

clubbing

Showcasing beautiful vintage clothes from local boutiques around the North East including Best Vintage, Between the Buttons, These Foolish Things and Retro.

There will be a chance to buy some beautiful individual handmade and vintage jewellery from Florence and Pearl by Combined Studies student Gabby Edlin as well as unique and eyecatching costume jewellery from Teals Jewellery, both of whom will be generously donating a percentage of items sold on the night to the fundraising total. Door entry includes free entry to WHQâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s banging Friday night, and expect entertainment from the Comedy Society.

World Headquarters, 20.00, ÂŁ5.

Fundraising Vintage Fashion

charity

friday

New series, BBC 2, 20.00, Full preview, page 32

Tropic of Cancer

tv

02 Academy, 19.00, sold out

Stephen Lynch

1RPLQDWHG IRU WKH 0HUFXU\ 0XVLF SUL]H WKLV IDE JURXS RI PXVLcians present us with their great second album, Isla. There melodic tunes are infused by hunting soundscapes and mysterious groves. A genuinely innovated and talented bunch.

The Sage, 20.00, ÂŁ13-15

Portico Quartet

Arty electronica recorded and performed, installed or imagined from collaborators Luke Fishbeck and Sarah Rara. Expect eclectic sounds mixed with West Coast psychedelic.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an unfamiliar but fantastic nod to the sound of human spirit.

Star and Shadow Cinema, 22.00, ÂŁ6-7

AV Festival Closing party: Lucky Dragons & Blue Sabbath Black Fiji

music

A 2008 animated Israeli documentary depicting the director Ari Folmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s search for his lost memories of the 1982 Lebanon War. Followed by D WDON ZLWK 0LUL :HLQJDUWHQ RI ,VUDHOL Physicians for Human Rights.

Star and Shadow, 14.00, ÂŁ3-4

Waltz With Bashir

film

The closing night of performance of AV Festival sees an audio-visual experience based on J. B Priestleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s English Journey. Combined with a soundscape from Sun O))). An unmissable combination.

The Sage, Hall Two, ÂŁ10-12

AV Festival: English Journey Revisited

arts

sunday

Listings by Ciara Littler, Alice Vincent, Polly Randall and Matthew Blackwell - send your listings to courier.culture@ncl.ac.uk

thursday arts

21

Culture

22

Monday 8 March 2010 THE COURIER

Culture Arts

arts lecture

stage

Enjoy a modern day theatrical classic Joe Cooper welcomes back one of Alan Bennettâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most comical modern classics Playwright Alan Bennett has been long regarded as a national treasure, a term he is no doubt uncomfortable with.

Adored as he is, he is still too often perceived to be no more than a cosy, avuncular playwright trading in his own brand of northern working class nostalgia. However, when his plays are put to the stage, Bennett proves that he is a true social satirist of the sharpest kind.

Unfortunately for Bennett, (QMR\ Ă RSSHG ZKHQ LW ZDV Ă&#x20AC;UVW VKRZQ LQ ² RQH RI YHU\ IHZ LQ KLV ORQJ career.

However, the play was reincarnated in 2008, touring round the UK before enjoying a hugely successful run at the Gielgud Theatre.

The West End run reportedly took over ÂŁ1 million in advance tickets sales, very rare for a straight play of this kind.

Opening to thoroughly positive reviews, (QMR\ has been deemed â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;an astonishingly prescient blackly comic modern classicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. Indeed, one of the reasons cited for its initial failure was that it was too ahead of its time.

Despite being rooted in familiar Bennett territory; a working class couple in a Leeds back-to-back, the idea of a surreal drama rammed into a naturalistic play didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t sit as well

7KH 9DJLQD 0RQRORJXHV EHLQJ SHUIRUPHG RQ 7XHVGD\ DQG :HGQHVGD\ 0DUFK DW SP LQ %DVHPHQW RI 1HZFDVWOH¡V 6WXGHQW 8QLRQ EXLOGLQJ WLFNHWV DUH Â&#x2026; IRU VWXGHQWV DQG Â&#x2026; IRU QRQ VWXGHQWV

This week at The Urban Cafe, Dance City, Mark Robinson asked us the question: Are poets still the unacknowledged legislators of the world?, in a lecture designed WR LQVSLUH GHEDWH RI WKH LQĂ XHQFH of infamous poets in our modern world.

Robinson launched discussion with the query, â&#x20AC;&#x153;What place does poetry have in our contemporary world?â&#x20AC;?

Contemporary poets immediately spring to mind: Sylvia Plath, Vicki Feaver and, of course, poet laureate Carol Ann Duffy.

Robinson, however, was keen to steer the audience away from such contentious names, instead turning to the words of Mary Shelley, who Ă&#x20AC;UVW LQWLPDWHG LQ WKDW SRHWV ZHUH WKH ´XQRIĂ&#x20AC;FLDO OHJLVODWRUVÂľ RI society.

Mark Robinson is a poet, critic and arts worker. Most recently, he has been involved in a translation project with Bulgarian writers, which has led to the publication of $ %DONDQ ([FKDQJH %XOJDULDQ DQG %ULWLVK 3RHWV. In the lecture, Robinson discussed his Bulgarian project at great length, promoting such work as a tool to â&#x20AC;&#x153;lifelong learningâ&#x20AC;?, creating bonds between â&#x20AC;&#x153;politics, families, places, memoriesâ&#x20AC;?.

Eager to spark conversation and debate, Robinson was interested to investigate the role of poets in different countries.

We debated the practicality of WKH LQĂ XHQFH RI SRHWU\ RQ OHJLVODtion and politics, musing over the â&#x20AC;&#x153;intimate dealingsâ&#x20AC;? of poetry and political discourse and the effect of this on us as citizens and consumers.

Taking centre stage, Robinson debated the relationship between poetry and judgement, revealing that his own colleagues at the Arts Council often looked to him for advice, poetical or otherwise, which did create personal discomfort in the poet.

Almost in reassurance to his audience, Robinson exclaimed that it is good to feel â&#x20AC;&#x153;rhythm, sound, beauty, unease, disturbanceâ&#x20AC;?.

The second speaker, the satirical poet Kate Fox, followed Mark Robinson, immediately creating a stir in the crowded cafĂŠ with the pronouncement that 74% of poets suffer from a mental illness.

This led to an open debate, with the audience offering arguments and possibilities for such a high statistic, with one gent offering the suggestion that creative minds live in the â&#x20AC;&#x153;in-betweenâ&#x20AC;? between reality and another world.

An interesting and relevant debate which sparked both argument and emotion from the literary crowd is whether poets still the unacknowledged legislators of the ZRUOG RSHQV WKH Ă RRU IRU IXUWKHU controversial and meaningful discussion.

Sally Priddle

Natalie Crick

David Troughton plays Wilf, husband of Connie, an aging couple living in Leeds in one of the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s last back-to-back houses

ZLWK FULWLFV LQ DV LW GRHV WRGD\ 6LQFH WKHQ ZH KDYH KDG WKH EHQHĂ&#x20AC;W of enjoying more of Bennettâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work from Untold Stories to The History Boys and the brilliant Talking Heads and the potency of his style has become better understood.

There is no one better at capturing the intricacies of everyday English life with such an affecting mix of warmth, wit and despair.

Another factor attributed to (Qjoyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recent success has been its

timeliness.

The rise of the heritage industry, RIĂ&#x20AC;FLDO VQRRSLQJ LQWR SULYDWH OLYHV and even reality television have acTXLUHG DGGLWLRQDO VLJQLĂ&#x20AC;FDQFH RYHU the past 30 years.

The key plotline of the play concerns the demolition of a workingclass street and the moving of an ageing couple, Mam and Wilf, into a heritage museum for posterity.

Bennett attacks the sentimentalising of the working-class and fet-

ishising of the past and this cutting social satire is perhaps even more necessary now given our current fragmented social landscape.

The combination of a new lease of life and the acting talent of Steadman and Troughton is sure to make (QMR\ a must see, whether you are avowed Bennett fan or completely new to his work.

(QMR\ LV RQ DW WKH 7KHDWUH 5R\DO IURP 0DUFK DW SP

dance

stage

Strictly dancing for charity

Students go below the belt

Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re cordially invited to a very glittery, glamorous and all-round fabulous event: for one night and one night only, Newcastle University does Strictly Come Dancing!

On the 16th of March, twelve volunteer student couples will battle it out with sequins and fake tan aplenty to try and win the coveted top spot, and hopefully raise some serious cash for a great cause.

This glamorous fundraising event is brought to you by our local branch of this student run charity; the Newcastle READ project is aiming to raise ÂŁ6000 in order to send much needed educational resources to schools in Tanzania and Uganda.

On top of the collection and sorting of books according to strict educational criteria (no Twilight!), READ are also currently supporting the renovation of dozens of school libraries in Tanzania, so that access to these books is improved.

READ International has grown rapidly since its foundation in 2004, with this year seeing the projectâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s H[SDQVLRQ LQWR 8JDQGD IRU WKH Ă&#x20AC;UVW time.

7KH 9DJLQD 0RQRORJXHV is an interesting and intriguing play based on Eve Enslerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 9DJLQD ,QWHUYLHZV - the monologues have been described as truly human stories that are lusty, outrageous, brave and impacting.

They have become known for their contrast in ideas, attitudes and beliefs that consequently lead to a riveting and relatable play.

The characters express a wide variety of cultures, beliefs and social stances to demonstrate the power of women throughout the world.

The witty and moving tales will be performed by a cast from a mixture of courses and years to replicate the original style of the play where the characters vary in age, race and attitude.

The play is known as a â&#x20AC;&#x153;V-Dayâ&#x20AC;? campaign, which is a global movement that aims to stop violence against women and girls; the V stands for female empowerment: Victory, Valentine and Vagina.

The crew will also be a diverse group of students from throughout the University.

The role of both director and pro-

To date they have shipped 564,000 books to 580 Tanzanian secondary schools and twelve regional libraries, along with several tonnes of sports kits, science equipment and school stationery.

In order to raise funds for this very worthy cause, twelve brave READ â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;celebritiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; will be paired up with their professional counterparts to try and prove that they have what it takes - for one night at least!

The costumes may not be quite as good, but if you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait for your QH[W Ă&#x20AC;[ RI Strictly WKHQ WKLV LV D GHĂ&#x20AC;nite must; and with tickets priced at only ÂŁ4 in advance, and ÂŁ5 on the door this should be a night of danceĂ&#x20AC;OOHG IXQ ZLWKLQ HYHU\RQH¡V EXGJHW With every penny from the event going straight to the charity, this is a night on the tiles not to be missed.

For more information, or if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to get involved, get in touch with Holly 'HODĂ&#x20AC;HOG WKH 1HZFDVWOH IXQGUDLVLQJ SURMHFW OHDGHU RQ KROO\ GHODĂ&#x20AC;HOG#QHZFDVWOH DF XN Charlotte Loftrus

Where does SRHWU\ Ă&#x20AC;W LQ todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s society?

ducer is taken by Mayaan Segman and the role of stage director is taken by Shion Gosrani.

7KH HQWLUH QHW SURĂ&#x20AC;W RI WKH SHUformances will be going to charity; WKH RIĂ&#x20AC;FLDO FKDULW\ RI 9 'D\ LV supporting the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Every year the 9DJLQD 0RQRORJXHV hosts an extra monologue from the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Vagina Interviewsâ&#x20AC;?, that relates to the area that they have chosen to support that year, so this year the monologue they have a chosen comes the Democratic Republic of Congo and is entitled â&#x20AC;&#x153;Saying Itâ&#x20AC;?.

These performances will also be supporting the local charity, NewFDVWOH :RPHQ¡V $LG ZKLFK LV DIĂ&#x20AC;OLated to the Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Aid Federation of England- WAFE and refuge.

THE COURIER Monday 8 March 2010

23

Arts Culture Arts Editor: Stephanie Ferrao - courier.culture-arts@ncl.ac.uk

debate Should Hollywood celebrities be allowed to try out the West End? Gemma Farina (YHU\ \HDU WRXULVWV Ă RFN LQ WKHLU millions to experience the bright lights of Londonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s West End. This is a place where you can expect to see a winning combination of modern and traditional productions, beautiful Georgian theatres and, without a doubt, some of the best actors and actress in the world.

But over the past ten years thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been a bit of a change in the world of theatre, not to mention a new must-see aspect to the theatre.

Despite being arguably one of the biggest â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;must doâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; cultural attractions London boasts, there KDYH EHHQ D IHZ GLIĂ&#x20AC;FXOW VSHOOV LQ Theatreland over the past decade as the economic crisis began to bite into ticket sales.

6XUHO\ EULQJLQJ LQ Ă&#x20AC;OP VWDUV WR tread the boards is to be a foolproof way of boosting advance sales, whilst bringing West End theatre into the 21st century?

Arguably not â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the issue has been debated profusely, and some people believe that the presence of well-established Hollywood stars is putting a stop to young, talented actors and actresses from getting their hands on leading roles.

2Q WKH Ă LS VLGH SUHYHQWLQJ Ă&#x20AC;OP stars from appearing in the West End may well be stopping some of the best actors and actresses for the MRE 0DQ\ Ă&#x20AC;OP VWDUV ZDQW D FKDQJH IURP WKH VWLIIQHVV DQG DUWLĂ&#x20AC;FLDOLW\ RI Ă&#x20AC;OP PDNLQJ WR VRPHWKLQJ PRUH natural; acting is a transferable talent and if the stars are willing to accept the dramatic pay cuts, why stop them?

We are a celebrity-obsessed population, and who can blame the West End for cashing in on this?

Ewan McGregorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s West End debut in Guys and Dolls was pinpointed as the reason for a 200% increase in :HVW (QG SURĂ&#x20AC;WV WKDW \HDU Jude Lawâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s role in Hamlet led to the play selling out the very

Yay or neigh: Daniel Radcliffeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s critically acclaimed performance in Equus in the West Endâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gieldgud Theatre, London

day tickets were released. And of course, who could forget about Daniel Radcliffeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s move from Harry Potter to Equus.

Ultimately whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important is getting â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;bums on seatsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; if the theatre tradition is to continue in this country.

The West End needs to appeal to a younger audience if it is to retain its relevance, and introducing the great works through instantly recognisable Hollywood actors and actresses may just be the way to do it.

Juliet Armstrong Jude Law and Keira Knightley could be the Hollywood stars on this weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s latest copy of the celeb magazines. <HW VRPHKRZ , Ă&#x20AC;QG P\VHOI WDONLQJ about these celebrities in relation to treading the boards in the theatrical heartland of Londonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s West End. In recent years it has become an economic security for producers DQG WKHLU ER[ RIĂ&#x20AC;FHV DOLNH WR VLPply pull in a celebrity performance

to the appraisal of full houses every night.

Although this increased interest in theatre should not be dismissed, I cannot help but raise the concern WKDW LW LV PHUHO\ DUWLĂ&#x20AC;FLDO $XGLHQFH PHPEHUV Ă RFN LQ droves simply to see the star and popular idol from the big screen.

There is only a somewhat strenuous hope that the audience appreciates anything beyond the supposed shining talent exuding from the likes of Kiera Knightley her performance in Hamlet at Wynd-

hamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Theatre and Jennifer in The Misanthrope in Comedy Theatre respectively.

7KH ZRUOG RI Ă&#x20AC;OPLQJ EORFNEXVWHU movies could not be more removed from the intimate workings and environment in which a play is produced.

Little rehearsal time for actors in the relatively small cast numbers differs greatly from the luxury of large production and technical crews with the comfort of re-takes should mistakes be made in the +ROO\ZRRG Ă&#x20AC;OPLQJ SURFHVV A difference which many may shake off as immaterial yet proves such a challenging barrier for actors to overcome.

The nature of theatre being live creates an intensity and demand on the actors to perform to a high calibre every night.

Celebrity actors perform and excel in their own setting behind the camera, whilst the trained stage acWRUV Ă RXULVK IURP WKH DGUHQDOLQH RI the live and consequent unpredictability that each new performance brings.

The stage is a world that should be protected for the talented but unknown actors desperately searching for their big break in the theatre industry.

These actors deserve a taste of success.

They do not seek fame and personal glory but instead put artistic integrity and complex study into each and every character they have the privilege to play.

A sharp contrast to some of the Alist celebrities desperate to extend their careers in any way possible and so waltzing into plays merely from the background of their celebrity status.

7KHDWUH DQG Ă&#x20AC;OP GHVSLWH WKH FORVH connections are invariably separate, and this gap should be not be bridged if theatre is to create its own stars of the future.

art

Irresistible Forces hits the Great North

Students get imaginative

March 2010 heralds a chance to see Newcastle Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s art students take over the Great Hall of the Great North Museum.

The Art Museum and Gallery Studies MA students will run an exhibition displaying the work of contemporary artists alongside pieces loaned from the Hatton Gallery collection.

Running alongside the AV Festival, its creative inspiration centres on the theme of energy and the many forms it takes, investigating new perspectives and raising global issues that affect us all.

Movement and the potential of the human form are explored through classical themes, but are also innovatively juxtaposed with the power of machines and industry to heighten the potential force of each human being.

The power of natural landscapes is also explored through the destruc-

Over the weekend, Fine Art students Rory Biddulph and David TeagerPortman introduced exciting and bold exhibition of their sculpture works to an intimate audience at the exhibiting space Hanger 51 on the Ouseburn Valley, a stoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s throw from the Cluny.

The pair commented: â&#x20AC;&#x153;We named the exhibition Dionysus kind of after Nietzsche's writings. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dionysus is the Greek god of intoxication, imagination, ecstasy and dream, though Nietzsche uses Dionysus as a means to touch true reality as opposed to avoids it. It was just to do with playing off of darkness, imagination, dream and reality.â&#x20AC;?

They showcased a number of staggeringly impressive, large scale sculpture pieces all of which were lit XQGHU DUWLĂ&#x20AC;FLDO OLJKWLQJ LQ FRPSOHWH darkness further adding to effectiveness of what their works represent.

tive potential and the untamed forces they can generate.

Issues of the physical and psychoORJLFDO FRQĂ LFWV SURGXFHG LQ DUWLVWLF creation are similarly investigated through contrasting approaches.

Dynamic brushstrokes on canvas work with 3D models of glass and Perspex to express the different issues created by energy and the effect it may have on the world around us, as well as conveying how differently each individual artist expresses their views on subjects like this.

A huge range of artwork has been compiled by the students, varying in form from photography, performance and video installations to prints, etchings, oils and sculptures.

They all evoke ideas and perspectives about the forms and uses of energy and the immense power that energy holds in the world today.

Works loaned from the Hatton collection include etchings by 18th cen-

tury artists Giovanni Piranesi and Francisco Goya, as well as those of 20th century painter James McBey and revolutionary British abstractionist Victor Pasmore.

English collage pop artist Richard Hamilton will also feature alongside politicised works of Catalan expressionist Antoni Tapies.

The exhibit will also feature awardwinning video artist Gayle Meikle, internationally exhibited video and performance artist Michael Fliri and recent graduate Ellen Wilkinson.

Make sure you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss out on this wealth of artwork and unique juxtaposition of old and new pieces free of charge.

Irresistible Forces is on at the Great North Museum between 6 March and 16 April.

Rosie Tallant

The space is a perfect blank canvas for exhibiting large pieces of work with the generous size of the warehouse working towards the artistsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; advantages.

In recent years, the Ouseburn Valley has seen numerous converted warehouses and studio spaces spring up, adding to the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s potential for both established and upand-coming new artists.

Rory and David say they took the opportunity to exhibit their works outside of the art schools in order to draw on public attention and to launch their careers as practising artists within the North East.

The pair hope to showcase their ZRUNV DJDLQ EHIRUH WKHLU Ă&#x20AC;QDO GHgree shows in May. For more information visit: www.rorydibbulph.blogspot.com Daisy Wallis

24

Monday 8 March 2010 THE COURIER

Culture Arts

arts interview

Toni Morrison of the Obama generation Arts Editor Stephanie Ferrao speaks to Bonnie Greer on universities, the arts and that infamous episode of Question Time Bonnie Greer is not just a writer, broadcaster, playwright and critic; sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a woman who keeps her word.

After journeying up to Newcastle, she apologised profusely to her audience at the Curtis Auditorium as she delivered a cultural lecture that was originally intended to be given during Black History Month back in October.

As I catch-up with her afterwards, she greets me warmly and promises that she never normally pulls out on academic commitments, joking that she had to make an exception for a very special occasion.

This, of course, is the highly-publicised episode of the BBCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Question Time which featured representatives of all three main political parties, Greer herself and controversially, %13 OHDGHU 1LFN *ULIĂ&#x20AC;Q 3UH empting my enquiries, Greer smiles knowingly. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I still canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t answer my telephone because Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m still constantly being asked about it, and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m like â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the big deal?â&#x20AC;&#x2122; I really didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t understand that. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Journalists were calling people I havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t talked to for years trying to Ă&#x20AC;QG VWXII RXW LW ZDV LQVDQH Âľ , KDG to disagree.

It was hardly surprising that after weeks of speculation and hype, the episode doubled its regular ratings to almost eight million viewers, and there was extensive news coverage of protests outside the Central London studios.

So why was it so important that she featured on that episode in particular? â&#x20AC;&#x153;To be honest, I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know. I usually do go on Question Time at September/October time, and this episode happened in October. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Maybe itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s because it was an ordinary Question Time for me, and it was my time to go on there. I think they were looking for a mix like they DOZD\V GR Âľ When I suggested that she acted as a cultural offset to the four politicians, she agrees: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Maybe that was it. It was going to be a low key thing, until the Liberal Democrats decided they would appear which upped the stakes, and I think they wanted a cultural person on there to balance WKLQJV RXW Âľ In the episode, Greer takes the HGJH RII *ULIĂ&#x20AC;Q¡V FKDUP RIIHQVLYH subtly lampooning him rather than the more politically aggressive tactics of her political fellow panellists. , DVN %RQQLH ZKDW 1LFN *ULIĂ&#x20AC;Q ZDV like away from the cameras. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He acted like he was your best friend. He gave me his card and all this yâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;know. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not sure that he gets it. I think Nickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a bit narcissistic, I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think he acknowledges a world outside of his own head. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s TXLWH WUDJLF Âľ On camera, Greer extends to GrifĂ&#x20AC;Q DQ LQYLWDWLRQ WR EUXVK XS RQ KLV facts at the British Museum where she is currently Deputy Chairman.

Greer has had a longstanding

role in Britainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s national arts directive: having served on the Board of Trustees for the British Museum IRU Ă&#x20AC;YH \HDUV VKH LV DOVR D IRUPHU playwright in residence at the Soho Theatre, a regular panellist on Newsnight Review and an author of two novels.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Journalists were calling people I havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t talked to IRU \HDUV WU\LQJ WR Ă&#x20AC;QG VWXII out, it was insaneâ&#x20AC;?

