Issue 753- 24 January 2024 by Exeposé

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ISSUE 753 24 JAN 2024 exepose.com @Exepose

THE UNIVERSITY OF EXETER’S INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1987

Concerns over wellness app and complexities of student nutrition

Image: Clemence Smith

Holocaust Memorial Day: my family story Page 12

Livvy Mason-Myhill and Annabel Jeffery Editor-in-Chief and Writer

Murder on The Dancefloor Page 21

OLLOWING a post by Guild President Emma de Saram this month, students and influencers are starting to have conversations about the support for eating disorders and diabetes. In her post entitled ‘We have to talk about Zoe’, de Saram shares her thoughts on the nutritional app and study Zoe, including its use of continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) for non-diabetics. The study pioneered by Tim Spector, Professor of Genetic Epidemiology at King’s College London, was desig-

ned in 2020, and promotes itself as ‘the world’s largest in-depth nutrition study’ with its research turned into ‘a personalised program’ which gives users insights into how their body reacts to different foods. As a part of this study, participants send off a gut health and blood fat sample, as well as wearing a CGM for two weeks which they can use to track their own blood sugar levels through the Zoe app. This is initially completed from users consuming ‘test’ muffins. Emma de Saram, Guild President, gave comments to Exeposé indicating her attitudes towards wellness apps like Zoe and explaining what support there is available at the University and the Guild.

De Saram explained how she would get advertisements on her social media for glucose monitors before she was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. She further suggested her concerns with these advertisements by stating that “the fact that glucose monitoring devices, which are pretty much life-changing for diabetics, are being promoted as part of a health and wellness solution is really worrying.” De Saram emphasised that advocating for frequent blood glucose monitoring could pose risks. This is because it might encourage individuals with normally functioning pancreases to excessively monitor their blood sugar in relation to their dietary intake. While this oversim-

plifies the complexities of type one diabetes, as a diabetic herself, she said she manages her sugar levels manually by administering insulin injections. The primary goal is to prevent both excessively low and high levels to avoid severe consequences like seizures or unconsciousness and long-term health complications from elevated blood sugar. De Saram also claimed that “I fear that the normalisation of blood sugar control will lead to people hyper-fixating over keeping the graph line flat, leading to drastic and unnecessary changes to their diet — it’s another example of how technology and access to health data can take over.”

dent union. These consequences need not necessarily be financial, but the complainant must claim that they have come about as a result of an institution breaching its duty to secure free speech. The scheme will first require individuals to raise concerns with a university or student union’s own complaints scheme. Once that process is concluded, or after 30 days, they can then complain to the OfS. Complaints must be submitted within 12 months of the “adverse consequences” to which the complaint refers. The OfS would not be able to review anonymous complaints, instead requiring personal information to help them to review the complaint. However, individuals will be allowed to ask a representative

to submit a complaint on their behalf. Once the OfS has determined whether it can review a complaint, they may request further information from the complainant and the university or student union, as well as from suitable experts. They will reach a decision based on whether it appears more likely than not that the complainant has suffered adverse consequences as a result of a university or student union breaching its free speech duties. They may find a complaint wholly or partly justified, and may make recommendations to a university or student union as a result, such as recommending that they pay financial compensation. These regulations will likely have

implications for Exeter’s societies, as well as the University and Students’ Guild. A number of controversial speakers and events have been held on campus in recent years, igniting debates around how to balance free speech and safeguarding obligations. These have included Freedom Society’s talk by Carl Benjamin and Connor Tomlinson in September 2023, as well as a talk entitled “Daddy Issues: The Crisis of Fatherlessness” in 2022. There were also a petition against a talk by Dan Peña and protests against the Exeter Students for Life society during the 2021/22 academic year.

Continued on page 4

Effects of new university free speech rules revealed

Harry Craig Deputy Editor

Town vs gown: EURFC vs Exeter Chiefs Page 30

Images (top to bottom): Harry Craig, Bryan Ledgard, Flickr, Anabel Costa-Ferreira

XETER will be among the UK universities impacted by new free speech regulations set out by the Office for Students (OfS), in a new report published last month. The primary proposal is the establishment of a free speech complaints scheme, to which students, staff and visiting speakers can complain if they feel their freedom of speech has been restricted on a university campus. Individuals can raise complaints if they feel that they have suffered “adverse consequences” as a result of the actions of a university or stu-

Continued on page 4

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Devonshire House, Exeter, Devon, EX4 4PZ Editors Print: Anabel Costa-Ferreira & Livvy Mason-Myhill Online: Jamie Speka & Amelie Thompson Print Deputies: Harry Craig, Charlie Gershinson & Joshua Smith Online Deputies: Ewan Edwards & Megan Haynes editors@exepose.com Executives Finance: Willow Cracknell Social Media: Charlotte Randall Events: James Allen & Kritika Balhotra Welfare: Destiny Walsh News Editors Print: Rosie Batsford & Oliver Lamb Online: Shagnick Bhattacharya & Anna Kane news@exepose.com Features Editors Print: Henry Parker & Benedict Thompson Online: Michelle Chung & Callum Martin features@exepose.com International Editors Print: Josie Sharp Online: Agata Koralewska Comment Editors Print: Lisette Reed & Charlotte Zeyssolff Online: Charlie Oldroyd & Amy Rushton comment@exepose.com Satire Editor Print: Rosie Peters-McDonald Lifestyle Editors Print: Lucy Rawlings & Amberly Wright Online: Emily Roughton & Zoe Sperry lifestyle@exepose.com

Editorial

ELCOME back to Exeter and a belated Happy New Year! We hope that you're settling back into term well and are looking forward to the months ahead. As the deadlines suddenly seem to piling up once again, we hope you are remembering to look after yourself, take breaks and make memories (you are only at uni once after all). We cannot wait to see what lies ahead for another term of Exeposé and encourage writers to contact us if there's anything they are keen to explore this term! In News this week, we focus on concerns over a wellness app and the complexities of student nutrition. We also look at new government measures introduced to combat spiking. In Features, there's a conversation with a member of IzSoc (page 8) followed by a member of the Palestinian community (page 9). In Comment, there's a discussion about Holocaust Memorial Day (page 12) as well as the forced resignation of former Harvard president Claudine Gay (page 13), whilst Satire comments on the housing revolution of Exeter alongside the return of free money (page 14). In Exhibit, Lifestyle discusses finding balance in 'New Year, New Me' (page 16) and reflects on a decade of Veganuary (page 17).

SPA AWARDS Arts and Lit debate whether graffiti should be considered art (page 18), and writers reccommend upcoming shows at the Northcott Theatre (page 19). Music looks at albums turning 10 this year (page 20) alongside an exploration of music, memory and spatiality (page 21), and Screen reviews film adaptations of well-known stories (page 22). Tech suggests the best gadgets of 2023 (page 25) and Exetera Exetera gives advice on how to settle back into term two (page 26). Science discusses evidence suggesting the possibility of extra-terrestrial life on Enceladus (page 28). Sport reports on the recent EURFC vs Chiefs friendly at Sandy Park (page 30) as well as an insight to what the Calisthenics society has to offer in term two (page 31). As always, it's been another busy press week for us at the Exeposé office! This time covering rugby matches, avoiding dissertation discussions and attempting to preserve energy for our three consecutive press weeks! For the next few weeks keep your eye out for our special Guild Elections edition and campus crushes for the Valentine's Day issue. We hope you enjoy reading this issue and want to say a huge thanks to all our contributors and proofers.

2023 Best Publication 2023 Best Publication in the South West Images (top to bottom): Pxhere, Maddie Conlan, EtherealUnraveling, DeviantArt, Jeanpierrekepseu Wikimedia commons

COMMENT "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" PAGE 12

ARTS & LIT Genre spotlight: thriller and murder mystery PAGE 18

SCIENCE Potential new psychedelic drug to PTSD PAGE 29

SPORT 2024 sport preview PAGE 32

Livvy and Anabel Proofers: Livvy Mason-Myhill, Anabel Costa-Ferreira, Amélie Thompson, Harry Craig, Charlie Gershinson, Joshua Smith, Oliver Lamb, Maddie Conlan, Lauren Walsh, Eloise Grainger and Joseph Terry.

Arts + Lit Editors Print: Maddie Conlan & Lauren Walsh Online: Gracie Moore & Violet Berney artsandlit@exepose.com Music Editors Print: Jake Avery & Scarlett Cracknell Online: Maya Fernandes & George Warburton music@exepose.com Screen Editors Print: Emily Sara Rizzo & Kayleigh Swart Online: Jess Cadogan & Katie Matthews screen@exepose.com Tech Editor Print: Ewan Gregory & Charlie McCormack Science Editors Print: Eloise Shewring & Hannah Woodley Online: Orla Watson sciandtech@exepose.com Sport Editors Print: Eloiise Grainger & Oliver Rickwood & Ben Scott Online: Mikhail Shklover & Ceri Vaughan-Jones

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editors@exepose.com The opinions expressed in Exeposé are not necessarily those of the Exeposé Editors nor the University of Exeter Students’ Guild. While every care is taken to ensure that the information in this publication is correct and accurate, the Publisher can accept no liability for any consequential loss or damage, however caused, arising as a result of using the information printed. The Publisher cannot accept liability for any loss or damage to artwork or material submitted. The contents of this, unless stated otherwise, are copyright of the Publisher. Reproduction in any form requires the prior consent of the Publisher.

University news home and abroad Elon Musk to open university and schools in Texas

Spending on UK students back to 2011 low thanks to inflation

Recognition for Exeter professors in New Year honours

Solar energy powers Nigerian students' studies

AX filings from Elon TUDENTS in England are seeHE New Year Honours List HE installation of soMusk’s charity The Foundaing the lowest amount of money awards people who have lar panels in universition indicate plans to open spent on their education since achieved excellence in their ties across Nigeria is enaa new university in Austin, Texas. tuition fees saw a threefold increase achievement and service to matters bling students to study at night. According to Bloomberg, Musk donated in 2012, according to research from such as climate change and diplomacy. Previously, night-time study$100 million to his charity for a primary and the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS). Exeter’s winners include Peter Stott, a ing was made difficult by unreliable secondary school and will seek accreditation Undergraduate tuition fees for home climate change professor, researcher and Met electricity supplies and a reliance on for a new university. The application students have been capped at £9,250 since Office fellow, receiving an MBE for services noisy generators — which are also for the schools was filed in 2017, an increase from £9,000 in to climate science. Stott’s efforts to disperse expensive. Students are finding that October 2022 and ap2012. This has caused a real knowledge about our endangered climate the extra time available for focused proved last March. terms erosion of income, to the public have been demonstrated by studying is helping them academically. These educationwith inflation figures his book Hot Air: The Inside Story of the BatFor example, Ademola Adeniyi, a al institutions showing by 2024-25 tle Against Climate Change Denial. He believes third-year student at the University of will focus on a 13 per cent cut on that his paper concerning the 2003 European Lagos, told University World News that STEM (sciteaching in the previ- heatwave is his most impactful work, being “[i]t has significantly contributed to ence, technolous four years. Some "the first study to make a direct link between my academic progress because, with ogy, engineerhave explained this as a specific weather event and climate change." lectures filling the morning and aftering, and maths) the cause of reductions Another winner is Professor Gareth noon, the evening and night hours besubjects both thein courses offered by Stansfield, who is Pro-Vice Chancellor and came the ideal time for me to focus on oretically and practisome universities, including Executive Dean for the Faculty of Humani- studying and completing assignments.” cally, with the selection Oxford Brookes and Aberdeen. ties, Arts and Social Sciences. He has been A 2019 report by the World Bank of pupils based on merit. In November, Vice-Chancellor of awarded an OBE for his services to UK in- Group titled ‘The Impact of School Financial support for those who require it King’s College London, Dr Shitjj Kapur, re- terests in Iraq. His jointly authored book The infrastructure on Learning: A synthesis will be available through donations made to ferred to a so-called “triangle of sadness” in Future of Iraq: Dictatorship, Democracy or Division of the evidence’, found that the lack the schools. Starting with fifty students, there the current university funding mechanism. was predictive of the political unrest plagu- of a consistent electricity supply harms are plans to increase this number with time. As well as talking about the current gradu- ing Iraq today. Recently, he has completed students’ productivity and academic Previously, Musk co-founded Ad As- ate repayment system and over-reliance on a five-year project looking at approaches achievement. Solar energy has also tra in California, a school for his children income from international students paying to managing contestation in areas previ- been found to foster environmental and some children of SpaceX employees. higher fees, Kapur claimed that the fees set ously under the control of the Islamic State. responsibility in educational settings. over 12 years ago are worth just £6,000 today. Image: Duncan Hall, Wikimedia Commons

By Florence New, Tom Langley, Emily Elliott and Oliver Lamb

24 JAN 2024 | EXEPOSÉ

3 NEWS

Funding offered for Devon businesses to decarbonise Image: Roger Cornfoot, Wikimedia Commons

Antonella Perna

LTHOUGH significant efforts have been made globally to reduce carbon emissions from firms, environmentally-friendly alternatives to produce goods or services can be costly and are not always economically viable for businesses. To promote the decarbonisation of local businesses, the East Devon District Council (EDDC) has approved a new, money-saving solution. Expected to take off in spring 2024, the Carbon Action Plan (CAP) is a £207,000 package, which includes cash grants that will be supplied to firms and community groups in east Devon aiming to lower their carbon footprints. Matt Hall, the EDDC’s portfolio holder for the economy, expressed that the council’s “top priority” is helping local

Charlie Gershinson Deputy Editor

N firms towards net zero, saying, “The CAP makes great business sense because it will help businesses understand their impact on our planet, provide funding for new equipment and measure improvements… it’s a win-win opportunity.” Despite the program not launching for another few months, Hook Farm Leisure Park, a campsite located near Axminster, has already made a significant

step towards decarbonisation, reducing energy consumption with an air-source heat pump and installing a water-saving facility, achieving this with the aid of a £21,000 grant from the EDDC. The owner, John Bearman, declared that his business is being saved about £3,000 a year through the installation of these two new appliances, and that they would “significantly reduce [the business's] use of carbon energy.”

Wild camping on Dartmoor subject to new court case Joshua Smith Deputy Editor

HE right to wild camp on Dartmoor is under threat again. Alexander Darwall, the hedge-fund manager who owns the 4000-acre Blachford estate on southern Dartmoor, was granted permission by the Supreme Court to challenge the decision in favour of the National Park Authority to allow wild camping on the national park last year. Camping has been assumed to be allowed under the Dartmoor Commons Act since 1985, and until a judge ruled otherwise last year in a now overturned verdict. The legal battle in last year’s trial focused on one tricky debate: whether wild camping constituted open-air recreation. Darwall’s lawyers argued that it did not, since when camping one is merely sleeping, not enjoying a particular activity. Darwall has owned the Blatchford estate since 2013, and he offers pheasant shoots, deerstalking and holiday rentals on the land. His attempts to ban wild camping on the estate without his permission sparked a huge protest movement which engaged in protests on the moors, and even tried to raise the ancient spirit of Old Crockern, the

Many international students now unable to bring dependants to the UK

guardian spirit of Dartmoor. It also awakened a land right debate, which the Labour Party weighed in on, initially stating that it would legislate for a right to wild camp, but then appearing to U-turn on that decision, a common feature in their policy making. Lewis Winks, an activist part of the Stars Are For Everyone campaign, stated to The Guardian that “the loss of our cherished right to sleep under the stars on Dartmoor ignited a passionate and broad movement for greater land rights in England. This news is confirmation that reform is both needed and inevitable, and will act as a clarion call to all those who

wish for generations to come to enjoy these fundamental freedoms.” The initial case and overturned Court of Appeal verdict were diametrically opposed. The first, ruling in favour of the landowners, found that the wording of the Commons Act “unambiguously excluded a right to camp on Dartmoor.” The latter, ruling in favour of the Dartmoor National Park Authority, found that it “unambiguously included a right to wild camp.” The Supreme Court will now determine once and for all on this issue, namely “whether members of the public enjoy a right to camp on the Dartmoor commons again,” it stated. Image: Will Richards, Flickr

EW rules implemented by the UK government at the beginning of the year have created more stringent rules for international students studying at British universities. These policies relate to the restrictions on international students bringing family members to the UK on a student visa. As of the 1st January, only students who are studying postgraduate research courses, a doctoral course or government-funded courses are able to bring dependants to the UK while undertaking their course. Previously, any international student was able to bring dependants to the UK, regardless of which course they read. It is expected that this will mainly affect students studying a postgraduate taught course. This is part of a drive by the government to lower overall migration (both legally and illegally), with the government hoping that this change would see a decrease of 140,000 overall, according to Sky News. Over recent years, there has been a dramatic rise in the number of visas issued for dependants of foreign students. Last year, 136,000 visas were issued for this purpose compared to only 16,000 in 2019. Home Secretary James Cleverly welcomed the new rules, saying that the government has, “set out a tough plan to rapidly bring numbers down, control our borders and prevent people from manipulating our immigration system.” Meanwhile, his opposite from the Labour Party — Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper — supported a plan to restrict international students from bringing dependants for Image:Tom Page, Wonkhe

shorter courses but criticised the government’s policy as “nothing more than a sticking plaster.” The plans have been criticised by international students studying in the UK. Varsity, the University of Cambridge’s student newspaper, have reported on students feeling the scheme is “unfair,” saying “they chose to study here based on the old rules but now they are changing.” Some students fear that this will lead to families being forced to separate. Similarly, the government have discussed further salary thresholds for family visas. Before the new year, there were proposals for migrants to have to earn £38,700 per year — higher than the median wage in the UK — from this spring, from the current threshold of £18,600. This figure has since been abandoned but there are still proposed plans to significantly increase the current threshold in stages, finishing by early 2025. When asked for comment, a spokesperson from the University said of the new visa rules for dependants, “We understand that students and staff alike have concerns regarding the planned changes to immigration policy announced in the Home Secretary’s Statement to Parliament in December. Both Universities UK and the Russell Group are in dialogue with the UK Government about the possible impact of those changes. The University of Exeter is working with colleagues across the sector, including Universities UK, to ensure that any changes do not adversely impact the sector’s ability to welcome and keep the very best staff and students from around the world. We will continue to communicate with our community as these changes go forward, and anyone who needs advice on how the new rules will affect them should contact visaadvice@exeter.ac.uk."

4 NEWS

24 JAN 2024 | EXEPOSÉ

“We are sold simple solutions by corporations that can have a large price tag” THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS CONTENT RELATING TO EATING DISORDERS WHICH SOME READERS MAY FIND DISTRESSING

ITH regards to the marketisation of ‘wellness’ apps and devices, de Saram illustrated that she is deeply concerned by this, and that “we are sold simple solutions by corporations that can have a large price tag put on them.” In response to the rise of wellness trends on social media, de Saram disclosed that individuals face considerable pressure to conform to specific appearance standards, engage in particular workout routines, and adopt specific dietary habits. Nevertheless, de Saram observed a counter-movement against these expectations in the content that she has come across in the past. One trend that de Saram particularly appreciated is the concept of ‘cosy cardio’ and she intentionally chose to follow only those whose content genuinely interests her. She then went on to say: “but it’s a result of this hustle culture forced upon us where productivity seems to be key — it’s hard to resist that though, especially in the cost of living crisis.” Discussing what more the University and the Guild can do to support students who either have diabetes or are struggling with an eating disorder, de Saram illuminated that the University has “good individualised support for people with eating disorders, but I think sometimes support can come more holistically.” She particularly honed in on the benefits of the £2 meal campaign, being accessible to students by offering affordable food on campus, and hopes it will help people who might struggle to prepare hot meals. She also indicated that she thinks “the

University may underestimate the importance of affordable food provision.” Local nutritionist Anne Richardson, who specialises in eating disorders, said in an interview with Exeposé that she took part in the study when it initially launched in 2020, and used this to track COVID-19 symptoms, which she found “quite useful.” However, presently she does not take part, and is cautious of both the price of the tests and users being able to track their own blood levels. “I genuinely believe that they have good intentions,” she said, as an advocate for a healthy, varied diet “where it is accessible to you.” Richardson believes that they do not intend to create eating disorders (indeed, the app does not contain calorie counting metrics, and no foods are off limits for users) but concludes that people with or with a history of eating difficulties and disorders are more likely to turn to such a study to track the levels of sugar and fat in their bodies. She adds that glucose monitors embellished by the name Zoe are being used as a “badge of honour by influencers”; describing this test on non-diabetics as “micromanaging something working very well on its own… your body will tell you when something is not quite right, you don’t need a machine.” The campaign against ultra-processed foods is one that has become extremely prevalent in the health and nutrition industry in recent years. Whilst the risks of overconsumption of these foods have been known subconsciously for many years, recent BBC documentaries by Doctor Chris Van Tulleken and new studies have stressed the impacts that these foods can cause if not consumed as a part of a healthy, varied diet. Yet, as Richardson reveals, many untrained influencers and ‘coaches’ also seem to be taking part in this movement. Celebrities such as entrepreneur

Stephen Bartlett, who has invested $2.5 million into the project, and Davina McCall both appear in promotional materials showing off their Zoe glucose monitors. Such celebrity and influencer endorsement ultimately reflects the price of the service: a 12-month subscription requires £299.88 upfront cost followed by £24.99 monthly payments. Such capitalisation of individuals’ nutrition can be seen as a backwards step in the promotion of a healthy diet that reduces ultra-processed foods. Through entrenching such a service in the upper and middle classes, the nutritional needs of all individuals from a range of socioeconomic backgrounds is seemingly dismissed. Not to mention the privatisation and marketisation of CGMs, as de Saram highlights. A study last year from Diabetes UK found that poor diabetes care may have been behind 7,000 excess deaths in 2022. Evidently, a personalised nutrition programme goes against the student nutritional stereotype of pot noodles, pasta and vodka. But below the surface, students, just like individuals and families of a low-income background, often do not have the time nor the money to spend to completely or partially remove ultra-processed foods from their diet. Following a recent journo request of 10 people conducted by Exeposé, students have expressed their reactions to the University’s support for students struggling with eating disorders. When asked whether they would know who to contact for support, many of the students that were asked stated that they had been in contact with the University’s wellbeing team to gain support regarding struggles with eating disorders. Of those students asked, they also suggested that the University’s wellbeing services got back to them “very quickly”. Yet one student did

highlight that they had “several phone calls within the following few days. Though to get an appointment it was about a month.” The students asked within the journo request had mixed responses to how the University’s support has been. Some of the students stated that the support was “non existent”, “not very helpful… as it is student led” and that “it was good at the start but stopped quite soon.” In particular, a student indicated that during their time at the University, they had been in contact with the University’s support services for two weeks and yet they “still haven’t received any help.” Another student explained that they had been given appointments for a month “and then they stopped quite quickly.” Also a student suggested that the University was “really good and saw me frequently for physical health monitoring” but “in terms of wellbeing support, it was not as good.” Other students were pleased with the support they received, praising how the University “directs you to the NHS and wellbeing people who are more trained to discuss these issues” and how “the community support is really stretched so the University is really good at supporting students as soon as they suspect a problem.” When students were asked whether they were aware of the Zoe app, some students shared their attitudes towards it. One student shared that they think the app “is important for those who it was designed for but there can be people who will misuse it which will be negative for those who need it most.” Another student commented that they “strongly disagree with it” and that they think “it is causing society to become obsessed with quantifying our health and nutrition.” Yet, Richardson strongly believes that “you can eat well as a student.” When asked

for tips on how students can stay healthy through their nutrition at university, she prefaces that “our bodies are resilient,” and to simply “do the best that you can and enjoy student life.” She recommends finding the coveted reduced hours at the supermarkets to buy fresh food (a not so best-kept secret amongst students), and to “use and abuse the freezer,” explaining that products such as frozen fruit and onions are often great time-savers, last longer and are cheaper than their fresh counterparts. Her key piece of advice: “don’t make an enemy of good — it can’t be perfect.” The University have signposted that there is a weekly Uni Updates bulletin featuring the Exeter campuses’ Eating Difficulties Peer Support Group, which is sponsored by the Guild. The updates contain the following details, which are also available: Mondays, 18:00–19:00, Streatham Campus, Room F Queen’s Building. A welcoming, secure, and judgement-free atmosphere for students who struggle with eating disorders. Students are also encouraged to visit their Instagram account, @ edpeersupportexeter, for more details and session updates, or send them an email at edpeersupport@groups.exeterguild.com. A spokesperson from the University of Exeter has stated that their overriding priority is the safety and wellbeing of their staff and students. The University has also explained that “Wellbeing Services offers a range of support to students experiencing eating difficulties, including advice, reasonable adjustments, and psychoeducation. Our team works closely with health professionals in the NHS, including the Student Health Centre and DPT’s Community Eating Disorder Service, to support students to access further assessment where medical care or specialist intervention is required.”

