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ISSUE 692 10 DEC 2018 exepose.com @Exepose
THE UNIVERSITY OF EXETER’S INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1987
‘The current situation is a mess’ Guild councillors cite ‘an apparent disdain for student engagement’ Confusion over Guild’s governance Multiple versions of articles of association circulated
Image: Graham Moore
Katie Jenkins Deputy Editor
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ONFUSION reigned at the Guild Council meeting on 7 December after concerns were raised about the legitimacy of the Guild’s constitution. The articles of association currently in circulation with trustees and councillors are not available on the Companies House website. This has led to concerns that they have not been
reported. The last articles to be uploaded to Companies House were in 2010, when the Guild was first incorporated as a company. Although sources have suggested that amendments were made in 2014, these amendments are not accessible on the Companies House website. During the Guild Council meeting, queries were raised about which articles of association the Guild was currently operating under, and if there was any record that they had been passed via a special resolution. The Chair re-
sponded that such questions needed to be referred to the Trustee Board. When asked which version of the articles of association the Trustee Board was operating under, no answer was given. The Chair ultimately closed the meeting, arguing that as the issue was “legally” questionable it needed to be referred to the Trustee Board. The issue has sparked anger amongst councillors. One anonymous Guild councillor claimed that it was a symptom of a “wider underlying issue
MUSIC
cedure, the Guild has really outdone itself with this one. They’ve abysmally failed by not filing those memorandum and articles of association with Companies House.” Speaking in response to the claims, a spokesperson for the Guild stated: “We are aware of some confusion that occurred at today’s Guild Council. We are working with the elected Chair and other representatives to improve their understanding of the applicable governing documents so that the...
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‘TIS THE SEASON
The 2018 retrospective: our top 10 albums pages 26-27
with student democracy at present. “The current situation is a mess. There are wild inconsistencies within Guild procedure [and] an apparent disdain for student engagement, potentially caused by the Guild attitude at present. “I think it’s illustrative of a general issue the Guild has in communicating by making rules and procedures so opaque that it undermines the ability of even engaged students to influence Guild policy.” Another argued: “In terms of pro-
The Exeposé guide to Christmas
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News Editors Print: Gwyn Wright Online: Edd Church & Hannah Stevenson news@exepose.com
Features Editors Print: Niamh Elstone & Neha Shaji Online: Chloë Edwards & Bryan Knight Foreign Correspondents Co-ordinator: Ellie Cook features@exepose.com
Arts + Lit Editors Print: Lauren Newman & Tabi Scott Online: Emily Pirie & Kristina Werner artsandlit@exepose.com Music Editors Print: Aaron Loose & Alex Wingrave Online: Bryony Gooch & Jaysim Hanspal music@exepose.com Screen Editors Print: Ben Faulkner & Chloe Kennedy Online: Harry Caton & David Conway screen@exepose.com Science Editors Print: Scarlett Parr-Reid Online: Lara Andreski & Finn Candy sciandtech@exepose.com Sport Editors Print: René Bahar & Josh Brown Online: Luke Clarkson & Ben Hart sport@exepose.com Chief Photographer Chelsea Lee photography@exepose.com Copy Editors Peter Firth, Charlotte Forrester & William Harrop Proofers William Harrop, renebahar, Samuel Thomson, Penny Dinh, Maddie Baker, Stephen Ong, Daina Auzins, Dorothea 'Christmas' Christmann, Tabi Scott, Sarosha Byrne, Louis Donohoe, Harry '#baked' Caton, Feliz Navidaddy, Richard Ainslie, Roger Collins, Richard Fletcher, Charlotte Forrester, Bryony Gooch, Deeper Lalwané, Aléx Wíngrávé, Aaron 'Pepper' Loose, Daniel Davis.
@exepose facebook.com/exepose issuu.com/exepose Advertising Kate Watkins kate.watkins@exeterguild.com (01392) 722607 The opinions expressed in Exeposé are not necessarily those of the Exeposé Editors nor the University of Exeter Students’ Guild. While every care is taken to ensure that the information in this publication is correct and accurate, the Publisher can accept no liability for any consequential loss or damage, however caused, arising as a result of using the information printed. The Publisher cannot accept liability for any loss or damage to artwork or material submitted. The contents of this, unless stated otherwise, are copyright of the Publisher. Reproduction in any form requires the prior consent of the Publisher.
Fire at The Barn student accommodation PAGE 4
COMMENT
How to deal with January exams PAGE 9
FEATURES Hungary legislates to prevent rough sleeping PAGE 11
SCIENCE Rumble in the jungle: the impact of Amazon deforestation
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Lifestyle Editors Print: Bethan Gilson & Rhiannon Moore Online: Katie Baker & Rowan Keith lifestyle@exepose.com
In need of gift ideas? How about activities, trivia and, most importantly, our editors' advice on surviving a family holiday? Our editorial team has been working all week, between essay deadlines, to create our Guide to Christmas, where you'll find, well, all of the above. Now that's what we call a stocking filler. So here's how we see the next few weeks going: since it's Christmas, and you'll listen to a lot of Bublé (see Music's retrospective on page 24). Then you'll eventually get sick of Christmas music - even though you'll never admit it - so we suggest taking a listen back through the past year, as we give you a comprehensive guide to 2018's best albums (pages 25-26). Or perhaps you have a family tradition of settling down, once stuffed full of festive fare, in front of a film? Then say no more, for there's a present under yonder tree just for you - our Screen writers have wrapped up a wonderful guide to 2018's best films, from Marvel to Wes Anderson (page 28). Maybe you're in a more giving spirit this Christmas; if so, Arts + Lit give an incisive look at how the arts can be used for charitable causes (page 21). That not enough for you? Then allow us to light up those dark winter days, as Science examines how the wide range of heliophysical phenomena can affect us all the way down on Earth (page 35). What more do you want? Love? Awkward student sexual tension? (Weird Christmas list, but okay.) Because Comment also have a review of RAG's 'Take Me Out' event, hosted by our very own online Editors (page 8). No likey, no (Christmas) lightey.
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Comment Editors Print: Isabelle Gray & Deepa Lalwani Online: Bea Fones & Josh Gammage comment@exepose.com
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O this is the end of term one, and what have you done? Another year's over, and a new one's about to begin (and there will be just as many deadlines, as well as an exam period shortly afterwards!). So what have you been up to this term? Racking up a long list of inspirations for New Year's Resolutions, perhaps? Before you give in to that pressing urge to join ESV next term (which you are welcome to do, of course!), or indeed the dreaded gym, how about starting by taking some time to think about whoever has gone out of their way to help you this term? Be it the flatmate who bakes for you every week, the staff member who helped you navigate some complicated paperwork, or maybe the 'mum' of your friend group, we all have people in our life who deserve a little love this festive period. In our cases, we've had a tutor who went out of their way to catch us up on classes; a lovely and supportive editorial team who've helped us get through some of those late nights working; a housemate who went that extra mile when you were feeling down. The festive season may be a time for presents and turkey (vegetarian options also available), but there's more to it than that - it's a time to come together and celebrate the people who we care about. So go, eat mince pies, and be merry. Regardless of what your winter will look like, here at Exeposé we hope that you manage to take a break. Exam revision? Not as important as your own physical and mental wellbeing. The festive period isn't all holly and ivy for everyone, but if you're feeling a little snowed under this year then let Lifestyle (page 18) talk you through it, as we discuss loneliness and health issues. They also ask: how can we celebrate Christmas in an eco-friendly way?
NEWS
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Editors Print: Megan Davies & Graham Moore Deputy: Fenton Christmas & Katie Jenkins Online: Harry Bunting & Natalie Keffler editors@exepose.com
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CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE! There are even more great articl es on the Exeposé website. From the latest university news to current affairs, music and theatr e reviews and more, visit us at www.exepose.com
Merry Christmas, ya filthy animals! Megan and Graham.
Worldwide university news UCAS questions unconditional offers
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NEW analysis by UCAS has raised questions over the use of unconditional offers. Figures show that a third of 18-year-old applicants received unconditional offers last year. According to ASCL general secretary Geoff Barton, unconditional offers can force students to choose an “unsuitable course which they later regret”. This is due to the fact that ‘conditional unconditional’ offers must be placed as a firm choice to become unconditional. Furthermore, Barton claims the practice “is driven by market forces rather than by educational considerations”. However, UCAS claims the offers can be useful in some instances, such as for creative arts courses where there is a focus on portfolios. They also claim unconditional offers can improve wellbeing as having a confirmed place may alleviate stress.
Hungarian university 'evicted' from country
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HE Central European University (CEU) has been ‘evicted’ from its campus within Budapest following increasingly tense negotiations between the CEU and the Hungarian government. The decision has come after the Hungarian Government refused to ratify an agreement made in April 2017 which restricted US academic programmes from taking place within Hungary’s capital: a key component of the CEU’s funding and operation. The instatement of the law was met with much public protest and saw international academic backlash. CEU honorary chairman George Soros called the eviction of the CEU from Hungary “an unprecedented attack”. The institution is expected to move its campus from Budapest to Vienna in September 2019.
Students killed by police in DRC
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MNESTY International warned on 21 November that the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s (DRC) upcoming election will take place in a “hostile political environment”, after two students at the University of Kinshasa were killed by police during protests last month. Despite live ammunition being illegal on DRC university campuses, Hyacinthe Kimbafu died in hospital on 15 November. In protests over Kimbafu’s murder, fellow student Rodrigue Eliwo was also killed. Subsequent reports that Kinshasa has been unfairly occupied by security forces since uprisings in 2015 have also led various social justice organisations to call for police-free campuses. The students’ deaths have fed demands for DRC’s universities to have more autonomy from the government: an issue on which a lecturers’ strike has been ongoing since 8 October.
Derby postgrad killed in road accident
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POSTGRADUATE English student who was studying at Derby University was killed in a road accident on Friday 30th Novemeber. The road of the incident was barricaded off for 7 hours whilst the police carried out their investigation, and on Saturday 1st, Derbyshire police named Chloe Hufton, 26, as the pedestrian who died following the collision. Since the incident, a 33-year-old man has been arrested and released whilst the inquiries continue. A tribute to Hufton has been arranged near a road sign on the road of the event. Colleagues of Chloe, expressed their sorrow to her devastating death, describing her as “a shining star, loved by all of her colleagues and our customers here at The Old Bell.''
Stories by Louis Donohoe, Daisy Saunders, Emma Hussain and Kamila Bell Images: ALDE Communication, Humphrey J. L. Boyelo
News
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NEWS EDITOR: Gwyn Wright
Students participate in Silent Suitcase protests
Hannah Stevenson Online News Editor
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TUDENTS participated in a nationwide protest on Monday 26 November, supporting the decriminalisation of abortion in Northern Ireland.
Northern Ireland is still governed by one of the harshest abortion laws in the world
They also collected signatures for a petition demanding the decriminalisation of abortion in Northern Ireland. A total of almost 400 signatures were collected throughout the day. Students were also asked to write messages of support and solidarity for Northern Irish women who are affected by current legislation. The current law in Northern Ireland makes it illegal for women to have an abortion under almost any circumstance, including those where the pregnancy is the
result of incest or rape, or where the foetus has a fatal abnormality which means it will be unable to survive outside of the womb. As a result of the law, hundreds of women every year are forced to travel to different parts of the UK, namely England and Wales, in order to safely terminate their pregnancies. In 2017, there were at least 919 recorded instances of women doing so. The event, which also involved students from the University of Exeter’s
FemSoc and the Labour Society, was part of a coordinated nationwide student protest against these laws. Other universities in which Amnesty Groups staged similar protests include Bristol, Durham, Edinburgh, Royal Holloway, Dundee and Sheffield. Speaking of the protest, President of Exeter University Amnesty Group, Charlotte Darnell, commented; “Northern Ireland is still governed by one of the harshest abortion laws in the world.
Charlotte Darnell, Exeter University Amnesty Group President
The University of Exeter’s Amnesty International Group joined with students at other universities across the UK to stage a coordinated silent ‘suitcase’ protest. The main event of the day consisted in participants standing around a suitcase, which represented the journey made by hundreds of Northern Irish women every year in order to have access to safe abortions. Protesters stood in silence, many of them holding placards with slogans reading ‘Now #ItsTime’. The protest took place in The Forum during the middle of the day, and lasted fifteen minutes.
Women face prison sentences for accessing services that are freely available to all other women in the UK. “Every year, around a thousand women have to pack a suitcase and take plane journeys to have an abortion in Englandforced through this difficult exeperience away from home and family. This is the reality for women living in Northern Ireland, including those who chose to study there.”
Knowing that others [...] will not accept this injustice means a lot to women
Grianne Teggart, Amnesty International campaign manager NI
Image: Sophie Veitch
“That’s why we joined students from around the UK and Ireland to stand with our peers in Northern Ireland”. Amnesty International’s Campaign Manager for Northern Ireland, Grainne Teggart, praised the effort of students across the country: “Knowing that others across the UK and Ireland will not accept this injustic means a lot to women here who are impacted by the law and who are campaigning every day for its change.”
Students show solidarity with Students raise awareness of homelessness Palestinian people
Neha Shaji Features Editor
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GROUP of students in support of Palestine conducted a banner drop in the Forum on Thursday the 29th of November, whilst a Friends of Israel stall promoted Israeli products a floor below. The students, who supported a “free Palestine”, were grouped around the mezzanine balcony, holding up banners with Palestinian flags and banners declaring “Hands Off Jerusalem” and “Apartheid Off Campus”. Gabriel, a PhD student at the Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies and one of the organisers of the banner drop protest, told Exeposé that it was an “independent action from supporters of Palestine” scheduled for the United Nations day of solidarity with the Palestinian people. The protestors conducted chants such as “Free, Free Palestine” and short speeches on the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanction undertaking which is a global pressure movement to boycott
Israeli goods. The students would then tion. Gabriel continued to inform Exjoin a Friends of Palestine demonstration which had speakers from the society eposé that the demonstration was to and Palestinian students at the University. raise awareness of human rights for the Palestinian people, as well as “to Also present in the Forum campaign for an end to [Exwere the Friends of Israel eter’s] research with BAE, Society, who were runQinetiQ, and all comning a Boycott Busters panies involved in the event showcasing Israearms trade.” He also li products and goods. asserts that Friends of Benjy Zeffertt, the Israel “chose this day President of Friends of deliberately, as it was the Israel, informed Exeposé U.N. Day of Solidarity with that they were “showing that Image: Neha Shaji Palestinian people.” a boycott is not necessary of IsAs this unfolded, the Evangelical raeli goods, some of these products are just so important to our daily lives and Christian Union (ECU) were singing we’re just saying that a boycott isn’t nec- Christmas carols broadcast by Xpresessarily the way, we’re not here to neces- sionFM’s Devon Rape Crisis fundraising sarily talk politics, it’s about culture.” He event. Alex Williams, the president of said that “[they were] not aware of the the ECU, said that “there wasn’t much Palestine demonstration or banner drop, disruption, we had a mic, we were here it’s their right to free speech.” The two to sing and let people know the news groups were not seen to interact within that Jesus Christ was born, and that He is the Forum, however some dialogue was here to bring peace to nations that would observed outside during the demonstra- otherwise be at conflict.”
Natalie Keffler Online Editor
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WO third year students have recently begun the project ‘Home to Homeless UK’, which is being created with the intention of raising further awareness of homelessness in Exeter and Taunton. As temperatures continue to drop, the importance to stay warm becomes increasingly important. The students, Olivia Mansfield-Carter and Jessie Cartwright, have taken the ‘I am not lost’ scarf project, a concept used across the country and continued it in Exeter. The idea being to tie scarves around the city, inviting those who are homeless to take
them. Before starting the project, Mansfield-Carter said that they did a survey that showed that despite the people OF Exeter being aware of the homelessness issue that the city faces, many still would not approach a homeless person, and were unaware of the current charities in Exeter that exist to help the homeless. Therefore, as well as posting pictures of the scarves they have tied around the city on their Instagram, which can be found under ‘home.to.homeless.uk’, they are also using their page to promote a variety of charities around Exeter already doing great work for homeless people, including Just Love Exeter and St Petrock’s.
Image: avi_acl / Pixabay
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10 DEC 2018 | EXEPOSÉ
NEWS
Reindeer can’t see red, study reveals Gwyn Wright News Editor
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T appears to be unlikely that Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer was bullied for his red nose, because University of Exeter scientists have revealed that reindeer cannot see red. The scientists have revealed that reindeer lack the necessary colourdetecting cells to see red. They also lack the ability to see orange, which would have made them unable to see carrots. The researchers found that the eyesight of reindeer is similar to that of dogs, who lack the ability to dif-
ferentiate between red, orange and green. Professor Martin Sirens, of the Centre for Ecology and Conservation at the University of Exeter’s Penryn Campus, said: ‘‘Reindeer can’t see red light or the difference between red, orange and green. ‘‘So they won’t be able to see the red or Rudolph’s nose or the orange of carrots. ‘‘However, they do have ultraviolet vision, and can use this to see lichen hidden in the snow in the Arctic, and potentially even spot white wolves or other predators because because fur absorbs UV light whereas snow reflects UV light.
Guild governance in question CONTINUED FROM FRONT ...students are empowered to make the decisions in line with these documents. “The differences between the articles of association filed with Companies House, and other draft versions that are in circulation have no material impact on the ability of Guild Council to perform their role within the governance of the Guild.” The spokesperson also raised queries about the accusations levelled by the councillors: “[Their] comments are presented without evidence and we would encourage them to engage
in a constructive way to resolve any perceived issues, rather than trying to frustrate the work of their peers in improving the governance of the organisation, which was the main agenda item of today’s meeting.” It is currently unknown as to whether the amended articles of association were uploaded to the Companies House website and are simply unable to view. Exeposé has reached out to Companies House for further clarification about the current registration status of the Guild and the repercussions of unreported amendments. At the time
Image: Graham Moore
Image: Heather Sunderland / Flickr
Students evacuated after mattress fire in halls Gwyn Wright News Editor
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A 19 year old man and a 19 year old woman [...] have been arrested on suspicion of arson
building at around 9pm and returned to the building at around 11.30pm. Four fire crews were sent to the scene and up to 50 students, many of whom were in pyjamas, were left huddling in the street before being told to shelter in the nearby Monkey Suit bar. Others waited at bus stops or went to nearny friends’ houses. During the course of the fire, students expressed concerns about when they would be let back in and about
Uni joins campaign against cyber attacks
the response of students’ who were returning or set to return from a night out. Others were concerned about how they would retrieve university work that was due the subsequent morning. Arround 150 students live in the new halls on Cheeke Street, which are owned and managed by university partners’ Fresh Student Living. They cost students’ £3,385 per student for 43 weeks. Image: Fresh Student Living
TUDENTS were evacuated from The Barn accomodation in the evening of Tuesday 4 December after a mattress fire started on an unoccupied floor of the building. Firefighters confirmed the following day that the fire was started deliberately. A man and a woman who have no connection with the University of Exeter were arrested on Wednesday 6 October in relation to the incident. A police spokesperson said: ‘‘Officers continue to investigate the circumastaces surrounding the fire at the Barn student accomodation near Exeter City Centre.
Jodie Coughlan News Team
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HE University of Exeter is one of the original signatories of President Macron’s campaign ‘Paris Call for Trust and Security in Cyberspace’. The campaign, which also involves governments around the world as well as technology companies, invites signatories to collaborate with the aim of forging a more open, peaceful and secure cyberspace. Signatories are committed to preventing malicious cyber activities; protect the general availability and integrity of the internet; cooperate to prevent malign interferences in electoral processes; work together against ICT-
Police spokesperson
‘‘A 19-year old man from Whipon Barton and a 19-year old woman from the St David’s area of Exeter have been arrested on suspicion of arson.’’ Students were evacuated from the
of printing, they were unable to comment. Companies House is the UK’s official company registrar working alongside the government. As the specific regulations for a company’s operation, articles of association are integral components in a company’s constitution. Official guidelines from Companies House state that any changes to the constitution must be sent to the them along with a copy of the articles of association and any newly passed resolutions. These must be sent within 15 days of their being passed.
Image: Joseph Eddins (US Department of Defence)
enabled theft of intellectual property; prevent the proliferation of malicious tools and techniques; and increase the security of ICT products and services. They have also agreed that international law and human rights law is applicable in cyberspace and that people’s rights must be protected online. Professor Debra Myhill, Pro-ViceChancellor and Executive Dean of the College of Social Sciences and International Studies said: “We are proud that the University of Exeter is among the original signatories of this multistakeholder commitment to enhancing international security and personal well-being, which in turn fosters the advancement of values this University holds dear.”
NEWS
EXEPOSÉ | 10 DEC 2018
Hannah Seeckts News Team
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XPERTS at the University of Exeter and Asylum Aid have been working together to create a video to help people seeking asylum prepare for appeal hearings. The animated video created by the University and Asylum Aid is designed to provide people with what to expect before, during and after a hearing in a digestible format. By gaining further understanding and more confidence, applicants can provide clearer information for their case.
The aim of this video is to explain the process so that people can get the best evidence at hearing Professor Nick Gill
The video is currently only available in English, but its producers are seeking to raise funds to translate it into 14 other languages. Asylum applications are first considered by the Home Office and, if
denied, the applicant can appeal, and a tribunal hearing is then held. For many seeking asylum, this is a daunting prospect as most asylum seekers do not understand English fluently and are unaware of help available to them, such as the right to ask for a free interpreter in a hearing. After watching the video, one man with tribunal experience said ‘‘If I was seeing this video I would have been feeling more confident.’’ Another added: “Being told is not enough, knowing what it looks like is helpful.” Professor Nick Gill of the University of Exeter said: “We have watched many tribunal heatings and spoken to many applicants, but they are often very confused about the process.’ ‘‘One person told them they thought that their hearing was a practice, and that the real thing was still to come. “Because hearings are held in a room with lawyers and a hidge, many associate it with being a criminal, which can be stressful. ‘‘The aim of this video is to explain the process so that peoople can give their best evidence at a hearing.’’
Devon and Cornwall Police now recording gender-based hate crime Hannah Stevenson Online News Editor
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EVON and Cornwall police have become the latest UK police force to begin to record gender-based hate crimes. Gender-based hate crimes are those motivated by hatred for a person based on their sex or gender. They hope that by gathering this data, the scale of the issue can be better understood, and that more effective solutions may be developed to tackle it. There has been a consistent rise in hate crime across England and Wales since 2011, with the total number of offences increasing by 17% between 2016/17 and 2017/18 according to Home Office Statistics. During this time, there was also a 32% increase in transgender-based hate crime. Police will not only record hate crimes, but hate incidents- those which aren’t legally considered criminal, but still motivated by hate. Shaun Sawyer, Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall Police, said: “We are committed to investigating all forms of hate crime and sex and gender hate crimes are no more or less
important for DCP than other hate crimes related to race, disability or sexual orientation.’’ ‘‘Hate crime is a serious matter and and one that continues to be a priority for Devon and Cornwall Police.’’ “Gender and sexist hate crime (misogyny and misandry) cause great
distress to victims and we recognise that the trauma for victims can be life changing” ‘‘We will also be recording hate incidents; those incidents which are not crimes under the law but which are motivated by hate and can cause great distress to victims.’’