Starting out as a playwright by trade, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m interested to hear a bit more about why sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s so passionate about the theatre. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been making it since I was a child. It is the best medium because it involves all the arts. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s acting, dance, music, so it does actually help you to understand things and you also get to see the play of human life. So all different types of strategies are needed to make a SOD\ Âľ Rather than starting out scribbling down stories, Greer was fascinated from a young age with the structure of plays. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think I saw a play script in of my books at school. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m a very visual person and I like the way it looked, so I tried to imitate it and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what KDSSHQHG Âľ Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been dubbed â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;the Toni Morrison of the Obama generationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;&#x201C; something sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s surprised at and admits that she is one of her own cultural inspirations. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very brave, and I love her ZRUN 6KH¡V YHU\ LPSRUWDQW WR PH Âľ Her latest novel Obama Music highlights her fascination with jazz music. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I love jazz musicians, in particular Henry Threadgill. I admire people who break boundaries down. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Even as they get older, they are QHYHU DIUDLG WR GR WKDW Âľ It was my turn to be surprised as she told of a group of people who truly inspire her. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Young people like you! You have a big world that is extremely complex, much more complex than the world I entered into, and you guys have really got it together! Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m full RI DGPLUDWLRQ IRU WKLV JHQHUDWLRQ Âľ Before we end the interview, Greer acknowledges her surroundings and comments on why universities play a crucial role in the cultural development of young people. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think the most important things that universities do is keep the mind supple. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not places where you learn how to train for a job; they encourage you to keep your mind open. I think in this day and age, creativity is the most important thing WKLV FRXQWU\¡V JRLQJ WR H[SRUW Âľ She adds: â&#x20AC;&#x153;We need to keep this going through institutions like university where you can encounter lots of different subjects, you can read widely and it opens the mind, VR , WKLQN LW¡V DEVROXWHO\ FHQWUDO Âľ

&XOWXUDO FRPPHQWDWRU *UHHU ZDV D PHPEHU RI WKH ÂżYH VWURQJ SDQHO RQ Question Time ZKLFK IHDWXUHG %13 OHDGHU 1LFN *ULIÂżQ

26

Monday 8 March 2010 THE COURIER

Culture Film

film feature

=RPELH QDWLRQ Chris Binding on the biting satire of George A. Romero From its peculiar origins in Haitian YRRGRR WKH Ă&#x20AC;JXUH RI WKH ]RPELH KDV well and truly infected popular culture. :LWK DSSHDUDQFHV LQ Ă&#x20AC;OP OLWHUDture, video games and music videos LW VHHPV WR EH LPSHUYLRXV WR FULWLcism, existing and continuously reanimating in the media as an archetypal horror icon. $PHULFDQ Ă&#x20AC;OPPDNHU *HRUJH $ 5RPHUR WKH FUHDWRU RI WKH ]RPELH JHQUH KDV EHHQ LQWHJUDO WR WKLV XQdead phenomenon managing to PDLQWDLQ ERWK SRSXODU DQG FULWLFDO DFFODLP VLQFH KLV GHEXW LQ WKH ¡V FRPELQLQJ YLROHQFH DQG JRUH ZLWK social satire.

Tackling commercialism, racism, capitalism and other important issues throughout his career, RomeUR¡V LQWHOOLJHQW LQVLJKWIXO Ă&#x20AC;OPV DUH D VXEYHUVLYH H[SHULHQFH ULIH ZLWK SROLWLFDO V\PEROLVP DQG SRZHUIXO metaphor.

5RPHUR¡V GHEXW Night of the Living Dead ZDV D GDULQJO\ FRQWURYHUVLDO Ă&#x20AC;OP DW WKH WLPH UH²LQYHQWLQJ D ]RPELH VXE JHQUH ZKLFK KDG DOUHDG\ EHFRPH D VWULQJ RI UH²KDVKHG content.

'UDZLQJ LQà XHQFH IURP 5LFKDUG 0DWKHVRQ¡V QRYHO I am Legend he creDWHG WKH GRFWULQH RI ]RPELH œUXOHV¡ EHLQJ WKH VSUHDG RI LQIHFWLRQ E\ D ELWH DQG FORVH²XS JUDSKLF VFHQHV RI

FDQQLEDOLVP SXVKLQJ WKH ERXQGDries of cinematic gore.

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The casting of an African AmeriFDQ SURWDJRQLVW 'XDQH -RQHV GXUing the height of race civil rights PRYHPHQWV LQ $PHULFD ZDV D EROG risky statement which highlighted racial themes and simultaneously shocked critics and viewers.

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In Dawn of the Dead WKH VRFLDO FULWLTXH FDPH DW WKH H[SHQVH RI mass consumerism; shopping malls were a new concept in America so Romero set the drama in one of these consumerist paradises.

The image of survivors in an empW\ PDOO Ă&#x20AC;OOHG ZLWK PDWHULDO JRRGV allowed criticism of the vacuous nature of materialism, with a depressing view of human nature and sexism.

7KH ]RPELH ÂśFRQVXPHUV¡ URDPing the mall present a darkly satiric view of humanity, and represent a society who exist merely to conVXPH PDWHULDO JRRGV 5RPHUR¡V IROORZLQJ Ă&#x20AC;OPV H[SDQGHG WKLV VRFLDO commentary, criticising science and the military in Day of the Dead

EHIRUH UHWXUQLQJ ZLWK DQ DPELWLRXV studio release a decade later, exam-

$ \RXQJ 5RPHUR DPRQJVW WKH FUHDWXUHV WKDW ODXQFKHG KLP WR FXOW VWDWXV LQ ÂżOPV VXFK DV KLV FODVVLF Night of the Living Dead

ining class struggle and greed in a dystopian society.

Land of the Dead GLIIHUHG IURP SUHYLRXV UHOHDVHV EHFDXVH KDYLQJ ODUJH Ă&#x20AC;QDQFLDO VWXGLR EDFNing, Romero was expected to deOLYHU 7KH Ă&#x20AC;OP KDG DOO WKH HOHPHQWV for success, an all star cast, realistic HIIHFWV DQG DQ DPELWLRXV SORW EXW WKH Ă&#x20AC;OP VHHPHG WR EXUQ DW WKH ER[ RIĂ&#x20AC;FH Although delivering effective acWLRQ VHTXHQFHV DQG SOHQW\ RI YLVceral organic gore, the writing of the Ă&#x20AC;OP VHHPHG WR RYHU SULRULWLVH VRFLDO criticism, leading to clichĂŠd dialogue and a confusing plot.

Instead of writing his satire with DPELJXLW\ WKH EODWDQW DWWHPSWV DW OLQNLQJ ]RPELHV WR WKH SRYHUW\ LQ

American society and the caricature villain Kaufman to US Secretary of Defence Donald Rumsfeld were references many viewers would not identify with.

7KH Ă&#x20AC;OP XQGHQLDEO\ VXIIHUHG DQG although it returned Romero to the mainstream, further cinema releases like Diary of the Dead were received DE\VPDOO\ E\ FULWLFV ZLWK WKH VRFLDO FULWLFLVP QR ORQJHU DPELJXRXV EXW DNLQ WR WKH UDQWLQJ RI D ELWWHU ROG man.

Social criticism aside, Romero is D WDOHQWHG GLUHFWRU ZKRVH ERG\ RI work spans decades; and with his UHFHQW LQYROYHPHQW LQ %UHN (LVQHU¡V Crazies remake he is thankfully still working in a familiar genre. RomeUR¡V GHFOLQH LV QRW D UHVXOW RI KLV RZQ

DPELWLRXV LGHDV EXW RI KLV IDLOXUH to adapt within the modern studio system which resists creative innovation. +LV LQGHSHQGHQW Ă&#x20AC;OPV IRFXV QRW RQ WKH ]RPELH EXW RQ Ă DZHG KXPDQLW\ DQG VRFLHW\¡V FDSDFLW\ IRU VHOI²GHstruction; which is as relevant today DV LW ZDV LQ WKH 9LHWQDP HUD Never winning prestigious awards DQG DW WKH ULSH ROG DJH RI KH VWLOO UHPDLQV KXJHO\ LQĂ XHQWLDO LQ WKH horror genre maintaining a huge FXOW IROORZLQJ DQG LQVSLULQJ HVWDElished directors and countless rePDNHV RI KLV Ă&#x20AC;OPV +LV VRFLDO FULWLFLVP PD\ EH DQ DFTXLUHG WDVWH EXW , SUHIHU LW WR WKH melodrama of Michael Moore any day.

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The release of the new Tim Burton Ă&#x20AC;OP Alice in Wonderland caused much controversy ahead of its release last Friday. It looked typical Burton fare; Helena Bonham Carter and Johnny Depp all present and correct, so why the controversy?

It all stems from a decision DisQH\ WKH Ă&#x20AC;OP¡V GLVWULEXWRUV PDGH UHJDUGLQJ WKH Ă&#x20AC;OP¡V '9' UHOHDVH GDWH 7\SLFDOO\ D Ă&#x20AC;OP LV UHOHDVHG RQ '9' DURXQG ZHHNV DIWHU LWV FLQHPDWLF GHEXW EXW 'LVQH\ ZHUH NHHQ WR VKRUWHQ WKLV WR ZHHNV Their reasoning was apparently to HOLPLQDWH WKH SRVVLELOLW\ RI SLUDF\ WKH\ VDLG Ă&#x20AC;OPV WHQGHG WR ODVW DURXQG two months in the cinema and fans were forced to wait a further two PRQWKV IRU D '9' UHOHDVH GXULQJ ZKLFK WLPH SLUDWHV ZRXOG Ă RRG WKH market with illegal copies. <RX FDQ MXVW DERXW VHH WKH ORJLF EHKLQG WKHLU UHDVRQLQJ EXW WKHQ WKH\ simultaneously released statements saying that the shorter release date ZRXOG VLPSO\ EH D RQH RII IRU WKLV Ă&#x20AC;OP VRPHKRZ VXJJHVWLQJ WKDW Alice in Wonderland LV PRUH VXVFHSWLEOH WR SLUDF\ WKDQ RWKHU Ă&#x20AC;OPV 'LVQH\¡V VWDWHPHQWV VKRXOG EH WDNen with a pinch of salt; they pulled

7KLV ZHHN VHHV WKH FOLPD[ RI WKH ELHQQLDO $9 )HVWLYDO $V SUHYLHZHG LQ ODVW ZHHN¡V The Courier, the festival is an international event encompassing electronic arts, visual art, music and moving image.

7DNLQJ SODFH LQ *DWHVKHDG 6XQGHUODQG DQG 0LGGOHVEURXJK WKH festival explores the theme of energy WKURXJK FRPPLVVLRQV H[KLELWLRQV concerts, performances, workshops, GHEDWHV DQG Ă&#x20AC;OP VFUHHQLQJV The Tyneside Cinema is one of a QXPEHU RI ORFDWLRQV WDNLQJ SDUW LQ WKH IHVWLYDO /DVW ZHHN¡V Ă&#x20AC;OP VFUHHQLQJV LQFOXGHG &KULVWLDQ 0DUFOD\¡V Up and Out, a video collage comELQLQJ WKH LPDJHU\ RI 0LFKHODQJHOR $QWRQLRQL¡V Ă&#x20AC;OP Blow Up with WKH VRXQGWUDFN RI %ULDQ 'H 3DOPD¡V WKULOOHU Blow Out. )RU +LWFKFRFN IDQV -RKDQ *ULPRQSUH]¡V Double Take was also shown, a PL[WXUH RI 79 DQG QHZV IRRWDJH FRQWHPSODWLQJ +LWFKFRFN¡V SHUVRQD and humour and considering how KLV Ă&#x20AC;OPV RI WKH ODWH V DQG HDUO\ V FRQWUDVW ZLWK WKH &ROG :DU era political tension.

This week, for a true insight into ZKDW JRHV RQ EHKLQG WKH VFHQHV LQ Hollywood, head down to the Ty-

Johnny Depp stars as the Mad Hatter in Tim Burtonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Alice in Wonderland.

a similar stunt last year when they ZDQWHG WKH '9' UHOHDVH RI Up to EUHDN WKH ZLQGRZ EXW ZHUH IRUFHG WR EDFN GRZQ DIWHU D VLPLODU FODVK with cinemas.

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cinema chain, stuck to their guns and demanded a full seventeen week window; though ironically Odeon were still happy to hold the Ă&#x20AC;OP¡V SUHPLHUH DW WKHLU Ă DJVKLS /HLFHVWHU 6TXDUH FLQHPD 7KH UHDVRQ EHKLQG WKH FLQHPD¡V UHEHOOLRQ LV D UDWKHU VLPSOH RQH :KHQ D Ă&#x20AC;OP LV UHOHDVHG WKH PRQH\ LW PDNHV RQ WKH ELJ VFUHHQ LV VSOLW EHWZHHQ WKH FLQHPD DQG WKH GLVWULEXWRU DQG IRU WKH Ă&#x20AC;UVW IHZ ZHHNV DIWHU UHOHDVH WKH SURĂ&#x20AC;WV DUH VSOLW LQ IDYRXU RI WKH GLVWULEXWRU As time goes on the cinema reFHLYHV D ELJJHU FXW RI WKH SURĂ&#x20AC;WV 6R LW¡V LQ D FLQHPD¡V EHVW LQWHUHVWV WR KDYH D Ă&#x20AC;OP SOD\ IRU DV ORQJ DV SRVVLEOH ZKLOH WKH GLVWULEXWRUV ZDQW WKH direct opposite.

Eventually a compromise was agreed; Disney has promised the chains that they will only release WZR Ă&#x20AC;OPV ZKLFK EUHDN WKH ZHHN window over the next three years and also agreed to sign a new comPHUFLDO FRQWUDFW ZLWK 2GHRQ ,W¡OO EH LQWHUHVWLQJ WR VHH ZKHWKHU RWKHU GLVWULEXWRUV WHVW WKH ZDWHU LQ WKH coming months.

Adam Williams

QHVLGH RQ )ULGD\ 0DUFK DW SP to hear legendary and awesomelyQDPHG Ă&#x20AC;OPPDNHU DQG ZULWHU .HQnet Anger discuss and screen his work.

From avant-garde cinema to HolO\ZRRG %DE\ORQ ² KLV H[SRVH RQ +ROO\ZRRG¡V HOLWH $QJHU¡V ZRUN explores themes of transformation, counterculture and the occult. +H ZLOO DOVR EH GLVFXVVLQJ KLV QHZ Ă&#x20AC;OPV Mouse Heaven and Ich Will; a YLVXDO SRHP DERXW WKH +LWOHU <RXWK Credited with inspiring the likes of Warhol and Scorsese, Anger is not WR EH PLVVHG Make sure you do not miss out on these events and many more, which are taking place at the Tyneside and other locations in the North East.

7LFNHWV IRU Ă&#x20AC;OPV FRVW Â&#x2026; Â&#x2026; ZLWK student discount. Other prices vary, EXW DUH RQO\ VOLJKWO\ PRUH H[SHQVLYH DQG VWXGHQW GLVFRXQW LV DYDLODEOH RQ all events. )RU PRUH LQIRUPDWLRQ RQ Ă&#x20AC;OP events head to tynesidecinema.

FR XN RU IRU LQIRUPDWLRQ DERXW WKH festival in general head to avfestival. co.uk.

Tom Ward

THE COURIER Monday 8 March 2010

27

Film Culture Film Editor: Frances Kroon - courier.culture-film@ncl.ac.uk

reviews Alice in Wonderland Director: Tim Burton &DVW -RKQQ\ 'HSS 0LD Wasikowska, Helana Bonham Carter Runtime: 108 mins

7KH Ă&#x20AC; UVW WKLQJ \RX VKRXOG NQRZ DERXW 7LP %XUWRQ¡V Alice In Wonderland is that it is not the Alice In :RQGHUODQG \RX¡UH WKLQNLQJ RI In this story Alice has already had her adventure in wonderland that

ZH¡UH DOO IDPLOLDU ZLWK DQG LV QLQH teen years old about to be forced into marriage. That is until she is lead astray by white rabbit and falls down a rabbit hole, again.

However this time around WonGHUODQG RU DV ZH¡UH TXLFNO\ FRU rected is actually called Underland) is under the rule of the Red Queen and all our favourite characters have been subjected to her reign of terror.

6R UDWKHU WKDQ WKLV Ă&#x20AC; OP EHLQJ D re-imagining of the classic Lewis Carroll tale it is more of a sequel in WKH VDPH ZD\ WKDW 6SLHOEHUJ¡V Hook ZDV WR 'LVQH\¡V Peter Pan. This of course allows Mr Burton the artistic freedom to shamelessly stamp his gothic touch to WonderODQG :LWKLQ WKH Ă&#x20AC; UVW IXOO VKRW RI WKH fantasy landscape, the tree of the

dictable and slightly darker narrative that is thoroughly enjoyable and entertainingly brought to life E\ WKH Ă&#x20AC; OP¡V LQFUHGLEOH FDVW ZLWK DFH YRFDO FDPHRV IURP 6WHSKHQ )U\ Alan Rickman and Peggy Mitchell.

Each of the kids is also hiding D VHFUHW IURP )UDQN ² EH LW ZRUN related, family related or sexualLW\ UHODWHG FXH 7KH / :RUG¡V .DWH Moennig in a very cute little cameo!).

The situation with David goes from bad to worse, as things in 0H[LFR JR UDSLGO\ GRZQKLOO )UDQN sees each of his offspring as they were when they were children, which is occasionally emotive but a tad cheesy.

The idea of letting your parents down is a recurring theme in the Ă&#x20AC; OP ZKLFK LV D UHIUHVKLQJ GRVH of reality considering the usual cookie-cutter depictions of family in Hollywood cinema.

Despite some wonderful heartZDUPLQJ PRPHQWV WKH Ă&#x20AC; OP ZDV ultimately a little depressing, and the pace dragged a little, making WKH Ă&#x20AC; OP IHHO ORQJHU WKDQ LWV PLQV To his credit, De Niro gave a very Ă&#x20AC; QH SHUIRUPDQFH WKRXJK WKH VXS porting cast of Barrymore, Beckinsale and Rockwell felt underused.

While it was funny at times, the Ă&#x20AC; OP LV D OLWWOH GDUNHU WKDQ WKH WUDLO ers suggest, but worth a watch all the same.

I really wanted to love Everybodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fine. Not only does it have a pretty darn good cast, the trailer made it look like it would be nice, gentle comedy for a Sunday night. Turns

out, not so much.

7KH Ă&#x20AC; OP IROORZV ZLGRZHU )UDQN (De Niro) as he tries to gather his family together for a meal around the same table. )ROORZLQJ FDQFHOODWLRQV IURP DOO RI his four offspring, he embarks on a countrywide trip to surprise each of them in their different cities. However as you can imagine, things do not quite go as plan. :KLOH KH IDLOV WR Ă&#x20AC; QG 'DYLG LQ New York, each of his other kids manage to get rid of him after the briefest of stays - all the while havLQJ FRQYHUVDWLRQV EHKLQG )UDQN¡V back about the whereabouts of David, who appears to have been arrested on drug charges in Mexico.

movie traces the father of these two children as he searches desperately IRU D FXUH -RKQ &URZOH\ %UHQGDQ )UDVHU Ă&#x20AC; QGV VFLHQWLVW DQG OHDGLQJ UHVHDUFKHU LQ Ă&#x20AC; QGLQJ D FXUH IRU WKH disease, Dr. Robert Stonehill, (HarULVRQ )RUG

Stonehill is something of a loose cannon to say the least; arrogant and sure of himself but without the funding to back up his research.

Crowley comes along and the two go into business together, unfortunately though the business side of things take over and their partnership is put to the test.

Will they be able to put personal differences aside for the good of &URZOH\¡V FKLOGUHQ" 7KH Ă&#x20AC; OP KDV D JRRG VWRU\ DQG LV well paced, but it is fair to say that at times it can be rather boring.

7KH DXGLHQFH QHYHU UHDOO\ Ă&#x20AC; QGV themselves emotionally invested in the characters; not enough is shown of the family.

Largely set in labs, as scientists WHVW WKHLU WKHRULHV DQG RIĂ&#x20AC; FHV ZKHUH EXVLQHVVPHQ Ă&#x20AC; JKW RXW WKH SURĂ&#x20AC; W ability of the different drugs, there LVQ¡W PXFK IRU WKH YLHZHU WR UHODWH to.

The knowledge that this is based on a true story does warm the heart strings and make you hope for the EHVW EXW WKDW LVQ¡W UHDOO\ HQRXJK WR PDNH LW D JUHDW Ă&#x20AC; OP +DUULVRQ )RUG LV WKH EHVW WKLQJ about the movie, as you may expect with his co-star being Brendan )UDVHU EXW LW¡V QR Raiderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s of the Lost Ark. A potentially heart-warming tale but with such little emotional

FRQQHFWLYLW\ WKH Ă&#x20AC; OP LV D 6XQGD\ DIWHUQRRQ Ă&#x20AC; OOHU DW EHVW ,I \RX KDYH QRWKLQJ EHWWHU WR GR WKRXJK LW¡V ZRUWK WKH Ă&#x20AC; YHU

Alex Murray

Leap Year

trip, with the proposal of marriage.

However, she is on a tight schedule as she needs to make it E\ WKH WK )HEUXDU\ WKH RQH GD\ that women are able to defy the stereotype, take control and pop the question - or so she is told by her IDWKHU DQG WKH œ)DPLO\ 0\WK¡ This trip turns out to be not the easiest of journeys; starting with a very rough plane journey where she is forced to land in Wales and then frantically try to get someone to drive her to Dublin for a substantial amount in time.

However, her plans are yet again halted and she stay in Wales for the night. Here we are introduced to Declan (Goode), the handy-

PDQ RI WKH YLOODJH ZKR DW Ă&#x20AC; UVW LV unfriendly and unhelpful but in the morning agrees to drive Adams to Dublin.

7KH Ă&#x20AC; OP VWDUWV TXLWH VORZ EXW Goode and Adams do inject some ZHOO QHHGHG IXQ LQWR WKH Ă&#x20AC; OP $V WKH Ă&#x20AC; OP JRHV RQ DWWUDFWLRQ EHWZHHQ the two prevails and the journey of errors carries on in the same vain.

With the inclusion of stubborn cows, a car that fancies a whim and a short stop over at a Bed & Breakfast, Tucker enables you to enjoy an occasional laugh.

As the journey comes to an end, you think Declan is about to reveal his true feelings, however he is LQWHUUXSWHG E\ WKH DUULYDO RI -HUHP\

who has his very own surprise.

But the question remains, who will Anna pick?

On the whole, Leap Year is a very predictable romantic comedy and it GLGQ¡W UHDOO\ HYHU WDNH RII $GDPV¡ performance was stable and funny, and in parts the same description FRXOG EH XVHG IRU WKH Ă&#x20AC; OP DV D whole.

Would I recommend it? No. Instead girls, wait until you can rent it out and sit in with a takeaway.

Lads, go to the pub.