“Free speech is... a cornerstone of democracy”

XEPOSÉ can also reveal that an independent group of postgraduate students were forced to postpone a panel event entitled “Deadly Research: Palestine and the Militarisation of University Research” last month, in order for the University to conduct its event approval process. A spokesperson for the University of Exeter said: “the University is committed to the protection of freedom of speech and academic freedom. Events… will go ahead providing they are within the law and held in a safe and considerate manner.” “All events are subject to a robust approval process, to ensure the appropriate mitigations can be put in place if necessary. Events that do not comply with this process may be postponed until the correct procedures have been followed.” A Freedom of Information request by Exeposé found that very few student-run events have faced restrictions. Between the 2018/19

and 2022/23 academic years, just 45 events run by registered student groups and societies were escalated to “Events of Concern”, and none of these were ultimately refused permission. Similarly, no events run by non-registered groups or individuals were refused permission to go ahead. A representative from Debating Society stated that they believed that “both the Guild and the University have been far better than most around the country at protecting free speech,” noting, for example, their handling of the Dan Peña event. This mirrored the views of one third-year student, who stated that, “as far as I’m aware, the University and Guild aren’t too restrictive on freedom of speech and outside speakers.” The Debating Society representative also praised the 2023 Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act, which “has stopped the University from being able to force us to pay for security for an event, made [the University] include us more in the decision-making process… and

forced [the University] to offer us suggestions and comments rather than requirements to run the event.” The Green Party Society similarly welcomed the OfS plans, with president Thomas Richardson stating that “free speech is not only an important asset to university campuses, but a cornerstone of a democracy.” However, they urged the OfS to “make sure guidance on what constitutes hate speech is clear, to ensure discrimination stays off campuses” and that “external speakers who express unlawful speech should not be given a platform at this university.” This echoed the fears of another third-year student, who told Exeposé that they feared individuals would “abuse this complaint process to push hate speech in their societies and to bully those who are vulnerable.” The report also proposes that the OfS regulate student unions for the first time. They intend to compile and publish a list of relevant student unions that they will

monitor and regulate as per its free speech complaints scheme. Student unions will be required to maintain a code of practice to secure legal free speech, and if the OfS deems that a union is failing, they may impose certain recommendations. Representatives from both Debating Society and the Green Party Society praised the Guild for its existing policies towards events, speakers and free speech. The Debating Society representative stated that “they have a much better understanding [than the University] of what is actually likely to cause controversy and what issues could arise, and are more willing to directly communicate with us.” However, the Green Party Society urged the Guild to “consider reforming the process of approving external speakers, as currently it is long and inflexible.” In response, the Guild told Exeposé that: “we work closely with student groups to regularly support and facilitate events on campus, particularly with external speakers,

and we believe we provide a flexible and supportive framework. Our framework promotes and protects the right to freedom of expression, whilst also helping to ensure activity does not interfere with or deprive other people of their rights in accordance with all relevant legislation.” The Labour Society, Conservative Association, Liberal Democrat Society, Freedom Society and Socialist Students Society were also contacted for comment by Exeposé, but did not respond at time of publication. The OfS are currently running a consultation on the report on its website, which students, staff and students union representatives can respond to. The consultation deadline is the 10th March, with the scheme aiming to launch on the 1st August. The Students’ Guild is currently engaging with the OfS consultation, but “feel the Guild’s existing approach provides a strong framework to meet the requirements of the new legislation.”

5 NEWS

24 JAN 2024 | EXEPOSÉ

Government introduces new measures to combat spiking Harry Craig Deputy Editor THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS CONTENT RELATING TO SPIKING WHICH SOME READERS MAY FIND DISTRESSING

HE government has introduced a raft of new measures to clamp down on spiking, to be implemented in nightclubs and venues. The primary change has been introduced in the Criminal Justice Bill, presented to the House of Commons last November. This sets out a clear, unequivocal legal definition of spiking for the first time. However, it stops short of making spiking a specific offence, after the government claimed last year that it was already illegal under existing legislation and thus a specific law was not necessary. The government hopes that this will give victims greater confidence to come forward, increase public awareness of the crime, and enforce that perpetrators face up to 10 years in prison. The tightening of the law around spiking addresses many of the concerns raised by Exeter students, with multiple students noting the necessity to “make the criminal offence more harsh.”

The law around spiking addresses many of the concerns raised by Exeter students Some may feel, however, that the legal changes do not go far enough. Some students called on the government to introduce “rigorous standardised procedures in place across venues” and “enforce legal requirements for nightclubs to have better security,” which is

not covered in these measures. The Home Office will now require all licensees, such as pubs, clubs and bars, to prevent incidents of spiking, and local licensing policies must consider the prevalence and reporting of sexual harassment and violence against women. Similarly, £250,000 of funding has been announced for a training programme for staff in the nighttime economy. This aims to raise awareness, help spot the signs of spiking, and provide guidance on how to support victims, prevent spiking and contact the police. There will be additional funding into research on spiking testing kits. The National Police Chiefs Council also plans to launch intensive operations to tackle spiking during key weeks, such as Freshers’ Week. Alongside this, a number of tools to aid the public will be introduced. This includes an online spiking tool to make it easier to anonymously report suspected spiking incidents. A spiking guidance and advice toolkit will contain resources and signposting on what spiking is, and how to report it and support victims. Victims and Safeguarding Minister Laura Farris reacted to the changes by saying: “spiking is an insidious and predatory act which is already illegal under existing laws. We are amending legislation to make the offence explicit and capture the modern day nature of the threat… We are sending a clear message that perpetrators of this crime should expect to be caught and face justice.” This comes over two years after student groups across the country organised the “Girls Night In” in October 2021, to demand action against spiking. A parliamentary petition calling for the government to make it a legal requirement for nightclubs to search guests on arrival was signed by over 170,000

Images: Malagalabombanera, Wikiemedia Commons

people, leading to a parliamentary debate in November 2021. Another debate followed in January 2023, after two petitions called on the government to fund free drink spiking test kits for all bars, and to force nightclubs to search guests. Almost 85 per cent of the 33 students polled by Exeposé were found to either have been a victim of, have witnessed, or know someone who has been a victim of spiking, and an overwhelming majority felt that neither the government nor Exeter’s nightclubs do enough to prevent spiking. The government will hope that these new measures go some way to alleviate these concerns. However, there remain areas of concern for students not covered in this announcement. Students surveyed by Exeposé also called for improvements to CCTV requirements, for example. Students also put onus on Exeter’s

clubs themselves, as many called for more thorough bag checks and cup covers to be offered. Some also felt there was an issue of nightclubs not taking suspected spiking incidents seriously enough, with one student commenting that clubs needed to “get rid of the stigma that spiking is the victim’s fault for being vulnerable or irresponsible.” Exeposé contacted Timepiece, Unit 1, Fever, Cavern, Zinc and Turk’s Head for comment on the new legislation, but received no response at the time of publication. Although most students felt that spiking was primarily an issue for venues and the government, some felt that the University should be more proactive. One student commented that, “Help is almost impossible when you have a problem with spiking, and the fact there is no clear route to seek help via the University is disgraceful.” A spokesperson for the

University of Exeter responded: “the safety and welfare of all our students is our overriding priority. While instances of spiking in Exeter are very low, any incident is unacceptable and we are committed to doing all we can to raise awareness and support throughout our community.” The Guild also welcomed the government’s amendments to legislation on drink spiking, stating that: “we take night safety very seriously and have been working with the University and the City Council to ensure your safety on nights out.” For those affected by spiking, the University and Guild provide drink testing strips, bottle stoppers and passive alarms free of charge to students, at accommodation receptions, the Sports Park, the Ram and Devonshire House. Those affected can also contact the University's Wellbeing Services for further support.

Man who raped Exeter student sentenced to eight years Oliver Lamb News Editor THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS CONTENT RELATING TO RAPE WHICH SOME READERS MAY FIND DISTRESSING

N the 12th January, Adam Mohammed was sentenced to eight years in prison for raping a University of Exeter student. He was convicted in Exeter Crown Court last June. The rape took place in student accommodation in March 2021.

Mohammed will be up for release on licence after two-thirds of his sentence, but will remain on the Sex Offenders Register for life. Judge David Evans presided over the sentencing, which was postponed five times. Feeling ill at a party, the victim went to bed around midnight and left her door open so her friends could check on her. Mohammed had gone to campus hoping to meet a woman at a party. Posing as a Master’s student, he made sexual comments throughout the night, and began to rape the victim while

she slept. After initially freezing, she pushed him off and ran to a friend’s room. Later she moved out of her room due to trauma. Mohammed, who was arrested on Prince of Wales Road later that night, denied the charge. However, his DNA was found on the victim’s clothes; he claimed this was from a drinking game, but witnesses deny such a game took place. He was also found with money taken from the victim’s room. He fled the Sudanese Civil War in 2016, aged 16. While facing the rape charge he was

granted indefinite leave to remain. In January 2022 he committed battery outside an Exeter nightclub. Devon and Cornwall Police’s Detective Constable Alex Powe said, "I am pleased that he will now serve a considerable amount of time in prison where he can no longer be a threat to women. I am incredibly grateful to the victim and her friends for the courage they have shown and their tenacity to bring this offender to justice." A spokesperson for the University of Exeter said: “We are appalled by the nature of this

crime. The safety and wellbeing of everyone on our campuses is always our highest priority, and our overriding concern has been, and remains, to provide support and assistance to those involved. While instances such as this are extremely rare in Exeter and nationwide, the University has a wide range of welfare services and procedures in place to support anyone who has been a victim of crime.” If you are affected by the issues raised in this article, please contact the University's Wellbeing Services for further support.

6 NEWS

24 JAN 2024 | EXEPOSÉ

Exeter Prison makes limited progress on inmate safety Anabel Costa-Ferreira Editor-in-Chief

OLLOWING its last inspection in November 2022, concerns have been raised surrounding Exeter Prison’s lack of progress, as it still has one of the highest rates of violence between adult male prisoners in England and Wales. Despite concerns previously raised and what the inspection report called the governor’s clear vision and improvements, Exeter Prison has appeared to struggle to implement these changes. As of 2022, HM Inspectorate of Prisons identified seven areas for concern, detailing the risk of overcrowding and a lack of stable leadership. More recently,

it has been reported that reasonable progress has only been made in three and insufficient progress in four. In response, the Prison states it would do “whatever is required” to ensure safety, yet the Inspectorate’s reports detail how managers were slow to respond to these concerns. For instance, the instability of leadership continued following the inspection, as the Prison has seen three governors, eight deputy governors and finally a further eight heads of safety. The report also claims that the level of violence at the Prison was high and leaders were unaware of many of the causes. The investigation into these incidents was found by the report to be inadequate, suggesting the lack of an action plan to identify and reduce violence likely

caused progress to remain fragile. However, some “notable positive practice” has been identified by the prison watchdog. There is reference to an A-Z safety guide developed for staff, as well as a safety summit for staff to improve their overall ability to support inmates. Another concerning finding is that while the Prison is built for 317 inmates, government figures indicate that it currently holds 560. In response to recent findings, HMP Exeter said that “widespread refurbishment is under way and extra teaching staff have been recruited” as they “know there is still work to be done to achieve the real and lasting change this prison needs and will do whatever is required to improve the safety of staff and prisoners."

Image: Julian Dunn, Wikimedia Commons

University in the midst of multi-million pound building campaign Charlie Gershinson Deputy Editor

HE University of Exeter is set to spend over £16 million on the construction of several new buildings which have recently been completed or are still being built. According to figures revealed to Exeposé through a Freedom of Information (FOI) request, the University has spent £16.4 million building new facili-

ties including the Multi-Faith Centre and the Centre for Resilience, Environment, Waste and Water (CREWW). The Multi Faith centre is currently being constructed at the back of the Forum and limiting access to Poole Gate Road — which leads to the Old Library and the Bill Douglas Cinema Museum — for pedestrians. The University currently estimates that the centre will cost £6.3 million. It is due to be completed in summer 2024. The Multi Faith Centre will replace rooms in the Old Library which are cur-

Image: University of Exeter

rently dedicated as multi-faith spaces. The new Centre will include a 50-person Muslim prayer space and areas for quiet prayer and reflection. A spokesperson for the University has said that the Centre “aims to be a focal point for our community, where multi-faith activities and events will take place that promote respect, community and inclusion.” The CREWW building opened in autumn 2023 at a final cost of £10.1 million. The original reported estimated cost was £9 million, making it around £1 million over budget. The building was funded only partly by the University at around 40 per cent. The rest of the capital came from the UK government at 30 per cent while the other 30 per cent was sourced from South West Water. The University has described the CREWW building as “the first purpose built, NetZero-in-Operation research centre in the water sector and is leading pivotal interdisciplinary research to discover solutions that will make a difference to peoples’ lives and protect the future of water systems in the South West, the UK and on a global scale.” This has been done

through “significant investment from both the University and South West Water.” Separately, South West Water has come under considerable criticism in recent years due to the amount of sewage and waste it has discharged into local rivers and seas. In April 2023, The Guardian reported that South West Water had been fined £2.15 million for “harmful sewage discharges” being deposited in Lostwithiel, Kilmington, Torpoint and Crediton between July 2016 and August 2020. The placement of the CREWW building on North Park Road opposite the Harrison Building has been criticised by some students. One student who reached out to Exeposé said that the building has “blocked the shortcut from Amory to Harrison, meaning when I’ve had back-to-back lectures I have to go a longer route at much higher speed which has been very frustrating.” The same student also said they had “no idea what the purpose of the new building [was].” Another recently completed facility is the Centre for Degree Partnerships, which also opened earlier in the academic year. The facility will be used

for students studying under apprenticeship schemes with around 20 per cent of their time studying and 80 per cent working. The Centre currently caters for 2900 apprentices with hopes to increase capacity to 5000 by 2030. The Centre was opened by Education Secretary Gillian Keegan who credited similar programmes for her own success, saying, “I am pretty sure I would not be the Education Secretary for England if I had not done my degree apprenticeship.” The University hopes to use the Centre as “a new learning facility to support skills growth for students and employers.” Commenting more generally on the recent capital projects, the University has said, “We continue to invest in our campuses to improve our research, teaching and student experience spaces. We aim to provide facilities that allow our researchers to achieve pioneering discoveries that have global impact. As well as provide our students with teaching and student experience spaces that allow them to grow their skills and knowledge effectively to achieve their goals and career prospects, in a supportive and nurturing environment.”

numbers again began to increase, to 174 undergraduates courses, including BSc Physics and Astrophysics, BA Classical Studies and BA Philosophy and Politics. These numbers then decreased again in 2022, to 102 undergraduate courses with the lowest number of academic misconduct referrals including BA Drama, BSc Mathematics with Management and BA Art History & Visual Culture. Additionally, the University also revealed to Exeposé the names of the undergraduate courses with the highest referrals/findings of academic misconduct of any kind. In 2018 and 2019 BSc Psychology was the undergraduate course with the highest recorded referrals of academic misconduct. Then, from 2020 to 2022 LLB Law had the highest level of academic misconduct referrals recorded. The University explained in the FOI that in case of concerns about academic misconduct in a student’s work, the marking process is halted, and a temporary

misconduct flag is placed on the affected assessment. They also indicated that no mark is recorded during this phase. The University further established that after the misconduct investigation, three outcomes are possible: the assessment is written off as a penalty, conduct issues are corrected, and the assessment is released for marking, or, if no misconduct is found, the assessment is returned to the marking process. The final marks achieved in assessments that proceed to be marked, regardless of potential misconduct, are not recorded, and neither staff members nor teams document the outcomes. When addressing issues focused on AI-related plagiarism cases the University indicated that the inappropriate use of an AI generative tool, while potentially constituting plagiarism, fabrication, or misrepresentation, is not automatically considered an offense. As such, the involvement of AI in students’ academic conduct is not explicitly documented

within the University’s system. The nature of the misuse determines whether it falls under plagiarism, fabrication, or misrepresentation, and it is assessed on a case-by-case basis rather than being automatically labelled as an offence. A spokesperson from the University has stated that: “the University takes any instances of academic misconduct very seriously and expects everyone to behave in a manner which upholds the principles of academic honesty.” The University has also suggested that academic honesty is essential to the ideals the university upholds, and no one should be allowed to use any tactic to gain an unfair advantage. The University further signposted that they uphold strict procedures and principles in relation to allegations of academic misconduct which they have published online. The spokesperson finally explained that the FOI showed an increase in referrals, while staff and students adjusted to the move to online assessments.”

Academic misconduct at the University of Exeter surges Livvy Mason-Myhill Editor-in-Chief

COMPREHENSIVE investigation by Exeposé, utilising a Freedom of Information (FOI) request, has brought to light a significant surge in academic misconduct referrals at the University of Exeter from 2018 to 2022. The data, inclusive of various forms of misconduct and not limited to plagiarism, shows an alarming 189.9 per cent increase during this period. This rise has been attributed, in part, to the transition to online assessments, prompting an influx of cases, according to the University. Plagiarism-related data for 2023 is pending until early 2025, allowing completion of the appeals process. In 2018, there was a total of 463 cases of academic misconduct, which then increased to 584 cases in 2019. These numbers saw a slight decrease in

2020 with 548 cases reported. However, these numbers again increased with 630 cases of academic misconduct reported in 2021 and 1342 cases in 2022. The University also shared with Exeposé the results of the undergraduate courses with the lowest number of academic misconducts. In 2018, 95 undergraduate courses had the lowest volume of referrals/findings of academic misconduct. This included BSc Neuroscience, BSc Economics, BA Liberal Arts and BSc Natural Science. In 2019, there were 124 undergraduate courses with the lowest number of academic misconducts reported, including BSc Exercise and Sport Sciences, BSc International Relations, BA Film Studies and BSc Geography. In 2020 these numbers dipped to 83 undergraduate courses having the lowest number of academic misconduct referrals with courses including BSc Business Studies, BSc Medical Sciences and BA Philosophy. In 2021 these

24 JAN 2024| EXEPOSÉ

Features

FEATURES EDITORS: Benedict Thompson Henry Parker

In conversation with IzSoc: Rojin-Sena Cantay

Benedict Thompson and Henry Parker, Features Editors, speak to Rojin-Sena Cantay about the fallout of 7th October

HEY may be far away from the frontlines, but the ongoing conflict in Gaza is still having an effect on students here in Exeter. They too are impacted by the war. In an effort to reach out to students with different perspectives on the Gaza conflict, Benedict Thompson and Henry Parker have spoken to Rojin-Sena from IzSoc to discuss how the conflict has impacted students. É: Could you tell us a bit about yourself and your background? RSC: I am from Mizrachi decent. After witnessing serious levels of Jew hatred I decided to research and find out more on Zionism. Growing up my mum had always helped me understand the conflict not just from a Jewish perspective but from one focused on bridging between communities to find dialogue and peace.

After witnessing serious levels of Jew hatred I decided to research and find out more on Zionism É: Do you have family in Israel? And if so, how were they affected by the 7th October attack? Image: Ted Eytan, Flickr

RSC: I do not have family in Israel, but I have lots of friends who have experienced a tough two months. Without skipping, I would like to add that the Jewish community in Israel — which is at war — have expressed they feel safer [there] than they would anywhere else in the world which is something that says a lot about the global surge in antisemitism. É: Has Israel made its best efforts to limit civilian casualties in its response to the 7th October attacks? RSC: Israel has done everything in their power to limit civilian casualties. Flyers posted all around Gaza to evacuate civilians, only targeting certain floors of buildings or having lawyers assist in IDF activity. No other country including the UK and US would have put so much effort in trying to limit civilian casualties after the 7th October. The question to be asked here is why people are silent to Hamas using Palestinian children and civilians as human shields resulting in the death of those people. If the world keeps pretending they care for Palestinian lives without condemning Hamas then they simply do not care about Palestinians but only about finding a way to attack Israel. É: How do you interpret the phrase “From the river to the sea”?

RSC: This is a representation for the world to see what Israel has been dealing with for the past 75 years. The phrase “from the river to the sea” does not mean that Palestinians want a twostate solution in peace with Jewish neighbours, it means that they want to wipe Israel off the map and create a Jew-free state just like they have done in Gaza. There are no Jews living in Gaza while over two million Muslims live in complete freedom in Israel. A Muslim judge can send a Jewish prime minister to prison in Israel but this will never be the other way round in Gaza.

The phrase “from the river to the sea” [...] means that they want to wipe Israel off the map and create a Jew free state É: Could you explain the distinction between a ceasefire and a humanitarian pause? RSC: Asking a state that is acting in self-defence to agree to a ceasefire before its lawful defensive objectives have been met is asking it to stop defending itself. It is ridiculous to ask Israel to agree to a ceasefire when Hamas does not and have vowed and

Image: Provisional Council of State Proclamation of the Flag of the State of Israel, Wikimedia Commons

shown during the humanitarian pauses, they will carry on doing what they are. Humanitarian pauses have ensured that some Israeli innocent kidnapped civilians could come home to their families. On the other hand, Hamas broke the pause with more rockets thrown into Israel and also asked for terrorists in Israeli prisons to be released. This was unfair on all grounds as on one hand we had innocent people kidnapped and the other, murderers of Jewish women and children, attempted suicide bombers and rapists released. É: What do you believe Israel intend to do with Gaza once and if Israeli troops fully take control of the region? RSC: Just like everyone I will also find out what Israel will do with Gaza. For a peaceful future for Palestinians and Israelis, Gaza must be terror- and Hamas-free where children are not educated to hate on Jews in schools and given opportunity through the international aid which currently only seems to be going to Hamas. É: Does Hamas have to be condemned as part of a longterm peace process or do we have to open dialogue with them? RSC: Hamas has shown that no dialogue with them can be made on the 7th October. For a long-term peace process the world needs to recognise that Israel is the one that has attempted peace multiple times while Palestinians have rejected it. This is on the grounds that they do not want to live side-by-side in peace with Jews. É: How do you think the international response has been? Do you think the support has been good?

RSC: When looking at the international response it is clear that as much as the media wants to show us Jews and Zionists as being alone that we are not. The majority has remained silent — looking at my own friends — but I know that we are in the majority and we have the support of the world to keep fighting for what is right and championing Israel as the only democracy in the Middle East. É: How well do they think the media in this country has handled reporting on the conflict? Has it been fair to both sides? RSC: As we have seen over the last few weeks media has been ridiculously incorrect and biased in their reporting on the war. The BBC have apologised for their errors but also on a campus level, much of the time Jewish voices have been silenced under the cover that “you do not know enough about the conflict.” It seems that you don’t know enough only when it comes to the Israeli side…

Jewish voices have been silenced under the cover that ‘you do not know enough about the conflict’ É: How do you make peace with the Palestinians to strive for long-term peace? RSC: This is a question that can be made very difficult and complex to answer but very fundamentally as Golda Meir said: “Peace will come when the Arabs love their children more than they hate us”. This interview was conducted on 13th December 2023.

