Issue 707// 20 Jan 2020

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ISSUE 707 20 JAN 2020 exepose.com @Exepose

THE UNIVERSITY OF EXETER’S INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1987

Exeter calls out “broken” Uni admin for slow handling of study interruptions

£3 million plan to refurbish Lemmy was rejected

Interruptions have increased by 8 per cent since 2016 Aaron Loose Editor

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EXCLUSIVE

TUDENTS are concerned that the University’s systems for handling interruptions of study may cause applicants anxiety and hardship.

A PhD candidate, who chose to interrupt due to poor mental health, said “Individual members of staff have been very supportive and understanding, especially my supervisors.

“But the administrative systems are broken and make everything much more stressful at an already difficult time.”

At the University of Exeter, an interruption of studies is defined as a pause of academic study for specific period. During an interruption, a student does not need to submit any work and is not asked to pay tuition fees. Choosing to interrupt, however, can have serious financial implications.

Freedom of Information requests sent by Exeposé found that 817 Exeter students chose to interrupt their studies during the 2016 to 2017 academic year. However, the amount of interruptions rose to 876 from 2017 to 2018, and between 2018 and 2019, 885 students interrupted their studies.

Undergraduate interruptions decreased from 53 per cent of all interruptions to 50 per cent over three years.

One undergraduate student told Exeposé

Pete Syme Online News Editor

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“I interrupted my year officially last year because I ended up not doing any of my exams due to mental health reasons.”

The total number of students interrupting their studies rose from 817 in 2016 to 885 in 2019 “At first, when I was applying for my interruption, I felt very supported, and the person who helped with my interruption application was excellent.

“I was supposed to be having check up meetings every few weeks this year, but after the first month, I missed one and it wasn’t chased up so those stopped happening.”

The undergraduate did not receive any follow up emails.

“The principle of people being abandoned ultimately isn’t ideal’’, they added.

Postgraduate Researcher (PGR) interruptions remained at 2 per cent over the three year period. Postgraduate Taught (PGT) interruptions, meanwhile, rose considerably over the three years; from 2016 to 2017, PGTs made up 20 per cent of all interruptions. By 2019, PGTs accounted for 26 per cent.

However, PhD interruptions dropped, from 26 per cent in 2016 to 22 per cent in 2019. Nevertheless, a PhD candidate reported that their interruption was marred by “pointless” administrative systems.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

Image: Aaron Loose Image: Universal

Image: Rory Selvey

COMMENT

HE Lemon Grove is considered to be below standards. At the Guild Trust Panel last Tuesday, councillors were told that an estimated £3 million was needed to refurbish the venue.

Councillors agreed that whilst the Lost Saturday events were successful, the draughtiness and age of the venue were significant issues.

When the Guild brought the refurbishment costing to the University, the estimation was deemed too expensive.

A University spokesperson clarified: “It is incorrect to say that the Lemon Grove requires a £3 million refurbishment.

The University did hold some exploratory discussions with the Guild in early 2019 about a wide range of potential changes to the internal layout and facilities offered within Cornwall House. However, after initial costings to carry out all the suggested changes were put at around £3 million, the Guild decided not to move forward with their suggestions at that time.”

A Guild spokesperson added: “Whilst some plans were developed last year to improve the space, the potential costs ran into millions and therefore required more work to see whether this was the best option moving forward. We remain in conversation with the University about how best to develop this space for a better student experience in future. We are striving to make the space and the services work for current students as best we can.”

SCREEN What do the terrible Cats reviews say about film criticism?

What is Refreshers’ week actually about? page 7

page 30

Editorial

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News Editors Print: Henry Jones Online: Emma Hussain & Pete Syme news@exepose.com Comment Editors Print: Kamila Bell & George Clark Online: Olly Haynes & Gaia Newman comment@exepose.com Features Editors Print: Jaysim Hanspal & William Harrop Online: Bryan Knight & Kate Norman Foreign Correspondents Co-ordinator : Maddie Baker features@exepose.com

Arts + Lit Editors Print: Cherry-Anastasia Boroceanu & Zach Mayford Online: Ariane Joudrey & Greta Sanna artsandlit@exepose.com Music Editors Print: Richard Ainslie & Bryony Gooch Online: Megan Frost & Stephen Ong music@exepose.com Screen Editors Print: Jonathan Chern & Samuel Thomson Online: Jacob Heayes & Abi Taphouse screen@exepose.com

Sport Editors Print: Josh Brown & Nick Powell Online: Ben Bampton & Ed Alexander sport@exepose.com

Science Editors Print: Elinor Jones & Scarlett Parr Reid Online: Sira Charbel & Tom Dormer sciandtech@exepose.com

Chief Photographer Rory Selvey photography@exepose.com Copy Editors Charlotte Forrester & Catherine Lloyd Proofers Pete, Nick, Catherz, Sumiah, Josh, George 'Big G' Clark, Sam, Richard, Emily Hassan, Bry 'Music Daddy' Gooch, Harry 'Harry' Caton, Fozz, Johnny Butters Chern, Ben Faulkner, Unlucky Lucy

@ exepose facebook.com/exepose issuu.com/exepose Advertising Kate Christ 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.

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COMMENT

Exploring Seasonal Affective Disorder PAGE 8

FEATURES The planet and your 1New Year's resolutions PAGE 12

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SCIENCE Is Attenborough bigger than Stormzy?

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KCL bans mouse US student debt swimming test increases

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PAGE 3

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Lifestyle Editors Print: Izzy Cole & Anna Romanovska Online: Amy Butterworth & Emily Pirie lifestyle@exepose.com

Guild shakes up student leader election process

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Editors Print: Isabelle Gray & Aaron Loose Online: Harry Caton & Ellie Cook Deputy: Anne Chafer & Neha Shaji editors@exepose.com

Features explores making New Year's Resolutions around environmental consciousness on page 12. Also in Features on page 13, we explore the implications of the killing of General Qassem Suleimani of Iran, when #worldwarthree trended and memes with questionable moral intent surfaced. Back to highlighting the new year, over in Music you'll find the most exciting releases and events to look out for on page 24.

Screen is feeling nostalgic in 2020, rating the best Wii Games, alongside a stupid amount of cat content. Cats was probably the second most disturbing thing to happen over the Christmas break, after the fact that Iszy ate no pigs in blankets at all. The holidays also lacked the productivity they should have had, but for people far better than us, take a gander over to Arts + Lit on page 20 to discover our writers' favourite cosy holiday books.

Perhaps you spent the official beginning to cuffing season sliding into someone's DMs, imagine the idea of discovering those very love messages had been leaked?

The one and only T.S. Eliot is the newest member of this club: read about it on page 20.

That’s it for this week's issue, but there is plenty more to discover. Hopefully everyone’s first couple of weeks back were a success, and the realisation that this is for many of us our last first week back isn’t too baffling. It’s looking like another busy term, even with its slighty shorter turnaround, but at least we have lighter evenings and the prospect of another roast dinner for Easter to look forward to!

NEWS

Image: Dawn Hudson

APPY New Year! The first term of the new decade is upon us and the first issue of Exeposé for 2020! Exciting!

After a naturally stressful end of term, and being greeted back with January exams, we're expecting every one of you to have celebrated whether it be big or small. The idea of Refreshers' as a concept is slightly questionable to me, but we'll take any opportunity for a night out, eh?

Speaking of, when did the Lemmy get cool? Not to be that final year student, but the idea of going to the Lemmy back in my day was genuinely abhorrent. How times change.

Speaking of change, do people buy the "new year, new me concept?" Over in Comment our writers debate if New Year's Resolutions are worth our time and if New Year's itself is a bit silly, page 7 and 9. Another change includes a redesign of the signs for disabled toilets around campus, which you can read more on page 3 in our News section. A hopeful year for our very own finest Exeter City, who may be finally been promoted back into League One. This is more eloquently and interestingly discussed on page 39 in Sport. Another valuable introduction to the year would be the male pill, because why should it not be a group effort?

Science exposes the bias surrounding the halting of the male pill on page 35.

On a difficult start to the year with the Australian bush fires, Lifestyle talk it through on page 16. A real conversation needs to be had about saving well, what is left of our planet. Shoutout to Kaylen Ward for raising one million dollars in donations in exchange for nudes. A living legend.

Image: Clker-Free-Vector pixabay

EXEPOSÉ

Devonshire House, Exeter, Devon, EX4 4PZ

ING'S College London has become the first university in the world to end mouse swimming tests used in scientific research. The method, which is designed to test whether or not antidepressant drugs are effective has been widely criticised by academics and animal rights charities.

It is also believed to be a poor predictor of whether a drug will work. A spokesperson for King's College London said “Animal research at King’s is ethically reviewed and we only use animals where there is no alternative.

“We are dedicated to high standards of animal welfare and all of our animals are cared for in accordance with strict Home Office regulations by dedicated professional animal technologists.”

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HE United States is experiencing a student-loan debt crisis as debts held nationally have increased by 107 per cent in the past decade. The US’ total student debt had risen from approximately $772 billion in 2009 to almost $1.6 trillion at the end of 2019. This is largely due to increasing tuition fees; between 1980 and 2018, the cost of tuition rose by over $6,000 per year for public universities and almost $20,000 for private ones. The national crisis has been seized upon by presidential candidates. Elizabeth Warren, for example, has pledged to write-off existing student loans and abolish tuition fees altogether if she is voted into office.

Universities that don't resolve abuse to be sanctioned

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ROPOSED sanctions from the Office for Students could see universities that fail to deal with harassment deregistered. Universities would have to explicitly address harassment and sexual misconduct to the regulator as a condition of their registration. Those breaching these sanctions would lose their status, including their public funding and ability to award degrees. This is part of a new consultation encouraging universities to better support and protect students who experience racial, homophobic, transphobic, religious and ableist harassment and sexual misconduct. This sanction is among many that could be brought against universities if they fail to progress by 2022. Rachel Fenton, Exeter University Law Senior Lecturer, criticised the consultation as "lightweight and wishy-washy. We know universities’ progress has been piecemeal. The OfS’s expectations are nothing new."

Third of University of Cambridge staff have experienced bullying

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THIRD of the staff at the University of Cambridge have experienced bullying, harassment or other forms of victimisation in the workplace. The University and its three main campus unions (Unite, Unison, and the University and College Union) recently conducted an internal survey after becoming concerned about the amount of intimidating and degrading behaviour occurring on campus.

Over 3,000 academic and non-academic staff answered the survey, with a third reporting that they had experienced bullying, or seen another colleague subjected to bullying. Women and non-academics were the largest group to experience victimisation, and the largest group to enact said victimisation was the academic staff.

Images: KiloCharlieLima Stories by Ella Shadwell, Olivia Garrett, Bryony Gooch, and Henry Jones

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NEWS

Neha Shaji Deputy Editor

20 JAN 2020 | EXEPOSÉ

DVP elections move to October in Guild reshuffle

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LECTIONS for the position of Deputy Vice Presidents (DVP) and Academic Year Representatives have been postponed by the Students’ Guild following an external officer review.

Subsequent to the review conducted in October 2019, these posts will not reopen for election in the February voting period.

The Guild’s press release states “the review clearly shows that there is work to be done to ensure all students are being represented as best as possible and reflects the priorities of the student body, as well as safeguarding the wellbeing of future candidates (and office-holders).”

The officer review was conducted across October 2019 by an external student governance expert. Students were offered financial incentive to attend a series of focus groups targeting several aspects of Guild governance including but not limited to support structures, communication, governance, and representation.

Based on the directions recommended by the review, the Students’ Guild will be conducting an appraisal of the current governance system with regard to these

positions. This review, and any proposed changes, will go to the Guild’s Trustee Board meeting, and initiate the next steps of the process. The Guild have confirmed that the current plan remains for these officers to be elected in October 2020.

Taking time to address workload issues will improve the wellbeing of students in these positions Dan Easterbrook, Guild Chair

Dan Easterbrook, Guild Chair, told Exeposé “Ultimately, these changes will allow students to be offered better roles as there will be a much better understanding of how support can be given.

“The aim is that these roles will be in a better position to positively impact students. One of the key takeaways from the review is that there are workload issues in these roles, and therefore taking the time to address that will improve the wellbeing of the students in these positions.”

The posts currently open for nominations include the six full-time Guild Officers; Guild President, Vice President Activities, Vice President Welfare and Diversity, Vice President Education, VP

Patrick Hoyle, Guild President, campaigning on Forum Hil in 2019. Image: Megan Davies

Postgraduate and Athletic Union President. Also open for nominations are four Student Trustees, six College Officers, and Subject Chairs for each academic subject.

The nominations will remain open until 30 January, and students can nominate themselves via the Students’ Guild website.

After nominations close, candidates are invited to attend workshops to refine their manifesto and understand how to represent a diverse body of students.

These sessions include “The Activist Manifesto”, “LGBTQ+ Equality in Campaigns”, and “BAME Equality in Cam-

paigns.”

According to the Guild, the plan is for these workshops to be delivered by Equality Panellists who have received training as part of their roles. The current timeline forecasts the voting period to run from 18 to 20 February.

“The reasons for my interruption Guild calls on University to change toilet Research says it’s time to praise women’s were recorded incorrectly” signs to highlight invisible disabilities achievements CONTINUED FROM FRONT

The PhD student continued “There were huge delays in getting the interruption approved - I originally applied for eight weeks and then extended to a full 12 weeks but the extension wasn’t “officially” approved until a month after I was back.

“My PhD is also funded by an external research council and we continue to receive funding when on medical interruption for a maximum of 12 weeks a year.

“The reasons for my interruption were recorded incorrectly and I didn’t get paid on time which meant I was late paying bills, and the communication I received from the uni about it was really poor, which as you can imagine didn’t help my mental health.

“Because of the delay in approving my interruption in the first place, as well as getting paid, I literally couldn’t afford to pay for the letter and the uni wouldn’t recognise me as back even though I’d been back having supervisions for a month.

“I appreciate that the uni probably does it to cover their backs but the financial burden is a lot, plus they’re not really necessary. My GP didn’t want to write one and charge me for it because it was pointless admin burden for him and me.”

However, the student experience of the University’s interruption system was

not universally negative.

Sóley, a former Physics Third Year undergraduate, decided to interrupt in October 2019.

She said “I interrupted my studies because of my mental health issues, I was no longer managing to make it to lectures and was hospitalised for a panic attack, so doing my course just felt impossible.

“It was a fairly simple process which meant it didn’t take a huge amount of effort on my part, which is great when I have very low energy with my mental illnesses.”

A University spokesperson said: “Students can interrupt their study for a range of reasons including health, family or financial and the University will offer support so that wherever possible they can return at a later date.

This is different to granting deferrals or coursework and examination extensions where the university may require additional evidence but each case is different and our aim is to make the process as simple as possible.

“We are sorry to hear about these individual cases and will always listen to student views so that we can improve our administrative systems and look to identify trends such as the increase in postgraduate interruptions to tailor our support accordingly.”

Henry Jones News Editor

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HE Students’ Guild has asked the University to change the signs outside all accessible toilets to also “highlight invisible disabilities.”

Katie Heard, Vice-President for Welfare and Diversity, asked users on Twitter to suggest signage that would be “more suitable.”

The move would bring Exeter in line with Kings College London.

According to the internet campaign ‘noteverydisabilityisvisible.org.uk’, 29 per cent of people have been refused access to an accessible toilet because their disease isn’t visible.

In a statement sent to Exeposé, Katie Heard, the Guild’s Vice-President for Welfare and Diversity, said “I’m delighted that improvements are being made to the signage of toilets, which will now include invisible disabilities.

“It’s really important that invisible disabilities are more widely recognised, and this is a step towards that.”

Image: Crohn’s & Colitis UK

Emma Hussain Online News Editor

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NIVERSITY of Exeter Business School research has shown that public feedback about women’s performances increases their willingness to take on leadership roles.

Led by Dr Jingnan Chen, the study highlights that women are less likely to take the lead in male-dominated industries and traditionally-male tasks, but that publicising their successes alleviated this effect. Subsequently, where these teams were led by women they were more likely to perform well.

Dr Chen said: “Women are less likely than men to self-promote their abilities, but it is very important that their work is equally recognised. If we have more acknowledgement of women’s achievements, so their colleagues know what they are doing well, women will be more likely to step up and utilise their leadership skills.

“Recognising women’s abilities should be done by pointing out their quantitative achievements – specific, objective and measurable work such as sales figures or number of projects successfully completed.”

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

LEAD YOUR GUILD. MAKE CHANGE. NOMINATIONS OPEN NOW. People at Exeter are using food banks, and that must stop

Phillipa Davey, South West UCU Regional Offical

There are no plans for senior mangement to visit the picket lines

Image: Emma Hussain

University of Exeter spokesperson

Could you do better?

Nominations open

13 Jan - 30 Jan Find out more

EXETERGUILD.COM/ELECTIONS

You can't really focus on teaching , and students suffer An UCU member speaks on casualised contracs t

NEWS

EXEPOSÉ | 2 DEC 2019

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Picturing the picket line

The Streatham UCU industrial action in six snapshots

Students support the UCU at the Stocker Road picket.

The Thornlea and Queen's Drive pickets join up on Stocker Road on Monday.

Image: Harry Caton

Image: Harry Caton

The Guild Officers visit the Thornlea picket line on Tuesday Image: Harry Caton

A picketer's placard.

Image: Harry Caton

#DogsOnPicketLines Image: Fatima Zehra

The Teach-Outs took place at St. Davids Church last Friday Image: Harry Caton

Image: Jim Wileman

Image: Arts and Culture Department

20 JAN 2020| EXEPOSÉ

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Comment

COMMENT EDITORS: Kamila Bell George Clark

Are you feeling refreshed yet?

Emily Im Contributor

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EFRESHERS’ Week is an opportunity to join societies at a discount price, go along to free taster sessions, take advantage of the free food and let loose in the evenings at drinking events which will (most likely) go on until the early hours of the morning. In other words, it’s Freshers’ Week 2.0.

The original Freshers’ Week is a distant memory to me. A lot has happened since then. But even though it’s distant, it doesn’t mean I want to do it all over again.

I can understand why some people would get excited about Refreshers’ Week. Especially since January exams just ended, a night out sipping cocktails and shimmying on the dance floor might be exactly what people need to recover from all the stress. If

you’re a student who was abroad for the first term and one of your 2020 goals is to join a society and make new friends, this is the perfect time to do it.

If anyone is interested in becoming a member of one of the newly established societies—such as the Cheese Society—again, now is when you should. I also remember how good the taster sessions were in helping me decide what societies I wanted to be a part of back in September, so I would recommend going to as many as you can fit into your timetable.

Nothing is compulsory so the week is whatever you want it to be

However, personally, I don’t have time in my own timetable to take part in Refreshers’ Week. I’m focusing my energy on going to lectures and

seminars, house hunting for second year, and planning a radio show, amongst other important things. I’m much busier than I was last September.

Plus, I’ve already joined four societies; I’m not keen to join any more.

If you’re up for it, go ahead and try something new

The way I see it, Refreshers’ Week isn’t absolutely essential. I think the University would survive without it. Having said that, I don’t think we should get rid of it either. Just because I’m not participating in anything doesn’t mean everyone else isn’t.

Nothing is compulsory, so the week is whatever you want it to be. If you don’t want to go out to a night time event organised by a society, don’t. If you do, do. Some might argue that Refreshers’ Week reinforces university

drinking culture, but I disagree. Even without Refreshers’ Week, university drinking culture would still exist.

Besides, the vast majority of nights out with societies involve being in a place where alcohol is served, but you don’t have to order alcohol if you don’t want any.

I’m a non-drinker, so I’m always sober whenever I’m out in a club or pub with friends. For drinkers taking part in Dry January, abstaining might be a little harder.

If I’m going to be an optimist about it, I’d say Refreshers’ Week is about opportunity more than anything else. If you’re up for it, go ahead and

try something new. Talk to people you wouldn’t ordinarily talk to. After all, you know what they say; you miss a hundred per cent of the shots you don’t take.

Image: Students’ Guild

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Resolutions: New Year fear For

Sam Bovey Contributor

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T’S that time of the year. Maybe you’re back in your flat, after a long drive from home and a teary farewell from grandparents at Christmas. There’s nothing to do.

Looking at your cupboards you see stacks of booze and cheese, maybe some unopened chocolate boxes, from a few bags you’ve brought back to your flat. Checking the mirror it is clear from that podgy stomach Christmas was very satisfying… perhaps too satisfying. Immediately, you sit at the table and scribble the title ‘New Years Resolutions’ and gaze at the wall opposite, wondering: Is there any significance in making them? Does anyone make them nowadays? Is it worth it?