'LUHFWRU .LUN -RQHV Cast: Robert De Nero, Drew %DUU\PRUH .DWH %HFNLQVGDOH Sam Rockwell 5XQWLPH PLQV

Director: Tom Vaughan &DVW +DUULVRQ )RUG %UHQGDQ )UDVHU 5XQ WLPH 0LQV

7KLV Ă&#x20AC; OP LV EDVHG RQ WKH WUXH HYHQWV of a family with two children who have Pompe Disease. The disease is a rare neuromuscular genetic GLVRUGHU DQG WKRVH DIĂ LFWHG UDUHO\ live past the age of nine.

Predictably, the narrative of this

-DPHV )DLUĂ&#x20AC; HOG

GHDG IURP WKH GLUHFWRU¡V HDUOLHU Ă&#x20AC; OP Sleepy Hollow is present. And many FULWLFV ZLOO DUJXH WKDW WKLV Ă&#x20AC; OP LV PRUH %XUWRQ¡V YLVLRQ WKDQ &DUUROO¡V original creation.

Still this makes for a more unpre-

Everybodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fine

Extraordinary Measures

-RKQQ\ 'HSS LV FKDULVPDWLF DV always as the schizophrenic Madhatter and is a suitable companion WR QHZFRPHU 0LD :DVLNRZVND¡V $OLFH %XW LI \RX¡YH DOUHDG\ VHHQ KLV SHUIRUPDQFHV DV -DFN 6SDUURZ RU Willy Wonka then this will hardly be anything new or refreshing.

Available in 3D and on Imax VFUHHQV WKLV Ă&#x20AC; OP LV PXVW IRU DQ\ 7LP %XUWRQ IDQ DQG LV GHĂ&#x20AC; QLWHO\ ZRUWK VHHLQJ HYHQ LI \RX¡UH QRW and just want some pure cinematic escapism.

Director: Anand Tucker Cast: Amy Adams, Matthew Goode, Adam Scott Runtime: 110 mins

Leap Year is a romantic comedy which revolves around the main character of Anna (Adams) trying to get to Dublin where she plans on surprising her long term partner -HUHP\ 6FRWW ZKR LV RQ D EXVLQHVV

Ashley Fryer

Ste Greenan

28

Monday 8 March 2010 THE COURIER

Culture Music

Exclusive blogs and content >>>thecourieronline.co.uk/music

music interview

Bombay Bicycle Club shake it loose Polly Randall Ă&#x20AC;QGV RXW how the young fourpiece are coping with their new-found fame Playing second on the bill on the NME Shockwaves Awards Tour, I can imagine, would seem a daunting prospect to many bands, and a few weeks ago for Bombay Bicycle Club that certainly seemed the case.

Although seeming at ease in their dressing room before the show, relaxing with an acoustic banjo sing DORQJ WKH QHUYHV ZHUH GHĂ&#x20AC;QLWHO\ evident.

Jack, the lead singer had no qualms about admitting this, talking to me after a bad sound check. With these dates being their most prominent to date, he described them as â&#x20AC;&#x153;a bigger deal than when youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re supporting someone and it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t really matter what happens: here it is all on us to come good.â&#x20AC;?

The night seemed to mark a step forward for the band, after their previous and frequent trips to the city in the last few months, which include their appearance at this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s )UHVKHUV¡ :HHN GHĂ&#x20AC;QHG E\ WKH EDQG as a messy night but a great one), and their headlining appearance at Academy 2 in December.

But they seemed to be taking it all in their oh-so-youthful stride, making comment more on the free hair gel they thought they were set to receive and the NME driven gossip that always arises from these tours rather than the musical prestige of it.

This laid back attitude may have something to do with their age, the same as most students, and they seem grateful for whatever comes their way.

When asked about the then-upcoming NME Awards ceremony in which they were nominated for best new band, their opinions on their chances of winning were clear.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got no chance of winning, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s far more likely to be The xx or Mumford and Sons. We are just excited to get to go to one of those award ceremonies, as weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve never been to one before. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t win we might go mad and smash everything up, doing a Kanye West.â&#x20AC;? As we now know, they were blissfully unaware of their own popularity, having in fact won said award after our interview.

This idea of underestimating the success that they could achieve was even more apparent when they claimed to have all applied to university after having left school, and in fact guitarist Jamie claimed that he reapplied again this year â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the general consensus now though was that a life on the road in a band was â&#x20AC;&#x153;a hell of a lot more fun, and all of

that uni stuff was in the past now.â&#x20AC;?

7KH\ GHĂ&#x20AC;QLWHO\ KDYH WKH IXWXUH and progression in their sights now.

Having completed their duties on the NME tour, a stint abroad touring Europe beckons, taking in all the major cities, and after that the trepidation of beginning work on their second album. )RU D EDQG ZKRVH Ă&#x20AC;UVW UHFRUG LQcluded much early work from the EPs â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The Boy I Used to Beâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;How We Areâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, there seemed a sense of excitement at re-involving themselves in the creative process, especially with the prospect of recording in America. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Are we excited? Yes and no: we are in the sense that it will be good to create something new, but nervous as it depends if we are ready. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But the album will mark a natural

move forwards rather than trying to create a distinctive new sound, more like the songs we were making towards the end of the last album.â&#x20AC;?

From the live preview of the one new song How Can You Swallow So Much Sleep, the step forward they wish to make in no way sounds like a bad thing.

When questioned as to the scene they originally emerged from - underage bands with underage fans such as Cajun Dance Party and Late of the Pier - there seemed little regret at having moved beyond that. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t really exist anymore, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just good to play to people who are actually there to hear the music UDWKHU WKDQ Ă&#x20AC;JKW HDFK RWKHU â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was good really as we have never really been hyped too much, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve done it slowly which is much

better otherwise you become famous for a while and then straight back down again.â&#x20AC;?

However, they arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t putting any pressure on themselves to rush-release an album on the level of their current popularity.

They claim it may be out next year, but really they are happy to take as long as they need to make it good, writing whenever they can and refusing to be rushed by any record company deadlines.

Ultimately, they seem content to take it as it comes, riding on their success for as long as it continues.

Although still serious about the music they are making, their friendly, laid back attitude hopefully means they will continue well into the future.

the debate You choose on YouTube?

Mark Corcoran-Lettice Music Editor â&#x20AC;&#x153;Like, have you heard this news?

About this, like, totally awesome site called YouTube? You can, like, watch videos on it and, like, make your own and put them on it, you know?â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;Śwell, quite enough from you there, Mr./Ms. Moron. In a few short years though, YouTube has gone from a little-known site to a major player in the way we consume information and entertain ourselves. Unsurprisingly then, the marketers have leapt upon it, and this phenomenonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s especially apparent in music.

Be it Little Bootsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Tenori-On, or

Weezerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s absurd, meme-fuelled music videos, the internetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s become a key part of any artistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s promotional toolkit.

The internetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s become a key part of any artistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s promotional toolkit One of the greatest schemes to date has been the viral success of the channel â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;iamamiwhoamiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, which has (at time of printing) put XS Ă&#x20AC;YH VXUUHDO KLJK EXGJHW WHDVers, full of warped nature imagery backed by foreboding, Fever Rayesque beats.

With speculation rife over who might be responsible â&#x20AC;&#x201C; everyone from Christina Aguilera to Trent Reznorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been in the frame at one point or another â&#x20AC;&#x201C; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s become an exciting mystery and, it must be said, a damn good bit of publicity.

Sometimes though, YouTube can still go rogue: how else is there to explain the inexplicable success of South African hip-hop crew Die Antwoord (think a sillier, art-school N-Dubz), whose terrible but addictive Enter The Ninja has taken off around the world?

Sure, big budgets still help, but with the popularity of the likes of Die Antwoord, maybe thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a more democratic future for music on YouTube yet.

Joe Skrebels Remember OK Go? They were the guys who made that treadmill video with their own money, put it on a certain videostreaming website without their record companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s permission, got forty-eight million views, sold quite a few records as a result and then had their idea stolen by numerous desperate advertising executives.

OK Go, almost overnight, became SUREDEO\ WKH Ă&#x20AC;UVW EDQG WR EHFRPH famous not for their music, but their videos.

Sure, MTV had started the video age long before, and there have been videos that have created art-

ists, but at that time the channel had to hear the band, decide if they were right for the audience and then put them on TV. YouTube took out the middle man. Now possible consumers just wanted to see what the band was offering, not necessarily hear it, and this process wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mediated by any label.

This is why, alongside Napster and Spotify, Youtube has become RQH RI WKH PRVW GHĂ&#x20AC;QLQJ DQG GLYLsive) subjects of the music industry in the internet age.

It can create musical stars out of video, not audio. The real question is, if a band has to get famous through what they show you, do you really want to hear them?

THE COURIER Monday 8 March 2010

29

Music Culture Music Editors: Mark Corcoran-Lettice and Chris Mandle - courier.culture-music@ncl.ac.uk

gigs First Assault

U.S. Girls

With the crowd enjoying a Stonelove-style warm-up of indie crowd-pleasers such as Seven Nation Army and Apply Some Pressure, First Assault had to try hard for the attention of a fresh audience.

After two songs though, the cynicism faded slightly and the alt-rock EDQG ZHUH VWDUWLQJ WR Ă&#x20AC; QG D OLWWOH more than head-nodding amongst the crowd.

With the only female member of the band tucked away behind the drum kit, the remaining three were free to exercise some laddish onstage behaviour, prompting guitarist Tom Mooreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s comment, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m the most unprofessional musician in Newcastle!â&#x20AC;?

This endearingly raw edge is something audiences miss in larger shows. First Assault is reminiscent of an early Blink 182, pre-â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Enema of the Stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and even pre-Travis Barker.

The set was given some calm with an acoustic version of the

PRMNT VIBES have been putting on maddeningly diverse and gloriously out-there bills in Newcastle of late, but tonightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s must be one of their most eclectic yet.

Openers Totem Recall are an unassuming duo who, with the intriguing combination of childish synths, distorted, minimalist beats and alternately frightening and soothing static washes provided via an old television and a radio set, engage the audience in quite a unique way. Their twenty-minute set slowly burrowed into the minds of the massed audience, and from a TXLHW VWDUW KXGGOHG RQ WKH Ă RRU LQ front of the stage, they received an adulatory reception when the noise Ă&#x20AC; QDOO\ HEEHG DZD\ LQWR QRWKLQJ Any calm that they might have conjured up was shattered rather quickly by the nightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s next act, sludge demons Foot Hair. Boasting a ferocious, bearded singer LQ D IUDQNO\ KRUULĂ&#x20AC; F OHDWKHU 6 0 pig mask (really, you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want

O2 Academy 2 Newcastle 26 February

The Head of Steam, 24 February

Foo Fightersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; My Hero, with guest vocals from Lyndsey McGhee.

With bargain ÂŁ2 tickets, the gig felt throwaway, but if the band wants to last, they may need to become more memorable.

That said, there is clear potential, and theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve come far for a band who only formed in the September of last year.

Rowan Taylor

to know), they blasted their way through a daunting set of boomLQJ YLFLRXV PHWDO Ă&#x20AC; OOHG ZLWK guitar lines travelling at the speed of a coma and frankly unprintable subject matter. An acquired taste, perhaps, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a ferocious performance.

After that, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time for the headliner, the Philadelphian U.S. Girls.

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let the plural confuse you though: itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all the work of one person, Megan Remy. Touring in support of her superb recent album â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Go Greyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, her set-up consists entirely of a mixing board, various delay and distortion pedals, old tape players and a reverbed-up mic.

It makes for an engrossing listen: hundreds of small fragments and shards of pop get thrown together and warped as Remy mixes them into inexplicable new contortions.

0RUH WKDQ MXVW DQRWKHU OR Ă&#x20AC; project, in the best moments in tonightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s set, U.S. Girls deliver a surreal, alternate history of popular music, where all the detrius and outmoded technology left discarded on the way form their own exquisite counter-culture.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a breathtaking, if sometimes GLIĂ&#x20AC; FXOW OLVWHQ OHW¡V KRSH VKH UH turns to these shores soon.

Mark Corcoran-Lettice Music Editor

interview

Trash talking with Tubelord Tom Richards tries to get a word in edgeways with the Hartlepool band Tubelord are in a playful mood.

Having greeted me with their best Geordie â&#x20AC;&#x153;whey ayeâ&#x20AC;?, talked to me about different types of dictaphones and their experiences playing with Ă RDWV DQG LQĂ DWDEOHV LQ WKH VZLP ming pool in Gosforth earlier in the day, it is clear this isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t going to be a normal interview.

Originating from Kingston Upon Thames, Tubelord, for those who have never heard of them before, produce music that falls somewhere on the spectrum between hardcore, punk and pop, laden with â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;mathsyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Foals-like guitar riffs and beautiful vocals. However, the description of the band I receive from lead singer and guitarist Joe Prendergast and drummer Dave Catmur is far from what youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d expect from a band still promoting their debut album â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Our First American Friendsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, and trying to make their way in the music industry. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d describe our sound is exciting and big,â&#x20AC;? says Prendergast, â&#x20AC;&#x153;but culturally irrelevant, almost like a triangular square,â&#x20AC;? Catmur adds, carrying on to tell me, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our main LQĂ XHQFH LV -RKQ /RFNH ERWK WKH Lost character and the seventeenth century philosopher.â&#x20AC;?

Behind the banter and fun, Tubelord are a hard working and seriously talented band, evident by looking at their relentless tour diary, more or less non-stop live performances since their album came out in October, with dates including a support slot with Future of the Left, along with the current tour which has been something of a success: â&#x20AC;&#x153;We played to a room full of drunk teenagers in Middlesbrough last night.â&#x20AC;?

Prendergast continued to tell me about their new found popularity in the North East, â&#x20AC;&#x153;A drunk, fourteen year old boy at the gig told us we were the biggest band in Hartlepool. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to put that on our

next album and our tour posters.â&#x20AC;?

New releases donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t seem too far off either, on the back of last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s debut, which was met by critical acclaim - albeit by the tragically limited number of press outlets that picked it up.

Joe tells me the boysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; plan for being busy in 2010, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking at two singles, an EP, and the beginnings of a new album. All of which will be irrelevant and probably slip under many radars.â&#x20AC;?

Despite the inevitable issues of slipping under radars, Joe tells me how much he enjoys being part of the Tubelord setup, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I just loving being in a band with these guys and playing with them, like a Tubelord fam-

ily.â&#x20AC;? This family has also recently seen a new arrival with keyboard player Jamie being added to the band, along with replacement bassist Tom, turning the 3 piece into a 4 piece. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We found playing as a 3-piece a bit repetitive so we added some [guys with] moustaches to liven things up.â&#x20AC;?

The end result is something of a success, as the band are able to transport their album from the studio to the stage with ease. The band are slowly but surely making a name for themselves with their exhilarating live shows, and having conquered Hartlepool, who knows where the future will take Tubelord.

Tubelord

The Head of Steam, 27 February 7KHLU Ă&#x20AC; UVW 1HZFDVWOH JLJ VLQFH releasing their debut album â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Our First American Friendsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; in the autumn of last year, Tubelord rolled back into town, still as exciting and lively as ever.

Tonight, the Cornwall-based experimental loop band Tall Ships supported them fantastiFDOO\ LQ D TXLFNĂ&#x20AC; UH VHW GXH WR time restrictions), which included all three members simultaneously playing the same set of drums: an exciting band that should go onto bigger things.

Tubelord themselves had some work to do to match their support on stage. Taking to their instruments equipped with a mixture of genuine and fake moustaches, they soon show that theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re more than up to the challenge.

Kicking off with album opener Your Bed is Kind of Frightening and playing old material and new songs along the way, set highlight Night of the Pencils was met with particular enthusiasm from the packed basement of The Head of Steam.

Closing with the title track from their album, Tubelordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s energetic punk pop melodies have impressed once more. A fantastic show from two very talented bands.

Tom Richards

30

Monday 8 March 2010 THE COURIER

Culture Music

Exclusive album reviews, including Dead Like Harry and Cliffordandcalix>>> thecourieronline.co.uk/music

music singles

albums Gorillaz Plastic Beach Something about the utter fabrication of Gorillaz is deliciously appealing. From their sombre duelling of Clint Eastwood to the up-tempo Dare, the band, whose strings are pulled by Blur front man Damon Albarn, ooze a crayoned charm. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Plastic Beachâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; is a concept album comprising of seventeen tracks, with the name coming from a beach comprised of all the worlds rubbish ZKLFK WKH EDQG Ă&#x20AC; QG WKHPVHOYHV RQ Is Albarn trying to plug some â&#x20AC;&#x2122;think greenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; issue here? If so, he does so under a strange guise.

Despite Albarn himself declaring the album as the bandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most pop record to date, it is jam-packed with hip-hop, grime and rap artists like Snoop Dogg, who takes the lead on Welcome To The World of The Plastic Beach. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a stripped back slow-stomper, with deep, powerful thuds and retro horns blasting out as Snoop lazily chats: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kids gather round/I need your focus/I know it

seems like the world is so hopelessâ&#x20AC;?.

Meanwhile, lead single Stylo pulsates with dark transmission; singer Albarnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s moody lyrics battle against Mos Def and Bobby Womack. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If this love was electric/ LW ZRXOG EH Ă RZLQJ WKURXJK WKH street/night after night/just to get through the weekâ&#x20AC;? Womack wails passionately.

6XSHUIDVW -HOO\Ă&#x20AC; VK has the crackling Ă&#x20AC; ]] RI SRSSLQJ FDQG\ EXW ZLWK D little more bite: De La Soul trade lyrics with Super Furry Animalsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Gruff Rhys while Albarn sings in soaring, sun-soaked tones over loops of fabricated TV commercials.

This beautiful odyssey is one of the most important albums in 2010; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s as beautiful as it is grim, as mysterious as it is straightforward and as poetic as it prosaic. Forget Glastonbury: spend your summer on the Plastic Beach.

Shane MacGowan & Friends I Put A Spell On You What do you get when you put together Shane MacGowan, Nick Cave, Mick Jones, Paloma Faith and Johnny Depp, amongst others? Possibly the most gloriously depraved and listenable charity single of all time, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what.

Mark Corcoran-Lettice Lady Gaga feat. Beyonce Telephone Despite their pop-royalty status, the combo of Beyonce and Gaga could potentially be the aural equivalent of two diva egos Ă&#x20AC; JKWLQJ XJO\ 7KDQNIXOO\ Telephone is incredible, full of Gaga eccentricity and booty-shaking attitude from Beyonce.

Alice Vincent 7KH $UFKLH %URQVRQ 2XWĂ&#x20AC; W Sharkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tooth 7KH SV\FK Ă DYRXUHG URFN JURXS present a jumpy song layered with piercingly staccato riffs, relentless snares and octave bass, coupling a tight bass pattern more suited to disco with loose, hazy guitar effects.

Rowan Taylor

Chris Mandle Music Editor

Liars Sisterworld

Ellie Goulding Lights

Shy Child Liquid Love

The Bled Heat Fetish

Parachute Losing Sleep

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been a long, strange journey for Liars. Starting out as spiky funkpunk purveyors, 2004â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gonzo, nowave indebted second album â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;They Were Wrong, So We Drownedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; gave them a reputation as unstoppable shape-shifters, and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one WKH\¡YH OLYHG XS WR PDJQLĂ&#x20AC; FHQWO\ Coming after 2007â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s (slightly) more conventional self-titled effort, Ă&#x20AC; IWK DOEXP Âś6LVWHUZRUOG¡ LV WKH FORV est theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve come to returning to the sound of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;They Were Wrongâ&#x20AC;Śâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; so far. Tracks like the psychotic, Sonic Youth-esque Scarecrows On A Killer Slant capture the malovence and ZDUSHG JXLWDUV WKDW GHĂ&#x20AC; QHG WKDW record, but elsewhere, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s some new angles covered by the band.

Quiet-loud dynamics may be nothing new, but opener Scissor Ă LWWLQJ IURP NH\V DQG FHOOR WR pounding rhythmic fury at the drop of a hat, remains surprising even after repeated listens, while album centerpiece Proud Evolution rides on an extended bass groove that gets their Krautrock infatuation out onto WKH GDQFHĂ RRU Packaged with a CD of reinterpretations by the likes of Thom Yorke and Tunde Adebimpe and some seriously next-level packaging, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Sisterworldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; is Liars at their wild best.

Fresh from winning the Critics Choice award at the Brit Awards and amid a buzz of speculation over her future, Ellie Goulding releases her debut album, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Lightsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.

In case youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been living beneath a rock for a while, Ellie Gouldingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sound comprises of a wispy voice, at times is reminiscent of BjĂśrk, WRJHWKHU ZLWK WKH WUDFHDEOH LQĂ X HQFH RI Ă&#x20AC; QJHUSLFNHG IRON JXLWDU DQG mixes them together with helpings of electropop, perhaps inevitable as Frankmusik helped Goulding develop her style.

The result is â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Lightsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, an album which, impressively, has much more to offer than her current single Starry Eyed.

It would be quicker and easier to list the weak tracks than it would be to name to good ones, in all honesty, and Wish I Stayed is the only track on the album I would steer clear of.

The remaining nine tracks are all clearly distinctive, offering something different, whether it is memorable lyrics or just a damn Ă&#x20AC; QH WXQH This Love manages to stand out in an album of immense quality with a rolling rhythm and lyrics that just VHHP WR Ă RZ QDWXUDOO\

Although slowly increasing their popularity, Shy Child is a duo not that well known in the UK. They sound like the younger cousins of Hot Chip- although the bands were founded at the same time, it feels like Shy Child still havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t quite found their feet yet. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Liquid Loveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; sounds very different from their original sound though, with the songs feeling a lot calmer now than their much harsher third album, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Noise Wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Stopâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.

However, they still seem to evade being stuck on any set genre of music, seemingly in the void between electronic disco and pop.

Listening to this album sounds too familiar, like you have heard it all before and although itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a good familiarity, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s still not changed at all.

Saying this, there are a few songs that you cannot help but tap your feet to, and no doubt would be willing to dance to on a drunken escapade.

Particular stand outs include Disconnected and Cross Cross which are by far the most memorable songs on the album, and after only a few plays tempt you to press the repeat button again and again.

After 2007, The Bled were in dire straits. Despite releasing three of WKH PRVW LQQRYDWLYH JHQUH GHĂ&#x20AC; QLQJ albums of the post hardcore scene, their future was uncertain after being dropped by their label, with WKUHH PHPEHUV GHSDUWLQJ WR Ă&#x20AC; QG â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;realâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; jobs.

Fortunately, founding member Jeremy Ray Talley, alongside vocalist James MuĂąoz, decided to soldier on, and three later we have the Tuscan hardcore stalwarts fourth LP â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Heat Fetishâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.

But after such struggling can The Bled 2.0 live up to previous efforts? In a word, yes. Straight from opener Devolver it becomes clear that these boys are back; the riffs are ferocious and plentiful, reminiscent of seminal debut â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Pass The Flaskâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, the vocals teeter between the ferocious and the sublime, and their infamous breakdowns have never been more brutal. The struggle of the past three years is released with a vengeance on this record, leading to an exhilarating forty minutes.