Image: ExeterDaily0 (Pixabay)
Uni launches video to help asylum applicants
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Films about teen pregnancy and Mixed reaction to estranged families win Phoenix awards Brexit demonstration
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ILMS about teenage pregnancy and stories about estranged families won prizes at the Two Short Nights Film Festival on 28-30 November. Director Kyla Simone Bruce won the Best Short Film award for Mercury, a 14-minute story about teenage pregnancy with an estimated £20,000 budget. Bruce has also directed films such as The Interpreter, which was nominated for
the British Universities Film and Television Council LOS awards in 2014. Meanwhile, Exeter filmmaker Tommy Gillard won the Audience Choice Award for Cut From Cloth, a film about an estranged family. Two Short Nights is Exeter Phoenix’s annual short film festival, and every year sees talented film makers celebrated for the work they do. Bruce and Gillard both won a sculpted award and creative software from red Giant and Magic base. They have now also been given ac-
cess to various support and opportunities at Exeter Phoenix for help with their future projects. This year, the festival held host to international and local creations, and the 48 Hour Film Challenge—giving people one weekend to create own short films. A Live Pitch event was also held, which saw a documentary idea, Åland by creator Joe Auborn, win £1000. Exeter Phoenix’s film commissions will also give out over £10,000 of grants - the applications for which opened during Two Short Nights.
Gwyn Wright News Editor
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SMALL pro-Brexit demonstration took place in Exeter town centre on Saturday 1st December, at which Katie Hopkins was present. There have been reports that as few as 20 people were present at the march.
There were about 20 or so of her supporters there. Some were frienldy, others less so
Exeter Students for Europe
The marchers expressed dissatissfaction with the deal that Theresa
Image: Derek Harper
Edd Church Online News Editor
May agreed with the European Union, and suggested a no-deal Brexit would be an acceptable outcome. Councillor Brenan, who is a Labour Councillor for the Heavitree and Whippon Barton ward, protested and branded Hopkins “a racist”, and could be seen interupting Hopkins during a video where she said of Hopkins: ‘‘she’s a raicst woman that no one wants to hear from.’’ Exeter Students for Europe told Exeposé: ‘‘There were about 20 or so of her supporters there. We stayed for about an hour chatting with themsome were friendly and some were less so.’ ‘‘The protesters were all against May’s deal, with many having different ideas about the details of the WTO terms and the Irish backstop.”
Image: Tash Ebbutt
Hailey .M Tshuma National Union of Students exp: 09/09/19
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EXEPOSÉ | 10 DEC 2018
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Comment
COMMENT EDITORS:
Isabelle Gray Deepa Lalwani
Christmas ballers
Alicia Rees Contributor
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HRISTMAS time, mistletoe and wine, rugby boys chundering by nine. It’s Christmas Ball season. From a casual pub dinner to a fullyfledged three course meal with accompanying music, almost every society will hold an event to celebrate. The price for such balls can be anywhere between £20 and £40, and at the end of term when student loans are running dangerously low, it can seem a mystery as to why these balls are perpetually sold out.
I always welcome a chance to get my glad-rags on But most people have major FOMO. Professional photographs splashed across Facebook, bonds formed that will never be broken, even tables of people deemed to be the most ‘fire’ in the society. For some people, balls can be a hotbed
of cliquey-ness. For the money you pay, you don’t get a bad deal. Three courses, half a bottle of wine, some jazzy tunes, and some pretty decorations. There’s usually some kind of awards ceremony and personalised memento which is always welcome. And yes, I always welcome a chance to get my glad-rags on. Ball attire doesn’t come without its stresses though; heels being kryptonite, and Exeter’s hills require Bear Grylls style walking boots. So alas, the question of a taxi is introduced. Not only have you forked out for a new frock, covered your feet in Compeed, and chugged a bottle of rosé, but you now have to negotiate the taxi service. Not ideal. When it comes to drunkards, balls are full of them. My top tip? Drink red wine. Hardly anyone picks red, so you can stretch that half a bottle to around two bottles if you’ve got the balls to. Wait
until the meal has finished and then, like a vulture on the savannah, rescue unwanted bottles of red from empty tables. It’s surprisingly efficient - one ball last year is a complete blur for me
for this exImage: Ross Companies act reason. However, intense wine theft does result in some casualties. Before the main had been served, someone will probably have vomited across the floor. Tales of drunken debauchery from some balls are verging on the un-
THE SABB believable. My flatmate in first year spent the last 75% of one event vomiting after downing 11 or 12 drinks. If you’re planning on hitting the club after the ball, take spare shoes. After my first ball, I attempted Unit 1 in stilettos. If it wasn’t for a dear pal of mine agreeing to go home and get me trainers, I would have literally died. I will forever be in debt to him. But go out in your ball outfit! You’ve made all this effort to suit up or find a dress, bloody well show it off - chuck on a pair of New Balance and you’re South-West London edgy. You’ll be surprised how many drinks you get bought whilst suited and booted. Balls aren’t all bad, they are a good way to celebrate the end of a hard term with friends. They can be fun and if you want to go, go. Don’t be scared about going on your own, social secs work really hard to ensure everyone is sat with someone they are familiar with and well, if you can’t make friends at a ball when can you? Enjoy them whilst you can; I don’t think graduate life offers as many opportunities to get shit-faced before 8pm whilst wearing six layers of tulle. Enjoy.
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They did surgery on a grape
Edd Church Online News Editor
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HEY did surgery on a grape. They did surgery on a grape. Surgery was performed, and the subject of said surgery was none other than a grape. This meme is part of an internet tradition of ‘shitpost’: absurdist humour which doesn’t have a distinct punchline or even overt comedy to it. The newfound popularity of a fairly obscure, one-year old news clip depicting the power of cutting-edge medical technology truly is a testament to how bizarre the internet has become. The spiritual successor to other recent ‘shitpost’ phenomena such as the ‘E’ meme, PS1 Hagrid, and deep-fried Family Guy screencaps, ‘they did surgery on a grape’ has no reason to be funny. Rather, its total lack of a punchline or justification of its existence yet simultaneous ability to leave me giggling gives it a special place in my heart. A primary use for the meme is as an unexpected non-sequitur. Much like the long-dead Palpameme ‘did you
ever hear the tragedy of Darth Plagueis the Wise?’, the topic of grape surgery is the perfect greeting or farewell for that conversation you wish to duck out of. Who needs mic drops? Who needs wit? I certainly don’t need, nor possess, either of these things, and I get by in a perfectly mediocre fashion.
They did surgery on a grape ‘They did surgery on a grape’ has been pioneered by meme accounts and has received mixed opinions. “Why is it even funny?”, one friend exclaimed. “They should do surgery on you to prevent you from saying that Godforsaken phrase”, the uncultured of the world have heckled. As with most absurdist and subversive comedy, shitpost is something which is both hard to define and to explain. While our beloved fruity meme is less than a month old, its origin is nearly a decade old. On 11 August 2010, a very 2010era YouTube video by Edward Hospital, Illinois, was uploaded. Complete with the
blue background-white text intro taken straight from Windows Movie Maker, the video depicts a ‘da Vinci Surgical System’ peeling and digging into a grape in order to show off its technical ability. Flash-forward seven years to 1 August 2017, when the website Cheddar tweeted the same video with the caption, ‘they did surgery on a grape’. In a display of the wonders of twenty first-century technology, a year and a half later various Twitter users overlayed the caption ‘they did surgery on a grape’ in different forms over a screenshot of the image. Thus, the meme was born. Since the first iterations of the meme, spin-offs and crossovers with other memes have cropped up. From ‘Loss’ to the ‘you’ve been in a coma’: you name it, it’s now been done. What is so indestructible about this low-hanging fruit is that its simplicity
o Me m f m o th e n e th
and asinine nature is its own defence what can a person possibly do against a meme which has no substance? Take the following scenario: your dank, edgy self-appointed memelord flatmate walks into your first-year kitchen, singing the praises of his most recently-achieved Reddit Gold and thus reaffirmed status of comedy genius. You utter to Terry (his name is Terry, by the way), “they did surgery on a grape” The wise young man sighs. “Oh, you’re not still on that one, are you?”. “Terry. They did surgery on a grape.” “Stop it.” “They did surgery on a grape.” Terry, a single tear rolling down his cheek, says, “No. I can’t do this anymore.” You don’t stop staring deep into Terry’s self-stated intellectual eyes. “I’ve heard distinct, ineffable reports that they did surgery on a grape.” Terry cries and promises he will do his dishes from now on, and that you are the new meme-master of the block. Either that, or he’ll bludgeon you with a frying pan. Image: Suju / Pixabay; Wikimedia Commons
Josip Martinčić VP Postgraduate
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WARM hello to all the readers from your VP Postgraduate. It has been a busy term for me as a part-time Sabb working 20 hours a week, while also being a full-time student. But I have loved every moment of it. It has been great to get to know the thriving community of Exeter postgraduates, a truly diverse and passionate group of individuals. I am new to the University and everyone at this fun and engaged University is brilliant to work with. To give you an idea of what I’ve been up to these past few weeks, I thought it would be useful to quickly run through the meetings I attended or chaired. There have been several PGR specific working groups, such as the Research-Inspired Learning Steering Group, and the Research Ethics Working Group. I chaired the PGR Executive which had recordbreaking attendance. We were able to answer a lot of questions across the colleges, bringing together the community of PGRs. An example of this would be the issue of Teaching Assistant contracts, which the Guild with the help of the Doctoral College was able to address by bringing the University’s Deputy Registrar and Head of People Services, Jacqui Marshall, to answer everyone’s questions as a cohort. My manifesto points and pledges are all already being addressed. I promised to have a University-wide overview of the PG representation system, which I have been working on with Guild staff members. What this has meant is that we were able to create a universal role description and list of expectations for roles, making the system more transparent and functional. Another pledge was to work on PG wellbeing, which the VP Welfare and I have been championing this term. We have created a PGR Health and Wellbeing survey with the help of the Doctoral College which will give us useful data to instigate integral change. It is obvious that in this role that it’s important to work together. My PVP PGT Tom Allars and I are a tight team, and the same is true for the whole Sabbatical office and with the Doctoral College and representatives. We are all working together towards the same goal and recognise the importance of cooperation. I look forward to creating even more positive change, even more transparency and even fairer representation in the new year. Enjoy your Winter break everyone!
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COMMENT
10 DEC 2018 | EXEPOSÉ
Picking up the pen again Flo Garnett Contributor
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RIDAY afternoon arrives and whilst everyone is preparing for the weekend, I conjure up the energy to take on the final seminar of the week. I arrive only to be greeted by a collection of faces exhibiting a similar look to those in the waiting room at the dentist; hardly enthusiastic at the prospect of a two-hour discussion on poetic metre. Fast forward twenty minutes and having attempted to jot down a few points of interest here and there, I see the mouse of a fellow student to my left veer dangerously towards the tab upon which is emblazoned that ever inviting blue ‘F’ icon. After a couple of minutes of flirting with the idea, the prospect of perusing social media is too enticing, and the deed is finally done. A domino effect ripples through the room: Microsoft Word disappears, and Facebook launches onto everyone’s screens. Animated discussion lapses into deflated conversation, which proceeds to further deteriorate,
at which point our ever-enthusiastic tutor is left to talk to himself. Ofcom recently published the terrifying statistic that adults in the UK spend an average of eight hours and 41 minutes a day on media devices. Should all our electronic appliances be confiscated tomorrow, university life would undeniably be drastically different: no JSTOR, no WordReference, definitely no SparkNotes and of course no Facebook, Snapchat, Twitter, Instagram – the list goes on.
The prospect of perusing social media is too enticing
However, given that our daily dosage of screen time is already so high, it seems counter-productive that instead of showing interest in participating in the already limited number of seminars we have, we all immediately reach to our bags for our laptops and proceed to deny the opportunity for faceto-face conversation, instead reverting to the comfort of a superficial digital discourse.
A friend was recently challenged with going it alone after his coffee emptied itself into his rucksack (anyone’s nightmare – not to mention it was on his birthday), and he was left to struggle through a seminar without his beloved laptop to which the caffeine had been particularly unkind. He spent the initial ten minutes of our seminar displaying a deer-inheadlights look, shuffling uncomfortably on his seat with no screen to hide behind. When a question was then posed to the group, glancing around at the rest of us it occurred to him that it would be up to him to relieve us of the painful silence; the remainder of the group had all begun to type away furiously, endeavouring to appear studious whilst many were in fact attempting to desperately bag the last pair of Nikes in a size 6 as Black Friday came to a close. A conversation then ensued between my friend and the seminar leader, one which he may have initially felt coerced into participating in, but that proceeded to develop into a compel-
ling discussion which continued for the duration of the seminar. An hour later the seminar was adjourned, and he turned to me and gave a sigh of relief. It was evident, then, that he was
Image: Sandra Fauconnier
feeling immensely satisfied at having not only survived the spotlight but also at the feat of supplying conversation for so long, whilst those who left with an empty Word document were
now looking a little sheepish and mildly stressed at the prospect of a weekend tasked with catching up. We all like to think we can multitask; unfortunately only a measly 2% of people can do so successfully - replying to the email that’s remained unopened for weeks whilst watching back yesterday’s lecture might no longer seem like such a good idea. Research has proven that women are more capable of juggling multiple tasks (sorry, boys) but that still doesn’t mean we’re actually any good at it. Whilst it is clear that for most a laptop is indispensable in facilitating university life, by making the effort to go to a seminar we’ve somehow deceived ourselves into thinking that the hard work is already done, when in fact the only point of going is really to engage, not to scroll through ASOS. Perhaps it is at this point that we need to take on the challenge of becoming ‘monotaskers’, a mission that would be made easy in seminars should we revert back to the classic duo of pen and paper.
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Review: RAG does Take Me Out
Deepa Lalwani Comment Editor
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F you’ve never seen Take Me Out, let me preface this by summarising the show – this pinnacle of television sees single guys paired up with single girls, the haunting repetition of the phrase ‘no lighty no likey’, and, of course, the ever-charismatic Paddy McGuinness. Place this already thrilling concept in the context of the Lemmy, RAG raising money for Movember, and the iconic duo of Exeposé’s very own Online Editors as presenters, and you’ve got yourself some solid Monday night entertainment. Co-host Natalie Keffler said that presenting the event was “highly entertaining”, particularly due to the “added aspect of the girls popping balloons instead of turning off lights”. Unlike most Lemmy events, this one was well-attended – probably due to the combination of it being for charity, as well as the fact that 90% of the crowd was there to heckle their friends onstage. A flashy slideshow and some of the newly refurbished lights signalled the beginning of the evening, and a stream of single girls entered
the spotlight. In true student spirit, most of them claimed to be there for the opportunity of a free meal, though some said that they were looking for love – personally, I’m sceptical about whether any of them actually found it. The first eligible bachelor seemed nice enough (despite some negative comments from the girls about his shoes) after five minutes, pretty much every girl had popped their balloons, looking decidedly unimpressed. He did get a date though – “You’re off to the Isle of Bill’s!” and a shared look of relief from the hosts saw the couImage: Hans ple on their way / Pixabay offstage. Here’s where it gets interesting. The second guy walked (stumbled) up, complete with a dazed look and a man-bun to boot. It became
clear from his video clip that he was there because his friends signed him up – understandable – and that, when it comes to women, he doesn’t have the greatest of track records. His video concluded with the extremely worrying implication that he would sleep with a dead person (To paraphrase: “What are you looking for in a woman?” “I dunno, a pulse? Don’t even need that, really.”). What was even more concerning was that, even after this revelation, this man still had several potential date options – though I suppose the standard had just been lowered accordingly after the first contender. Following an absolute tragedy of a card trick attempt in which the man in question repeatedly mumbled, “I’m just a bit tipsy” (a vast understate-
ment), and was told no less than three times to stop swearing, a girl finally took pity and said she’d go on a date with him for the free food. Man-bun practically fell off the stage, reclaiming his beer cans and disappearing out of view, and with that shambolic performance, the first half of the evening came to the end.
In true student spirit, most claimed to be there for the free food
After a short pause in which the organisers could be glimpsed looking wearily amused, we returned to our seats, overpriced Lemmy drinks in hand. With a stroke of luck, two more single men were sourced from the crowd – for whatever reason, they proved a lot more popular than the original ones, probably because they didn’t have weird shoes and weren’t completely inebriated. There was even some reverse balloon-popping, where the final couple was decided by the question-asking man – I’ve never thought about what colour VK I most identify with, but let me tell you, these women were prepared.
The last single man was quite literally the epitome of the ‘Exetah’ stereotype, from his accent to his highdefinition video. There was a mildly alarming clip of his mum referring to him as “very fit”, but most of the single women chose to gloss over this, falling for the Exetah lad’s penchant for Gossip Girl. Or, perhaps, they were looking at the background of his mother’s video, which admittedly made his large country house look like a very nice place to live. Whatever the case, a couple was soon formed and swept off to the Isle of Bill’s with the others. I’m not overly convinced any of these pairings will be loved up for longer than the free meals they were promised, but the night was certainly entertaining – and it was for charity, so what’s not to love? Co-presenter Harry Bunting summed up the evening best: “Bringing love into people’s lives is no easy task, but the night was a lot of fun and we raised lots of money for a good cause”. RAG’s version of Take Me Out made the worries of deadline season and the end of term panic melt away if they repeat the event, go, even if it’s just to make yourself feel better about your life choices and laugh at other people for an hour or two.
EXEPOSÉ | 10 DEC 2018
COMMENT
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The dreaded January exam(s) Chloë Edwards Online Features Editor
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H, the dreaded January exam – or exams, if your module conveners are being as generous as mine. It’s a divisive topic if ever there was one – do they allow you to wrap up your modules before the new term begins, or do they automatically mean your time off over Christmas isn’t quite the relaxing break you’d hoped (and worked) for?
January exams mean you can’t really switch off over Christmas
Especially for a Humanities student, where regular term-time exams are less frequent and several thousand-word essays have to be bashed out instead, January exams can be a source of apprehension. So, what benefits, if any, do they offer? Maybe it’s worth weighing up the
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Dear Agony Aunt,
It’s cuffing season, and I’m desperate to find a boo in time to curl up with them in front of the fire on Christmas Eve, as our dogs run around behind us and Christmas carols softly play. However, there’s just one flaw in my plan - no one will date me! Not even when I describe this potential future I have in mind for us in extreme detail! What do I do? Yours, Christmas Love Bird
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Dear Christmas Love Bird,
I have to say, I think your cause might be helped by not telling everyone you meet about the romantic future you could have together; sounds like you might be scaring them off! They say good things come to those who wait, so just be patient - your time will come!
positives and the negatives (although we’ll start with the not-so-good aspects as I don’t want you to finish this article wallowing in your exam timetable). I’m going to go ahead and say it – January exams mean you can’t really completely switch off over Christmas (but if you somehow manage to, please teach me your ways). Firstly, there’s the planning of revision, and working out the days you definitely won’t be doing work. This is followed by the days you don’t really want to be doing it – hey, you deserve a break after a hectic twelve weeks, after all. Suddenly you’re left with the most wonderful time of the year, entangling parties and past papers, flashcards and festive fun. Also, it’s hardly the most relaxing start to a term – a world away from Freshers’ Week in fact. Instead of catching up with friends and jet-setting off around all the delights Devon has to offer, you find yourself sat at a questionably rickety desk in the Great Hall,
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admiring the stylish blue hi-vis jacket of the invigilator telling you what to do if the fire alarm happens to ring during the exam.
Image: Pete / Flickr
What about the fact exams take place over just one week? If your exam timetable looks anything like mine, you may therefore find yourself faced with
two exams in one day, which is always a tough one. Once you’ve come out the other end of Exam Week (capitalised for extra drama and seriousness), you only have a couple of days to recuperate until the dawn of term two. Happy New Year indeed. Onto the positives – so it may be a brutal start to the second half of the academic year, but January exams do have some perks. Firstly, it’s a bit of a struggle getting to the start of summer and having to recall the contents of a module you studied two terms previously – at least having them at the start of the new year means that they’re still (sort of) fresh in your memory. What’s more, having them take place over one week means that whilst we may be braced for a long second term, you know for certain that once we make it to the end of March, you don’t have to juggle lectures and revision in the last term of the year, as other uni-
Agony Aunt Dear Agony Aunt,
My housemates and I are doing Secret Santa this Christmas, but I really hate the person whose name I’ve drawn! Obviously, I can’t tell my other housemates, so how do I get out of this situation?
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Dear Agony Aunt,
Christmas season is upon us, and it’s safe to say my bank balance is truly struggling! On top of that, there are so many parties and events coming up over the next few weeks, I’m not sure how to juggle it all! Any advice?
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Dear Agony Aunt,
It’s only the first week of December and I’ve already finished all the chocolate in my advent calendar! I’m so embarrassed, how do I stop my housemates from discovering my secret shame? Please help me!
Please help! House Grinch
Yours, Chronic Double Booker
Love, Choco Fiend
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Dear House Grinch,
This is a situation you can’t really get out of, I’m afraid. Your best bet is to suck it up and get your housemate something generic, like chocolate. After all, you have to live with them for the rest of the year and you wouldn’t want to make it more uncomfortable than it has to be! Much love, Agony Aunt
Dear Chronic Double Booker,
The best way to deal with this is by investing in a diary! End each day by writing down everything you have to do the next day and make a spreadsheet with all of your Christmas expenses listed on it to make sure you’re sticking to your budget. Best of luck!
At least having them in January means the material is fresh
Plus, although receiving exam feedback and marks is always nervewracking, it does take off some pressure knowing where you are as Term Two gets underway, and knowing what you need to focus on as the term goes on. Besides this, it takes off even more pressure ahead of receiving summer exam results knowing you’ve got a decent chunk of assessments done and dusted. So, there we have it. However, your exam timetable looks, hopefully it looks a little better with these options weighed up. As for the revision, I unfortunately have fewer words of wisdom to share. Good luck - your time starts now.
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Dear Agony Aunt,
It’s nearly Christmas and I’m very excited to go home, celebrate with my family and spend all day watching Christmas films. However, I have a 3000-word essay to write and an exam to revise for – how can I work and still have some festive fun? Sincerely, A Snowed-Under Celebrator
Dear Choco Fiend,
First of all, there’s no need to be embarrassed - this happens to the best of us! But if you really want to make sure your housemates don’t find out, the solution is simple. Just buy a new advent calendar and they’ll be none the wiser. Much love, Agony Aunt
Much love, Agony Aunt
Much love, Agony Aunt
versities do – instead, you can focus on your exams, revising at your own pace, and dreaming of celebrating with barbecues at Exmouth once you’re done.