According to Red Letter Days, 59 per cent of people achieve their goals when they have someone to monitor their progress, compared to 29 per cent who go it alone. Statistics from KDMiner states 67 per cent of

Against

Americans make resolutions.

This seems to imply that people are prepared to achieve goals, with support, and making resolutions for the New Year is not a dying trend.

A considerable number of resolutions relate to changing something about ourselves: weight, drink or exercise. It is easier to achieve a goal, in life besides resolutions for the New Year, when you have friends or acquaintances going through the same experience. Whether it is any worth to you depends on how willing you are to make a change.

But do resolutions pressure people? Let’s get something straight, your name is not Ebenezer Scrooge.

Three spirits aren’t visiting at dusk to pressure you into becoming a nicer person; though in life there’s nothing wrong with being nice.

The only pressure is internal. Finish that list. Take advantage of this time of year, when many others like you – as statistics show – are trying to better themselves as well. Some might be friends… go and find out.

Background: Anna-Louise, Pexels

George Clark Comment Editor

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ERE we go again: a new year and more dramatically, a new decade. I don’t quite remember where I was when the clock struck midnight (some chunks of time from 11pm onwards are a little fuzzy if I’m honest) but what I do remember is the minutes afterwards, where it felt like the only thing that had changed was the calendar display on my lock screen.

The concept of a new year’s resolution is obviously an attractive one and there is nothing wrong with wanting to improve ourselves. The issue I have with the new year, as with most holidays, is that it has been overrun by commercialism. Websites from Amazon to PureGym are plastered with the “New Year, New You” slogan, telling us that we always need to improve ourselves, we need to supplement ourselves with facial creams and lift weights until we’re happy.

While there is nothing about resolutions I fundamentally take issue with, culturally most of us have been pre-

scribed to set ourselves unrealistic expectations for self-improvement. The world is capitalising on our anxieties about ourselves, in particular those surrounding our bodies. Fantastic if you want to head to the gym for physical and/or mental health reasons, but you shouldn’t feel an external pressure to do so because our calendars now say 2020 instead of 2019.

Not all companies have been pushing this mantra and it feels as though the trend is, very slowly, beginning to thin out. But for the more anxious individuals among us, the unpleasant dialogue around resolutions is still very much present and distressing. This is not an argument against a resolution, it is an argument against the culture surrounding it. I have made resolutions a few times, but I always do my best to avoid making unrealistic goals. Hopefully, the noise around them will begin to fizzle out over the next few years and everyone will find it easier to set themselves goals which don’t imply happiness in the future, when we have invested in a product or lifestyle, but instead help us to be a little happier, day-by-day, in the present.

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20 JAN 2020| EXEPOSÉ

COMMENT

On Seasonal Affective Disorder Aliyah Ismail Contributor

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HE winter months welcome a wealth of emotions. Among much else, they signal the start of the new academic year, the onslaught of fairy lights that dust the windows and the arrival of bundles of knitted sweaters that cuddle you against the cold reality of the day.

Yet, once the academic year is in full swing and October has peaked its forgetful head, the fairy lights have dimmed, and the sweaters have dampened in the rain- what is one left with? Deadlines, darkness and dense skies alongside a deep sadness at the absolute lack of sunshine. It seems it is enough to make anyone sad. But, is it enough to make you suffer from SADness?

SAD stands for Seasonal Affective Disorder and is a type of depression that reoccurs in a seasonal pattern. It is often referred to as “winter depression” because the symptoms are usually more apparent and more severe during the winter months.

The symptoms of this disorder are

portrayed in the persistence of a low mood, an increased association of a nature of passivity to everyday activities, an irritable nature tied to feelings of despair, guilt and worthlessness and a lethargy that results in the gaining of weight and sleeping more.

Reading this, it may occur to you that you have experienced SAD or are in the active process of experiencing the disorder.

With 20 per cent of the UK population on the spectrum of SAD, you are not alone in your experience. It is best to think of SAD as a spectrum where on the one end of the spectrum there are those who do not experience any symptoms through the changing of the seasons and further along there rest those who experience the “winter blues” with feelings of fatigue, grumpiness and a general ‘feeling-prettylow’ attitude.

The opposite side of the spectrum houses those who experience extreme SAD. For these people, typically around 3 per cent of the UK population, it may become necessary to take time off work through drastic changes to mood resulting in limitations to daily activities. My personal

experience of SAD is on the milder end of the spectrum. I love the summer and I dislike the winter

Image: Olivia Jester (PublicDomainImages)

For myself, there are few pleasures that are greater than raising the blinds on a crisp, early morning and being met with streams of sunlight beaming through the window. It makes me feel instantly happy, as if there is at the very least something enjoyable about the day to come; sitting in the sun during lunch, being able to enjoy journeying between places without the barrier of an umbrella. This is awesome to me; sunshine and its effect on my mood fills me with awe.

The raising of my blinds to a dreary,

bleak and miserable day signifies the onslaught of outdoor showers and the occasional torrents of wind that slap against the face.. But beyond this it welcomes the unpleasant feeling of pessimism, this overwhelming feeling that I lost the day that stands in front of me, before I have begun. I know this is a fatalistic outlook yet somehow my mood is dictated a great deal by the confrontation of what lays beyond my blinds. This is annoying, to say the least. So, in the interest of beating such days I attach some of my favourite remedy approaches.

and physically after activities such as yoga or pilates. Finally, recognising your ability to take charge of yourself is an effective measure; I find that if I have tasked myself with a to-do list with exact times, I am more likely to be effective during the day. Begin and end your day by meeting a friend or doing something that reliably brings you joy.

Most importantly, be mindful that these mental states are seasonal, and seasons do not last forever. Look forward to the sunshine because it is coming sooner than you think.

My mood is dictated by what lays beyond my blinds In order to challenge this mood, I find it effective to look to my weather app and see when the sun is likely to reappear, even if for only a brief moment and I make intentions to be outside, doing fun activities during this time. If this is difficult to find then I conscientiously decide to do a few extra classes at the gym, noticing that I always tend to feel better, both mentally

É If these issues affect you, you can get in touch with: www.sad.org.uk for more information Wellbeing Services: exeter.ac.uk/wellbeing Exeter Nightline: 01392724000 Student Health Centre: 01392 676606

Comfort Food Corner

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Biscuits

Soup

Pickles

Sam Thomson Screen Editor

Emma Hussain Online News Editor

Anna Romanovska Lifestyle Editor

ISCUITS are versatile, filling, and come in a variety of flavours and shapes. I’d like to run you through just a few of the options that this crunchy bake has to offer.

Jammy Dodgers are tasty, but they do give off a sense of immaturity. Consider Fox’s ‘Jam ‘n Cream’ for a more sophisticated, upmarket look, perfect for a gala, or any other white tie event.

Pink Panther wafers encounter the same problem but they have no viable alternative so it’s best to eat them alone, 14 at a time, at 2am.

I’d like to spend more time on fruit biscuits, but that rabbit hole is deep, and they would be better served in their own article, a ‘Currant Affairs’ section if you will. Chocolate digestives and chocolate hobnobs are both acceptable, and so are plain digestives, but if you eat plain hobnobs then you are an oaty weirdo. Chocolate-to-biscuit ratio is a key factor in biscuit circles, but the uncontested leader in this category is the Choco Leibniz, the wealthy, cultured European of the biscuit world. If it wasn’t clear, I’m building to a climax, and this climax comes in the form of the Ginger Nut, a god among biscuits, and the most underrated packet on the shelf.

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T might seem cliché to select soup as my winter comfort food of choice. It’s so fortifying that it’s generally accepted as the universal metaphor for comfort, but sometimes you can’t beat a classic.

Before going veggie, I was worried about how I’d substitute the A-list nourishing dish that is chicken soup. As it turns out, I was underestimating the potential of a vegetable stock cube – veggie soups can warm the body and soul just as much as meaty ones.

Soup’s nutritional value (stemming from the opportunity to cram most of your 5-a-day into one well-disguised meal) drags us gently through the winter months.

But the universal appeal of soup seems to stem from its pastoral role: soup doesn’t just nourish the body, but also the soul. Although this function may have been socially constructed by the giants of the soup industry, it worked on me. A soup and pudding tea, especially if cooked up by my mum or nana, feels like a winter treat, conjuring up memories of cosy childhood dinners.

Anyway, must round up the article. Time to go and cook a term’s worth of soup.

M

Y comfort food is a bit niche for the average British person, yet perfectly normal for the Slav. Pickles and the pickling of cucumbers is an art form in our culture. British pickles will simply never compare to the extremely sour taste of home-pickled gherkins.

The amount of times I have forced my boyfriend to drive me to Morrisons to pick up one of the one-kilogram jars of pickles may strike you as a bit of an overkill. But hear me out here. Crisps give you too much crunch and are too salty, whereas gelatine gummies contain dead animals and WILL get stuck in your teeth. But pickles? They’re sour, yet sweet.

They’re fresh and so do not pose a threat to your hydration levels, they’re practically full of water and electrolytes.

However, the most important reason as to why I have pickles as my comfort food is rather simple, they remind me of home. Even though the pickles I have found in the UK will never be as good as my dad’s homemade pickles, they still have the power to take me back into my childhood home.

And that is a power I will cherish for the rest of time.

Images Left to Right: Jyothivalaboju (Wikimedia); Schwarzenarzisse(Pixabay); Marco Verch(Flickr)

EXEPOSÉ | 20 JAN 2020

COMMENT

The taboo topic of money J

Never have I encountered such a divisive topic From the moment you start applying for university, money becomes something you must consider. Can you afford to study abroad? Would a London university be too expensive? And perhaps most common, will I get a student loan?

The process can be a nightmare one, especially if like me you had never been placed in charge of your own finances before. When my first loan came in, besides having to constantly be

Image: Openclipart

The SabbS Speak Up

background. Money only becomes a hindrance in friendships if the topic is not handled with respect and understanding.

Max Shepherd Contributor ONATHAN Swift once said that “a wise person should have money in their head, but not in their heart.”

These wise words do indeed capture the general feeling that discussing money is somehow taboo.

The problem of this conversation seems to be one that crosses social and financial boundaries, affecting both rich and poor of all ages. Never have I encountered such a divisive topic that practically guarantees offending someone.

Entering into a group conversation about money is equivalent to walking into No Man’s Land with a giant sign saying ‘shoot me’. Quite frankly, it would be safer to talk about Brexit. Yet dependency on money is one of the few things we all have in common and university for many of us is the first time we will truly encounter and deal with this issue.

9

Relationships should never just be based on shared financial means

Image: Pxhere

reminded not to spend it, I had no idea how to pay my university rent but yet asking other people for help seemed like a non-starter. Even now I dread the termly reminder that my rent is due.

I’d like to imagine that this is something that gets easier with time although I am reliably informed by my relatives that money remains a terrifying and elusive topic that confuses and intimidates even the most seasoned adults. Renting a house for the first time as a group presents yet another challenge.

After all, it becomes very difficult to avoid the topic of money when you’re dependant on each other for rent.

Certainly, the topic did engender a number of disagreements and temporary rifts amongst our house, proving that money truly is a sensitive subject. Trying to compromise on a house that we could all afford but that didn’t feel like we would be living in Yoda’s cave was a long and complicated process and by the end it involved a completely different set of people than originally proposed.

However, it seems that any wounds inflicted on friendships by this experience were about as deep as a paddling pool and soon healed over with a pint at Wetherspoons.

Indeed, the taboo topic of money seems more an issue of pride than anything else and although the rare broaching of the subject may

cause some bushy tails, sometimes it is necessary to bite the bullet and have those conversations, especially as flatmates; people won’t remain angry for long.

Sometimes you need to bite the bullet and have those conversations University life also opens you up to a whole new variety of people, all from different financial backgrounds. Although some halls may be more heavily dominated by independent school graduates than others, in general most will be a good mix. Although undoubtedly an integral part of university life, the gap in financial means can make the problem of discussing money even more difficult and uncomfortable. People have very different perspectives on the matter: some will be embarrassed, some will be arrogant and some quite frankly do not care, but it is very difficult to judge this prior to a conversation.

That being said, in my experience such differences in upbringing have not in any way coloured my friendships at university, with most people being understanding and interested in my varying lifestyle.

Indeed, I would suggest that this is what Swift truly meant when he stated that money should never be the object of the heart.

University is a place to make friends for life and these kinds of relationships should never be based simply around shared financial means. You would be missing out on exposing yourself to other cultures, experiences and people who may have far more in common with you than just your social

The real issue of money being a taboo topic, however, runs far deeper than university and reveals a far larger problem. Wealth is seen as a defining attribute, for many it shapes their opinions and aims but yet it is something that most of us will never truly understand. I for one was never taught more than the basics about taxes or managing money at school, things that are essential to living free of Mum and Dad. The reason we can’t talk about money is that we don’t like to accept that it rules us and because of this we don’t prepare people for the real world.

Clearly this is not a problem that can be overcome in one night; it would require an entire societal re-evaluation of how we judge and consider money, beginning with attempts to educate children about how rent and taxes work rather than the current method of leaving them in happy ignorance. This, however, seems about as likely to happen as Trump winning a Nobel peace prize.

We don’t like to accept that money rules us So, my tips for approaching money at university would be as follows. Attempt to understand the process of paying rent and choosing accommodation prior to arriving at university and have mature conversations with your parents about it is likely to be the only way to lessen this stress. Understand and pre-empt the fact that not everyone will share your background and embrace such differences. Make sure that group activities are cheap enough so that they can be enjoyed by everyone. When talking to fellow students about it, stay calm. Phrase things clearly and be respectful.

But ultimately just do it. Money is an essential part of life that can’t simply be avoided for fear of disagreement.

Image: Students Guild

Liv Harvey VP Activities

A

S an officer team, we have lots planned for this term. Some upcoming events throughout January and February include Mental Health and Wellbeing Week, LGBTQ+ History Month, PGR Wellbeing Week, PTA campaign Week and Student Volunteering Week – keep an eye out for these and more! Another big week for us will be elections week with nominations opening on the 13 January with voting open the 18-20 February. If you’re thinking of becoming an Officer, feel free to get in touch and check out our website to find out more!

As VP Activities, the big project I’m currently working on is Refreshers’.

Refreshers’ Week is designed to be a small-scale version of Freshers’ Week which runs from the 13-17 January. Not only is it aimed at our new intake of international and study abroad students but also for returning students who are maybe looking to join a new society.

We have nearly 100 society, commercial and university stalls throughout the week as well as over 100 events run by societies and sports clubs including free taster sessions.

Two highlights for me are our pop-up bar being held at St Luke’s on the 17 January and our Arts Festival (14 Jan) where we will have students performing throughout the day!

My advice for students this year would be to take the new year as an opportunity to try something new, pick up a new hobby or re-visit an old one.

Refreshers’ is the perfect time to do this! Being part of societies was such a big part of my University experience – University offers so much more than just your degree and I really urge you to explore the opportunities your time here brings.

EXEPOSÉ | 20 JAN 2020

Beyond Exeter

No voice in the election: a European perspective Anna Romanovska Lifestyle Editor

B

ORIS Johnson making the general election of 12 December 2019 about Brexit made it an election that would decide my future position within this country.

Would I be condemned to a future of thousands of pounds of visa and immigration fees? If I were to have children, would they be safe from the perils of the Home Office and its letters?

The inability to vote felt worse than having my vote denied In a sense, the inability to vote felt worse than having my vote denied during the European Parliament elections. In that case, at least I could try to exercise my right to vote, even though excessive bureaucratic tactics prevented me from doing so. However, the general election came with a guaranteed lack of a right

to vote. At least in the first case I knew I could have a say, but this time I was faced with no chance to cast my own vote. Instead, voting was replaced with recurrent pleading of my UK friends to not vote Conservative. Every day that led up to the election I could feel the anxious tension within me build up.

I felt scared every day closing up to the dreaded day of the election. Fear for myself, marginalised groups within the United Kingdom and for the NHS. I felt a fear that told me the Brexitcentric nature of the election could and would incite violence and hate towards those who are already made to feel unwelcome in this country. But I could not do anything about it. I was stood on the side-lines, cheering people on to vote for humanity, not for a shabby ideal based on lies, hate and deception.

Being on the side-lines is an ostracising experience for an immigrant. We barely have any insight or say into what goes on at home and our new home won’t let us exercise our right to stand up for ourselves and our livelihood. We are outsiders both in our home country and in our new

home. At home, people tell us that we do not have the right to complain about a situation that we no longer live in. In the United Kingdom, we are told to stop complaining and enjoy the benefits our new home provides for us.

After the election results, I felt nothing.

I was in denial The British Empire may have fallen some time ago, but the imperialistic white western saviour mentality found within many Brits has not gone anywhere.

On 23 June 2016, millions of Brits living abroad and non-Brits in the United Kingdom had no say in the execution of their fate. What is a democracy without the right to fight for your own place in your new home?

After the election results had been announced, I felt nothing. I was in denial. I refused to talk politics with anyone and to be honest, sometimes I still struggle to believe that a Brexit Britain is now becoming a reality.

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I

F I could get a fiver for every time I heard “yeah I’ve just been in X Building where a group of French/Italian/German/Chinese/etc students just went on in their language, you know?” I would probably be able to pay the extortionate visa fee.

Immigrants, and international students among them, are constantly encouraged to integrate with the British populace.

The diction is important here: integrate, assimilate, as opposed to the Westernised notion of ‘appreciating other cultures and learning about them.’

Assimilation, in its very diction implies an erasure of existing characteristics in order to conform to agreed imagined

ideas of how a culture should run.

It’s encouraged on an institutional basis as well - across the globe, universities hold pre-departure briefings about British culture, the importance of understanding and following British norms, and how it was really, really important to queue because the British love queueing.

The happy families, lights and markets can make you miss home For me, that fell into dust on say, my second day in the UK - when some three foot troglodyte of a ten year old barged past me in a Superdrug queue. However, assimilation and integration are nationalised concepts

Anne Chafer

We are looking for students from other countries, living and/or studying here for the duration of their degree to write about issues that affect them.

If you want to contribute, please get in touch by emailing editors@exepose.com or messaging our Facebook page.

Culture in translatioN: LAST ONE LAUGHING Olivia Gómez Social Secretary

I

N true homage to Mexican humour, Last One Laughing does not disappoint. The new reality show, hosted and produced by Eugenio Derbez, showcases the best of the Mexican comedy scene, from stand-up comedians to movie stars to radio presenters. Each episode of the show features a stellar cast of professional comedians, icons like Ricardo O’Ferril and Barbara Torres, who are eager to leave us bursting with laughter.

Each of the ten participants are asked to pitch in 100,000 MXN pesos towards the prize. The winner takes it all – 1 million pesos. It’s a simple game: the comedians are locked inside a house for six hours, all they have to do is try to make each other laugh. There is

Image: Pixabay

where media and politics exceptionalise communities that stick together, as an Othered enclosure as opposed to the apparently amorphous aggregate of the British public. Behave the same, or risk alienating yourself.

If this was a standard applied globally, the issue would be more about the construction of culture and the perceived fixity of it. However, I’ve lived in Malaysia nearly all my life, in

EDITOR

Welcome! This new section aims to broaden the scope of our content and provide a space for international students to voice their opinions on topics that matter to them.

Integration/Intersection

Neha Shaji Deputy Editor

BEYOND EXETER 10

an ‘expat’ (referred to as immigrant from this point on, for reasons of equality in address) community. There are several web pages about how British immigrants to South Asia, or Hong Kong, can ‘avoid’ locals and lists of established areas of housing and restaurants catering primarily to white immigrants.

Housing, too, follows this demarcation: the place my family

only one rule, though. The first one to laugh is the one who loses.

This would be challenge enough for us mortals who can’t even get through a “Try Not to Laugh” YouTube compilation of Vines...

However, the house raises the stakes of the game by randomly presenting new challenges and games. These include stare contests with ridiculous storytelling in the background, for example. The only other rule of the game is that you must participate – if not, you’re out. The eliminated contestants have only one minute to leave the house. Afterwards, they are invited to watch the rest of the six hours of comedy along with the host.

The show demands the most out of these comedians and the result is an epic, delightful, hilarious chaos.