24 JAN 2024 | EXEPOSÉ

9 FEATURES

In conversation with Zarefah Baroud

Benedict Thompson, Features Editor, speaks to Exeter PhD candidate Zarefah Baroud about the fallout of 7th October Image: Noob251, Wikimedia Commons

HE fallout from the conflict has had an effect on people all over the world. Benedict Thompson also sat down with Zaferah Baroud to discuss how the Gaza conflict has impacted Palestinian students at University of Exeter. She is a member of the European Centre for Palestine Studies, American Muslims for Palestine and the Americans for Justice in Palestine. Baroud shares her experiences in Gaza and gives her reaction to the ongoing conflict. É: Could you tell us a bit about yourself and your background? ZB: I am a PhD candidate at the University of Exeter’s European Centre for Palestine Studies. I’m 25 and I am based in Seattle, Washington, USA. However, much of my family still currently lives in the Gaza Strip. É: What do you remember of your experiences when you visited the Gaza Strip last year? ZB: It was an emotionally overwhelming and transformative experience to visit the land where my father was born and raised and meet a great deal of my family for the first time. In many ways, it was the first occasion in my life where I experienced a true sense of belonging. I remember the kindness and gentleness of people, the incredible food, but also the salty showers, the stomach illness from polluted water, and the suffering that plagued so many people’s lives. É: Did you encounter any refugee camps in the Gaza region when you visited? What were these experiences like if so? ZB: I spent time with my uncle Ibrahim in the Shati refugee camp in the north of Gaza. Despite being our first time meeting, the whole family embraced me with such warmth. Even with their little means, they showered me with gifts and food. Services to the camp are limited, like water, and this was before the bombardment began. Most of the refugees in Gaza rely on food aid from UNRWA amongst other aid organisations. The

home that I visited in Shati has now been completely flattened, with cousins and an uncle that I met that day being massacred. My aunt, uncle Ibrahim’s wife, had her back and both of her legs broken in the bombing. É: Can you tell me a bit about your family in Gaza; are they currently trapped in the Gaza Strip? ZB: I have many close and distant relatives living in Gaza. As a result of the Israeli siege and blockade on the Strip, many of them have never travelled in their lives. Now, they are especially trapped. É: Has your family always lived in Palestine? Did they experience dispossession after 1948? ZB: My family is originally from a small village north of Gaza called Beit Daras. In 1948, my grandparents were expelled to Gaza by Zionist militias who invaded the village, massacring many of its residents. They fled to Nuseirat camp in Gaza where they would live, many until now, waiting to return home.

In 1948, my grandparents were expelled to Gaza by Zionist militias who invaded the village, massacring many of its residents É: [What are] your views on Israel’s evacuation order for northern Gaza? Is there a sense of confusion over where Palestinian civilians are supposed to evacuate to, given that Egypt and other Arab countries are unwilling to take in Palestinian refugees? ZB: Israel’s so-called evacuation order was in fact an attempt to displace and expel large portions of the Palestinian population, advancing the ongoing ethnic cleansing project which they began in 1948. As of now, over half of Gaza’s population has been made refugees once again as a result of these orders and the mass destruction of homes. É: This leads onto a question on the response of Arabic countries. Jordan’s King Abdullah II has

stated “No refugees in Jordan, no refugees in Egypt”, while Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has stated “It is important that the [Palestinian] people remain steadfast and present on their land”, both on the basis that it will cause chaos in their regions. [What are] your thoughts on their responses? ZB: The issue is not necessarily an issue of causing chaos in the region but that of mass displacement. For decades, Israel has had an expectation that ‘surrounding Arab countries’ absorb the Arabs of Palestine as if Palestinians have no rightful claim to Palestine. The majority of Palestinians in Gaza have no interest in leaving their land and giving into Israel’s wishes of ethnically cleansing to totality of historic Palestine. Again, this must be understood within the proper context. 70 per cent of Gaza is made up of Palestinian refugees and their descendants who were displaced during the Nakba (the Catastrophe) in 1948, Israel’s initial ethnic cleansing operation. That is precisely why many Palestinians in the north held out for as long

as they could, refusing to leave their homes and their land out of fear of being made refugees for a second time. É: What do you think of the media’s response to what is going on in the Gaza conflict, particularly given that Al-Jazeera is under threat by Israel in shutting down their coverage within Gaza? Are some things being ignored? ZB: Traditional/mainstream media has largely reacted the way that it always has, following the talking points of the US State Department. However, social media has effectively exposed the crimes Israel has committed in Gaza, showing to the world the reality of the siege, occupation, and colonial punishment imposed upon its people. É: Your thoughts on Britain’s majority vote of 293 to 125 to not call for a ceasefire. Is a ceasefire necessary for peace in the region? ZB: Many have termed, including myself, Israel’s attacks on Gaza a genocide. A ceasefire is a step towards peace which will never be accomplished without the element of justice. To many, peace may be considered life returning to normal for the average Israeli while Gaza remains in bondage, but quietly. True and sustainable solutions must be developed if Israel and the rest of the world is interested in peace. This, of course, would require a lifting of the blockade, an end to the illegal military occupation of both Gaza and the West Bank including East Jerusalem, and the restoration of human rights like Palestinians’ internationally enshrined right of return.

A ceasefire is a step towards peace which will never be accomplished without the element of justice

É: Could you explain the distinction between a humanitarian pause and a ceasefire? ZB: A humanitarian pause would be considered an end to the bombings and other military operations in order to, for example, permit the entry of food aid, medicines, etc. However, upon the end of the pause, the bombing campaign would continue, taking countless lives, destroying vital infrastructure, and eradicating Gaza. A ceasefire would imply an agreement between the two parties and an end to the bombardments immediately. É: The problem for some is that Hamas have been revelling about repeating the attacks on the 7th October. Does Hamas have to be condemned as part of the peace process (especially given that many people in Gaza do not support Hamas) or do we have to open a dialogue with them? ZB: The Israeli government, who has been responsible for the killing of tens of thousands of Gazans in just the last 50 days, and thousands more over the last few decades, is the only one that can stop the violence for good, along with the violent and illegal occupation and blockade. However, there aren’t doubts that a ‘peace process’ could exclude them. Therefore, it makes little sense that Gaza’s Hamas government would be excluded on the basis of the events of the 7th October. The hypocrisy of condemning Hamas while refusing to hold Israel accountable for 75 years of war crimes and crimes against humanity is not a step towards equity or justice, but a step back towards the status quo. This interview was conducted on 27th November 2023.

Image: Hossam el-Hamalawy, Wikimedia Commons

24 JAN 2024 | EXEPOSÉ

10 FEATURES

2024: the year the world goes to the polls

Harry Craig, Deputy Editor, on the number of important elections happening this year

HE year 2024 will be the biggest year for global democracy in human history. In an increasingly turbulent world, approximately two billion people in more than 70 countries will go to the polls this year. Many of these elections will involve fundamental decisions that shape the survival of world democracy, and determine how we respond to conflicts in Ukraine, the Middle East and beyond.

Many of these elections will involve fundamental decisions that shape the survival of world democracy The spotlight will be on the United States in November. This is widely anticipated to be a re-run of the 2020 contest between current President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump. Both will be around 80, and Trump may even be in jail, as he is currently facing nearly 100 criminal charges. A Trump return to the White House would send shockwaves around the world, and some polls suggest he has a good chance of beating Biden, despite his numerous indictments and increasingly illiberal rhetoric. This is in spite of the relatively strong economic performance of the US under Biden, who has faced concerns over his age — but Biden still remains bestplaced of any Democrat to beat Trump this year. We must, however, look beyond the US. India, the world’s most populous country with an electorate of almost one billion, is expected to go to the polls in the spring. Hindu nationalist Prime Minister Narendra Modi has grown increasingly extreme as democratic and civic rights have been gradually eroded. Nonetheless, he remains favourite, polling well ahead of the I.N.D.I.A. opposition alliance. Closer to home, although there is no date set in stone, the UK will hold a general election this year. Ever since the chaos of 2022 that brought us three Prime Ministers in three months, Keir Starmer’s Labour Party has held a steady 20-point lead in opinion polls — enough

to not just defeat, but to decimate the Conservative Party. Consequently, there is a high chance that this year ends 14 years of Tory rule. Across the Channel, the European Union holds parliamentary elections this year — the first since Brexit. Although turnout in these elections is often low, they are a good litmus test for the state of various political coalitions across Europe. The performance of far-right parties such as Germany’s AfD and France’s National Rally will be closely observed, particularly given their rise in polling. France’s results will be watched with particular attention, as fears grow of a potential successful run for the presidency in 2027 by Marine Le Pen. Another reason these elections will be watched closely is due to the presence of war in Europe, as Russia’s war against Ukraine rages on. Both Ukraine and Russia are scheduled to hold elections this year, but unsurprisingly Ukraine’s will likely not go ahead, with independent observers and opposition parties agreeing that it will be impossible to

hold free and fair elections in the wartime context. “Free and fair” are unlikely to be characteristics of Russia’s presidential elections in March, with opposition leader Alexei Navalny imprisoned and the country returning to effective autocracy. It’s safe to say we can call this election result for Vladimir Putin already. Beyond Europe, some of the most important elections will take place in Asia. Pakistan has been in a state of political chaos after former Prime Minister Imran Khan was imprisoned last year, sparking mass protests against the army, who were perceived to be at the centre of this politically motivated arrest. He still leads the largest party in Pakistan’s parliament, and following two years of political paralysis in Pakistan, next month’s general election could see this prolonged.

Beyond Europe, some of the most important elections will take place in Asia

Image: Marco Verch, Flickr

A week after, the world’s fourth largest country, Indonesia, will also go to the polls. Incumbent President Joko Widodo is ineligible due to term limits, thus 2024 will see the country’s first new President in a decade. This comes at a pivotal time for Indonesia, as it begins to emerge onto the global stage as a new world power. Whoever succeeds Widodo will lead Indonesia into its most important era. East Asia has been somewhat neglected in global affairs recently, but deserves attention due to the risk of increased hostilities from China. Taiwan’s election earlier this month delivered pro-sovereignty, anti-China Lai Ching-te to the presidency, whilst in April South Korea will elect a new legislature. The West will hope that these elections will combat the growing Chinese threat in the region. On the other side of the Pacific, Mexico goes to the polls in June. Incumbent left-wing President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, who has remained consistently popular since his election in 2018, is ineligible to run again. His anointed successor, Claudia Sheinbaum, has a strong chance of becoming Mexico’s first-ever female President. We have yet to mention Africa, but the world’s youngest continent is of growing importance on the global stage. This is led by South Africa, where the incumbent African National Congress could lose its majority for the first time since the end of apartheid as it has increasingly found itself embroiled in corruption scandals. There could be weeks of messy coalition negotiations to follow the elections, and even an end to ANC rule on the 30th anniversary of the first post-apartheid elections in 1994. We have only scratched the surface of democratic activity in 2024. Although each election has its own unique national context, together they will paint a picture of the future of democracy around the world. As The Economist’s Democracy Index suggests that global democracy has regressed consistently over the past decade, the rights and responsibilities that come with voting have never been so high.

The Post Office Scandal summarised

Charlie Gershinson, Deputy Editor, on where we are with the Post Office Scandal so far...

OR many years in British politics, there has been a simmering underneath the surface of public life concerning what was thought by most to be a quintessentially middle-English institution: the Post Office. However, that simmering finally erupted into an eruption of epic proportions once the Post Office Scandal was fully exposed in all its rage-inducing detail in the ITV drama Mr. Bates vs the Post Office at the start of the month. The four-part serial depicted the years-long struggle which hundreds of sub-postmasters and sub-postmistresses were forced to endure as they were wrongly accused of false accounting and, in some cases, fraud by the Post Office, due to a wide-ranging issue with the Horizon system — built by technology giant Fujitsu. Glitches in the Horizon system made it appear that there were significant shortfalls in their accounts, which their contract specifically stated that they were personally responsible for. This led to subpostmasters being forced to pay thousands of pounds of their own money for no reason at all.

Many others were accused by the Post Office of theft of public funds, causing them to lose their livelihoods, their reputations, and in some cases, lead them to spend time in prison, with the Post Office able to carry out their own private prosecutions without any necessary input from the Crown Prosecution Service.

...causing them to lose their livlihoods, their reputations and in some cases lead them to spend time in prison The Post Office itself and its executives have come under the most forceful criticism due to the repercussions of the scandal. Despite hundreds of subpostmasters falling foul of the Horizon system since 1999, each of them was told by the specialist helpline that their case was unique and no other person was experiencing the same issues. However, a long and hard-fought campaign by Alan Bates, one of those sub-postmasters affected, led to a civil court case

of over 500 sub-postmasters and subpostmistresses against the Post Office. The successful verdict led the way for 72 wrongfully imprisoned people to have their criminal convictions overturned. However, the scandal remains one of the biggest miscarriages of justice in British legal history, with hundreds if not thousands of lives ruined with little accountability for those involved. Those in charge of the Post Office have come under the most scrutiny. The chief executive from 2012-2019 — Paula Vennells — has seen significant media attention for her high position during a time when many private prosecutions were still taking place, despite evidence that the Horizon system was faulty. In particular, attention has been drawn to her receipt of a CBE honour in 2019 by the Theresa May government. May gave Vennells the honour even though there were concerns at the top of government about her complicity in the scandal. She has said that she will return the honour, though this can only be formally done by the King. The actions of the government

have also come under criticism. Since 1999, there have been 20 ministers in charge of the Post Office ranging from the three main political parties with the more public-facing former ministers — such as the Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey — under attack from political opponents over their lack of action over the scandal. What may seem particularly cynical to the public is that the impetus for direct government action, including a comprehensive compensation scheme, only came about once the ITV drama aired, making it appear as if there is a causal relationship between the two. The same could be said for the media where there was a deluge of stories about the scandal in the days and weeks after the drama airing, despite regular reports from smaller outlets such as Computer Weekly and Private Eye.

Image: Rodhullandemu, Wikimedia commons

International New Danish King

Queen in her New Year’s speech

Image: Polaris, Flickr

flect the current co-operation between the UK and France in their efforts tackling the crisis. Last March, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak promised an increase

as 20 hours to be shovelled out by volunteers from the home guard. Several schools in Scandinavia (Norway, Sweden, Denmark) closed.

Some waited for as long as twenty hours to be shovelled out by volunteers Electricity was cut to 4000 homes in Arctic Sweden where temperatures fell to -38C. A ferry, sailing from Oslo, finally docked in Copenhagen on 4th January, having been forced to spend the night idling at sea with 900 passengers onboard. In 2023, 2.3 billion people experienced record warmth at their local level. Under the current geopolitical approach to greenhouse gas emissions, the world will increase its temperature by 1.5 degrees earlier than predicted, with impacts on people and nature, due to global increases in weather extremes.

Buona fortuna!

Mitchel Rowe discusses Italian New Year traditions

Annabel Jeffery shares how the failing actions of the UK are foiling attempts to end criminal action sponded, saying that the report used outdated information and did n o t r e -

Josie Sharp

Oliver Nicholls shares the chilling facts on Scandanavian winters

common spaces. This may be why when she said it was finally “the right time” to leave many memEOPLE in the Nordic region (Denbers of the public were overwhelmed with emotion; mark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Icemourning the monarch they lovingly nicknamed land) have had to find ways to cope with Daisy. In the words of Ebmark in their interview extreme cold this January. A temperature of with The Guardian, “all of Denmark is crying.” -43.6C was recorded in Kvikkjokk-Årrenjarka (Swedish Lapland), representing the lowest January recording in Sweden in the last 25 years. Image: Johannes Jansson, Wikimedia Commons The freezing temperatures, compounded by extremely heavy snowfall and gale force winds, have caused significant disruption to daily life for many people. These temperatures follow what was globally deemed the hottest year on record. Transportation throughout the Nordic region has been disrupted, with bridges and highways closed and train services impacted. Police across Denmark urged motorists to avoid unnecessary trips as snowstorms hammered the northern and western parts of the country. In Sweden, the resulting traffic chaos left motorists stranded in their vehicles where many had to be evacuated and take refuge in evacuation centres. Some waited for as long

UK and France’s small boat plans sink T may be a new year, but the UK’s handle on illegal Channel crossings remains precarious as ever. This comes after a French report described the relationship between France and the UK as “unequal in terms of the exchange of information and intelligence.” Intelligence provided by the UK on small boats crossing the Channel was often ‘first level’, ‘very general’, and ‘not cross-referenced’, said the Court of Accounts, which inspects France’s expenditure. A BBC article added that officials need more details about “the ways that migrants are arriving, the references or serial numbers of boats or engines, and the [migrants’] nationalities,” in order for the French police to effectively intervene. The Home Office has re-

INTERNATIONAL EDITOR:

Freezing Nordic states

Tabitha John discusses the shock abdication of the Danish N the 14th January, during her New Year’s Eve speech, the Danish queen unexpectedly abdicated her throne leaving the public shocked and confused. Despite the last abdication occurring almost 1000 years ago, Queen Margrethe of Denmark decided to step down after an impressive 52-year reign, allowing her son Frederick to take the throne Though it should be said that the Danish Queen is no stranger to making a splash. Not only was she — rather impressively — the second longest reigning monarch of one of the world’s oldest dynasties, but she was also the first woman to ascend to the throne in over five centuries, at the young age of 13, after a constitutional amendment allowed women to become Queens. Being Queen, Head of State, and representing the country in foreign affairs were not the only feathers in her royal cap. She was also deeply passionate about art and archaeology; whether it was earning a Diploma in Prehistoric Archaeology from the University of Cambridge or presenting her paintings in various museums, she was constantly involving herself in the cultural landscape. However, regardless of all her accolades, her most commendable achievement may be the love she inspired from the public. Unlike the British monarchy, where a sighting of royalty is a rare occasion, the Danish monarchy often intermingle with the public, using the same parks, schools, and

24 JAN 2024| EXEPOSÉ

in funding to €541 million during the 2023-2026 period to help France strengthen its policing along the coast of Calais. Since then, the government agency, the National Crime Association, has increased its efforts in Europe to stop illegal people smugglers, which include placing British officers along the French coast. Sunak’s vow to ‘stop the boats’ through generous funding and NCA efforts could be heavily compromised by lack of detailed communication and co-operation with the French. Whilst Channel crossings dropped by more than one third in 2023, the union representing Border Force officials has attributed this to a lull caused by bad weather conditions; crossings are expected to rise once more in 2024.

IRRORS smash and magpies become generals. Superstition permeates every culture, and has done since the 4th century BCE. But, at the stroke of midnight, on the final evening of the Gregorian calendar, beliefs transcend the precarious placements of sheets of glass, or the rank of a black bird. Indeed, in Italy, belief becomes action in rituals for good luck. Originating in Roman culture, it remains common to exchange jars of sweet treats for an apt serving of a sweet year. Honey, figs, dates; all are wrapped and exchanged in the herbal embrace of a laurel leaf. Though, if culinary expertise is not your genio, then how about ‘throw the kitchen out entirely!’ No, I’m serious. Throw out pots, pans, your step-mother, anything that might fit through

the yielding frame of your window, and good luck is sure to follow. In this ritual, you’re sure to leave the past where it belongs, and all the while making way for new luxuries and a lighter year. However, one object you’ll want to keep firmly away from your windows are your undergarments — for more reasons than usual! Italian New Year’s are spent in red; the undergarments must be both new and gifted by another. So, from your boxers to your bralette, red is the colour to shop for in the new year. Whether your resolutions include attending more lectures, or sticking to the all-important student budget, these Italian superstitions might just be what you need to stick to your goals when staying in bed or spending are as good as fate.

All a-door-ed!

Anna Kane, Online News Editor, shares the story of a plane’s door flying off mid-flight

HE new year got off to a turbulent start, when the door of a US commercial plane flew off mid-flight on the 5th January. The Boeing 737 plane was an Alaska Airlines flight meant to be flying from Portland to California. 20 minutes into the journey, a loud pop was heard, and the emergency door broke free from the aircraft. No one was killed or sustained serious injuries on the Alaska Airlines flight, as the pilots executed a successful emergency landing. There has, however, been significant damage done to US air travel. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have tempo-

rarily grounded models of Boeing’s planes, impacting airlines who use their aircrafts. The reputation of the company Boeing is also suffering, with memories of the fatal 2018 and 2019 Boeing crashes being aroused. The safety checks of Boeing are under scrutiny. It was discovered that the plug which blew off the door, discovered in a science teacher’s garden, did not have the four stop bolts it required. Shares in Boeing fell by nine per cent within three days of the incident, revealing the public’s loss of confidence in the company. Boeing CEO, Dave Calhoun, has expressed regret over the incident saying it “can never happen again.”

Comment

24 JAN 2024| EXEPOSÉ

COMMENT EDITORS Lisette Reed and Charlotte Zeyssolff

Holocaust Memorial Day: my family story

Harry Craig, Deputy Editor, discusses the significance of Holocaust Memorial Day and powerfully retells his family’s history

ACH year, on 27th January, I join millions around the world in lighting a candle at my window to remember the six million Jewish people killed in the Holocaust. For me, however, this is a deeply personal act. My great-grandmother, Klara Hilsenrath, grew up in Nazi Germany. She was born in 1925 to a Polish Jewish father, Szulem, and a German Protestant mother, Frieda. Just as Klara was turning

seven, Adolf Hitler came to power, and despite Klara and her family being completely assimilated into German society, everything changed. Szulem was excluded from business life, having to sell his business and effectively forcing his family into poverty. The Nuremberg Laws of 1935 excluded all Jewish children, including Klara, from German schools. The whole family moved out of their flat, which belonged to Frieda’s family — likely because it

Image: Harry Craig

was simply too risky for a German family to house a Jewish family. In the late 1930s, life became progressively more repressive for Klara’s family. On the 28th October 1938, the day after Klara turned 13, the Gestapo arrested and expelled her father to Poland, along with 17,000 other Polish Jews. It was too dangerous for Klara to remain in Germany. As her father was Polish, she had Polish nationality, and as her father was Jewish, she too was considered to be Jewish. On 12th July 1939, she left Germany alone, aged just 13, on the Kindertransport, in which Britain accepted approximately 10,000 child refugees from Nazi Germany and Nazi-occupied territories. She would never see her parents again. Her father Szulem had fled to his hometown in Poland, Kolomyja (now in modern-day Ukraine). This was a town at the heart of Poland’s Jewish community, with Jews making up half of its population at the turn of the 20th century. In 1941, it was occupied by the Nazis, and the town’s Jewish population was gradually repressed, starved, ghettoised,

deported and murdered. Somehow Szulem survived until March 1943, when he was transported to the Bolechow concentration camp. Three months later, he was shot whilst trying to escape the camp. One of six million victims of the Shoah.

One of six million victims of the Shoah My great-grandmother passed away in 2012, before I was ever able to really understand what the Holocaust was and what happened to her. Despite the horrors she endured at such a young age as a child refugee, she went on to live a long, fulfilled life in England. Whenever I hear politicians attack refugees, calling them an “invasion” or planning to send them to Rwanda, I remember Klara’s story. It sickens me to see how contemporary victims of war and persecution, just like my great-grandmother 80 years ago, are attacked relentlessly in our supposedly “compassionate” society. Antisemitism and Holocaust denial are currently at a record high in the UK. A recent Twitter post by the Holocaust Educational Trust

marking the 85th anniversary of the Kindertransport received replies ranging from “Holocaust is fake zionist jews story and did not happened” to “no one believes jews lies anymore” [sic]. As the Holocaust slips further back in our collective memory, we risk forgetting the atrocities of the worst genocide in human history. Antisemitism did not begin or end with the Final Solution and the death camps. It does not simply constitute “religious intolerance” — my greatgrandmother was relentlessly targeted by the Nazis for her ethnicity, despite never being a practising religious Jew.