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Dear Snowed-Under Celebrator,
I truly do feel your pain. This is a time of year that makes us feel like putting our everyday lives on pause and just taking some time for ourselves; to sit back and relax. Alas, we can’t actually do this and must trudge on with our boring dayto-day responsibilities. As for getting your essay done and revising for your exam without missing out on the holiday fun, my suggestion to you is to do 90 minutes of work on your essay first thing every morning, and 90 minutes of revision for your exam every evening before going to bed. Not only will you be able to get some work done on each every day you’ll probably sleep really well too, as who isn’t put straight to sleep by revision? Good luck and happy holidays! Much love, Agony Aunt
Image: Heather Sunderland / Flickr
Image: Clipart Library
Image: Markus Spiske / Pexels
Image: Fir0002 / Wikimedia
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EXEPOSÉ | 10 DEC 2018
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Features
FEATURES EDITORS: Niamh Elstone Neha Shaji
Bust in Budapest
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Alexandra Teodora Luca investigates why Hungary has legislated against rough sleeping
RTICLE 22 to the Hungarian constitution has come into full effect, essentially outlawing homelessness - the amendment makes it illegal to sleep rough on the street or other public spaces. The police now have the power to issue warnings, telling homeless people to head into shelters, and if a person receives three warnings within 90 days they can be arrested. After arrest, individuals could face jail time and have their limited possessions destroyed by authorities. According to Euronews, three arrests have been made in the first week after the policy commenced: a former engineer, a 61-year-old woman left homeless after her partner’s death, and a man too ill to stand trial. Attila Fülop, minister of social affairs and inclusion, said there are “sufficient places in the institutions that provide care for the homeless”, but this is unlikely as there could be as many as 20 000 homeless people in the country and shelters are not keeping up. The European Federation of National Organisations Working with the Homeless (FEANTSA) conducted a survey of more than 10 000 homeless people, a third of whom were sleeping rough, and discovered that shelters are often overcrowded and offer low quality conditions. Shelters often squeeze in double their capacity and become hotspots for lice and other infestations. Therefore, many people choose to take their chances out on the street despite the weather and the abuse they risk from authorities. FEANTSA further accuses the government of turning charities against the homeless population, as they will be expected to aid in the enforcement of the new law, and for trying to silence NGOs speaking out against the policy’s cruelty. Indeed the measure has drawn criticism from far and wide; The United Nations has called it “cruel and incompatible with international human rights law”, whilst the charity Hungarian Helsinki Committee has added that it is “needlessly expensive”. It claims that jailing a person for even a day would
cost 25 euros, prosecuting them would add hundreds more to the bill, money that could be better spent on rehousing and rehabilitation efforts. The charity Oltalom laments that the law only serves to scare homeless people.
Three arrests have been made in the first week after the policy commenced
Rhetoric such as the one used by the mayor of Budapest’s 10th district saying that homeless people are “polluting the streets” and “generate fear and disgust in normal people” shows the contempt these disadvantaged people are treated with. This echoes the tactics used by Viktor Orban’s administration against migrants and refugees; it seems the homeless are the new target of the authoritarian regime being used, in the words of a Methodist priest working at a shelter, as a “scapegoat” for “local issues”. The European Parliament will launch legal action against Hungary for its breach of European Union values. In the UK the situation isn’t much better. Homelessness has been on the rise since 2010; every year the number of homeless people increases by 5%30%. In the past six years the number of people sleeping rough has more than doubled and the number of homeless people in temporary accommodation is up 60%. Some areas have it worse than others: in Greater Manchester the number of homeless people has quadrupled and London makes up a quarter of the country’s rough sleepers. These figures may be modestly underestimated because they mostly rely on snapshot street counts that only show people sleeping rough on a given night. As for overall homelessness, it is also underestimated as there are “hidden homeless”
people who couch-surf; the charity Crisis says there could be more than three million people in such a situation. This puts people in perilous positions, as more than 440 homeless people have died this year on the streets or in temporary accommodation. The average life expectancy for a homeless person is only 47; they are at a higher risk of violence and nine times more likely to commit suicide. People can become homeless for a variety of reasons including lack of affordable housing, unemployment, domestic abuse, leaving prison or the army, relationship breakdown, mental or physical illness, substance abuse, or a combination of these. In 2016 alone, authorities in England agreed to house 59, 260 households considered homeless. These numbers at the time only included priority individuals such as pregnant women, children, domestic abuse victims, etc. This did not include 30, 000 non-priority households that the councils agreed were homeless but did not see a duty to rehouse them. This has since been addressed in the Homeless Reduction Act that makes councils responsible for rehousing all homeless individuals regardless of priority; unfortunately, the progress achieved through this will be counteracted through more welfare reforms, funding cuts, and higher rents. Stephanie Cryan, deputy leader in Southwark, has said current measures of dealing with the homelessness crisis are like “sticking plaster on the severed artery” since measures are too expensive to be sustainable and don’t deal with the causes - austerity and sky-
high rents. This was not always the case. Before Conservative leadership cut benefits in the name of austerity, the previous Labour administration invested £200 million into initiatives such as the Rough Sleepers Unit, which developed plans to get homeless people accommodation, rehabilitation, and work training. As a result homeless ness numbers decreased every year, until measures changed in 2010. The current government now claims to have a plan in place that will eradicate rough sleeping by 2027 but progress is yet to be seen yet sorely needed in a country where 1 out of 13 people has slept on the street or in a shelter at least once in their life. Although sleeping rough isn’t illegal in the UK, authorities often use old vagrancy laws, as well as Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) to arrest and prosecute homeless people. For example, between 2006 and 2014 cases for “vagrancy-related offences” in England went up by 70% - these offences include things such as taking food from refuse bins and accepting money from people on the street. PSPOs became used largely since 2010, giving authorities the power to fine people on the spot for things like camping in public areas, street drinking, and begging. If EU nationals are caught rough sleeping they fare even worse - Theresa May’s administration has received criticism for deporting migrants (predominantly from Eastern European countries) found
sleeping rough in London. Immigration Enforcement and homeless charities themselves have contributed to these deportations, often sending people back to countries where winters are so rough that homeless people can die by the hundreds just during the season.
The European Parliament will launch legal action against Hungary for its breach of European law The lookout is bleak across Europe, as homelessness is increasing in every country except for Finland where between 2013 and 2016, a 10% drop has been registered. Finland has achieved success dues to its “housing first” policy which is pretty self-explanatory: homeless people are provided with a home without expectations that they will overcome addictions or have jobs before being granted one. Once housed, issues these at-risk individuals may have are more easily resolved. In Finland, money has been invested in building social housing, buying flats back from the market, and converting shelters and hospitals into flats with attending staff. Although this costs money in the short-term, it is the more cost-effective option in the long run, helps provide a long-term solution and brings hope that homelessness could be ended. Taking a page out of the Finnish notebook is advisable but won’t be feasible in the UK unless accompanied by major changes in policy leading to more social housing being built, regulation of the housing market, and probably positive welfare reform. With the impending implementation of universal credit which leaves people thousands of pounds short, private landlords already refusing to let to recipients, and countless more cuts, it seems the country is not heading in the right direction.
Image: Garry Knight
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10 DEC 2018 | EXEPOSÉ
FEATURES
Standing Sentinel
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Alex Wood questions Western saviorism after the death of John Chau
HE chaos of the Christmas countdown makes it almost impossible to imagine a life without the consumption and luxuries of everyday life; however, for the Sentinelese this is the reality. The population lives in complete isolation on North Sentinel, an island in the Bay of Bengal. As a result of their isolation the Sentinelese remain vulnerable to outside diseases transmitted by visitors. This combined with their distinctive culture and hostility to foreigners means that trips to North Sentinel are illegal under Indian law. Nonetheless, 26 yearold John Chau defied this, paying local fisherman to take him to the island in the hope of preaching Christianity. Chau’s presence on the island was met with characteristic hostility resulting in his death on 16 November 2018. Chau was a member of All Nation, a missionary church in America, and became fascinated by the Sentinelese population. He underwent training by All Nation and did extensive research on
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The Sentinelese population is not unfamiliar with attempts to contact and ‘civilise’ them. After leaving the island he wrote to his parents, saying “You guys might think I’m crazy in all this, but I think it’s worth it to declare Jesus to these people”. On returning to the island on the morning of 16 November, the fishermen who took him to the island recall him being hit by arrows and found him dead the following day. Chau’s actions and subsequent death raise several questions including the reason behind Sentinelese hostility as well as the ethics of Western missionaries. The Sentinelese population is not unfamiliar with attempts to contact and ‘civilise’
A clear display of Western saviorism
Image: Max Pixel
The exact effects of this on the health of the Sentinelese people are unknown, but it is thought that many would have suffered as the children carried new diseases. Therefore, it is not unreasonable to assume Sentinelese hostility results from colonial interactions, explaining the aggression
experienced by Chau. The death of Chau has also raised questions about the ethics of Western missionaries. Chau wanted to introduce Christianity to the island, believing that they were not Christians simply because they were not educated about Jesus. Such a stance is reminiscent of previous attempts by the British to civilise the group. It demonstrates a clear display of Western saviorism constructing the Sentinelese population as ignorant and in need of education. Missionaries such as Chau are consequently hailed as martyrs for attempting to save the Sentinelese, consequently All Nation have declared further plans to teach other remote populations. The death of Chau remains highly controversial and problematic. His visit to North Sentinel jeopardised not only his life but also the lives of the Sentinelese population. His actions reflect Western arrogance speaking to narratives of neo-colonialism threatening to repeat the regrettable legacies of Western imperialism.
Ireland’s call Megan Byrne discusses the Irish border and the possibility of a no-deal Brexit
N 29 March 2019, the United Kingdom is set to officially leave the European Union. Since Article 50 was triggered on 29 March 2017 after the Brexit referendum, negotiations between the EU and the United Kingdom have occurred. One of the key focuses of the Brexit negotiations has been the issue of the Irish border: whether a hard border is necessary between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, or whether Northern Ireland would be placed with different regulatory rules with the EU, resulting in a border in the Irish Sea.
them. Colonial expeditions in the late nineteenth century were undertaken by the British Empire, providing a potential justification for the hostility observed today. The naval officer M. V. Portman developed hopes of contacting the tribe leading to an expedition which returned to Port Blair with a small group of Sentinelese. The two adults of the group fell ill and died due to a lack of immunity whilst the children were studied and returned to the island with a series of ‘gifts’.
the group before a reconnaissance visit on 15 November. Chau recorded his first trip disclosing details of the Sentinelese as well as their hostility.
Northern Ireland would be forced into ‘emergency bilateral agreements with the EU’
This issue possesses significance due to the historically turbulent relationship between Ireland and Northern Ireland as well as the proposition that creating a hard border between the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom could go against the terms of the Good Friday Agreement signed between British and Irish governments in 1998. Last week, Boris Johnson warned that Britain was “on the verge of a making a historic
mistake” and that PM Theresa May’s plan for an Irish “backstop” would cleave Northern Ireland from the rest of the United Kingdom. This comes at the same time of reports that the Northern Ireland political party, the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), is on the verge of ending its deal to support Theresa May’s government as a result of its opposition of the Conservative’s handling of Northern Ireland in the Brexit negotiations, which would end the DUP’s confidence and supply support for the Conservative minority government.
There is still the possibility that the UK will leave the EU next year with a no-deal Brexit
This could potentially have disastrous consequences for May to pass a Brexit proposal, as it would be unlikely that enough MPs would provide the support to pass the bill, particularly without the support of the DUP. Although unwanted, there is still the possibility that the United Kingdom will leave the European Union next year with a no-deal Brexit, which could pose
negative consequences for Northern Ireland.
Northern Irish businesses ‘simply cannot cope’.with a no-deal Brexit
According to Confederation of Business Industry (CBI) director Angela McGowan, Northern Irish businesses “simply cannot cope” with a no-deal Brexit as “no country in the world will want to invest in Northern Ireland if it is thrown out of Europe” and without access to EU markets. This would not only affect businesses but also other supplies such as food and medical
equipment. One potential outcome of this, McGowan states, is that Northern Ireland would be forced into “emergency bilateral agreements with the EU”, a policy that would undermine Brexit as a whole. Brexit or otherwise, the issue of contention is still the Irish border – as aforementioned, an area of intense
historical
turmoil. There is a possibility then, for domestic disputes to break out alongside the border as well, and one can only hope that the decision to leave the European Union will not disintegrate any tenuous peace within Britain.
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EXEPOSÉ | 10 DEC 2018
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Freeing academia, securing students T
Kamila Bell looks at the Matthew Hedges case and the implications of his imprisonment
HE recent release of Matthew Hedges, 31, from prison in the United Arab Emirates has called into question the extent to which academic practice is truly free. As a PhD student at Durham University, Hedges was in the UAE for a post-graduate research trip regarding the country’s security policies. The nature of his trip however was called into question by the UAE, and Hedges was arrested on his departure from Dubai airport on 5 May 2018. Upon his life sentence on 20 November 2018, Exeter University threw its weight behind the former student,
with the Vice Chancellor Professor Sir Steve Smith stating: “We are all deeply saddened, shocked and concerned by the life sentence given to Matt Hedges today, following his detention and trial in the United Arab Emirates.” Matthew Hedges’ case was brought into national prominence with the Foreign Office supporting his release, and Mr Jeremy Hunt stating; “We are very worried about this and I have mentioned it face-to-face with the Emirati foreign minister twice now.” These varying levels of concern towards Hedges’ case have raised the
question of whose responsibility it is to safeguard academics in any international research they conduct. The responsibility of the university to protect its students and their journey for research can be called into question. Should Durham University have offered to protect Hedges’ from international prosecution, on the nature of his trip being academic based? However, this restraint on academic freedom has occurred within the UAE on previous occasions. The New York University (NYU) began to offer classes in Abu Dhabi, with administrators promising the
Image: Konica Minolta Dimage 5/Pixabay
same level of freedom as its American campus. Academics such as Andrew Ross stated otherwise, as an NYU professor he has criticised the Emirates for its labour practices and was barred from travelling to the country in 2015. This case, alongside Matthew Hedges’, suggests that the extent to which universities can protect the freedom of academia in nations external to their own is somewhat limited.
Should Durham have offered to protect Hedges? In relation to Hedges case Dr Marc Valeri, an Associate Professor at the University’s Centre for Gulf Studies, stated “British scholars can no longer regard the Emirates as a safe place for legitimate academic research”. However, with education being a human right, the limitation on its freedoms internationally can be viewed as a breach of this UDHR article that is so widely ratified; raising the question of should we have global safety
and respect for academic research? Global agreements could be ratified through international governing bodies, allowing for the freedom of academic research as long as the individual undertaking the investigation is a current member of an academic institution, acting as their guarantor. It could be questioned whether all academic research can ever truly be protected internationally, with examples of prosecutions or denied visas being largely in the field of political/security studies. The nature of political studies can result in research being done into information largely kept out of the public eye, which can result in nations feeling their sovereignty and security is being breached through such international research, such as that being carried out by Hedges, in a way that would not occur through research for an academic field like Art History. Although, this does not mean to say that the possibility for international protection should be dismissed, but instead a more secure global academic field should be strived towards for all academic fields.
Changing prisons from within
Olivia Woosey talks about the reformation of the prison system, and prisoners as change agents
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HERE has been a lot of talk in recent months surrounding the British prison system, with issues raised being primarily linked to violence within jails and the ineffectiveness of the system. ‘The Independent’ recently reported that prison governors view government policy on jails as being “completely wrong”. It was also announced recently that all prison officers in male prisons are going to be equipped with pepper spray, as the government has failed to get to grips with violence in jails. And finally, the levels of reoffending are outrageously high. 44% of adults reoffend within one year of being released from prison and that rises to 59% for those serving sentences of less than 12 months. This is a problem which, as well as causing terrible damage, costs the taxpayer £15 billion a year. It is difficult to see who benefits from this current system. A system in which more and more people are being locked up, only to be released months or years down the line having learnt nothing and still in need of an opportunity to change their lives for the better. Last month I was lucky enough to be taken on a tour of a London prison,
and got the opportunity RainerZufall1234 Wikimedia to chat to a few of the inmates. Something that struck me was that quite a few had been in and out of prison for a number of years, only ever serving sentences that were a few weeks long. Often their crimes were linked to substance abuse issues. The main things that came to mind were: how much support are they getting in prison? Are steps being taken to tackle their alcohol abuse? And rather than just talking about it, how can we reform the system as a whole? There are people out there who, instead of waiting for someone else to solve the problem, are actively campaigning for and implementing positive developments. One of these
organisations is The Howard League for Penal Reform, a charity working to reduce crime rates and prison populations. They campaign on many issues to force through meaningful change in order to make prisons and society as a whole safer for all. Howard League recognises the fact that crime is often caused by drug or drinkrelated problems and poor mental health, and we need a justice system that deals with these root causes of crime. We need investment in prevention and re-education, not punishment. Even as a student you can help the work of The Howard League through their student society at University. of Exeter. They do their bit to raise funds and awareness for this incredibly important charity. Like The Howard League is The Prison Reform Trust, also an independent charity working to create a more effective penal system. Their key focus is the
reduction of unnecessary imprisonment and the promotion of community solutions to crime. This is the issue that struck me most strongly during my conversation with the prisoner that I encountered on the tour in London. There is a need to find alternative ways of reducing crime through re-education and it is a pressing issue if we want to actually make our country safer. A recent Exeter alumnus currently enrolled on the scheme told us that “the immensity of the challenges facing the prison system in the UK is very evident to anyone working within it” but “the human interactions and conversations with prisoners make the job worthwhile”. She described prisoners she works with who, in their early twenties have resigned themselves to a life of crime.. There should, in her opinion, be more help for people like these. However she has the opportunity, as a prison officer, to “give them 10 minutes of [her] time to listen to them and understand that they are more complex than just a prison number, with human needs and human experiences.” She seems to be a shoulder to turn to, one who can help prisoners to see that they have the agency for change.
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An ECO-FRIENDLY CHRISTMAS
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LIFESTYLE EDITORS Bethan Gilson Rhiannon Moore
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STUDY BREAK Puzzles by Alfred and Katie 10 DEC 2018 | EXEPOSÉ
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Heartbreak away from home D
Emily Black shares her experience of a breakup whilst at university
EALING with breakups is something that most of us will go through at some point in our lives, and they’re generally far from easy experiences. But, what makes it worse is dealing with it when you’re away from home: struggling to balance uni work, deadlines, a social life, and up until then, a long distance relationship too.
PHASE ONE SHOULD INVOLVE LETTING YOURSELF PROCESS YOUR EMOTIONS It is now exactly one month since the breakdown of my long distance relationship with my partner of close to two years, so I would like to hope I can offer a realistic account of uni life since then, alongside a reasonable helping of advice for those who are faced with the same situation. Whilst every relationship, and every breakup, is different I think there are a few universal pointers in the case of the fallout, especially when at university. Having my partner call me mid-week to tell me was not out of the ordinary, but the painfully clichéd ‘we need to talk’, (myself being blissfully unaware as to what was about to occur) was not. We regularly face-timed and put time aside for one another during our daily lives in order to make things work between us, whilst we spent most of our time on opposite sides of the country. However, him telling me over the crackly student-housing internet connection that he no longer felt the same way about us, was a shock to say the least. We had survived my first year with seemingly few problems, so to be told out of nowhere three weeks into second year that he was ending it, swept me clean out of my regular routine and any normality in my life. I spent the next twelve hours crying on my housemates.
I would recommend that phase one of a post-breakup strategy should involve letting yourself process your emotions. There is absolutely no point putting on a brave face and pretending it’s not a big thing, when all that will happen is your feelings will strike you randomly later. Getting the ‘sobbing-into-cupsof-tea, and endless-phonecalls-to-friends’ phase over to begin with is highly recommended. Once I got past the initial shock, I went to visit a friend in Southampton to clear my head and have some much needed talking therapy. Talking through thoughts with someone from home was possibly one of the most healing things I did, as they know you inside out and it helps if they knew your partner too. Safe to say she probably was glad to see the back of me after that weekend of tripping over my words about the situation. Although it was a perfect time to go away and get my thoughts toImage: Max Andrey gether, so visiting
friends from home is a pivotal turnaround in a breakup. Arriving back on the Monday, and returning to life at university was overwhelming. Going to lectures and seminars whilst having my mind in another place meant I was distracted. I emailed tutors to let them know about the situation, and needless to say they were all supportive and concerned about me rather than irritated as I was behind with work. So once you get over the initial shock of the breakup, going to tutors and asking for extra support to stay on track is the way to go whilst still processing the situation. After salvaging the academic side of my life, I was given the blessing that is reading week. I threw myself into my job, taking extra shifts to earn some more money, going out with people each night, catching up on work and reading, whilst consciously pushing myself to see my friends for lunch or drink as much as possible. At the end of the week I even visited home and was overwhelmed by the support from my friends there who I got to
spend time with, and even meet new people within the short time I was back. As the days passed the breakup began to show me how many people really were there for me as situations like these tend to bring out the best in your circles of friends. You will be surprised at the amount of people who will pull through, and how quickly you will think less and less about that ex.
I BEGAN TO SEE HOW MUCH MY LIFE HAD CHANGED FOR THE BETTER Once I began to notice how much simpler my life was without having to worry about one extra person all the time: facetimes, texting them every day, buying train tickets to see them and the countless other responsibilities which weigh on you due to long distance, I began to see how much my life had changed for the better. New friendships were formed at uni within days, as I stopped holding myself back from meeting people and began to put myself out there and allow myself to connect with them: getting closer to those who I may previously have overlooked. Essentially, what should be taken from my experience is how much your life can change for the better after a breakup at uni. It will seem daunting to begin with but it truly can bring out the best in you and the people around you. Once you realise how empowering it can be, there are far more opportunities out there when you aren’t tied to someone from home. I’m currently booking flights around the world, planning new ventures, and altogether seizing this new freedom. One month later, I can truly reflect on this and say university life has changed for the better. Never be afraid to let go of something because of who you will lose: if its time to let go then it’ll bring better things in the process.
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Zero-waste Christmas
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Daisy Saunders gives her top tips for a more eco-friendly festive season
HRISTMAS may be a time for family, friends, food, and gift-giving, but it’s also a time of unnecessary and excessive waste. Research conducted by the London Cleaning System in 2016 revealed the shocking and harsh realities of the season; over 300,000 tonnes of card packaging is used at Christmas, enough to cover Big Ben almost 260,000 times. 227,000 miles of wrapping paper is thrown away. 250 tonnes of Christmas trees are thrown away. Approximately two million turkeys, 74 million mince pies and 17.2 million Brussel sprouts are thrown away.
CHRISTMAS IS A TIME OF UNNECESSARY AND EXCESSIVE WASTE With figures like these, you may begin to question the age-old tradition of Christmas itself; how can something so celebrated have such repercussions that are so often neglected in the Christmas conversation? In a time when scientists have called the world to attention in the battle against climate change and excessive waste, it seems that now more than ever may be the perfect time to change our uncurbed christmassy habits. But before you eco-warriors begin to sack
Listen to Christmas tunes and create printed your trees and presents, and disregard Santa designs with pine cones, leaves (let’s not altogether, here are some environmentally forget the primary school potato stamps) or friendly tips and tricks to make your festive drawings. Don’t forget to carefully fold and season a little more considerate this year. put away any wrapping paper you receive. Cards Paper in good condition can be safely Before you begin to send out a card to every tucked away and reused again for another person on your phone’s contact list; stop and year! consider who are the most important Trees people in your life. Do you If you’re willing to invest really need to buy a card for in more expensive and your Gran’s best friend’s higher quality trees, cousin? Instead, post plastic alternatives and give cards to the can not only save people who are truly your planet, but special in your life. your purse strings Better yet, make too. Plastic trees them yourself. A can be far more little personal touch personalised to suit will not only warm your character. Black hearts, but will save ones, pink ones, snowy you money and relieve ones, scented ones! Small the world of excessive nonsteps such as these can truly recyclable card and paper. make such a difference. You’ll Gift Wrap Image: Pixabay certainly spend less time hoovering up A simple replacement in your wrapping conifers! If you do decide to stick to the real can make your Christmas more affordable kind however, just ensure that you compost and enjoyable. Instead of investing in nonand don’t trash. You can always advertise recyclable christmas gift wrap, choose the tree online for potential composters natural materials such as brown postal who may be willing to take the tree off of paper, coloured twine, cinnamon, holly your hands for free! and berries to create beautiful wrappings.