An organized disorder that the viewer gets to enjoy in the comfort of their own home thanks to Amazon.

moved into was a practical enclosure of Britishness. This is, however, normalised: Western immigrants attend the American School, or the British School, whilst the locals are relegated to only attending these if they had a few spare thousand dollars.

Assimilation is a word that denies agency to diasporic communities.

Cultures should intersect, not assimilate: and this should be at the will of said cultures rather than a diktat of the majority.

As it stands, privilege is on the side of the assimilated: speaking like the majority, wearing clothes that they approve of, not cooking food they dislike the smell of - all result in social and economic benefits. This should not be the case: not in the eyes of the media, not institutionally, and certainly not applicable only to certain ‘types’ of immigrants.

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12

Features

20 JAN 2020| EXEPOSÉ

FEATURES EDITORS: Jaysim Hanspal William Harrop

News Year’s Resolutions

Exeposé Features Writers shed light on encouraging environmental projects from around the world The Real Junk Food Project

by Emily Im, Contributor

Helsinki 2035 Action Plan very transparently and would like to carry on this way also while reporting on its implementation and assessing the next steps. I believe that we will find the Climate Watch to be an efficient tool.

Other local authorities are also free to make use of it”, says Esa Nikunen, the directorgeneral of the City of Helsinki environmental services.

K

ICK-STARTED by former chef Adam Smith, who was appalled to find out that globally, 1.3 billion tonnes of food is lost or wasted every year, The Real Junk Food Project (TRJFP) is a company tackling the environmental issue by using edible but unwanted supermarket food to produce tasty dishes and selling them in cafes around the world.

The first TRJFP cafe opened in 2013 in Armley, Leeds, to huge success.

23 tonnes of food were saved, 12,000 meals made and 10,000 people fed. Today, according to their website, the company has rescued at least 5,000 tonnes of food which is equivalent to 11.9 million meals.

Cafes and ‘social supermarkets’, which distribute waste food on a larger scale, are also open in seven different countries, including Germany and Japan.

This consumption of waste food is helping the environment by reducing the amount of food ending up in landfill because when food rots, the greenhouse gas methane is released.

Ultimately, the company’s goal is to put themselves out of business

Yet since its establishment, The Real Junk Food Project has not only had a positive impact on the environment, but a social one too. 18 schools across Wakefield and Leeds are partnered with them as 40kg of surplus food is provided each week to children and their families. Meanwhile, all 127 cafés run on a Pay As You Feel basis, meaning no meal is ever priced and customers can give what they like. Individuals have paid by helping clean the cafes, cooking the food and even rewiring the electrics. As a result, the TRJFP has benefited people with financial struggles too.

Ultimately, the company’s goal is to put themselves out of business. If this ever happens, it would mean that food is no longer being wasted, and that’s something we and the environment should be glad about.

Image: Piqsel, Creative Commons Zero - CC0

Carbon Neutral Helsinki

by Jaysim Hanspal, Features Editor

R

ECENTLY, the city of Helsinki, Finland has launched its revolutionary new Carbon-Neutral Helsinki 2035 Action Plan (catchy, I know), which has 147 simple measures to reduce emissions and to attain the goal of carbon neutrality. Measures include using transport powered by green energy and reducing the energy consumption of outdoor and public lighting. The aim is that by 2035, Helsinki will stop contributing completely to the growing problem of climate change.

The aim is that by 2035, Helsinki will stop contributing to climate change This action plan will be fulfilled by an online helper, a tool designed for anyone to keep track of the city’s progress as well as showing the individual impact that everyone can make in this global fight against climate change. Citizens will also be able to provide feedback directly to the environmental department on the effectiveness of their measures, as well as asking how they can get involved with quotidian tasks. Using this collaborative approach, the city hopes it will encourage more citizens to take part and help in their goal to be a clean city. To do this, the city aims to reduce its emissions by 80 per cent and compensate for the rest.

“We prepared our Carbon-Neutral

A

Green gold in Pakistan?

by Alina McGregor, Contributor

USTRALIA’S bushfires, the disappearance of more islands due to rising sea levels and other crises that the planet is facing can make the rest of the year feel doomed. However, there has been new hope in the form of Pakistan’s recent success story. The billiontree tsunami program has led to hundreds of millions of trees planted on previously barren hills. The revegetation will behave as a control against erosion, as well as helping in the mitigation of climate change, and decreasing the chances of floods.

Officials hope the fact that these hills will now be useful will convince people living around the area to not cut down the new wood, which they would use for firewood as electricity is scarce in many areas.

So what is this ‘billion-tree tsunami’ all about? It is a provincial government programme with an amazing goal. One of

Image: Piqsel, Creative Commons Zero - CC0

its plans is to plant a total of 300 million trees of 42 different species planted across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The use of different species is extremely important because one of the aims is to create a diverse biodiversity. This means different types of habitats and diets for different kinds of animals and insects.

One plan is to plant 300 million trees of 42 different species In addition, they have set strict forest regeneration measures which have reportedly allowed the regrowth of 730m trees since 2014. This project is also priding itself on its transparency, as information is available to everyone. This is especially important as the program was initially mocked for unrealistic objectives, which it has now proved realistic albeit expensive.

And perhaps this example will be used in future discussions, to show that making a difference is possible.

Solar parks in Dubai

by William Harrop, Features Editor

T

HE United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a country famed for its oil wealth. However, the long-term prospects for the UAE’s future survival are far from encouraging. Since 2014 oil prices have been declining, while the longevity of its oil resources have also

been a serious cause for concern. To make matters worse, climate scientists have ominously warned that climate change could result in North Africa and the Middle East becoming uninhabitable by the end of this century if urgent action is not taken to reverse the mounting climate emergency. It is therefore unsurprising that countries like the UAE, Kuwait and Qatar have taken important steps to diversify their oil-based economies.

One of the most exciting projects that the UAE has been working on to accomplish this has been the gargantuan ‘Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park’ in Dubai, which began construction in 2013. The premise of the park is to harness the Middle East’s most reliable, inexhaustible resource; sunlight, to produce 5,000-megawatts of electricity, supplying enough power for 1.3 million homes. This could reduce carbon emissions by an astonishing 6.5 million tonnes per year and forms an important part of the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy, which aims for 75 per cent of Dubai’s power output to come from renewable sources by 2050. It is hoped that this could make Dubai the city with the lowest carbon footprint in the world. The project is due for completion in 2030, and its first three phases have already been completed.

With top climate scientists warning that we have only ten years to halt the effects of climate change before they become irreversible, ambitious projects like this certainly inspire hope.

EXEPOSÉ | 20 JAN 2020

FEATURES

13

The West and the Rest?

O

Bryn Seltzer discusses the various media responses to the crisis between the US and Iran

N 3 January, Iranian Major General Qassem Soleimani was killed in a US airstrike ordered by President Trump. Widely considered to be the second most powerful figure in Iran behind Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the assassination has brought the US to the brink of war with Iran, pushing the world into a mass period of uncertainty. Following the announcement from the Pentagon of the assassination of Soleimani, ‘‘World War III’’ began trending on Twitter. In the current age of social media, nonexistent during the past world wars, fears of global warfare take on a new form. The internet, let alone Twitter or Instagram, was unavailable to those desiring to comment on the worldwide turmoil of World War One or Two. Now, a meme-cycle walks hand in hand with the news cycle, flooding social media platforms with jokes and satirical commentary.

Now the meme-cycle walks hand-in-hand with the new cycle Memes appear to be the new way to comprehend and cope with uncertainty and confusion in the world.

Dark humor typically remains at the forefront of such viral jokes, often making light at the possibility of global doom. The escalations between the US and Iran and subsequent fears of mass war have not been left out from the meme-cycle. With over 500,000 mentions on Instagram, #ww3 has rapidly evolved into a social media frenzy. #ww3memes on Twitter include everything from jokes about raiding Area 51 to President Trump ordering the airstrike due to a mistake made by Siri.

Viral jokes about draft-dodging by the likes of high-profile users such as James Charles, coupled with TikToks featuring cavalier attitudes towards fatalities incited online outrage over the perceived detachment from the true potential of suffering inflicted during a world war. Critiques of the memes, and greater online reaction, argued that the creators of the memes were not the people who would actually be suffering under a potential ‘World War Three’. One Twitter user wrote, “The privilege that Americans have to post WW3 memes while the actual people who will be suffering (Iraqis and Iranians) will be talked about for two weeks and forgot about I truly hate you all”.

The originators of such online memes have said that the online jokes

are being used as a coping mechanism in response to the high levels of uncertainty currently felt. In a statement to NBC News, Scarlett Acosta, a moderator of the Twitter account called “UrFavIsDrafted”, said, “I guess that I feel like as a generation, that’s how we deal with stuff. Anything bad happens, we just make a meme of it”.

Nevertheless, many online users have noted that the originators of such memes are often so far removed from the conflict that it would never affect them directly, therefore eliminating the need for a coping mechanism. “yeah ngl this ‘we hope to get us through trauma’ thing ain’t applicable this time lol, it is not your trauma to joke about”, wrote one Twitter user.

Some Twitter users have criticized the flippant way in which the memes have been created and distributed. With the focus and attention of the memes remaining on those unlikely to experience the destructive nature of war, many have argued the memes are the epitome of a self-absorbed nature.

The creators of the memes are not the ones who will suffer The online attitude towards the conflict with Iran extends beyond social media and into the overall media reaction towards a potential ‘World War Three’. Much of the media reaction towards the assassination revolves around the expectation of retaliation

by Iran on the US In an article by The Daily Express titled “World War 3 threat: Iran’s ‘main policy of revenge’ exposed as US row escalates”, the highlight of the article reads, “WORLD WAR 3 fears were triggered after the US ordered the death of top Iranian general Qassem Soleimani earlier this month – and Iran’s main policy is one of “revenge”, according to an Iranian expert.” The usage of the term ‘World War 3’ becomes sensationalised within the online media reactions, inciting fear and panic.

In an article by The Sun titled “PREPARING FOR WAR: How to prepare for World War 3 and what to

do if there’s a nuclear attack” the media focus on detached sensationalism is evident. Below the title, the article reads, “World War 3 has been trending on Twitter after the US assassinated Iran’s top general Qassem Soleimani.

While there is nothing to suggest such an event is likely to happen imminently, here is what experts advise you do if World War 3 breaks out.” With focus remaining on the potential for crisis in the West, there has been left little room for attention on the reality of innocent civilian deaths in the

Image: Andreas Eldh

Middle East, in addition to the deaths of those who have been deployed to serve in such a war.

It is also worth noting that the very idea of a ‘world war’ is a concept inextricably tied to ideas of imperialism and Western-centricity, revolving around conflict between Western powers.

The very concept of a ‘world war’ is bound up with European imperialism As conflicts, world wars were historically driven by imperial ambitions and empire-building, drawing millions of people from European colonies to fight in a conflict they played no part in starting, fighting for a country that didn’t even class them as equal citizens. Its instinctive application to the crisis in Iran speaks volumes about how the West still sees itself at the centre of world politics and side-lines the suffering of people who aren’t from the West. Similarly, the term is also obviously unqualified.

While the potential inclusion of Ukraine and Russia in the current situation with Iran and the US. widens the conflict, it is far too early to label it a global conflict.

On Twitter, President Trump tweeted, “Let this serve as a WARNING that if Iran strikes any Americans, or American assets, we have tar-

geted 52 Iranian sites (representing the 52 American hostages taken by Iran many years ago), some at a very high level & important to Iran & the Iranian culture, and those targets, and Iran itself, WILL BE HIT VERY FAST AND VERY HARD.” President Trump’s threat of violence in Iran, most likely affecting civilians, demonstrates the likelihood of mass casualties in the Middle East.

Moreover, his references to committing what would amount to war crimes by destroying Iranian cultural sites should surely remind us of the gravity of the situation. With the recent downing of Ukraine International Airlines flight PS752 by Iran, killing all 176 people on board, it can be expected that more civilian deaths are still to come.

It can be expected that more civilian deaths are still to come Current media reactions remained focused on the impact in the West of a ‘World War Three’. Media reactions convey a latent fear behind its detachment, providing a window into their current state of mind towards the escalating tensions. As the situation continues, the way in which the media acknowledges engages with civilian casualties and overall potential for destruction will be reflective of the larger attitude towards the conflict. It will also continue to reveal that there is something fundamentally problematic about the way we in the West view the Middle East and the wider world.

Image: Hosein Velayati

14

FEATURES

20 JAN 2020 | EXEPOSÉ

Protest and police brutality in India L

Neha Shaji, Deputy Editor, breaks down India's explicitly anti-Muslim citizenship bill

ESS than a month ago, the President of India’s rightwing Bharatiya Janata Party announced an explicitly anti-Muslim citizenship bill, which was passed through both tiers of Parliament.

The Citizenship Amendment Bill, incorporated in tandem with a National Citizenship Register, gives refuge to the hundreds of thousands of minorities settled in India since prior to Independence - with the exception of Muslims. The NRC requires the Indian populace to prove their citizenship, in a country where the vast swathes of rural communities do not have said documentation, immigrants or otherwise. But if one doesn’t possess these papers, the Citizenship Amendment Bill necessitates you to fill in your mother tongue, religion, parents’ birthplace, and other such facts so that one could acquire ‘official’ Indian citizenship retroactively. Except: the list of exceptional religions that would be granted this retroactive citizenship conspicuously omits Muslims.

Vast swathes of rural communities do not have documentation India is a world-class economy, a state so advanced that multiple governments have sent up rockets and probes, its technological progress is remarkable, its nuclear arsenal formidable. Such a state would, of course, be prepared for this eventuality: by already beginning to construct detention camps for the millions who may be rendered stateless. This was a bill that surprised nobody except the most optimistic liberals. Narendra Modi initially came into power in 2014 under a manifesto proclaiming economic and social development for all, promising to root out the corruption that blossomed under consecutive

Image: Kremlin official website

milquetoast Indian National Congress governments. Modi’s campaign, like the Citizenship Amendment Bill, also had a discernible omission with frightening implications: in 2002, Modi as Chief Minister of Gujarat supervised the massacre of an estimated 2000 Muslims, leading to even the United States to ban him from travel.

considering a large number have converted to other religions due to the persecution they had faced under Hindu casteism.

India is already beginning to construct detention camps for the stateless

This law, understandably and relievingly, led to mass protests across India. They started out in university campuses, prominently Jamia Millia Islamia University, Aligarh University, and Jawaharlal Nehru University. The three are highly reputed; the former two being institutions established pre-Independence attended by numerous freedom fighters, and the latter a University with a focus on the humanities, politics, and art, which in recent years led to the place being decried as leftist. These protests, primarily attended at this point by students aged 18 to 30, were met by violence and brutality. First, from the police: Delhi Police and the Uttar Pradesh Police had entered these institutions without the VC’s consent, allegedly violating and

That the Modi government is hostile to Muslims established, one turns to whose rights this bill would infringe upon. The most destitute would be the immediate targets, and those carrying a Muslim name and no papers to prove that they had had a fixed residence in India since prior to 1947. Dalits, who are considered lower caste, having faced oppression regardless of whether the government was Congress, BJP, or British would also be affected,

Police entered these universities without the VC's consent

physically abusing protesting students.

Secondly, from ABVP, a religiously right youth wing of the BJP, who entered JNU and assaulted students.

Whilst institutions like the BBC referred to this initially as a “clash” rather than what it was: a violation of students’ rights to protest against state hegemony, the momentum had only grown. The generally apolitical Indian Institutes of Technology joined the protests across the nation, holding vigils and teach-out sessions.

The police were stretched thin across India as protests sprang up outside campuses, at the historic India Gate.

Authors such as Arundhati Roy and Ramachandra Guha, and notable Indian academics were also a presence at student protests, with Roy asking upon detainment “Are we going to stand in line once again, obediently, and comply with this policy that eerily resembles the 1935 Nuremberg Laws of the Third Reich? If we do, India will cease to exist.” Political opposition also grew in visibility.

The Kerala Congress Party and the Marxist ruling party joined to refuse to implement CAA and NRC in the state, and on 14 January became the first state government to file a petition against the law in the Supreme Court.

Muslim women braved the coldest night in New Delhi history to protest Whilst some comically centrist characters such as Shashi Tharoor criticized the “identitarian” nature of the protests whilst supporting it, the centre-left national Congress Party also opposed the law, with party presidents and party workers speaking at protests across the country. The Communist Party of India, and even the Hindu right wing party Shiv Sena, who had previously supported the BJP, were also vocal in their opposition.

In Shaheen Bagh, a constant vigil is currently ongoing, where Muslim women braved the coldest night in New Delhi in history to peacefully conduct a sit in against the law, a n d police

brutality.

Bollywood remained their gently apathetic selves according to custom.

However, the protests and the draconian nature of the law pushed quite a few figures to speak out.

Bollywood Actress Deepika Padukone had attended a vigil, standing behind the JNU Students Union president in an image that garnered her support from the protestors, and misogynist vitriol from supporters of the law. A cohort of Malayalam actors, including Prithviraj, Amala Paul, Aashiq Abu, and Parvathy have written statements against police brutality.

Whilst the Bollywood top brass of the Khan’s, Kapoors, Bachchans Roshans and Johar sweetly shrugged away any semblance of having an opinion, Swara Bhasker, Javed Akhtar, Farhan Akhtar, Rajkummar Rao, and Manoj Bajpayee unequivocally called out the implementation of the law. In a country where celebrities are kept on a pedestal too high to see - this support becomes less about publicity, and more about inspiring the public.

There has not been much more than elementary coverage of this in the UK: organizations which generally jump in solidarity at political upheavals in South American or European nations have not exactly taken up this cause with the same fervour.

The Universities and Colleges Union (UCU) , however, have written to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to speak out against the violence enacted by the Indian state, and diasporic communities are taking up collections and holding protests outside the Indian High Commission.

It remains to be seen how India will carry on under this law that unites xenophobia, bigotry, classism and casteism. As of now - the movement continues: a noticed, notable shift in India’s political consciousness.

That this law may yet be stopped is a possibility, but what has already happened is the implied public proclamation that Muslims are second class citizens - several the descendants of the very same Muslims that chose to stay in India during the brutal Partition.

The irony may be in how, by digging the lines of what India “is”, where it begins and ends, who belongs and who doesn’t; the BJP are only reaffirming the imaginary lines of a nation stirred into division by prejudice and colonialism, drawn by a bumbling British lawyer who had never seen India before.

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MUSIC

ARTS + LIT

STUDY BREAK

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Image: Ottoline Merrel

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Cats-travaganza?

Billboard, where are the women?

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Spotlight On: Exeter Vegshare

Looking back at lost letters

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LIFESTYLE EDITORS Izzy Cole Anna Romanovska

ARTS + LIT EDITORS Cherry-Anastasia Boroceanu Zach Mayford

MUSIC EDITORS Richard Ainslie Bryony Gooch

SCREEN EDITORS Jonathan Chern Samuel Thomson

STUDY BREAK Puzzles by Matthew & Neha 20 JAN 2020 | EXEPOSÉ

lifestyle

JKR's TERF problem

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Isabella Marcantonio gives her take on why J.K. Rowling's transphobia is problematic

N a tweet from 19 December 2019, J.K Rowling (JKR) expressed her support for Maya Forstater, a researcher for an international think tank which campaigns against poverty and inequality, whose contract was not renewed following the discovery of her involvement in the transphobic TERF community. Her involvement included the repeated misgendering of a non-binary person on Twitter. Forstater who was in the process of suing her former employer told the court that she believes that is it is impossible to change your sex and refuses to recognise the legal right of trans people to do so.

JKR’s support of this woman, her blatantly transphobic views, and the movement which she is a part of, which the U.K courts found to be “incompatible with human dignity and the fundamental rights of others” is deeply disturbing. The TERF (Trans-Exclusionary Radical Feminist) or ‘gender critical’ movement is a hate movement that seeks to undermine the validity and lives of trans people, in particular trans women. It has a visceral and violent online presence that mirrors the activities of the alt-right move-

ment in its continued harassment of the trans community and its denial of the reality of transgendered experience.

It is not the first time JKR has engaged with transphobic views having, previously been criticized for liking a tweet by an anti-trans YouTuber which her publicity team attempted to pass off as a clumsy and middle-aged moment. This tweet however is an example of JKR hiding her hate, and the hate within the TERF movement, under the guise of ‘wokeness’. The majority of the tweet is preaching values of acceptance and tolerance if you don’t read between the lines. Until you get to the point where JKR voices her belief that “sex is real” and “#ThisIsNotADrill.” These were terms that

JKR broadcasted to her 14 million followers and are nothing more than a transphobic dog whistle to announce that trans people aren’t real and she doesn’t respect them. It reads as an implicit call to action that claims to be protecting the rights of cis women but is really an attempt to destroy the rights and lives of trans people.