My only gripe is that the album isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t as progressive as previous efforts, but right now this album serves as the statement most fans needed to hear. Ladies and gentlemen, The Bled are back.

Off the back of tours with Kelly Clarkson, The Script, Taylor Swift and Duffy, plus a highly lucrative advertising deal with cosmetics company Nivea, Parachute are about as squeaky clean as a Jonas Brothers housekeeping service.

7KH Ă&#x20AC; YH SLHFH KDLOLQJ IURP Virginia, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t try and hide the fact that they want to make laid-back, radio friendly pop, and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exactly what they set out to do on debut album â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Losing Sleepâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.

The problem here though is that WKH Ă&#x20AC; QDO SURGXFW LV ZD\ ZD\ RII the mark. Imagine The Fray at a water park, in the rain, without a towel: thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s still not close to how wet this band are.

Heartfelt efforts come across as weak and limp, Nivea soundtrack She is Love is instantly forgettable but for the fact that it will probably be the background track to a nice pair of legs.

She (for Liz), meanwhile, has literally taken the Maroon 5 track This Love and just re â&#x20AC;&#x201C;worked the lyrics.

Things donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t pick up, as post-break up revenge track Ghost sounds like a sex offender on the loose.

If itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s any consolation, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got nice haircuts: might not work on WKH UDGLR WKRXJK +RUULĂ&#x20AC; F

Mark Corcoran-Lettice Music Editor

Matthew Blackwell

Kate Rogers

David McDonald

Joe Cooper

THE COURIER Monday 8 March 2010

31

Music Culture

line-ups

festivals

Stuck in the mud?

Mark Corcoran-Lettice on picking the festival thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s right for you So, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve decided that this summer, you simply have to go to a festival. After all, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be great fun: immersing yourself in totally new surroundings for several days, with no responsibilities and no worries (hell, not even any expectations of basic hygiene), with all your friends by your side to savour every second. Sounds good, huh?

Well, it will be if you choose wisely. Thing is, despite what you might have been told, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not as simple as Ă&#x20AC;QGLQJ WKH QHDUHVW ELW RI JUDVV ZLWK a stage and a dodgy-looking burger van on it and then paying ÂŁ160 for

the privilege. No, what you need to GR LV Ă&#x20AC;QG WKH IHVWLYDO IRU \RX Last summer, I ended up at the Latitude Festival in Suffolk. While not all the headliners were exactly to my taste â&#x20AC;&#x201C; I certainly wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the RQO\ RQH EDIĂ HG E\ WKH GHFLVLRQ to make Grace Jones the Saturday night headliner â&#x20AC;&#x201C; I knew what I wanted: a friendly, small festival with a relaxed vibe and plenty of non-musical attractions, so that if I fancied a break, I could just park up by the comedy or the poetry tents, pear cider in hand.

Thing is, you need to know what you want. If itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a big festival experience youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re after, then your local folk festival clearly isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t going to cut it. If you want to turn it into more of a holiday, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re probably looking at a Bennicassim rather than a

Not a fan of the British summer? Make sure you choose the right festival for you

&RQĂ&#x20AC;UPHG Paul McCartney has recently been revealed as the headliner for the Sunday night of the Isle of Wright Festival (11-13 June, ÂŁ150 weekend ticket with camping), while The Chemical Brothers , Mika, Boys Noize and many PRUH KDYH EHHQ FRQĂ&#x20AC;UPHG IRU ([LW SURĂ&#x20AC;OHG LQ 7KH &RXULHU ).

Kings of Leon and Kasabian have also just been announced as the headliners for this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s V Festival in Chelmsford and Staffordshire (21-22 August, ÂŁ165 with campign).

V Festival.

Also, since festivals became such DQ RIĂ&#x20AC;FLDO %LJ 7KLQJ D IHZ \HDUV back, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been an explosion in cheap, rip-off events. The notoriously ill-fated Zoo Festival of 2008, where half the acts failed to turn up due to a lack of payment, one of the stages collapsed and the site was overrun by people sneaking past a

minimal security presence may be the worst example, but if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to a new or a smaller event, Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no need for you to take this as gospel though. Your ideal festival may well be completely different to mine, and hopefully youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll have a great time wherever you go.

Just remember: I was GHĂ&#x20AC;QLWHO\ in the bar queue before you.

Green Man Festival $XJXVW %UHFRQ %HDFRQV :DOHV Â&#x2026; ZLWK 186 FDUG

WKHJUHHQPDQIHVWLYDO FR XN

ATP: Matt Groening 0D\ %XWOLQV 0LQHKHDG Â&#x2026; Â&#x2026; DWSIHVWLYDO FRP

Bearded Theory 0D\ $VKERXUQH 'HUE\VKLUH ÂŁ65 EHDUGHGWKHRU\ FR XN

With quite possibly one of the best festival sites in Europe, a giant industrial museum called Ferropolis, as well as a pretty damn good geographical location just south of Berlin, the Melt! festival certainly has a lot going for it.

This festival is everything you would expect from Germany, with the site itself described as the city of Ferropolis, an open air museum containing machines from the 20th century which you are free to explore.

The three day festival has just FRQĂ&#x20AC;UPHG LWV OLQH XS ZKLFK LQcludes as headliner the seminal Massive Attack alongside The xx, Booka Shade, The Wombats, Foals, and Blood Red Shoes and many, many more.

You will not be spoiled for choice, with the festival boasting electronic dance music and the newest pop and indie though to ambient beats and hip-hop, spread across six Ă RRUV ZLWK PRUH WKDQ HLJKW\ OLYH acts appearing over the weekend.

If you want something a bit different from the usual mainstream UK IHVWLYDOV WKLV LV GHĂ&#x20AC;QLWHO\ D JRRG option for you, and at about ÂŁ85 for a ticket for the weekend (which includes the bonus of a swimming permit for the Gremmin Lake, if you fancy a break from the music), itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a more cash friendly alternative too.

Since its foundation as an all-dayer for a mere three hundred people in 2003, Green Man has rapidly escalated into the biggest underground three-day festival.

As Green in nature as it is name, ethical and environmental consciousness and sustainable living comprise as much of the festivalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ethos as the fantastic line up.

Snuggled down in Glanusk Park, under Sugar Loaf Mountain (the cute name says it all, really) in Walesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Brecon Beacons National Park, Green Man rivals Glastonbury for accessibility. However, the festivalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s association with the Big Green Coach company ensures good deals and a eco-conscious form of transport.

The line-up includes comedy, literature and cinema acts, but Green Manâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wide-ranging preoccupation with folk and beyond is present again in the currently announced line-up, which includes The Flaming Lips, Billy Bragg, Beirut and the recently announced headliner Joanna Newsom.

Judging on last year, where Four Tet, Beth Jeans Houghton and Emmy The Great also appeared lower down, their undercard should be as formidable as ever.

Sack off Reading and Leeds, get in tune with your inner green and trek down to Aberystwyth â&#x20AC;&#x201C; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be lovely.

Ever woken up in your festival tent entrenched in a mire, your last frail wet wipe held in hand and a day of mediocre bands ahead and thought it wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t worth the fortune you paid that dodgy looking punter to get in?

You wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t encounter this with ATP. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve done a damn clever thing and booked out Butlins. The Somerset holiday camp hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t held a reputation for hosting cutting edge musical events, but it does have cosy cabins.

In another interesting sidestep, creator of the yellow family Matt Groening was chosen as curator.

Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s done a damn good job. Gnarly punk rockers Iggy and The Stooges headline, supported with ambient art-rock from Deerhunter and sensational atmospherics drones with Panda Bear.

Furthermore, a unique performance comes with Boadrum, a performance for 77 drummers. Yes, 77 drummers. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s without mentioning the presence of folk queen Joanna Newsom, the mighty Spiritualized, the much-hyped The xx or legendary American pranksters The Residents.

It all kicks off on the weekend of the 7th of May, and thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s still some tickets left. You probably realise this is dangerously near to exam time, but I would add that, as far as Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m aware, you only live once.

Bearded Theory is an independent upstart among the UK festival scene, one of many marketing themselves as a family-friendly, QRQ SURĂ&#x20AC;W DOWHUQDWLYH WR WKH FRPmercialism of big mainstream festivals.

Last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s festival was hit by a baby twister that collapsed the main stage, so itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d perhaps be a good idea to pack your iron boots, if not a safety helmet.

Being aimed at families, the festival boasts a large range of kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; activities: talent shows, face paintLQJ D ZRRGHQ JUDIĂ&#x20AC;WL ZDOO DQG for parents, pottery workshops, an open mike stage and dance classes.

Maybe not one for the more decadent festival goer, but for something a bit calmer, this could be for you.

The line-upâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s certainly pretty diverse: punk stalwarts appear New Model Army, still going 30 years on, alongside the upcoming punk-ska band The King Blues, a reformed The Wonder Stuff, some nineties nostalgia courtesy of Dreadzone, journalists-come-rockers Goldblade and the true, undisputed highlight of the festival in this writerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eyes, the Cheeky Girls.

Bearded Theory 2010 will be taking place over the weekend 14-16 May Bardley Nook Farm, Derbyshire.

Offering something different of a festival experience, South West Four are putting on a spectacular show right in the heart of London at the end of August.

Past events have always been great fun, so much so that this year the festival has been extended from a one-day event into to a proper weekender that takes in both days before summerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s last big Bank Holiday Monday.

Headlining the Saturday lineup is the legendary Armin Van %XXUHQ D PDQ ZKR KDV RIĂ&#x20AC;FLDOO\ been voted the Most Popular DJ on Earth for the past three years running and whose weekly radio show attracts over thirty million listeners.

Trance fans should do everything in their power not to miss this unique chance to see Armin perform his only UK date of the year.

Then on Sunday, big beat icon Fatboy Slim takes the helm in order to show London how itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s done, in a scene that is likely to be reminiscent of his infamous Brighton beach performances. While the rest of the line-up is still under wraps, if the headliners are any indication, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sure to be dance perfection.

6: LV GHĂ&#x20AC;QLWHO\ D PXVW IRU techno fans who have an aversion to muddy tents and who want to catch the last tube after a long dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dance.

Olivia Mason

Alice Vincent &XOWXUH (GLWRU

Gordon Bruce &XOWXUH 2QOLQH (GLWRU

Elliot Bentley

Romain Chenet

5XPRXUHG Blink-182, My Chemical Romance and Arcade Fire have all been hotly tipped to headline Leeds & Reading this year, while fellow Festival Republic event Latitude has had names such as Pixies, Roxy Music, Massive Attack, Elbow and (perhaps less probably) Lady Gaga suggested as possible headliners.

Festival Guide 2010: Part II Melt! Festival -XO\ %HUOLQ *HUPDQ\ â&#x201A;Ź75-95 PHOWIHVWLYDO GH HQ

South West Four $XJXVW &ODSKDP &RPPRQ /RQGRQ Â&#x2026; VRXWKZHVWIRXU FRP

32

Monday 8 March 2010 THE COURIER

Culture TV & Radio

tv & radio BBC

tv highlights Tropic of Cancer

soaps Coronation Street

Mon, Thurs, Fri on ITV1 George refuses to let Peter see his VRQ DV KH KDV GHFLGHG WR NHHS KROG RI KLP XQWLO KH GHHPV 3HWHU Ã&#x20AC;W HQRXJK WR ORRN DIWHU KLP /DWHU LQ WKH ZHHN WKHLU EDWWOH RYHU 6LPRQ UHTXLUHV WKH SROLFH WR EH FDOOHG RXW 0HDQZKLOH WKH SROLFH UHOHDVH -RH·V ERG\ IRU D IXQHUDO GRHV WKLV PHDQ *DLO·V LQ WKH clear?

Sunday 8pm, BBC2 Given that I have the attention span of a three year old, , RIWHQ Ã&#x20AC;QG P\self playing the ¶RQO\ [ QXPEHU RI PLQXWHV XQWLO LW·V RYHU· JDPH WRZDUGV WKH HQG RI GRFXPHQWDULHV 7KLV LV QRW WKH FDVH ZLWK 6LPRQ 5HHYH·V VHULHV $IWHU WKH FULWLFDOO\ DFFODLPHG Equator and Tropic of Capricorn, Reeve faces his toughest challenge yet as he travels across the QRUWKHUQ ERUGHU RI WKH HDUWK·V WURSLcal region, the Tropic of Cancer, in D VHULHV FRPSULVLQJ RI VL[ KRXU ORQJ HSLVRGHV 6LPRQ EHJLQV KLV MRXUQH\ RQ 0H[LFR·V 3DFLÃ&#x20AC;F &RDVW EHIRUH KHDGLQJ HDVW DFURVV WKH &DULEEHDQ 1RUWK $IULFD $UDELD DQG $VLD Ã&#x20AC;QLVKLQJ LQ VXUIHUV· SDUDGLVH +DZDLL +H YLVLWV DQ LPSUHVVLYH FRXQWULHV HQFRXQWHULQJ HYHU\WKLQJ IURP HQGDQJHUHG VSHFLHV WR D PDVNHG IHPDOH ZUHVWOHU " LQ 0H[LFR D SULPH H[DPSOH LI HYHU WKHUH ZDV RQH RI WKH ZHLUG DQG ZRQGHUIXO WKLQJV WR EH IRXQG LQ 5HHYH·V GRFXPHQWDULHV 5HHYH ZKR LV DOVR D EHVW VHOOLQJ

DXWKRU VD\V ¶,W ZDV DQ H[WUDRUGLnary opportunity and a fantastically H[FLWLQJ MRXUQH\ WKDW ZDV DOVR IULJKWening, uplifting, exhausting, upsetWLQJ FKDOOHQJLQJ DQG VXUSULVLQJ · 1R VXUSULVH WKHUH WKHQ JLYHQ WKDW KLV MRXUQH\ WRRN KLP WR FRXQWULHV UDUHO\ YLVLWHG E\ WHOHYLVLRQ FUHZV OHW DORQH WRXULVWV $OWKRXJK WUDYHOOLQJ WKH ZRUOG KDV JODPRURXV FRQQRWDWLRQV WKH PLOH ORQJ 7URSLF RI &DQFHU FXWV DFURVV UHJLRQV ZLWK WKH JUHDWHVW FRQFHQWUDWLRQ RI KXPDQ VXIIHULQJ LQ WKH ZRUOG 7KLV LV WKH EHDXW\ RI 5HHYH·V GRFXPHQWDULHV WKH VHDPOHVV EOHQG RI WUDYHO DQG FXUUHQW DIIDLUV LV VRPHWKLQJ IHZ SUHVHQWHUV DFKLHYH $V DQ DÃ&#x20AC;FLRQDGR RI WKH WZR SUHYLous series in this trilogy, I can safely VD\ 7URSLF RI &DQFHU ZLOO OHDYH \RX VXUSULVHG VKRFNHG DQG WKRURXJKO\ HQWHUWDLQHG :RUGV MXVW FDQQRW GHVFULEH WKH EUHDWKWDNLQJ SODFHV DQG experiences Reeve visits in order to GLYXOJH WKH FRPSOH[LW\ RI WKH ZRUOG DQG LWV LQKDELWDQWV ,I WKH SUHYLHZV DUH DQ\WKLQJ WR JR E\ , NQRZ ZKDW ,·OO EH GRLQJ ZLWK P\ 6XQGD\ QLJKWV IURP QRZ RQ

Oscars Highlights

Women

Pick of the week

Monday 10pm, Sky1 SKY1

Eastenders

Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri on BBC1 1RW RQO\ GRHV -DQH WHOO ,DQ WKDW KLV WHHQDJH GDXJKWHU LV SUHJQDQW EXW VKH DOVR KLQWV WKDW KH PLJKW EH WKH RQH OXPEHUHG ZLWK WKH EDE\ RQFH LW·V ERUQ $FURVV WKH 6TXDUH ZKDW ZLOO 0D[ GR ZKHQ KH GLVFRYHUV %HFFD QDNHG RQ KLV GLQLQJ URRP WDEOH FRYHUHG LQ ZKLSSHG FUHDP"

Hollyoaks

Weekdays at 6.30pm on C4 -RVK LV SDQLFNLQJ DERXW WKH SURVpect of going to prison as his court FDVH ORRPV 5K\V WULHV WR FKHHU KLP XS EXW WKLQJV JHW ZRUVH DV 1HYLOOH insists that Josh stays on the other VLGH RI WKH EDU XQWLO KLV GULQN GULYLQJ FKDUJH LV UHVROYHG (OVHZKHUH ZKDW KDV *LOO\ EURXJKW EDFN IURP his travels?

Helen Atkinson

Monday 9pm, BBC4

Eurovision

Cameron Uncovered

Friday 8.30pm, BBC1

Monday 8pm, C4 BBC

C4

BBC

Emmerdale

Weekdays at 7pm on ITV1 'HEELH UHYHDOV VKH LV GHÃ&#x20AC;QLWHO\ OHDYLQJ EXW $QG\ LV GHWHUPLQHG WKDW VKH ZRQ·W WDNH 6DUDK DZD\ IURP KLP %XW 'HEELH·V SODQV DUH SXW RQ KROG ZKHQ VKH UHDOLVHV KRZ KDUG LW LV WR EUHDN WKH QHZV WR KHU SDUHQWV &DLQ VWDUWV WR JHW KLV ZHGGLQJ LQ RUGHU and puts Chas in charge of getting &KDULW\ WR WKH UHJLVWU\ RIÃ&#x20AC;FH +RZ ZLOO &KDULW\ UHDFW ZKHQ VKH UHDOLVHV ZKDW·V JRLQJ RQ"

Neighbours

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Adam Williams

Aimee Philipson TV&Radio Editor

Eleanor Wilson

Clementine Manning

Weekdays, 1.45pm & 5.30pm on Five $V /XFDV FDQ·W HVFDSH IURP WKH 6FXOO\ KRXVH ZLWKRXW KHOS KH LV IRUFHG WR FRQIURQW 6WHSK DERXW ZK\ VKH UHMHFWHG KLP $OWKRXJK KH GRHVQ·W KHDU ZKDW KH ZDQWV WR KHDU IURP KHU LW GRHV OHDG WR VRPH JUHDW LPSURYHPHQWV LQ KLV SK\VLRWKHUDS\ VHVVLRQ (OVHZKHUH $QGUHZ FRQWLQXHV WR ZLQ RYHU WKH ORFDOV LQFOXGLQJ &DOOXP 6RSKLH DQG +DUU\ %XW ZK\ LV KH KDQJLQJ RXW ZLWK ORFDO EXOO\ 0XUSK"

Home and Away

Weekdays, 2.15pm & 6pm on Five $QJHOR LV Ã&#x20AC;QGLQJ LW KDUG KDYLQJ WR ZRUN ZLWK &KDUOLH DIWHU WKHLU EUHDN XS +H WULHV WR ZRUN IURP KRPH EXW WKH\ DUH IRUFHG WRJHWKHU ZKHQ WKH\ DUH ERWK FDOOHG RXW WR D IDWDO URDG DFFLGHQW 7KH H[SHULHQFH SXWV WKLQJV LQWR SHUVSHFWLYH DQG $QJHOR VXJJHVWV WKH\ PDNH DQ HIIRUW WR EH IULHQGV %XW &KDUOLH LV KDYLQJ QRQH RI LW DQG WHOOV KHU H[ VKH ZDQWV WR EUHDN RII DOO SHUVRQDO FRQWDFW ZLWK KLP Aimee Philipson TV & Radio Editor

THE COURIER Monday 8 March 2010

33

TV & Radio Culture TV & Radio Editor: Aimee Philipson - courier.culture-tv@ncl.ac.uk

Piste off Torvill and Dean

catch-up No Angels Catch-up on 4OD or buy the DVD online or in high street stores now After a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;hard day at uniâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, why not procrastinate further with this gem of a TV series?

I only discovered it a few weeks ago, yet have somehow found the time to watch all three series on 4OD already.

No Angels charts the lives and loves of four Leeds nurses- Lia, Anji, Kate and Beth - working in a busy and often hectic hospital ward.

The ward, a vicious playground where the doctors and nurses play pranks and strive to outdo each other, exposes the stereotype that doctors are supposedly superior to nurses (Medics, hush).

Obviously, the show has been compared to a British Sex and the City thanks to its four female protagonists.

I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t tell you how comforting it is to see the characters drinking alcopops in clubs instead of Cosmopolitans Ă la Carrie Bradshaw and co.

None of the four nurses are perfect- all have redeeming features yet

DOO DUH Ă DZHG +HQFH WKH GLIĂ&#x20AC; FXOW\ when playing the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;which character are you?â&#x20AC;&#x2122; game. I think Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d rather be the cynical, sharp tongued Lia; however Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m a typical â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Kateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;- tries

this weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s guests on...

The Bubble, Friday 10pm, BBC2 $QG\ +DPLOWRQ 0DUFXV %ULJVWRFNH DQG -XOLD +DUWOH\ %UHZHU

Chris Moyleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Quiz Night, Friday 10pm, C4 Billie Piper, Dale Winton and boxer 'DYLG +D\H

Desert Island Discs, Sunday 11.15am, BBC R4 Space scientist Maggie AderinPocock

Beat the Star, Wednesday 6.45pm, ITV2 0DUWLQD +LQJLV

Friday Night With Jonathan Ross, Friday 10.35pm, BBC1 Cheryl Cole (followed by a performance of Parachute live in the studio)

And The Winner Is..., Thursday 10pm, BBC R2 5LFKDUG +HUULQJ 6DUDK 0LOOLFDQ and David Walliams.

Question Time, Thursday 10.35pm, BBC1 Audience: All-women audience in Dewsbury Guests: Monty Don

The Alan Titchmarsh Show, Wednesday 5pm, ITV1 Conservative Party leader David Cameron

to be responsible (doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t always work out), not to mention an obsessive neat freak.

Apparently the showâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s producers were heavily criticised after the

Joe Mellor Columnist Ă&#x20AC; UVW VHULHV Ă&#x20AC; QLVKHG IRU SRUWUD\LQJ nurses as â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;boozing, shagging maniacsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. Much like your average student then.

All of the nurses indulge in casual sex, particularly Anji and Beth, but I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t see why this should be critiFLVHG +DYH \RX VHHQ Shameless?

The characters are always at it, yet it is taken with a pinch of salt).

So, guys and girls, why not delve into the No Angels archive on Channel 4â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website?

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not so heavy going youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll want to take a sedative afterwards- itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tongue in cheek and more importantly not pretentious.

The sixties soundtrack which accompanies all three series is a winner too.

So next time you feel horrendous after a night on the toon, why not nurse yourself back to health with this brilliant British comedy.

Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll recover before you know it.