It does not simply constitute “religious intolerance” As our world becomes increasingly intolerant and hateful, particularly towards refugees and Jews, the memory of people like Klara and Szulem, and the message of Holocaust Memorial Day, remains more important than ever. That is why I will be lighting a candle for Holocaust Memorial Day this Saturday.

“Girls Just Want to Have Fun”

Lauren Walsh, Arts and Lit Editor, discusses uprising “girl” trends and their use in toxic communities THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS CONTENT RELATING TO EATING DISORDERS WHICH SOME READERS MAY FIND DISTRESSING

023 saw the rise of many ‘girl’ trends on social media, most notably through TikTok, but what is behind these trends, and what can they tell us about what it means to be a ‘girl’? ‘Girl dinner’ is one such trend. The term was coined by TikTok creator Olivia Maher, and these videos usually Image:pxhere

showcase an assortment of snacks, rather than something that most people would consider a full meal. Key to a ‘girl dinner’ is the low effort one needs to put into such a meal. However, while this trend initially seemed to be about eating intuitively, as it went viral, it progressed to the point where some videos simply showed an empty plate, implying that meals were being skipped. Following this, many people criticised the trend, saying that it romanticised eating disorders by normalising eating very little or not at all. What began as, arguably, a reclamation of the stereotypical idea that women must be able to cook, turned into a reflection of the pressures placed upon women in society to look a certain way, or diet in order to be thin, at the expense of their health. Another ‘girl’ trend that reclaims a patriarchal stereotype about women

is ‘girl math’. ‘Girl math’ is a way of justifying purchases (and more) that might be viewed as frivolous, with dubious reasoning, whether it’s because ‘cash isn’t real money’ or because it’s an investment in your happiness, etc. For example, the perhaps too relatable idea that “Skipping lectures to be more productive with your time is GIRL MATH.” ‘Girl math’ is a way to overcome the stereotype that women spend too much money shopping for materialistic goods like clothes and make-up, or are bad at managing money. This is especially important today, with the cost-of-living crisis — or ‘cozzie livs’, if we want to maintain the fun, girly-pop tone — where people may feel guilty for spending money on things other than the necessities. It is important to remember to be kind to yourself and, if that means buying a skirt

that is 20 per cent off (so that 20 per cent off is actually money that you’ve saved) then so be it. Other examples of this resurgence of the feminine include: the rising popularity of ‘coquette’ fashion, described by influencer Devin Apollon as “Girlycore with a mix of sultry Old English elegance”, in particular, demonstrated by girls wearing bows in their hair; Greta Gerwig’s film Barbie, with its explosions of bright colours, flashy dance sequences and emotional exploration of womanhood, which had floods of people, myself included, wearing pink when they saw the film in cinemas; and the success of Taylor Swift, whose music is often looked down on for its mainly teenage girl demographic, and focus on romance, with her record-breaking Eras Tour contributing to her being named Time Magazine’s Person of the Year 2023. What we are seeing through

these trends is a reclamation of traditionally feminine attributes, that, more often than not, are demonised in an “I’m not like other girls” attempt at reclaiming identity in a patriarchal society which correlates

A reclamation of traditionally feminine attributes femininity with weakness or frivolity. Instead, girls are choosing positivity and fun over girl vs girl conflict, and these trends should be taken in the spirit that they were meant. And where they have come to mean or represent something else (e.g. girl dinner and eating disorders) then perhaps we need to think carefully about what this signifies about the pressures placed on women in our society.

24 JAN 2024| EXEPOSÉ

COMMENT

Campus culture wars Joshua Smith, Deputy Editor, on the forced resignation of former Harvard president Claudine Gay

T only took six months for Harvard’s first black president, Claudine Gay, to resign from her position, but the circumstances of her departure had nothing to do with her, or plagiarism, and no one is trying to hide this fact. The circumstances of her resignation have two apparent sides: one to do with plagiarism, the other with her testimony to Congress regarding hate speech on university campuses. But her forced departure capped off an aggressive and effective campaign of intimidation and misrepresentation.

An aggressive and effective campaign of misrepresentation The plagiarism scandal is minor, and no one who was seeking her resignation attempts to hide the fact that it was an exaggeration and weaponisation of something they knew would raise eyebrows within academic and public circles, thus harming Gay’s reputation. It doesn’t take a particularly sharp eye to recognise that the passages Gay was accused of plagiarising are, a) either boilerplate or passive wordings, and b) characteristic of a field, political science, which relies on data and facts. Nothing ideological was said to have been copied, and nothing which suggested consistent, endemic bad academic practice in her work. If one were to scrutinise every academic’s work under such a lens, one wouldn’t be surprised to find the same kind of similarities, and it wouldn’t be seen by anyone as controversial unless there was a political agenda which could benefit from a certain academic’s reputation being harmed. This was a little side hustle by the

coup HQ, whilst the real issue lay in of the student activists who clearly held in the same way, questions must be asked. Gay’s congressional hearing with the Re- no compassion for the victims of Hamas’ The congressional hearing was not to publican MAGA stalwart Elise Stefanik. terror, and she emphasised her unwavering seek answers or an understanding of antiThe catalyst for this was the statement commitment to freedom of expression. semitism at Harvard, but to confirm conpublished by the student-run Palestine This last point is crucial, since Supreme clusions already determined by right-wing Solidarity Committee at Harvard, which Court doctrine (and I don’t believe many Republicans: that antisemitism is a problem “held the Israeli regime entirely respon- people were ready to acknowledge this fact) at Harvard through its neglect in favour sible for all the unfolding violence.” goes to incredible lengths to protect free- of a focus on other groups represented Asked during the hearing whether call- dom of speech and even hate speech, so through EDI programmes. EDI has been ing for the genocide of Jews constituted long as the court sees it as ‘mere advocacy’, central to those campaigning against Gay, bullying or harassment, Gay responded and does not constitute unlawful action. her style of leadership and politics. The that “it can be… depending on the con- Gay’s approach to the proceedings was, narrative of antisemitism is not, however, text.” For many who opposed Gay’s lead- alas, in a very academic fashion, answer- new, and none of this serves as a negaership style, her gravest failtion of it: Harvard has a Image: Office of the Governor of Massachussetts, Wikimedia Commons long history of scandals ing was her unwillingness to state that to call for genocide which are all equally abwould be in violation of horrent, racist, and cast Harvard policy — which a dark shadow over the would have meant anyone institution. President of in breach of it would be the institution between subject to disciplinary ac1909 and 1933, Abbot tion. However, the discourse Lawrence Lowell, imsurrounding genocide is posed a quota on Jewish highly abstract and subject enrolment, promoting to interpretation — no one systematic antisemitism. at Harvard specifically, or However, current law expressly, called for a genoprofessor at Harvard, cide of Jews, and it is quite Randall Kennedy, mainclear Stefanik was trying tains that there is no to stigmatise rhetoric used by Palestin- ing in ways which reflected what freedom presence of a deep, systematic probian activists by framing it as ‘genocidal’. of speech laws are, rather than what they lem of antisemitism, and that the narThis isn’t to say there was no presence should be, in response to Stefanik’s ques- rative is propelled out of proportion by of this sentiment at Harvard. Rather, the tions which were legalistic. University poli- the very few incidents that do happen. interpretation of phrases used by Pales- cy, according to Gay, is to remain commitGiven the political climate in America tinian activists have made ambiguous as ted to freedom of expression from all sides, currently, and the nationwide Zionist lobto what would constitute ‘genocide’. Yet, and not to commit to a political stance bying operation, this makes sense. It’s still this stigmatisation and Gay’s supposedly which would polarise anyone on either side an ugly picture, and should be condemned, “disastrous response” to their utterance, of the debate. Institutions which represent however its utilisation and exaggeration by overlooks the force of Gay’s argument such a diverse student body should remain the right-wing Republican project against during the testimony. She stated repeat- completely neutral, and allow complete Gay’s leadership only serves to negate its edly that she finds antisemitism abhorrent. freedom of expression. When an institu- seriousness by treating it as a purely poShe didn’t refuse to condemn the rhetoric tion does not commit to that for all groups litical tactic. Antisemitism has for years

been shamed and marginalised at Harvard, by both Gay’s predecessor and interim successors who are themselves Jewish. In high institutional offices at Harvard, Jewish people are flourishing, whilst years of breakthroughs, epiphanies, legislation and rules, have effectively rooted out antisemitism, making it no longer the insidious threat it once was.

treating it as a purely political tactic Rather, to once again zoom out, Harvard is in the grips of a cultural struggle which has been going on for years, and has influence in many institutions all around the US. The demagogues behind the congressional hearing are now demanding that Harvard hand over any documentation they have bearing on the plagiarism claims against Gay, and are threating the removal of its tax-exempt status and its suitability to receive government funding. This is mirrored in the rhetoric of the leading Republican presidential candidates, and the general evisceration of Harvard is a broadly supported sentiment. The ousting of Claudine Gay serves to show how financial and political power have become more important than freedom of expression, EDI, and education as a whole. Richard Rorty wrote in a 1995 essay: “among the many convenient targets that Republican politicians and intellectuals have at their disposal… the one at which they direct their fire with perhaps the most delight is the academy.” Ironically, the academy is where they are most underrepresented and ridiculed. But with so many academics completely unable to defend themselves against unfair attack, they’re edging their way in, gradually.

The dry struggle

Anna Kane, Online News Editor, considers the feasibility of cutting out alcohol for an entire month

HE start of 2024 means a new theatres are packed to near full capacity as mindset for some, as people everyone is now taking their studies ‘more commit themselves to their New seriously’. A New Year’s resolution that is Year’s resolutions. It’s easy harder to find amongst students Image: Pexels to see who’s taking is one to give up alcohol for their resolution sethe first month of the riously in Exeter year: ‘Dry January’. once you know At university the signs. It there is a great becomes emphasis on frustratingly the culture of difficult to drinking, and it find a free makes sense. You treadmill in take a swarm of the gym, fewer young people — students will be some of whom have seen unflinchingly just turned 18 and can ordering daily portions now buy alcohol — and of cheesy chips, and lecture put them together in a city full

of bars, pubs, and clubs. Many students also take part in society socials, which are often hosted in places that serve alcohol, so may grab a drink or two while there. Given the social environment, it is rare to find university students who are willing to commit to an alcohol-free month. This is not to say that doing Dry January isn’t a feasible New Year’s resolution for a student to have, and it is becoming an increasingly popular trend amongst younger people.

It is becoming an increasingly popular trend amongst younger people So, is it worth doing? In my opinion, yes. As a final-year student, I

thought I was mature enough to take on Dry January this year and have seen the benefits it can provide. Firstly, it saves money. Students are familiar with the ageold struggle of budgeting, which the cost-of-living crisis isn’t helping. By cutting out alcohol, you are removing one of your expenses. Doing Dry January by no means puts you in the role of ‘boring friend’ — there is nothing stopping you from going out and still having a great time! You can go out and have a good night with your friends, waking up the next morning without a potential hangover. It can make you realise that there’s no point in just drinking

‘for the sake of it’, and you can come out of the month feeling ready and

healthy to take Image: Pexels on the rest of the year. You also have a sense of moral superiority over your friends who haven’t done Dry January this time around!

24 JAN 2024| EXEPOSÉ

Satire

SATIRE EDITOR:

Rosie Peters-McDonald

The housing revolution of Exeter

Saltburn meets satire

LIVER Quick (alias Barry Keoghan) has been named as a suspect after three students were murdered on the dancefloor at the first TP Wednesday of second term. It turns out Exeter students fit Quick’s targets pretty well — as Saltburn perpetuates, he is not a big fan of wealthy university students. It is thus no surprise that Exeter’s TP was his next target. While Exeter’s police are searching for Quick, other students have raised their concerns to the Wellbeing Hub following a growing fear of baths and vampires. Water bills for student housing have fallen rapidly since Saltburn’s release, and there has been a significant decline in awkward club encounters ending with interlocked lips, an interaction which can arguably count as another example of “murder” on the dancefloor in itself. To our menstruating readers, perhaps it’s best to stay away from TP when that time of the month is near — you never know how many vampires attend that ‘bloody’ place. Despite the significantly large number of students with a developing fear of baths, the other proportion of students wish they could embody Quick and maybe get a taste of Jacob Elordi’s bath water too — and honestly, who am I to judge? Students are beginning to wonder with urgency — when will the Students’ Guild raise awareness of the growing controversies following Saltburn’s release? Magdalena Kanecka

The return of free money

here’s few things in life more pleasurable than waking up to an extra grand of basically free money in your bank account. Suddenly the cobwebs of student depravity that plagued November and December are a thing of the distant past, particularly now that you’ve spent about a month relishing in the home comforts of unlimited toilet roll. You’ve told yourself it won’t happen again... spending £60 at TP was a staple of the more naïve you, and they didn’t know better; having not yet endured the sub-zero temperatures of their mouldy university house in mid-December. Like so many other students, you’ve undoubtedly made the promise to yourself to budget better. But, the positive bank balance gleaming before you beckons you to buy another Pret latte, reckons one more Venom won’t hurt and implores you to frequent Exeter’s restaurants twice weekly. Any concept of a £3 cup of tea being extortionate will be completely thrown out the window. So, until the next merciless cycle begins again, blow off some steam... you’ve worked so hard for exams you might as well treat yourself. And, with enough faith, by the summer installment some budgeting skills will have kicked in.

Images: Jaggery, Geograph; Paul Brennan, PublicDomainPictures

Charlie Gershinson Deputy Editor

S many of us return from the Christmas holidays, I’m sure there were many conversations over the dinner table about “how easy your generation has it” or “how hard we’ve had it.” A classic of the genre emerged in recent weeks when Sir Howard Davies, the septuagenarian chairman of NatWest, espoused his wisdom to all of us ungrateful children that it surely could never be “that difficult” to get on the housing ladder. These insinuations rang es-

pecially hollow for those poor students fearfully awaiting the world of work — and rent prices in London — and wanting to teach those curmudgeonly fools a lesson. Exeter students travelled back to the south-west from their country homes in Surrey, trust funds in hand, to buy out as many properties as possible in the city. Expanding beyond the usual student halls and haunts of Penny Road and Mount Pleasant to the leafy plains of Topsham and St. Leonards, students have become a force to be reckoned with as the aging local population find out how hard it can be to get on a housing ladder with no houses.

Students travelled back, ... trust funds in hand, to buy out as many properties as possible One affected local, Nigel M. Byars, 66, told Exeposé of his frustration over these latest developments, furiously decrying the “student agenda to buy every square inch of property in the city. If it keeps going like this, us locals may be forced into desperate measures — like… like building new houses.” It was at this point that the interview paused to allow Mr Byars to gather himself.

When pushed on the matter of building new housing for students and other young people, he became furious: “I’ve been living in Exeter for 40 years since I bought my three-bedroom detached house for £3000 and a Mars bar! Since then, I’ve been proud to object to every housing application in a five-mile radius and I’ll keep on doing it until I’m dead, and hopefully from beyond the grave!” With fine upstanding citizens like Mr Byars acting as the vanguard of the housebuilding revolution, the status quo for housing still yet has hope of being maintained.

Of course I’ve read it... sort of. Harry Craig Deputy Editor

N an unprecedented move, Blackwell’s Bookshop has announced it will be closing its on-campus store and moving its entire collection to Spotify, following the streaming platform’s launch of an audiobook service for premium subscribers. With students now able to access all of their seminar readings through Spotify, rather than carrying around dozens of books, the on-campus collections of both Blackwell’s and the Forum Library have been rendered obEmily Elliott solete. In their place, thousands of students have been reported bumping into one another around campus, as they walk around with their headphones in, oblivi-

ous to everything around them. One final-year student said it had “revolutionised” their studies, praising the fact that “rather than waiting until the night before to do my seminar reading, I can actually cram it into the thirty minutes directly before the Image: Marco Verch, Flickr

seminar, as I walk to campus!” Another student was more ambivalent about this new technological innovation, merely asking, “does this mean I can get my seminar reading to count as part of my Spotify Wrapped listening stats now?”

Does this mean I can get my seminar reading to count as part of my Spotify Wrapped listening stats now?” Lecturers, however, were less enamoured by Spotify’s replacement of the traditional library. One history lecturer told Exeposé that it had been impossible to get any of their students to remove their headphones during classes, commenting that, “I’m pretty sure half of them were listening to Taylor Swift rather than anything to do with the course.” “One of them even started singing ‘Bad Blood’ halfway through our discussion of Soviet agricultural policy.”

LIFESTYLE

TECH

ARTS + LIT

MUSIC

STUDY BREAK

SCREEN

Image pxhere.com

Image: Laura James,Pexels

INTENTIONS FOR THE NEW YEAR

WHAT’S SO GREAT ABOUT GRAFFITI?

Image: Wikimedia Commons

RELEASE RADAR: SAM FENDER

20 Image - G.Weston, Flickr

NEW YEARS. NEW MOVIES

Image: Ralph, Gratis Graphics

SEXUAL ASSAULT IN VR

STUDY BREAK

Image: The Blue Diamond Gallery

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LIFESTYLE EDITORS Lucy Rawlings Amberly Wright

ARTS + LIT EDITORS Maddie Conlan Lauren Walsh

MUSIC EDITORS Jake Avery Scarlett Cracknell

SCREEN EDITOR Emily Sara Rizzo Kayleigh Swart

TECH EDITORS Ewan Gregory Charlie McCormack

STUDY BREAK Puzzles by Matthew and Livvy

lifestyle Finding balance in 'New Year, New Me' Emily Pink discusses whether this well-known rhetoric is enriching or self-destructive

VERY year, the return of January leads to the inevitable rise in “New Year, New Me” rhetoric. For some, the opportunity to start afresh and set goals for the year ahead is exciting, but the pressure to change can do more harm than good. But is there space for an approach to New Year's resolutions that ultimately improves well-being? The yearly tradition of New Year's resolutions can generate an overwhelming feeling to rebrand. Where did you fail last year? What new hobby do you want to pick up? What diet will you follow? How much will you have saved by this time next year? In setting such rigid, sweeping goals, you cannot account for the unpredictable nature of the everyday. These goals may be unattainable, and if they break down, you can begin to feel like a failure. Statistics reveal that 80 per cent of resolutions are abandoned by February, according to Business Insider. So, it’s important to reflect on your so-called failed resolutions and realise that they simply are not designed to create long-term habit change.

If anything, setting such drastic goals can be a source of anxiety and negative pressure. In reframing your mindset around the new year, resolutions can be expanded and realistically formed. But, most importantly, they do not need to be rigid. Thinking about the new year in this way also fosters genuine self-care and empathy — for ourselves and those around us.

IN SETTING SUCH RIGID, SWEEPING GOALS, YOU CANNOT ACCOUNT FOR THE UNPREDICTABLE NATURE OF THE EVERYDAY I have considered the changes that I want to make in the coming year as an opportunity to implement sustainable habits. I have also looked at the new year as a time to reflect on my achievements, and how I may wish to pursue these further. Channelling these positive emotions into the “New Year, New Me”

rhetoric that we are so accustomed to seeing at this time of year allows for genuine self-improvement, not temporary lifestyle change. For example, instead of setting the typical, and potentially problematic, goal of eating healthier, try to focus on a gentler and wellbeing-focused shift. This can be realised through exploring new recipes or experimenting with different ingredients. In altering how we perceive a resolution’s success, we can celebrate the moments that have generated long-term habit change and applaud our desire to improve or explore. Alternatively, the new year is a fantastic opportunity for self-reflection. Instead of

changing old habits, it can be helpful to celebrate successes and reflect on where you best notice moments of peace and happiness. As opposed to redefining the way that you live, why not recognise what you most enjoy, and carve out more room for those moments? Prioritising self-care, in whatever form that may take, is a worthy investment into your wellbeing, productivity and ultimately, your life. Perhaps the best way to enter 2024 is to celebrate the parts of yourself that you love and abandon the pressure of having to drastically change yourself. “New Year, New Me” should motivate an increase in self-love and acceptance as a priority.

Image: Kritzolina, Wikimedia Commons

The rise in sobriety

Natural energy boosts

Eleanor Rogers reflects on how sobriety can lead to a more fulfilling lifestyle

Katie Matthews, Online Screen Editor, shares her holisitc tips to beat the January blues

IKE many, my first real introduction to The breadth of research on alcohol has indrinking culture was at university. So- creased through the years and also become cialising fuelled by alcohol, clubbing democratised through social media and podmost days of the week, drinking until you’re casts. In a podcast episode, neuroscientist paralytic, and wallowing with a hangover Andrew Huberman delves into the effects of the next day are all normalised at university. alcohol. From the disrupted circadian rhythm and poorer sleep quality, to inHabitual heavy drinking is not Image: Zaheer creased impulsivity in behavjust a university phenomenon, Baksh, Flickr iour (including increased but extends more broadly to criminality), higher cortipersonal and social rituals sol (stress), damage to too. With the rise of rethe gut, and even insearch and a more open creased risks of cancers. dialogue around drinkHuberman concludes ing, however, this culture that no amount of alis beginning to change. cohol is good for you. According to the BBC, So by going sober, you a study in 2019 found get the health benefits, but that 16-25 year olds were what else? Not only mental and most likely to not drink alcoemotional clarity but also greater hol, with 26 per cent not drinking: a sober generation gradually emerging. confidence. It means learning to feel socially Lately, we’ve seen the dialogue around comfortable without reliance on alcohol. drinking shift. High-profile podcast- Plus, being sober makes you realise what soers and celebrities are opening up about cial events you actually enjoy; the chances why they choose not to drink. Addition- are that if you are completely reliant on alcoally, the narrative around sobriety is chang- hol to have a good time, then you’re probably ing, it is no longer viewed as just for those not with the right people or in the right place. with alcohol dependencies, but rather a And lastly, you save a lot of money when lifestyle that improves everyone’s health. you’re buying a lemonade over a Venom!

S January hits, the benevolent media once again reminds us that it’s ineffably time to diet. Let’s change that. Therefore, here are my methods for a positive mindset as the January blues hit, and the hangovers kill… 1) The Cold Plunge: These are amazing for your health, reducing puffiness and revitalising the mind. If you’re feeling adventurous, I’d recommend joining water sports societies at Exeter. Get a free open water swimming membership — spend your morning with a refreshing, fun and very cold ocean dip. If you’re not yet convinced, try blasting cold water for the last ten seconds of your shower or dunking your hungover head in an icy bowl. Energising. 2) Vitamins: Buy yourself a pack of multivitamins. Check for vitamin D, magnesium and iron. By drinking a glass of water and these when you wake up, you will get into a consistent routine of… getting up. 3) Turmeric shots: This immune boosting, anti-inflammatory shot is for the ones who want to keep themselves healthy in a natural way. Don’t be fooled by M&S, the student loan doesn’t cover that. Blend, then strain, honey, orange juice, boiled turmeric root, peppercorns (for absorption of curcum-

in in turmeric) and ginger. Get some little pots and make batches, potion making has never been so healthy. 4) Uni is not an excuse to eat improperly: Please, eat well. Don’t be conned by inconsistent commercial veganism or carb cutting. Buy a 90p pack of carrots, meal prep, and look after yourself. 5) Get off your phone: I sound like my mother, but get out of bed Exeter. Go see your friends, get coffee, go for a run, find time for the people and things you love. Keep energised, don’t let the mental health dip because the sun doesn’t want to shine!