First-term reflections
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Dorothea Christmann explores the emotional significance of third year
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I ever go (although I wouldn’t have gone to SSB if you paid me). Term 1 has also made me realise that even though I’m only 21, I am still (and definitely feel) older than all the freshers. Standing in the queue for Cheesies in Freshers' Week was an odd experience. It was like the third years were trying to reclaim their ‘youth’ but you could tell who we were by the people leaving at midnight, way more excited about the food they were going to get on the way home than the actual night out. I no longer go out as much; I study harder and wear coats on a night out because the fear of having pneumonia when you have to write your dissertation is real. I think that is what third year is really all about, feeling nostalgic about everything and everyone you will leave behind, about the person you were when you entered university, and the person you’re becoming now.
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Food Waste Certainly the biggest, most wasteful culprit of the season. Over 10 million turkeys are raised and killed purely for Christmas dinners. If becoming a vegetarian is not an option for you, make more food friendly choices. Prepare and buy ingredients suited to your number of guests. For example, for smaller parties, simply buy a smaller bird! Not only will this cut back on waste, but a lot of supermarkets tend to price birds dependent on their weight. If waste is inevitable, then learn that leftovers can be your best friend. Research and stick to traditional ‘leftover recipes’ such as casseroles, curries, and traditional English ‘bubble and squeak’ which can not only be filling, warming meal alternatives, but will save your pocket as well as the world.
MAKE DECISIONS THAT WILL BENEFIT YOURSELF AND OTHERS By becoming more environmentally aware over the Christmas season, you will begin to make decisions that will truly benefit not only yourself, but others as well. In the season of giving, surely this is the most important thing to do.
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Penny Dinh presents her tofu nugget recipe INGREDIENTS: •
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HE first term of third year has been absolute chaos and the busiest I have ever been. I’ve managed (sort of) to juggle my degree and dissertation stress with having two radio shows, organising XpressionFM’s show timetable, going to London for the SRA Awards and for interviews and taking part in XTV’s Masterbake. But I think this term has also been tinged with increasing sadness that this will be my final Term 1, my final Christmas Dinner with XpressionFM, my final Carol Service at St James Park. So, I have started to approach events with ‘this is my final …’, and therefore it has to be good, which often means that I’m left feeling disappointed because these events didn’t match my high expectations. My resolution for Term 2 is really to enjoy things as they come, and, most importantly, not to drag myself to events just because it might be the last time
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1 block of firm or extra firm tofu (silken or soft tofu will not work for this recipe!) 2 tablespoons of soy sauce METHOD: 2 teaspoons of smoked 1. Press the tofu to remove excess moisture. This Image: Becca McHaffie paprika can be done by wrapping the whole block of tofu in thick kitchen paper, sandwiching this 1 teaspoon of mild or mebetween 2 plates, then microwave this for 3 dium chilli powder minutes. Juice of a lemon (or 1 tablespoon of vinegar) 2. Chop the tofu into small triangles - each slice should be half and inch thick. Pepper to taste 3. Mix the rest of the ingredients together, then marinate the tofu pieces in this mixture for at least an hour. Preheat the oven at 200*C. 4. Line a baking tray with grease-proof paper and assemble the tofu pieces. Bake in the oven until golden and crispy (this should take 15 to 20 minutes)
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On loneliness
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lifestyle
Anna Romanovska discusses being alone during the winter months
I’ll be sappy and say that the best cure T'S that time of year again. The term is drawing to a close and you find your mind for the relationship winter blues are your playing at the possibility of finding that friends. Group cuddling provides more 'special' someone to keep you warm at night. warmth and you have a varied choice of alPerhaps you’re just a naturally cold person ready spectacular human beans. If you find and the excessive blankets just aren’t cut- yourself dissatisfied with the heating properties of your Winter Boo, then you may find it ting it anymore. Maybe the idea of being difficult to find a returns departalone on New Year’s Eve is just ment for your temporary huplain unimaginable. man pillow. Worst part? Look, I get you, the They have feelings. fact that we can’t hiWhat if they don’t unbernate kind of sucks derstand your banand an infinite supter? And don’t forget ply of hugs and the shaving. During affection during winter. Do you rethe gloomy winally want to stand ter days would be in the under-heated ideal. But is it worth bathroom of your stuforcing yourself to dent house forcing your dive into the sea of already overly dry skin into Tinder, where ghosting even more trauma? becomes an art form and the Image: BB So drop the phone. Let them creepy guy train never seems to stop? There is the mild possibility that the come to you, for if they see how amazing next love of your life will come swiping right you are in person, with no underlying presfor more. However, the gloom and doom of sure whatsoever, chances are they’ll be rushDecember isn’t worth pressuring your heart ing to fall head over heels for the amazing person you are. into something it may not want.
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Story of Chanukah C
Bethany Castle gives her insight into the Jewish festival, Chanukah
HANUKAH is the Jewish festival of light. The story goes that 2500 years ago a King called Antiochus tried to make the Jewish people renounce their faith. A group of Jews called the Maccabees rebelled, they recaptured the Temple (a prayer site) and then reinstated G-d's presence in the Temple by relighting an everlasting light. But there was only enough oil left in the Temple to light the lamp for one day. So, the Maccabees and Jews restoring the temple had to travel to collect oil, but they could not get more for eight days. They set off to collect the oil anyway and a miracle happened. The oil they found in the Temple lasted eight days and so the everlasting light did not go out. I am a Reform Jew. This means I practise my Judaism with modernity and I believe that values such as egalitarianism and repairing the world are inherent within my faith. I celebrate Chanukah by lighting a candle every night for eight nights on my Chanukeah (an
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eight-pronged candle stick). My family and friends give each other presents; we eat food cooked in oil such as doughnuts; and we play Chanukah games such as spinning the dreidel (a spinning top). Much the same as Christmas, for me, Chanukah is about spreading light in winter and creating warmth within our homes and communities. I do not feel marginalised by Christmas; marginalisation comes from a lack of acceptance and knowledge rather than holiday celebration. I am lucky that I can celebrate Chanukah and share it with my Jewish and non-Jewish friends and family, since throughout history this has not always been the case. As long as different cultures are embraced and accepted, none of us are marginalised by Christmas. This freedom of practice allows us to celebrate the same thing in sentiment: our religion, families and communities.
Winter-y health tips Chillingly gorgeous
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Aaron Loose, Music Editor, advises you on how to stay healthy this winter
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NCE the frost first started creeping across my lawn, my instinct was to sprint for the family desktop and order the greasiest, spiciest takeaway in the directory. At the time, it felt wonderful. Afterwards, not so much. Nowadays, I try to keep up a few helpful tenants of self-care. Eating well is important at the best of times. During winter, when most of us will experience seasonal depression, it becomes essential. One of my favourite staples are sweet potato fajitas served on a bed of fluffy rice. I always feel edified when I serve it, and of course, the combination of crispy red bell peppers and button mushrooms is just plain delicious. Another tasty option is to stock up on a few cans of your favourite soup.
the tin, boil for 15 minutes, and you’re laughing. When we talk about keeping active, we tend to overcomplicate things. Staying healthy isn’t about putting punishing hours into the gym or shouldering massive weights. In fact, a stroll to Tesco Express is as likely to enrich your mental and physical wellbeing. The Harvard Medical School uncovered that a person of average weight- around 125 pounds- could burn 135 calories during a brisk 30 minute walk. Little sessions of casual exercise can go a long way to helping you stay fit and happy. I think the key takeaway here (sorry) is just to avoid overthinking. Self-care doesn’t need
to be hard, tiresome, or challenging. Small adjustments in a routine can have big impacts. Find your winter wellbeing techniques, stick to them like gospel, and you won’t just survive; you shall thrive.
Few meals taste more consoling on a howling December night than a steaming bowl of tomato and basil, and more to the point, it’s a breeze to prepare. Just peel open Image: Tim Gouw
Jess Irving provides her top beauty products for staying fresh this season
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LTHOUGH the winter months promise Whilst I advocate highly for all of their products, fun and festive times for all, with the re- this particular face serum is revolutionary. With turn of holiday-themed coffee cups and only a few drops, your skin is transformed from the perfect excuse to always wear fuzzy socks, dull and dry to hydrated and fully nourished. 3. OGX Renewing Moroccan Argan Oil Pennot all aspects of this jolly season are welcome. etrating Oil. Your hair can become The return of the cold and windy weathincredibly dry as a result of the er can be truly unfortunate for our wind and this hair oil comskin, hair and nails - but there pletely combats that. are a few products that I Argan oil, with its high have found that have vitamin E content, genuinely changed is an ideal natural my winter beauty moisturiser; helproutine indefinitely. ing to make your 1. Palmer’s Cohair strong, soft and coa Butter Formula silky. This particular Swivel Stick. This litproduct is amazing tle stick of pure moisas a little truly goes a ture has truly changed long way here, meaning the lip balm game everyit lasts a long time and it where. Enriched with vitaalso smells incredible. min E alongside the hydrating Image: burst.shopify.com 4. NIVEA Soft Moisturising cocoa butter, Palmer’s Swivel Stick helps to target not only chapped lips but dry and Cream. This moisturiser is a triple threat protecting your hands, face and body from dry and flaky rough skin too. 2. The Ordinary: 100% Plant Derived skin. With its light yet nourishing formula, with Squalane Hydration Serum. The Ordinary are our good old friend vitamin E, your skin will be known for their affordable prices, carefully select- soft and supple all day long. A staple product for ed ingredients and classic minimalist packaging. all weather seasons.
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The handmaid’s next tale T
Daisy Saunders discusses the much-anticipated sequel to Atwood’s classic
HE sequel is a feared thing, and sometimes for good reason. Sequels are often condemned as being worse than their predecessors both creatively and structurally. It takes an awful lot of skill and determination to create a piece more commendable than the last. That’s why I have my doubts after hearing that Margaret Atwood’s masterpiece, The Handmaid’s Tale, is set to receive a sequel in September 2019. But can a sequel really be so unpredictably disappointing when its predecessor is as great as The Handmaid’s Tale? The sequel to Atwood’s first novel is set to be called The Testaments and will follow three different female protagonists almost 15 years after the final scene of the first novel ends. No information has been released regarding the sequel’s possible focus on the original protagonist Offred, and I for one am pleased about this. By answering all the unanswered questions and plot points of the first novel, I would feel that Atwood would be rejecting the very points she raises about the dangerous indeterminability of life under government power. I am pleased she’s intending to offer fresh narrative and perspective within her new tale. The Handmaid’s Tale ended on a cliffhanger (I won’t give too much away for those who have yet to read Margaret Atwood’s masterpiece) and many agreed that the ending still left a sense of satisfaction for readers. The unpredictability
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of the world in which Offred lives in, a world controlled by the patriarchal Republic of Gilead, mirrors the uncertain ending of the novel. It’s for this reason I doubt whether a sequel to Atwood’s novel is really necessary. After all, life in this world holds no promise of truth or revelation. Within the horrific beauty of state control is a lack of public awareness, which robs individuals of the opportunity to revolt.
SOCIAL CLIMATES ARE JUST AS UNCERTAIN AS GILEAD’S However, what is more concerning is that Atwood still feels the initial themes and messages of The Handmaid’s Tale are still relevant 33 years after publication in 1985. She writes to her readers that “Gilead and its inner workings is the inspiration for this book” while “the other inspiration is the world we’ve been living in.” The rising awareness of female misogyny from the actions of Donald Trump’s presidency; to the infamous ‘Me Too’ movement, as well as the debate around equal pay, abortion and FGM may seem like a step forward for the feminist movement (a movement which has also seen much contortion and ridicule). Yet for Atwood, it only seems to inspire the toxic environment that blankets the political and emotional climate
of her novel’s setting and characters. I expect these issues will still be prominent within her September 2019 release. We must then consider whether this sequel is necessary, not for structural or narrative purposes, but for political purposes in a period where social climates are just as uncertain as Gilead’s. We all now individually face scrutiny dependent on our beliefs and actions, much like the characters of Gilead. We all now live in a time of monitoring and censorship; a time in which we now must think closely about what we might say, think, write and do in fear of being accused as some politically incorrect, inhuman being. The time of freedom of thought and speech is over. It doesn’t matter if your opinion is right or wrong; someone else’s is always considered as infinitely better, righteous and more deserving than your own. So, for myself, Atwood’s sequel is entirely necessary. It’s an honest breath of fresh air, a potential source of connection and empathy. Much like her predecessor, the sequel will be a novel of truth, certainty and power in a period full of insecurity and confusion. I for one am looking forward to Atwood’s sequel; not just due to her fierce lyrical prowess, but because it provides clear perception and analysis into the possible future consequences of our reality if we continue to remain a world full of doubt, shame and hate.
He’s behind you!
Image: Mark Hill Photography/Flickr
Arts + Lit writers debate whether pantomimes deserve to take centre stage every Christmas
HAVE no shame in admitting that I have been to a panto every year for at least the last ten years. Sure, the theatre’s usually full of screaming kids, but panto is a tradition like no other, and it would be tragic to miss out after all these years. It’s one of the few opportunities that theatre gets to be unashamedly hammy, and whilst it may not be everyone’s cup of tea, I truly think everyone should give it a go at least once.
YOU WILL ALWAYS LEAVE A PANTO WITH A SMILE ON YOUR FACE Panto is to theatre what Mamma Mia! is to cinema – a feel-good cheesefest where half of the appeal is knowing exactly what’s going to happen. Yes, it’s overdone, but that’s the whole point. Nobody wants to wind down the year with something stuffy and pretentious that requires you to think. Most pantos follow the fairy tale stories that were staples of many childhoods, often with a few local references
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and a corny twist thrown in, and it’s this familiPANTOMIME what a delight you are! arity that makes it such a comforting tradition A dream, a divinity, a deity perhaps! with which to end the year. Such was my view at least as an Christmas is that time of year when everyincontinent four-year-old, one fist thrust up one lets go a little bit, and panto feeds into my nostril, the other holding a chicken that perfectly. It’s an excuse to sing nugget. Nowadays, however? terrible songs and laugh at silly My enthusiasm’s dampened jokes with hundreds of other somewhat, pantomime people. Panto bridges the hardly behind me but generation gap like few thrown off at least 50 other types of producmiles back, festering in tions, attracting people a gloop of feather boas from 9 months to 90 and giggling shrieks. years, whether it’s bePantomime, rather cause of the fairy tales like in Frankenstein, is and funny costumes, or the monster that just the dirty jokes from Widnever seems to die. Year ow Twankey that go over upon year, the venues the heads of the little ones. It’s are grander, the stars are Publicity Pod/Flickr a relief from the hellscape that is larger, and ticket prices clink up everyday life, and you will always leave penny by penny. Still, the same tired a panto with a smile on your face. It’s time to tropes remain: the wearisome stereotypes, the embrace the corny. infantile jokes, the same decrepit storylines Sophie Norton wheezing upon the boards year after year.
Yet when so puerile, why is it we so cling onto pantomime? Shows such as Matilda and The School of Rock have targeted children’s audiences and gone on to take the West End (and award ceremonies) by storm. Such productions haven’t relied on inane jokes and one-dimensional narratives; they’ve used sharp one-liners, authentic protagonists, ideas teeming with flair and originality.
THE MONSTER THAT JUST NEVER SEEMS TO DIE Yes, such shows may not be as accessible as your amateur pantomime down the road, yet they’ve certainly demonstrated a powerful alternative. Indeed, as pantomime audiences continue to dwindle, there’s never been a better time for new, modern entertainment to tread the boards tentatively. All I want this Christmas is some original theatre. Oh yes I do. Katie Jenkins, Deputy Editor
A VERY EXEPOSÉ CHRISTMAS Image credit: Chelsea Lee
News’ Christmas Quiz 2018
A: 1960s
A child in Dorset reportedly saved their mother’s life earlier this year by calling 999. How old was the child?
What is the name of the phantom wild cat that reportedly lives in Cornwall?
A: Four
A: The Beast of Bodmin Image credit: Acabashi/Wikimedia Commons;
Norwegians hide their brooms on Christmas Eve every year. According to tradition, nasty witches will steal the brooms if they are not hidden and wreak havoc throughout the Christmas season.
Last year, Exeter’s leading homeless charity had to recruit an extra volunteer because it was ‘overwhelmed’ by donations. What is the name of that charity?
True or False: ‘Champagne Bar for Refreshers’ was a student idea that was voted on this term? A: True
In which decade did the infamous Exmouth Christmas Swim begin? A: 1930s B: 1950s C: 1960s
In which year were 12 people injured at Ottery St Mary, after someone threw a can of aerosol into one of the burning tar barrels?
DID YOU KNOW?
A: St Petrock’s
In Gavle, Sweden, residents erect a giant goat in the town square. However, it is regularly burnt by arsonists and, every year, Swedes follow the news closely to see if the goat makes it through the year.
In San Fernando - the Philippines’ so-called ‘Christmas capital’ - a Giant Lantern Festival is held each year on the Saturday before Christmas Eve. 11 small towns participate to make the most extravagant lantern.
A: 2009
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Image: tOrange
Lifestyle’s Top Christmas Tips Arguably the best part about Christmas is getting to spend quality time with your family. My extended family is fairly large so family time at Christmas feels extra special. Every year we get together for a family party on Christmas Eve to exchange presents, eat food and generally get into the Christmas spirit. It wouldn’t feel like Christmas without it. Why not organise a family party for Christmas eve? Get everyone to contribute a plate of food, stock up on some alcohol, create a Christmas playlist, throw some tinsel
Another fun thing to do on Christmas Eve is to organise a cinema trip with your friends or family. Nothing gets you into the Christmas spirit like a good Christmas film. Smuggle in some hot choc and snacks and indulge in the over-the-top merriment of whatever Christmas film your local cinema is playing. Perhaps do some research now and look up timings and book some tickets to make sure you’re all able to sit together because this one can be very popular with families.
around and voila, Christmas party sorted.
If you’re feeling up to braving the cold weather then another great way to get into the Christmas spirit on Christmas Eve is to go for a walk. Wrap up in your favourite Winter coat, scarf, hat and gloves and go for a little explore. Christmas is a time to reflect on what you’re thankful for and to count your blessings and it’s impossible not to feel blessed when you’re surrounded by a beautiful Winter nature scene. Also, for the keen photographers among us, there’ll probably be countless Instagram opportunities too!
Books for the festive season Before Mars, Emma Newman
This novel follows Anna Kubrin, a geologist who has been stationed on Mars. The story is classed as sci-fi but reads as a psychological thriller, told from an anxious first person perspective with the narrator unravelling an elaborate conspiracy. This makes the novel perfect for lovers of mystery and sci-fi alike, with an underlying story of motherhood and loneliness running throughout.
Girls are Coming Out of the Woods, Tishani Doshi
The attention of this poetry collection is on the body, with all of the experiences related in a very physical, sensory manner. Some pieces are flushed with anger, defiantly challenging social norms and expectations, particularly those placed on women. This collection is all the more empowering in the wake of the #MeToo movement, an iconic creation handling difficult topics with poise and refreshing simplicity.
Image credits: Issa GM/Wikimedia Commons; Miesha Moriniere/Pexels; Ace Books; Bloodaxe Books; Penguin; Crown Publishing Group; pxhere; Marco Verch/Flickr; LePale/Pixabay; torange.biz;
Quiet, Susan Cain
From the school playground to the workplace, the world is skewed in favour of the extroverted individual. Cain challenges this by empowering introverted individuals to value their unrecognised strengths, and explaining why we need a balance of the two personality types. Whether you’re a social butterfly or more on the quiet side, this non-fiction novel is relevant and in the insight it provides into social constructions within different societies.
Becoming, Michelle Obama
The autobiographical memoir of Michelle Obama looks to her life before the White House, retelling moments of her childhood in Chicago and how it made her into the woman she is today. Obama’s is a story of motherhood, love, and ambition in the life of this former First Lady, a witty and touching account of her journey to success.
Background: jean_victor_balin/Pexels, Milana B/Public Domain Pictures, jarmoluk/Pixabay
WHAT TO WATCH THIS CHRISTMAS
Doctor Who
A Christmas day staple, except… it’s not on Christmas Day this year but on New Year’s Day. Following the new series with Jodie Whittaker as the doctor, this special will (hopefully) be filled with sci-fi drama.
Nadiya’s Party Feasts The Great British Bake Off’s Nadiya Hussain is back! Party Feasts is filled with recipes that will spice up your Christmas dinner.
The Great Christmas Bake Off
Christmas just got better! Bake Off is back for a tasty Christmas special. Expect some familiar faces!
Kermode’s Secrets of Christmas Cinema
A satirical work taking the form of a screenplay. If you’ve read Ayoade’s other book, Ayoade on Ayoade, you’ll adore thIs. Ayoade (how many more times can I write Ayoade?) asks and attempts to explain why some films are bad and only some are good. All in all you’re in for a wild Ayoade ride.
Beloved film critic and one half of ‘Wittertainment’ talk s us through the classic mo vie genres, filled with clips and great movie recommend ations. A definite must-w atch for film-lovers.
Film in Five Seconds by Gianmarco Milesi Ok, so technically no reading is needed for this book. It’s a picture book. But in its fun form it allows you to guess the film from a couple of pictures. A great postChristmas Dinner activity!
Is it ever really Christmas without a dash of your favourite Welsh-woman, Stacey, and Essex lad, Gavin?
The Polar Express (2004)
Wes Anderson Close-Ups, by Sophie Monks Kaufman and Little White Lies
Based on the children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg, The Polar Express follows a young boy who embarks on an extraordinary and fantastical train ride. This classic tale of self-discovery is every Tom Hanks lover’s dream.
Queer Eye by The Fab Five
A pocket guide to the films of Wes Anderson, one of the most distinctive auteurs of our time.
Spend your life waiting for the new season of Queer Eye? Well, have no fear, the queer eye book provides a practical guide to living your best life.