Her lack of apology for these comments and her history of misusing her platform in ways that disenfranchise many minority groups.

For example, the use of Asian characters serving as props for white characters and the appropriation of Native American culture in statements made on the now defunct website Pottermore are no longer surprising. But they remain pervasively hurtful.

Rowling’s book series was centred on the

premise of love being more powerful than hate, and yet hate is the realm where she has now centred herself.

Rowling has previously stated her support for feminism, but any so-called feminism which is not inclusive of trans lives does not support and validate trans people and does not respect or celebrate the community is a false feminism. Trans rights are human rights and JKR’s inability to accept or perceive this is but just one example of the ignorance that the privileges of whiteness, cis-ness and fortune can incubate.

PRIVLEGES OF CIS-NESS CAN INCUBATE IGNORANCE Many people, including trans people, found comfort in JKR's Harry Potter series but the narrative she is spinning now is one which is dangerous, hurtful and profoundly hateful. If JKR is unaccepting of the trans community then we as readers, as fans, as feminists, as humans should not tolerate her views.

Bushfires in a global context

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Georgia Shepherd ruminates over the global reaction to Australian bushfires

ECORD-BREAKING temperatures and months of severe drought have fuelled a series of huge bushfires across the whole of Australia, causing unprecedented destruction to wildlife and livelihoods. At the time of writing, 27 people have been killed by the bushfires including four firemen and an estimated ten million hectares (the equivalent of 15.6 million acres) of bush, forest and parks across Australia have burned.

THE WORLD HAS WATCHED THE BUSHFIRES IN HORROR The worst hit state, New-South Wales. has affected more than five million hectares, destroying more than 1,800 houses and forcing thousands of people to seek shelter.

Following the merge of two fires, Australian firefighters are now battling a so-called ‘megablaze’ which is 1.5 million acres and around four times the size of Greater London.

Each state runs its own emergency operation, but Scott Morrison, Australian prime

minister, has responded to the disastrous bushfires by pledging for better funding for firefighting and pay-outs for volunteer firefighters, as well as an additional one billion pounds for the recovery.

However, the Australian prime minister has come under intense scrutiny, with the opposition arguing the Government isn’t doing enough to combat the climate change emergency. The intense anger towards the prime minister has been fuelled by his holiday in Hawaii whilst his nation was facing a bushfire crisis. His office had initially denied reports of the trip but he was later made to confess following immense pressure. Morrison later apologised, stating "I deeply regret any offence caused to any of the many Australians affected by the terrible bushfires by my taking leave with my family at this time."

Australia’s coal-dependent economy has ranked it as one of the world’s biggest emitters of greenhouse gas per capita. The 2020 Climate Change Performance Index ranked Australia last of 57 countries for its climate change policy, saying it had gone backwards under Scott Morrison’s leadership. Moreover, the United Nations has also identified Australia as one of seven G20 nations needing to

do more on their climate change promises.

This fuelled protest as thousands stormed Australia’s streets, calling on the Government to urgently act on the climate crisis and to take more action to end the bushfires that continue to destroy large swathes of the country. More than 30,000 protestors attended the march in Sydney, carrying signs that read "Koala’s not coal" and "Change the system, not the climate", with much of the criticism being directed towards Scott Morrison.

The world has watched in horror as bushfires have torn across Australia and have responded with immense support to communities in need. One fundraiser for fire services in New South Wales, launched by Australian comedian Celeste Barber raised more than £10.6 million in its first 48 hours and it has now reached an astonishing £26.5 million.

Kylie Minogue, Elton John and Chris Hemsworth are among those who have made the donations.

There has also been an outpour of support for animals, with people around the world knitting blankets and protective pouches for wildlife whose homes have been destroyed in the crisis. Also, firefighters from the Unit-

ed States, Canada and New Zealand have flown in to assist Australian crews, who are exhausted by the never ending battle. This global response effort has been welcomed by many and demonstrates how the severe tragedy needs worldwide attention.

The responses and donations are being welcomed with open arms as many communities struggle to rebuild their lives. But money can only do so much. Money can’t undo the damage that’s already been done.

Money can’t fix climate change, only people could make substantial changes that can lessen the impact of climate change. This must be a worldwide effort, Australia can’t do it on its own. So, what we can do to stop future tragedies like this happening is make our daily lives more eco-friendly, whether that be reducing our flights or not buying single use plastic, it’s a step in the right direction.

Editor’s Note: It is important to address the fact that only one hundred companies are responsible for 71 per cent of global carbon emissions. If the responsibility of cutting down emissions was placed on individuals, only 29 per cent of carbon emissions may be accounted for.

Images Top to Bottom: Sharon McCutcheon (unsplash), David Mark (pixabay)

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Is New Year's Eve overrated?

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Kamila Bell, Comment Editor, highlights the pressures and expectations surrounding New Year's Eve

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EW Year’s Eve, an evening of drinking and dancing with friends, and a group sobriety test as you so desperately try to count back from ten for the clock striking midnight. It is a time of year when people find themselves getting absolutely slaughtered. For some this is just like every other day at uni, but New Year’s Eve has the added bonus of being a reputable excuse for the excess drinking. As an event that takes place once a year, it has the appeal for making it one to remember.

However, as someone that has worked and been single the past two New Year’s Eves, seeing in the new year has been nothing but overrated. As someone who has witnessed others getting more than tipsy in their celebrations, it is evident that the evening is shrouded by the pressure to have a good time. Not only must people desperately try to have as much fun as they have had all year, they must do this whilst comparing their New Year’s Eve plans with that of others on social media. The impending doom of FOMO is a real danger on New Year’s Eve. Whilst drinking and celebrating with all your friends in an attempt to end your year on a high has its appeal, the hangover that slaps you in the face the next day does not.

You are likely to awake to the room spin-

ning around you, your New Year’s Eve outfit thrown on the floor and your dog eating what is left of your kebab. Whilst it is not the best way to start the year, the only way from here is up, or so I’ve been told.

For those who enjoy drinking in the name of celebration, New Year’s Eve is the event for you, as that is what the night primarily revolves around. However, this means that for anyone who prefers being sober for whatever reason, the drinking culture around New Year’s Eve can become annoying.

Likewise, in trying to find a sober event to spend your NYE, the

feeling of loneliness only grows.

Staying in on New Year’s Eve really does have some underrated benefits that are not appreciated. The evening of celebrations can be expensive, and the spending can seem even more real for those who have just splurged on Christmas gifts. More importantly there is no dress code for staying in on New Year’s Eve. Instead of stressing over what outfit you should wear to impress if you go out, stay home and dress for comfort, it will be worth it!

The reminder of just how single you are hits HARD on New Year’s Eve. People are starting the countdown. “10, 9, 8”, you’re stood alongside your coupled-up friends and next to someone who you just met tonight

who also appears to be single because of how deeply they are staring into their drink as the countdown continues. “7, 6, 5”, you continue counting down along with everyone else while staring at the floor because, despite this being your second year alone at New Year’s, public displays of affection still make you cringe. “4, 3, 2, 1”, the "Happy New Year’" calls circle around the party as you make your first New Year’s Resolution not to relive this experience for the third year in a row.

THE NIGHT IS SHROUDED BY THE PRESSURE TO HAVE A GOOD TIME Ultimately the range of celebrations that take place in the name of New Year’s Eve are vast, and how you choose to see in the New Year is an autonomous decision. However, just remember for next year to spare a thought for your selfless bartender who has given up their evening of celebrations to accommodate yours, and to think about your sober friend who might not want to attend another club night of drunken debacles.

Images from top to bottom: Jamie Street (Unsplash), Danil Akensov (Unsplash) and Sarthak Navjivan (Unsplash)

Accepting the weigh you are

Gemma Dauncey discusses the controversy surrounding Adele's recent seven stone weight loss

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HREE stone, or one hundred pounds?

Seafood diet, pilates with Robbie William’s wife, numerous fitness gurus, hypnotherapy or less cups of tea?

Uncertainty still surrounds Adele’s recent weight loss, but a set of holiday photos has led to a dress selling out and an opening up of numerous discussions, including whether or not we should ‘celebrate’ significant weight loss without knowing the full story. Many fans and articles have quickly jumped to congratulate Adele, obsessing over the details trickling through from interviews with celebrity trainers and those who bumped into the singer on holiday, but controversy has also ensued.

IT'S UNFAIR TO SAY WEIGHT LOSS AND BODY EMPOWERMENT ARE MUTUALLY EXCLUSIVE The conflict created by these images is most noticeable in a quick scroll through the comments on her most recent Instagram posts. The congratulatory posts are juxtaposed by those who believe the singer looked better before, or more harshly, those

who question “But is she Adele?” Others are deeply concerned by the images, worrying about the ‘healthiness’ of her motives and methods. Of course, part of the reason for this debate over whether or not congratulations are in order is that, other than a reported fifteen-minute conversation with a fan, Adele has not spoken out about her weight loss. It is near impossible therefore to really understand whether or not the changes she has made to her lifestyle are fuelled by happiness or suffering and this is what makes congratulatory comments somewhat troublesome.

People are jumping to all conclusions possible and responding to whatever story they settle on. I think this is where disparities arise regarding praising someone for losing a noticeable amount of weight.

With New Year’s resolutions in full swing,

supporting a friend who’s successfully made healthy changes to their lifestyle in order to reach a goal they’ve been working towards, makes sense, and celebrations of how great they look ‘now’ don’t have to take the tone of a backhanded compliment. However, congratulations based purely on assumptions risk missing underlying issues, especially when those assumptions are made about someone we don’t personally know.

Another debate which has arisen from Adele’s holiday photos surrounds the body empowerment movement and whether her weight loss could be considered hypocrisy.

Previously known to have refused to work with anyone who had an issue with her weight and to have not been insecure

about her size, is Adele no longer an advocate for body empowerment because she’s made a change? Whilst once again assumptions about why she did it are all we have to fuel this debate, as a more general rule, it seems unfair to suggest that weight loss and body empowerment are mutually exclusive.

It is also important to note that throughout this weight loss journey, Adele has not been pushing dieting tips or promoting training programs, making it more of a private endeavour than a public affair and certainly not an ad for a ‘miracle’. Considering Adele’s albums 21 and 25 ranked first and second respectively in the Official Charts Company’s biggest albums of the decade, perhaps we should listen to Poppy Noor in her article for The Guardian which suggests that comments and articles celebrating Adele’s weight loss should be redirected towards her other successes.

If for now the photos are all we have to go off, it seems that Adele is having a good time, and maybe it’s better if we hold off on our conspiracies as to which of her celebrity friends recommended their personal trainer and which diet is best to try, until we find out more. That is of course if she decides to reveal her secrets to the world.

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WHAT IS IT? VegShare is a student-run vegetable bag scheme which is run through the Be the Change Society.

It provides vegetables to students and staff within the university as well as to the surrounding community. Not only is the scheme super affordable, but it also highlights the importance of sustainability within the food industry.

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HOW DID IT START? The scheme started through the Be the Change Society, a society concerned with environmental action. It runs various studentled projects relating to topics such as food waste and fast fashion. The vegetables come from a local supplier called Shillingford Organics which is less than 10 miles from the University. Not only do they supply a variety of vegetables for the bags, they harvest the vegetables on the same day and they

are then packed and transported to the University for extra freshness. The VegShare scheme is part of the National Lottery’s Our Bright Future programme and is also supported by Sustain and NUS Student Eats. The best part of the scheme is that it is student-led. Many students spend time setting up the pop-up shop and ensuring the produce is packed and presented appropriately. The vegetables can vary for each order and range from leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables to squash and courgettes.

welcome to

HOW DOES IT WORK?

VegShare

1) Go to the Guild website and preorder a surprise bag of vegetables.

You'll find the right link if you search on the Guild website for "VegShare."/

3) The vegetables get delivered to the University on a Wednesday and the volunteers sort them equally into bags.

2) Student vegetable orders cost £7.00 and contain at least £6.70 worth of vegetables at wholesale price. For your first order you will need to pay £3 deposit for a bag , however this can be gained back when the bag is returned.

You can then pick up your pre-ordered box from the Forum between 12pm and 3pm. If you then decide to order another bag of vegetables, you can bring your bag back and swap it for a new one. All bags and produce have come from the Farm so be sure to wash both thoroughly.

Image: Chantal Garnier (unsplash)

EDITORS: Izzy Cole and Anna Romanovska

lifestyle

THE STUDENT-RUN VEGETABLE BAG SCHEME

Images left to right: Chantal Garnier (UnSplash), VegShare, Dietmar Reichle

THE LOCAL SUPPLIERS Shillingford Organic farm, the local supplier, is a farm located in a village called Shillingford Abbot which is located very close to Exeter. The vegetables grown on the site take up a whooping 27 acres of land and are filled with Devon's rich red soil.

The farm strives to work with nature by being as environmentally friendly as possible.

For example, they do not use artificial pesticides, insecticides or fertilisers and avoid using GM. They also keep packaging to a minimum to avoid the use of unnecessary plastic.

Trauma, Uni and me

Izzy Cole, Lifestyle Editor

Anna Romanovska, Lifestyle Editor, reflects on how PTSD and reawakening of trauma affects her uni life

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WAS finally diagnosed with PTSD just after my May exams in second year. I found it to be relieving and also a bit of a joke. Not only was it an addition to my ever-growing list of mental disorders, but it finally provided an explanation to the symptoms I was experiencing that did not quit match up with my Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Panic Disorder (basically a fancy way of saying I get a few panic attacks now and then), or my Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD).

MENTAL HEALTH DISCOURSE HAS ADOPTED A LOT OF UNIVERSALISMS Being an overly committed third year with a long history of mental illness can be extremely draining at times and so managing an effective and reliable self-care routine is of the utmost importance. By self-care I do not mean putting on a face mask and indulging in consumerist behaviours. Self-care has a more basic meaning when it comes to managing a mental illness. This means maintaining a consistent routine and consistently prepping for a possible low period or re-triggering. Stuffing my fridge and freezer with meal-prepped food definitely helps. However, the biggest self-care thing you can do for yourself is taking time off when you need it the most.

TRIGGER WARNING: mental illness, trauma, sexual assault All of my closest friends know that I have lot of universalisms about taking care of one’s taken on way too much in my final year: jugmental health and treating mental illness. The gling three committee positions and two Guild Diagnostic and Statistical Manuals of Mental student rep positions all while doing the ranDisorders (DSMs) helpfully categorise all mendom temp job has certainly kept me more than tal disorders into symptom lists. Along with busy. What a lot of them do not realise, is that that, many people assume that the medication for me, being overcommitted and overly busy and therapy approach is the faultless go-to apis a form of coping mechanism. And I am tired proach to get rid of a mental disorder. of trauma survivors needing to explain First of all, most mental disorders their coping mechanisms. Howare chronic and cannot be ‘cured’. ever, that does not mean Treatment usually focuses on that we do not apprecieasing the disruptive naate being cared for and ture of the disorder rathchecked in on. er than completely getI will admit that ting rid of it. Secondly, quite often my overdifferent treatments commitment leads work for different to me not addressing people. By adopting the underlying issues a mindset of univeror avoiding being left sals, you are essentially alone with my thoughts. hindering someone’s perBut, my recovery should ception of their own mental be done at my own pace with disorder. I think a lot of us are Image: Larm Rmah (unsplash) no one forcing me into something tired of hearing advice on how exI am not comfortable with. What I am trying ercise ‘cures’ depression or how we just need to say is that if your friend or family member is to stay ‘positive’ and we’ll feel better instantly. struggling, let them come to a decision regardJust provide your support and help the pering their recovery themselves. Trauma recovery son to come to terms with their mental illness. pathways will often warn against seeking treatBeing a survivor of numerous cases of sexment before the survivor is ready as it can do ual assault and harassment means that from more damage than actual good. time to time, my trauma will be re-awakened Unfortunately, the past and current menthrough flashbacks, events and nightmares tal health discourse seems to have adopted a that take me right back to the moment of all of

my assaults. I re-experience everything at once, over and over again until I’m exhausted to the point of passing out.

The sexual assault by Lafrowda in late November was an especially debilitating re-awakening. I couldn’t sleep after news of the assault broke. I couldn’t work and any chance of keeping up with my many responsibilities went out the window. That is, unfortunately, the burden of a triggering of trauma. I knew that I would not be able to keep up with anything I had coming up. Luckily, I received support from the Wellbeing Services and the necessary mitigation that I needed at the time. However, societies were a whole different matter. I did not have the energy to message everyone and so I made a Facebook post informing everyone that I would not be with it for a couple of days.

It worked and it showed me that I do not owe an explanation to anyone regarding my struggles, though that does not excuse me from using my mental illnesses as excuses for terrible behaviour.

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If these issues affect you, you can get in touch with: Samaritans: 116 123 jo@samaritans.org Nightline: 01392 724000 Wellbeing Services: exeter.ac.uk/wellbeing

arts + lit

Post from the past S

Amy Butterworth, Online Lifestyle Editor, shares the implications of T.S. Eliot’s secret love letters

CHOLARS have had little to no qualms about using writer’s diaries and letters to strengthen their theses. But deconstructing this, there is something deeply intrusive about rifling through the the intricate intimacies of their brains. Justified for its scholarly intent, should the public really have access to anyone’s deepest, most cavernous contemplations?

THE QUESTION OF ETHICS LOOMS WHEN READING SOMEONE’S LETTERS Recently, Princeton University released T.S. Eliot’s secret letters to his lover and muse, Emily Hale. Highly intimate and deeply revealing, the 1131 letters, spanning from 1932-1947, prove his contested love for Hale, his battle with his unrequited feelings and eventual falling out of love. It confirms suspicions of certain poem’s origins, such as the opening of ‘Burnt Norton’: “footfalls echo in the memory / Down the passage which we did not take / Toward the door we never opened”, and contextualises his unhappy marriage with Valerie after Hale and

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Eliot’s breakup.

Eliot anticipated a “making public” of his letters, requesting that they be preserved “until fifty years after my death” (found in a statement on the opening of the Emily Hale letters).

Surely this counts as permission, for us as readers, to divulge in his most private thoughts? After all, he asserts further on in the statement his incapability of “writing my autobiography” in which “it seems to me that those who can do so are those who have led purely public and exterior lives.” Thus, his letters act as the autobiographical insight that Eliot intended for the world to read – an academic himself, he saw the scholarly value of using writer’s letters to add a dimension to a reading of their texts.

In an article exploring the ethics of scholarly use of diaries, Rachel Landford and Russell West find that the diary, easily replaced with the letter, acts as an “uncertain genre uneasily balanced between literary and historical writing, spontaneity of reportage and reflectiveness of the crafted text, between selfhood and events, between subjectivity and objectivity, between the private and the public…”

Equally, along with the fundamental liminality of letter-correspondence, the question of ethics looms when reading someone’s letters. Some writers would not have given their blessing for the publication of their intimate scribblings; Virginia Woolf’s diaries have been justified by the phrase “by way of advising other Virginias…”, implying a post-

Best holiday reads

humous advisory readership but not outright giving permission.

But regardless of authorial consent, the act of combing through author’s letters and diaries merely to strengthen your English assignment (I am obviously implicated in this) leaves a bad taste in my mouth. It feels tabloidy, an insincere reading a writer’s innermost thoughts. The releasing of Eliot’s letters could easily garner a celebrity magazine-esque headline: “saucy letters from T.S. Eliot expose his scandalous relationship with Emily Hale”, and as voyeuristic readers we can’t help but gain satisfaction from knowing his life and using it for our own scholarship.

WE GAIN SATISFACTION FROM KNOWING HIS LIFE AND USING IT FOR OUR SCHOLARSHIP In the opening statement to his letters, Eliot states that “Emily Hale would have killed the poet in me”. I wonder to what extent our quasi-scoptophilic desire to know the nittygritty parts of a writer’s life has “killed” the Image: Ellie Koczela scholar in us.

Arts+Lit Writers discuss what makes these mentions worthwhile Diary of a Social Butterfly by Moni Mohsin The Boy, the Mole and the Horse by Charles Mackesy

HEN my friend lent me a copy of Moni Mohsin’s Diary of a Social Butterfly I expected a Confessions of a Shopaholic type of weak chuckle, so I took it to read on a train. However, the book transported me into the eclectic and bizarre lifestyle of an airheaded Lahori socialite, who knows her Chanels from her Jacquemus, but is confused about why Iran and Iraq sound the same and why every country was “fighting-fighting all the time”.