Image: Jakub Kapusnak, Raw Pixels

exhibit | lifestyle

EDITORS: Lucy Rawlings and Amberly Wright

24 JAN 2024 | 17

Doom-scrolling is so 2023

A decade of Veganuary

Anabel Costa-Ferreira, Editor-in-Chief, enlightens us on the bad habit of doom-scrolling

Amberly Wright, Lifestyle Editor, tells us about the positives of going vegan

become increasingly aware of the risks we are S you read this article, if your phone is facing, it is important we remain active in our not in your pocket or within your reach, response as opposed to passive. The question I have to say I’m impressed. Most of us is, how can we reduce our technology consumare guilty of painfully high screen times, scrollerism? Though it seems obvious, spending time ing mindlessly through social media, listening outdoors is key, evident as the article aptly calls to music or on rare occasions using the call for “greater social infrafunction. While it would structure to promote be hypocritical of me in-person connections.” to completely criticise The phrase ‘rethe overuse of technolclaim your brain’ has ogy, or extreme to sugalso been coined by a gest we all adopt those Guardian series, within two-week phone-free which articles delve challenges — there are into the many ways scientific benefits to rewe spend time on our ducing your screen time. phone and how to take Taking the matit back. To improve our ter more seriously, we mental health in relaalso must acknowledge tion to technology, the that the scientific exImage: Gustavo Fring, Pexels most important aspect planations lead us to is self-awareness. It consider when exactly is through knowing our weaknesses that we this dependency becomes so great it should can strive for change, whether this is a mamore accurately be classed as addiction. jor switch such as deleting social media for As explained in The Guardian, the lack of dia week, or perhaps a more minor goal such agnostic criteria (and non-existence in the DSM) as having your phone switched off an hour a makes this incredibly difficult to class. Yet reday. As the New Year begins, this is also a research does indicate some concerning statistics, alistic resolution to tackle, and by reading Exas across 82 studies and 150,000 participants, eposé you are already working toward this goal. it was estimated over 25 per cent of people worldwide had “smartphone addiction”. As we

VER the past decade, Veganuary has become a global event, where people around the world choose to decrease their intake of animal products, or may even try to be vegan for the whole first month of the year. The Veganuary organisation partners with other organisations and companies, such as plant-based food producers Higgidy and Beyond Meat, and various animal rights activism groups and charities like Greenpeace. To celebrate their tenth year, the campaign bared its logo on the International Space Station to show their love for the world, and beyond.

THE CAMPAIGN BARED THEIR LOGO ON THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION Decreasing your consumption of animalbased products, not only saves lives of animals around the globe, but it can lower food bills and carbon emissions, helping to slow the warming of the earth. In 2023, more than 700,000 people worldwide took part in the official Veganuary campaign, with millions taking part without signing up. Over the month, 790 vegan items were added to the menus of chain restaurants, with 820 products being released into supermarkets and shops. In the UK, four per cent of the population took part in 2023, and

nine per cent of the population have taken part throughout the last decade (around six million). So, why try to switch to vegan alternatives? Currently, only 13 per cent of oceans can be classed as wilderness and unaffected by human activity, whether this is fishing, or plastic that makes it into the oceans. The fishing industry, seemingly more ethical than the meat industry, is still putting aquatic life at risk. Our water is impacted in other ways too, with meat-eaters using between 710 and 890 litres of water per day to produce the food in their diet. Having a high-meat diet emits over 10kg of carbon dioxide a day into the atmosphere, impacting the earth further, with this diet costing over 16 square metres of land per person, each day. Veganuary is becoming more accessible worldwide, meaning students on a lower budget can partake too. Tinned and non-perishable foods such as chickpeas and beans provide the protein found in both meat and meatalternatives, but at a much lower cost. Frozen vegetables and fruit can be a great way to eat vitamins, and simple university staple meals like a jacket potato with baked beans are often already vegan or can be made vegan with a few simple switches. If you prefer a night in with a takeaway, various fast-food chains now offer vegan sections on their menu, making it easier to switch to vegan this month, or all year round! Give it a try and help to save our planet!

Intentions for the new year

HEN choosing a goal for 2024, I decided to start with some selfreflection. Before I could determine what I want to achieve, I first had to figure out where I am in my life right now. What are my interests, my long-term dreams, and how satisfied do I feel? This led me to highlight some areas of my life that I want to change.

WHAT ARE MY INTERESTS, MY LONG-TERM DREAMS, AND HOW SATISFIED DO I FEEL?

Lifestyle writers share their intentions for 2024

goal, with set regular actions. For me, this will be only reading books that I truly enjoy, even if they’re not the most high-brow. I will unabashedly stop reading a book if it no longer interests me. Some days may be harder than others, but I will read books on my terms, and fall in love with books again. As long as I find myself able to read for pleasure more than I have for the past few years, I will have achieved my goal for 2024. Florence New

I dislike how I often find myself mindlessly scrolling streaming platforms or social media, a waste of time which leaves me frustrated. I hate how I find it difficult to settle down and enjoy a book for more than five minutes. As a child, I saw myself as a reader, always with a book in my hand. It’s unclear when I lost this part of myself, but I decided in 2024 that my goal would be to rekindle my love of reading.

I DECIDED IN 2024 THAT MY GOAL WOULD BE TO REKINDLE MY LOVE FOR READING When trying to pick up a new habit, it’s important to set a clearly defined, simple

T is officially “new year, new me” season. With Christmas and New Year long past, all focus is on our intentions for 2024. Whether it be to exercise more, or to become a self-proclaimed “academic weapon”, I’m sure many students at University of Exeter have written their New Year's resolutions. In past years, I’ve also succumbed to the unachievable intentions, forcing myself to trek to the gym at ungodly hours, or to study for impossible lengths of time. Like most, I very quickly found myself procrastinating, falling into the easy trap of “I’ll do it tomorrow.” This year, however, my intention is simple. I intend to practice mindfulness, to take care of myself. With the rise of social media, it is often easy to feel as though our lives revolve around Instagram or TikTok. Whether through meditating for 10 minutes, doing a page of journalling, or simply going a few hours without my phone and social media, I intend to focus more on the present moment and its joys. These habits have been repeatedly proven to be beneficial.

small habits, but have previously pushed them aside, believing myself to be too busy Image: pxhere for mindfulness. These habits bring me joy, and I believe that is what a good intention should be: something that will bring you happiness, but perhaps you haven’t made time for it in previous years. I encourage you all to find a similar intention, and happy New Year! Isabel Bratt

THIS YEAR, HOWEVER, MY INTENTION IS SIMPLE. I INTEND TO PRACTICE MINDFULNESS Image: Amanda George. Pexels

I often find myself itching to practice these

Image: Laura James,Pexels

arts + lit

What’s so great about graffiti? Arts and Lit writers discuss whether graffiti should be considered art

E live in a world that seems to be less colourful than ever before. Buildings, cars, interior design and even brands are all blending in to a blur of black and white — in fact, a 2020 study of objects from the Science Museum found that blacks and greys account for 40 per cent of all analysed objects, versus just eight per cent in 1800. Therefore, the vibrant bursts of colour that graffiti brings to our urban landscapes are a welcome change from the dullness of modern design. Not restrained by minimalism’s imposition of greyscale, graffiti can transform a street or underpass. In Exeter alone, the subways I use to navigate the Exe Bridge roundabout are made far more welcoming thanks to the extensive graffiti art covering their walls. There is a lot of snobbery in contemporary public discourse towards graffiti. Although artists like Banksy have been lauded — for example, his artwork painted on the walls of Reading Gaol in 2021 has become one of the Berkshire town’s most popular landmarks — most policymakers have deemed graffiti a nuisance or even vandalism. Driven by the “broken window”theory of crime, which argues that if petty crime like graffiti is neglected, it can inspire more serious offences, the UK

spends £1 billion on graffiti removal a year. HEN thinking about graffiti, it’s easy I would argue that, for the most part, this to conjure images of offensive slurs is money wasted. Graffiti can serve a vital sprayed onto public property and public function of brightening our lives. It can groups of rebellious teens hanging around also make a political or social statement — in dark alleys. Yet, despite such the defining images of the Cold War in preconceptions, graffiti allows the 1980s were undoubtedly the for a creative freedom and graffiti art covering the Berlin should be recognised Wall, such as the Brezhnevas an art form in Honecker embrace. its own right. Whereas the West Berlin Graffiti is side of the wall became important as a colourful mural of an accessible political art, the eastern art form which side was left blank and allows creative colourless, epitomising expression the difference outside of the between freedom traditionally and authoritarianism. elitist realm of art. Graffiti does not deserve The discipline allows its stereotypical association with people to engage with Image: Pxhere.com. crime and delinquency. It deserves politics and social issues its place in the pantheon of popular which are important to them. art, for bringing us life in technicolour, For example, in the peak of the Black Lives and allowing everyone and anyone to Matter movement in 2020, a mural of George make a statement on a public canvas. Floyd was created in Manchester by local artist Akse. The piece celebrated the life of Harry Craig, Deputy Editor Floyd, unjustly murdered, whilst participating in larger discussions of race and equality.

The infamous and elusive Banksy has been part and parcel of a broader move to recognise the artistic skill and creativity which graffiti artists employ. Some of Banksy’s work is permanently on display at the Moco Museum in Amsterdam and The Art of Banksy touring exhibition has brought the artist’s work to audiences across the globe. Through placing ‘street art’ into the gallery space, these examples demonstrate that graffiti should be considered art. Whilst I think there is a time and a place for graffiti, I’m not suggesting tagging Exeter Cathedral or giving Big Ben a makeover; when people feel the need to express themselves it has to be recognised as important. Graffiti gives people the tools to say what they feel needs to be said and is also important as a marking of history. The graffiti donning the Berlin Wall preserves an expanse of stories which are fascinating and socially important. Regardless of whether people think graffiti is art or not, it is fundamental societally that everyone has the ability to express themselves creatively and politically. Milly Earnshaw-White

Genre spotlight: thriller and murder mystery

Cora Jamieson discusses the origin of the genre, and its most famous titles

ROM Cluedo to The Silence of Homer’s Odyssey featuring common the Lambs, everyone loves a elements of thriller titles. Thrillers keep thriller, and indeed the recent the readers attention through explosion of the 2023 film the mix of anxiety, hope Saltburn highlights how and suspense as the the genre only continues reader knows what to expand into the 21st is going to happen century. Thrillers entice but powerless to the audience through intervene. In fact, the careful manipulation the placid simplicity of suspense, which often and versatility of leads them to cross over thrillers is what’s kept Image: Maddie Conlan with other genres, such as them such an enduring horror,crime,andmurdermysteries. staple of genre fiction. Thrillers are credited with some of Murder mysteries have been the earliest written works in the world, popular in the UK since the first modern with epics like The Epic of Gilgamesh and thriller novel, The Riddle of the Sands,

by British – Irish author Erskine Child hit shelves in 1903, but the genre had existed for centuries before then. One of the most famous early murder mystery stories is from 1001 Arabian Nights, when Scheherazade tells the story of The Three Apples. In this story, a fisherman finds a mysterious locked chest on the banks of the River Tigris and sells it to the Caliph, who is horrified to find the body of a dead woman inside. The Caliph then orders his vizier to catch the murderer within three days. My personal favourite thriller novel and recommendation to anyone interested in the genre is Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca. Set in the beautiful

west country manor of Manderley, the young unnamed heroine and narrator has recently married the somewhat distant Maxim de Winter, but the perpetual shadow of his deceased ex-wife, the titular Rebecca, and the truth of what happened to her looms over the new couple.

MURDER MYSTERIES HAVE BEEN POPULAR IN THE UK SINCE THE FIRST MODERN THRILLER NOVEL The

novel

2024 reading goals

OR me, 2023 was a great year for reading, averaging around a book per week. Of course, as usual, this increased during the summer holiday with the freedom from uni work to read whatever I wanted all day. I love to track my books on Goodreads, as I can see what I have read, am currently reading, and what I would like to read in the future. For 2024, I am very keen to get back into Jodi Picoult

mainly

employs

dramatic irony (when the reader knows information that is withheld from the characters), and du Maurier uses a lot of traditional gothic imagery and settings in her novel to capture the isolation and powerlessness the narrator feels in her new home. As the police investigation and her marriage progress, the mixed cocktail of apprehension, hope and anxiety result in an outcome that leaves the reader hanging on at every turn…no spoilers though! Despite not being a traditional thriller novel, du Maurier expertly blends the gothic and the thriller genres to create a tense narrative full of intrigue and drama that any thriller lover is bound to enjoy.!

Arts and Lit writers share their reading plans for the year ahead books. I picked up her title Small Great Things last year, and absolutely loved the writing style. Picoult is a talented author who deals with important social issues in her novels, and I’m excited to read more of her work this year. Sarah Gould

S if planned, 2023 concluded with a total of 23 books read. A total coincidence, rendered somewhat less impressive by the nature of doing an English degree that requires you to read a fair amount. As we step into the year ahead, I would like to read more books for enjoyment. There are three ways I intend to do this: Firstly, gaining motivating by tracking my reading with ‘Storygraph’. Practically,

reducing social media use to maximise free time and form a greater attention span. And finally, by reading exclusively those books that interest me. So, I aim to read a few modern classics like The Bell Jar and A Thousand Splendid Suns, alongside finally finishing off the collection of non-fiction books that have been gathering dust. Eleanor Rogers

exhibit

24 JAN 2024 | 19

EDITORS: Lauren Walsh & Maddie Conlan

arts and lit

Creative writing Rosie Peters-McDonald, Satire Editor, shares her creative piece Surviving Apocalypse

FTER the commotion, there was only silence. The ground shuddered alongside us, and then it was still again. If dust were to have settled down beside us, I couldn’t see any of it; my periphery was white, all white, and then grey again, and then I laid for what might have been minutes, might been hours, in the colossal rubble, my body one with the brown scorched earth. When I finally saw again it was dark outside. I looked first for Sharon, who was, as I had last remembered her to be, beside me, except now she was on her back and very still. I made an attempt to shove her. I watched myself move, watched my legs falter. I felt almost nothing, just a twinge in one knee; I put it down to shock. It was shocking, after all, to survive apocalypse.

IT WAS SHOCKING, AFTER ALL, TO SURVIVE APOCALYPSE There had been whisperings, of course, for a millennium. We spoke of it, we heard of it. Those big, loud voices, quaking in their

prophecy: the world’s ending, it’s ending as my sight returned. Her body was stiff, as if tomorrow. No, sorry, at the turn of the century she might have been preparing to stand up — oh, wrong again. Because of the climate, and sprint. I couldn’t make out any injuries, Jehovah, nuclear war. All this talk of worlds aside from a withered leg, but I figured that ending made a gimmick of the idea, really. was the least of our concerns given the When were we really to know situation. I tried once more to if it was true? And what wake her, but she was static. were we to do about it, My vision was still anyway, but scuttle awry, but I checked in fright and then for any signs of the give up the fear for others scattered complacence? We around; no were, we are, just bodies, nor a speck in a huge disembodied world. What did parts, nor trails it really mean to which might speak out? To make have led me oneself seen as a to anyone else believer in the end who had survived was cultish. We were yet. Some deep, asking to be stepped forgotten instinct Image: 35-Elissandro on, stamped out. And to told me to hide myself run away was to be chased. somewhere darker than the But back to Sharon, who hadn’t moved usual world we had all inhabited, but despite my attempts to awaken her. Her dark from what, aside from my usual suspicions shape among the grey clutter gained clarity of people and cruelty, I did not know.

Lauren Walsh, Arts and Lit Editor, recommends Northcott shows

40 ELEPHANTS — 22-24 February Musical inspired by the true stories of the 40 Elephant Gang: Britain’s first female crime syndicate. TOM ALLEN: COMPLETELY — 8 March Another great comedian takes to the Great Hall with his signature acerbic wit and riotous storytelling. TESS — 11-12 March An adaptation of Tess of the D’Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy, this production utilises the physicality of circus to tell this tale of power, loss and endurance. THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING… EARNEST? — 14-16 March Straight from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, watch Oscar Wilde’s chaotic story of love, mistaken identity and double lives like you have never seen it before.

around her. What was I to do without her? But I knew what she’d say, dear Sharon. Go out there, Kevin, you survivor, onto the streets filled with the dust of your foes and know that no human will ever step on a cockroach again.

Florence New shares their most anticipated shows running in 2024

SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN — 24-27 January Set in 1927, the ‘talkie’ movies are having their first débuts. In a bid to remain relevant, Monumental Studios are turning their silent film The Dueling Cavalier into The Dancing Cavalier. However, they are faced with a problem: their star Lina Lamont doesn’t have a voice that fits the bill...

FRANKIE BOYLE: LAP OF SHAME — 10 February Comedian Frankie Boyle brings his latest show to Exeter’s Great Hall.

YOU SURVIVOR, ONTO THE STREETS FILLED WITH THE DUST OF YOUR FOES

Anticipated theatre shows

What’s On!

THE TIME MACHINE — 5-8 February Very loose re-telling of H. G. Wells’ The Time Machine, Machine, this time with a comedic spin. Will the actors be able to defeat the space time paradox — or at least get through the second half? Warning: May contain Cher tunes.

Call me crazy, but I had always believed we’d survive judgement day. After all, who were we to be judged? God had bigger fish to fry world leaders, meat eaters, cats who played with their food. And fry them he did. What was I to him, but a believer? A survivor, even? And Sharon, she worked so hard. She made a difference; I know she did. And she was great at making compost; not everyone can say that for themselves. But there she was, stiller than I’d ever seen her, short legs dead as the world

Image: 35mmMan, Flickr

ITH a new year comes excitement for what the future will bring, and no other area does this quite as dramatically as the world of theatre. The sheer volume of plays and musical theatre shows opening regionally and nationally can be quite daunting, so here are some highlights coming to the stage this year. The musical I am personally most excited to see opening on the West End this year is Mean Girls. Girls. As a fan of both the original film and the Broadway soundtrack, I just know that this show will be absolutely fantastic. Opening in June 2024 at the Savoy Theatre, Mean Girls has been put together by a star-studded production team, including writer Tina Fey, composer Jeff Richmond, and director and choreographer Casey Nicholaw. The story follows the classic film version, focused on new girl Cady Heron trying to adapt to life at an American high school, finding her way amongst the popular girls and the outcasts. The soundtrack is energetic, and the choreography of the Broadway version was phenomenal, and both new and old fans will find themselves entertained.

THE SOUNDTRACK IS ENERGETIC, AND THE CHOREOGRAPHY OF THE BROADWAY VERSION WAS PHENOMENAL

If musicals aren’t particularly your thing, then there are plenty of plays to be enjoyed. A standout drama this year will be The Picture of Dorian Gray at the Haymarket Theatre Royal. The star of this show is Sarah Snook, who rose to fame playing Shiv Roy in Succession Succession.. She alone will play all 26 different characters in this adaptation of the classic novel. First staged in Sydney in 2020, the play makes use of videos and on-stage cameras to engage the audience and tell the story. The Picture of Dorian Gray is open from the 23rd January to 13th April 2024. London is not the only home to amazing theatre. Several shows are starting tours in 2024, including Dear Evan Hansen, Hansen, & Juliet,, and The Book of Mormon. Juliet Mormon. One show I recommend highly is Come From Away, Away, on tour from the 1st March. Come From Away won Best New Musical when it first opened on the West End, and it is such an original, emotional, breath of fresh air. This will be its first UK and Ireland Tour, and I’m so glad that this impeccable musical will be taken around the country. The story is set in a small Canadian town called Gander, which housed thousands of stranded travellers in the immediate aftermath of 9/11. This musical stands out with its relatively small cast and limited staging, but it is still able to transport its audience.

LONDON IS NOT THE ONLY HOME TO AMAZING THEATRE As someone who staunchly does not cry at musicals, even listening to this soundtrack will bring me to tears. It combines a feel-good, hopeful story with the reality of the damage that was caused.

MUSIC Release radar: 'Iris'

Maya Fernandes, Online Music Editor, discusses Sam Fender's new single 'Iris'

HE New Year is a time of new beginnings, new resolutions, and of course, new music. 2024 is already shaping up to be a great year for music, judging from the series of announcements made by some of our favourite artists thus far. One new release in particular signals the end of a hiatus from Geordie singer-songwriter, Sam Fender, whose sophomore album ‘Seventeen Going Under’ was named NME’s Album of the Year in 2021. After headlining Reading and Leeds and TRNSMT in 2023, Fender has announced the release of a new single ‘Iris’, which will feature in James Childs’ first feature film, Jack-

daw, set to debut at the end of this month. This is not the first time the artist has taken an interest in the world of cinema, with his song ‘Poltergeists’ featuring on the soundtrack for Philip Barantini’s 2021 one-shot feature, Boiling Point. The new single titled ‘Iris’ was first played on the BBC Radio 2 Culture Club segment last week, with

DJ Edith Bowman describing the track as “absolute perfection” in its contribution to an emotional scene. Jackdaw, an action film set in Newcastle where Fender grew up, is a project which focuses on the hardships of growing up in the North East of England. Both ‘Seventeen Going Under’ and Fender’s first album ‘Hypersonic Mis-

siles’ draw upon his hometown experiences, so the release of Jackdaw couldn’t be more fitting for his return. The singer-songwriter exclusively gifted the director this track for the film, and its stripped-back guitar and layered vocals beautifully capture feelings of disillusionment and small-down frustration in the landscape of Childs’ narrative. Here's hoping we’ll witness the announcement of a third album from Sam Fender in the coming months, but for now, the release of ‘Iris’ is a much-needed accompaniment to the dreary winter months to come. Image: Wikimedia Commons

2024: the new 2014? Musicwritersdiscussthealbumsthatturn10yearsoldthisyearinkeepingwiththebigquestiononourminds:is2024thenew2014? Ghost Stories — Coldplay Coming off the back of 2011’s neon-infused fifth studio album Mylo Xyloto, Coldplay had firmly found their feet in the world of pop music. Hits like ‘Paradise’ and ‘Charlie Brown’ could bring a smile to the face of even the most hardened Coldplay sceptic. Their sixth studio album in 2014, however, would come about in much more difficult circumstances. In March 2014, just two months before the album’s release, frontman Chris Martin and his wife Gwyneth Paltrow announced their separation after over a decade together. This put immense strain on Martin, who endured mental health struggles in the wake of his break-up. From the most devastating of personal circumstances emerged Coldplay’s heartbreak album: Ghost Stories. Its stripped-back, acoustic feel could not have been more different from Mylo Xyloto. Just nine songs were packed into 42 minutes, effectively working as a concept album, telling the story of recovering from a break-up. Martin described it as “a journey learning about unconditional love.” However, perhaps the stand-out moment for most people diverges from the otherwise muted tone of Ghost Stories. The euphoric sound reminiscient of Mylo Xyloto is clear in the album’s biggest hit, ‘A Sky Full of Stars’, which a decade on has transformed into perhaps one of the greatest live stadium songs of all time. It even caused an earthquake

when the band performed the song in Berlin in 2022. Although it seems odd to insert an Aviciiproduced, EDM-inspired pop song into the middle of a toned-down break-up album, it works. ‘A Sky Full of Stars’ fits the concept, acting as the optimistic moment of relief at the end of the heartbreak, after processing the inevitable sadness and even depression that are conveyed so well in songs like ‘Midnight’ and ‘Magic’. ‘A Sky Full of Stars’is followed by album closer,‘O’, containing perhaps one of the band’s greatest ever deep cuts, ‘Fly On’, as a hidden track. The simple piano ballad with the metaphor of a lost relationship as a“flock of birds”is a fitting end to the album, which has a cyclical structure as the end of the final track fades back into opening song, ‘Always In My Head’. The beauty of Ghost Stories is its simplicity. Lyrics like “Tell me you love me, and if you don’t, lie to me” (‘True Love’) or “All I know, is that I love you so, so much that it hurts” (‘Ink’) are blatant, but convey exactly how heartbreak feels. Although Coldplay’s trademark colourful pop would return for 2015’s A Head Full of Dreams, Ghost Stories and the 2014 nostalgia it ignites is a reminder that this is a band that can strip things back to the basics. Harry Craig, Deputy Editor