For screenies who like to read
Gavin and Stacey (Christmas Special) (2008)
The Grip of Film by Richard Ayoade
Musical gifts Kids See Ghosts (VINYL) Just look at it. Throw out the overpriced disc of horribly compressed vinyl. You didn’t really want it; it’s clutter and ‘Reborn’ is on Spotify anyway. What you really desire is that 12’ sleeve of wholesome neo-psychedelic art. Imagine it mounted on your wall, perhaps hung next to a secondhand Basqiuat or a tasty bit of Damien Hirst. Well, for £17.07, the privilege could be yours. Available wherever godlike rap albums are sold. How To Be Invisible: Selected Lyrics by Kate Bush (Book) Very few songwriters twist language
to such startling ends as Kate Bush. This svelte new collection remixes the ‘Hounds of Love’ singer’s weird and introspective lyrics into printed poetry. If you only know ‘Wuthering Heights’ from a crumpled old reading list, then here’s your entry point into the most uncompromising discography in British pop. Matangi / Maya / M.I.A. (DVD) If MIA’s central place in the pop culture firmament was ever in doubt, then Steven Loveridge’s scrappy documentary is a whip-smart corrective. Pieced together from over 700 hours of home movie footage, Matangi / Maya / M.I.A positions the Hounslow superstar as
one of the millennium’s most fearless icons, an artist who remains outspoken in a world intent on silencing outspoken women. This is unmissable, vital stuff. Go get it. Grindstore Mugs (Merch) We all enjoy a nice cuppa during the winter months, so why not drink your cocoa with a little panache? Online merch wizards Grindstore offer a mouth-watering variety of musically themed mugs, including big names like Iron Maiden, Green Day and Avenged Sevenfold (!). Go on. Buy a set and give your inner angsty indie kid a warming Festive gift. You know they deserve it.
Jingle bells You’ve heard the carol, now do it in real life – jingle all the way with some sleigh bells. These make a perfect stocking filler for the kid or big kid in your life. You’ll easily find a lovely stick with some bells on it for a fiver or less, and the infernal ringing that will plague your holiday season is more than worth the price! 11 Pipes Whatever your favourite Christmas song is, chances are it doesn’t hold a candle to ’The Twelve Days of Christmas’. Naturally, your favourite line is ‘eleven pipers piping’, so why not gather eleven of your closest friends
and buy them all a pipe? A trusty set of wooden pan pipes is around £9 on Amazon, meaning it’s less than £100 to create a moving Christmas cacophony and give everyone in your neighbourhood the gift of music. Ear plugs Some of your acquaintances in the local area may not appreciate the bells or the pipes, so a set of ear plugs will keep them from burning your house down. On a serious note, ear plugs are a must-have for anyone who enjoys live music, helping to keep your eardrums safe and prevent hearing loss or tinnitus in later life. Easy to find in a local pharmacy or online.
Image: Herreenvonbuttlar/ Flickr
FROM: The Boxing Day King George VI Chase 1986 The Boxing Day King George VI Chase is an annual horserace held at Kempton Park every year since 1937. Over a distance of around three miles, horses tackle 18 fences in the second most prestigious chase in England, after the Cheltenham Gold Cup. The course became infamous as Desert Orchid’s stomping ground for several years in the 1980s. Not only was he one of the most popular horses to ever compete, but his victories over a variety of distances and courses saw David Elsworth’s grey become one of the greatest stars of all time. The stallion’s affiliation with the Boxing Day highlight started in 1986. Ranked a 16/1 outsider, his prospects of glory were considered remarkably low before the race had started. He defied the odds to win that year, and it set him up for an unbeaten run in the prestigious event over the next four years - a truly remarkable feat from the champion in grey. Fellow legend Kauto Star retains the most wins at the chase, with 5 - the last of which came in 2011.
Image: Nationaal Archeif Fotocollectie Anefo
TO: Exeposé
TO: Exeposé FROM: Boxing Day 1963 Let me take you back to Boxing Day 1963 – an infamous day for British football. The traditional football fixtures saw an unprecedented 66 goals across ten games, with two teams – Fulham and Blackburn – winning by six goals or more. Leicester’s 2-0 win over Everton was the lowest-scoring encounter of the day, whilst Fulham overcame Ipswich 10-1, Liverpool and Burnley both won 6-1 against Stoke and Manchester United (yes, really) respectively, while Spurs played out a 4-4 draw at West Brom. The league’s eventual top-scorer that season, Jimmy Greaves, notched twice for Spurs that day. There were six goals apiece in the 3-3 draws between Wolves & Aston Villa, and Nottingham Forest & Sheffield Wednesday. There was yet another six goals scored at Bloomfield Road, as Chelsea overcame Blackpool 5-1. Unsurprisingly, Fulham’s huge home win of the season was also the highest scoring game of that season. Funnily enough, just four days later, the teams all played in the reverse fixtures - although the scores failed to reach the same heights.
TOP FESTIVE
SPORTING MOMENTS
TO: Exeposé FROM: New Year ’s Day 2015
TO: Exeposé FROM: The Boxing Day Test 1998
New Year’s Day, 2015. White Hart Lane. A vintage Premier League game. Eventual champions Chelsea arrived in fine form to face a Spurs side bereft of big-name players and with a manager just six months into his job. But this was the day that Mauricio Pochettino’s Tottenham Hotspur truly arrived. Despite falling behind to an opener from Diego Costa, a superb equaliser from distance by a certain Harry Kane saw the north-London side level, before Spurs scored twice before half-time through Danny Rose and Andros Townsend. Spurs had a fourth in the 52nd minute – a delightful turn by Kane inside John Terry preceded a fine finish into the far corner - a strike indicative of the quality he’s since shown. Eden Hazard would give Chelsea a lifeline just after the hour mark after a mistake by Federico Fazio, before Nacer Chadli re-established the three-goal lead. Though Chelsea would score the game’s eighth goal through captain John Terry late in the game, it was the hosts who emerged with all three points.
The Boxing Day Test match, held at the MCG in Australia, began in 1950 and has provided the occasion for some of the most memorable cricket matches in recent memory. Ordinarily, the game sees the Australian Men’s Cricket Team take on an opposing national team that is touring Australia at the time. In 1998, the game took on added significance as part of the Ashes. England hadn’t won a Boxing Day Test against Australia in twelve years and once again it wasn’t looking good. Going into the fourth day’s play, Australia were 99/2, chasing 175 to win. With eight wickets in hand and only 76 runs needed, it seemed the day would be a formality. However, Mark Ramprakash took a stunning catch at square leg to dismiss Justin Langer, and it proved the catalyst for an England win. It was Dean Headley’s finest hour – the pace bowler took six Australian wickets as England recovered from what looked like imminent defeat to snatch an unlikely victory in an all-time classic test match.
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Invented the first working telephone in 1876.
Developed dynamite and left a legacy of the Nobel Prize in 1895.
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Naturalist and biologist known for the theory of evolution by natural selection.
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Developed the Doppler Effect: how the observations of sound and light from a star alters according to its velocity relative to earth.
Discovered the periodic law and formulated the periodic table in 1869.
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Image: Dulich Picture Gallery
FrAandacis LoBavecolacne
GaAlidaleo LoGavelilacleie
Won the Nobel Prize in chemistry in 1964 for designing protein crystallography.
Found a constant relationship between the galaxies’ redshift and distance, helping to later prove that the universe is expanding.
Philosopher who argued for an empirical inductive approach to study, known as the scientific method.
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SirAIsdaaac LoNewvelactoen
Constructed a telescope using his own methods (a prototype of the modern refractor telescope) to observe planets.
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Image: Web Gallery of Art
Image: Wellcome Images
HumAdaphry LoDveavlacye
Image: National Maritime Gallery
Image: The Huntington
EdAdawin LoHubvelacblee
DAmdaitri MLoenvedelacleeev
Image: Chemie-master
Founder of analytical psychology, developing the ideas on personalities, archetypes and the power of unconsciousness.
Image: Quantum University
ChAridastian DLoopvepllacere
Image: Swarthmore
ChAardales LoDarvewlacine
Image: William Bateson
GrAegdaor LoMenvelacdeel
AlAfrdaed LoNveoblacele
Developed the general theories of relativity and won the Nobel Prize for physics for his explanation of the photoelectric effect.
Image: Pugwash Conferences on Science and World Affairs
DorAdaothy HLoodvegklacien
AlexAanda der GrLoahveamlac-Be ell
Mathematician and writer who worked on Charles Babbage’s mechanical purpose computer.
Image: Ortsmuseum Zollikon
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Discovered the principles of heredity through studies of pea plants from his monastery’s garden.
Contributed to the discovery of chlorine and iodine in 1811, as well as the disease causing properties of nitrous oxide (laughing gas).
Known for his work on the laws of motion and the theory of gravity, presenting them in 1686.
Discovered the double-helix structure of DNA alongside Francis Crick in 1953.
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MAardaie LoCuverilacee
Image: Henri Manuel
LoAdauis LoPavestlaceuer
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LiAndaus LoPaveullacineg
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JaAdane LoGoveodlacalel Image: US Department of State
Came up with the Pauling scale of electronegativities of chemical elements in 1932 and the concept of orbital hybridisation in 1931.
Came up with the method of pasteurisation in 1822, destroying bacteria by heating.
First woman to win a Nobel Prize in 1903, discovering polonium and radium and developing x-rays.
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Inventor of the first commercially available incandescent light bulb in 1879.
Image: Kaz/Pixabay
Physicist who worked on gravitational singularity theorems and general relativity.
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Famous for her application of x-ray diffraction and crystallography to the structure of DNA 1982.
Sir StAdaephen HLoawvekilacneg
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Marine biologist, environmentalist and writer who addressed the environmental impact of fertilisers and pesticides.
RoAsadalind FrLoanvelacklien
Image: Robin Scott
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RaAchda el LoCaverslacone
Animal rights activist who lived alongside chimpanzees to study primates and an advocate for ecological preservation.
A VERY EXEPOSÉ CHRISTMAS
Image: Chelsea Lee
10 DEC 2018
exhibit
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arts + lit
EDITORS: Lauren Newman and Tabi Scott
10 DEC 2018 |
ShakeSoc’s shining stars
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Arts + Lit writers review ShakeSoc’s production of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night
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HE hilarious and talented cast of ShakeSoc succeeded in bringing to life all the celebrated aspects of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, adding humorous details to make it pertinent to uni life.
THE SPECTATORS COULDN’T RESIST BURSTING OUT LAUGHING Updated to the modern setting of a pub in Devon, the play integrated perfectly with the more contemporary setting, using modern tracks such as ‘500 miles’ and ‘Take Me Home, Country Roads’ . The play
also featured both well-delivered sophisticated jokes as well as dirtier ones, which the spectators couldn’t resist bursting out laughing at. Located at Hole in The Wall, the small space allowed for a close proximity with the audience - in which the actors situated themselves continuously, giving a homey feel as well as the audience feeling part of the narrative. Although not perfect in its form, Shakespeare is effectively brought back to its primary goal of pure entertainment for the masses, and the image of Malvolio peeling off his sparkly nipple tassels and handing them disdainfully to Olivia was probably the best thing I’ve seen all week. Greta Sanna
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Image: Pexels/Pixabay
T is commonly said that the Bard’s works are timeless, and nowhere is this clearer than the innovative production of Twelfth Night by the University’s own ShakeSoc. A true comedy of errors, Viola finds herself washed up on the shores of Devon and decides, like any good Shakespearean heroine, to play a man and serve the local lovesick duke. When her conveniently identical twin brother shows up, mistaken identities, gender confusion, and a love heptagon ensures much ado occurs before the inevitable happy ending. Set in the “Twelfth Night Pub” (The Hole in The Wall), the produc-
tion fits seamlessly with the setting and the clever staging allows for the talented cast to play up the lewd and raunchy humour present throughout the play, as well as for several hilarious background moments. Special mention must go to George Dix’s portrayal of the larger-than-life Sir Toby Belch and his rowdy band, a comedy staple of the play whose tricks on straightlaced (and cross gartered) steward Malvolio provide several key moments of hilarity. A laugh-a-minute production, but one that keeps the heart of the play, ensures a fun night is had and, as they say, all’s well that ends well. Ruth Braham
The power of the arts
Natalie Tongue on Manchester’s new artistic initiative to help the homeless
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ronment. Art doesn’t necessarily imply painting, with individuals engaging in gardening and poetry as well. The Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, emphasised the benefit of this in “helping people to tell their own story” which, combined with accommodation serves to create a support network.
THE ARTS ARE INSTRUMENTAL TO OUR MENTAL WELL-BEING Funding for the arts plummets more and more each year, with real terms Grant-in-Aid funding decreasing by £7.2 million between 2011 and 2016. The arts are projected to lose another £40 million annually from Brexit. With the arts clearly being low on the government’s priority list, they are constantly underestimated. Yet the homelessness arts project run by Manchester is a testament to the importance of art on individual people and our emotions. An evidence review on ‘the Value of Arts and Culture to People and Society’ run by the Arts Council England found that those who visited a cultural place in the past 12 months were almost 60% more likely to report good health. Furthermore, this review cited several studies noting the positive impact of the arts on conditions such as dementia, depression and Parkinson’s disease. Thus, the arts are instrumental to our mental well-being. This evidence supports the importance of Manchester’s cultural approach to the homelessness crisis that has risen out of a lack of housing and social welfare cuts. While ultimately these people need housing and fur-
ther welfare support, this alone is insufficient. It is important to remember the homeless are people who have stories that led them to where they are. Whereas the average person has access to therapy or a social support network (even if that is simply family or friends), this is not always the case for the homeless. Offering art projects, such as the street mural painted by over 40 homeless people on Ducie Street, enriches people’s lives with activities to occupy their time, an outlet to communicate and a support network to lean on. This approach has been criticised for ignoring the practical necessities of these individuals, however it should be praised for aiding the mental well-being of homeless people that is so often ignored. With help in this arena, combined with housing and physical help, people are less likely to fall back into the situations they were previously enduring.
IT IS REFRESHING AND GROUNDING TO BE SURROUNDED BY CULTURE The arts are an integral part of our day-today life in many ways that we probably overlook. I believe that the environment which we are surrounded by has a major impact on our mood. Although we may not specifically notice street paintings and artwork as we pass them each day, we would definitely notice the lack of them. It is refreshing and grounding to be surrounded by culture and nature. Therefore, despite the ever-growing underfunding of the arts, they have an incredible impact on our lives. Art is a healthy outlet of expression and deserves more attention.
WRITERS’ CORNER Home Alexia Oerter It was that time of year again, our tree was brought up all red and gold to the sound of the old Christmas hymns chiming. We all huddled up to hear the snowflakes fall as our tree was lit up all red and gold; and gifts suddenly appeared beneath, so we all gathered by the fire to hear the crackling of torn paper. Now presents appear one by one, brought under the white and silver tree. Still keen for paper to crackle open, we’re on our way back to where we were grown around the white and silver tree, and to the same chiming hymns we’ll gather once more. On our way back to the place we call Home, growing apart but time for tonight stands still. Will there be the same hymns chiming, and the sound of the snowflakes falling, for time after that night did not stand still but even grown apart I’ll still huddle up to listen to the snowflakes glazing my new Home; we’ll bring the gifts as one beneath a younger tree, before gathering together by the fire for as long as Christmas will remain, Because it is this time of year again.
Image: Free-Photos/Pixabay
N a bid to tackle the ever-growing homelessness problem, Manchester has recruited the arts as its saviour. Manchester was chosen to be part of the International Art and Homelessness Festival and Summit from 12 to 18 November. This event investigated the impact the arts can have in tackling the expanding homelessness crisis. The city has produced a five-year strategy, whereby cultural sector institutions have aided the council in developing “holistic support”, as described by Amanda Croome, chief executive of the Booth Centre. The arts have been used in Manchester to provide the homeless an outlet to express their feelings. One example is art workshops whereby support workers are present, but the focus is on the art until people feel comfortable to share in a more inforImage: Loco Steve/Flickr mal envi-
Image: jill111/Pixabay
Merry Christmas from all of us Arts+Lit! Make sure to keep us updated with your cultural festivities Twitter: @ExeposeArts Instagram: @exepose-arts-lit Facebook: Exepose Arts+Lit Writers
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Chuckle sisters?
WOMEN ARE APPEARING MORE IN COMEDIC ROLES
seen, developed over a ten year working relationship. To swap one out for a new comedian of any gender would be a detriment to the show and, in my personal opinion, a huge loss to British comedy. These shows have been running for so long that it is difficult to change the cast successfully, and simultaneously incredibly difficult to start a new show from scratch to compete. Of course, there is always space for female comedians to appear as guests on these shows, and in recent years there has in many cases been a visible increase in the number of women on these shows. However, even when invited on, many female comedians are made to feel uncomfortable. Have I Got News for You has a particularly bad reputation for its treatment of women, sparking controversy when Jo Brand shut down a sexist comment about the #MeToo movement from Ian Hislop. Hislop and Merton have spoken about this in interviews, saying that female comedians sim-
Successful comedy is largely dictated by TV, with comedians having their standup broadcasted on TV and by appearing on panel shows. These shows are hugely maledominated: the permanent comedians of Would I Lie To You, Taskmaster, 8 out of 10 Cats, Mock the Week and Have I Got News for You are almost all male (8 out of 10 Cats is the exception with exactly one woman). Of course, many of these casts have worked together for years, and whilst some of them are arguably extremely tired (Paul Merton and Ian Hislop I’m looking at you), many have developed relationships that can only come with time. Lee Mack, David Mitchell and Rob Brydon as a trio have some of the best comedic chemistry that TV has ever Images (from left): Bryan Ledgard (edited); Universal; Rodw
Speak out
in a shaky, captivating moment. These moments can often be grabbed on video and
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Rowan Keith, Online Lifestyle Editor, reflects on female representation in stand-up comedy
ISTORICALLY, there is an incredibly damaging stereotype that women are simply not as funny as men. Whilst to many of us this seems archaic, I know many men and women the same age as me that still view this as some kind of biological fact. Though this has been proved wrong time and time again, from comedians like Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders paving the way for female comedians 30 years ago to comedians such as Sara Pascoe and Aisling Bea gaining huge success now, there is still a palpable gender bias in the comedy world.
EDITORS: Lauren Newman and Tabi Scott
Zach Mayford discusses the popularity of slam poetry
UR world is audio-visual. We crave the richness of multi-media: the way our entertainment hits us matters as much as the stuff itself. In performance poetry, or Slam, the poet speaks, stutters and shouts their story face-to-face. In their article ‘The Rising Popularity of Slam Poetry’, Deshia Dunn credits the “performative element”. This element can be the soul that animates a poem. Dunn sees the “life” of the performance poem in “inflection, volume, tone and facial expression”. In slam poetry, we see the living embodiment, person and persona. Poetic voice declares itself
devoured hungrily by millions of viewers. Would ‘The Revolution Will Not be Televised’ have as much power if Gil Scott Heron hadn’t declared it aloud? Perhaps less still if it hadn’t been immortalised in vinyl. Slam poetry birthed the musical zeitgeist, influencing the world-conquering genre that is hip-hop. However, conversational spoken word creeps back into musical acclaim. Polarising outfit Hobo Johnson and the Lovemakers recently won a competition for an NPR gig. Their sound is Slam poetry over a chord sequence, yet they beat conventional musicians.
ply won’t accept invitations to appear on the shows. In my opinion, such excuses are mere attempts to shift the blame, somewhat evading the effects of their own behaviour. Without any change happening in the near future this will probably persist for as long as the show runs. Even on shows that are very welcoming to women, there is a perceivable difference in the way many male comedians treat female comedians. In their attempts to appear respectful or polite, not something they worry about with other men, male comedians are often unwilling to make jokes at a female comedian’s expense, as if us women need to be wrapped in cotton wool. Although this may come from a good place, this kind of behaviour perpetuates a ‘boys club’ mentality that surrounds comedy. Of course, it’s not all doom and gloom. Women are appearing more and more in both traditional and non-traditional comedic
roles. Podcasts are an incredible example of a platform that female comedians can take advantage of. They are accessible in that they can be made almost anywhere, at any time, and at a distance to the audience, and all for a relatively small price.
THERE IS STILL A PALPABLE GENDER BIAS IN THE COMEDY WORLD This allows women to make their own schedule: a massive benefit to women with children or women who are struggling to make a living from comedy and therefore need to work other additional jobs. This creates a distance between the audience and the comedian, therefore lessening the danger of sexual harassment or assault that some female comedians have reported at live gigs. Finally, this allows a women to be heard without being seen, helping to negate the pressure on women in comedy to be both sexually attractive and funny, a pressure which so clearly presents itself on panel shows, and a pressure men do not experience. The Guilty Feminist is a perfect example of a podcast that has taken this form and run with it, and it is now extremely successful internationally. There are also many female comedians using social media as a platform for their comedy, with artists such as Jessie Cave making a name for herself on Instagram and now appearing on televised panel shows. Whilst these don’t negate the lack of representation of female comedians on our tellies, it offers alternative routes to comedic success and therefore a route to redressing the gender bias.
By the time you read this, their audition cial with 1.4 million views. video will probably have hit 12 million views. Spoken word has contagious social On another video dissecting Hobo Joncapital. Brands use poems to son’s lyrics for Genius, the top comsell things; you’ve probably ment is that “he just writes and seen the Giffgaff advert verbalises art”. with the poem about Kate Tempest has found ‘Big and Small’ to sell meteoric success through phone contracts. performance poetry. TemSimilarly, the buildpest, now a Fellow of the ing society NationRoyal Society of Literature, wide have a whole has performed at Glastonspoken word series, bury and published a new ‘Voices Nationwide’. book of poems in October 2018. Spoken word isn’t There’s a startlingly poignant just a money maker. It’s as Image: Jenny McCambridge poem about homophobia in 2018 awkward and clumsy as life. written, directed and performed by Sean It’s the artful ordinary. Lionadh on the Youtube channel BBC The So-
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music
Breaking out the Bublé Hannah Stevenson, Online News Editor, looks back on the smiley crooner's Christmassy oeuvre
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AUBLES, bubbles, Bublé: it’s a Christmas checklist so many of us go back to year in, year out. If Mariah is the Christmas queen, then Michael Bublé can surely claim pride of place beside her as the yuletide king. Whether you’re a Bubléholic or not, for many, the festive season simply doesn’t begin until we hear the Canadian crooner’s silky vocals slip through the cold mornings and smell of mulled wine to tell us “it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas."
IF MARIAH IS THE CHRISTMAS QUEEN, THEN MICHAEL IS THE KING However, that Michael Bublé has become so heavily associated with the festive season perhaps makes it easy to forget the width and breadth of his fifteen-year career. Bublé’s 2003 self-titled debut album reached the top ten in the UK, Canada and Australia with a string of thirteen standards and featured a collaboration with Barry Gibb of the Bee Gees. With brassy covers of tracks such as ‘Come Fly With Me’ and ‘Fever’, the album firmly grounded
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Bublé’s smooth vocals in a revival of the big band era. Indeed, it wasn’t until four years later with the release of Bublé’s third studio album, Call Me Irresponsible, that his music saw any dramatic stylistic changes. The popularity of the original lead single, ‘Everything’, which features (whisper it) *absolutely no horn sections at all*, began to align Bublé with the contemporary chart. This paved the way for subsequent commercial success with tracks such as ‘Haven’t Met You Yet’ and ‘It’s a Beautiful Day’. However, it is perhaps his album, Christmas, for which Bublé went down in musical history. A staple favourite with both students and mums alike, the record's canny of teaming velvety vocals team with sumptuous jazz was always going to be a recipe for success. As of 2018, the album has reached number one in fifteen different countries, and continues to sell copies every year round the holiday season. In many ways, Christmas was a long time coming (the album that is, although that definitely applies to the season too). Bublé released his first festive EP eight years earlier in 2003. It featured five tracks, including
A Christmas Carol
both those which later appeared on Christmas (‘The Christmas Song’, ‘I’ll Be Home For Christmas’), and some which have never since been rereleased (‘Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!’ and ‘Grown Up Christmas List’). Indeed, Bublé’s festive leanings may go even further back than this. The story goes that Bublé’s family first spotted his singing talent when, singing along to ‘White Christmas’ during a family car journey, he powerfully sung the line “may your days be merry and bright” at the age of just thirteen. The song evidently continued to remain close to the singer’s heart: recordings of ‘White Christmas’ appear on both the 2003 EP and the 2011 album, Christmas, the latter performance being a jazz duet with country singer Shania Twain. Rumours of Bublé’s retirement have been circulating, although he has confirmed that he is not planning on leaving music behind anytime soon. If the relentless churning out of the same songs every December teaches us one thing though, it is the longevity of Christmas tunes. I suspect that we will all be defrosting our Bublé albums alongside our turkeys for many more years yet.