Helen Atkinson

nsr Martin Johnsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Six Nations hope through to Jenson Button and Lewis +DPLOWRQ LQ ) The show has the biggest interviews every week from the likes of Steve Bruce, Jamie Noon and Amir Khan and combines a preview of the weekendâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s action with a Soccer AM-style humour that includes the funniest and most original features on student radio.

The Culture Show, Thursday 7pm, BBC2 Film director Martin Scorsese, $PHULFDQ DUWLVW -HQQ\ +RO]HU DQG The New Yorker writer Alex Ross

As another term of broadcasting comes to an end, our longest running show Spodick & Skinner Unleashed LV RQ DLU IRU WKH Ă&#x20AC; QDO WLPH WKLV Tuesday at 9pm.

On their last ever show, they will EH ORRNLQJ EDFN DW WKH Ă&#x20AC; YH \HDUV WKH\ have been at NSR and the awardwinning Chris Liam Foley will be in the studio for a live session with a specially created song for the show.

On Friday, tune in to Gavin Callaghanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 90MINUTES and kick start your weekend with the best sports show on student radio.

Following Newcastle Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history making exploits in the Stan Calvert Cup last week, 90MINUTES gets all the best action and reaction from all of the Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sports teams.

90MINUTES also tackles the biggest national sporting talking points IURP 7KLHUU\ +HQU\¡V KDQGEDOO WR

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve Never Seen Star Wars

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Call Me Daddy

Monday 8pm, BBC R4

Rory Bremnerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s International Satirists Monday 11pm, BBC R4

Tuesday 6.30pm, BBC R4

BBC R4â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s investigative history strand returns as Mike Thomson begins another series of paper chases through the past â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a document or object that has been lost or concealed for years is discovered and those involved are held to account.

The subjects in this new series range from Britainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s involvement in Yemen in the Sixties, to the treatment of German POWs at the end of the Second World War.

Rory Bremnerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s back with a new seULHV RI KLV FRPHG\ VDWLUH VHULHV +H engages topical comics, satirists and comedians from different countries about their cultures and how they relate to ours â&#x20AC;&#x201C; if indeed they do DW DOO 7KH Ă&#x20AC; UVW LQVWDOPHQW IHDWXUHV +DQV 7HHXZHQ IURP $PVWHUGDP an absurdist, comic performer and singer. They explore the world of performance, topical and absurdist comedy, exchanging views and impressions while discussing the risks facing Dutch comics today.

Marcus Brigstocke invites his guests WR WU\ Ă&#x20AC; YH WKLQJV WKH\¡YH QHYHU GRQH before, in this new series for BBC 5DGLR +H JHWV -RQ &XOVKDZ WR WU\ KLV Ă&#x20AC; UVW VDODG DQG OLVWHQ WR Womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hour; he makes Sanjeev Baskar read PG Wodehouse and play Subbuteo; and poor Jenny Eclair has a bikini wax. Other guests include Kate Adie, -RKQ /OR\G DQG $UGDO 2¡+DQORQ Whether the experiences are banal or profound, the show takes guests out of their comfort zones, forcing them to embrace something new.

Alan Carr: Chatty Man, Thursday, 10pm, C4 Comedian Frankie Boyle, Torvill & Dean and music from Mary J. Blige

90MINUTES with Gavin Callaghan Friday 6-7.30 on www.nsrlive.co.uk.

Gavin Callaghan

radio highlights Document

Wednesday 1.45pm, BBC 1XTRA This documentary for BBC 1Xtra takes a look at abortion from the male perspective. Many of the contributors describe how frustrated they are that they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have more of a say when it comes to whether or not to keep a child. Some want a change in the law to give them more rights. It includes comments from Neil who was distraught when he found out that his ex-girlfriend was pregnant and thinking about having an abortion against his wishes.

The snow lashes down - itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the most people have seen for years - the conditions are treacherous, FRPSHWLWLRQ LV Ă&#x20AC; HUFH VHFRQG SODFH is nothing; the spectators look on in awe as one of the participants scrambles into the lead. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s last RUGHUV DW WKH +DJJLV DQG +HQ LQ Inverness.

I watched the BBC news about the ghastly weather our Scottish cousins have been dealing with. A reporter on the scene walks into a house; the woman who lives there says, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;We had no running water, no electricity, no food and then it started to snow.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Ok, I made the last bit up. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m actually talking about the 2012 Winter Olympic Games (BBC, when youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re drunk).

It is strangely comforting to know we have 17th best bobsleigh team in the world.

Before I go on, I have a confession to make; I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t ski. The closest I have come to winter sports is watching Cool Runnings and Mighty Ducks back to back.

The Winter Olympics throws up one of the most divisive issues of our time. It has torn families apart.

Yes, you guessed it, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Is Ice Dancing a sport?â&#x20AC;&#x2122; I know the British love it because Torvill (poor Jane has aged like Benjamin Buttonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s newborn sister) and Dean won Gold in 1984 but I fall into the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;it isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t a sportâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; camp. I mean, will Strictly Come Dancing get accepted in the 2012 games? Will the Ol\PSLF Ă DPH EH FDUULHG E\ ÂśKHU RII Hollyoaksâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;?

I thought Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d look for some other winter heroes so we can eradicate Ice Dancing from our sporting calendar. And you know what? I found some sporting goliaths.

In 1936, we won gold at Ice +RFNH\ , KDYH QR LGHD KRZ ZKR GLG ZH SOD\ LQ WKH Ă&#x20AC; QDO 6XGDQ" I thought I would do these men the honour they deserve and Google them. I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t believe people like Archibald â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Archieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Stinchcombe and Gordon â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Debenham Dailley are not household names (I mean, Eddie the Eagle was famous in the UK for a decade and he came last in the ski jump!) â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Archieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, the right winger from Barnsley was blind in one eye and â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; went on to open the Ă&#x20AC; UVW GULYH WKURXJK JDPH UHVHUYH in Canada. If that wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t enough, Team Captain Carl Erdhardt wrote a book imaginatively titled â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Ice +RFNH\¡ I doubt we can return to those halcyon days. What we need to do is sneak a new sport into the games. I mean, the Brazilians got Beach Volleyball into the Olympics ahead of Golf and Rugby (funny how no- one complained). Fishing LV D SRVVLELOLW\ EXW Ă&#x20AC; VKHUPHQ DUH notoriously crotchety and those pesky Inuits would probably win.

Failing that, tie me to a tree in late November and see who can hit me in the groin.

34

Monday 8 March 2010 THE COURIER

Culture Puzzles

puzzles crossword

Puzzles Editors: Ned Walker and Suzi Moore - courier.puzzles@ncl.ac.uk

7KH Ă&#x20AC;UVW SHUVRQ WR FRPH WR The Courier RIĂ&#x20AC;FH ZLWK D FRPSOHWHG Crossword wins a free beer and burger at The Hancock

ACROSS 1. On itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own (8) 4. Transitory; brief (8) 8. Headwear (3) 10. Girls name meaning â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;; a Norse God (6) 11. The sixth prime number (6) 12. An advanced law degree (1,1,1) 13. Instinctive reaction (6) 16. South American rainforest (6) 19. Bed cover (5) 20. To utter words with musical tones (4) 23. Type of champagne (4) 24. There was a large earthquake here on 12th January 2010 (5) 25. Spanish and Portuguese word for friend (5) 26. Restricting food intake (4) 27. Not new (4) 28. Ancient Greek underworld and God; Hell (5) 29. The mating of two closely related individuals results in offspring that are ------ (6) 31. A bribe; reward (3-3) 33. Computer lesson in school (1-1-1) 34. Bird whose song has been as-

sociated with a type of mechanical clock (6) 35. A Yearbook (6) 37. None (3) 38. Ball of ice-cream covered with coconut and chocolate sauce; to grow rapidly (8) 39. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;-------- Ladderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Channel 4 programme with Sarah Beeny (8)

DOWN 1. A female sibling (6) 2. Rubbish; tacky (colloquial) (4) 3. Anatomical name of the voice box (6) 5. Condition causing reddening DQG LQĂ DPPDWLRQ RI WKH VNLQ

6. Popeye ate spinach because it contained this mineral (4) 7. American-Australian actor who starred in â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Mad Maxâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Braveheartâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;What Women Wantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; (surname) (6) 8. The perception of what is not there (13) 9. Moody or erratic behaviour (13) 14. A version; relating to printed text (7)

15. Pocket sized gadget used to set a cigarette alight (7) 17. Weapons and equipment of a country (7) 18. The emphatic form of one (7) 21. --- ups (type of exercise for getting a toned abs) (3) 22. Lock together perfectly; install (3) 29. MP3 site designed by Apple (6) 30. American state divided into North and South (6) 31. Garment with no sleeves but with a slit for the head; Ugly Betty ZRUH WKLV RQ KHU Ă&#x20AC;UVW GD\ DW Âś0RGH¡ (6) 32. Hagridâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s three headed dog is called this (6) 34. Device used for shortening the strings of instruments to make the pitch higher (4) 36. Shakespearean tragedy â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;King ----â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;(4)

sudoku

picture phrase puzzle Use the pictures to come up with a phrase, thing, place or QDPH 7U\ WR Ă&#x20AC;QG WKH FRPPRQ WKHPH

wordsearch Find the names of different types of dance in this grid.

They can be in all direction and overlap other words.

7KH REMHFWLYH LV WR Ă&#x20AC;OO WKH JULG VR WKDW HDFK column, each row and each of the nine 3Ă&#x2014;3 boxes contains the numbers 1-9 one time each.

For the completed puzzle check the next edition of The Courier

wordtrail nedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s number cruncher Keep you brain in shape by trying to complete these sums as fast as you can without using a calculator

EASY

40

-5

á7

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answers Picture Phrase Puzzle: Oklahoma, North Carolina, Tennessee, Rhode Island. Common Theme - US States.

Nedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Number Cruncher: Easy 80, Medium - 60, Hard - 40.

Wordtrail: Durham, Manchester, Leeds, Newcastle, York, ShefĂ&#x20AC;HOG /RQGRQ

Track the English Cities through the grid.

You should use all of the letters in the grid but only once

Solutions to last weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sudoku

THE COURIER Monday 8 March 2010

35

Football firsts Hurricanes feel the Loko-motion demolish Hull Sports Editors: Paul Christian, Gavin Tom James courier.sport@ncl.ac.uk Sports Paul Christian, JamieJamie Gavin Tomand James - courier.sport@ncl.ac.uk SportsEditors: Editors: Paul Christian, Jamieand Gavin and Tom James -- courier.sport@ncl.ac.uk

> Intra Mural > Page 39 Football, page 40-41

Formula One revs up for new season Grace Harvey provides a preview ahead of the start of the 2010 Formula One season and speaks to McLaren boss Martin Whitmarsh Every young racing driver dreams of becoming a Formula One driver and looking at the 2010 season, which begins in Bahrain this weekend, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pretty easy to see why.

This year looks to be the most exciting F1 season in recent history, with the most technologically advanced cars, the 26 greatest drivers in the world and the ultimate British racing team.

Instead of the usual 20 drivers on a ten-team grid, there are now 24 drivers from 12 teams including the return of Lotus F1. This is despite another new team, USF1, withdrawing from the season earlier this month.

As well as new drivers featuring on the grid, this year will see Korea KROG D *UDQG 3UL[ IRU WKH Ă&#x20AC; UVW WLPH in a 19-race season instead of the usual 17. Moreover, Silverstone will be hosting the British Grand Prix in July after Donnington failed to seFXUH Ă&#x20AC; QDQFLDO EDFNLQJ In addition to the changes in the driver line-up, the cars have undergone massive structural and technical changes. The cars are now able to carry more fuel but refuelling during the race has been banned.

The top ten drivers who qualify must use the same tyres in qualifying and the race, while a new points system has been introduced. These are only a few of the many changes implemented.

But what do all these changes mean? Basically, it means both the Constructorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Championship and Driversâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Championship will be anyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s game - no one knows how the new cars will perform or how competitive the new teams will be.

While the 2010 season is sparking global excitement, looking closer to home it seems that Britain has a great deal to get behind. This year McLaren will feature two British drivers in a British car - 2008 world champion, Lewis Hamilton, and the 2009 world champion, Jenson Button.

The team unveiled the Mercedes power MP4-25 only a few weeks ago and it is already looking like McLaren are set to continue the momentum they gained towards the end of the 2009 season.

Martin Whitmarsh enjoys a joke with Lewis Hamilton. The McLaren Team Principal expects his team to be competitive this season after building momentum at the end of 2009

Speaking to 7KH &RXULHU, Martin Whitmarsh, Team Principal of Vodafone Mercedes McLaren, says the team are ready for the challenges VHWV WR SRVH DIWHU D GLIĂ&#x20AC; FXOW VHD son last year.

He said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;2009 was a very challenging season for the team. Clearly we [McLaren] started with a car which wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t competitive and therefore everyone in the team had to work H[WUHPHO\ KDUG WR PDNH VLJQLĂ&#x20AC; FDQW progress. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was proud of the efforts that the team made last year and was delighted when we returned to winning ways with a car capable of winning from the German Grand Prix onwards. â&#x20AC;&#x153;McLaren is delighted to have Jenson and Lewis in the team in 2010.

We are an international team com-

peting in a world championship and we seek to have the most competitive driver line-up that we can achieve.â&#x20AC;?

When asked about his teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s testing in Spain, Whitmarsh added: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Lewis and Jenson have tested well LQ GLIĂ&#x20AC; FXOW FRQGLWLRQV DQG ZH DUH generally pleased with the car. The 2010 cars are capable of carrying heavy loads, which means that there LV PRUH WKDQ D Ă&#x20AC; YH VHFRQG SHUIRUP ance differential from full to empty tanks. ´&RQVHTXHQWO\ LW LV GLIĂ&#x20AC; FXOW WR DV sess the relative competitiveness of the teams but we are not complacent in regards to other teams that might surprise.â&#x20AC;?

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not just McLaren who are struggling to gage the strength and pace of the competition; some of last

yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s underdogs have been topping the time sheets at testing and the new teams look promising.

Aside from impressive testing times for both Button and Hamilton in Valencia and Jerez, Jaime Alguersuari and Sebastien Buemi, driving for Toro Rosso, surprisingly also topped the times, as did Kamui Kobayashi.

Meanwhile, Ferrariâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa timed a disappointing 15th and 16th fastest in Jerez but timed quickest in Valencia.

Obviously the races might tell otherwise, but at the moment itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hard to suggest whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going to be fast in Bahrain this weekend.

Not only will there be new drivers to the now 26-place grid, but there will also be the comeback of For-

mula Oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s greatest legend, Michael Schumacher. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be challenging for an eighth world title with MercedesGP (formally Brawn-GP) and seems WR EH FRQĂ&#x20AC; GHQW WKDW KH FDQ Although his return is fantastic for the sport, being away for three years means he will inevitably be less familiar with the car and the tracks four of which will be new to him.

The return to F1 of Schumacher is just one of a number of intriguing sub-plots going into this weekendâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s opening race, and with a grid more competitive than itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ever been EHIRUH LW¡V KDUG WR Ă&#x20AC; UPO\ SUHGLFW whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll have the speed to beat the rest of the pack.

One thing we can be sure about is that F1 is back and 2010 look promises to be one of the most thrilling seasons in years.

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Extreme Highâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; tour set to visit the North East Mark Holroyd Ever wondered what its like to jump off a cliff? Or hang upside down on an overhanging cliff just using your feet and with no safety ropes? Or how you race Jeremy Clarkson to the top of 2500m peak with just your hands and feet?

The outdoor clubs & societies of Newcastle University are organising an evening with world famous climber and extreme athlete, Tim Emmett. Emmett will be delivering his Extreme High tour at Newcastle

University on Thursday 11 March KLV Ă&#x20AC; UVW WRXU WR WKH 1RUWK (DVW Emmett is one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top extreme sports athletes specialising in rock & ice climbing, Deep water soloing and B.A.S.E. Jumping. In the last couple of years, Tim has become known for his Para Alpinism â&#x20AC;&#x201C; climbing a big mountain and then B.A.S.E jumping off in a wing-suit, Ă \LQJ WR WKH JURXQG UHDFKLQJ VSHHGV of up to 250 MPH. Emmett has an impressive extreme sports portfolio, which includes free-climbing Kedar Dome, a 6840m

peak in the Indian Himalaya; the Ă&#x20AC; UVW 3DUD $OSLQH GHVFHQW RI 1DUDQMR De Bulnes, a 2500m peak in the Picos de Europa of Northern Spain and achieving 6th place in Ice Climbing World cup.

Emmett also appeared on BBCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Top Gear, where he raced Jeremy Clarksonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Audi to the top of Franceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Verdon Gorge.

In â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Extreme Highâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Tim will be talking about his incredible life, giving the audience an insight into the mindset of an extreme sports athlete. A seasoned speaker, Timâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s talks

are as energy-charged as his life, using video footage, sound effects and images to provide a dramatic backdrop to his gripping stories.

In a quick chat last week Emmett was able to give us a taste of what to expect come Thursday: â&#x20AC;?I realised that base jumping was the fastest and most fun way to get down from a big wall so I started sky diving so that I could get into base. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Para alpinism makes the climbing even more exhilarating, because \RX NQRZ \RX¡YH JRW WKH JUDQG Ă&#x20AC;

nale when you get to the top.â&#x20AC;?

On top of all this Emmett has just returned from Canada in what he described as â&#x20AC;&#x153;the hardest ice climbâ&#x20AC;? heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ever done. Expect to hear all about it when he appears on Thursday 11 March at 7.30pm (doors 7pm) in lecture theatre one of the Herschel Building.

Tickets cost ÂŁ5 in advance when purchased with a student card and ÂŁ7 on the door. Those looking to buy tickets EHIRUHKDQG FDQ Ă&#x20AC; QG WKHP DW *OREDO &DIH RQ WKH WRS Ă RRU RI WKH 8QLRQ

36

Monday 8 March 2010 THE COURIER

Sport M. MISKINIS

Fencers take control of relegation play-off Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fencing

Newcastle 1sts St. Andrews 1sts

45 21

Christie Waddington Newcastle overcame St Andrews 45-21 in a gruelling relegation battle at the University Sports Centre last Wednesday.

As part of a new system introduced by BUCS, two matches have to be won in order to secure Newcastleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s place in the PremierVKLS DQG WKH Ă&#x20AC;UVW ZDV FRPIRUWably won by the Royals.

With such a daunting prospect, Christie Waddington was forced out of retirement to aid the team consisting of Jennie Tillott, Holli Prescott and Laura Mason. With a lack of support from the majority of the club, including the selfglorifying President Ed Bailey, the womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s team faced the challenge alone.

Sabre was the starting weapon, and it was immediately made clear that the St Andrews girls had some experience and the match was not going to be easy.

Inside today <<<

Bar 42 closed after Calvert carnage News, page 5

Having lost a bit of a lead halfZD\ WKURXJK WKH Ă&#x20AC;QLVKLQJ IHQFHU Jennie Tillott was still able to keep her calm and score the winning hit to claim the victory - a very close 45-44.

Epee was the second weapon.

With the whole body as target area, Newcastle hoped that experience at other weapons would EH EHQHĂ&#x20AC;FLDO 6XUH HQRXJK -HQQLH was able to score some wonderful leg hits, which for a girl who fences sabre is highly commendable.

Laura Mason also produced numerous hits to the arm, a very small target area that requires a lot of accuracy to hit, against one of St Andrewâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more experienced epee fencers. With such great performances, the Royals maintained a steady lead, with an overall score of 45-37.

35 hits were required in foil in order to win the match overall.

Jennie Tillott used her quick sabre timings to her advantage, hitting her opponents in preparation over and over again.

Holli Prescott, who primarily fences epee, a weapon in which there is no right of way, mastered the rules of foil quickly gaining hit after hit against St Andrewâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s team of experienced foilists.

Prescott eventually scored the 35th point Newcastle needed to secure the match, and the rest of WKH WHDP Ă&#x20AC;QLVKHG 6W $QGUHZ¡V RII ZLWK D Ă&#x20AC;QDO VFRUH RI Despite this victory, the relegaWLRQ Ă&#x20AC;JKW LV VWLOO QRW RYHU 7KH Ă&#x20AC;QDO decider is against York next week.

The game is on.

-XPS LQ WKH SRRO RQ D KLVWRULF GD\ IRU 1HZFDVWOHÂśV VZLPPLQJ WHDP :LOOLDP -ROO\ ZRQ WKH P IUHHVW\OH WR EHFRPH WKH ÂżUVW SHUVRQ IRU \HDUV WR WDNH D JROG LQ WKH SRRO

Jolly good day for swim team William Jolly Newcastle University won gold in the swimming at BUCS Long Course Swimming Championships ODVW PRQWK LQ 6KHIĂ&#x20AC;HOG The gold won by William Jolly in WKH P IUHHVW\OH LV WKH Ă&#x20AC;UVW JROG medal to be won by a Newcastle swimmer since Kevin Boyd, also a 1500m freestyle swimmer, won the top prize 20 years ago.

Jolly led throughout the whole race DQG Ă&#x20AC;QLVKHG LQ D WLPH RI quick enough to qualify for the British Championships in March. He DOVR Ă&#x20AC;QLVKHG WK LQ WKH Ă&#x20AC;QDO RI WKH P EXWWHUĂ \ LQ D WLPH RI and 12th in the 400m freestyle in a WLPH RI Amy Jesset had a very good week-

HQG FRPLQJ WK LQ WKH P IUHHVW\OH Ă&#x20AC;QDO ZLWK D WLPH RI DQG coming 5th in the 400m freestyle ZLWK D WLPH RI Lauri Simkiss was unlucky not WR PDNH WZR Ă&#x20AC;QDOV LQ WKH P DQG P EUHDVWVWURNH 6KH Ă&#x20AC;QLVKHG WK in a very competitive 50m breastVWURNH UDFH ZLWK D WLPH RI MXVW over half a second short of making WKH Ă&#x20AC;QDO ZKLOH LQ WKH P VKH Ă&#x20AC;Qished 13th with a time of 1.22.53, DJDLQ MXVW VKRUW RI WKH Ă&#x20AC;QDO Steve Addison, Lisa Tomlinson and Graham Donald were also in impressive form. $GGLVRQ VZDP WKH P EXWWHUĂ \ LQ DQG WKH P EXWWHUĂ \ LQ 1.07.88, while Tomlinson swam the 50m breaststroke in 38.87, the 50m freestyle in 30.32 and the 100m free-

VW\OH LQ *UDKDP VZDP WKH P IUHHVW\OH LQ Paul Love had a tough schedule on the last day of the competition, swimming the 100m freestyle in 1.01.41, the 100m breaststroke in DQG WKH P EDFNVWURNH LQ 1.13.21, all three events of which were very close together.

Good efforts were made by Pablo Hernandez in the 50m backstroke and the 200m individual medley DQG $QD 'RUGHD LQ WKH P EXWWHUĂ \ and the 200m individual medley.