Hozier — Hozier As 2023 ticked over into 2024, billions of people around the world celebrated, with many taking to social media to reflect on 2014, 10 years since it ended. Thousands of shorts and viral TikTok videos circulated, as people looked back on the major events of the year, in politics, in film and, more importantly for this article, in music. Although by the mid-2010s, pop music had already shifted away from the harder sound of the 2000s and towards a more upbeat, bubbly direction. The focus of most Billboard Top 40 hits began to be dominated by more ‘live in the moment’ style tunes, with tracks such as 'Chandelier' by Sia, Charlie XCX and Iggy Azelia’s 'Fancy', and 'Happy' by Pharrell Williams, taking the world by storm. Not everyone was happy with this change in direction however, as many music critics define 2014 as the year ‘genre died,’ as mainstream artists began labelling their music as ‘cross genre,’ notably Taylor Swift released her first ‘pop album’ with 1989, despite functionally sounding very similar to her earlier work, Swift sought to lose the label of ‘country’ as she felt the negative associations only held her career back. Speaking of cross genre artists, 2014 was the year that Hozier, an Irish folk-rock and R&B

singer, gave lesbians everywhere the wedding music of their dreams with the release of his self-titled debut album, Hozier. Released on 19th September 2014, Hozier incorporated his earlier wildly successful single 'Take me to Church', alongside his From Eden EP and new material to create a folk R&B album with overarching themes of romantic love, religion and devotion, abuse and obsession. Hozier, whose real name is Andrew Hozier-Byrnes, has written that his first album is inspired by the fairytales of Oscar Wilde, and this structure is apparent within his writing as songs like 'The Angel of Small Death and the Codeine Scene' that focus upon the narrator’s encounter with a woman, being almost mythical in nature. The worship, desire and otherworldliness of the women in Hozier’s writing has made him a darling of the LGBTQ+ community worldwide, especially amongst queer women and femmes. Since 2014 Byrnes has gone on to release 2 more wildly successful albums, Wasteland, Baby! In 2019, and Unreal Unearth last year, in 2023. The enduring success and legacy of Byrnes’ writing and musicality continues right up to the present day as he is still touring Unreal Unearth all over the world. Cora Jamieson

Images: Harry Craig, Wikimedia Commons, Flickr, Lindsay Docherty

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EDITORS: Jake Avery and Scarlett Cracknell

exhibit | music

24 JAN 2024 | 21

Break your bleedin' heart

Joshua Smith, Deputy Editor, explores music, memory and spatiality

O Tonight That I Might See, Mazzy Star’s 1993 second album, a classic of 90s dreampop and soundtrack to generations of melancholy kids sulking in their bedrooms about the woes of the world, is best remembered in my lifetime as the lullaby which ended the evenings before I was sent to bed as a kid growing up in our small village of Murol in central France. As I hear the notes whisper and flow in and out of the soft, cradling sounds of the haunting lyrics, not only do I feel a sense of comfort, belonging, and sometimes sadness, but I can see the long mahogany table where we used to have so many family gatherings and spend

so many evenings laughing, arguing, crying. I can smell the dusty musk of the kitchen cabinets as you opened their age-old doors, I can feel the warm wind on my face whispering in from the open balcony doors on hot July evenings, and I can feel me, a small, slightly wild and emotional child with yet an inadequate grasp of the world’s workings to the extent that all that has trickled down to my now adult self are these faint, distant, yet paradoxically incredibly intimate and personal, impressions. The memories come in waves, and involuntarily, not in the sense that they aren’t intended, but are completely barred from the realm of intention. It’s not just Mazzy Star, but certain

hits from my parent’s admittedly wonderful repertoire of music such as Joni Mitchell’s 'Night in the City', a song my younger sister and I used to ridicule by screeching the high notes and prancing around, but now listen to intently, completely hooked on this sudden memory of childhood. Jake Bugg’s self-titled début album, played repeatedly on holidays, and several hours of The The, with 'This Is the Day' being my all-time favourite song, which conjures up the most vivid recollections, and takes me on a journey into to that part of your brain where those kind of sacred memories in which all you know is an innocent happiness are stored like ancient ruins, perfectly preserved, but fragmented. Going home for Christmas and delving into my mum’s record collection was like wandering through these ruins. This is all to say that listening to music is not just an act of hearing, but one of feeling, imagining, performing, creating, and most of all, remembering. Intertwined with our situated nature in the world, and playing a unique part in how we construct our social and private lives, it doesn’t exist as its own world, but within ours, and it is something situated affectively towards, and within, us. In other words, it isn’t ‘world-less’, existing in a pri-

vate, secluded space, but one which extends through ours. Alf Gabrielsson, interrogating the idea that music has a spatial aspect, states: “suddenly I was in some inexplicable way drawn into the music. It felt as if I was somehow lifted up from my seat and sort of floated in the room… the music crawled inside me; or was it me that crawled inside the music?” To be ‘inside’ the music is to go on a journey into everything it contains for you in the past, through memories, and the present and the future, through its philosophy, as the phenomenologist Maurice Merleau-Ponty (a philosophical hero of mine) puts it: “a piece of music comes very close to being no more than a medley of sound sensations: from among these sounds we discern the appearance of a phrase and, as phrase follows phrase, a whole and, finally, as Proust puts it, a world.” It unfolds as our memory and emotions unfold, and suddenly we are transported, and you’re that kid trying to embarrassingly sing the high notes to 'Night in the City' again while being told to keep the noise down by your father who’s fallen asleep in an armchair after eating too much raclette cheese (the French way of life, ay?).Images: Ita Pritsch, Flickr. Davi Elkington, Printerval

30 years of The Holy Bible

'Murder On The Dancefloor' Arya Nayyar delves into Saltburn's stellar soundtrack Images: Bryan Ledgard, Aurelien Guichard, Rob Jewitt, Flickr

urder On The Dancefloor has not left Saltburn viewers' heads since its feature in the climactic one-shot scene that left everyone in an otherwise stunned silence. Exploding in popularity once more, Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s disco classic has enjoyed an astonishing revival since its release in 2001. Though it was an instant hit in the UK music charts at the time, Ellis-Bextor was pipped at the post by Daniel Bedingfield’s ‘Gotta Get Thru This’ — with the song peaking at number two in December 2001. Remarkably, the song re-entered the scene 22 years later, rising to number two in the UK Dance Chart and passing the threshold of US Billboard Hot 100 this January, cementing it as Ellis-Bextor’s first song to chart on the Hot 100. This resurgence has been helped by the song’s role in a TikTok Trend of (overwhelmingly wealthy) people running through their (lavish) homes to mimic the final scene of Saltburn. Gaining traction in its ability to make most people stop scrolling and stare to the sound of Ellis-Bextor replaying in the background, this ostentatious display of affluence carries an irony as the film is about “our obsession with beauty” and “fetishisation of stuff” (according to director Emerald Fennell). With this in mind, perhaps TikTok videos emerging from the trend more closely resemble the inverse of the final scene, appearing earlier in the film when Felix gives Oliver a house tour loaded with the typical “constant dismissal of beauty” by rich people that Fennell attacks. Though, critics argue that the undoubtedly-upper-class Fennell abstains from any

impactful denunciation of upper class grandiosity (perhaps reflected by the trend as evidence of viewers’ failure to receive any such message) and instead glorifies its upper-class characters and their lifestyle, whilst portraying the middle-class as vampires sucking rich blood in their attempt to ascend and escape their predetermined place in stratified English society. With this interpretation, then, will we hear “If you think you’re getting away, I will prove you wrong” in the same way as before? Either way, it is clear that decisions about the soundtrack of Saltburn were precisely intentional as the film embodies noughties culture, using the entire soundtrack to transport viewers back to 2006. The music in the film is a focal point at times, when the lyrics of ‘Rent’ by Pet Shop Boys are utilised within the plot and the song‘Time to Pretend’by MGMT plays at the turning point in which Oliver becomes integrated within the Catton family, under false pretences. Eclipsing all else, the iconic final scene’s music “could never be anything but [a] Murder on the Dancefloor”, according to Fennell, as it represented “a moment that made us, the audience, complicit,” unable to do anything but gape (a feat certainly achieved, as seen by its ability to revive a 22-year-old song and remain at the forefront of everyone’s mind). While it may be stuck in your head, there’s one thing for certain — it’s a killer song.

Jake Avery, Music Editor, reflects on the Manic Street Preachers' magnum opus

mbracing a meaner, harder and grittier tonality than their previous album Gold Against the Soul, the Welsh rock maestros strayed from conventional, slick production qualities in order to create an epic that didn’t pull any punches. At the core, the album’s edge lies in acclaimed lyricist Richey Edwards’ musings, some of which examine the world as being corrupted and nightmarish, whilst others depict a brutally honest portrait of his mental struggles. ‘4st 7lb’ serves as a particularly harrowing track, exploring the corrosive nature of Edwards’ anorexia in a deeply personal and shocking manner. Tonally, classics like ‘Yes’ and ‘Faster’ feature more abrasive and swift guitar work from James Dean Bradfield, matched by the raucous thump of Nicky Wire’s rumbling basslines throughout tracks such as ‘Die in the Summertime’, both traits that lend Edwards' lyrics even more bite. The last album released before Edwards’ disappearance in 1995, The Holy Bible remains to be one of the most bold rock albums of the 1990s.

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screen Warped retellings Screen writers discuss film adaptations of well-known stories

MY Heckerling’s 1995 hit film, Clueless, remains a favourite teen coming-of-age tale, boasting the iconic futuristic wardrobe. However, what if we told you that it was based on the classic story of Emma by Jane Austen? The affluent, sheltered character of Emma Woodhouse in 19th century England is transposed onto Cher Horowitz of Beverly Hills in the 90s, both failing in their misguided match-making attempts. Parallels between the characters of each tale are apparent; for instance, Philip Elton’s offer to frame Emma’s painting in the classic novel is replicated by Elton hanging up Cher’s photograph in his locker — reflecting the differences afforded by modernity in the refashioned setting of the original story. Beverly Hills High School newbie, Tai, assumes the role of Austen’s Harriet who is taken under Emma’s wing to find her a suitable partner — just as Cher first sees Tai as a “project” to makeover and influences her love life. Notably, each story culminates in Emma’s brother-in-law and Cher’s former stepbrother becoming the love interest. Throughout, by reproducing Austen’s affinity for contemporary cultural references about bourgeois English society within the framework of 90s Los Angeles, Heckerling struck gold. Is there a better modern retelling? Ugh, as if! Arya Nayyar

T’S safe to say that the romcom dominated 90s cinema, producing some modern classics which have since become pop culture favourites and possibly ruined everyone’s standards for romance. Many of these romcoms were based (very loosely in some cases) on stories which have endured centuries of retellings and adaptations, reaching as far back as Shakespeare’s plays. 10 Things I Hate About You is one of these films, inspired by Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew — a controversial play about a young man who manages to “tame” the sister of his friend’s lover, branded a shrew due to her refusal to marry and her rebellion against male authority. While the double love plot and many of the finer details are kept in the 90s adaptation, it’s good to see that Kat isn’t broken and subdued by Patrick in the end (as in the play), but learns to trust him despite her problematic past experiences with men. The film is also packed with those irresistible clichés — the bad boy character, the enemies to lovers storyline, and the heartfelt declarations of love which you can’t help but swoon at — which have made this film a fan favourite and have kept it popular even 25 years after its release. Emily Sara Rizzo, Screen Editor

Image: Hutson Hayward , Flickr

Image: Charlotta Wasteson, Flickr

Bridget Jones’s Diary

10 Things I Hate About You

Clueless

PIECE of iconic cinema itself, Bridget Jones’s Diary, as Helen Fielding’s writing before its launch onto the silver screen in 2001, is loosely based around Jane Austen’s most renowned novel, Pride and Prejudice. Though the latter is set in the late 1700s, whilst Bridget Jones is a woman in her thirties in the 1990s, several similarities can be found. Of course, the ultimate love interests in both stories are named Mr. (Mark or Fitzwilliam) Darcy, both coincidentally in the film and 1995 TV series adaptation of Pride and Prejudice played by Colin Firth, but there are more nuanced plot parallels. The ‘Mr. Darcy’ in each story proposes to the protagonist by listing their faults, causing hurt. The heroines are charmed by womanisers, yet their true nature is eventually exposed, and Mr. Darcy redeems himself for a romantic ending. The parental dynamics are comparable, with an overbearing mother and meeker father. There is also social commentary: Elizabeth Bennett is subjected to economic pressures to marry; Bridget Jones does not face the same financial restraints, yet the social shame of being a single woman in her thirties is prominent. So, next time someone reduces Bridget Jones’s Diary as a ‘silly romcom’, you can tell them that it resembles one of the most poignant pieces of English romance literature. Amélie Thompson, Online Editor-in-Chief

Image: Nicholas Andrew , Flickr

Wonka review Amy Cases reviews the newest addition to the Willy Wonka-verse

ONKA, the movie that makes you realize you know more television icons than you thought. This new hit movie and spectacle for the new year, which was released on the 8th December, during the Christmas season, is a prequel to the iconic story of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Willy Wonka, played by a Hollywood sweetheart in the past few years, Timothée Chalamet, showcases his first role as both an actor and a singer, dipping into new genres, and expanding his range, exposing his true talent, in a movie showing a mix of feel-good and musical-like attributes. The actor has an incredible voice for someone not at all known for being in the music industry. The movie does exhibit serious topics such as forced labour, cruelty from the antagonists, fraud, scams, and bribery, but also instances where all

you do is laugh out loud. behind such strong emotions In his childhood flashduring the ups as well as backs, we could think the downs in a prothat the narrative of tagonist’s journey. a single mother, as Sometimes, and the reason behind for some people, his work, carrythe lack of focus ing her legacy in the plot of a and following romantic relahis dreams in tionship can lose her name, apsome viewers’ pears to be interest. But, I a little cliché. believe, the plot However, stoof the movie is ries sometimes focused on other need sentimental maybe more imporvalue, understandtant aspects: friendImage: Marcus Quigmire, Wikimedia Commons ing why something is ship, struggles, loyalty, so important to a characand ambition, instead. ter, and showing the reasoning The relationship between

Wonka and a girl named Noodle is the sweetest and most heartwarming part of the plot, sharing the feeling of being an orphan, or at least believing to be one, by Noodle. It’s the sort of movie where you think “I know that actor or actress, I love them,” as it showcases so many of our favourite icons, especially British, into one movie: Hugh Grant, Olivia Colman, Rowan Atkinson and many more. Wonka is an unconventionally quirky, funny, and passionate character who takes the watcher through positively weird and unusual adventures. There is a real mix of big social issues and dark themes with lightheartedness and feel-good energy. So, If you are into funny, relaxing, with a hint of wanting to know more sort of movies with an incredible soundtrack, grab a friend and some popcorn, a seat, and sit back to enjoy!

exhibit

EDITOR: Emily Sara Rizzo and Kayleigh Swart

screen

24 JAN 2024 |

Video games on the big screen James Allen, Events Executive, discusses recent video games’ crossover into film Image: Kazuhisa Uragami, Printerval

IDEO games and cinema have had a complicated history over the years. In recent years the two mediums have taken a great deal of inspiration from each other. Naughty Dog’s Uncharted series has demonstrated how games have become more cinematic with dynamic cinematography in both gameplay and cutscenes, with the game also making heavy use of motioncapture actors to enhance the performances. On the other hand, films have taken more inspiration from video games with films such as Free Guy taking place mostly in a video game. However, the world where video games and films directly interact and crossover is a messy history. You’ve probably seen the highgrossing Super Mario Bros. Movie released in April. However, this is not Mario’s first adventure on the big screen. In 1993, a live action film was released with Bob Hoskins and John Leguizamo as the brothers. The film not only had a dubious production process with instances such as Hoskins almost dying, but it was later received to highly negative reviews, made a loss at the box office and scared Nintendo from trying another film adaptation for over 20 years. This film

may be considered the worst video game adaptation, but few films in the genre actually managed to receive overall positive reviews. However, what you’ll notice today is that video game movies work and make big money. The recent Mario movie is one of the highest-grossing animated films of all time and the Five Nights at Freddy’s film is Blumhouse Productions’ highest-grossing film. The reason for this shift can be seen in the critical reception of these films. Both films scored poorly with critics but were beloved by fans due to the respect for the source material. These films are now created with the fan reception in mind and with a fidelity to what made the games popular in the first place. A concern one can then find is at what point do the films tell an original story and aren’t just retellings of the game’s narrative. That is likely the challenge now faced by the writers of the upcoming Minecraft Movie, based on a game with no real story, and most of what will be told will be original. At the moment, video game adaptations have solidified themselves as a successful genre of film; however, it took many years to reach this point and could fall at any moment.

Image: MaksKochanowicz123, DevaintArt

New year, new movies

Gracie Moore, Online Arts and Lit Editor, writes about the upcoming releases to look out for

024 is bringing a plethora of new films and TV shows to our screens: actors breaking onto new scenes and the return of some wellloved classics will be enough to keep anyone busy. BRIDGERTON: SEASON THREE Popular from the very beginning, Bridgerton season three is set to be released on Netflix in May. Following the success of season two, which gripped fans with Kate and Anthony’s love story, season three will supposedly focus on Penelope and Colin, offering a refreshing change to the plot. Bridgerton season three will be released in two parts, one in May and one in June. We can be sure to see just as many cliffhangers, steamy scenes and debauchery as the preceding seasons.

DOCTOR WHO The hype behind the latest series of Doctor Who on BBC One comes largely under the umbrella of one fantastic actor: Ncuti Gatwa. As the new Doctor, his first full-length episode was released on Christmas Day and now fans are eager to see him, along with Ruby Sunday (played by Millie Gibson), and how they do. There are also some guest actors to watch out for to add some more flavour to the show: RuPaul’s Drag Race winner Jinkx Monsoon and Bafta winner Lenny Rush. Showrunner, Russell T. Davies, has hinted that The Beatles will become part of one of the Doctor’s new adventures. DEADPOOL 3 Deadpool 3 will be released on the 26th July and it is fair to say, fans are excited. The first two films transformed Ryan Reynolds into the perfect anti-hero, known worldwide and not only by Marvel fans. The process of this film has been disrupted by the problem of strikes, as well as the purchasing of Fox by Disney, but the final date for release has been noted as July. Reynolds has said that Deadpool 3 will be “totally different” to what we have seen before. It leaves a lot to the imagination.

Image - G.Weston, Flickr

Image: Polymedia gallery, Flickr

HOUSE OF THE DRAGON: SEASON TWO It has been reported that season two of House of the Dragon will be released in August 2024. Development started in August 2022 and it was earlier reported for summer premiere after the writer’s strike end. Filming was not affected by the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes which had a large impact on many major productions. Season two will act as the prequel show which is based on Fire and Blood by George R.R Martin and will focus on the civil war in Targaryen becoming known as the Dance of the Dragons. Season one was well received so fans are eager to see how season two will follow in its footsteps.

INSIDE OUT 2 Just five days short of the nine-year anniversary of the original Inside Out, the sequel is due to be released in June of this year. The first film was critically acclaimed when it came out in 2015 for the accurate depiction of the mental health of children. In the second film, we will get to see Riley become a teenager and experience even more emotions. The first film was moving as well as comical, so it will be interesting to see how directors further this in the sequel.

Image: Disney Pixar

LA SOCIEDAD DE LA NIEVE This is a personal favourite of mine! Directed by J. A. Bayona, this film recounts the event of the plane crash in the Andes in the 1980s which led some survivors to take to drastic measures such as cannibalism in order to remain alive while the search for them took place. The director, J. A. Bayona made it clear that this is a Spanish-language film, sticking closely to the Uruguayan/Chilean roots. No English dubbing is offered for this reason, so non-Spanish-speaking viewers will need to watch with subtitles. It promises to be a touching and thrilling recollection of real events. It is available to stream now on Netflix!

TECH Police investigate sexual assault in VR Amy Rushton, Online Comment Editor, explores a police investigation into virtual sexual assault THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS CONTENT RELATING TO SEXUAL ASSAULT WHICH SOME READERS MAY FIND DISTRESSING

RITISH police are investigating the case of a girl, younger than 16, who was sexually assaulted in an immersive virtual reality (VR) game. This investigation is the first of its kind in the UK, triggering widespread scepticism. Many have argued the incident is incomparable to physical rape, that experiences in VR do not infringe upon reality, and it is a waste of resources to investigate a ‘harmless’ game. However, in my view, VR rape is anything but harmless, and a failure to police it now will have tragic consequences for women's future in the Metaverse. Whilst the technology may be new, the questions posed by this investigation are not; the dangers of virtual sexual assault were first explored in Julian Dibbell’s seminal 1993 article “A Rape in Cyberspace”, exploring a ‘cyberrape’ on the virtual platform LambdaMOO. This exploration shaped how researchers have since navigated the blurred lines between ‘real’ and ‘virtual’; whilst the attack was not physical, it was nevertheless a violation

resulting in real-world psychological effects. The people behind these avatars are real, in this case a child, who will likely bear the psychological scars of this attack for years to come. This latest case is far from an isolated incident. As the Metaverse expands it has proved itself to be a breeding ground for misogyny and harassment when left unsupervised. This is hardly surprising from Meta, the company which emerged from ‘Facemash’, Mark Zuckerburg’s precursor to Facebook, which allowed men to rate their female classmates’ appearance. It seems the Metaverse is continuing to perpetuate a hostile environment for women. In an article for Medium, a user described her first experience with VR: the endless possibilities, the beautiful realistic environment, she “was a god." That is until another player began to chase and virtually grope her, bringing her crashing down from the high of VR only three minutes into her first multiplayer game. Simply being a female player, it seems, was perceived as an invitation for sexual assault, with avatars acting as a mask to protect attackers from any real-world consequence or moral responsibility. As with sexual assault cases outside the Metaverse, this is about power, misogyny and control: men forcing themselves upon women in spaces they feel

they have a right to dominate. Online gaming communities have often been hostile places to women, but with the added immersion of VR, the psychological effect of these attacks cannot be ignored. It’s designed to feel real, and so the danger presented by sexual assault is real too, with traumatic experiences forcing many teenagers off the platform. Despite UK police investigating the case, it is unclear whether the law enables any kind of prosecution to be made, or whether new laws need to be introduced to tackle such cases. Unfortunately, online legislation is notoriously slow at catching up to new technology, whilst technology is notoriously adept at creating new ways for vulnerable people to be harmed. If we don’t find a way to keep up with governing virtual words, vulnerable teens risk being completely shut out of them, and other areas of life VR will inevitably expand into. It seems the billionaires and tech gurus funding this software can’t be relied on to create proper protections, and so policymakers need to be able to adapt. VR has been advertised as a utopia, offering new social experiences reality cannot provide. Instead, when left unchecked it can end up being another source of fear and endangerment for women. VR

Image: Ralph, Gratis Graphics

may let you become a “god”, but unless safeguarding is made a priority, for many of its users the virtual world is just as scary as the real one. If you are affected by the issues discussed in this article, please contact the University's Wellbeing services.