Amelia Chisholm celebrates the rich history of your favourite festive hits
OW, I’m not one to complain about Christmas ‘losing its true meaning’. I’m a little averse to the almost terrifying enthusiasm with which captialism controls the season, but I think the move away from traditional Christian values, and towards a more secular celebration based around the values of sharing love and acceptance, is a rather good thing. So sue me. However, there is one thing I do miss from my Church of England school days. Namely, around the Christmas season, Morning Chapel would be filled with one of my favourite things about the season: carols. I don’t miss church, but I do miss the gentle harmonies and rousing choruses. Going back to the very beginning, the word itself comes from the Latin ‘carula’, meaning a circular dance. Obviously, with the awkward standing-up-for-ages that accompanies any church sermon, this ‘dance’ has been long since abandoned. The current theory behind this is that carols, much like a lot of Christmas celebration, were not originally Christian. Rather, the songs and dances were part of midwinter pagan celebrations, which were slowly adopted by Christianity as they absorbed pagans into their fold. Slowly is
certainly an understatement- sure, ‘Good Kind Wenceslas’ and ‘The Holly and the Ivy’ can be traced back to the Middle Ages, but they, along with other carols, weren’t sung in church until the second half of the 19th Century. This tradition of songs brought in by pagan converts likely combined with the ideas of St. Francis of Assisi. In 1223, he began the concept of Nativity plays in his hometown, accompanied by songs which told the story of the Nativity. The act of preaching through melody and lyrics, combined with the preexisting post-pagan songs of celebration, resulted in the carols we know and love today.
the reinstatement of the English monarchy, in 1660, carols were embraced once more. Davies Gilbert is widely accepted as publishing the first book of Christmas carols, titled ‘A Collection of Ancient Christmas Carols, with the tunes to which they were formerly sung in the West of England’ (1822). A bit of a mouthful, but it was popular, nevertheless, and contained carols collected from villages across, you guessed it, the west
of England. That brings us to today. We’re blessed with various wonderful compilations of pop stars bleating out the same number one Christmas hits, again and again. Yes, I do love some Michael Bublé and Shakin’ Stevens, but despite my irreligious stance, part of Christmas for me will forever linked to a choir of soft voices singing ‘O Holy Night’ in golden candlelight flickers over the church pews.
I DO MISS THE GENTLE HARMONIES AND ROUSING CHORUSES Our next pitstop on our whirlwind history of carols is, in fact, about their absence. Oliver Cromwell, a famous fun-hater, banned Christmas carols in 1647, as part of the Puritans’ attempt to subdue Christmas celebrations. Interestingly, this was not due to their pagan origins, but rather, because they were the ‘wrong’ kind of Christian. Following
Image: U.S. Air Force / Sara Vidoni
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EDITORS: Aaron Loose and Alex Wingrave
10 DEC 2018 |
Love it now they made it
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Stephen Ong praises the Manchester quartet's latest album
A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships 30 November
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Image: Eigenes Werk
THE 1975
Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships is The 1975’s third full-length album, and it is everything but brief. It spans 58 minutes, with no song the same genre, all while maintaining a commentary on modernity. Lead singer Matthew Healy claims "modernity has failed us" three times on ‘Love It If We Made It’. A Brief Inquiry feels very much like an improvement on their last album I like it when you sleep…; it is shorter, more focused, and pushes the boundaries of experimental pop. Healy has been on record saying he wanted the band’s third album to be comparable to decade-defining classics such as OK Computer and The Queen Is Dead, but only time will tell if A Brief Inquiry resonates as strongly with our millennial society. Despite the apparent similarities, A Brief Inquiry is thematically nothing like Radiohead’s OK Computer, an album that captured the growing fear of technology, capitalism and globalisation at the turn of the millennium. The 1975 have embraced both the good and bad of the 21st century, and the songs feel more detached compared to the over-
blown drama of their earlier work. Album opener ‘The 1975' sets the mood with its use of vocoders. It’s cold, modern, and attention-grabbing, before segueing into the Joy Division riff of ‘Give Yourself A Try’. This one-two punch is nothing new for the band, who have placed their album’s most bombastic track after the opener, and it has never failed to set the tone for their albums; A Brief Inquiry is bleak, and it is Healy’s optimism for society that prevents us from sinking into dystopian territory.
A BRIEF INQUIRY FEELS LIKE THE BAND'S STRONGEST STATEMENT YET The 1975 never directly criticise modernity on the album, but 'The Man Who Married A Robot’ is modernity at its worst; Siri narrates the story of a man who seeks comfort from the internet in place of human contact. It’s a reminder of how essential the internet is to our lives. On the jazzy ‘Sincerity Is Scary’, Healy condemns irony as ‘a self-referential way that stops you having to be human’. It’s remarkably self-aware – the band has been criticised for being pretentious; Rolling Stone famously took issue with their ‘unconvincing emo lyr-
The Instrumentals DRUMMING IS THE MOST THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY KNOWN TO HUMANKIND In fact, this method of stress management was so effective that it became tradition: for the next three years, every exam season featured a daily drumming session, and, as a result, both my mental health and my grades were undeniably hugely better off for it. The only reason this glorious tradition had to come to a tragic close is because there’s nowhere to store my drum kit at uni (have you ever read anything more Exetah, I’m ashamed to have even thought it, let alone written it), and, safe to say, I’m certainly worse off for it. Don’t believe me? As I’m writing these very words, it’s 10:51am and I’m sitting in the X-Media office. What’s so stressful about that, I
hear you ask? Well, the worrying bit about it is that I’ve now spent 28 hours and 32 minutes straight on campus, spent in this very office and stressing over an essay that was due at 10am this morning. So, clearly, I’m in dire need of a good ol’ go on the drums. And, also, maybe some sleep. Maybe.
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dable, spine-chilling creatures of your worst nightmares to a stray cat waiting to be petted.
Remember This? MARIAH CAREY
Nicky Avasthi discusses the healing powers of hitting drums really hard
ROM the start, I have been a very musical person. At age 7 I started playing classical guitar. At 14 it was the piano. At 15 came the drums. Despite them being a later addition to my musical repertoire, the drums hold a very special place in my heart. Picture the scene. The year is 2014. The camera pans to a distraught Nicky stressing over her GCSEs. She wanders into an empty practice room in her school’s music department and picks up her first pair of drumsticks. Cue inspirational soundtrack as the opening credits to The-Biggest-Coming-of-Age-FilmOur-Generation-Has-Ever-Seen roll. Cue music. It would be pretty damn accurate to say my world was irrevocably changed. Not only does playing the drums make you automatically the most interesting person in the room (duh), it’s also the most therapeutic activity known to humankind. For me, no other instrument is quite as effective as a form of stress relief. During my GCSE exams, I began every day with half an hour of drumming to alleviate the exam-related anxiety I would wake up with. By the end of those thirty minutes every morning, I felt like a new person; the impending exams transformed from the formi-
ics’ – yet Healy has always been sincere, from sweeping statements like "You win, you lose, you sing the blues / there’s no point in buying concrete shoes" to personal admissions, "I was 25 and afraid of going outside". Even though A Brief Inquiry is The 1975’s least personal album yet, touching moments do appear on the album's numerous ballads, particularly during the second half. ‘Surrounded By Heads And Bodies’ is a tribute to a mysterious Angela, while the acoustic ‘Be My Mistake’ gives a glimpse into Healy’s mental state. The writing of A Brief Inquiry was interrupted by Healy’s heroin addiction, and it shows. The only song that sounds anything like the hits is the fantastic ‘It’s Not Living (If It’s Not With You)’, an ode to drugs in typical fashion – a goodbye to the hedonism The 1975 have romanticised in their career. Being an incredibly divisive band, A Brief Inquiry is unlikely to turn critics, and at the same time risks alienating fans by moving so far from their signature sound. But the risk has paid off, and the record feels like the band’s strongest statement yet. That’s not to say it’s a perfect album; the second half drags at times and there are no songs that match the emotional impact of ‘Robbers’ and ‘Somebody Else’. But who said OK Computer and The Queen Is Dead were perfect?
Merry Christmas November 1994
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H E N peop l e think Christmas music, Mariah Carey’s ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’ immediately comes to mind. Even though it is one of the biggest selling songs of all time, people seem to forget the album which it comes from. The simply named Merry Christmas is nothing short of brilliant and breaks the mould of forgettable, cash-grab pop Christmas records. Coming after a string of successful albums, deviating to a Christmas album may have seemed a rogue move but by reinventing the classics, Carey cemented her sound and gave each cover her distinct essence. The original songs are clearly hits and the covers are an excellent showcase of Carey’s supreme vocal talents. And so, every time you hear ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’ this year, don’t let its excellence overshadow just how good the album is. Grab yourself some mulled wine and give Merry Christmas a listen. Tom Routledge
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Images (clockwise from bottom left): Nyaomi for the Come Up Show, esheehanpics, Andy Witchger, thesupermat, brinksnaps
The Exeposé
1 DIRTY COMPUTER JANELLE MONÁE
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ANELLE Monáe's 2010 collaboration with Big Boi, 'Tightrope' was the first time I heard her voice. She was androgynous, soulful, and effortlessly cool. She represented a new generation of singers who had grown up with Motown but sought to create their own path. Eight years later and Monáe has not changed in her views, but the world has just started to take notice of her true mastery. Now a successful actress and producer as well as singer, she has proved her worth in an industry that now seems to welcome her with open arms. Dirty
2 SWEETENER ARIANA GRANDE Ariana Grande is so much more than the trauma she’s faced over the past couple of years. But there is no doubt that what she’s been through has led to this essential rebirth of who she is and who she wants to be in the public eye. Sweetener saw Ariana find strength and power in what many would label vulnerabilities. 'get well soon' is an exploration of her mental health in a raw, emotional way, but also the message she needs to hear herself. 'god is a woman' and its accompanying video intertwine sexuality and faith in an ambitious and sleekly powerful way, whilst 'breathin' passionately captures struggles with anxiety. The direct contrast of the emotion in 'get well soon' to the highly empowered 'successful' is an interesting portrayal of who she has become in recent years. She is every traumatic event she has faced alongside every time she has found strength in herself to carry on. Sweetener was an album for Ariana as well as by Ariana. She gave herself the hug and the strength she so clearly needed and, at the same time, released a gorgeous new collection of songs. Rhiannon Moore, Lifestyle Editor
Computer is a mirror to a world in political chaos, with Monáe acting as the musical saviour, and as a pioneering queer black woman succeeding in an America that does not offer the American Dream to anyone. The album is poignant but also delightfully easy listening in the very best sense. 'Crazy, Classic, Life' begins with Martin Luther King's infamous "I have a dream" speech. She states that "I'm not America's nightmare / I'm the American dream". Discrimination is such a key message in this album and Monáe highlights the irony of this selective term which in
Trump's America chooses to encompass some but not others. Her versatility is fully displayed in this work: we get a smattering of Motown sound, musical theatre, hip-hop, dancehall and more - and Monáe doesn't do this just for gimmick's sake - she triumphs in each distinct genre. Edging away from her previous Metropolis narrative, Monáe proves that she is fully coming into her own on this record as she campaigns for universal sexual freedom for everyone. 'Screwed' is an upbeat anthem for empowerment, and 'Django Jane' shows Monáe com-
3 KIDS SEE GHOSTS KIDS SEE GHOSTS
4 ROOM 25 NONAME
It’s been a shaky-ass year for Kanye West. His solo effort ye came over like a hastily typed apologia pasted from r/JordanPeterson, so I didn’t expect much from his collaboration with Kid Cudi, whose own visionary ideas are often let down by a clumsy execution. But Kids See Ghosts is astounding, a technicolor rebirth painted in luscious strokes of neo-psychedelia and sinewy grunge. Let’s hear a round of applause for Cudi. His self-help verses have never sounded more convincing, and on new gospel ‘Reborn', he gives this generation another demon-slayin’ anthem to lean on. Laddish standout ‘4th Dimension’ flips a cosy yuletide sample into a bleak theme song for mind-altering orgasms, while ‘Cudi Montage’ sees rap’s most confessional bros praying for deliverance over surging keyboards. Elsewhere, Ty Dolla $ign croons on ‘Freeee’ like a rockstar possessed, and producer Dot Da Genius braids the album’s clashing influences into moving statements. By the end, I accepted Kanye might never stop chasing a misguided freedom of speech. I don’t think he can; the social media ragers are too addictive. But I still feel the love. Aaron Loose, Music Editor
It’s in a blend of self-consciousness and softspoken nonchalance that Noname defines herself. Her sophomore album Room 25 is a mesmerising twist on this paradox. From the shuffling 'Blaxploitation' to the the mentoinspired 'Montego Bae', the music oscillates between sparse funk arrangements to jazzinfused polyrhythms.However, it’s all brought together by Noname’s beat-perfect delivery. Her slick verbal syncopation feels incidental; 'Prayer Song' drifts amongst its shifting vocal rhythms, while 'Regal' eases from one long thought into a coherent hook. She wraps together elements of spoken-word dynamism, under-the-breath laxness, and conscious rap urgency. Room 25 thrives in that gentle tension between self-awareness and being the commanding voice at the back of the room. As she says: "all I am is everything and nothing at all". In early-adulthood's hurried selfactualization, there's something to be said for embracing uncertainty. Room 25 suggests that amidst that desire of the listless mid-20s to assure one's sense of self, there's always room to grow. Harry Caton, Online Screen Editor
ing into her own as she doesn't hide behind the facade or her artistry: "Remember when they used to say I look too mannish / Black girl magic, y'all can't stand it". Her clean rapping reincarnates pop culture in Monáe's name, and she reinstates black power by embracing the historical struggle and resilience that we still see in society, particularly for black women. No matter what your race, class, sexuality or political tendency, Monáe's record is a triumph and illustrates the power that we all have at this moment in history. Jaysim Hanspal, Online Music Editor
5 CHRIS CHRISTINE AND THE QUEENS Following up 2014’s Chaleur Humaine was always going to be a mammoth task for Héloïse Letissier, the artist behind acclaimed French art-pop act, Christine and the Queens. Yet Letissier does not settle for simply giving us more of the groundbreaking, synth-infused pop that characterised her first outing. Whilst Chaleur Humaine also tackled themes of identity and sexuality, it remained tentative in places, sacrificing overall cohesion for memorable tracks. Chris, however, is nothing short of ambitious. Unafraid to throw its weight around, the punch of its contemporary thematic elements is propelled by a fusion engine of 80sesque funk rhythm and deep, rolling synths. Though later songs possess a more latent energy, the first half of the album is packed with power and pomp (‘La marcheuse’ and ‘Doesn’t matter’ truly standout). It may lack the sheer clout of Chaleur Humaine, but Chris proves once more that not only is Letissier an artist at the top of their genre, but also one not afraid to push boundaries. It is a genuine pleasure to hear an album that reinvents both sound and self. Graham Moore, Editor
ALBUMS OF 2018
FLORENCE & THE MACHINE
Image: Ralph Alversen
2018 has been the year that Tom Misch has gone from being a little-known bedroom beat maker uploading music to Soundcloud to being one of the most respected and widely adored musicians in the UK. The breadth of his appeal is partly down to the multiple genres his music encompasses, something that is reflected in the wide range of guests that feature on this record, including established names like De La Soul and up and coming stars like Poppy Ajudha and close friend Loyle Carner. Stand out track 'Lost in Paris' sees Misch’s vocals skipping over an infectious guitar beat and a rhythmic guest verse from Grammynominated Goldlink, while the instrumental track 'Tick Tock' allows Misch to demonstrate his exquisite production skills. Although this album is more conservative than some of his earlier work, Misch’s enormous talent is evident and Geography firmly establishes his place as one of the most innovative and enjoyable to listen to artists in British music today. Henry Walker
8 SWIMMING MAC MILLER I didn’t want this review to be an obituary. Swimming was supposed to be the next step of a blossoming career, not an ending. Mac Miller rose up through his ability to get stuck in your head, and he could have cruised on that, but he wanted to do more. He wanted to be better. Those earworms are still in Swimming– 'Self Care' and 'Ladders' have some of the best hooks of the year, but the entire project continues the subversive path of his last few releases . The album lets itself breathe and the rapper takes his time to explore his head, his insular lyricism backed with gorgeous pads and muted guitar licks to give an ethereal soul feel. It’s Mac trying to find ways of expressing himself and trying to figure out what he means, sometimes coming up short as we all do. After a very public breakup, Mac intensifies the focus that was already on him to a level of personal confession, singing openly about his flaws and his regrets. That a work about trying to accept himself will be the last thing he ever releases is heart-breaking. We should have had more. Sam Reid
10 TRANQUILITY BASE HOTEL & CASINO
ARCTIC MONKEYS
9 NEGRO SWAN BLOOD ORANGE In Blood Orange’s fourth studio album, Dev Hynes navigates an introspective journey of identity and self-acceptance. In this lusciously lo-fi landscape, black depression, sexuality, and vulnerability take centre stage. Undeniably, Negro Swan is multi-faceted. Its lines haunted with lingering memories of adolescent bullying: in the introductory 'Orlando', Hynes recounts his ‘first kiss was the floor’. Yet there remain moments of self-love, as Hynes brags he feels "pretty as fuck" in the concluding track 'Smoke'. In Negro Swan, everyone wears their heart on their sleeve. Hynes forces his high profile, talented collaborators out of their comfort zones, with even kingpin rapper Diddy leaving his bravado at the door, confessing his fears of vulnerability. Yet one of the most important voices on the album is African-American trans activist Janet Mock, who narrates the album with reflections on feeling comfortable in your own skin, and the importance of community. In an age where conversations about minority rights and acceptance are coming to the societal forefront, Negro Swan demands empathy and understanding. After all, as Hynes croons in the lead single 'Charcoal Baby': "no one wants to be the odd one out at times. No one wants to be the Negro Swan". Bryony Gooch, Online Music Editor
After the roaring success of 2013’s sexy but sanitised AM, Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino sees the Sheffield rockers returning to creative form with a quieter, meandering album. Absent of any singles with immediate power, bar the anthemic ‘Four Out Of Five’, this is a record focusing on the evergreen sharp lyricism of Alex Turner and structured around leisurely piano compositions. Indie rock stylings and traditional song structures are shunted to the background, buried under the shimmering layers of influence from glam, jazz, pop and lounge music. Turner’s typical confessional style has never sounded better; bolstered by ideas of science fiction and interstellar development, the album seduces you into your stay at a casino on the moon. Though Turner and his keys undeniably quarterback the sound, highlights like ‘Science Fiction’, ‘Star Treatment’ and the title track are driven by silky basslines, careful tight drumming and echoing guitars. Ending on the soaring ‘The Ultracheese’, Tranquility Base shows the Arctic Monkeys at their most mature, displaying restraint and intelligence in crafting a slow-burning, thoughtful record. Alex Wingrave, Music Editor Image: Sxanthony
Having had the privilege to witness High as Hope in concert, I am convinced this album is something of an heirloom, increasing exponentially in emotional value with the passing of time. While the tender notes of ‘Grace’ and ‘The End of Love’ were initial stand-outs, resembling some of the softer tracks of her more recent discography, I have since grown enamoured by all ten songs on what is essentially the most concise, yet fulfilling album I can remember from recent years. The band have undeniably matured in sound, with production somewhat muted compared to previous triumphs. This new stripped back direction seems more and more like quintessential Florence with each listen. Full focus is given to particular transcendent lines –"and what if one day there is no such thing as snow?", "as women raged, and old men fumbled and cried" - and the rhetorical and revolutionary tone underpinning the entire album enhances its cogency. While High as Hope may not be the powerhouse album people had expected, harking back to the rose-coloured days of Ceremonials, its vulnerability offers possibly the most insight we’ve ever had into the mind of the contemporary icon that is Florence Welch. Thomas Turner
7 GEOGRAPHY TOM MISCH
Image: Adam Shoesmith
6 HIGH AS HOPE
Editors' Picks of 2018 Images: Columbia, Atlantic, Ipecac, Sony
Some Rap Songs by Earl Sweatshirt
Invasion of Privacy by Cardi B
You Won't Get What You Want by Daughters
El mal querer by Rosalía
Image: veld @flickr
screen
Twenty-eighteen gems Private Life (Dir. Tamara Jenkins)
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AYBE one of the funniest movies you didn’t see in 2018 is Private Life. The film chronicles the struggles of Rachel and Richard, a 40-something married couple trying for a baby by any means necessary. But it is not the baby that is the real focus of the film – the lengths they go to to conceive, from science to surrogate, serves as a vehicle for a surgical analysis of their relationship, which Paul Giamatti and Kathryn Hahn expertly play out in minute complexity. Both characters are creatives – Rachel a novelist trying to finish a book and Richard was once an acclaimed actor but now makes pickles, and he is struggling to deal Image: Netflix with the Bird-
Black Panther (Dir. Ryan Coogler)
man-esque decent from the heights he once reached. It would be easy to lose the sensitivity to their problems amidst the comedy that is easily derived from the petty problems of being a rich, middle-class white couple, but the film expertly guides the tone from belly-laugh comedy to a more subdued and delicate style of joke telling. This is the genius of writer-director Tamara Jenkins – she lets us laugh at these kooky-arty New York types, but never loses sight of the charming emotions and timid pains that sit beneath the smiles. I suggest you make Private Life one of the funniest movies you did see in 2018. Richard Ainslie
Game Night (Dir. daley & goldstein)
I
N a year where it was hard to muster any sort of excitement for film beyond the standard Marvel offerings, Game Night was a true diamond in the rough. Co-directors JF Daley and John Goldstein were writers on Spider-Man: Homecoming, and that film’s sharp dialogue and non-stop energy have an obvious influence here. Jason Bateman and Rachel McAdams have fantastic chemistry as protagonists Max and Annie, with biting and believable back-andforth. The madcap plot has twists aplenty that are best left unspoiled, and the two leads are amply supported by Image: Subscene
S
MASHING the box office in 2018, Black Panther became the highestgrossing film in the US. But more importantly for me, it was the only film in 2018 that made me go ‘wow’. ‘Wow’ to the incredible soundtrack, with composer Ludwig Goransson fusing African instruments such as the talking drum and the tambin to form the “base” of his score and ‘wow’ to the strong female characters who were not just romantic love interests or defined by the men they were with, they were warriors, queens and tech Image: Marvel Studios geniuses. Special men-
tion to Michael B. Jordan who, in his role as Eric Killmonger, a black-ops soldier wanting to overthrow his cousin T’Challa, manages to make viewers feel sympathy for the villain of the story, which is a hard task to master. The film does not shy away from political undertones either – Wakanda is an isolated African civilisation untouched by war or colonialism, the exact opposite of what we see in society today. Aside from everything, Black Panther was so fun to watch that as soon as the film ended I wanted to watch it again. Wakanda forever. Dorothea Christmann
Isle of dogs (DIR. wes anderson)
the likes of Jesse Plemons, Kyle Chandler and Chelsea Peretti. Also superb is the cinematography and momentary editing, making use of extreme long shots to reinforce the board game theme, and maintaining the film’s breakneck pace. In an industry saturated by dull, unimaginative action, Game Night should stand out - and provides a tantalising sample of Daley and Goldstein’s burgeoning directorial identity. Will Byford
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ES Anderson’s Isle of Dogs is, in my humble opinion, a cinematic masterpiece. Despite its modest, twee impression, the stop-motion feature is powerful and profound, attracting an audience of all ages. The story is about a child’s fight to rescue his pet dog and appeal to a nation. Its unique setting of Japan in the near-future and bilingual dialogue give the film a modern edge and prove how empathy can surpass linguistic barriers. Most notably, the intricate animation distinguishes each character in painstakImage: proppaganda ing detail, from a jag-
ged tooth to a tuft of fur. They are bestowed an endearing range of personalities by the instantly recognisable voices of the cast (including Bill Murray, Scarlett Johansson and Edward Norton). To top it off, the messages of the motion picture are both inspiring and relevant to current issues such as animal welfare, epidemics, political corruption and protests. This 2018 gem is a must-see!