There were also good swims from Martin Attwood in the 200m breaststroke and Toby Winch in the 200m freestyle. Florian Stahl did well in the 50m freestyle and 50m butterĂ \ ZKLOH /DXUD 7ZLVW SHUIRUPHG well in the 50m freestyle, the 100m

breaststroke and the 100m freestyle.

Both the menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s relay teams did very well considering there were crucial swimmers missing from each side. The menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s team recorded respectable times of 4.04.85 in the 400m freestyle relay DQG LQ WKH P PHGOH\ UHlay.

The womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 400m freestyle team MXVW PLVVHG WKH % Ă&#x20AC;QDO FRPLQJ WK in a time of 4.34.83. However, the 400m medley team did make the % Ă&#x20AC;QDO FRPLQJ WK LQ D WLPH RI

At the end of a very successful Championship Newcastle UniverVLW\ FDPH UG RYHUDOO ZLWK %8&6 points, 2 points clear of local rivals Northumbria University.

Hockey girls play-off dreams in ruins after heavy defeat Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hockey

Nottingham 1sts Newcastle 1sts

5 0

Katherine Bannon It was misery for Newcastle ladies as they found themselves on the wrong side of a 5-0 scoreline away against 1RWWLQJKDP 8QLYHUVLW\ LQ WKH Ă&#x20AC;UVW leg of play-offs to win a place in the Northern Premiership.

Newcastle were still suffering from WKH ORVV RI NH\ FHQWUDO PLGĂ&#x20AC;HOGHUV Rebecca Smith and Jess Cowley due to injury. +RZHYHU LW ZDV FOHDU IURP WKH Ă&#x20AC;UVW whistle that they were facing a team a leap above anything they have previously encountered within their current BUCS league.

1RWWLQJKDP UHDSHG WKH EHQHĂ&#x20AC;WV RI their experience on a water-based pitch, whilst the royals took time to adapt to the faster pace while trying to shake off the lethargy of a wasted

day in the Midlands.

Barely minutes were on the clock before a quick sticked Nottingham forward drove the ball into the away sideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. Luckily for Newcastle her UHYHUVH VWLFN Ă LFN DWWHPSW ZDV SRRUly executed.

7KH Ă&#x20AC;UVW KDOI ZDV D FRQWLQXRXV EDWtle to keep Nottingham from goal scoring opportunities.

The home side built up play with the kind of ease that is second nature to teams accustomed to playing together for longer than a season.

Quick transfers across the back and talented forwards left the Newcastle back four on constant edge.

It was ten minutes in when NotWLQJKDP PDGH WKHLU Ă&#x20AC;UVW PDUN RQ the scoreboard when a furious skirmish in the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; saw the ball slipped under the pads of Newcastle â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;keeper Emma Peters.

Right back Alice French took a lifted ball to the knee cap not long after, forcing a quick substitute and DQ XQGHVLUHG UHVKXIĂ H RI SRVLWLRQV

within an already unsettled side.

Goal number two for Nottingham ZDV Ă&#x20AC;UHG LQWR WKH UR\DOV QHW DIWHU D mazy run by a Nottingham forward ZDV Ă&#x20AC;QLVKHG ZLWK D ZHOO DLPHG strike.

Opportunities to get the ball into the home sideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; were few and far between for Newcastle. Nottingham closed down in numbers, preventLQJ DWWDFNLQJ PLGĂ&#x20AC;HOGHU -HQQD :DWW from performing her usual skilful stick work.

Captain Sophie Adventâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sixteen yard hit outs, although expertly placed, failed to be picked up by the Newcastle forwards.

0LGĂ&#x20AC;HOGHU $P\ $VNHZ SRZHUHG balls forward, creating one chance for the Royals from a penalty corner.

However Askewâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shot was closed down with pace, creating a quick counter attack for Nottingham to make it three just before the end of WKH Ă&#x20AC;UVW KDOI Newcastle tried to step up their game as they commenced the re-

PDLQLQJ WKLUW\ Ă&#x20AC;YH PLQXWHV <HW LQ the umpireâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hesitation a free hit was taken ten yards from were the actual foul was committed, allowing a Nottingham forward to be found with ease on the back post to hammer in a fourth.

Constant by defenders Abigail Moreland and Katie Leitch provided opportunities for Alicia Berkin to run the ball down the wing with Ă DLU 1RQHWKHOHVV DQ\ UHDO FKDQFHV for the Royals to test out the Nottingham â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;keeper were left wanting.

It was a short corner which saw the EDOO LQWR WKH ZURQJ JRDO IRU WKH Ă&#x20AC;IWK WLPH QRW ORQJ EHIRUH WKH Ă&#x20AC;QDO ZKLVtle, shattering Newcastleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s play-off hopes.

However, dreams of playing in the Northern Premiership next season are not entirely over. The home leg takes place at Longbenton next Wednesday, with Newcastle determined to use their preferred surface and a host of supporters to give them the boost they need for a win.

THE COURIER Monday 8 March 2010

37

Sport

Everybody has the Right to Play Jonathon Taylor talks to student ambassadors Alex Aldhous and Daniel Greenhough about the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Right to Playâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; campaign For readers of The Courier who are unaware of the Right to Play programme, what is it all about?

Daniel: Right to Play is a development charity that uses sport and the skills learnt through sport to help teach values to the children in the most disadvantaged areas of the world.

Skills such as leadership, teamwork, respect and fair-play are all are essential within sport, but are also crucial in other aspects of life.

Right to Play aims to teach these values to children within the more underdeveloped countries, and by doing so, help strengthen their communities and offer them a realistic way out of poverty. There are currently 80 student ambassadors across a number of universities throughout the UK, and it is our job to keep spreading the message of such a worthwhile cause.

When was the Right to Play programme set up? $OH[ 5LJKW WR 3OD\ ZDV RULJLQDOO\ known as Olympic Aid, but evolved into Right to Play in 2003. Since then WKH RUJDQL]DWLRQ KDV H[SDQGHG and is now involved in 23 different countries across the world. The programme now has a host of wellknown sporting ambassadors, for H[DPSOH =LQHGLQH =LGDQH DQG /DQFH Armstrong. As well as this, lots of famous Olympic athletes from a number of different countries are LQYROYHG ZKLOH ZH DUH DOVR WKH H[clusive charity partner of Chelsea FC, who are crucial in helping to promote the organization internationally.

In terms of Newcastle University, how big is the Right to Play organization? $OH[ :H FXUUHQWO\ KDYH IRXU 5LJKW to Play ambassadors at the University- Daniel and myself, as well as Jay Turner and Belinda Njumo. :H FXUUHQWO\ KDYH PHPEHUV within the Newcastle Right to Play society, so itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s becoming reasonably ELJ ZLWKLQ WKH XQLYHUVLW\ /DVW \HDU there was only one ambassador and D IHZ KHOSHUV VR LW LV TXLFNO\ H[panding at Newcastle University, and the objective is to develop the society further. :H DUH UHDOO\ KRSLQJ WR LQFUHDVH awareness across the campus about the Right to Play cause, and hope-

Netball Round-Up

Leeds 3rds Newcastle 2nds

fully make it a real force at the UniYHUVLW\ RYHU WKH QH[W IHZ \HDUV :H VSRNH WR 1HZFDVWOH 8QLYHUsityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Director of Sport Colin Blackburn in September, and he was very interested and supportive towards the cause, and offered his help in using the Sports Centre to increase awareness of the charity. Also our $8 2IĂ&#x20AC;FHU 9LFN\ 7\DV KDV EHHQ IDQtastic with us, and offered her help towards spreading the word.

This month is Right to Play month.

What events have been organized in which people throughout the University can get involved with, and help spread the word?

'DQLHO :H DUH RUJDQL]LQJ DQRWKHU dodgeball event, due to the success RI WKH RQH ODVW \HDU :H DUH KRSLQJ WKDW LW ZLOO EH FRQĂ&#x20AC;UPHG IRU WKH ODVW GD\ RI WHUP )ULGD\ WK 0DUFK 7KLV again will be sponsored by Right to Play, and hosted within the University.

There will be lots going on around the campus to try and spread the

Right to Play at one of their recent student-led events in Newcastle. The charity aims to use the power of sport to improve the lives of disadvantaged children

word, and hopefully get more students involved with the Right to Play movement. $OH[ :KHQ \RX VSRW WKH ELJ \HOlow banner, come and say hi!

What kind of events have been organized outside of Newcastle by the Right to Play movement? $OH[ ,Q WKH VXPPHU WKHUH LV D %UXVVHOV /RQGRQ FKDULW\ ELNH ULGH ZKLFK we are trying to get people within the University involved with, as ZHOO DV ORWV RI RWKHU WKLQJV /DVW \HDU we went down to the BUCS ChamSLRQVKLSV LQ 6KHIĂ&#x20AC;HOG ZKHUH ZH met lots of schools and other Universities who are supportive of the Right to Play programme.

Daniel: There were a number of IDPRXV DWKOHWHV DURXQG LQ 6KHIĂ&#x20AC;HOG IRU H[DPSOH 6KHOOH\ 5XGPDQ WKH British silver medal skeleton winQHU DW WKH :LQWHU 2O\PSLFV LQ Turin.

For any readers of The Courier who DUH LQWHUHVWHG LQ Ă&#x20AC;QGLQJ RXW PRUH about Right to Play, what would you advise as their next step? $OH[ )RU DQ\RQH WKDW LV LQWHUHVWHG get in touch! There are so many people at this University involved in sport, so the potential is masVLYH :LWK WKUHH RI WKH DPEDVVDGRUV leaving University in June, we are crying out for fresherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s or second year students to get involved and

join the society, give us fresh ideas about how to move the programme forward, and carry on spreading the message once some of the current team have left.

Daniel: There is a Right to Play at Newcastle University Facebook group with all the contact details of the ambassadors, and information about what is going on in NewcasWOH 7KHUH LV DOVR WKH RIĂ&#x20AC;FLDO 5LJKW WR Play website which has more information about what the charity is all about internationally.

Finally, sum up your personal experiences as student ambassadors for Right to Play, and why students should get involved. $OH[ 5LJKW WR 3OD\ LV UHDOO\ IXQ DQG a great way to meet lots of friends and really push yourself. As well DV ORRNLQJ JUHDW RQ \RXU &9 LW LV D way to meet lots of new people, and have a laugh whilst helping a great cause.

Daniel: Right to Play has taught me a lot of organisational skills, which are essential in future jobs. You also make loads of friends, and despite being hard work, being involved is really fun and rewarding. ,I \RX¡UH LQWHUHVWHG LQ Ă&#x20AC;QGLQJ RXW PRUH DERXW WKH 5LJKW WR 3OD\ PRYHPHQW MRLQ the society at www.unionsociety.co.uk MRLQ WKH )DFHERRN JURXS DQG NHHS DQ H\H RSHQ DFURVV FDPSXV LQ WKH QH[W IHZ weeks!

Students to miss out on Stan Calvert ticket refunds David Coverdale Editor Following discussions between Newcastle and Northumbria universities, it has been decided that students who bought tickets to last monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Stan Calvert Cup will not receive any refund.

The decision comes after the showSLHFH UXJE\ XQLRQ Ă&#x20AC;QDOH DW *DWHVhead International Stadium, which was also set to stage cheerleading displays at half time, was cancelled due to a waterlogged pitch.

The cancellation meant that the QHWEDOO Ă&#x20AC;UVW WHDP Ă&#x20AC;[WXUH EHFDPH this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s blue riband event and the presentation of the trophy to 1HZFDVWOH¡V $8 2IĂ&#x20AC;FHU 9LFN\ 7\DV WRRN SODFH LQGRRUV DW *DWHVKHDG 6WDdium.

A statement from the Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sports Centre read: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Programmes HQWLWOHG KROGHUV WR HQWHU *DWHVKHDG Stadium to watch a multitude of events which included womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s netball, menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s basketball, menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s football and athletics as well as the

51 26

Kathryn Jones

How did you both become involved with the Right to Play programme, and what were your motivations in doing so? $OH[ , EHFDPH LQYROYHG ZLWK 5LJKW to Play at a dodgeball tournament last year, which was organized by the University in aid of Right to Play. The ambassador last year organized the event, and told anyone who was interested further to go speak to him.

After having a chat with him, I felt I needed to get involved with the programme, as he was so enthusiastic towards the cause, and about raising awareness across Newcastle.

He has gone on and worked in Indonesia this year with Right to Play.

It is a really good cause, and because I do a lot of sport anyway, a sport charity really appeals to me.

Being an ambassador for Right to Play is as much fun as playing, so I am delighted to be representing the organization at Newcastle.

'DQLHO , ZDV Ă DWPDWHV ZLWK $OH[ last year, and after seeing her enthusiasm towards Right to Play, I thought that I would check it out myself. I study Politics, and am really interested in charities concerning the development of underprivileged countries, and it was that aspect of Right to Play that immediately appealed to me.

Seconds lose on day of mixed results for Royals

rugby which was unfortunately cancelled due to the adverse weather conditions and was therefore beyond our control. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A large number of students from both universities did come along to support these other sports. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Overall this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s event involved over 60 Newcastle teams in more than 20 sports and it has therefore been agreed with Northumbria University that any monies left from programme sales after all costs of staging the Stan Calvert event have

been met will be donated to local charities including Right To Play, the Myles Robinson Trust and the Percy Hedley Trust.

The statement went on to praise WKH VXSSRUWHUV ZKR FDPH WR *DWHVhead despite the disappointment of WKH DEDQGRQPHQW RI WKH UXJE\ Ă&#x20AC;[ture. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Both Universities would like to place on record our thanks and appreciation to all students for the outstanding way in which they supported their respective teams.â&#x20AC;?

The last league meeting between these two teams was a close affair with Newcastle winning by one goal. No such luck this time round as the Royals fell to a heavy defeat.

7KH Ă&#x20AC;UVW TXDUWHU ZDV PDVVLYHO\ representative of the whole game, 181& ZHUH VOXJJLVK NQHZ H[actly where they needed to be, but just werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t making the inWHUFHSWLRQV DQG Ă XLG PRYHPHQW that characterised their amazing game against the Poly on Sunday. /HHGV ZHUH RQ WRS IRUP ZLWK their goal attack and goal shooter playing brilliantly together. /XF\ %DUNHU DW FHQWUH HDUQHG herself player of the match with a number of interceptions and some reliable feeding into the circle.

Captain, Rebecca Mills, was missed and the team seemed WLUHG %\ WKH Ă&#x20AC;QDO ZKLVWOH WKH VFRUH ZDV DQG 1HZFDVWOH seconds had missed an opportunity to challenge for second spot in the league. All focus now RQ WKH Ă&#x20AC;QDO PDWFK RI WKH VHDVRQ against the poly.

Newcastle 3rds 6KHIĂ&#x20AC;HOG UGV

39 36

This home tie saw Newcastle UGV IDFH 6KHIĂ&#x20AC;HOG ZKRP WKH\ drew against in their last meeting at the institute of sport.

There was a lot of pressure on this game and Newcastle edged victory to stray further away from relegation.

Strong defence and attack allowed Newcastle to build a sigQLĂ&#x20AC;FDQW OHDG LQ WKH Ă&#x20AC;UVW TXDUWHU Some top notch shooting from Sophie Haslam earnt her player of the match.

This lead was maintained throughout the whole match unWLO WKH G\LQJ PLQXWHV RI WKH Ă&#x20AC;QDO TXDUWHU ZKHQ 6KHIĂ&#x20AC;HOG PDQDJHG to pull it back and Newcastle started making mistakes.

However the Royals dug deep, determined not to face the prospect of relegation, and pulled the victory out of the bag.

Newcastle 4ths Teesside 2nds

43 37

In the fourth team game, Newcastle battled well to overcome D UHVLOLHQW 7HHVVLGH RXWĂ&#x20AC;W DW WKH University Sports Centre.

Teesside started well and gave Newcastle a run for their money, GUDZLQJ WKHLU Ă&#x20AC;UVW TXDUWHU However in the subsequent quarters Newcastleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s circle defence of Mary-Jane Jean-Marain (player of the match) and Katie 0DUURQ KDG DQ H[FHOOHQW JDPH 7KH Ă&#x20AC;QDO VFRUHOLQH RI ZDV a testament to how much the fourths have improved as a squad over the course of the season.

38

Monday 8 March 2010 THE COURIER

Sport A.WILSON

Newcastle sink Swansea to set up home Hartpury tie Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rugby

Newcastle 1sts Swansea 1sts

30 17

Alex MacKenzie at Cochrane Park Newcastle entered the last 16 of the BUCS Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rugby Union Cup with the challenge of hosting a Swansea VLGH ZKLFK KDG Ă&#x20AC;QLVKHG VL[WK LQ WKH southern premiership, and had not lost a game by a margin of more than ten points.

The resulting reverse suffered by the away side, then, was their heaviest defeat of the season.

Despite the long journey north, however, it was the Welsh side that started the brighter of the two. :LWK WKHLU Ă&#x20AC;UVW SRVVHVVLRQ RI WKH match â&#x20AC;&#x201C; clean ball taken from the top of a lineout and spread out wide â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the Swansea fullback found a gap in the Newcastle defence, and time to deliver the scoring pass. With the try converted, the Newcastle team

QRZ IDFHG D VHYHQ SRLQW GHĂ&#x20AC;FLW Stern words under the posts focused the home team, and the Royals re-started the game with impressive determination. )RU WKH GXUDWLRQ RI WKH Ă&#x20AC;UVW KDOI Newcastle piled on the pressure, KROGLQJ WKH EDOO IRU H[WHQGHG SDVsages of play and pinning the visitors deep into their own half with some precise tactical kicking.

But the home team were unable to capitalise on their territorial and possession advantage; a disallowed try and two penalties were all they had to show for their efforts, and the away side reached half-time with a 6-7 lead.

The Royals refused to be disheartened by their lack of cutting edge in WKH Ă&#x20AC;UVW KDOI KRZHYHU DQG FRQWLQued to take the game to the Welshmen after the restart.

7KH KRPH VLGH¡V Ă&#x20AC;UVW KDOI EHVLHJLQJ RI WKH 6ZDQVHD OLQH Ă&#x20AC;QDOO\ EHJDQ WR SD\ GLYLGHQGV ZKHQ WKH YLVLWRUV H[hausted from their defensive efforts, were unable to stop the Royals from

6DIH SDVVDJH WKH 5R\DOV HDUQHG WKHLU SODFH LQ WKH %8&6 TXDUWHU ÂżQDOV WKDQNV WR D FRQYLQFLQJ YLFWRU\ RYHU 6ZDQVHD DW &RFKUDQH

H[HFXWLQJ WKHLU JDPH SODQ DQG WDNing their chances with aplomb.

Newcastle pushed into the Swansea twenty-two once more â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the result of a veritable lesson in ball retention â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and after several minutes of patient play Rainey was able to Ă&#x20AC;QG D KDOI JDS WR ZULJJOH WKURXJK allowing him to slam the ball over the whitewash.

The second of the Royalsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; tries came directly from the kick-off. The skipper, Laughlin, caught the ball and fed Shires who carried the ball up the middle. Some dynamic rucking maintained momentum, and a

pass from the base of the ruck put English through a gap.

The second-rower was hauled down on the opponentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; twentyWZR EXW HIĂ&#x20AC;FLHQW UXFNLQJ RQFH DJDLQ gave the Royals the edge.

A deft chip-kick from scrum-half Rowark proved too elusive for the Swansea full-back, and fell to the feet of the Newcastle outside centre who made no mistake in touching down, and increasing the lead.

1HZFDVWOH¡V Ă&#x20AC;QDO WU\ RI WKH JDPH came from another Rowark chip which the Swansea fullback was forced to collect, before being driven

back over his own line by the powerful Irwin. A well-worked backrow move from the resulting scrum allowed Laughlin to cross the line untouched. Each of the tries were converted by Armstrong.

The Royals took their foot off the JDV LQ WKH Ă&#x20AC;QDO WHQ PLQXWHV RI WKH game, and after Shires was sinbinned for a professional foul, the away side gained two further scores, but the result was never at risk, and D Ă&#x20AC;QDO FRQYHUWHG KRPH SHQDOW\ Ă&#x20AC;Qished the tie.

The Royals face UWE Hartpury in WKH TXDUWHU Ă&#x20AC;QDOV QH[W ZHHN

Politic hearts broken by Hurricanes in penalty drama Intra Mural Football Cup

Politic Thistle Hurricanes

0 0

Hurricanes win 4-2 on penalties Charles Scott at Longbenton Politicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cochrane Park dreams were dashed by a below-par Hurricanes team on the 3G pitch at Longbenton last Wednesday as they fell victim to that cruel footballing lottery, the penalty shoot-out.

Despite missing a host of chances in normal time the Hurricanes VKRZHG WKHLU Ă&#x20AC;UVW GLYLVLRQ SHGLJUHH by holding their nerve when it really mattered by scoring four of their Ă&#x20AC;YH SHQDOWLHV On the balance of play the victory

was no more than what the Hurricanes deserved after they spent the PDMRULW\ RI WKH PLQXWHV Ă LUWLQJ with the Real Politic penalty area, creating a number of chances that could and probably should have been scored.

It was impossible not to feel sorry for Real Politic as they tussled and toiled their way to within minutes RI D FXS VHPL Ă&#x20AC;QDO RQO\ WR VHH WKHLU dreams of carving their names into University Intra Mural Cup folklore vanish before their eyes.

The game started at a high tempo, with both teams eager to stamp their authority on the game. Half chances came and went for both sides, and Hurricanes came close to grabbing the opener twice in a matter of minutes.

First a Smith free-kick was tipped

over the bar by Bell in the Politic goal and from the resulting corner the defender on the back post had to keep his wits about him to clear a goal-bound effort to safety.

Hurricanes Chris Homans then had a scrappy goal correctly ruled out for offside. Playing as the target man in an ambitious attacking 4-3-3 formation, Homans was tormenting the Politic defence with his athleticism and ability to successfully hold the ball up and bring other Hurricanes players into play.

The second half started with wave after wave of Hurricane attacks. The Politic defence did well to stand Ă&#x20AC;UP DV *LEE\ 5DQVRP DQG +RPDQV really started turning the pressure up in search of a goal.

Despite all their best efforts and intricate passing, the Politic defence

behaved like a brick wall in their path to goal.

The undoubted defensive highlight of the game was a miraculous Will George clearance over his own bar from pretty much on the goal-line.

I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think even he could believe WKH EDOO KDGQ¡W Ă RZQ LQWR WKH QHW A superb acrobatic effort from Politicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Burns nearly grabbed what would have been a true smash and grab victory, but Gosnell in the Hurricanes goal was more than a PDWFK WR GHDO ZLWK KLV Ă DPER\DQW attempt. $V WKH Ă&#x20AC;QDO PLQXWHV RQ WKH FORFN wound down surprisingly it seemed both sides were content for the game to be decided by penalties with neither side throwing caution to the wind in terms of pushing men forward.