It was the look into the lives of the privileged that had me snorting ungracefully on said winter train. The titular Butterfly flits through life like her namesake, concerned for what her frenemy Mulloo was wearing, or how many of their relatives were touring in London that summer. As a foil to this outstandingly ditzy icon is her sensitive, long suffering husband Janoo - who reads English newspapers and dislikes imperialism. Both, unfortunately, remain alien and unpronuncable for Butterfly.

Mohsin is a delightful breath of fresh air

when you want to get away from the cloying cluster of heavy narratives that try to cram six tragedies in 200 pages. Her style, in its portrayal of the ultra-pretentious, was light and airy in its handling of events that have been put through the literary wringer about twenty times by subcontinental writers.

Through Butterfly she explores the hilariously wealthy Lahore elite and their strife and struggles, framed through the political upheavals of the 21st century - which only the beleagured Janoo seems to notice. Her characteristic aunty-wali English-Vinglish takes you through everything from her neighbour’s new car to villainous descriptions of dear Janoo’s mother in law.

Honestly, the only criticism I would even have for Butterfly and her ensemble of friends and enemies (mostly the latter, ranging from her sister in law to Saddam Hussein) was how much she made me laugh on a very staid and polite English train.

Neha Shaji, Deputy Editor

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N January 2020 Winnie-the-Pooh was reborn.

With a similar sense of innocent humour, inspirational quotes and beautiful drawings, Charles Mackesy’s, The Boy, The Mole, the Fox and the Horse revises A. A. Milne’s classic. It is a book which wields the power to make you laugh, cry and ponder, creating a sense of gratitude for the people we have in our lives and the love that they bring.

The little book plunges the reader into the world of Charlie and his friends, the gentle horse, the mole that adores cake and the silent fox.

Living in a precarious story-scape, the characters try to inspire kindness, friendship and love.

The fictional world that they live in resonates with real life, exploring topics like depression that are prevalent today.

The beautiful gestural ink and watercolour illustrations make the characters so convincing, for they are laid out on the page for us to see.

The subtle colours have a calming effect on the reader, creating a fictional world of serenity. As the characters experience more difficult situations, the colour of the drawings emotively shifts, changing to reflect the mood of fear.

The next time you walk in to Exeter’s Waterstones, or any Waterstones for that matter, you’ll see this invitingly charming little hardback.

As a student, it is often hard to find time in the schedule for leisure reading, but Mackesy’s text is flexible and accommodating.

The book does not have a linear plot so can easily be read in one sitting, allowing you to flick in and out on your way to work or whilst having a bath. Charles Mackesy’s new fable is a bundle of positivity that cannot be missed in 2020.

Emily Pirie, Online Lifestyle Editor Image: Internet Archive Book Image

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EDITORS: Cherry-Anastasia Boroceanu and Zach Mayford

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Climate crisis, pursued by solar panels A

Emma Hussain, Online News Editor, investigates green revolutions in art spaces

S we enter a new decade, the escalating climate crisis continues to hang low over us all. Between the sustainable focus of much of the University’s research and an impressive commitment to regular climate strike marches in the city centre, Exeter is making its voice heard on the issue. The city is walking the walk as well as talking the talk: in December, popular local venue and hub for the arts in the region, Exeter Phoenix, crowd-funded a grand total of £3,175 towards solar-powering an auditorium. It will be the first of its kind in the city, created by moving from incandescent lighting to lower-energy LED lights powered by existing solar panels on the building’s roof. The money was raised in under a month, highlighting the Devon art community’s commitment to greening our arts spaces. Laura Cameron-Long, Fundraising and Development Manager, says the Phoenix are “proud to be paving the way for a greener future for the arts in Exeter and beyond.”

Elsewhere, the theatre industry has been redesigning itself with the planet in mind for some time: over ten years ago, the Mayor of London sponsored a Green Theatre initiative

which laid out steps for theatres of all sizes to make greener choices. The most notable success story from London theatre’s green revolution is the Arcola Theatre in Hackney, which has been working since 2007 to become the world’s first carbon-neutral theatre.

This ongoing process has seen the theatre take enormous and inspiring strides forward, from installing a carbon-neutral heating system to sourcing all beers sold at the bar from within a four-mile radius of the theatre.

Moving into the new decade, Arts Council England has put climate change at centrestage in its strategy for the next ten years.

Arts organisations applying to the Council for direct funding will be required to demonstrate the steps they are taking to reduce the sector’s carbon footprint and waste production. This industry-wide commitment to sustainability inevitably bleeds from art spaces into the subject matter of art itself.

A quick glance at the University’s arts and culture website shows that in the past two years alone, two of the major projects commissioned were ecological in nature: one project was based on observation of the ‘wilding’ process on the Trelowarren Estate

in Cornwall; another saw climate scientists come together with artists to develop new ways of telling climate change stories.

ARTS COUNCIL ENGLAND HAS PUT CLIMATE CHANGE AT CENTRE-STAGE Since 2006, London-based non-profit Julie’s Bicycle has been supporting the arts sector with acting on climate change; the Arts Council and Mayor of London initiatives mentioned above came about thanks to the charity’s partnership. Julie’s Bicycle operate on the philosophy that not only can the arts make practical changes within their physical spaces to fight global warming, but they are also a vital part of transforming the conversation around it. The ability of the arts to speak to many people, through many mediums, makes them uniquely placed to facilitate change; we can thank Exeter Phoenix for helping the Devon art community to be a small part of this change.

Culture wars

Image: Roland Bilak

In the wake of the WW3 memes, Isaac Bettridge puts conflict-art in context

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HE war between Iran and the US is yet to be declared, though given the discretional and rapid pace at which worldchanging decisions are made these days it’s possible it will have been by the time of publication. Nevertheless, the public have been seized by anxiety about the possibility of war, and, as is tradition, have made memes about it, which have already proceeded through the entire three-stage meme lifecycle.

There’s the initial response (memes about getting drafted or trying to cosy up to one’s Iranian captors), then the backlash (people saying such memes were overly Western-centric and not adequately concerned about the loss of Iranian lives) and then the backlash to the backlash (accusations of fun-policing and labelling such memes as coping mechanisms), thus proving once and for all that the internet is so thoroughly toxic it can somehow manage to make the prospect of an imminent global war even more depressing than it already is.

The fact that these memes derive humour from terrifying inequalities of power, and carve culture out from the danger to human lives pops in and out of Western consciousnesses, and artistic responses to warmongering are anything but a 21st Century phenomenon.

The issue of how ‘seriously’ one should take war goes back millennia. The use of satire appeared in Ancient Greece: in fifth-century

Athens, the poet Aristophanes wrote a number of plays (chiefly The Knights and The Babylonians) satirizing the war-mongering Athenian elite, with his chief target Athens’ de-facto leader Cleon, and got into hot water with the authorities after being accused of slander and undermining the war effort. Such arguments popped up throughout history to silence citizen criticism of military policies, culminating with the first sustained anti-war movement as a response to the horrors of the First World War: several soldier-poets, such as Siegfried Sassoon, were either court-martialled or demoted for expressing pacifist sentiment within their writings.

At first glance, it seems silly to compare the low-effort WW3 memes many of us may scroll through during lectures to such towering works of literature, but I’d argue both stem from the same impulses and fulfil a similar cultural and artistic purpose. Memes enable us to observe far-reaching cultural trends and attitudes almost in real time rather than waiting for culture to respond a few years down the line through books/films/theatre etc, an insight not so widely available to previous generations. From my perspective, the overriding themes of the memes has been commenting on the absurdity of the situation: of a generation brought up on the aftermath of

one failed western intervention (Iraq) noting the injustice of their being called up to fight in another on behalf of leaders who seem entirely incapable of handling such a situation (many memes have unfavourably contrasted Trump and Johnson to past wartime leaders such as Churchill and Lincoln).

Many have criticised these memes for not taking the situation seriously enough or for minimising the risk to Iranian lives. I’d add that the memes serve a cultural need to counterbalance the pro-war bias of the media. As seen in the build-up to Iraq, it is disappointingly easy for warmongering governments to command the airwaves to build consensus for military action regardless of the facts. The BBC’s recent election coverage was widely criticised for deep biases from both sides, which does not bode well for their potential coverage of this conflict, and its consequent public reception. Through memes and internet commentary, people have challenged the fundamental concepts that underpin contemporary western war efforts- that our troops fight for democracy, that our leaders are smart and just and what Wilfred Owen called the “old lie”, that dying for your country is brave and noble. One can only hope that such sentiments will spill over into more direct action, and that the worst fears of the internet are not in fact realised.

Image: Geralt

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EDITORS: Cherry-Anastasia Boroceanu and Zach Mayford

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Review: EUTCO’s The Great Gatsby Zach Mayford, Arts + Lit Editor, gives the inside scoop on new EUTCO’s high society

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HAT a ball! EUTCO’s The Great Gatsby storms onto the stage with all the break-neck decadence and raucous revolutions of a shiny new ‘20s. A drama of soaring highs and agonising, chasmic lows, it grabs you by the hand and delves into the West Egg world of glitz and wistfulness.

Its allure, like a Gatsby soirée, is surely its crowding guest-list of an ensemble cast.

The party goers jive and swing in sharp three-pieces or sparkling heels and glittering dresses. Reeling and coalescing, they line up, spin and surge, gawping, flirting, and drinking like there’s no tomorrow. Instead of appearing or exeunting, stars simply peel off from the crowd, or melt away into a swinging sea of limbs, cycling and de-synchronising in mesmerising hazes.

And there is method to its cyclical madness. This is hardly anyone’s first encounter with Gatsby. The title, like the man, is well renowned. Many have spied him on screen or between pages, in the visage of DiCaprio or the prose of Fitzgerald. In a weird de ja vu fashion, those echoes add to the surrealism, to the gossipy intoxicating texture of EUTCO’s iteration. It flits ficklely betwixt text, film and its own urgent instants with lackadaisical grace.

Plaudits surely go to the lighting designer Sonia Tabakovic for managing to pick faces from the molten throng. Instant spotlights carve out pseudo-soliloquies, illuminating glimpsed vignettes and casting shadows on the roiling smoky gloom wherever needed.

IT FLITS FICKLEY BETWEEN TEXT, FILM AND ITS OWN INSTANTS WITH GRACE In conversation, the party-goers discuss “introductions instantly forgotten”, which comes across in the performance- I can’t even really remember who said that or what they looked like. Sometimes voices got drowned out by the exhilarating swing tunes, and names seemed to flutter away from my grasp.

It was a spectacle, conveyed to us through the impeccable Mid-Western tones of Nick Carraway (Ollie Harvey-Piper). Despite its title, Carraway runs the story, defrosting his awkwardness and sliding into the slippery slope of opulent revelry.

Harvey-Piper masterfully steps from isola-

tion to thriving upper echelons and back again, delivering withering social critiques and wrenching passion with equal aplomb.

Through him, we laugh with the play’s silences, and its carefully choreographed social missteps are its highest comedic achievements.

The plot draws you through its crowds and desertions, arriving next with the poised and successful Jordan Baker (Roisin McCay). McCay wields Jordan’s cigarette like a conductor’s baton, showing her co-stars around with measured body language, and mimicking them with calculated exaggeration.

Her impressions of fellow heroine Daisy Buchanan (Liv Koplick) prove slick with suave satire, this is another of the play’s strengths: the ever rippling satire of Modernism’s Lost Generation. It mocks parties yet glories in them; it throws its arms wide in jest but finds itself dancing away the pain a couple of gins later. Koplick’s Dai-

sy serves as a frail foil to McCay’s Jordan, tossed on the clashing waves of patriarchal authority. When Daisy takes the stage, her flippant remarks and rapturous silences

steal pathos, her very quietnesses telling story after story.

And behind it all, the great J. Gatsby himself. How does one perform performativity? EUTCO’s Macauley Keeper answers with alluring, articulate class. Deft, evocative gestures, brags, and incredible depth

of character hide beneath carefully stilted facades - Keeper and Harvey-Piper as Gatsby and Carraway redefine their roles with beat-perfect dialogue, and each and every “old sport”. I don’t mean to talk ill of student theatre’s record with American accents by implication, but in EUTCO’s cast this year they are surprisingly strong.

New York drawl of the show must go to Chrissy Butler’s Janice-from-Friends-esque Myrtle, draped in ambition, misfortune, and something resembling a nightie. Indeed, it is not just upper class East and West eggers populating this play- no, working-class New Yorkers are walking ‘ere! This spectacle stares back at you through their eyes, and the bespectacled eyes of a giant New York billboard. The show huffs city smoke as well as copious cigarettes, and parades forth the tabloid-twitching masses.

The Great Gatsby broadcasts skyscraper city-scapes onto a thin side-stage gauze that proves useful throughout the play.

Through captivatingly romantic silhouettes, this translucent tapestry depicts love, yearning, and violence in evocative outlines.

Its contrasts are its pinnacles, as anchored loners show just how fluid the swirling crowd can be. Its silences earn its loudest laughs, its creaks, footsteps and clammy palms speak volumes between the din. Although the final word is “past”, its flickering lights hint at terrifying futures.

The acting, the design and the quality are the best you’ll hope to see in the Northcott.

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VUKOVI

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LASWEGIAN duo VUKOVI’s second album, Fall Better, due out 24 January should be on everyone’s watchlist.

Boasting a weird mix of ferociously heavy rock (the riffs on recent single 'Run/Hide', for instance, being closer to metal than the noisy pop rock VUKOVI describe themselves as), catchy choruses and a demandingly captivating live presence, the sophomore offering only promises more greatness. Though with the five singles already released that feels like stating the obvious. The album itself welcomes fervent headbangers and wide eyed, no-holds-barred dancers alike. There are moments of contemplation and soul-searching — the slow ballad 'Where Are You' springs to mind — and moments of frenzied, cacophonous fun, such as latest single 'Run/Hide' which guitarist Hamish Reilly described as a "super mature, heavy, fucked up track". Think a mix of YONAKA and Royal Blood, then get excited.

James O'Sullivan

2020 VISIONS

THE STROKES

URING their New Years’ Eve performance at the Brooklyn Barclays Center, The Strokes frontman, Julian Casablancas revealed to a sea of screaming fans that they would be releasing their sixth LP in 2020. In reference to The Strokes’ last album, Comedown Machine being released way back in 2013, Casablancas went on to quip “we’ve been unfrozen, and we’re back.” So far, the songs The Strokes have debuted at concerts, like ‘The Adults are Talking’ sound like old classics from their first two albums, which can only be encouraging. While no one is expecting anything revolutionary from The Strokes, there is still a lot to look forward to. The interesting directions taken in their 2016 EP Future Present Past and the exciting solo-work of band members Albert Hammond Jr and Nick Valensi alongside Casablancas’ projects with the Voidz will certainly make for an intriguing listen and, if nothing else, a world tour.

William Harrop, Features Editor

EXEPOSÉ MUSIC WRITERS DISCUSS THEIR MOST ANTICIPATED ALBUMS, GIGS, AND UPCOMING ARTISTS OF 2020

ALBUMS

FUTURE NOSTALGIA

FATHER OF ALL...

DUA LIPA

GREEN DAY

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OR the latter part of the last decade, Dua Lipa has been killing the pop game. From the hypnotic ‘One Kiss’ collaboration with Calvin Harris to the iconic feminist anthem ‘New Rules’, Dua Lipa is a hair-toss in the face to grumpy naysayers suggesting pop is boring.

It is undeniable, considering her track record, that Future Nostalgia will be full of fun.

Pre-released singles ‘Don’t Start Now’ and ‘Future Nostalgia’ certainly connect to a theme of futuristic, disco-tinged pop. The latter really explains the entire ethos of the album perfectly; “you want a timeless song, I want to change the game/like modern architecture/John Lautner coming your way”. I have no doubt that Dua Lipa has the chops to do so. All it needs is a jampacked features list full of funk aficionados and the Charli XCX collaboration of my dreams and it could be the best pop album of the year.

Bryony Gooch, Music Editor

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FTER their decent although unremarkable Revolution Radio, Green Day are back, four years later, with a record which promises to go back to their punk origins. Their shortest album yet, even more so than their debut, the expectations for the upcoming Father of All Motherfuckers are set high.

One would not think that glam and punk could coexist, and yet here are Billie Joe Armstrong, Tré Cool and Mike Dirnt proving us otherwise.

Their two singles sound similar, with the same key and beat, yet similarly good – the polished sound never masks the band’s hallmark verve.

However, the most promising thing about their new album is the self-awareness of it all, from the doodled unicorn of the cover art to the nonchalant attitude they approach interviews with. Again, nothing we haven’t seen before from Green Day, but managing to stay relevant for thirty-four years is enough of a feat for me to be excited.

Anne Chafer, Deputy Editor

OUT OF MY PROVINCE

I DISAGREE

NADIA REID

POPPY

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AVING absolutely smashed the notoriously tough release of a second album with the bible of emotional healing: Preservation, Nadia Reid is finally back with her third record, Out of My Province. As she explains on her website, her new songs were written during a period of intensive touring and were recorded in America, away from Reid’s native New Zealand.

Lead single 'Best Thing' is certainly full of gorgeous images of displacement: “And it seemed to shake my gravity just a little / It feels like the paint is peeling on my heart” but Reid is always sure to ground her more poetic sentiments in specific times and places (“Tried to make it to the carnival, tried to bake it into a pie”). 'Best Thing' is the only taste we have had of the new album so far, but if the rest of the songs are anything of the same calibre, 6 March is going to give us one hell of an album.

George Clark, Comment Editor

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HERE has always been something earnest about Poppy. Beneath the robotic character acting and pseudo-narratives about sentience, the line between Moriah Pereira’s performance and the performer herself is often blurred. Perhaps this explains why Poppy’s metamorphosis from viral internet sensation to music powerhouse has been so natural. Yet I think 2020 is the year when the mask will start to slip entirely. Freed from her manipulative creative director Titanic Sinclair, and fresh from releasing the incredible I Disagree, Poppy’s innovative blend of thunderous Nu-Metal and saccharine synth-pop easily makes her one of the most important upcoming voices this year. Poppy sends the important message that you can still curate a unique and distinct sound without the constraints of genre. Even if that sound is akin to a K-Pop superstar joined Slipknot.

Ollie Leader de Saxe

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ARTISTS

EASY LIFE

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And why shouldn’t he be? Toes and Jungle were some of the best songs released last year.

His set at Reading festival was a personal highlight of mine. But, more importantly, he’s still small enough as an artist to be seen in the tiny venues he’ll soon outgrow. Cian’s distinct and ineffably powerful vocals seem to scream "star."

They’re just waiting for everyone else to scream "star" too.

James O'Sullivan

CELESTE be likened to a bloodletting: an outpouring of the heart. My first encounter with Celeste was her Paul Weller duet - a rendition of his 1995 hit 'You do something to me' - to me then, her potential to reach stratospheric heights was stark.

Now the BBC Sound of 2020 recipient, she has the rapturous applause she duly deserves.

Unequivocally, 2020 holds great things for this arresting talent. She’s won my heart.

Catherine Lloyd, Copy Editor

GIGS

This is probably the only concert I have ever set an alarm to buy tickets for. Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds is a band I have been dying to see for the past couple of years. Luckily for me, I have finally stayed in the concert loop for long enough to manage to buy a ticket before the selling out of a show. And hopefully, if you haven’t failed to stay in the concert loop, I will be seeing you there too!

Anna Romanovska, Lifestyle Editor

GLASTONBURY FESTIVAL 24 JUNE, WORTHY FARM

’ll say it so you don’t have to: how can Glastonbury get any better without Alex from Glasto on the main stage? Sadly I don’t have an answer for you, but I do have these three words – Sir Paul McCartney. This is Glastonbury’s 50th anniversary and Macca is back on the boards of the pyramid stage for the last time ever. If you need a better reason than the frontman of the Beatles headlining the biggest festival in the country to make you put down

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SOMEBODY'S CHILD

LL is laid bare when Celeste graces you with her haunting vocal and lyrical truth. To some, the honest inflections in her soul-soaked voice would be considered imperfections. To most, she - like all the blues greats - has an incredible ability to vocalise heartache, no matter the flaws.