Editors’ Picks Images: dewereldmorgan; Imdb; Netflix
I, Daniel Blake (2016)
Eighth Grade (2018)
The Haunting of Hill House (2018)
Greta Brambilla
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Commodified Christmas
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Samuel Thomson considers the merits of Christmas adverts
DVERTISING surrounds us in the modern age. The ‘Christmas Ad’ has become a staple of the holiday season in the 21st century, with companies shelling out millions to try and create the most beautiful, thought-provoking, emotional vision of Christmas they can muster. ‘The Boy and The Piano’, John Lewis’ 2018 Christmas ad, reportedly had a budget of £10 million. For a point of reference, that’s the same budget as Memento - or enough money to make The Blair Witch Project 167 times. With these extravagant budgets, Christmas ads have now evolved to a point where they are less like adverts, and more like short films, so they are certainly worth analysing. Advertisements are an interesting case study, as there are few examples of an art form that has such a specific purpose in mind: sell, sell, sell. From a psychological point of view, it is interesting to see how advertisers have perfected the art of selling not just a selection of products, but the very idea of Christmas. John Lewis might be broadcasting the image of a dancing puppy, but you better believe that those trampolines were available by the truck-
load in stores across the country. When you reach the point where the public is eagerly awaiting a three-minute marketing package, you have surely peaked in the corporate world. Racking up millions of views on YouTube, the release of the John Lewis Christmas ad marks the beginning of the festive season for many people. It could be argued that these ads do nothing but showcase the message that the corporate consumerist world is trying to broadcast: “You can buy happiness”. Any advert trying to promote any kind of religious message around Christmastime would surely be rejected as being too preachy, but an ad with a message like “your kids won’t be able to feel the true spirit of Christmas without this extensive list of gifts, all of which are conveniently available at a store near you” will be readily eaten up Image: John Lewis by the viewing
public. Putting all this aside, however, is there no reason why a piece of corporate marketing cannot also be worthy of artistic merit? We see beautiful animation and stunning cinematography, and the attention to detail cannot be questioned when it comes to compressing a story into just a few minutes. To create such an effective emotional rollercoaster within this short time-frame is an incredible feat. They promote positive messages which translate well, especially in targeting young children. Their use of music is varied and creative, with the past years of John Lewis adverts featuring renditions of Elton John, The Beatles, and Oasis songs. Enjoyable musical numbers, heartwarming messages, and pleasant visual style make for a nice break from the louder and more obnoxious adverts that we see all year round.
In recent years there has been a shift away from adverts with only commercial or artistic merit, expressing a deeper meaning rather than the portraying the typical idealised view of a wholesome family Christmas. Tackling issues such as isolation of the elderly and deforestation, a trend is beginning that encourages companies to spread the word about serious problems facing the modern world. Combining advertising with an important announcement would seem to be a win-win situation. This year, Iceland teamed up with Greenpeace to create their controversially banned advert; indeed, there is no issue more pressing to our society than environmental destruction. All in all, I’m a fan of the Christmas advert. It is difficult to see a future where they do not stick around for many more years, and personally I am looking forward to seeing the innovative ways that they tackle pressing issues in the future. They clearly involve a lot of hard work from talented, creative people, and I think that dedication is deserving of the popularity they get. It might be a sad reflection on the extent of our consumerist culture, but… what isn’t these days?
I wanna be like you
O
Amelia Chisholm evaluates Disney’s wave of photo-realistic remakes
Image: Walt Disney Motion Pictures
N 22 November, the metaphorical antelopes and zebras of social media raised their heads, as Disney raised their newest trailer over Pride Rock, presenting their latest cash cow to the world. I’m in two minds about The Lion King, and the general trend of hyper-realistic remakes that seem to be taking over Hollywood. It is, after all, a nuanced issue certainly I’m cynical as a consumer, creator, and self-proclaimed cinephile; but if this project is providing employment and making children and nostalgic adults alike happy, then who am I to criticise? If you’re just as unsure about this trend as I am, perhaps laying out the pros and cons will help both of us figure out if this will mean no worries for the rest of our days.
The best thing to come out of these remakes is an uptick in representation - the upcoming Nutcracker features a black ballerina, the Dumbo remake has the opportunity to remove the racist caricatures of the crows, and even Beauty and the Beast attempted LGBTQ+ representation (which I believe was handled terribly, but, y’know, better than nothing). In this vein, Nala and Simba will have actual voice actors of colour: Beyoncé and Donald Glover, rather than the previous white cast of Matthew Broderick and Moira Kelly respectively. I recognise that it would be better to perhaps have actual visual representation rather than just voice acting, and also that, as a white person, my opinion on these issues is inherently less valuable. Still, this (very tiny) increase in representation seems to be a positive feature of these remakes. Secondly, there were 224.6 million global views of the teaser trailer upon release. This idea clearly excites people, infecting them with the nostalgia-bug of childhood. The star-studded cast and the advancement of CGI brings the familiarity of the story and household names alive with exciting new technology. Perhaps the photo-realism could lead to an even more magical experience: a combination of fantasy and reality? And that’s about as positive as I can be about this. This ‘magical experience’ is already a shattered illusion - because the only reason these remakes exist is to create money. It’s not a narrative experiment. It’s not to rework a story as more inclusive. It’s been made to capitalise on adult nostalgia. And honestly? That ruins it
for me. Also, whilst these remakes have been proven to make money, rehashing an old product doesn’t allow the brand to capitalise off of a new franchise. Sure, this will get butts in seats, but you already have a Lion King musical, a Disney Safari, and merchandise - so is the extra money really necessary? Also, it’s possible to retroactively hurt the existing brand. The Jungle Book remake, also directed by Jon Favreau, was darker in both cinematography and tone. The animals go from hyper-colour cartoonish friends to actual largeand-terrifying jungle animals. Most importantly, if my degree has taught me anything, it’s that successful stories are popular because they resonate with people at that particular point in
time. A lot of the original films that Disney remakes captured the zeitgeist of the 1990s, not the 2010s. And that’s reflected in their reception. They do well enough, but they’re never smash-hits. “Well enough” really is an apt conclusion. There’s nothing particularly ‘wrong’ with any of them, and they make people happy. As a film student, these films just don’t excite me, as they’re a result of lazy writing. I love myself some trashy films, of course, but original trashy films. Simply put, these remakes don’t excite me as they don’t seem to bring anything new to the proverbial table. So I’m not personally feeling the love tonight, but if you are, then hakuna matata, my friends. Hakuna matata.
JESSICA CHASTAIN
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J
ESSICA Chastain is well-known for her stellar on-screen work, having garnered two Academy Award nominations for The Help and Zero Dark Thirty, but it’s her work behind the scenes that really makes her stand out. Chastain is a vocal feminist and has spoken out about many issues including the gender pay gap, mental health, and the representation of women in film, but what’s important is that she doesn’t just stop there – she translates her views into action. For an upcoming project with Octavia Spencer, Chastain used her white privilege to ensure that the black actress was paid the same amount as her, resulting in Spencer receiving five times the salary she would get otherwise. Chastain also makes a point to work with a female filmmaker at least once a year, helping to address the gender imbalance behind the camera. It’s these kinds of actions that could create lasting change in the industry, and hopefully many more will follow Chastain’s lead. Image: Gage Skidmore Sophie Norton
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Cinematographer Spotlight
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James Garbett celebrates the immersive mind of Hoyte van Hoytema
Hoyte van Hoytema: Oscar nominated for Best Cinematography in 2018 for Dunkirk Images (left to right): Paramount Pictures, Warner Bros., Warner Bros.
have the scene in a single shot, requiring far more effort and headaches for the filmmakers, when a selection of cuts could make this a far less time-consuming and inexpensive affair. But when asked about the shot, the cinematographer, Hoyte van Hoytema, very simply declared: “It was a very visceral way for the audience to be sucked into the film”. Mr. Hoytema goes beyond just the framing and the lighting of a shot; he endeavours for the immersion of the audience above all other physical and logistical aspects.
HOYTEMA GOES BEYOND JUST THE FRAMING
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F you cast your mind back to 2015, you may remember there was a significant amount of conversation regarding the opening of the latest Bond film, Spectre. Not due to the sheer stunning beauty of an exotic locale or the gasps of shock of the performance of a death-defying stunt. Rather the seemingly impossible task of having a fourminute tracking shot following Bond from the Day of the Dead carnival, to his hotel room, and then across the rooftops of Mexico City. It’s a cinematographic element that many will have overlooked. After all, why
You’ll have most likely seen Mr Hoytema’s work even if you haven’t realised it: Dunkirk, Her, Interstellar, The Fighter and Tinker Tailor Solider Spy highlight the incredible quality that make up his diverse filmography. In a world where the film becomes radically changed visually in the editing suite, there’s an almost anachronistic style to Hoytema’s work, which makes sense considering his
love for traditional film over digital. Hoytema possesses a desire to do more in camera rather than in the post-production suite. As a result, his shots are gorgeous, and there’s a naturalism within them that feels lacking in the mainstream today. I encourage anyone who may be scratching their heads, wondering how the sci-fi antics of a film like Interstellar could be perceived as naturalistic, to watch the docking scene. Fixed shots on the side of spacecrafts, and shaky, frantic handheld camera movements all function in beautiful tandem. The scene works as it looks, and therefore feels, real. This idea of immersion is what Hoytema stresses again and again about his work. Regarding Dunkirk, he stated: “It was very important for us to make a piece that was visceral, that people could feel on a gut level.” He describes how he wished to make a “virtual reality without the goggles” choosing to shoot the film as if it were a documentary, attempting to capture the reality of the World War II evacuation, rather than any superficial and gratuitous shots. Hoytema thrived with the challenge of using the heavy, 70mm IMAX cameras, stating that he
goes where the camera goes, creating a dynamic relationship with his dolly grip Ryan Monroe. Hoytema’s sheer dedication for immersion is transparent: he not only flew with the Spitfires in the aerial dogfights, but was also right on and in the water to film aquatic moments.
THIS IDEA OF IMMERSION IS WHAT HOYTEMA STRESSES Hoytema has stated before that often he uses photos as reference, and pausing some of his most beautiful shots clearly demonstrates this; the foreground and background remain as interesting as each other. Tom Hardy’s silhouette against a burning Spitfire at dusk, Joaquin Phoenix’s tiny but significant figure overlooking the city skyline, or Matthew McConaughey dwarfed by a thousand-foot wave. Hoytema places audience immersion as paramount to every other filmmaking aspect, and I believe, without his input, these films would be far less special and far less immersive.
Review: The Princess Switch Jack Verhaeg reviews the new Netflix Christmas original
THE PRINCESS SWITCH Directors: Mike Rohl Vanessa Hudgens, Sam Palladio 2018, 101 minutes
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M I addicted to Christmas films? Have I watched so many terrible ones that at this point I have lost any sense of objectivity in regards to how awful they are, and now think every one of them deserves an Oscar and/or standing ovation? The answer to both of those questions is a resounding YES. The Princess Switch is a gem of a film, a veritable smorgasbord of Christmas clichés and a showcase of Vanessa Hudgens’ questionable acting talent. I’m such a sucker for a Christmas film (as you can probably tell), even more so for a terrible Christmas film, but this is so terrible it pushes the limits of my patience. Vanessa Hudgens plays two characters (and, fingers crossed, gets two paychecks!), Stacy and Margaret, who, in a The Parent Trap
style plot device decide to, you guessed it, switch places and lead one another’s lives. This film can only be described as a bizarre hybrid of the aforementioned 1961/1998 classic and The Princess Diaries. Cue hijinks aplenty. The film has a checklist of things it duly ticks off: pale and moderately threatening supporting characters, moral questioning and soul-searching, situations that are supposed to be hilarious but end up being awkward more than anything else, melodramatic love stories, and, less conventionally, Hudgens’ botched attempt at an English accent. Why, then, does it appear ever so slightly unsatisfying? First of all, the delivery and script appear to be compiled by somebody whose only experience of England is gleamed through watching archive footage of the Queen’s speech. Secondly, the plot is unbearably predictable (not that I would expect a Christmas film to push the envelope but hey ho-ho-ho). What I would additionally call out is the film’s remarkably heavy handling of its cross-cultural plot, the only conclusion to be drawn from which is that Netflix have commis-
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sioned an intentionally terrible piece of filmmaking, designed to satirise the Hallmark movies of yore. Surely this is the case. Amidst this mess, although Vanessa Hudgens’s performance is sub-par, it nonetheless seems to take flight (perhaps as the result of comparison more than anything else). Margaret’s (as Stacy) ‘Prince’ appears to have the personality of a paving slab, while the plot devices - the convenient introduction of an object which causes her to reconsider everything, a large pair of glasses that function as an all-encompassing disguise - hide in plain sight. I hesitate to say any more for risk of spoilers (this is a film that is admittedly quite difficult to spoil), but if you have seen a film before at some point in your life, you might just be able to take a wild guess at where this story ends up. The Princess Switch is one of the worst films I have ever seen. And I don’t just say that because I’m slightly bitter about the fact that I, a film student, found the plot hard to follow at points. But then again, who wants to be a grump at Christmas?! Five stars.
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STUDY BREAK CROSSWORD
SUDOKU
Across
Festival devoted to jollification celebrated 1 2 on the 25th of December (9) 3 One (anagram) - a vast age (3) 4 Male sheep (3) 5 Racquet sport (9) 6 Noblewomen (nine dance on the ninth 24 of 7 1 Across) (6) 12 Birds of the duck family (six a-lay on the sixth 24 of 1 Across) (5) 14 Repugnance - dearth (anagram) (6) 16 (Scottish?) musicians (eleven play on the 17 eleventh 24 of 1 Across) (6) 19 Female servants (eight a-milk on the eighth 24 of 1 Across) (5) 21 Lottery - tombola (6) Military officer (9) 24 Staff - stick (3) Musical note - HAL? (anagram) (3) Gravely - really (9)
Motor vehicle (3) Cuban dance (5) Glorious - bum lies (anagram) (7) Humble - moderate (6) Sway to and fro (5) Ultra - radical (7) Gibberish (8) Chic meal (anagram) - of the science of matter (8) Total victory (7) Intense blaze (7) Dealer (6) Aquatic birds (seven a-swim on the seventh 24 of 1 Across) (5) Peers (ten a-leap on the tenth 24 of 1 Across) (5) The date of a specified festival, etc. (3)
trivia corner 1. who created the story of rudolph the red-nosed reindeer? 2. the world’s first christmas card sold for how much in 2001? 3. the name of which plant comes from the anglo saxon for ‘little dung twig’? 4. which is the most streamed christmas song of all time?
ANSWERS For Christmas Is You’ by Mariah Carey, 5. Japan, 6. 13th century Trivia: 1. Robert Lewis May, 2. £20,000, 3. Mistletoe, 4. ‘All I Want
5. in which country is it traditional to eat kfc for christmas lunch?
Swans, 21 Lords, 24 Day. 7 Nonsense, 12 Chemical, 14 Triumph, 16 Inferno, 17 Trader, 19 Down: 1 Car, 2 Rumba, 3 Sublime, 4 Modest, 5 Swing, 6 Extreme,
6. In which century were carols introduced in church?
23 Rod, 25 Lah, 26 Seriously. Geese, 13 Hatred, 15 Pipers, 18 Maids, 20 Raffle, 22 Commander, Across: 1 Christmas, 6 Eon, 8 Ram, 9 Badminton, 10 Ladies, 11
1 6 8 9 10 11 13 15 18 20 22 23 25 26
Down
Images (from top left cloclwise): Pixnio, Karen Arnold, Larisa Koshkina, Pixabay, Peter Kratochvil, torange.biz
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Science
SCIENCE EDITOR:
Scarlett Parr-Reid
Ama-going, going, gone
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Laura Butula details the implications of deforestation on the Amazon rainforest
If the primate could speak to us, what would it be screaming? Several other actions, such as advocating Brazil’s withdrawal from the Paris climate agreement, have led nature activists and local leaders to panic and look pessimistically towards the near future; however, in order to clear the construction of a “defiantly-green” reputation, the future President states that he is willing to discuss the issues regarding regulation modifications so that the country can attain a balance between environmental and economic development.
So, why is public alarm diffusing across Brazil’s population in the first place? Why does the Amazon require the same, if not a greater, extent of protection? Firstly, as the world’s largest rainforest, it acts as a major carbon sink with the trees absorbing atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) to yield oxygen and carbon through photosynthesis, a process known as biosequestration. This is ultimately what reduces significant amounts of gaseous emissions and is therefore a principal alleviator of the dangers of climate change. Ironically, this advantageous function simultaneously burns down with the blazing forests as the burning of trees releases carbon in the form of CO2. It is no longer surprising that humans continue to invade natural spaces for anthropological reasons, but this lack of surprise does not rationalise the sense of disgust provoked by these types of actions, particularly deforestation. Approximately 8,000 square kilometres of rainforest has been cleared in the past year due to illegal logging
and plantation purposes- that’s five times the size of London. The state of Mato Grosso is the core of the soybean industry in Brazil and, although it had
es Image: Adam Jon
NTER Jair Bolsonaro, Brazil’s President-elect who will take office in January 2019, and a man with views so hard-right that they have given him the anti-environmental nickname of “Trump of the Tropics”. With his support from the agribusiness lobby and focus on trade expansion, Bolsonaro has already begun meddling with laws protecting the Amazon rainforest. Brazil’s Supreme Court is planning to alter the 2012 decree that penalises individuals who are associated with the act of illegal deforestation, thereby creating a current sense of amnesty for culprits.
well below average rates of deforestation in 2013, the novel relationship between future government leaders and the agricultural sectors may change these progressive statistics. It is this affiliation that will determine the image of Brazil’s economy, and as Marina
Silva says, the beliefs of Bolsonaro may “pass on to consumers abroad the idea that all Brazilian agribusiness survive thanks to the destruction of forests”. If only the next presented topic could be more upbeat than the former, but it really isn’t. After all, how can a 17% loss of wildlife habitat over the past 50 years seem in any way bright? This statistic is another key motive for protecting the Amazon, especially knowing that the 5.5 million square kilometres of tropical area are home to 10% of the Earth’s species, including flora and fauna. The climatic conditions and abundance of resources within the rainforest clearly favour a rich biodiversity. Understanding that the Amazonian biota thrive and rely on the shelter from emergent tree layers and the lush forest floor exposes how the vast array of species cannot easily escape the destruction of their homes. Animals such as the endangered white-cheeked spider monkey (ateles marginatus) are confused about the man-made disorder of their green area; their favoured fruits in the forest canopy are declining in quantity as farmland extension continues to endorse the hacking of trees. If the primate could speak to us, what would it be screaming? The persistent reduc-
tion of forest territory is a central issue facing threatened Amazonian wildlife, especially with the introduction of Bolsonaro’s money-making ideologies.
Approximately 8,000km2 of rainforest has been cleared in the past year Authoritarian. Anti-environmental. Industrialist. Such descriptions of the President-elect (such as those of journalist Eliane Brum) are not shedding a good light on future deforestation rates; Bolsonaro is planning to sell the 13% of Brazil’s indigenous lands, most of which are found within the rainforest. When talking about indigenous populations, he said that “minorities either adapt or simply vanish”, but it is becoming increasingly evident that these minorities include not only people, but also plants and animals, as long as they impose limitations for the commercialisation of the Amazon. Still, if locals and indigenous leaders fight against this industrialisation and support original land rights, perhaps Bolsonaro’s uncultured proposals for the Amazon will be reprimanded and damage to the extravagant life of the rainforest will be avoided. Only time will tell how things will change.
Image: lubasi/Flickr
SCIENCE
EXEPOSÉ | 10 DEC 2018
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The calm before the storm
Scarlett Parr-Reid, Science Editor, explores the impacts of heliophysical phenomena
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H. The sun. A wonderful fair-weather friend (no pun intended) that gives us hours of daylight, romantic sunsets and, for those of us who are lucky enough, a golden tan to be flaunted. We love it until it glares into our eyes in the classroom when we’re desperately squinting to see the board, or when we fall asleep to the relaxing ambience of waves caressing the sand and are left tomato-red for a week. But, these things are all but a trifle in comparison to the implications of what are known as solar storms, capable of inflicting widespread damage to technology and communication on earth. Powerful and mighty, the sun - a burning ball of liquified hydrogen - builds its energy within a complex magnetic field. This energy is released as intense flashes of light, known as solar flares, partnered with large eruptions of material called coronal mass ejections: solar storms. Whilst flares alone can disrupt solar communication, the storms hold the equivalent energy of 100,000 times the world’s entire nuclear storage.
Solar storms are capable of inflicting widespread damage to technology As the sun rotates, these eruptions are released in all different directions. Should one be fired at the planet, with its magnetic field aligned opposite to that of earth, the two fields can merge and distort the earth’s magnetic field. If this field snaps back, it accelerates electrified particles directly at earth. As they hit the upper atmosphere, heat it and glow, beautiful phenomena are visible, such as the Northern and Southern Lights. Whilst these events may appear mesmerising, they’re equally as de-
Did you know these other examples of heliophysical phenomena? Image: (from left): Steve Jurvetson/ Flickr; NASA; NASA; Ascánder/ Spanish Wikibooks; (background) Pxhere.
structive. Records of the Earth’s magnetic field that date back to the 19th century, reveal occurrences such as the Carrington event of 1859, where telegraph poles began to spark and the Northern Lights could be seen as far as the south of the Bahamas, culminating in disruption to satellites, aeroplanes and power grids. Later, in 1972, violent solar storms detonated dozens of sea mines off the coast of Vietnam. 20-35 explosions were witnessed by the crew of a US Task Force 77 aircraft in the space of just 30 seconds. These could not have been systematic self-destruct mechanisms within the mines, as they were not due until 30 days later, leading to a hypothesis of the involvement of solar activity proposed by the Commander in Chief of the US Pacific fleet, Admiral Bernard Clarey, later known as solar storms.
economy alone forecast to be £16 billion, we can’t afford to be underprepared. Hence, the UK’s Met Office, Australian Met Bureau and the Noaa Space Protection Center are all monitoring and predicting these events.