Politic substitutes Cocopops Duck and Billy Miles were the villains in this battle of nerves as both players saw their tame efforts easily dealt with by Gosnell. Hurricanes left-back Smith, who had proved a handful for the opposition all day, KDPPHUHG WKH Ă&#x20AC;QDO QDLO LQ WKH 3ROLWLF FXS FRIĂ&#x20AC;Q ZLWK D ZHOO VWUXFN SHQalty that ripped into the back of the net.

There were emotional scenes as Hurricanes players danced with joy while their opposition learnt how England players feel at most major international tournaments. The massive underdogs came within two successful penalties of a place LQ WKH FXS VHPL Ă&#x20AC;QDO 3ROLWLF PXVW turn their attention to the league while Hurricanes cup run continues to mask their poor league form.

7KRPSVRQ 5R\GV¡ KHURLFV HDUQ FXS Ă&#x20AC;QDO SODFH IRU &UD\ROD Intra Mural Football Cup

Crayola Barca-Law-Na

1 1

Crayola win 3-2 on penalties Colin Henrys at Longbenton Crayola goalkeeper Mark Thompson-Royds was the hero as the Division Two side dumped struggling 'LYLVLRQ 2QH RXWĂ&#x20AC;W %DUFD /DZ 1D out of the cup on penalties, following a well-fought 1-1 draw at Long-

benton.

Having pulled off a string of crucial saves late in the match, Thompson-Royds then saved four penalties in the shoot-out to earn his side victory.

For a long time, the match looked as though it would be settled in QLQHW\ PLQXWHV DIWHU $OH[ :DWKDP¡V Ă&#x20AC;UVW KDOI KHDGHU 7KH &UD\ROD VWULNHU rose to meet a left-wing corner, and DOWKRXJK KLV Ă&#x20AC;UVW HIIRUW ZDV EULOOLDQWly saved by the goalkeeper, Watham powered home the rebound.

The Lawyers dominated posses-

sion but failed to create any clearcut chances.

Their equaliser was well-deserved however. Thompson-Royds made a great save initially, but Barca striker Âś/HH /HH¡ Ă&#x20AC;QLVKHG DW WKH VHFRQG DWtempt. $ GUDZ ZDV SUREDEO\ D IDLU UHĂ HFtion of a hotly contested ninety minutes, which also saw four yellowcards dished out as the two battled IRU D VHPL Ă&#x20AC;QDO SODFH As penalties loomed, both sides fought desperately for a winner.

Crayola missed two glorious chanc-

HV WR ZLQ WKH PDWFK DV Ă&#x20AC;UVW D IUHH kick was volleyed over from just metres out, and later a tame shot by Wathamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s replacement was easily saved.

Despite this, it was Barca who came closest to settling the tie late on. Thompson-Royds was twice called into action from close-range shots and The Lawyers hit the post with just minutes remaining.

With neither side managing to grab a winner however, the game went to penalties.

Both goalkeepers saved two kicks

each, and when Trowler blazed his VLGH¡V Ă&#x20AC;IWK SHQDOW\ KLJK RYHU WKH EDU and into a tree, Crayolaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hopes of an upset looked to be over.

Thompson-Royds had other ideas.

After keeping Crayola in the shootout with his third consecutive save, the goalkeeper then dived low to his right to gift his side a 3-2 penalty win.

Defeat was hard on Barca, but with two more First Division sides now out of this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s competition, a shock Crayola triumph could well be on the cards.

THE COURIER Monday 8 March 2010

39

Sport

5HVXUJHQW 5R\DOV KLW Ă&#x20AC;YH SDVW +XOO

Royals rocked E\ SRRU VWDUW

J.WHITLAM

Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Football

Newcastle 1sts Hull 1sts

Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Football

5 0

Newcastle 3rds Sunderland 2nds

2 4

Jamie Gavin Sports Editor at Cochrane Park

Dominic Pollard at Longbenton

Questions were asked of this Newcastle side after a disappointing Stan Calvert result last Sunday, but WKH\ UHVSRQGHG ZHOO WR SXW Ă&#x20AC;YH SDVW BUCS Semi-Finalists Hull at Cochrane Park.

The result keeps them in third position in the BUCS table, and the Royals are well clear of the automatic relegation spot. Such is the nature of BUCS competition however, they may still require a win at OHDJXH OHDGHUV 6KHIĂ&#x20AC;HOG WKLV ZHHN WR make sure of their safety in the second tier.

In what was a crucial game for a Newcastle side who have largely Ă DWWHUHG WR GHFHLYH VR IDU WKLV VHDson, they can take heart from what was an impressive display.

Hull on the other hand will perhaps feel at least a little hard done by, as they appeared to have the ball in the back of the net from a curling free-kick on 55 minutes â&#x20AC;&#x201C; with the score still at 1-0.

But they were left to watch in dismay as the ball came out into the grateful arms of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;keeper Matt Thorpe - apparently having gone through the Cochrane Park netting.

An extraordinary scene ensued , but no goal was given and an array of Hull players were booked for descent in their wild protests.

But for all the away sideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s effort and dogged determination, they lacked a certain quality which Newcastle seemed to possess in abundance, with Will Deledicq and MarWLQ +LOO RQ HLWKHU Ă DQN WRUPHQWLQJ the visitors.

Deledicq quite simply ran the show IURP WKH OHIW IRU WKH Ă&#x20AC;UVW PLQXWHV - and he scored the Royalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s opener early on.

But a worrying second half injury cut his game short, and substitute Ed Tizard replaced him to play a similarly pivotal role for his side in the second period.

The Royalsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; took the lead just after MXVW Ă&#x20AC;YH PLQXWHV ZKHQ WKH WULFN\ Hill was played in down the right E\ PLGĂ&#x20AC;HOGHU 7RP 0LOQHV +LV Ă&#x20AC;UVW WLPH ULJKW IRRW FURVV ZDV

Newcastle suffered their second loss to Sunderland second team this season as they found themselves on the ZURQJ HQG RI D VFRUHOLQH A sloppy start gave the Royals an uphill battle as their North East rivals bagged two early goals. First, a high ball over the top caught Newcastleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s defence napping and allowed Mackam striker John Morris to loft the ball over the advancing keeper.

Soon after the visitors added a second. This time Sunderlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Richard Parkin cut in from the right Ă DQN ZLWK HDVH DQG KLW D OHIW IRRWHG strike from the edge of the box which squeezed between keeper Weston Murau and the left post. )RU PXFK RI WKH Ă&#x20AC;UVW KDOI WKH 1HZcastle team were unable to string more than two passes together and were constantly beaten in the 50/50 challenges. The side gave the ball away cheaply too often at the back and lacked composure going forward.

Right-winger Jack Callaghan was the one player was whose performance avoided criticism as his commitment and effort-levels were superb throughout.

Towards the end of the half there were signs of improvement. CenWUDO PLGĂ&#x20AC;HOGHU 7LP 5DNVKL SOD\HG D lovely ball over the Sunderland defence but James Ripley failed to control the dropping ball inside the box and the opportunity was lost.

Just as Newcastle began to play their way into the game, however, they were again undone in defence.

Sunderland gained possession on the right-wing and the cross was hit Ă&#x20AC;UVW WLPH DQG WKH EDOO VDLOHG DFURVV the keeper into the far corner. The LPSUHVVLYH Ă&#x20AC;QLVK JDYH 0RUULV KLV second goal, and Sunderland their third, as the half-time whistle was blown.

The Royals probably thought things couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get much worse as the second half began, but they did.

Goalkeeper Murau came rushing out only for his attempted clearance to dribble as far as Sunderlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sam Potter who slotted the ball into the open net.

For the rest of the game the home team dominated as they pushed for a miracle comeback and after Sunderlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fourth there was an instant reply. Ripley was put through RQ JRDO DQG KH Ă&#x20AC;QLVKHG ZHOO IURP just inside the area as he bent the ball round the keeper into the far post.

Hopes for the comeback were kept alive as Tim Rakshi picked up the ball just inside his own half and his surging run carried the ball deep into Sunderlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s penalty area. Rakshi then coolly squared the ball for Ripley to complete his brace with a VLPSOH Ă&#x20AC;QLVK IURP VL[ \DUGV RXW Near the end of the game a penalty was given away as Murau brought down a Sunderland striker after he was sold short by a poor backpass. Fortunately the penalty was saved and Newcastleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s blushes were spared.

The comeback never really gained momentum, and the game eventuDOO\ SHWHUHG RXW WR D GHIHDW IRU the Royals.

0L[HG IRUWXQHV ZKLOH WKH ÂżUVWV VHFXUHG DQ HQFRXUDJLQJ YLFWRU\ ODVW ZHHN WKH VHFRQGV DQG WKLUGV ERWK VXIIHUHG KRPH GHIHDWV

delivered with pace into the middle, where Deledicq had advanced to the far post to place the simplest of Ă&#x20AC;QLVKHV SDVW WKH ÂśNHHSHU The goal seemed to settle a nervyORRNLQJ 1HZFDVWOH RXWĂ&#x20AC;W ZKR ZHUH tentative in the opening exchanges.

But the home side soon found their UK\WKP RQ ZKDW ZDV D GLIĂ&#x20AC;FXOW VXUface, and perhaps they should have put the game to bed by before the break.

A typically weaving run from the mesmerising Deledicq allowed him to reach the by-line, and his pullback looked certain to be converted by striker James Swainston, only for the fresher to miscue after the ball bobbled.

And the chances kept on coming.

Twenty minutes in a throw-in from WKH ULJKW ZDV Ă LFNHG RQ LQWR WKH ER[

by Milnes, and Hill had lost his man WR Ă&#x20AC;QG VSDFH MXVW WHQ \DUGV RXW The winger struck the ball beautifully on the half volley, but it went agonisingly over the cross-bar.

Milnes himself came close soon after. A typically bursting run into

the channel from Ed Savitt saw the striker latch on to a well-paced through-ball, and his low cross missed everybody and ran through to Milnes, who struck his shot from eight yards straight at the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;keeper.

But a decidedly sluggish start to the second half saw Newcastle drop deeper into their own half, and Hull enjoyed their best spell of the game as they worked the ball well through D Ă&#x20AC;YH PDQ PLGĂ&#x20AC;HOG The pressure culminated when an away striker appeared to have broken the Newcastle line with a neat side step, only to be brought down on the edge of the area.

And controversy followed when WKH VHW SLHFH DSSHDUHG Ă&#x20AC;QG WKH WRS corner of Thorpeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s goal, only for the referee to wave play on.

Did it go in? Probably, but with the RIĂ&#x20AC;FLDOV QRW SHU FHQW VXUH WKH goal could not be awarded - much to the away sideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annoyance.

And the hosts more than capitalised on their good fortune with a VFLQWLOODWLQJ Ă&#x20AC;QDO PLQXWHV Tizzard, having been on the pitch

for no more than two minutes, received the ball on the edge of the area, turning his man before drilling a right-foot shot into the bottom corQHU IRU And within seconds of the re-start he had another. Swainston tenaciously chased the ball down from the kick-off and delivered an inchperfect cross to the near post, which 7L]DUG PHW WR Ă&#x20AC;UH KRPH KLV VHFRQG and Newcastleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s third.

Their fourth was the best of the ORW $IWHU VRPH Ă&#x20AC;QHU LQWHUSOD\ LQ WKH PLGĂ&#x20AC;HOG EHWZHHQ 0LOQHV DQG VXEstitute George Coyle in the middle, the ball was sprayed wide to Hill, who beat two men close to the right touchline Hill laid the ball invitingly into the SDWK RI 6ZDLQVWRQ ZKRVH Ă&#x20AC;UVW WLPH pull back found Milnes, and the PLGĂ&#x20AC;HOGHU SODFHG D VLGH IRRW VKRW perfectly into the bottom corner.

The Royals were rampant now, and they just had time for one more when Coyle majestically curled in a free kick from a tight angle to make LW Ă&#x20AC;YH

Durham down seconds as relegation fears mount Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Football

Newcastle 2nds Durham 1sts

1 2

Joe Baker at Cochrane Park Newcastle missed out on a vital three points by losing to their local rivals Durham at Cochrane Park.

The result leaves the Royals under immense pressure with two BUCS games remaining, and needing to get results from both.

Arguably, results havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t gone their way and luck doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t seem to be on their side, but as a collective, they all need to stop feeling sorry for themselves and go into games with a drive that shows passion and pride in wearing the shirt.

The Royals got off to a slow start.

The pitch cut up quickly, and made

LW GLIĂ&#x20AC;FXOW IRU 1HZFDVWOH WR SOD\ WKH passing football they prefer. However, this merely highlighted another one of Newcastleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s weaknesses: their inability to change their playing style due to either pitch conditions or the oppositionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s playing style.

Joel English and Mike Peace looked dangerous on both wings in patches EXW WKH Ă&#x20AC;QDO EDOO RIWHQ ODFNHG WKH quality needed at this standard of football.

Durham werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t a technically skilled team and played the long ball on a regular basis, and Mitch King and Arthur Okonkwo managed to deal with this threat by using their superior strength and aerial ability.

But when one perfectly weighted ball was lofted through, the defence was cut open as Durhamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s central PLGĂ&#x20AC;HOGHU WLPHG KLV UXQ WR SHUIHFtion and beautifully lobbed the on-

rushing Newcastle goalkeeper.

As the game moved towards halftime there was no change in the score, and neither side created any clear-cut chances. The Royals seemLQJO\ QHHGHG WR Ă&#x20AC;QG D VSDUN IURP somewhere to ensure a positive result.

7KHUH ZDV D Ă LFNHU RI KRSH DV PLGway through the second half, HamPHWW Ă LFNHG RQ D KHDGHU IURP D IUHH kick that Baker managed to volley into the top of the net.

The Durham centre-forward described it as a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;screamerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, but that remains open to debate.

Newcastle continued to push forward and some of their moves started to take shape. +RZHYHU WKLV Ă LFNHU RI KRSH was soon extinguished as another through ball from the Durham cenWUDO PLGĂ&#x20AC;HOGHU ZDV ODWFKHG RQWR E\ their striker, who had made a late

run, and he neatly buried the ball into the bottom corner.

Newcastle desperately pleaded with the referee to give offside but he rightly explained that there was a player off-side but he didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t interfere with the play.

From here, the Newcastle team dominated possession as their supeULRU Ă&#x20AC;WQHVV OHYHOV VKRZHG +RZHYHU D ODFN RI FUHDWLYH Ă DUH LPDJLQDWLRQ RU LQLWLDWLYH LQ WKH Ă&#x20AC;nal third prevailed, with only Mitch King coming close. He was unlucky QRW WR VFRUH DV KLV Ă&#x20AC;UPO\ KLW VKRW was straight at the keeper. %XW DV ZHOO DV ODFNLQJ SDVVLRQ Ă DUH and desire, the fact that Newcastle only had two shots in the entire game, both coming from defenders, sums up their performance. If there isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t a dramatic increase in quality in the coming weeks, the Royals face a very realistic prospect of relegation.

40

Monday 8 March 2010 THE COURIER

BUCS dream still alive for Royals Sports Editors: Paul Christian, Jamie Jamie Gavin and Tomand James - courier.sport@ncl.ac.uk Sports Editors: Paul Christian, Gavin Tom James - courier.sport@ncl.ac.uk

> Page 38

University sport chief: ‘Calvert still competitive’ Blackburn claims Northumbria remain a threat Paul Christian Sports Editor Director of Sport, Colin Blackburn, is adamant that the Stan Calvert Cup has not lost its competitive edge, despite Newcastle’s record 83.75-32.25 demolition of rivals Northumbria to make it three wins in a row for the University.

Speaking to The Courier, Blackburn was in philosophical mood and expressed surprise at the extent of Team Newcastle’s exceptional win, before predicting a strong response from the Poly ahead of next year’s event.

He said: “The competitive edge is still there. Maybe we just had a really good day and it was a bad one for them. If I had my hand on my heart, I wasn’t sure who was going to win.

“Everything just sort of fell into place and who’s to say we won’t be on the end of a drubbing next year.”

At the centre of Northumbria’s forecasted rise is a new Sports Centre of Excellence, currently under construction and due to open later this year. Blackburn believes its development will spark an increase in elite athletes across St Mary’s Place and eradicate any hopes of last week’s result repeating itself.

“Northumbria’s new facility will bring with it a host of new sportsmen attracted by what they have to offer. They will continue to get stronger as they move forward.

“Whether or not they incorporate that into their so-called ‘focus

sports’ is another thing. We’ll just have to wait and see.”

Despite calls by members of Northumbria’s sporting hierarchy for a change of format, Blackburn is happy with the current set-up and feels there was little room for manoeuvre on a day plagued by bad weather.

“The Stan Calvert is aimed at getting as many people playing as many sports as possible. We value À UVW WHDPV DV PXFK DV IRXUWK 7KLV \HDU ZH KDG WKH PRVW À [WXUHV HYHU “We can’t control the weather. Part of the preparation is being ready to play at a given time and I don’t think we have the manpower to put most games on one day. If nobody knew the result, I felt the day was a complete success.”

Blackburn’s comments come after Northumbria’s Performance Sport Manager Gavin McKenna told The Courier that the Stan Calvert Cup has lost some of its credibility in recent times. McKenna feels the need for change is imminent.

He said: “We’ve got stuck between a rock and a hard place. Stan Calvert has lost its credibility with a lot of students and athletes this year because it just didn’t seem to function properly.

“I think we need to play at least 80% of it on one day and have discussions with BUCS over a date that suits the needs of both universities.

“We’ve noticed here that what used to be talked about for weeks on end beforehand is now more of a chore than anything else and that’s not what we want.”

The race is on: McLaren boss Martin Whitmarsh looks ahead to the new Formula One season Page 35

THE

C OURIER Monday 8 March 2010

Union Elections 2010

2

Monday 8 March 2010 THE COURIER

Elections

Your eight-page pull-out guide Chloe Mortimer ,W¡V WKDW WLPH RI \HDU DJDLQ ZKHQ KRSHIXO VWXGHQWV DQG WKHLU IULHQGV ZLOO EH EDWWOLQJ WKH elements to get your attention and ask you WR YRWH IRU WKHP RQOLQH LQ WKLV ZHHN¡V 8QLRQ (OHFWLRQV 7KLV HLJKW SDJH VSHFLDO SXOO RXW JXLGH ZLOO VKRZ \RX ZKDW LW¡V DOO IRU ZK\ \RX VKRXOG YRWH KRZ WR YRWH DQG PRVW LPSRUWDQWO\ WKH PDQLIHVWRV WKDW ZLOO KHOS \RX WR GHFLGH ZKR to vote for.

Why should I vote?

Firstly, the Union Society is yours and every VLQJOH VWXGHQW VWXG\LQJ DW 1HZFDVWOH 8QLYHUsity is automatically a member.

The Union is completely student led and run

by students, for students. There are six full WLPH VDEEDWLFDO RIĂ&#x20AC;FHUV SOXV D QXPEHU RI SDUW WLPH RIĂ&#x20AC;FHUV 7KHVH DUH WKH VWXGHQWV ZKR DFWXDOO\ UXQ \RXU 8QLRQ 7KH RIĂ&#x20AC;FHUV DUH WKHUH WR UHSUHVHQW \RX and your opinions, run campaigns on issues that affect you, and ensure that you have the EHVW WLPH SRVVLEOH ZKLOH VWXG\LQJ DW 1HZFDVtle University.

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7KHUH DUH DOVR WHQ SDUW WLPH RIĂ&#x20AC;FHU SRVLWLRQV XS IRU JUDEV WKLV ZHHN With the Union set to undergo an ÂŁ8 million UHGHYHORSPHQW IURP 1RYHPEHU WKLV \HDU¡V elections are even more important, as the ofĂ&#x20AC;FHUV WKDW \RX YRWH LQ ZLOO KDYH D GLUHFW LPSDFW RQ WKH QHZ EXLOGLQJ VHW WR RSHQ IRU )UHVKHUV¡ Week 2011. ,I \RX HYHU WKRXJKW WKDW WKH 8QLRQ KDV QR role in your student experience, chances are, \RX¡UH ZURQJ $UH \RX LQYROYHG LQ D VRFLety or sports team? Have you been to gigs in the Union or taken part in RAG or Freshersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; :HHN" +DYH \RX EHQHĂ&#x20AC;WHG IURP RQH RI WKH Unionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s campaigns or ever given feedback on your course? ,I WKH DQVZHU WR DQ\ RI WKHVH LV \HV WKHQ \RX have been involved in your Union in some ZD\ DOUHDG\ 5LJKW GRZQ WR WKH QHZVSDSHU

\RX DUH FXUUHQWO\ UHDGLQJ WKH HOHFWHG RIĂ&#x20AC;FHUV are responsible for all these areas and more and the success of these depends upon their TXDOLWLHV DQG DELOLWLHV 1RZ LV WKH FKDQFH WR PDNH D GLIIHUHQFH DQG FKRRVH WKH RIĂ&#x20AC;FHUV WKDW ZLOO UXQ \RXU 8QLRQ WKH ZD\ \RX ZDQW LW WR EH UXQ ,W LV \RXU UHsponsibility to use your vote and go online to make sure the right people are elected.

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9RWLQJ FRXOGQ¡W EH PRUH VWUDLJKWIRUZDUG All you have to do is go online to vote.ncl.

DF XN DQG IURP WKHUH \RX ZLOO VHH WKH OLVW RI FDQGLGDWHV XS IRU HDFK RIĂ&#x20AC;FHU SRVLWLRQ DV ZHOO as their manifestos.

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President Tom Delamere

My ultimate aim: Maximise every studentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s experience by effective representation and increasing involvement in Student Union activities and services.

Why vote for me?: My experience of representation, leadership and involvement in the Union and University: Â&#x2021; 3DUW WLPH 8QLRQ 2IĂ&#x20AC;FHU (WKLFV DQG (QYLronment 09/10. Â&#x2021; 6RFLHW\ 3UHVLGHQW DQG 2IĂ&#x20AC;FHU Â&#x2021;&UHZ 6XSHUYLVRU DQG 2IĂ&#x20AC;FHU GXULQJ

Andy Kempster

Freshersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and RAG Weeks. Â&#x2021; 6WDII 6WXGHQW &RPPLWWHH 5HSUHVHQWDWLYH Â&#x2021; 8QLRQ &RXQFLOORU Â&#x2021; 0HPEHU RI YDULRXV 8QLRQ 8QLYHUVLW\ &RPPLWWHHV Â&#x2021; :ULWHU IRU The Courier.