Her pained, bluesy ballad 'Strange' is indicative of just that. With its fragile rasp and stripped-back soundscape of muffled piano chords and string section, she exposes a tortured soul. Listening to her raw authenticity can

NICK CAVE AND THE BAD SEEDS 14 MAY, THE O2

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20 JAN 2020

RISH singer-songwriter Somebody’s Child never planned to be his own act. Originally a project for the young Dubliner to write for other artists, Somebody’s Child has now developed into something unique. With five singles released to date, a sold out headline show at Dublin’s The Grand Social coming up, and support slots past and present with the likes of Kodaline, Primal Scream, Kaiser Chiefs, Inhaler and The Coronas, he’s destined for great things.

HEIR chaotic, slighty confused, and hazy music can be heard from the headphones of teenagers across the UK. The lively blend of jazz, funk, and elements of hip-hop, creates a beautiful backdrop for lead singer’s Murray Matravers’ beguiling and youthful voice, as he navigates topics of depression and youthful angst.

Their music is fundamentally enticing. The beat of songs such as Nightmares have you craving more, and the lyrics invite the listener to immerse themselves in the technicolour world the band paints in an almost synesthesia-like state.

The band's new album Junk Food is in many ways a vulnerable phenomenon, welcoming a presence that music fanatics crave - it is as much an auditory masterpiece as it is a live one. Easy life are unafraid of performing every lyric and seizing the chance to engage with their audience.

As the band even expressed themselves to NME in 2019, they epitomise “Your favourite old jazz record mixed with the dirty wonders of modern production techniques."

Enjoy the escapism, as 2020 has Easy life's name written all over it.

Holly Lamb

AST year, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds returned with the poignant Ghosteen. And usually, a new album comes with a grand tour and Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds have not failed to jump on this bandwagon. On 14 May, I will have the pleasure to witness the spectacular of spectaculars: Mr Nick Cave himself.

His hounding voice and tone will grace the O2 just two weeks after my dissertation submission deadline.

your knitting and hot-foot it over to Worthy Farm this July, then I will happily refer you for an immediate lobotomy. You need more? Ok then, Diana Ross, Taylor Swift, Kendrick Lamar (probably), Fatboy Slim and Noel Gallagher. Glastonbury can name drop better than Piers Morgan will in 10 years time once his TV career is over.

The biggest festival Britain will see for a decade is calling – be there if you can.

Richard Ainslie, Music Editor

PATTERN PUSHER PRESENTS 7 FEBRUARY, PHOENIX

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NDIE-ELECTRONICA trio, Pattern Pusher, are bringing their bounce back to their hometown, hosting Pattern Pusher Presents on 7 February at Exeter Phoenix. This follows a whirlwind year for the boys, after their success at Pilton Party in 2020, a competition that saw them supporting Wolf Alice and Gaz Coombes in front of more than 6,000 people.

This is their fourth year running this event, with a great line-up including Foniee, Exeter University’s 2019 Battle of the Bands winner.

Shake the Geek, the emerging college talent for the night, also play; and Velvet Shakes are joining with their blend of ‘cosmic pop-disco’.

Last year’s visuals included a giant floating cube, and if Pattern Pusher and their fans bring even half as much energy as they usually do to gigs, it’ll be the liveliest event Phoenix sees all year.

Katie Fox

Image Credits (L to R): Bleddyn Butcher, Simoncromptonreid, Wikimedia Commons,NRK P3, marcen 27 Flickr, Edward Simpson

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Where have all the women gone?

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Stephen Ong, Online Music Editor, discusses the representation of women in the rock industry

ILLBOARD'S end of decade list for rock music in the 2010s has been criticised, particularly for its categorisation of bands like Imagine Dragons and Twenty One Pilots (who dominate the list) as rock. However, even more striking is the presence of only four songs by women, two of which are by Lorde, who again does not appear to belong to what is considered "rock". There is no shortage of women in Billboard’s Hot 100 decade list, begging the question: is this lack of female representation exclusive to rock music?

IS THIS LACK OF FEMALE REPRESENTATION EXCLUSIVE TO ROCK? Perhaps it depends on one’s definition of rock music. Billboard’s list is incredibly inconsistent; for one, fun.’s ‘Some Nights’ makes an appearance while their arguably bigger hit

‘We Are Young’ does not, and thus Janelle Monáe is absent from the list. What makes one a rock song and the other not? Additionally, nearly all the songs on the list are by bands or groups, and by classifying rock music as music performed by bands, it excludes many female artists, with Paramore being the only band fronted by a woman on the list. And if rock is classified by instrumentation (guitars, bass, drums), Lorde’s inclusion on the list is inexplicable. If Lorde is considered rock music, why would artists like Halsey and Billie Eilish not be? Therefore, one cannot conclude after looking at Billboard’s list that women are underrepresented in rock.

In fact, if the definition of rock can be broadened to alternative music, women are dominating the alternative music scene. There are many successful female-fronted groups (CHVRCHES, Wolf Alice, Alvvays) and solo artists (St. Vincent, Lana Del Rey, Mitski, Grimes) as well as more upcoming musicians like Phoebe Bridgers, Clairo, Weyes Blood and beebadoobee. While these artists don’t receive the radio

play that Imagine Dragons does, they can easily be found on Spotify playlists, have dedicated fanbases, and have received significant critical acclaim that the Billboard rock chart-toppers have not.

LORDE'S INCLUSION ON THE ROCK MUSIC LIST IS INEXPLICABLE Another thing to look at is the presence of women playing festivals, which has grown significantly over the course of the decade.

However, there is still a remarkable lack of female headliners; this year’s Coachella has none, and neither did last year’s Glastonbury (despite the high billing of Kylie Minogue and Janet Jackson). Looking further down festival lineups, you can find many female alternative artists and female-fronted bands, such as artists like Snail Mail and Weyes Blood in this year’s

Coachella, while high-profile female singers like Carly Rae Jepsen and Charli XCX are not near the top of the lineup.

It’s fair to say that there is a disconnect between what casual listeners enjoy and what record shop obsessives seek out Festival headliners like Arctic Monkeys, Tame Impala and The Killers are acts representative of rock music, yet do not appear on Billboard’s list, suggesting their lack of sales.

Yet, it also suggests something much more sinister – the erasure of women in the mainstream. Festivals generally appear to be giving women lower billing than perhaps their popularity reflects, and women in rock are promoted less by their record labels, thus, they are played less on the radio and are less in mainstream consciousness. It then becomes the responsibility of the music consumer to find female artists in rock music. For anything to truly change, the change needs to come from the top.

Images (L to R): pitpony,photography; Justin Higuchi

Introducing: Future Funk

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Looking for a new genre to check out? Leon Stein discusses the closely-linked Future Funk and City Pop

N the post-vaporwave collapse of esoteric music online, it was guaranteed that something older would arise to ride the wave of nostalgic themed music. With the virality of 'Plastic Love' by Mariya Takeuchi, it was fated that City Pop and its modern counterpart Future Funk would rise in popularity and surge onto music boards.

WITH THE VIRALITY OF MARIYA TAKEUCHI IT WAS FATED THAT CITY POP WOULD RESURGE City Pop initially emerged in the late '70s and '80s in Tokyo Japan, with Japan forging its own cultural interpretation of pop music in the post American occupation. Many artists started creating its own synth-heavy electronic pop that focused musically on disco and lyrically on enjoying city life reminiscing of the economic boom that transformed the nightlife and creative scene at the time. At the time most of this passed off as a trend that would soon die and not enjoyed by most critics at the time. Whilst its predicted death did come its has come back as we seek a nostalgic sound that returns us away to what we per-

ceive as a better time.

Future Funk is a modern interpretation which samples City Pop heavily and uses similar iconography of retro anime, but also expanding this to the 90s anime with a massive presence of Sailor Moon inspiring an EP that is the namesake for the subgenre of sailorwave.

Whilst Future Funk borrows the City Pop sound, it expands it with sampling or creating more funk orientated basslines and thickening the sound by adding many layers and soundbites from the shows they draw their iconography.

Often, entire vocal lines are substituted for key quotes from television shows that have become memes.

T h e genre first came to promin e n c e when Rollergirl!

-not to be co n f u s e d with their europop inspiration, the German singer Rollergirl- released the Heaven EP. It was the first time we heard the saccharine genre in its full Future Funk glory. This was massively built on by Macross82-99 with their 2015 album CHAM!. The same can be said for all the BAE tapes by Yung Bae. I would say these are the highlights of the funky sounds of this genre. As time has

passed the scene has also taken in the more experimental sounds of Android52, who uses a distorted and electronic sound that has a stronger Eurobeat influence or the more bubble-gum pop sounds of Moe Shop. Finally, with all the City Pop usage, there are also artists like Desired who, despite not being from the initial golden era that produced City Pop, don't sound like it is currently coming outside the higher production value.

FUTURE FUNK EXPANDS THE CITY POP SOUND WITH SAMPLING & BASSLINES On the performance side, City Pop and Future Funk as a local scene exist mainly in Japan and parts of Korea where the key artists play clubs and small raves, chopping up and remixing the tracks live. Due to lack of opportunity for myself to go to one, I am anxiously awaiting a European appearance of these artists once they fully penetrate the mainstream and if anyone has the chance to see the artists listed above, I would fully recommend going for a genuinely unique sound that you won't hear anywhere else.

Image: self-released by Yung Bae

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Mario Kart

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VER the many years since its creation, the world has seen many variations of the beloved Nintendo game, Mario Kart. From Mario Kart DS to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for Nintendo Switch, there is indisputably one version that rules over the rest. One ring to rule them all. Mario Kart Wii was the reason half of us bought Nintendo Wiis and it has stood the test of time to become a cornerstone of any half decent uni house. You don’t have to be any particular kind of gamer to fall into a cycle of playing hours of Mario Kart in a day, whether it’s a quick three race tournament or an epic thirty-two racer, the game will easily keep you entertained. Why not change the settings to "Frantic" to get inside the heads of your weaker

20 JAN 2020 |

EDITORS: Jonathan Chern and Samuel Thomson

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screen willed friends? Choose your character, choose your vehicle, manual or automatic no one is judging, and let the good time roll in.

THE WII VERSION IS WHERE THE FRANCHISE REACHES ITS PEAK The Wii version is where the franchise reaches its peak, not just because of the hypnotising soundtrack but because the controllers allow the player to take control and become enraptured by the thrill of the race. Unless the controllers have been thrown around too much and damaged in a fit of rage after someone gets blueshelled two seconds from the finishing line (maybe investing in one of the wheels to put

the controller in will provide it with more protection, don’t bother with those rubber cases though). Like many others I played on DS and yes, of course experienced enjoyment from it, but always found myself tilting the handset as I went around corners, yearning for more.

I’ve even had a go on the Switch version of the game but quickly found myself confused by the bombardment of everything that was going on and in great discomfort caused by hand cramp from the tiny controllers. I’m not even going to mention the heartbreakingly disappointing version released that you could play on your phone last year. Mario Kart Wii is the greatest of all time.

Toby Brooks

All images: Nintendo

Rhythm Paradise

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T is no secret that I’ve been infatuated with rhythm games since my formative days, wielding a plastic controller. There are fewer sensations that rival the satisfaction one feels when their button presses perfectly synchronise with an in-game soundtrack, mastering combos and patterns like a musical samurai. It was Nintendo’s own Rhythm Paradise franchise that completely enraptured me with its charming visuals and infectious melodies.

When it catapulted from the DS to the Wii, Beat the Beat: Rhythm Paradise (or the superior Rhythm Heaven Fever in the States) expanded its winning formula with a wealth of original tracks and multiplayer mini-games.

I’m sure the other contenders on this list will all proclaim the brilliance of the Wii Remote’s motion control capabilities and how they

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contributed to the immersion or mechanical depth of its titles - dear reader, I must beg to differ. As undeniably chaotic and gleeful waggling a Wii Remote was back in the day, it homogenised a vast majority of games into shake-fests. Everything might as well have been controlled by a pair of maracas.

Rhythm Paradise chose to adopt beautifully minimalist controls with only the A and B buttons used for input. This not only negated any motion tracking errors but still maintained the ‘pick up and play’ attitude that quickly became synonymous with the Wii. Every minigame only requires the player to keep the beat of the track by tapping one or both of the buttons on-time - truly easy to learn, infuriatingly difficult to master. The assorted levels and tracks don’t disappoint either. An

aerial dog badminton match, a seal dancing troupe and bacteria dabbling in the world of synchronised swimming are only a tiny handful of the wonderfully wacky animated music videos on offer, and all of them feel as imaginative and infectious as the last.

That’s not even mentioning the end-ofworld bosses that take the form of phenomenal remixes, mashing-up the prior mini-games into a single track, all now abiding to the same rhythm. Beat the Beat: Rhythm Paradise may not be the most instantly recognisable Wii title, but to me it perfectly captures the Nintendo spirit of immediate, completely original and innovative fun. If this game can’t stand amongst the greatest Wii titles, what can?

Jacob Heayes, Online Screen Editor

Taking the Ricky

Anna Romanovska, Lifestyle Editor, criticises Ricky Gervais' Golden Globes monologue

S always, the Golden Globes ceremony came with a few politically-minded speeches. However, there was one man who managed to cause an incredible amount of uncomfortable laughter from his audience: fifth time host Ricky Gervais.

Gervais stated that celebrities did not have the right to use their acceptance speeches to speak out about the various struggles within our world, urging them to use their acceptance to give thanks to their agents, rather than to go on a political rant.

Even though Gervais seemed adamant about celebrities not having the right to lecture anyone about anything, he did seem to have a hard time following his own condescending advice a couple of days after the Golden Globes ceremony. He followed

his rant with this tweet: “If you don’t believe in free speech for people who you disagree with, and even hate for what they stand for, then you don’t believe in free speech.” It is a rather interesting quote from someone who does not think famous people have the right to speak of the world’s inequalities.

Sorry to break it to you Ricky, but casual racism, xenophobia, LGBTQIA-phobia and misogyny are considered hate speech. Hate speech is a form of violence. I would find it very hard to believe that anyone would willingly want hate speech directed at them or listen to said hate speech being directed at marginalised groups.

His mildly xenophobic jokes about the Foreign Press Office, dubbing them ‘vegetables’ for not speaking English exposed

his lack of understanding of how offensive speech can ostracise groups that already face discrimination on a daily basis. His comments may seem like harmless jokes to the regular white and Western audience member, however, they can have a harmful, if not triggering, impact on the people who are the subject of said joke. He may benefit from some advice along the following lines: jokes filled with bigotry do not guarantee quality humour. They do exactly the opposite and normalise the mockery of minorities.

If you haven’t seen Tom Hanks’ reaction to that Golden Globes speech yet, then you are honestly missing out. He perfectly encapsulated my reaction to the absurdity that is a celebrity moaning about celebrities moaning. But again, should we even be

surprised? I understand criticism of the mostly liberal, democratic Hollywood establishment being stuck in its own bubble; however, I do believe he may have taken it a bit too far.

However, that does not mean that I completely disagree with him. There have been times where (mostly) white celebrities have overlooked the struggles of those who are oppressed on the daily. Quite often, they use their platform to push ideals and campaigns that scream ‘White Western Woman’ and only benefit said archetype.

I strongly believe that it is important for those who have a platform of publicity and privilege to use it to vocalise the struggles of those who have been institutionally silenced regarding their struggles. Michelle Williams urging woman viewers to vote within their

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HEN talking about era-defining athletes, there is one name that stands above all others. A master of all trades, an unstoppable force and an immovable object, and the bane of many an aspiring athlete’s career. They say it’s the hope that kills you, and all too often that’s proven the case with this omnipotent being, destroying sporting protégé after sporting protégé leaving nothing but destruction in their wake.

I am, obviously, not talking about Lionel

EDITORS: Jonathan Chern and Samuel Thomson

20 JAN 2020 |

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Wii Sports Resort Messi or Serena Williams. No, I am discussing Wii Sports Resort's champion Mii, Matt.

Matt appears on a triumvirate of Wii games – the original Wii Sports, Wii Sports Resort and Wii Party – and provides the perfect counterbalance to the typical player’s own swashbuckling style, punishing careless moves with a riposte of devastating precision.

Matt's own ability is exacerbated by the fact that Wii Sports Resort is meant to be a relaxing entertainment game. Who can forget spending five minutes blissfully traversing an idyllic island in a small seaplane, trying desperately to find the last point of interest? Or the archery game mode – perfect for taking anger out at that Year 6 SATS test that didn’t quite go as well as you’d hoped. Who needed to be able to label ten different parts of a plant, when you could be shooting virtual arrows into the sunset?

The game benefitted from a myriad of calming activities that often required little more than the occasional swish of a Wii remote. It was a game that wasn’t built to be overly competitive or frustrating, just to be fun.

A MASTER OF ALL TRADES, AN UNSTOPPABLE FORCE, AN IMMOVABLE OBJECT Enter Matt, of Wii Sports boxing fame.

Starting as the player’s coach, Matt then proved to be nigh-on insurmountable as the boxing champion in the original game, sending the player’s carefully crafted Mii avatar crashing to the canvas, with lefthooks following right-hooks following uppercuts with an effortless ease. Some traumatising portion of my childhood was spent watching my virtual nan get floored by the master pugilist, Matt.

In Wii Sports Resort, Matt took on the role of swordfighting champion. Without doubt the best mode of all, swordfighting in the game made the player feel like they were a buccaneering swordsman, dispensing of Miis left right and centre without breaking a sweat. Until they met Matt, that is. Until they met Matt.

Wii Sports Resort is undoubtedly one of the best games of the generation. But with it came a monstrous mountain of an athlete that was never truly beaten.

Josh Brown, Sport Editor

Super Mario Galaxy 2

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UPER Mario Galaxy 2 was the fourth of 3D Mario platformers, and the second to be launched on the Wii. Sequels to Mario games are rare, even rarer on the same console, but this game succeeded at being an enriched and reinvigorated successor to the first. The expansiveness of Galaxy was so broad, so all-encompassing that Nintendo would have been daft above images: Nintendo to leave that world (or universe) All Below (L to R): High Snobiety, Daria Kascheeva behind.

own self-interest has understandably also sparked controversy. Though her urge is understandable when faced with the possibility of an overturn of Roe v Wade, it also comes with the assumption that all white women are pro-choice intersectional feminists. This, of course, cannot be true when the majority of white women in the United States voted for Trump. I would hope that instead of telling women to vote in ‘their own self-interest,’ celebrities with a public platform, such as Michelle Williams, would urge their fans to vote in the interest of those who need it the most.

Overall, the main point we need to take from Ricky Gervais’ ludicrous Golden Globes speeches is that someone who is white, Western, privileged may not have the life

As someone who had only seen the gaming world in 2D – my old Gameboy had a sparse reper toire: a likely pirated game of the classic NES Super Mario Bros and, its saving grace, Pokémon Emerald – Mario Galaxy 2 permanently changed my perception of gaming. It was the second game I played on the Wii (after Wii

experience required to provide a valid commentary on political advocacy.

Sports, an arguable classic), so it quite literally transported gaming into another dimension; I was spoilt that this would be the game to achieve this. Being able to walk the eclipse of a planet was exceedingly fun for ten year old me, and the level “Breaking the Laws of Gravity”, where a lever changes the direction of gravitational pull, acted almost a parody of the firmly-rooted-to-the-ground Mario games I had played before.

MARIO GALAXY 2 PERMANENTLY CHANGED MY PERCEPTION ON GAMING

space, I remember something humbling, interiorised about meandering the planet’s eclipses. Perhaps it’s also the fact that you can almost always see the stars or the clouds in the background, grounding the player as being a mere speck in the universe. It’s “a story that begins with stardust”; there’s a feeling of ambivalence, of solitary whimsicality. Jacob Geller’s video essay comments on the “quiet sadness” of Super Mario Galaxy, as he describes the sensitive play with impermanence and loneliness in the game. The sequel runs with this, but doesn’t let you feel so alone; you’re always accompanied by the little star guy Luna in your hat (much less obtrusive than Cappy in Super Mario Odyssey).