Amazon to add adverts to Prime Video

Anna Kane, Online News Editor, discusses the impact this decision could have on viewers

MAZON has announced that it will be cluding ads and costing £6.99 a month, “Standadding advertisements to its streaming ard” with no ads costing £10.99, and “Premium” service, Prime Video, from the 5th Febru- which has HD quality and other features costary. This decision follows the pattern of several ing £15.99. Disney Plus and Paramount Plus other streaming companies. In order to have also offer cheaper no-ad plans to their cusaccess to Prime Video, you have to have an Am- tomers. Amazon have followed suit in the inazon Prime account which costs £8.99 a month, creasingly popular marketing move to profit or you can get an annual membership of £95 a off the customer’s impatience with adverts. year. Now, if you are an Amazon Prime member who wants to enjoy Prime Video advert-free, ...THE INCREASINGLY POPULAR you will have to pay an extra £2.99 a month. MARKETING MOVE TO Amazon announced their plan to add PROFIT OFF THE CUSTOMER'S adverts to their service back in SeptemIMPATIENCE ber 2023, and the proposed change is now only weeks away. It is possible for customers to pre-order registration for the advertPrime Video’s adverts will break up movies free plan, and they will not be as well as TV shows on their service. Amcharged until the 5th February. azon have defended their decision The company have exin an email to customers, which plained that their adverts will says, “Starting 5th February, be "fewer than linear TV and Prime Video movies and TV other streaming TV providshows will include limited aders” but have not specified vertisements. This will allow which specific “TV providus to continue investing in ers” they are referring to. compelling content and keep One of their better know riincreasing that investment vals, Netflix, created a cheapover a long period of time.” In Image: Marco Verch, ccnull.de er alternative subscription to fact, US customers have already their service which includes adhad the advertisements affect vertisements back in October 2022. them, as this change was implemented There are now three Netflix plans: “Basic” infor them on the 28th December. The 5th Feb-

Image: Ajay Suresh, Wikimedia Commons

ruary change applies to British and German customers, and later in the year, France, Italy, Spain, Mexico and Australia are set to have ads as well. Amazon’s decision has been met with backlash and resentment by Amazon Prime customers, with people taking to Twitter to express their disappointment. Amidst the cost-of-living crisis

in the UK, this additional cost is unhelpful. University of Exeter student and Prime Video user, Francis Neville, expressed his concern over Amazon’s announcement, saying, “I think streaming services are forgetting the very reason they were so popular. By re-introducing ads what makes them any better than box sets anymore?”

exhibit | TECH

24 JAN 2024 | 25

EDITORS: Ewan Gregory and Charlie McCormack

The New York Times sues Microsoft and OpenAI

Livvy Mason-Myhill, Editor-in-Chief, explores the details of the lawsuit

HE New York Times has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI and Microsoft alleging that the two companies used its content to train largelanguage model systems and generative artificial intelligence, which could result in billions of dollars in damages for the former. The lawsuit, which alleges copyright infringement, was filed in a federal court in Manhattan on the 27th December. It states that although the companies used information from various sources to construct their systems, they gave special emphasis to content from the New York Times and attempted to "free-ride on the Times’s massive investment in its journalism by using it to build substitutive products without permission or payment." "The Times's ability to provide that service is threatened by the unlawful use" of the publication's "copyrighted news articles, in-depth investigations, opinion pieces, reviews, how-to guides, and more" to develop artificial intelligence products, according to the lawsuit. The lawsuit makes the case that the Times's independent journalism is "increasingly rare and valuable," citing its "vital" value to democracy.

News organisations are particularly worried that the tools may disseminate false material that is credited to them and use their content without providing an incentive for users to click through to the original source. In barely two months after its November 2022 launch, ChatGPT had 100 million users. It had over 100 million weekly users a year later.

NEWS ORGANISATIONS ARE WORRIED THAT THE TOOLS MAY DISSEMINATE FALSE MATERIAL THAT IS CREDITED TO THEM Internal disagreement over the direction of the quickly expanding business and whether to stick to the safety-first principles

upon which it was built or adopt a less restrained growth plan rocked ChatGPT's parent company, OpenAI, last month. After the confrontation, the company's outspoken CEO, Sam Altman, was fired; nevertheless, staff members successfully campaigned for his reinstatement. The turbulence, which centred on the company's leadership as its tools became more capable, ignored the growing conflict between the companies that give the data required to train AI systems and those who operate the technology. Fiction writers have sued OpenAI several times for using their copyrighted works, notably in a current class-action lawsuit. In February 2023, the Getty Photo Archive filed a lawsuit against another AI company for using its photos. Image: Ajay Suresh, Wikimedia Commons

INDEPENDENT JOURNALISM IS "INCREASINGLY RARE AND VALUABLE" The publisher's complaint is the most recent in a series of related ones, which also included a case filed in September 2023 by over a dozen authors against the corporation for using their works. Since language learning models gained widespread attention in 2022, there has been a growing amount of scrutiny around them.

According to The Times, the lawsuit was filed following what appeared to be a breakdown in talks on the companies' usage of Times content. The Times stated in the petition that it had contacted the tech companies regarding the use of its intellectual property in an attempt to find "an amicable resolution," which included business contracts and "guardrails" around AI products, but that the talks had come to a standstill. The complaint also addresses the problem of AI "hallucinations," which are essentially fraudulent reports that are incorrectly attributed to sources and which the Times claims could harm the publication's reputation. It found content on Microsoft's Bing Chat, including search results for "the 15 most hearthealthy foods," that it asserts was mistakenly labelled as Times content. The lawsuit states that The Times piece omitted 12 of those. The Times' complaint asserts that OpenAI, which is valued at $80 billion, and Microsoft, its partner, which is valued at $2.8 trillion, should be held liable for "billions of dollars in statutory and actual damages" but does not make a financial claim. The suit also asked for the firms to remove any chatbot models and training data that use copyrighted material from The Times. OpenAI has announced agreements aimed at easing concerns around the use of publicly available materials to train ChatGPT, which has become a source of conflict. In an effort to "enrich users’ experience with ChatGPT by adding recent and authoritative content on a wide variety of topics, and explicitly values the publisher’s role in contributing to OpenAI’s products," OpenAI and the major German publishing house Axel Springer announced their cooperation in early December 2023.

2023's best gadgets

Charlie McCormack, Tech Editor, details his top 5 gadgets of the past year

ONOS — Era 300 Speaker: Sonos’s Era tion, Meta continue to challenge this idea. 300 is a titanic £400 speaker promising "to create the best standalone spaMETA CONTINUES TO tial audio experience of any single speaker." DOMINATE THE VR SPACE IN ‘Spatial audio’ is the buzzword here, cropTERMS OF BANG FOR YOUR ping up all around the premium speaker BUCK market, spearheaded by Apple and their HomePod 2 smart speaker. But with Sonos’s wider out the box compatibility, and the WF-1000XM5 Wireless Earbuds: Coming sheer scale of sound emitted, it’s hard to rec- in at £259, Sony’s new earbuds haven’t manommend anything else for such a hefty price. aged to maintain their predecessors price tag Meta Quest 3: Meta continues to domi- like those of their competitor Apple, but with nate the VR space in terms of bang for a sleeker profile and AI machine learnyour buck. Whilst still £200 more ing noise cancelling, they promise expensive than the Quest 2, a slick, uninterrupted listening the 3 has hardware surpassexperience. If you’re looking ing that of the £999.99 for an affordable alternative, Quest Pro. The controlI’d recommend looking lers have ditched the at the Beats Studio Buds annoying tracking ring for over £100 cheaper. for a more ergonomic Dyson Airwrap Stydesign, and visual fideller: We all know someone ity is what you’d expect who wants one of these. from a £200 upgrade. VR Drying, curling, smoothhas sort of been gatekept ing, eradicating flyaways, Image: Igor Son, Wikimedia Commons from the average consumer what does this thing not do? by the price of a ‘proper’ headset, Well, at £350 it definitely doesn’t but in their quest for virtual dominapay the rent. But with attachments

for different hair types and styles, it should work for everyone. I’ve got no idea what the ‘Coanda effect’ is, but with an average of 4 stars over 14,000 reviews, it’s got to be good. Smart Notebooks: I’m cheating a bit here by recommending a host of notebooks depending on what you’re looking for. I know you’ve seen someone in your seminars with one. For some, they’re just a fad, but for many who need the feeling of physi-

cal notetaking, they’re a serious tool in your study arsenal. For a budget option I’d go for the Rocketbook Fusion, the reMarkable 2 is a great option if you can afford to splurge a little, and the Amazon Kindle Scribe is my choice if you prefer more of a ‘tablet vibe’.

THEY'RE A SERIOUS TOOL IN YOUR STUDY ARSENAL

Image: Hardy Iyank, Pexels

24 JAN 2024| EXEPOSÉ

Exetera Exetera... ASK NAPOLEON: advice column

Question 1: What are some realistic resolutions? 1. Try and read for at least 10 minutes a day, whether this is an article, poem, short story, or book. I’m aware we aren’t all English students (even surprisingly on the Exeposé committee) but this resolution is a great way to relax and take a break away from a screen. 2. For those of you who struggle to stay organised with your finances, I’d recommend planning each month with a budget book. Whether this is assigning a weekly budget or calculating how much to spend for the month on different categories. 3. Getting a full night’s rest. While it seems obvious, scientifically adults need a minimum of 7hrs sleep. So as tempting as it is to stay awake or go out multiple days a week, do make sure to look after yourself this term too. 4. Don’t forget to have a social life — as the business of term begins and workload continues to pile up, it can be easy to find yourself feeling trapped in the library. While it is important to stay on top of your studies do remember to go out to meet friends, you won’t be at uni forever after all...

Question 2: How do I keep warm this winter? ITH everyone now back on the Exeter campus, we have all quickly realised how freezing cold it is. As the UK braves one of the coldest winters on record, here are some tips to manage the sub-zero temperatures in Exeter. Obviously as students we are most likely to be very tight for money and many of us have student houses with bills not included. This then means that we aren’t particularly keen to put the heating on, in order to save a bit of cash. I would recommend layering up this winter and wrapping up in blankets to retain heat better. I would also invest in some gloves, which especially come in handy (pun not intended) when you are walking on to campus. I’m sure many people would also reccommend investing in a heated blanket. Many people are also currently rocking the thick puffer jacket and fluffy scarf combination (fitting the very Exetah stereotype). Another tip I’d recommend is staying on campus; this not only helps you to stay warm, but get a start on that growing to-do list.

Images: Anabel Costa-Ferreira

EDITORS:

Anabel Costa-Ferreira Livvy Mason-Myhill Joshua Smith

Student stars CAPRICORN (22 ARIES (21 MAR — CANCER (21 JUN DEC — 19 JAN) 19 APR) — 22 JUL) You can meet with great You’re gearing up for It can also be a time success in your relationa rather ambitious and in which you have ships, with artistic expression, and in accomplished period, although these more courage to pursue a relationyour personal life in general. matters have a strong social element. ship.

LIBRA (23 SEP — 22 OCT) You’re making good impressions on others on many levels — physically, emotionally, and mentally or verbally.

AQUARIUS (20 JAN TAURUS (20 APR — LEO (23 JUL — 22 — 18 FEB) 20 MAY) AUG) You’re segueing from You’ll find that When pursuing a connected, involved moving outside of improved health and period to a period of retreat and your normal bounds and routines well-being, you’re far more patient rest. improves your opportunities. with a solid goal in mind.

SCORPIO (23 OCT — 21 NOV) It’s a great time for gathering your facts and experimenting with different ideas and projects.

PISCES (19 FEB — 20 MAR) It’s a brilliantly fertile time for networking, creative contributions, teamwork, hobbies, and money-making ideas.

SAGITTARIUS (22 NOV — 21 DEC) You feel a great need to push your personal interests and projects forward.

GEMINI (21 MAY — 20 JUNE) You’re not interested in superficial harmony now — you want to see deep, long-lasting changes.

Image: OpenClipart, SVG

Recipe: spicy black bean stew

HIS one’s a classic in my family, not only is it cheap, but healthy and really tasty. We usually put it in wraps as tortillas, but you can of course eat the stew on its own. You can also tailor it to your own preferences, taking away/putting in any spices or extra fillings in the tortillas.

spice fan) hot chilli flakes, and mix into the onions and peppers.

Step 1: Dice one onion and one pepper, and fry in olive oil in a medium-size frying pan for five minutes or until soft.

Step 4: Time to make the tortillas! You can do whatever you like with this, but I like to make guacamole, grate some cheddar/gruyère, and get some sour cream. Layer these however you like with the stew in wraps, and voilà, you have a healthy, cheap, and tasty meal!

Step 2: Add a spice mix of paprika, ground cayenne pepper, ground coriander, cumin, and (if you’re a

VIRGO (23 AUG — 22 SEP) There’s strong creative energy and quite a bit of animation in your personal life.

Image: TimSullivan, Negative Space

Step 3: Add one can of chopped tomatoes and one can of black beans into the mix and let simmer for 15 minutes, or until the water has boiled down so that the stew is quite thick.

Exeposé archives: an elections special

S the release of our special Guild Elections edition is a mere five days away, it seems a perfect time to reflect on one of our very own special issues from March 1994. In this edition, Exeposé not only encouraged students to use their vote wisely but ‘Use your vote!’ in the final set of elections that term. The front page detailed the many positions students were eligible to apply for; at this time, many similar positions existed such as Education Representative as well and President/Chair. However, other roles notably differed as several other positions existed, that have now likely been combined to create the six that exist today. Other jobs in this academic year included: Women’s Officer, Racial & Ethnic Rights Officer, Environment Officer, Lesbian, Gay & Bisexual Officer, Education Faculty Rep and many more... Interestingly, our very own Exeposé Editor elections were also included in this set of elections as

well as representatives for different educational faculties. At the time, voting took place by STV (singletransferable vote system) much like today, as candidates were ranked in order of preference, with the RON option still heavily joked about — as the end of the page reads “as a point of information, RON drives a Sinclair C5 and is currently studying at Bristol Poly... sorry, I mean University of West England.” Within the issue, all students running have included a small statement detailing why they deserve the position and experience they have that makes them a perfect candidate. As expected, voting took place in a variety of places on both the Streatham and St. Luke’s campus, from The Cof-

fee Bar (DH) to accommodations such as Birks, Duryard, Mardon and Lopes. Much like the general elections, students were required to also bring along their Guild card as a form of identification.

study break

| 24 JAN 2024

exhibit | 27

STUDY BREAK CROSSWORD

SUDOKU

Down 1 Sudden escape (US slang) (3) 1 Not heavy (5) 2 Automaton — robot (5) 4 Exciting (atmosphere, say) (7) 3 Hard metallic element (8) 8 Soviet statesman (surname) (7) 4 Ague (5) 9 Dance club (5) 5 (Human) frame (4) 10 With upper limbs linked (3,2,3) 6 Alternatively (7) 11 Restaurant list (4) 7 Persuasive speaking - Queen 13 Outdoor bath (3,3) 15 Aureate — dongle (anagram) (6) Cole? (anagram) (9) 10 Greek goddess of love (9) 16 Pig’s grunt (4) 12 Bug hoody (anagram) — WWI 17 Human speech (8) US infantryman (8) 21 Twit (5) 14 Mental strain (7) 22 Canadian province (7) 24 Dignify — lone neb (anagram) (7) 18 Astound (5) 19 Main arterial vessel (5) 25 A long time (5) 20 Counterfoil (4) 23 Beast of burden (3) Across

ANSWERS

TRIVIA CORNER

1. What does CODA stand for? 2. Which kind of bulbs were once exchanged as a form of currency? 3. In which city the famous film Lady Bird took place? 4. How old was Rose in the Titanic movie when she was recounting her story? 5. What is the name of the second tallest (standing) bird on the planet? 6. How many herbs and spices are in Colonel Sanders’ original KFC recipe?

Trivia: 1. Child of Deaf Adults 2. Tulips 3. Sacramento (California) 4. 100 years 5. Emu 6. 11 Across: 1 Light, 4 Febrile, 8 Molotov, 9 Disco, 10 Arm in arm, 11 Menu, 13 Hot tub, 15 Golden, 16 Oink, 17 Language, 21 Idiot, 22 Alberta, 24 Ennoble, 25 Years. Down: 1 Lam, 2 Golem, 3 Titanium, 4 Fever, 5 Body, 6 Instead, 7 Eloquence, 10 Aphrodite, 12 Doughboy, 14 Tension, 18 Amaze, 19 Aorta, 20 Stub, 23 Ass.

Science 28

24 JAN 2024 | EXEPOSÉ

SCIENCE EDITORS: Eloise Shewring Hannah Woodley

Sunak waffles over appointment of new climate change chief

Charlie Gershinson, Deputy Editor, discusses Sunak's failure to appoint a permanent climate change committee chief

ERHAPS one of the most significant yet underrated aspects of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s policy platform, particularly compared to his predecessor Boris Johnson, has been a lack of commitment to tackling climate change and implementing a net zero agenda. Amidst some of the political fireworks which have come out of this policy change, such as the resignation of Lord Goldsmith from the government and Chris Skidmore from the House of Commons, there remains a hole in the heart of government for dealing with a global crisis where the UK once led. One way this has been made clear is through Sunak’s refusal to appoint a new chairman for a committee meant to advise the government on climate

Sunak's refusal to appoint a new chairman for a committee

change policy, which was described as “inexplicable” in The Guardian. The independent committee has been the leading governmental authority on the effects of climate change on the economy since 2008 and has previously published influential reports criticising areas of Britain’s response to climate change such as flood defences and domestic energy efficiency. One of its key roles is to calculate how much in carbon emissions the UK can emit, with its upcoming budget calculating this for 2038-2042. The delay has come under scrutiny from leading figures in climate change policy. A leaked letter from Bob Ward – head of policy for the Grantham Research Institute for Climate Change – who described the delay as “excessive.” He went on to say that “given that the recruitment of the new chair began 18 months ago it is inexplicable that the appointment has still not been announced.” Calls for the appointment of a new

head were repeated by the previous permanent chairman, Lord Deben. The government dragging its feet on the appointment of a new chair is only the latest sign of how net zero has fallen from the top of the government’s agenda to a mere afterthought.

It is inexplicable that the appointment has still not been announced The most recent King’s Speech saw an announcement of new legislation to allow energy companies to bid for new oil and gas licenses in the North Sea. This was justified as a transition measure to net zero by 2050 and to “reduce reliance on volatile international energy markets and hostile foreign regimes.” However, the energy sources derived from these new licenses may not necessarily benefit the UK as energy companies are not obliged to supply the resources they

found to the domestic market. The move to allow more opportunities to extract fossil fuels has come under strong criticism both from the Labour Party and eco-activist groups such as Just Stop Oil. The apparent moves away from tackling climate change headon have also caused intra-party divides within the Conservative Party. Lord Goldsmith, an energy minister, resigned in June 2023, saying in his resignation letter that the Sunak government had shown “apathy” towards an environmental agenda and that Sunak himself was “simply uninterested” in the matter. More recently, Chris Skidmore, the former minister in charge of net zero, has triggered a parliamentary by-election over anti-environmentalist policies, such as the new licenses for oil and gas.

Image: Rishi Sunak, Flickr images

Life on Mars? No, life on Enceladus!

Livvy Mason-Myhill, Editor-in-Chief, discusses evidence suggesting the possibility of extra-terrestrial life on Enceladus

N exciting new analysis of data from NASA's Cassini mission, which orbited Saturn and its moons from 2004 to 2017, provides more evidence in favour of Enceladus, Saturn's moon, being a liveable ocean world. One of the greatest locations to look for extra-terrestrial

Image: NASA, Flickr images

life is Enceladus, the moon of Saturn, which is home to an ocean beneath its thick, icy crust, according to scientists. When plumes of ice grains and water vapour were seen rising through fissures in the moon's ice cover and escaping into space in 2005, Enceladus first caught the attention of

astronomers. After "sampling" the plumes while in flight, the spacecraft returned with information indicating the presence of organic chemicals, some of which are essential for life.

One of the greatest locations to look for extra-terrestrial life is Enceladus A chemical known as hydrogen cyanide, which is hazardous to humans but essential to the processes guiding the genesis of life, has been found during Cassini's flybys of Enceladus, according to the most recent data analysis. Additionally, the researchers discovered evidence that the ocean surrounding Enceladus has organic chemicals that offer a chemical energy source that may be utilised as potent fuel for all living forms. The journal Nature Astronomy released a research paper on 14th December 2023 that included the results. Lead study author Jonah Peter, a Harvard University doctoral student studying biophysics, said in a statement, "Our work provides further evidence that Enceladus is host to

some of the most important molecules for both creating the building blocks of life and for sustaining that life through metabolic reactions." Chemical elements, energy, and water are the components needed for life as we know it on Earth. According to Peter, the new finding gives scientists chemical blueprints that they may test in laboratories. According to the study's authors, hydrogen cyanide is a flexible chemical that facilitates the formation of amino acids, which are some of the building blocks of life. Since hydrogen cyanide is the foundation of most theories on the origin of life, Peter stated that the finding of this chemical was especially thrilling. "The more we tested different models in an attempt to find flaws in our findings, the more convincing the evidence was." It eventually became evident that hydrogen cyanide must be added in order to match the plume composition. The components found in Enceladus' plumes, which represent the makeup of the ocean beneath the ice shell that creates the plumes, have previously been identified as carbon dioxide, methane, molecular hydrogen, water, and ammonia.

The combination of these components together suggested a process termed methanogenesis, or the metabolic synthesis of methane, may be at play on Enceladus. Methanogenesis might have also occurred on early Earth, according to scientists, and contributed to the emergence of life. But the current research reveals more varied and potent chemical energy sources are occurring within Enceladus’ Ocean. There may be more than one method for life to exist in the water, as evidenced by the detection of organic chemicals such as acetylene, propylene, and ethane in addition to hydrogen cyanide and traces of methanol and molecular oxygen in the analysis. The investigation of the dilution of organic chemicals in the subsurface ocean is now of interest to the study authors, as it may help determine whether life is possible on Enceladus. Astronomers intend to launch a dedicated trip to Enceladus in the future to explore the planet, which may provide a clear indication of whether life lives in the ocean. Despite the Cassini mission's sixyear termination, a wealth of fresh data can still be found in its data.

EXEPOSÉ | 24 JAN 2024

SCIENCE

Potential new psychedelic drug to treat PTSD

Gracie Moore, Online Arts and Lit Editor, discusses current research into the use of psychedelics, and emerging studies of ibogaine

RAUMATIC brain injury is used in African religious, spiritual and known to be a leading cause healing ceremonies. It demonstrates a of disability and is known to moderate to weak affinity for a numcause psychiatric syndromes such as ber of neurotransmitter receptors, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), upregulating neurotrophic factors depression and anxiety. Some people seek lesser explored options such as Ibogaine is already the oneirogen ibogaine. According to traditionally used a 2022 study published by StatPearls, in in African religious, the United States, veterans make up 20 spiritual and healing per cent of suicides so the treatment ceremonies for such problems is important. Ibogaine is a plant derived compound as an atypical psychedelic. which interacts with the In a study, one neurotransmitter sysImage: wavipicture, Getty Images/iStockphoto month after ibogaine tems in the human treatment, it was body, structurally found that particisimilar to seropants had average tonin. Despite reductions of 88 its use, it has per cent in PTSD been linked to symptoms, 87 per cardiac arrhythcent in depresmia fatalities alsion symptoms though this has and 81 per cent in been seen to be anxiety symptoms. mitigated with the Before the treatment, co-adminstriation of participants had mild to magnesium but generally, moderate disability and no disthe data on the effectiveness and safety of this are currently lacking. ability after one month on the treatIbogaine is already traditionally ment. None of them experienced the

cardiac side effects that were previously brought to attention. However, this was based on an a survey given to participants, asking questions about their cognition, mobility and other functions. There was also no control group to compare the difference. Also, the sample size was small meaning that the results are there to

Image: EtherealUnraveling, DeviantArt

Ibogaine also has promising properties... treating addiction help but should be used with caution. Compared to other clinical psychedelics such as MDMA and psilocybin, ibogaine also has promising properties for helping treat addiction too, particularly compared to substances like opioids, cocaine and alcohol as well as reducing cravings. Nolan Williams, co-author of the study, said that “the drug seems to have dramatic and consistent effect.” Research in California on mice suggests that ibogaine might temporarily re-open a “critical period” where the NS is more malleable— a longer period of four weeks compared to less effective treatments of two weeks.