The Union has greatly increased my enjoyment of University; my policies aim to promote involvement amongst all students, HVSHFLDOO\ LPSRUWDQW ZLWK WKH XSFRPLQJ Union closure for refurbishment: Â&#x2021; (QVXUH FKDQJHV WR WKH 8QLRQ EXLOGLQJ DUH LQ OLQH ZLWK VWXGHQW QHHGV DQG UHTXHVWV H J creating a venue for big name music acts. Â&#x2021; ,PSOHPHQW ´3UHVLGHQWLDO 'URS ,QÂľ FOLQLFV ´4XHVWLRQV IRU WKH 3UHVLGHQWÂľ ER[HV DQG DQ ´$VN WKH 3UHVLGHQWÂľ )DFHERRN JURXS PDNLQJ LW HDVLHU WR DFW RQ VWXGHQW UHTXHVWV DQG NHHS students updated on Union events. Â&#x2021; ,QWURGXFH UHJXODU PHHWLQJV ZLWK XQGHUrepresented student group ambassadors, e.g. parents and carers. Â&#x2021; &UHDWH D 8QLRQ LQIRUPDWLRQ Ă \HU IRU Freshersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; bags. , EHOLHYH , KDYH WKH TXDOLWLHV WKDW PDNH PH WKH EHVW FDQGLGDWH VR 927( 720 IRU 35(6,'(17

university. Â&#x2021; 3URPRWH DQG VXSSRUW FDPSDLJQV Â&#x2021; 5HSUHVHQW ALL students. Â&#x2021; :RUN ZLWK VRFLHWLHV DQG VWXGHQWV WR SURmote all aspects of student life. Â&#x2021; GET THINGS DONE.

Dave Hickling

EXPERIENCE: &RPPXQLW\ 2IĂ&#x20AC;FHU 3UHVLGHQW RI /DERXU 6RFLHW\ ,QYROYHG LQ )UHVKHU¡V :HHN 8QLRQ 'D\ :$& &UHZ 186 7RZQ 7DNHRYHU 6DW RQ 8QLRQ &RXQFLO 6WHHULQJ &RPPLWWHH 'HEDWH 6XE &RXQFLO &RPPXQLW\ ([HFXWLYH 6WRRG XS IRU 6WXGHQWV RYHU ORFDO &RXQFLO +RXVLQJ 3ROLF\ ZRUNHG ZLWK -HVPRQG 5HVLdents to foster understanding. $QWL %13 FDPSDLJQHU - Fought for fairer fees.

DAVE HICKLING FOR PRESIDENT! $V \RXU 3UHVLGHQW , ZLOO ZRUN WLUHOHVVO\ WR stand up for your interests as Students.

My vision is for a vibrant, exciting, diverse and outspoken Student Union at the heart RI RXU 6WXGHQW &RPPXQLW\ , ZDQW WR VHH greater involvement by more students, better SURPRWLRQ RI ZKDW ZH GR PRUH FDPSDLJQLQJ on big issues, and to stand up for students at every WXUQ ZKHWKHU LW EH WR WKH 8QLYHUVLW\ ORFDO &RXQFLO /DQGORUGV RU 1DWLRQDO

Rachael White

My involvement in the Student Union includes:

THE PRESIDENT SHOULD WORK FOR YOU, THE STUDENT! $V SUHVLGHQW , ZRXOG Â&#x2021; Work for You ² LI \RX ZDQW VRPHWKLQJ WR EH GRQH ,¡OO VWULYH WR JHW LW GRQH DQG HQVXUH your university life is as enjoyable as it can be. Â&#x2021; %H PRUH YLVLEOH DQG LQIRUP \RX RI ZKDW your Student Union is doing. Â&#x2021; (QVXUH WKHUH DUH ELJJHU EHWWHU HYHQWV RQ campus that everyone can enjoy. Â&#x2021; 0DNH VXUH your YLHZV DUH KHDUG E\ WKH

Â&#x2021; 7HDFKLQJ IRU DQG ZLQQLQJ QDWLRQDO FRPSHWLWLRQV ZLWK WKH 'DQFH 6RFLHW\ Â&#x2021; 6HFUHWDU\ RI WKH 3ROLWLFV 6RFLHW\ LQFUHDVLQJ activity and involvement. Â&#x2021; 0XVLFDO 'LUHFWRU RI WKH 7KHDWUH 6RFLHW\ 1876 LQLWLDWLQJ DQG SURGXFLQJ ODUJH VFDOH VKRZV VHOOLQJ VHDWV DQG EHLQJ LQYROYHG LQ RWKHU VKRZV Â&#x2021; 3OD\LQJ ,QWUD PXUDO VSRUWV HYHU\ \HDU RI my degree.

I BELIEVE THE STUDENT UNION CAN AND SHOULD PLAY A MORE CENTRAL ROLE IN YOUR UNIVERSITY LIFE. I WILL BE AN ACTIVE PRESIDENT, WORKING FOR THE STUDENTS, GETTING WHAT YOU WANT TO BE DONE, DONE.

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POLICIES: ,QFUHDVH LQYROYHPHQW ² SXEOLVK 8QLRQ Guide and offer incentives.

(QVXUH VPRRWK WUDQVLWLRQ WKURXJK &DSLWDO 'HYHORSPHQW SURFHVV ² RYHUVHH UHQRYDWLRQ WR improved Union building.

6RFLHWLHV ² PRUH EHQHĂ&#x20AC;WV DQG Âś( IRUXP¡ WR publicise activities.

- Sport â&#x20AC;&#x201C; For Students, run by Students. ([SORUH SRVVLELOLW\ RI 6WXGHQW 'LVFRXQW ZLWK 7D[L &RPSDQ\ /DQGORUG +RXVLQJ UDWLQJ V\VWHP ² PDNH WKHP UDLVH WKHLU JDPH 6WDQG XS IRU <28 Union ,QFUHDVH IXQGLQJ IRU FOXEV DQG VRFLHWLHV - Give extra support to clubs and societies in the absence of the Union /LVWHQ WR ZKDW VWXGHQWV ZDQW IRU WKHLU Union nightlife and implement changes Policies:

7R FUHDWH D 8QLRQ ZKLFK UHĂ HFWV WKH QHHGV of todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s students, both for clubs and societies and for the student as an individual.

- To provide a platform for student issues WR EH DLUHG VXFK DV Ă&#x20AC;QDQFH DQG KRXVLQJ &UHDWH PRUH GURS LQ WLPHV IRU VWXGHQW issues - To support Freshers beyond Freshersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Week by creating Welfare Reps to talk to go into halls and offer help and advice 3URGXFH D WLPHWDEOH RI HYHQWV ERWK VSRUWing and society based, to make sure club and society participation does not falter ,QFUHDVH JHQGHU DQG PLQRULW\ UHSUHsentation, including student parents and disabled students

To improve the Union I will:

Why vote for me?

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- Student Ambassador and Student Rep 6HFUHWDU\ RI 1876 ([SHULHQFH RI RUJDQLVLQJ ODUJH HYHQWV

My goal:

Voting runs from 4pm Monday 8 March to 2pm Thursday 11 March

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3

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$FWLYLWLHV 2I¿FHU Sarah Matthews

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Helen Thompson

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If elected, do I have clear aims?

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Vicky Lumb

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THE COURIER Monday 8 March 2010

5

Elections Editor of The Courier Larisa Brown

sporting diaries

Mark Corcoran-Lettice

Â&#x2021; %UDQG QHZ :25/' FRYHUDJH LQWHUQDtional events and politics in a nutshell

Â&#x2021; 025( VSRUWV FRYHUDJH WR KLJKOLJKW WKH full breadth of sporting talent

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Â&#x2021; 21/,1( DW LWV EHVW XS WR GDWH DUWLFOHV photo albums, games and a discussion board

Â&#x2021; $Q HQG WR HUURUV 025( SURRI UHDGLQJ especially for the Puzzles section Â&#x2021; $Q (;3$1'(' &RPPHQWV VHFWLRQ WR represent the diversity of Newcastle University students

Â&#x2021; 3ODQQLQJ \RXU )8785( MRE SURVSHFWV careers and volunteering opportunities As the current â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Life and Styleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Editor and as a dedicated long-standing writer I am fully committed to making The Courier the very best student newspaper in Britain.

I believe my experience in local journalism, web design, politics, theatre and numerous sports makes me your 180%(5 21( candidate for Editor of The Courier.

Vote for me if you want to see: Â&#x2021; %LJJHU DQG %HWWHU 63257 OHDJXH WDEOHV sportâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s personality of the week, online match reports, broader sports coverage and

Alexander Felton

Â&#x2021; $ FRPPLWPHQW WR &+$5,7< DQG FDPpaigns: addressing issues such as poverty, disability and homelessness Â&#x2021; 3ODFLQJ 67$*( LQ WKH VSRWOLJKW GDQFLQJ music and drama from the inside Â&#x2021; 6(; DQG UHODWLRQVKLSV GDWLQJ DGYLFH diaries and more hands on reporting Â&#x2021; ([WUD VSHFLDO )$6+,21 DQG %($87< catwalk to campus, high street hottest 9RWH /$5,6$ %52:1 IRU (',725 2) 7+( &285,(5

uncovering scandals they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want you to know about.

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been honored to take part in The Courierâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s long history by editing Music this year and writing in it for three years. If it is to continue to prosper though, change is needed, and I believe I am the one to deliver it.

Fran Infante

I believe I am MOST EXPERIENCED candidate and that as News Editor AND Deputy Editor I have gained invaluable experience.

I know how to co-ordinate The Courier to guarantee the high quality that YOU deserve.

I have already: Â&#x2021; %URXJKW \RX H[FOXVLYH LQWHUYLHZV ZLWK politicians, TV stars and X-factor favourites.

Â&#x2021; ,1&5($6(' FDPSXV SUHVHQFH LQFOXGLQJ greater distribution, more advertising and events :LWK WKH VWXGHQW XQLRQ XQGHUJRLQJ PDVVLYH renovation next year, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time for a new approach for The Courier too.

Â&#x2021; $ 1(: VHFWLRQ IRU VRFLHWLHV DQG VWXGHQWV to publicize their activities

A PAPER TO BE PROUD OF? â&#x20AC;&#x201C; YES WE CAN!

Ashley Fryer

tle â&#x20AC;&#x201C; there is nothing I am more passionate about and I will make sure the paper becomes even more informative and entertaining.

I propose: Â&#x2021; $ VWURQJHU 6SRUWV VHFWLRQ PRUH WHDPV more variety, real representation

Â&#x2021; BRAND NEW %8&6 ,QWUD 0XUDO 6SRUWV /HDJXH WDEOHV DQG IHDWXULQJ WHDPV RI WKH week and form guides.

Â&#x2021; MORE Investigative QHZV MRXUQDOLVP

Â&#x2021; *5($7(5 WLHV ZLWK 165 DQG 1879 IRU D better organized student media

As your Editor, I will create a paper that IXOO\ UHĂ HFWV WKH GLYHUVLW\ WKH LQWHUHVWV and the views of our student community. I promise:

Â&#x2021; NEW Sections including a dedicated )DVKLRQ HGLWRU DV ZHOO DV D QHZ 7HFKQRORJ\ section.

927( $/(; )(/721 )25 (',725 :K\" *RRG TXHVWLRQ OHW¡V VHH , KDYH EHHQ /LIH 6W\OH HGLWRU DQG D QHZV IHDWXUHV writer over the past three years. I have done articles like The Game, Exclusive fashion VSUHDGV +RWWLH RI WKH :HHN DQG WKH SRSXODU 7UDYHO 3KRWR FRPSHWLWLRQ :LWK FORVH OLQNV with national and local press including The Evening Chronicle BBC Newcastle, I believe that I am YOUR man for the next evolution of 7KH &RXULHU :KDW¡V QH[W" ,W¡V SUHWW\ JUHDW

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Â&#x2021; 0RUH LQYHVWLJDWLYH MRXUQDOLVP LQWR WKH stories that affect YOU

Â&#x2021; IMPROVE the online content and establishing a fully operational website at thecourieronline.co.uk. Â&#x2021; INCREASE WKH FLUFXODWLRQ UHDGHUVKLS extending our reach to every corner of the university. Â&#x2021; FIGHT WR SXVK WKH SULFH RI WHD FRIIHH down across campus. /LNH DOO WKLV" <HS ² ZHOO GRQ¡W MXVW VLW WKHUH VOTE FELTON!

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I believe that I am the best person to edit your paper because I am determined to maintain its quality, am most about its production and promise to give you a paper that is informative, fun and that you can be proud of.

I have been dedicated to The Courier since Sept 2007, and I have been published in every single issue since then. /DVW \HDU , HGLWHG WKH )LOP VHFWLRQ DQG WKLV \HDU , HGLW /LIH 6W\OH ZKLFK PDNHV PH uniquely experienced with two very different sections.

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Â&#x2021; 7R PDNH )DVKLRQ LWV RZQ QHZ VHFWLRQ Â&#x2021; $ QHZ ÂśFUHDWLYH VSDFH¡ SDJH IRU \RX WR print your artwork, short stories, poems or rants Â&#x2021; 7R SURYLGH VKDGRZLQJ RSSRUWXQLWLHV DW The Courier and strong links with local SDSHUV WR KHOS \RX JHW LQWR MRXUQDOLVP Â&#x2021; $ SDSHU WKDW LV DERXW WKH SHRSOH ² PDNing sure everyone is fairly included and represented.

6DEEDWLFDO RIĂ&#x20AC;FHUV H[SODLQHG Â&#x2021; 3UHVLGHQW The Union President is the ÂżJXUHKHDG RI WKH 8QLRQ DQG WKH ÂżUVW SHUVRQ FDOOHG XSRQ WR ÂżJKW IRU VWXGHQWV RU GHIHQG WKHLU ULJKWV WR H[WHUQDO SDUWLHV 7KH\ DUH WKH V\PEROLF KHDG RI WKH LQVWLWXWLRQ WKDW GHDOV UHJXODUO\ ZLWK WKH 8QLYHUVLW\ ELJ ZLJV WR HQVXUH VWXGHQWV DUH WUHDWHG IDLUO\

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6

Monday 8 March 2010 THE COURIER

Elections Chair of Union Council David Craig

Hello.

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m David Craig, a 5th year medical student and I believe Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m a strong candidate for the position of Chair of the Union Council.

With plans for the refurbishment of the Union leading to itsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; temporary closure, QH[W \HDU ZLOO EH DERXW Ă&#x20AC;QGLQJ QHZ ZD\V for the Union Society to involve students in the running of what is, ultimately, our own

organisation.

I would see the new Council Chairâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s role to be to encourage more people to attend council and attempting to engage them with livelier debates over the Unionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s future direction. This is a challenge I think Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d be well suited to undertaking.

I have had a fantastic student experience whilst in Newcastle, taking a keen interest in the activity of the Union throughout, and would like to contribute positively to that of others next year. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve served on course staff-student committees and as part of the Medical Society previously and think this experience could prove valuable in the position of Council Chair.

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d really appreciate your support so please take the time to vote at http://vote.ncl.ac.uk from 4pm on the 8th until 2pm on the 11th of March.

Thanks, David

Convenor of Debates James Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Sullivan

issues and opening up discussion of such matters through debate.

Achievements this year include: Â&#x2021; +ROGLQJ GHEDWHV RQ LVVXHV VXFK DV WKH BNP and womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s role in politics. Â&#x2021; &RQWULEXWLQJ WR WKH VXFFHVVIXO VHOHFWLRQ of a University Challenge team who have PDGH LW WKURXJK WR WKH WHOHYLVLRQ Ă&#x20AC;OPLQJ Â&#x2021; &UHDWLQJ D QHZ Âś'HEDWHV DQG 3XEOLF Speakers committeeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Plans if re-elected:

I am rerunning for the position of Convenor of Debates after having a successful year in the position. I feel that I have managed to bring a lot to the Union by organising and contributing to a range of activities.

I feel that if given the chance to hold the position for another year then I will be able to build on my achievements and make ELJ VWHSV LQ UDLVLQJ WKH SURĂ&#x20AC;OH RI LPSRUWDQW

Â&#x2021; &RPPXQLFDWH ZLGHO\ ZLWK VWXGHQWV WR Ă&#x20AC;QG RXW ZKDW LVVXHV WKH\ FDUH DERXW Â&#x2021; 2UJDQLVH SXEOLF GHEDWHV DQG VWLPXODWH discussion on such issues e.g. The Councils attempts to move students out of Jesmond. Â&#x2021; :RUN WR JHW LQWHUHVWLQJ KLJK SURĂ&#x20AC;OH public speakers to speak in the Union in a similar way that many other universities do.

(WKLFV (QYLURQPHQW 2IÂżFHU Kelly Millward & Katie Smart

Vote Smart and Millward for Ethics and Environment.

Hello, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re Katie and Kelly and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re second year Environmental Science students.

We believe that that we would be great Ethics DQG (QYLURQPHQWDO 2IĂ&#x20AC;FHUV DV RXU FRXUVH DOlows and prepares us to consider all perspectives of ethical and environmental issues and we can relay them to you to make greener decisions on campus.

$V \RXU RIĂ&#x20AC;FHUV ZH ZRXOG OHDG HIĂ&#x20AC;FLHQW projects to make Newcastle University an even more environmentally friendly zone. )RU H[DPSOH VWULYH IRU JRRGV VROG RQ FDPSXV WR EH )DLU 7UDGH SURGXFWV ZKLFK LQFRUSRUDWH sustainable resources and give equality to all involved. We would strive to have more recycling facilities in on campus including battery and glass recycling bins.

We would tailor the Ethics and Environmental committee and the service it provides to the needs of Newcastle University students by offering a more friendly service to asFHUWDLQ ZKDW <28 WKLQN LV ZRXOG PDNH RXU campus a more ethical and environmentally friendly place.

Vote for us and we will support the Environmental and Conservation Societies and any other group who want their voices heard in deciding what makes Newcastle University a greener place. %( 60$57! *(7 60$57!927( 60$57 $1' 0,//:$5'

Ayse Djahit & Rosie Finnigan

to listen to everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s views. We know that the Union and University already has a great reputation for ethical trading, and we are committed to maintaining and expanding this impressive portfolio, giving us another reason WR EH SURXG RI RXU 8QL If elected, we aim to:

+HOOR :H¡UH $\VH DQG 5RVLH DQG ZH¡G ORYH WR EH \RXU (WKLFV DQG (QYLURQPHQW 2IĂ&#x20AC;FHUV IRU the academic year 2010-11.

We both have bags of experience of what the 8QLRQ KDV WR RIIHU KDYLQJ WDNHQ SDUW LQ )UHVKersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, WAC and RAG, and would love to put this to use.

Â&#x2021; 3URGXFH DQ H QHZVOHWWHU LQIRUPLQJ SHRSOH of the latest eco-friendly and ethical news; Â&#x2021; 3XEOLFLVH HYHQWV VXFK DV )DLUWUDGH )RUWQLJKW and Ethics and Environment Week; Â&#x2021; 5DLVH DZDUHQHVV RI HWKLFDO LVVXHV WKURXJK enjoyable events throughout the year; Â&#x2021; (QFRXUDJH PRQH\ VDYLQJ DQG HFR IULHQGO\ activities such as double-sided printing and using the Nightbus, ensuring that every student knows how to do this; Â&#x2021; ,PSURYH UHF\FOLQJ IDFLOLWLHV LQ +DOOV RI 5HVLdence; Â&#x2021; 0DNH RXU XQLYHUVLW\ D JUHHQHU DQG KDSSLHU SODFH 9RWH $\VH DQG 5RVLH

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re friendly and approachable, and willing

,QWHUQDWLRQDO 2IÂżFHU Boriss Kaigorodovs & Simon Pieris

Hello there, votersâ&#x20AC;Ś About us: It is Boriss and Simon. Boriss studies Economics and Politics and Simon studies Business Management. Boriss is from a bright and cheerful country of Latvia and Simon is from the exciting city of London, United Kingdom.

2XU XQLRQ V\PEROLVHV ZKDW ZH VWDQG IRU diversity, multiculturalism, equal opportunities and world peace.

Why vote for us? Â&#x2021; :H ZLOO EXLOG D EULGJH EHWZHHQ GLIIHUHQW cultures. Â&#x2021; 0RUH GLYHUVLW\ IRU WKH 8QLYHUVLW\ Â&#x2021; :H SODQ WR JHW D SDJH LQ WKH &RXULHU IRU internationals to share their cultures and experiences. Â&#x2021; 0RUH LQWHJUDWLRQ DQG LQIRUPDWLRQ IRU LQWHUQDWLRQDO VWXGHQWV Â&#x2021; :H ZLOO FRQWLQXH WKH ZRUN RI SUHYLRXV LQWHUQDWLRQDO RIĂ&#x20AC;FHUV Â&#x2021; 0RUH VXSSRUW IRU WKH ,QWHUQDWLRQDO )HVWLYDO DQG HYHQ PRUH QHZ H[LWLQJ HYHQWV Â&#x2021; :H ZLOO PDNH VXUH QHZ VWXGHQWV DGDSW ZHOO to their environment. Â&#x2021; )LQDOO\ ZH DLP WR JHW DOO LQWHUQDWLRQDO VWXGHQWV RXW RI WKHLU KDOOV DQG LQYROYHG And a bit more: 2YHUDOO ZH ZLOO UHSUHVHQW LQWHUQDWLRQDO students with honesty and integrity. We have been passionate about politics since birth and we knew we will be great international ofĂ&#x20AC;FHUV LQ WKH IXWXUH 6R SOHDVH YRWH IRU 6LPRQ DQG %RULVV

Mirzo Gulamov & Izzat Shukurov

Newcastle University. You might recognize us from an international student event we have run under the brand Nations United, organized in collaboration with our opponents to join student societies as a kick-off to Christmas holidays.

As part of our election campaign we vow to actively continue the work of the current ,QWHUQDWLRQDO 2IĂ&#x20AC;FHU DQG WU\ WDNLQJ LW WR WKH next level: playing a more active role by the University in lives of international students.

2XU JRDOV

, KDYH D GUHDP 7KLV LQVSLUDWLRQDO VSHHFK OLW hearts of millions, talking about freedom, democracy and representation; now we bring to your judgment our DREAM. We want to SURYLGH \RX ZLWK WKH )5(('20 RI H[SUHVVLQJ \RXU WKRXJKWV '(02&5$7,&$/ RUJDQL]DWLRQ RI HYHQWV 5(35(6(17$7,21 RI \RXU YLHZV DQG 3527(&7,21 RI \RXU LQWHUHVWV We are Izzat and Lushan, students from Uzbekistan, here today to propose ourselves IRU WKH SRVLWLRQ RI ,QWHUQDWLRQDO 2IĂ&#x20AC;FHUV LQ

Â&#x2021; 2SWLRQDO ZHHNO\ PHHWLQJV RI ,QWHUQDWLRQDO Students with the aim of promoting particular countries; Â&#x2021; 2UJDQL]DWLRQ DQG VXSSRUW RI HYHQWV LQYROYing international students; Â&#x2021; 3URPRWLRQ RI WKH ,QWHUQDWLRQDO )HVWLYDO Â&#x2021; &ORVH FROODERUDWLRQ ZLWK 8QLYHUVLW\ VRFLHties.

We will discuss issues that interest you on a prioritized level. We have a DREAM. Have <28"

THE COURIER Monday 8 March 2010

7

Elections 3RVWJUDGXDWH 2I¿FHU

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