But tonally, this game left a subtle, lasting impression. With Mario being blasted off into

Amy Butterworth, Online Lifestyle Editor

Daria Kascheeva

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ARIA Kascheeva is a student of animation film at the Film and TV School at the Academy of Performing Arts (FAMU) in Prague. Hailing from Tajikstan, she has had immense success during her studies, screening her films at and collecting awards from internationally acclaimed festivals such as Sundance, Toronto International Film Festival and the Annecy Animated Film Festival. Her student film Daughter has just been nominated for an Oscar in the category of Animated Short Film. The film aims to provide an insight into the relationship between father and daughter, a theme that holds personal significance for Daria herself. Variety described the film as “beautifully photographed, employing a hand-held camera feel with big close-ups, low depth-of-field and a lot of motion, lending it an authentic, documentary-like immediacy.” Judging from the trailer, Daria seems to have gained some inspiration from classic Czech animated films such as Kuky se Vrací or the Fimfárum series, while putting her own twist on them. Having already won a gold medal at the 46th Student Academy Awards, it is obvious that Daria may revolutionise the world of animated film with her unique approach.

Anna Romanovska, Lifestyle Editor

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EDITORS: Jonathan Chern and Samuel Thomson

Dances and prances

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Neha Shaji, Deputy Editor, looks at how the translation of dance choreography to film is done well, but not in Cats

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S a disclaimer, the author is a genuine, honest-to-god fan of the original Cats musical. And for good reason.

The intensified experience of the musical and the thrilling audience interactions are palpable even through a grainy YouTube screen – with the eponymous cats, much like the actual animal, breaking any semblance of boundaries and gliding through the seats.

The choreography remains the musical’s saving grace from a plot seemingly pulled out of Pictionary for Furries.

THOSE CATS SURE CAN DANCE! TOM HOOPER CAN’T THOUGH Cats was always purely spectacular: the performers were what gave the cats personality, all of them ultra-talented dancers executing routines that make the ridiculous remarkable. Regardless of the musical essentially being a very long introductory seminar where the lecturer asks you all to tell everyone everything about your lives, the dancers’ movements were feline yet human, sexy and ridiculous, electric and depraved.

Nearly every song is framed by the cats not introducing themselves in continuous movement, and in these background interactions lie the sheer spectacle of the musical. Those cats sure can dance.

Editor’s picks: Sam and Johnny’s on-screen cats

Jiji, Kiki’s Delivery Service

Jonsey, Alien

Cute lil’ city cat, Inside Llewyn Davis

All of them, The Aristocats

Yeah, Tom Hooper can’t though. The director does, of course, have another musical under his belt – Les Misérables, where Fantine’s lingering solo on trauma was framed like a jailhouse confession, and Valjean’s tremulous declaration filmed as if an ode to Hugh Jackman’s apparent chronic constipation. Cats also falls prey to Hooper’s penchant of showing emotion with closeups clear enough to see feline pores, instead of embracing the performance as expression aspect of theatre.

I wanted to see Vic tor ia’s helpless empathy a n d confusion through Francesca H a y w a r d ’ s outstanding ballet, not through the delicate flaring of her feline nostrils. Hooper’s tendency to tightly frame anything related to the human body reduces the dance and focuses on the song and feeling: in a musical about literal cats, there isn’t much feeling to be had on that occasion.

The choreography isn’t to be scoffed at in any sense: Andy Blankenbuehler, who also choreographed the 2016 Cats revival, fully embraces the magical theatricality of the play. The dancing itself is an amorphous amalgamation of street dance, ballet, and jazz amongst others yet such a broad vision needs a broad frame. Quite literally. The Jellicle Ball opener, which features wires and an exhilarating ensemble performance, is littered with close up shots of the cats almost nuzzling; where one zoom is enough, Hooper d o e s sixteen.

Had the original musical been a two hour extravaganza of each cat walking on to stage, doing a dance, and leaving, it would have been disastrous.

Instead, it was a glib, fluid movement throughout the odd narrative, where the other cats frame, perform with, and define the cats being introduced. Hooper tried to combine both: in trying to imbue each cat

with personality, he ignores the impact of circumscribing personality with collaborative performance.

CATS’ DANCING AMALGAMATES STREET, BALLET AND JAZZ The relative disparity in fitness and talent between the celebrity cast and the principal dancers (including the outstanding Steven McRae, who’s topsy-turvy tap number gave me visceral joy) wasn’t as apparent as I thought it would be. Idris Elba and Taylor Swift’s number was discomfortingly sexy, where frankly you want to see a “master of depravity” rather than Macavity’s cavity.

However, this is a number where the languorous, feline movements truly stood out. I wouldn’t actually have expected Judi Dench, Jennifer Hudson, or Ian McKellen to dance. I would have, however, expected some shots of the cats around them in movement rather than a constant frame of McKellen wheezing about his past. Essentially, Cats would have been a fine ode to performance if the director of said performance knew how to balance sensuality, personality, and absurdity. The answer to this is storytelling through physicality, not crotch shots.

Paw-ly reviewed

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Samuel Thomson, Screen Editor, reflects on the sensationalism of hatchet jobs

CCORDING to box office statistics, most of you reading this article haven’t seen Cats. You saw the bad reviews, you didn’t buy a ticket. I don’t blame you, any economically minded person would be foolish to waste their money on a film that the entire world agrees is a trainwreck. Right?

Cats is bad. It is. But it’s far from the worst.

It’s not even the worst film I have seen in the cinema (in a tragic misstep, I saw Vin Diesel’s The Last Witch Hunter in IMAX). The film has already been talked to death, so I won’t spend any time slating it any more than everyone else already has. My point is that all you film fans should keep in mind that every film critic, journalist, and writer stands to gain from you reading their review. There are a lot of them that care more about increasing the number of readers of their magazine, or listeners of their podcast, than they do about providing the best, most informed assessment of whether you, the potential audience member, should buy a ticket to see the film in question on the big screen.

Reviewers are on a mission to find the best soundbite, trying to crowbar in horrible puns that will get retweeted by a few hundred keyboard warriors. There have been so many

bad reviews, that some of the bottom feeders of the screen blogging world are actually getting away with publishing articles that are simply a collection of sentences from other people’s Cats reviews.

REVIEWERS ARE ON A MISSION TO FIND THE BEST SOUNDBITE The age-old battle between filmmakers and film critics rests on the basis that critics love to criticise, but make nothing of their own. And it’s clear that critics have been fighting like kittens in a burlap sack to get to criticise Cats. Hooper is no stranger to theatre types disagreeing with his works, after his 2012 adaptation of Les Misérables received criticism for being an unfaithful adaptation of the stage musical, in particular, the fact that he included dialogue in between the songs in a sung-through musical. As is the rule in Hollywood, since Les Mis made a hefty sum at the box office, it was decided that Hooper should be laboured with another stage-toscreen adaptation. As one of the longest running shows in Broadway history, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cats should have been a safe

bet for a hit movie. As usual, however, no studio executives actually read the source material, as they prefer numbers to the complex mediums of theatre and dance.

The treatment of Cats by the media shines a light on a longstanding problem with the sphere of film reviews. Simply, bad reviews do better than good ones. They get more clicks, they get quoted around more, and anyone who has written film reviews will admit that they are easier to write. Cats was the perfect target for them; a high profile director with Oscar wins under his belt, along with a cast so full of stars it looks like Mister Mistoffelees’ coat, made the film into a fattened-up goose, ready to be slaughtered, stuffed full of cat puns, and served up into the online echo chamber.

This article isn’t about Cats. It’s about being conscious of pop culture media’s agenda. Next time you are excited to see a film, don’t read any reviews before you see it. Listen to your friends. Ask strangers on the bus if they’ve seen anything good recently.

Keep making your own opinions. You matter.

I love you.

All Cats images: Universal Pictures/Associated Press; Editor’s Picks (top to bottom): Toei Company, 20th Century Fox, Studio Canal, Walt Disney Productions

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study break

| 20 JAN 2020

STUDY BREAK CROSSWORD

SUDOKU

Across

Down

1 Not hard (4) 3 Building with toilets - abhor Tom? (anagram) (8) 9 On edge (7) 10 Fashion (5) 11 Group - wrap (4) 12 Morally correct (7) 15 Steam generator (6) 16 Liveliness - priest (anagram) (6) 19 Flee (3,4) 21 Without (4) 23 Strong point (5) 25 Notice (7) 26 Lofty - get in row (anagram) (8) 27 Were (anagram) - pitcher (4)

1 Mail - post (4) 2 Structure (9) 4 Respond (6) 5 Emerge (from an egg, for example) (5) 6 Raw mineral (3) 7 Adjust - balance - tea mould (anagram) (8) 8 Raw beginner (informal) (6) 13 Spiral (9) 14 Deviating - Arab rent (anagram) (8) 17 Spatter - splatter (6) 18 Business magnate (6) 20 H2O (5) 22 Bring up (4) 24 Cutting tool (3

PAWS FOR TRIVIA How much do you know about cats?!

1. who was the principal dancer who played skimbleshanks, the railway cat in Cats (2019)?

2. Who makes the jellicle choice?

3. who is the main antagonist of cats?

ANSWERS

4. who was the choreographer for the film and the 2016 revival of cats?

Mystery Cat, 4. Andy Blankenbuehler 5. Gus the Theatre Cat

5. which cat does ian MckellEn play?

Answers:1. Steven McRae 2. Old Deuteronomy 3. Macavity, the Water, 22 Rear, 24 Saw. 8 Rookie, 13 Corkscrew, 14 Aberrant, 17 Splash, 18 Tycoon, 20 Down: 1 Send, 2 Formation, 4 Answer, 5 Hatch, 6 Ore, 7 Modulate, Observe, 26 Towering, 27 Ewer.

Ethical, 15 Boiler, 16 Esprit, 19 Run away, 21 Less, 23 Asset, 25 Across: 1 Soft, 3 Bathroom, 9 Nervous, 10 Trend, 11 Pack, 12

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Science

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20 JAN 2020 | EXEPOSÉ

SCIENCE EDITORS:

Science on stage

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Scarlett Parr-Reid Elinor Jones

Elinor Jones, Science Editor, celebrates the fusion of science and music festivals

ARELY scientists get in the spotlight. Often, as goes with the territory, this happens when something goes wrong, coating STEM with scandal, due to the high levels of scrutiny that holds scientists to account. Even Nobel Prize winners, the Academy Award winners of the scientific world, will probably never be household names gracing the covers of magazines and their only television appearances are usually brief and low priority on news bulletins. However, in a small branch of popular culture, the beloved music festival, organisers are waking up to the reality that people at the forefront of STEM can be stars in their own right, and they can be entertaining on top of that.

Even Nobel Prize winners will never be household names Many festival goers spend little time deliberating where they’ll spend a weekend in the summer, often fo-

cusing on the acts intended to draw a crowd, the headliners. However, with the UK festival market busier than ever, a unique selling point needs to attract punters to spend their money.

Scrolling down the bill passed the main stage through to the smaller tents, festival organisers are beginning to expand the options, be it literature, comedy or the more obscure, science.

WOMAD, the world music festival held in Wiltshire, hosts a physics pavilion with talks, demonstrations and lab sessions where visitors can ‘give it a go’, giving the public a chance to see worldclass science from organisations such as NASA and CERN. Latitude Festival in Suffolk gears much of its science towards children, providing exciting

experiences for all the family, regardless of their musical preferences. This family-friendly festival attracts some of the biggest names in music, whilst also finding space to give early career STEM researchers to share their findings in a creative and engaging way.

form’ in the science area, like how up-and-coming artists find their feet on the festival scene.

Whilst the inclusion of an oftenmisunderstood genre at music festivals is beneficial for organisers and punters alike, giving greater choice in this saturated field Image: York Tillyer, Wikimeia Commons (pardon the pun), it is essential to raise the profile of scientific research in a similar way to how musicians, artists and authors showcase their talents. Not only this, but it allows scientists to engage the public in their research in ways that have previously been inaccessible. Often, academic papers are written, other academics read them, Green Man, an arts festival in the and they are presented at conferences Brecon Beacons, welcomes researchattended by more academics. Whilst ers from universities to apply to ‘perthis is crucial, engaging the public in

the vital research done is a major way to maintain support and funding for studies which would otherwise never happen.

Engaging the public in vital research is a major way to maintain support and funding By engaging with a new demographic, scientists can inspire public faith in science to reduce perpetuation of myths and misconceptions and hopefully inspire the next generation.

WOMAD gives the public a chance to see world-class science Expanding from the traditional concept of a music festival could be beneficial for organisers, attendees and performers, especially when many young people are as interested in David Attenborough as they are Stormzy.

A call to end the taboo surrounding endometriosis Anna Romanovska, Lifestyle Editor, brings attention to the hushed attitude to the condition

Endometriosis is a condition through which endometrial cells are found outside of the uterus in various places in the body. Due to the nature of these cells, they bleed during the woman’s period, causing insufferable pain. It can take up to or more than, seven years to diagnose, risking years of suffering for those whose symptoms may be more hidden than

in-

hy Weinberg , Unsplash

In many cultures the female reproductive system is a taboo topic

others. MPs have only just taken notice of the devastating effects of the condition, announcing plans to investigate the impact of the condition on women’s lives. When speaking to the BBC, 19-year-old Bethany Willis described the pain as “barbed wire wrapped around your insides.” She recounted a time when her pain was so unbearable, she had an overdose from the number of painkillers she ingested. Many women, including Bethany, have even reported thoughts of suicide due to the debilitating and extremely painful nature of the condition. However, endometriosis is not the only medical condition or vagina-related issue that is only just receiving public attention. Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), pelvic organ prolapse (POP) or stress urinary incontinence (SUI) are just some of the conditions that have yet to overcome the taboo hurdle. The lack of public discourse surrounding vaginal prolapse and stress urinary in-

Image: Timot

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ONDITIONS such as endometriosis are debilitating.

The pain a person feels can easily disrupt their day to day activities, such as preventing them from studying or attending work. Yet, because public discourse surrounding endometriosis and its consequences have started circulating only recently, many women’s experiences due to said condition is not taken seriously by non-medical professionals.

continence had even faced a worldwide medical scandal surrounding the frequent use of vaginal mesh to treat it. Both conditions are common especially after birth, but due to the hushed nature of these conditions, many women, including their doctors, sought quick solutions to fix these problems. A transvaginal mesh implant is placed inside the pelvic region to support the weakened organs and to assist repair on damaged tissue. There are many issues with this procedure, mainly that the mesh implant causes trauma to the pelvic area it surrounds. This led to 58 per cent of women experiencing pain during intercourse and 59 per cent experiencing no improvement to their conditions following the procedure. Luckily, national medical organisations across the world have come out and said that the mesh

should only be implanted as a last resort, when all other non-surgical methods had been trialled.

The female reproductive system is considered a taboo topic within many cultures. By highlighting the debilitating nature of conditions such as endometriosis and a scenario where a lack of public knowledge caused the so-called ‘mesh scandal’, I hope that more light has been shed on the need for public discourse surrounding female genitalia and the conditions associated with it. This lack of information boils down to the female reproductive system being considered a major taboo topic within the majority of cultures. Women and girls are taught to feel shame because of their genitalia and thus rendered silent about their pain and struggles. Perhaps the incorporation of said information into national campaigns and state-ordained sex education will help break the stigma surrounding something that needs to be normalised.

EXEPOSÉ | 20 JAN 2019

A letter to Scott Morrison

EAR Prime Minister Scott Morrison, My heart sincerely goes out to the citizens of your country affected by the current wildfires. However, I will say that your response to the situation and your attitude towards the climate crisis are not helpful in preventing something so destructive happening in the first place. Putting aside your absence on holiday in Hawaii, I am aware that back in December you, admitting that climate change does have an impact on weather events around the world, went on to say that it was not a ‘credible suggestion’ to link climate change to the bushfires.

It is important to note that it has been recorded within in your own country that climate change is causing a hotter

and drier climate, with heatwaves such as the one that has caused these bushfires becoming all the more frequent, and so in truth whilst global climate change may have not been the direct cause of the fires, it certainly was a significant contributor. However, the current and local crisis of bushfires aside, your government’s policies and actions in regard to climate change and its causes are still disconcerting.

You have taken some action in the right direction, for example indicating you will start a royal commission to look into the causes of bushfires and how to respond to the climate crisis more broadly, but this does not abate the fact that currently Australia emits approximately 538 metric tons of carbon dioxide in the

year from March 2018 to March 2019 and that Australia was also ranked lowest on climate change policy in the 2020 Climate Change Performance Index.

Your government was also referred to as a "regressive force" who has "continued to worsen performance at both national and international levels", which despite you saying the index is not "credible", it was developed using independent, objective tools as Germanwatch pointed out in opposition to your claims.

Whilst you are right to believe that it would have an economic impact, refusing to downscale Australia’s coal industry, an action which may I point out led to one of your predecessors Kevin Rudd remarking that your government has ‘failed miserably’ in its duty, you cannot

then go on to claim that the country does not need to do more to limit its greenhouse gas emissions, when in fact the production of coal is on the rise, and so therefore so are Australia’s carbon dioxide emissions. You don’t need someone from the figurative other side of the world to show you how misguided and unsuitable your views on climate change and the bushfires are with current information. Citizens of your country, climate scientists or otherwise, have criticised you for your response to the bushfires, such as the citizens of Cobargo who reacted angrily to your photo opportunity. Now, you have admitted regret at your response to the bushfires but regret in isolation is not enough. You need to take action to reduce the impact Australia is having

Rebekah White tells us how climate change has depleted Pika populations

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In the mountains, temperatures are rising faster than normal Pikas are important, as they are 'ecosystem engineers', foraging to help distribute plant species and nutrients. They are prey for animals such as weasels, coy-

otes and birds of prey. The ecosystem would be quite different without them.

In the mountains, temperatures are rising faster and higher than average. Pikas are really sensitive to this, so climate change is likely to hit the population hard.

Pika populations are already declining due to habitat destruction, with 102km per year lost.

The new study from the University of Washington used climate modelling to find out how vulnerable pikas are. They looked at some of the different environmental challenges we can expect to see

over the next few decades. Interestingly, their vulnerability to changes in seasonal rain appears to be very low. The big concerns are the temperature extremes in the hottest and coldest months, in fitting with their known sensitivity to hot temperatures. The study also found that marmots, large squirrels that can live in similar habitats, might be even more vulnerable to climate change than pikas.

However, this has been less well documented in this species, meaning further monitoring is needed to see how at-risk they truly are.

Either way, the future of these animals remains worrisome in the face of climate change, like so many others.

Image: Frédéric Dulude-de Broin, Wikimedia Commons

Under the sea

Bryony Gooch, Music Editor, embraces all things sea-life

ESPITE the fact that the ocean takes up 71 per cent of the earth’s space, we have yet to explore a shocking 91 per cent of it.

More people have visited the moon than the Challenger Deep has visited the Marianas Trench. But, to satisfy your own curiosity, you don’t need James Cameron’s money to pay a visit.

On the website neal.fun there is a fun little activity that allows you to scroll through the deep sea, passing the shallow-living creatures such as

Manatees all the way through the different depth zones of the ocean to the Challenger Deep.

As you scroll down, through the deep blue Twilight Zone into the pitch-black Midnight Zone, small facts about the fish that inhabit different depths and how they survive in these areas are revealed. Growing species such as the megamouth shark of the abyssal zone are introduced.

You gain a new perspective of the extraordinary depth of the ocean, learning new, bite-sized facts about an area of our world shrouded in mystery.

Scarlett Parr-Reid, Science Editor, shouts out all things science in TV, podcast and book form Podcast of the week:

Documentary of the week:

The Why Factor - The BBC World Service - Episodes On Consciousness

Plant A Tree To Save The World - channel 5

Book of the week: The Science of Storytelling - Will Storr

TV show of the week: Food Unwrapped Channel 4

Image: Mohamed mahmoud hassan, PublicDomainPictures

new study has found that the future of American Pikas is uncertain, thanks to climate change. Pikas (Ochotona princeps) are small, fluffy, and all-round adorable mammals that live high up in mountains. They are related to rabbits, but have rounded ears and short legs, and enjoy munching on flowers, grass, and young stems. You can find them in chilly environments across Asia, North America, and parts of Eastern Europe, often sharing their burrows with snowfinch birds.

on the climate, to help stop devastating fires such as these from happening more frequently, as well as taking short-term measures to reduce the damage caused by these events. For example, increase investment in renewable energy sources. Briefly last year, renewables powered 50 per cent of your country’s electricity board, so a future where the primary energy source is renewables is possible. Investment in the sector will create new jobs, which in turn will lessen the economic impact that you have warned a reduction in reliance on coal will cause. Overall, your country has suffered the consequences of climate change. It is up to you and your government to, not to be the cause of further strife for Australians. Use your power, and the funding that comes with it wisely.