Whilst these events may appear mesmerising, they're equally as destructive
The DST index (Disturbance Storm Time Index) measures the geomagnetic intensity of the ring current of solar storms to assess their strength, in nano-Tesla. The more negative this value, the more intense the storm. Interestingly, despite the impact on space weather studies, the 1972 solar storm only recorded -125nT, compared to the -383nT of the 2003 Halloween storm and the -222nT of the 2015 St. Patrick’s Day storm. Nevertheless, any attention drawn to the possible ramifications of solar storms is useful. Electrical systems of spacecrafts, aeroplanes and even power networks on the ground are damaged by the storms, through penetration by energetic particles accelerated from the atmosphere. With the cost to the UK
However, with space weather now on the UK government’s risk register, equating to that of a severe heatwave or the introduction of a new infectious disease, a lot more needs to be done to prepare and protect the planet against solar storms. Government agencies are, therefore, liaising with power companies, as well as spacecraft and airline operators to ensure plans are in place to limit the impacts of such events and ensure that food supplies and medicines are still refrigerated and food is produced as normal. A precaution taken by airlines is to re-route planes flying over the north pole en route to Europe and North America during solar storms to reduce exposure to radiation and ensure reliable radio communication. NASA are able to analyse the solar geophysical environment - from the sun to the earth and between - to identify a 27-day recurrent pattern of solar activity. These are compared to past situations, using numerical and normal weather models, to predict space weather within hours to weeks. This ultimately allows for preventative and mitigative actions to be taken to reduce the socio-economic effects of harmful space weather. Remember the scaremongering over a superstorm that was supposed to wipe out the earth in 2012? It didn’t happen. And with research, preparation and vigilance about space weather, nor will it happen in the future. So, we can stay calm before the storm.
Coronal Mass Ejection
Solar Prominence
A lot more needs to be done to prepare and protect the planet against solar storms
Image: NASA Goddard Space Flight Centre/ Flickr
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SCIENCE
10 DEC 2018 | EXEPOSÉ
The misrepresentation of hyenas Penny Dinh discusses the misconceptions surrounding the portrayal of hyenas in film
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ALT Disney’s Studio recently teased a trailer for the live-action remake of one of its most loved classic films: The Lion King. This has brought joy and excitement to everyone who enjoyed the film growing up. But some scientists
wouldn’t be so happy. In the bioscience scene, the spotted hyena (Crocuta Crocuta) has been the subject of lots of studies, showing how amazing this species is. However, the species has a negative reputation in popular culture, and films such as The Lion King vilify
Image: Steve Jurvetson
the species. Before getting too excited about seeing the live-action remake, why don’t we visit some spectacular facts about the misrepresented spotted hyena?
The species has a negative reputation in popular culture 1. Spotted hyenas are highly intelligent The spotted hyena trio in The Lion King are rather dim-witted, and their intelligence is mocked by Scar. The official description of Ed (one of the hyenas) in the spin-off game book of the film confirms that it was the film makers’ intention to portray hyenas as slow and thick. However, scientific evidence would tell you otherwise. Studies by Michigan State University testing hyenas’ puzzle solving behaviour found that the animals demonstrated trial and error techniques, displaying behavioural flexibility comparable to human creativity. Social intelligence has
The French TGVmaker Alstrom is now producing hydrogenfuelled trains
also been demonstrated in this species. The spotted hyenas can distinguish between kin and strangers, and rank relationships among their clan-mates, according to research in the American Journal of Mammalogy. They know some relationships are more valuable than others, and use this knowledge adaptively in social decision-making. 2. Spotted hyenas are great hunters Contrary to popular belief, the spotted hyena is less of a scavenger than a hunter! Studies have found that spotted hyenas hunt for most of their food, much more than they scavenge. The spotted hyena even has higher hunting success rate (~33%) than that of a lion (~25%), according to The London Zoological Society and BBC Wildlife Magazine, respectively. It is actually the lion who often steals kills from hyena - not vice versa. 3. They are very co-operative As previously mentioned, the spotted hyena is socially intelligent, and this makes them very good at co-op-
Playing genetics... D
erative tasks. A recent experiment by the Animal Behaviour Society found that spotted hyenas displayed natural aptitude for teamwork and achieved rapid success in co-operative tasks in laboratory environments without prior training. Authors of this study believe that co-operative behaviour of the spotted hyenas is superior to that of many non-human primates, who are frequently used as animal model of co-operation. The spotted hyena would also ‘sacrifice’ itself for its clan. Philopatric hyenas would migrate with their clan against their personal preference not to move. As an introvert, I highly respect this.
Hyenas can distinguish between kin and strangers So, it’s worth considering the misconceptions and exaggerations about animals from their portrayal in films; just because you see it on a screen, it doesn’t mean it’s true.
The curious case of He jiankui
Typhaine Autier debates the impact of ‘designer babies’
ESIGNER baby. You might have heard this new term when coming across scientific articles about genetic selection for intelligence or genome data prediction. Recent advances in biotechnologies have allowed two companies, MyOme and Genetic Prediction, to offer testing on genomes that enables individuals to predict embryos’ IQs. In the United Kingdom, a similar technique called ‘pre-implantation genetic diagnosis’ already offers parents the possibility to identify potential diseases or disabilities. For example, it permits the screening for Down’s syndrome, a disability characterised by low to moderate intellectual capability.
Embryo and stem cell research are still largely unreglated, especially in the US As the cost of these genetic testings drop and as a result of the ability to predict specific genetic risks before the pregnancy, the number of IVF (InVitro Fertilization) attempts has rapid-
ly increased in the last five years. In the United States, 1.7% of babies are born using IVF, and the demand for assisted reproduction keeps growing. Although the number of cases of IVF has been growing, the U.S still does not offer publicly funded assistance for this kind of procedure. Indeed, the lack of insurance coverage is the main reason why the medical need for parents regarding assisted reproduction are still unmet. However, discussions questioning the fragile line between avoiding diseases/disabilities and enhancing a baby’s genome have sparked concerns for the ethics of such a procedure. Image: Emily May The fear
that it could lead to designer babies – with the possibility of terminating one’s pregnancy if foetuses have undesirable characteristics – is also reinforced by the fact that embryo and stem cell research is still largely unregulated, especially in the United States. Amongst the public, the new reproductive technology has been negatively associated with something that could lead to greater inequalities between those who can afford it and
those that cannot; because of factors such as culture, religion, geography, or poverty.
How do we balance individual rights against the good of society? Biotechnological researchers that have been asked about embryo selections highlight the need to regulate this new procedure and to establish new frames to bind the process. Leaving the pre-implementation genetic diagnosis market unregulated could lead to dangerous outcomes, such as the ability to filter babies based on their intelligence and non-health related issues. Such may lead us to ask ourselves: how do we balance individuals’ rights against the good of society? As unethical as it sounds, it is only a matter of time before companies start offering designer babies. We cannot predict the future of genetic selection, but we can regulate it before it goes further than what we can control.
Image: The He Lab
THE discussion of designer babies has recently taken the media by storm after the controversy surrounding He Jiankui: a biophysics researcher who has allegedy created the world’s first geneticallyedited babies. Speaking at the International Summit on Human Genome Editing, Jiankui claimed that he had created the world’s first genetically-engineered twins, Lulu and Nana. He also revealed that another early pregnancy is under way. The declaration immediately sparked outrage. CRISPR expert Jennifer Doudna said she was “horrified” by the experiment, while ethicist Julian Savulescu described Jiankui’s work as “monstrous”. On 3 December - only eight days after his speech - Jiankui was reported as missing. Although many believe he has been detained by authorities, as of yet, it is unknown what is behind his disappearance.
10 DEC 2018 | EXEPOSÉ
SPORT
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Lauren Fawke, Sport Team, chats to 1s Men's Hockey Captain, Will Carter Keall varsity will likely take place in March next term and isn’t one to be missed. The club "absolutely encourage everyone to come up and watch because the committees put a huge amount of effort into making the day amazing with stash giveaways, competitions and an overall great atmosphere".
Being the only University side in the Premier League is tough
BUCS gold is definitely the ambition for the season
To watch the highest level of hockey in the country, CK recommends watching the mens' 1s home matches on the weekend. The boys earned promotion last year to play in the Premier League and he trusts it has made a big impact on the club by putting "Exeter back on the map as a serious hockey university". By "playing at the highest level week in week out", he believes the league "has improved us hugely and gives us
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CK also revealed that he has coached teams since first year and, "because we’re a small club, it’s great that you can get to know everyone involved", noting that his favourite thing about the hockey scene is how tight the club is. When speaking about varsity, he said it was one of the
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CK has been playing hockey from the age of 9 after he grew up watching his dad play and is now into his second year of captaincy. "I don’t think there’s too much pressure that comes with it" he said, adding that he has absolutely loved being a part of the squad and, joking that "because we’ve got a team full of great players, all I do is stand at the back and shout!"
main events that showcase this quality about EUHC: "it’s such a proud moment to play in front of the whole club and many more who come up to make the day such an event". Although a date is yet to be set,
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Exeter are back on the map as a serious hockey university
In fact, the team has had a great intake of freshers this year with two having played for the England U18 side last season, while Duncan Scott, plays in the U21 side. Having reached the quarters and then the semi-finals of the BUCS competition in respective years, he expressed "this year I’d absolutely love to go all the way and win it."
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ATCHING up with Will Carter Keall (CK), the Exeter Men’s Hockey Club 1s captain, he explained the successes of the season so far and his aims for the team this academic year. With 8 wins and only 1 draw this term, it's no surprise that CK thinks that "the BUCS season has gone really well" for the boys, with the team sitting comfortably at the top of the table. With BUCS gold the aim this year, CK stated the importance of "getting the best draw possible for the knockout stages of the competition".
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a greater chance at a BUCS title this year". Although they are sitting near the lower end of the table, CK argues that the equivalent leagues in other sports would be the Barclays Premier League and the Aviva Rugby Premiership helping to provide a perspective on their achievements. He commented that "being the only university side in the league is tough, we play against professional and semi-pro international athletes – people that have gone to the Olympics!". Looking to the second half of the season then, CK believes that ‘we’ve acquitted ourselves pretty well and have matched a lot of teams. Next term is just about turning those performances into points". The National Prem division takes a break over the Christmas period, but the boys are back in action on the 10th February on the water based astro against Surbiton who are currently top of the table - a big game for a very persistent young side. They topped their BUCS table this term with 25 points and a huge goal difference of +30, a remarkable feat from a team that will look to emulate such successes again next term.
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centuries between them, whilst Sam Curran saved the first test with his memorable 64 on day one, and Jonny Bairstow looked as if he might have finally completed E n g l a n d ’s search for a number 3 with an emotional hundred in the third test. The real success of the series, however, was the performance of England’s three spinners. Jack Leach, Moeen Ali, and Adil Rashid took 48 wickets between them, at an average of just 24. All three impressed, with Moeen finding control rarely
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Considering England’s dire away record, this was a vital series for captain Joe Root, and his emphasis on controlled aggression with bat and ball
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This was a vital series for captain Joe Root
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Following his mid-series retirement, the home side had to make do without their 40-year-old talisman Rangana Herath. His absence was keenly felt, as the spinner - who became the most prolific left arm bowler of all time this year has been key to much of Sri Lanka’s success since his debut 19 years ago, making Herath the last test cricketer to retire having made his debut in the 20th century.
clearly paid off. Root is regularly criticised for not converting his starts into big scores, but he passed 50 just once in this series, and went on to convert into one of the best hundreds of his career, coming at a good pace and setting up a win in the second test. Ben Foakes managed 250 runs at an average of nearly 70 in the series, giving him the highest test average of any wicket keeper with over five innings, leaving the pundits who labelled him a “pure keeper” who wasn’t picked for his batting scratching their heads. The rest of the middle order performed well: Jos Butler and Ben Stokes scored four brisk half-
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They need to win in the West Indies for the number one spot
The home side were plagued by off-field instability, with controversy surrounding their two best batsmen, Angelo Matthews and Dinesh Chandimal, and the entire selection board being replaced mid-series. This should not take away from England though, as performances from almost the entire team made this the most complete series win of the post-Strauss era. Though he may have failed to live up to his impressive CV, Rory Burns looked assured throughout the series, scoring one half-century. His opening partner, Keaton Jennings, went one better, with an unbeaten hundred in the first test. He is also establishing himself as an excellent close fielder with eight catches, filling the void at slip left by Alastair Cook's retirement.
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NGLAND have completed their first clean sweep away from home since 1963 (and only their third ever) by defeating Sri Lanka 3-0 in the recent test series. The Sri Lankans were no pushovers either, having beaten South Africa and Australia at home in the last two years. But they cannot realistically be considered a top test team; glimpses of raw talent were overshadowed by poor fielding and misjudged batting.
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Michael Rudling, Sport Team, looks at England's Test Series against Sri Lanka seen from him outside England, and Rashid frustrating at times but ultimately showing the value of a wrist spinner in the final test.
The real success of the series were England's three talented spinners But the true find of the series was Jack Leach. The Somerset man bowled with accuracy not seen from an English spinner since Graeme Swann and produced the perfect ball to dismiss Chandimal in the first test. Whilst England do deserve to the plaudits they receive, this cannot be considered the finished article. The job now is to prove that this series is a turning point in England’s performances away from home, rather than an anomaly. They will need to win in the West Indies if they are to be considered serious contenders for the number one test spot and put themselves in good stead for the Ashes and World Cup this summer.
EXEPOSÉ | 10 DEC 2018
Allez! Allez! Allez! Luke Clarkson Online Sport Editor
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Image: Ruaraidh Gillies/Flickr
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E’VE conquered all of Europe, we’re never gonna stop…” – and they haven’t. The defeat to Real Madrid in Kyiv may have ended Liverpool’s Champions League dream in May, but it did very little to quell their love of the chant they coined during their sensational run to the final. Now it seems every set of fans across the football league have their own unique rendition of the Allez! Allez! Allez! chant, including Manchester City, whose version mocks Liverpool for their final loss. It has even reached its way to the Thatcher’s Big Bank, with Exeter City singing to the tune. But where has this chant come from? We turn to Scotland, and in turn Celtic, from whom Liverpool acquired their iconic 'You’ll Never Walk Alone'. Unsurprisingly, along with many others in the Scottish Premier League, Celtic have had their own rendition for a few seasons now - dedicated entirely to their talismanic full-back Kieran Tierney. However, the Liverpool chant talks about conquering Europe, and they have acquired this chant from their travels in the European competitions. The Italians will be more common with the chant under the name 'Un Giorno All’Improvviso' or 'One Day Suddenly', where the lyrics invoke an impassioned vocalisation of the love the fans have for their city. This version circulated around the lower leagues in Italy before Napoli adopted the chant into their folklore, with rapper and fan Clementino releasing his own rendition in 2017. Coupling both the gravity and emotion with the locational ambiguity of the words, it would surely follow that the chant stemmed from some classical Italian poetry. But no! Bizarrely, the chant started out life as any other chant does, with fans adapting the lyrics of a popular song. The song in question, the 1980’s dance hit for 'Righeira, L’estate Sta Finendo' ('Summer Is Ending' in English). The original lyrics describe lost love and the melancholic feeling of summer ending. However, Righeira should not be so disheartened, as the end of summer brings with it the start of the football season. Thanks to the likes of Napoli and Liverpool, you’ll be hard pressed to go to a football league game this season without hearing the 80’s Italian pop melody in one form or another.
EURFC 0-25 Hartpury 1s CONTINUED FROM BACK the line out wide. Despite the conversion being missed, Hartpury’s advantage of 15-0 at the break was significant when considering the conditions. The start of the second half saw Exeter start with renewed freshness and a spark in their play. Marshalled by half-time substitute Sam Maunder at scrum-half, they reverted to the same phase play that Hartpury had successfully used in the first half to wear down the defence. Strong carries from the likes of inside centre Will Hollis and the Exeter front row saw the men in green finally make ground into the Hartpury 22. However, Exeter spilt the ball in the contact and allowed Hartpury to clear their lines.
It was generally a frustrating afternoon for the home side, where nothing clicked
As both teams emptied their benches, the game returned to the aerial kicking match it had been previsouly. Exeter had opportunities but spurned
them each time. With a penalty directly in front of the posts and 10m out from the line, Exeter opted to go for a scrum. However, a miscommunication between scrum-half Pierre Thompson and number 8 Jack Rouse resulted in the ball being knocked on, gifting Hartpury the impetus once more.
Hartpury scored two tries in the last ten minutes to put the game to bed It was a frustrating afternoon in general for the home side, where nothing quite seemed to click on the damp pitch. This was summed up when Exeter chose to kick to touch from a penalty. However, instead of simply looking to find touch, the kicker tried to get as close to the try line as possible, with the resulting kick going dead, gifting Hartpury a 22 drop out and denying Exeter a chance to get any points on the board. In the final ten minutes, Hartpury scored two breakaway tries to put the game to bed. The first came from an incisive run from a Hartpury player,
gathering a wayward Exeter kick on his own 10m line, before rounding some tired Exeter forwards and stepping past the fullback to score unopposed. The bonus point try was scored with the very last play of the game, with Hartpury again pouncing on an Exeter error in midfield to score out wide to spark jubilant celebrations from the Hartpury bench. In all, it was a difficult day for the home side, with Hartpury simply better at managing the game and dealing with the conditions. In truth, Exeter didn’t help themselves, with some wayward kicking and being unsuccessful in adapting to the challenging conditions. Despite this, the scrum held up well, putting Hartpury under pressure. There were positives to take from the game, but improvements will look to be made for Exeter to bounce back from this defeat in the new year. The result leaves Exeter in third with two games remaining, but just a point off top spot - their last game of the season, against Cardiff Met at Topsham on the 19 December, could well be a title-decider, with the Welsh side currently second.
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Korfball Fever
Harry Scott Munro, Sport Team, reports on Exeter's progress in the Korfball regionals
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S the dust settles on the BUCS Korfball Southern Preliminaries, EUKC find themselves in an increasingly strong position going forward to the regional rounds. With three Exeter teams competing for the first time ever, the initial game between Exeter’s 1s and 3s proved challenging. The majority of the 3s players were taking part in their first competitive game against a side looking to at least match last year’s performance of reaching the National Championships. Whilst the 1s ultimately ran out 9-2 victorious, the 3s held their own more than admirably and only grew increasingly confident as the day progressed, against a far more experienced opposition than themselves. For the Exeter 3s, the day was a story of close calls but continual improvement against vastly more experienced players. The team coped superbly, even giving their more experienced clubmates from the second team a massive scare in the afternoon matches, eventually conceding a few late goals in the closing minutes to swing the match away from them. The most impressive facet of the 3s performance was undoubtedly the strong defensive play shown. Their attacking structures became more accurate
as the day progressed. Their aptitude and team spirit throughout the day saw them score in all five matches, placing 6th to move into the Southern Qualifiers in Banbury in February. The day's games against their fellow clubmates as well as Reading and last year’s national runners up Southampton will only serve to increase confidence amongst the team.
The majority of the 3s players were taking part in their first competitive game The 2s had a mixed start, but grew into the latter games, eventually placing 4th to qualify for the Wales and South West Regional rounds in Cardiff in February. With the team sitting second in the league and comprising of a mix of experienced players and eager newbies, they again seemed to continue the theme of improving and growing in confidence as the day went on. In what seemed to become a recurring theme when Exeter sides faced each other, they gave their clubmates from the first team an almighty scare, eventually coming up short 8-3. The highlight of the day was the last game against Southampton 2s, where the squad put
on a consummate team performance, running out comfortable 8-1 winners, crucially keeping them and Exeter 1s apart for the regional rounds. With the first team boasting arguably its most experienced group of players in the club’s short history, the onus was on them to set out an early marker in this preliminary round. After a slightly uncomfortable start against Exeter 3s, the team confidence grew. A complete team performance against Southampton 2s resulted in them running out 11-2 winners. This performance was described by their coach as their ‘best performance of the season so far,’ before their final game against last year’s runners up Southampton 1s. This was always going to be a tight
Image: Harry Scott Munro
and physical encounter, as the day's two unbeaten teams fought it out for the number one seeding for the regionals. In a match that ebbed and flowed, with both sides taking the lead several times, two late goals for the team in green and white saw them hold out for a nervy 5-4 victory – thus going unbeaten for the day. In the post-tournament presentations, Exeter 1s player Paul Kim was named top scorer for the day, bagging an impressive 13 goals, whilst Yuchen Zhu and David Morgan were jointly named as Male MVP’s for the tournament. It was a fantastic performance throughout by all three Exeter teams, with the attitude on the pitch reaping rewards for all three sides.
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10 DEC 2018 | EXEPOSÉ
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SPORT EDITORS: René Bahar Josh Brown
Has the Bublé burst? An injury-hit EURFC fall to defeat at Topsham at the start of the festive period
Image: Chelsea Lee
Men’s Rugby Union Exeter 1s ..................................... 0 Hartpury 1s ................................ 25 Harry Scott Munro Sport Team
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T a sodden Topsham, Exeter came up short against a clinical and well-drilled Hartpury team in their top of the table BUCS Super Rugby clash. The final score of 25-0 in Hartpury’s favour was perhaps slightly unfair on the Exeter team, with the match ultimately swinging on Hartpury’s ability to pounce on Exeter’s mistakes.
Exeter were dealt a blow just five minutes into the match, with fly-half Sam Morley staying down after seeming to get his head caught on the wrong side in the tackle. After several minutes of concern, Morley was able to walk himself off the field, although he would not return to proceedings.
The match swung on Hartpury’s ability to capitalise on Exeter errors It was a sign of the erosional nature of the game that would unfold, with Exeter winger Matt Blee requir-
ing time off the pitch minutes later for treatment on a nasty gash to the side of his head, although he did return to the game. In a game dominated by kicking out of hand, Hartpury made the first breakthrough after 18 minutes. A clever sequence of play saw their centre weave through the Exeter defence, before offloading to the fullback for a converted score and a 10-0 lead. Exeter’s attempts to claw themselves back into the game were met with some hard tackling from Hartpury, seeing the home side go through multiple phases without being able to make
inroads towards the Hartpury line.
Hartpury produced a sucker punch right on half-time There was yet another injury stoppage after 25 minutes, with the Hartpury hooker being assisted in leaving the pitch with a nasty looking leg injury. The remainder of the first half continued with a game of what was, essentially, aerial ping-pong. In truth, Exeter’s kicking in open play let them down - with most kicks landing too deep for the home player to
compete for the ball. This was in stark contrast to the work of the Hartpury halfbacks, who managed the conditions and sodden pitch incredibly well. Their ability to give the chasing player a chance to compete for the ball, as well as the pinpoint accuracy of their kicking to the corner, was crucial in hemming Exeter into their half. Hartpury produced a sucker punch to Exeter’s hopes right on half-time, as a wayward Exeter clearance kick was fielded by the Hartpury winger, who fended off several tackles before crashing over
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