Japan hit with largest earthquake since 2011

Katie Matthews, Online Screen Editor, explores the science behind the catastophic event, and its impacts

N the 1st January a 7.6 magnitude earthquake hit Japan’s west coast Noto Peninsula, killing over 160 people, according to science.org. The quake itself and subsequent secondary hazards including fires, smaller tremors and a tsunami wave, had devastating impacts on the local community. The Japanese Red Cross have ‘expressed their sincere condolences’ and have suggested that nearly 4000 people have been displaced and 737 injured. Responses have been consistent with previous natural disaster aid. The Japanese Red Cross brought in 164 volunteers, 60 emergency medical relief teams, and 19 disaster medical coordination teams. This, alongside a $3 million pledge to provide humanitarian aid from South Korea, and $100,000 from the US, the responses have been exceptionally quick. Effective response and stronger mitigation can lead to a substantial

Image: Japan Meteorological Agency, Wikimedia Commons

protection of life. But the science behind the biggest quake for Japan in a decade, explains the risk of living atop multiple plate boundaries.

Effective response and stronger mitigation can lead to a substantial protection of life In an incredibly complex set of plates, the Pacific plate converges on the Eurasian and Philippine Sea plates. As the denser oceanic Pacific plate subducts, it can get caught, causing tension to build up. When it slips, it causes seismic tremors which can extensively vary in size and impact. Because these plate margins just off the coast of Japan lie beneath the ocean floor, when they slip, they displace huge volumes of water. This displacement causes a ripple effect, like throwing a stone in a pond on an enormous scale. As the waves enter shallower waters, friction with the steeper floor reduces wave speed, but increases their height. This causes low frequency, but very tall waves which are ruthless in their destruction. Even the most advanced countries, such as Japan, still can’t completely dispel a wave of towering height. The Richter scale, which measures the magnitude of earthquakes, is logarithmic scale, an earthquake which is magnitude 7 is 100 times less severe than one of magnitude 9. The 2011 Tohoku disaster, with a tsunami over 130 feet

high and 9.0 magnitude, ploughed through the sea wall of Fukushima nuclear power plant. The detrimental impacts of this event can still be seen in eastern Japan. The New Year’s Day tsunami, comparatively, only reached 1.2 meters. But, according to Japan’s Land Ministry, over 296 acres of land have been infiltrated. This quake, unlike the Tohoku event, happened due to faults within the plates, rather than along the plate Image: rawpixel.com boundary. Multiple ruptures in the plate which the Noto Peninsula resides, caused extensive aftershocks. The epicentre was just north of the peninsula, meaning the residents of Ishikawa felt the full extent of the quake. Fires broke out and less strategically engineered wooden buildings have been demolished. Multistorey buildings were also destroyed, trapping people in the rubble. Earthquakes, unlike other natural hazards, have a very short warning time, sometimes just a few seconds. This gives people little to no time to prepare or evacuate. As the

search continues, the chance of finding survivors becomes ever slimmer. It becomes evident that lower socio-economic groups are most affected by the seismic events, especially when considering that traditional wooden homes which are safe for monsoon season, are at a high risk of collapse during earthquakes. Telecommunication infrastructure in the Peninsula has been greatly disrupted, therefore people have lost contact with family members. This kind of infrastructure, whilst less socially damaging in the long term, can lead to an

unsettling sense of the potential loss.

lower socio-economic groups are most affected by the seismic events It’s safe to say that Japan has learnt to live with earthquakes and tsunamis. But the complicated scientific reasoning and unpredictability of seismic tremors acts as a reminder of the complex, volatile and unpredictable planet we live in.

24 JAN 2024 | EXEPOSÉ

SPORT

Premier League winter round-up

Eloise Grainger, Sport Editor, gives an overview of the festive fixtures

OW that the chaotic Premier League festive fixtures have finished off as we have begun 2024, it is a good point in the season to see who fared well during this period, and who is a cause for concern. The packed schedule over the Christmas holidays saw most clubs play seven matches, giving the perfect opportunity to see who is set for a positive rest of the 2023/24 campaign. As of the 3rd January, West Ham topped the form chart, after three wins and one draw. This is a totally different West Ham side emerging this end of the festive fixtures compared to before. Hammers fans were speculating whether it was time for Moyes, who has been managing the team since November 2017, to depart. The East

London team lost a shocking 5-0 to Fulham away in early December, which is concerning particularly for Moyes as Fulham haven’t been on the best form recently. But, the Hammers turned it around: after the run of fantastic form over the Christmas period, perhaps that was just the one that got away for the Irons… 3-0 win at home against Wolves was followed by a fantastic 2-0 win at home against Manchester United just six days later. This was then followed by a 2-0 win away at Arsenal’s home at the Emirates Stadium. Minutes before the final whistle, former Hammers captain Declan Rice gifted his old team a penalty. This was much to the Hammers delight. I couldn’t help but notice the defensive midfielder smirking, knowing his former team will ap-

Image: Wally Gobetz, Flickr

preciate the chance to advance their win. Benrahma took the penalty, but unfortunately it flew right into David Raya’s hands.

This is a totally different West Ham side emerging this end of the festive fixtures Where West Ham look set to progress well into 2024, currently sitting at sixth on the table with 34 points, it seems dreams of the top spot for Arsenal are slipping through their fingers. Arsenal sit fourth with 40 points, Tottenham breathing down their neck with an equal number of points but a goal difference of four between them. A draw 1-1 with Liverpool away started their festive fixtures, but this was followed by two defeats: one at home against West Ham and a 2-1 loss against Fulham. These defeats have left Arsenal on the backfoot in attempting to clench the Premier League title. It could in part be due to the physical stress and strain that a packed schedule could cultivate, with many feeling more exhausted as the fixtures continued. But some blame could be pointed to Mikel Arteta, who is notorious for sticking with his first team, rarely rotating the squad to allow players to rest, which could completely tire them

out. It has to be said that both West Ham and Fulham muscled their way to victory in both their matches with the Gunners, and this can’t be taken away from them. There were many ‘winners’ from this run of matches: one of the most notable were Wolves, who won the three games between Christmas and the New Year. Manchester City benefitted from Arsenal tumbling down the order whilst taking wins against Sheffield United and Everton. Liverpool sits happily on the top step with 45 points to their name following wins against Newcastle and Burnley, whilst drawing 1-1 with Arsenal. This period can totally reshape perceptions about a team’s form. From the rapid-fire succession of games, it can cause clubs to accelerate up the table, and for others to come crashing down. Inevitably, there were ‘losers’: Brentford comes to many people’s minds for this category, after heavy losses against Wolves and Crystal Palace. Although they do have a game in hand, it is, however, against Manchester City. Newcastle also looks to have slipped in form. The first half of the season seemed promising, with the team comfortably retaining their position around fourth place. Successive losses to Liverpool, Nottingham Forest, and Luton Town have left the

Image: Eloise Grainger

Magpies down in 10th. Injuries and inability of squad rotation have plagued the team. What a difference a couple of weeks makes! With fixtures set to return to normal, it should become clearer who has the real potential to progress. The physical stress of constant games over Christmas with little time for rest may have severely impacted many teams. Some teams advanced and some teams fell down the table — it has really stirred the pot. True form will really start to show. But now, there is no place to hide.

Town vs Gown: EURFC vs Exeter Chiefs

Anabel Costa-Ferreira, Editor-in-Chief, and Harry Craig, Deputy Editor, report from the Monday evening friendly match at Sandy Park

N a change from their usual duties playing the best in the Premiership and BUCS League respectively, Exeter Chiefs and Exeter University Rugby Club came together on 15th January for a friendly match at Sandy Park. Although the temperatures didn’t get above freezing the whole evening, a packed crowd of over 3000 ensured the atmosphere soon warmed up, as locals and students alike turned out to cheer for both sides. Chiefs delivered on widespread expectation that they would beat their student rivals, despite not putting out their first team, with seven tries. Noah Fenton in particular stood out for the Chiefs, with a hat-trick of tries. Nonetheless, EURFC held their own, scoring thrice (and Charlie McCaig converting all three tries) to end with a 43-21 scoreline. Chiefs, currently fourth in the Premiership, arguably put the match out of reach for EURFC within its early stages, scoring three tries in the first 15 minutes, as Jack Dunne put them on the board before many fans had even taken their seats. Fenton got a second try for the Chiefs in the 24th minute before EURFC had a chance to score, with some hard work in the final 10 minutes of the first half helping Benjy Joseland to the team’s first try of the match.

The second half started with the same ease for Chiefs, as Fenton completed his hattrick in the 43rd minute, but EURFC’s Kofi Barton-Byfield fought back four minutes later to narrow the gap, with the team’s second try. Frankie Nowell’s try soon after likely ended any optimistic hopes of an EURFC comeback, but a few changes in the 61st minute reinvigorated EURFC, as Will Smears scored soon after. Hallam Chapman extended Chiefs’ lead just before the match’s conclusion. Taking the time to reflect on Monday’s match, Club captain Chris Freeman was able to speak to Exeposé, commenting that: “Monday’s match was another unreal experience to play at Sandy Park in front of a big crowd” and that “playing in front of that many people is always special and [it] was great to be back out playing with the lads after Christmas time off.” Irrespective of the scoreline, EURFC should be heartened by their performance on the cold Monday evening. Any oppor-

the season. After a month-long break in the BUCS season for the Christmas holidays, a tough mid-season friendly against a Premiership team should give Exeter momentum as they head away to play fierce rivals Loughborough this evening (24th January). Looking ahead to the remainder of the term, EURFC noted that students can look forward to “our Anglo-Welsh clash against Cardiff on the 14th February,” where they will once again be back to Sandy Park. As a team, EURFC shared that, this year, they hope to “go onto win the League and BUCS Championship again” for a third consecutive year. Elsewhere, they “hope teams can compete to their best ability in knockout games in their relevant leagues.” Beyond BUCS, however, this friendly fixture also gave an opportunity for some of EURFC’s up-and-coming talent to prove themselves in front of the Chiefs’ management, and make a name for themselves in the world of professional rugby.

Image: Anabel Costa-Ferreira

Chiefs vs EURFC

Monday 15th January 2024 Kick-off @ 19:30 tunity for the University team to play in front of thousands at Sandy Park is excellent experience for the players, particularly against a team of the calibre of the Chiefs. It will certainly put EURFC in good stead as they continue to dominate the BUCS Super Rugby League, with 10 wins from 11 matches in the first half of

EURFC and Chiefs have a longstanding talent exchange partnership, with the likes of Sam Skinner, Christ Tshiunza and Wales captain Dafydd Jenkins going on to play for Chiefs and country. Although Town may have come on top ahead of Gown this time, some of EURFC’s stars will hope, therefore, that their performances turned a few heads, beyond just the hundreds of University students in the stands on Monday evening. As a university team, we also asked EURFC to comment on why they feel playing against Chiefs is a valuable experience for them. In response to this, they noted that: “it was a great opportunity to play against a really physical and quick side” and “although the score line didn’t go our way, I thought we were excellent both with and without the ball. Those kinds of matches provide us with loads of learnings which we can take into future games.”

It was a great opportunity to play against a physical and quick side They further stated that for the club “these are unreal nights for members to pull together and celebrate at an occasion. The crowd was once again unbelievably loud, and it really helps you when you play.”

24 JAN 2024| EXEPOSÉ

World Darts Championship: Battle of the Lukes Oliver Rickwood, Sport Editor, reviews the World Darts Championship and the rise of a young star

Image: Sandro Halank, Wikimedia Commonss.

.8 MILLION people tuned into Sky Sports for the 2024 Darts World Championship Final on the 3rd January, a 143 per cent increase on the previous year, and the majority of this surge in popularity is down to a teenager and his remarkable talent. Luke Littler, the sensational 16-year-old, shocked the world of sport and dominated international headlines over the festive period as he stormed all the way to the final on his World Championship début. The youngster had certainly attracted attention before this year’s World Championships, winning the England Youth Grand Prix in 2019 and the PDC World Youth Championship earlier in 2023. He even had former 16-time world champion

and darts legend Phil Taylor singing his praises before the tournament had begun, but not many would have predicted that he would make it so far into the competition. The virality of Littler-related content caused the popularity of the tournament to massively increase, with many tuning in only to watch him play, hardly believing a kid so young could dominate a sport so soon. Clips of the teenager’s very honest post-match interviews became instant hits online, hilariously announcing his choice of celebratory meal (often a donner kebab, KFC or a McDonalds), whilst an incredible video also surfaced showing him practising on a magnetic board and celebrating into the camera aged only 18 months. It

was almost as if he was always ready for the bright lights of the Ally Pally stage. It was sometimes easy to forget how young he was as his confidence at the oche never appeared to falter, and this was backed up some incredibly good performances. He most notably averaged 106.12 in his first round win over Christian Kist, 105.01 in a convincing 4-1 win over his idol and darts legend Raymond van Barneveld in round four, and 106.05 in an eventual 6-2 thrashing of former world champion Rob Cross to reach the final. He would face bookies favourite and current Grand Prix, Grand Slam and Players Championships holder Luke Humphries there, who was hitting the form of his life heading into the

tournament, and had fended off the likes the opening four sets. Littler impressively of Joe Cullen, Dave Chisnall and staged an checked out 142 and 120 in the first and impressive comeback from 3-1 down to second respectively, and took the fifth set beat Ricardo Pietreczko 4-3 along the way. to take the lead, appearing to pile the presAvoiding this scare gave him even sure on his more experienced opponent. more of a fearless attitude; perhaps this However, the turning point came year really was his year. Many top-seeded when Littler missed a double attempt for a players struggled this year, with the likes 5-2 lead, allowing Humphries to gain moof Peter Wright, Danny Noppert and mentum from a 170 finish in the seventh Nathan Aspinall all being eliminated be- set to complete the comeback, eventually fore the third round, and other favourites winning 7-5. Littler still earned £200,000 such as Michael Van Gerwen and Gerwyn for runner-up, an unbelievable amount Price both succumbing to significantly of money for a child who only sat his lower-ranked players at crucial points in the GCSE exams last year, and has also earned tournament. It seemed very quickly that himself a spot on the Premier League of the draw had opened up for Humphries. Darts, which begins on the 1st February This year was also the year of the in Cardiff, and comes to Exeter on the walk on, with Peter Wright joining the 29th February. Speaking to Sky Sports, cheerleaders in a dance, Ricky Evans belt- Humphries admitted in victory that Littler ing out Shakin Stevens’ 'Merry Christmas is set to “dominate world darts” sooner Everyone' and the now TikTok sensation than people think. “I could not put into Stephen Bunting’s entering the Ally Pally words how good this feels,” he added. stage to Sia and David Guetta’s 'Titanium', With a wider audience now watching, all to the delight of the fans in the arena. and the popularity of the sport continuing The only thing missing this year was a to rocket, it seems that the Lukes nine-dart finish, especially after the are set to dominate the scene extraordinary leg in which it hapfor the foreseeable future. pened in last year’s final, dubbed The champion will look to “the greatest leg in darts history” continue his good form by many. It gave rise to Wayne Marinto 2024 with the first madle’s iconic commentary, including jor of the year up for grabs, his now infamous catchphrase “I Can’t the Cazoo Masters, on Spake!” With £500,000 and the the 2nd February. World Championship title on the line, the final was set to be a spectacular occasion. The Battle of the Lukes started fairly evenly, with the pair sharing Image: Sven Mandel, Wikimedia Commons.

A New Year's guide to calisthenics

Amelia King writes on what the Calisthenics Society at Exeter has to offer during term two

ERM two is finally here, and Exeter Calisthenics Society has a lot to offer… Exeter CalSoc is kicking the week off by introducing several calisthenics taster sessions for beginners and even those who have already given it a whirl. So, whether you’re feeling motivated to try something new, looking to build your core strength, want to focus on developing specific skills or you simply fancy joining a friendly community to support you on your fitness journey… CalSoc has so much to offer! Their taster sessions will give you the freedom and flexibility to attend as many (or as few) of their weekly ‘workouts’ as you like with no financial strain on your bank account because not only are they fun & friendly, but they are also absolutely free! The beauty of calisthenics is its accessibility to people of all fit-

ness levels and can be easily adapted to suit specific needs, even if you’ve never attempted a press-up in your life! Every member of CalSoc has their own personal goal and the group enjoy helping each other to achieve this. It becomes a shared journey, with a lot of fun to be had as you try out new things and improve on old.

The beauty of calisthenics is its accessibility to people of all fitness levels In a general session you can expect to start with an alfresco coached warm-up, stretching and focusing on your mobility, before engaging in a series of workouts that are taught, coached, and aided by experienced calisthenics athletes. However, despite the society’s eagerness to celebrate

every small, individual ‘win’, Outside campus, CalSoc have it also boasts some masome pretty worthwhile Image: Frank Schwichtenberg, Wikijor accreditations as socials of their own, media Commons a club. CalSoc has either as a group, in played a key role collaboration with in the creation other societies, or of the Univertheir “Girls-Only sity CalisthenEvents” which are ics Association always guaranteed (UCA), a nafun! Social Media tional association Manager (and women’s put into place by events organiser), Harley founding president, Quint, is really driving the Nic. The UCA has now bewomen’s community this term. come a positive force, uniting students The first session of the new year was a and calisthenics societies across the “women’s only walk”, which took place entire UK who meet, train and learn on the 20th January, to “chat and take together both competitively and non- a break post the stress of exams and competitively. These national “meet- the first week back.” As we gradually ups” usually take place in London, move into summer, and the days bea good central point for students to come warmer and longer, you can also come together, and a great place to expect trips down to the beach for calsocialise and celebrate afterwards. isthenics on the sand followed by a re-

laxing swim and BBQ — definitely one to jot in the diary, it’s always popular. The society generally offer three regular sessions a week, between the locations of Streatham Sports Park and St Luke’s Campus (exact locations can be found on their socials; @exeterunicalsoc). So, come along to one of their sessions, meet some amazing people, get fit and see what you can achieve, and it won’t cost a single penny!

Image: Exeter Calisthenics Society.

24 JAN 2024| EXEPOSÉ

Sport

SPORT EDITOR: Ben Scott Oliver Rickwood Eloise Grainger

2024 sport preview

Image: Jeanpierrekepseu, Wikimedia Commons

Ben Scott Sport Editor

HE Darts World Championship brought in 2024 with a convincing victory for Luke Humphries over the 16-year-old sensation Luke Littler. The rest of 2024 offers more tantalising sport so here is a preview of what’s to come. The Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) also starts early in 2024 as Premier League stars like Mohammed Salah leave their clubs to bring success to their national teams in Ivory Coast. The competition, which was initially to take place in the summer in the Northern Hemisphere, was postponed by the Confederation of African Football and moved to January–February 2024 because of weather concerns in the host country, Ivory Coast. The tournament started on the 13th January and ends on the 11th February with its final. 24 teams will compete in the group stage, with 16 of those progressing to the knockout stage of the tournament. Favourites to win the tournament include Morocco, Senegal, the hosts Ivory Coast, and Algeria, but Afcon offers some different football viewing to premiership leagues across the world. Following on from a northern hemisphere fallout at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, the Six Nations starts on the 2nd February. World Cup favourites France and Ireland will look to remove painful quarter-final exits from recent memory and start a new redemption campaign.

However, a few stars will not be playing: Guardiola will look to regain Manchester arguably the world’s best player Antoine City the title but is sure to face more chalDupont is training with the French Sevens lenges this year. Will Aston Villa fall off team for the 2024 Olympics, and England after their remarkable start to the season captain Owen Farrell is taking a step back keeping them inside the top three? And from international rugby. Nonetheless, will it finally be Arsenal’s year or will they the tournament promises a clean slate for succumb to another end-of-season colsome hopefully younger sides with new lapse? The early matches this year rising stars. Exeter Chiefs’ Immanuel will be vital, with Arsenal v LivFeyi-Waboso has been making all the erpool (3rd February) claimheadlines in the Premiership and has ing the most anticipation, been selected in Steve Borthwick’s Engbut it will be the team that land despite his Welsh connections. sustains the most consistAlso University of Exeter students, ency into May that wins it all. Dafydd Jenkins has been named captain This summer, in June, the of Wales, and Ross Vincent named in UEFA Euro 2024 begins in the Italy squad. This year’s Six Nations Germany. The finals will opens with a huge clash with Ireland vis- be played out over a month from iting Marseille on 2nd February (8 pm the 14th June to 14th July, with a total of GMT) due to stadium work at the Image: StadeExeter 51 matches taking place across 10 stadiMovember, de France in Paris in preparation for theInstagram ums in Germany. Germans will rekindle Olympics. If last year’s tournament is memories of hosting the 2006 World Cup anything to go off, this could be a title and fans should look forward to a great decider in the very first match and prom- tournament. Berlin’s central business disises great viewing. Overall then, the 2024 trict will transform into a “fan mile” in Six Nations, though perhaps overshad- front of the famous Brandenburg Gate. owed by the recent World The tournament starts with six groups Cup, bids a chance at re- consisting of four teams, with the top two demption for every team. teams from each group and the four best The Premier League third-place teams moving on to the knockis also hotting up, out stage. This year, England is in Group with the top five be- C with Slovenia, Denmark, and Sering separated by bia. Whilst England are expecte d only five points. to follow their recent success With Kevin De of reaching a World Cup Bruyne back semi-final and Euros final, the from injury, Pep tournament always offers some

surprises, so Gareth Southgate’s side will not be taking place in a stadium, but along be put to the test from the onset. Ger- Paris’s main artery, the Seine. On the 23rd many and Spain hold the most titles, but July, 10,500 athletes will be taken in a paEngland and France are joint favourites rade of boats for each national delegation to claim the trophy. Young guns Belling- in a show which will also be free for specham (England), Gavi (Spain) and Eduardo tators, another major first. Breaking will Camavinga (France) are sure to take the be making its debut at Paris 2024; a sport tournament by storm, and will in which contestants compete in prove to be vital for their solo battles using a comnation’s success. UEFA bination of moves and Euro 2024 guaranimprovise to the beat tees to once again of the DJ’s tracks. ignite the country For Great Britain, as England look the Paris Olymfor redemption. pics will showcase Also this suma plethora of rismer, Paris will host ing stars: boxer the Summer OlymHarris Akbar, diver pics across 35 venues Anthony Harding, and Image: Harry Craig with 14 sites hosting 24 gymnast Ondine AchamOlympic sports located within pong should lead the way here. 10km of the Olympic Village from the Other headlines include the French bas26th July to the 11th August. The ketball side looking to end Team USA’s Games aren’t exclusive to streak with Parisian 7’5” superstar Victor Paris, though, as the foot- Wembanyama returning from the NBA ball competition will be to end France’s silver streak. Paris will hosted in six different cit- undoubtedly play host to a very remarkies, sailing will take place able Games and it will be interesting to in Marseille, and surf- see if the usual USA, China and GB will ing will take place mark the top three in medal tables, with at the Teahupo’o hosts France looking for a performance site in Tahiti. For equal to GB’s in 2012 as hosts. Russia the first time in also look to rejoin the top three, with the history of the the International Olympic Committee Summer Olympic determining that Belarusian and RusGames, the open- sian athletes may compete, provided they ing ceremony will have not backed the conflict in Ukraine.

Images: Welsh Rugby Union; Steffen Prößdorf, Wikimedia Commons; Кирилл Венедиктов, Wikimedia Commons

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