Eat, sleep and breathe science

Protect the Pikas

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Callum Dinnett addresses the Australian PM about the cause of the recent bushfires

Nurturing nature: does it come naturally?

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Elinor Jones, Science Editor, on time spent in nature and environmental habits

T has long been appreciated that spending more time in the ‘Great Outdoors’ has many benefits to physical, mental and social health.

Led by researchers from the European Centre for Environment and Human Health, part of the University of Exeter College of Medicine and Health, a team of scientists from across the South West surveyed 24,000 people in England and found that those with greater access to green environments and wide open spaces were much more likely to make positive changes towards helping the environment. The more visits individu-

als made to places of nature, such as parks, the countryside or the coast, the greater effort they made to protect the environment. These choices were lifestyle modifications such as recycling, volunteering to protect the environment and buying eco-friendly products, with little influence of age, gender or income.

Researchers looked at the way people spent their time in green spaces, aiming to understand how society values nature, with the findings suggesting that reconnecting with nature could be the key to promoting healthy environmental behaviours that pro-

mote sustainability. These findings suggest that investment into developing urban spaces that mirror the natural environment could be beneficial to supporting the development of environmentally friendly towns and cities.

Reconnecting people with the natural environment could be good for their health and that of the planet.

Image: Tama66, Pixabay

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20 JAN 2020 | EXEPOSÉ

SPORT

Struggles in Saudi Arabia

Max Shepherd analyses the sudden interest of Middle Eastern nations in hosting sporting events

N recent years it has become increasingly common to see major sports events being held in locations unfamiliar to Western audiences.

A good example is the flurry of recent events held in Saudi Arabia, including the Anthony Joshua versus Andy Ruiz Jr rematch and the plans to add a 24th race in Jeddah to the F1 calendar from 2021 onwards. Even the Spanish Super Cup has been re-formatted to include more teams and translocated to Saudi Arabia for at least the next three years, where it will be played in January instead of August.

The numbers involved in the deals to bring these events to the Middle Eastern state are eyewatering, with it

costing a reported €120 million to host the Spanish Super Cup for three years and £50m-a-year to join the F1 calendar. Nobody should be shocked that the decision to have all these events in Saudi Arabia, especially to host a Spanish football club competition 3,000 miles away from Spain, is financially motivated. What is shocking, however, is the nation’s record of human rights violations.

A cursory look at Amnesty International’s overview of Saudi Arabia is enough to raise anyone’s eyebrows: arbitrary detainment of government critics, routine torture and ill treatment of prisoners, systemic discrimination against women and the high-profile extrajudicial killing of Image: Quapan (Flickr) Jamal Khashoggi, a Saudi dissident journalist working for the Washington Post. These are just a few of the human rights violation accusations levelled at the country’s government.

Yet, in suspiciously direct contrast to the accusations of female discrimination, the head of Saudi Arabia’s Gen-

eral Sports Authority (GSA) is Princess Reema, the first female head of such a federation. Furthermore, since the murder of Khashoggi, the Saudi government has heightened its lobbying efforts in America, in order to bring even more sport to the country.

Amnesty International recently coined the term 'sportswashing' In light of these facts, the Saudi government’s sudden interest in sport appears to be more cynical than a simple increase in public interest. In fact, what it seems to be is an extremely expensive PR tactic. The term “sportswashing”, coined by Amnesty International in 2018, describes the use of sports by authoritarian regimes to improve their international image and pull attention away from their human rights record.

This handy new phrase has largely been used in reference to Middle Eastern petrostates using their huge wealth to invest in global sport. Sportswashing, however, is hardly a new phenomenon.

Major sporting events have long been used by powerful interests for their own

questionable ends. Mussolini used the 1934 and 1938 football World Cups – both of which Italy won - as propaganda opportunities to gain support for his fascist regime. Anyone claiming to miss the “good old days”, when sport was not just all about the money is supernaturally old, or more likely deluded. Profit has been the overarching motivation behind sport since people have had to pay for tickets, and foreign money has long influenced practically every league in the world, it just may have been more subtle than it is today.

A huge number of major sports teams, especially football clubs, are majority owned by oligarchs with questionable passion for the whatever game they happen to be pumping investments into, and more importantly extracting profits from. This more insidious form of control incites less anger from the sporting community, partly due to it being less visible. But one cannot help but think it is also due to the fact that many fans enjoy seeing their teams rise to sudden prominence after being taken over by a billion-dollar conglomerate. Outrage about places such as Saudi Arabia hosting sporting events is very much a case of closing the stable door once the horse has bolted. The battle for the soul

of most our beloved sports was lost long ago, the rich and powerful of the Middle East are just the newest capitalist juggernauts to join the party. If we are going to allow morally questionable organisations or governments sponsor, own and invest in sport, then we cannot justifiably draw the line at letting them host events too.

If you want a positive spin, you could look at sport as a way opening up places like Saudi Arabia to more progressive attitudes. After all, President of the Royal Spanish Football Federation, Luis Rubiales, did describe this year’s Super Cup as the “Super Cup of equality.” So, for those of you wondering how your conscience will handle watching the Spanish Super Cup, or the 2022 Qatar World Cup, just focus on the humanitarian sentiment they may induce, and forget about the €120 million deal that brought the cup to Jeddah or the migrant workers dying on Qatari building sites. As sport is widely seen as a reflection of society, a move towards greater morality in the politics of sport would require a societal change not seen since the fall of feudalism. So don't hold your breath - desire for such change stems more out of hope than any real expectation.

The fall and rise of Ben Stokes

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James Bagby gives his view on the extraordinary comeback of the BBC Sports Personality of the Year winner

OLLOWING a brawl outside a Bristol nightclub in September 2017, Ben Stokes’ career looked beyond repair.

CCTV footage of the incident was made public, clearly showing the England international throwing punches at two men, allegedly knocking one of them out. The England management were left with no choice but to strip him of the vice captaincy and they dropped him from the England squad for the Ashes in Australia, the most illustrious series on the test calendar. Following previous incidents of late nights while on England duty, did Ben Stokes’ record of poor discipline now outweigh his obvious genius on the pitch?

Following on embarrassing 4-0 loss in the Ashes, it was clear that the talents of a genuine all-rounder such as Ben Stokes could not be left in the stands.

The England and Wales Cricket Board decided to recall him for the later series in New Zealand. It was clear that this decision was not reached lightly and the division amongst the board was obvious for all to see. Stokes was still a long way from redemption.

In August 2018, Stokes missed Eng-

land’s second test against India to stand trial on the charge of affray. Following a six day, highly public trial, Stokes was found not guilty, bringing the eleventh month ordeal to a close. Finally, Stokes could put an end to the circus around the incident and truly focus on what he loved, playing cricket for England.

The rest of the year featured performances from the all-rounder that showed he was on the way back to his best but could in no way predict what would follow; 2019: the year of Ben Stokes.

Image: Ben Sutherland (Flickr)

The World Cup had broken English hearts before. Several times they had looked set to win before failing on the biggest stage. 2019 was different. A home World Cup and their best team for in recent memory had the nation believing again.

England somewhat scraped through the group stage in an underwhelming manner before dominating Australia in the semi-final. Stokes performed well with the bat and ball as well as an outstanding catch in the opening game, contorting his body high in the air to pluck the ball clean out of the air. However, it was the final where he left his mark in the halls of cricketing greatness.

England seemed down and out, destined to repeat history after failing to cope with the pressure again. Stokes was left stranded with the tail when he put the hopes of a nation on his back to produce one of the most special performances on the biggest scale. Hitting an unbeaten 84 while protecting the less established batsmen and scoring important boundaries dragged England to a super over. You could forgive any player for letting one of the more refreshed batsmen go out to deal with the super

over but Ben Stokes, mentally and physically exhausted went out again. Along with Jos Buttler, they scored 15 runs setting England up to win their first ever World Cup, cementing Stokes as a player for the biggest occasions.

Only just over a month later, England faced another Ashes defeat. After an appalling first innings of just 67, they were left staring a result of 2-0 with only two tests left to play. With the score at 286, England required 73 runs with only 1 wicket left. This called for something more than just heroic, this required the impossible. Up stepped Ben Stokes.

Stokes had again snatched victory from the jaws of defeat He stunned Australian attack in a demolition rarely seen in test cricket, pulling out truly ridiculous cricket shots that would have been called irresponsible in any other match situation. Instead, it was pure genius. His 135 featured 8 sixes including a superb reverse sweep slog into the large Headingley crowd.

With a small amount of good for-

tune, Ben Stokes had again snatched victory from the jaws of defeat, to round off a sensational year.

For these two standout performances leading to a memorable summer for English cricket, Ben Stokes was awarded with the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award as well as being appointed as an OBE in the New Year Honours list. Another special performance in South Africa finished off a memorable 2019 for Ben Stokes, taking the last three wickets late on the fifth day to give England their first victory in Cape Town since 1957.

Add the ICC player of the year award, and it is hard to pick a sportsperson who will remember 2019 more fondly. His superb performance with the ball and in the field in Cape Town prompted many to repeat comparisons with great all rounders Andrew "Freddie" Flintoff and Sir Ian Botham, but in the words of England's new cricketing hero himself: "I'm just trying to be Ben Stokes."

With his batting average better than both men, and the sheer number of his match-winning performances, that's not a bad thing to be.

SPORT

20 JAN 2020 | EXEPOSÉ

Third time lucky

Enjoying the VAR-dy controversy

Zach Mayford, Arts + Lit Editor, waxes lyrical about Exeter City's campaign for promotion

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FTER beating Cambridge United last Saturday to pull off what some are calling "the Oxbridge double", Exeter maintained their six point lead over Cheltenham Town, and are only three points off the League Two top spot with a game in hand. The Grecians have had a cracking season, and if they continue in current form, will challenge for automatic promotion. With only 20 games left in the season, many in the city, on campus, and at St James Park are crossing their fingers and feeling very optimistic about this season.

City showed perseverance under pressure against Cambridge, with goals

Image: Owain Evans

from Randell Williams and the ever-delivering Ryan Bowman securing a ninegame undefeated streak. Their next game could see them go top of the table, as they travel to Blundell Park to clash with an ailing 17th place Grimsby Town. Admittedly, Grimsby did beat them 3-1 in their last meeting earlier this season but times have definitely changed. This was way back in September, the same month in which Norwich beat Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City. Since then, Grimsby, much like the unfortunate Canaries, have had a mixed run of form at best, with Exeter comfortably beating sides that have since dominated Ian Holloway’s Mariners side.

By contrast, the Grecians are on the up-andup. They’ve performed admirably in league and cups alike, brushing off Cambridge back in November to get to the second round of the FA Cup. There, they were pipped to the post by a courageous Hartlepool side in

extra time. Meanwhile, they’ve secured wins by any means in their EFL Trophy matches, edging past Oxford on penalties and decisively beating back an Ipswich equaliser to reach the quarter finals. City may target promotion back to League One as the main aim, but a trip to Wembley in the EFL Trophy would be a huge moment for the club too.

Exeter deserve to be back in League 1 following an array of strong performances The side arrived in League 2 back in 2012, after multiple years in the third flight. Exeter deserve to be back up there, and the way they’re playing, they’re earning it. Under Matt Taylor, they have grit, determination and flair. That’s not even mentioning their staunch support- most match days, I know the Exeter score without even checking my phone, as the cheers from St James Park reach me before Google does. On derby day, I was on campus, and could hear the roar from the

Forum. Exeter have a knack for finishing a season strong, and had promotion snatched away in play-off finals the year before last and the year before that. Fans will hope that on this occasion, they turn up to the third time lucky.

That’s not to say anything is decided, and even Klopp’s run-away Premier League leaders Liverpool aren’t counting their chickens just yet. Exeter have a few tough games in front of them away from home which will prove not just difficult, but decisive in their promotion hopes.

They face their top-spot rivals Swindon away at County Ground at the start of February, as well as a strong Cheltenham side away in April. If they can keep up their impressive form for the next few matches, Exeter stand a great chance of going up. A success story like this would round off a third year near the top of the league, and a third of study for many Exeter University students such as myself.

Let’s hope we see them led to victory by coach Matt Taylor and team captain Jake Taylor, as the Grecians push for a promotion to League One they so richly deserve.

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Harry Scott-Munro analyses Exeter Chiefs' prospects of silverware

Images (top to bottom): Owain Evans and Wil Jones

the only previous time coming in the 2015/16 season where they suffered an agonising last second defeat to Wasps.

This season though, something feels different. In a challenging pool containing La Rochelle, Glasgow Warriors and domestic rivals Sale Sharks, Exeter qualified with a round to spare following a high-stakes 31-31 draw with Glasgow.

They could have even sneaked victory as well had Stuart Hogg’s 60m penalty attempt not cannoned back off the crossbar. With a home fixture against La Rochelle to see out the group stage, Exeter will be intent on securing a bonuspoint win to guarantee a first ever home Champions Cup quarter-final. Currently sitting as the third highest ranked side at the time of writing, they find themselves in a strong position to bring that first ever top-tier quarter final to Sandy Park and a first European knockout match since 2015.

Doubts remain over Chiefs' ability to challenge in Europe, but not domestically Despite the views of some rugby correspondents that this season may be

one season too early for Exeter to make the leap from one of England’s best to part of Europe’s elite, the continued quality of their home-grown contingent, coupled with Stuart Hogg seemingly now settling into form in a Chiefs jersey set Exeter apart from many other sides in Europe this season. Admittedly doubts remain over whether Exeter have the game understanding to go toe-to-toe with the power of Leinster or Racing 92 in a crunch European match.

This is only further exacerbated by last season’s premiership final defeat to Saracens where Chiefs arguably let victory slip through their fingers. For all their plaudits and successes, the club still needs to take that step from regular finalists to regular trophy winners.

This brings us back to the Premiership. With Saracens looking like a side that will have to keep fighting to avoid the relegation spot due to the points deductions served upon them, Northampton Saints under Chris Boyd appear to be the most consistent challenger to Exeter’s dominance this season.

Despite winning six of their opening eight games, Exeter have not looked as sharp as in recent seasons, going off the boil significantly in their 20-17 home reverse to Bristol earlier in the season

Bryony Gooch Music Editor

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HE last decade saw social media become an important part of everyone’s lives, but especially in the lives of the renowned, allowing us mere mortals a glimpse into their lives – or what they wanted us to believe were their lives. This was no different for sports personalities. You’d catch yourself scrolling through the decadent Instagram of Cristiano Ronaldo, eyeing up his designer brand deals and exotic holidays. Social media is the perfect way for sports stars to cultivate their brands with meticulous control.

But, equally, social media has become a space for some hilarious PR blunders.

Joleon Lescott ‘pocket’ tweeting a photo of a rather swish-looking Mercedes after a 6-0 defeat at the hands of Liverpool was described by one figure as symbolising “every modern football player” while other fans wittily asked if it went “0-6 in 90 minutes?” Victor Anichebe’s “Can you tweet something like” tweet revealed the PR that goes behind curating athletes’ social media.

Social media gives us a glimpse into the lives of athletes

Time to shine?

FTER an inauspicious start to the season, the Exeter Chiefs juggernaut seems to have firmly clicked into gear as the season hits crunch time. After eight rounds of the Gallagher Premiership season, Exeter sit top, one point ahead of Northampton Saints. With Saracens sitting at the bottom of the table after their 35 point deduction for salary cap infringements, Exeter will be keen to push on and secure a second Premiership title come the end of the season.

However, for the Chiefs this season, the goal is larger than simply securing that second Premiership title, with a desire to set out their stall in Europe burning stronger than ever. This season is just the second time in eight years that Exeter have qualified for the Heineken Champions Cup knockout stages,

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and allowing London Irish to score four tries in their most recent premiership clash. The signs that Exeter are stirring into life however, where there for all to see in their grudge 14-7 victory over Saracens, seen by many as a totem of foul play that currently lingers over English rugby in light of the salary cap scandal. Exeter’s defensive masterclass served notice to the rest of the league that even up against a club side with seasoned internationals in every position, on their day Exeter are up there as the best there is.

The challenge is to reinforce their position and to reinforce their title credentials The challenge now moving forward is to reinforce that position and show that they are title worthy. Exeter may well feel cheated of previous titles by a Saracens side that broke the salary cap, however with Saracens now suffering the consequences, the challenge now is to prove on the pitch that those views are well-founded, that Exeter really are England’s, as well as one of Europe’s, best sides.

Yet in the latter part of the decade, sportsmen have used social media to speak out in political tones. Lebron James tweeted at Trump reaffirming the Golden State Warrior’s declined invitation to the White House. Only last year did Mesut Özil speak out against the treatment of the Uighur people by the Chinese government, which led to Arsenal distancing themselves from him in order to maintain their own relations with China. Perhaps in the face of rising political tensions in the world, this new decade will see more sports personalities wield their massive influence for political purposes. More light-heartedly, sports stars’ more down-to-earth tweets piqued the interests of fans. Victor Wanyama’s enthusiasm for spaghetti was endearingly simple. Harry Maguire’s old tweet about IKEA flat-pack furniture was dug up in time for England’s World Cup victory against Sweden.

But of course, the best sport social media moments of the decade did not belong to the sports stars at all. For the 2018 World Cup, fans tweeting the old Baddiel and Skinner anthem ‘It’s Coming Home’ grew from a jaded joke into a national moment of hope. Pictures of Usain Bolt smiling at the camera as he won yet another Olympic medal were memed, as was an unimpressed McKayla Maroney. But if you asked me what the best sporting social media moment was, it’s really no competition. It’s… Rebekah Vardy’s account.

Sport

20 JAN 2020 | EXEPOSÉ

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SPORT EDITORS: Josh Brown Nick Powell

The run in

Analysing the sides vying for silverware

Image: Rory Selvey

Nick Powell Sport Editor

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N just over two months’ time, BUCS Big Wednesday will see many University sports clubs battling it out for BUCS Gold glory as the season reaches its conclusion. As we enter the closing Stages of the 2019/20 season, many teams at this University will be looking to be promoted, or win a coveted BUCS title.

The Women’s Lacrosse team will be confident of ending their long wait for a BUCS Gold title. They head into their last two games of the season with an extraordinary 100 per cent record, but will need to negotiate the play-offs if they are to clinch their first success. It also is the play-offs that the Netball club will be hoping to benefit from. They sit third

ahead of their varsity on 29 January, but remain too far off the top of the table to earn silverware via the league.

Meanwhile Men’s Basketball, whose own varsity we covered at the end of last term, are three points clear in Western Tier Two and closing in on promotion.

Their female counterparts will be bidding for promotion from the tier above, top of the table with a game in hand, there is every chance of this being a perfect season for the club.

Not all clubs have their two sides in a similar situation. Though the men are set for another battle for survival from the top tier, the Women’s Football team are in good shape to be in the running for promotion in Western Tier Two. They are four points off the top but have three games in hand on league leaders Bath and will be confident of reeling

their fellow West Country side in by the end of the season.

The anticipation of a potential play-off is at the forefront of many minds It it the same story in the volleyball club, with the men winless but Women’s team leading Western Tier One. They will need to go via the playoffs if they are to reach the top division, but will be confident of that after a very strong season.

The Men’s tennis team are in a similar situation, with the anticipation of the possible play off an exciting prospect as the regular season reaches its climax.

The Women’s side are in the running for

the Premier South title and BUCS success, with just three points separating the top three sides in the division.

From tennis to table tennis, where the Women’s team sit top of the Premier South league in the same situation as the Women’s lacrosse team. They have won every game this season as they head into the closing stages of this campaign with two games remaining.

As ever, the Men’s Rugby team are in the running for success; they are just one win off the top of the table with plenty of time left in the season. Ahead of their varsity against Loughborough at Sandy Park on 19 February, they will be confident of beating the mid-table team as they look to put a run together.

If Men’s Hockey are going to defend their title they will have to do it the hard way after failing to secure a top two spot

this season, balancing this with a relegation fight in the Men’s National League in their weekend fixtures..

Finally, our golfers will be hoping to defend the league title they won in 2019, trailing Bournemouth by one victory with a game in hand over the seaside town.

Across the 108 BUCS League teams in Exeter, the end of the season and the final tables will bring with them joy for some, neutrality for others and in a few cases, disappointment. But it is the fact that so many students participate that has enabled Exeter to have such a large amount of sporting success and rank 5th out of 160 university institutions in the UK for sport, and the best in a large South West region. Exeter’s sporting dominance appears to be in relatively safe hands.

For live scores and in-depth reports, follow us on Twitter @exeposesport CONTINUED ON PAGE 31