Issue 765- 29 January 2025

THE UNIVERSITY OF EXETER’S INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE

Knife crime rates in Exeter nearly double since 2019

Page 3

Is Dry January an achievable goal?

Page 16

Callum Martin Online Editor-in-Chief

THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS CONTENT RELATING TO VIOLENCE AND SEXUAL VIOLENCE WHICH SOME READERS MAY FIND DISTRESSING

KNIFE crime in Exeter has risen significantly in the last five years, according to data obtained by Exeposé

Multilingual Article: Little Wales beyond Wales

Page 27

A Freedom of Information request revealed 99 recorded offences in the first nine months of 2024, nearly double the amount for the whole of 2019.

The most common offences in 2024 were assault with injury (33), assault with intent to cause harm (24) and robbery of personal property (24). The data also records five sexual assaults, two rapes and two attempted murders.

Devon and Cornwall Police say that the data “is in line with a national increase seen with this crime type, but is much lower than in other areas of the country.”

While it’s true that knife crime is rising nationally, the increase in Exeter’s figures is still steep, with an 80 per cent increase since 2019 compared to 2.4 per cent nationally, though it should be noted that much smaller sample sizes inevitably lead to bigger percentage swings.

The area of the city with the highest concentration of knife crime is Sidwell Street, whose residents and business owners frequently complain of disorder and antisocial behaviour.

Two years ago, in Exeter’s only knife murder since 2019, Stephen Cook was stabbed to death in an altercation outside Sidwell Street’s Betfred.

The Students’ Guild said, “the rising cases of knife crime in Exeter are deeply troubling, and we stand with all those who have been affected by this serious crime.”

There have been no recorded knife crime offences on Exeter University grounds since an assault with injury on Streatham campus in late 2022.

The University said that “the safety and security of students is our

highest priority.” It is a partner in the Exeter Community Safety Partnership which funds night time safety measures in the city centre, including increased CCTV and lighting. Devon and Cornwall Police added, “we would particularly like to remind young people that carrying a knife does NOT make them safer and that statistically 99 per cent of young people do not carry a knife. Fewer than one in a 1000 people carry a knife in Devon and Cornwall. We encourage anyone who has any information about knives, or concerns about someone carrying a knife, to please contact us via the Force website: dc.police.uk/tua.”

Around 180 staff voluntarily released last year

Charlie Gershinson Deputy Editor

EXCLUSIVE

ATOTAL of around 180 members of staff at the University of Exeter have left voluntarily as part of a release scheme, it has been revealed.

According to the University’s latest annual financial statement, the figure of 180 staff members who voluntarily

resigned as part of The Exeter Release Scheme (TERS) has led to an impact of £8.5 million less being spent on staffing costs over the course of a whole year.

As part of TERS, staff who tendered their notice before the 31st July 2024 had access to an enhanced severance package amounting to £8.7 million with back pay of 14 months. Many had left by the end of August 2024.

The annual report stated numerous reasons for TERS being opened. These include the implementation of an already agreed upon pay reward of five per

cent to existing staff members, investments in digital and sustainability strategies, investments for strategies in favour of the University’s ‘Strategy 2030’ and a slower growth in income. Combined, these factors led to the University taking “corrective action”, creating TERS. The creation and implementation of TERS has led to opposition from the Exeter chapter of the University and College Union (UCU). At the chapter’s annual general meeting in June 2024, the UCU passed a motion of no confidence as a result of concerns about the scheme. The motion came primarily due to a lack of clear financial details which informed the formation of the scheme which would have been provided to Exeter City Council for approval but not to staff members. In the same motion, the chapter resolved to make preparations for future industrial action after prolonged strikes took place during the 2022-23 academic year. However, no action has yet been taken.

Continued on page 4

Image: Nilfanion

Editors

Print: Gracie Moore and Amy Rushton

Online: Callum Martin and Katie Matthews

Print Deputies: Charlie Gershinson, Rosie PetersMcDonald, Agata Koralewska

Online Deputies: Emily Roughton and Amberly Wright editors@exepose.com

News Editors

Print: Isabella van der Putten and Nina Exton

Online: Eva Holland and Anvi Deshpande news@exepose.com

Features Editors

Print: Honor Borley and Bella MacLusky

Online: Michelle Chung and Jo Howard features@exepose.com

Climate Editors

Print: Charlie Gershinson

Online: Harriet Ball

Comment Editors

Print: Tom Richardson

Online: Sophie Zoltowski comment@exepose.com

Satire Editors

Print: Audrey Alvey

Online Caspian Davies

Lifestyle Editors

Print: Anna Spencer and Katie Roberts

Online: Jasmine Payne and Imogen Pearey lifestyle@exepose.com

Editors

Arts + Lit

Print: Judy Dodd and Kayleigh Swart

Online: Emily Sara Rizzo and Owen Peak artsandlit@exepose.com

Music Editors

Print: Harry Morrison and Brooke Taylor

Online Zandie Howells music@exepose.com

Screen Editors

Print: Pollyanna Roberts and Charlie McCormack

Online Bronwyn Payne and Dumebi Jibunoh screen@exepose.com

International Editors

Print: Henry Anderson and Jed H. Gibbins

Online: Magdalena Kanecka and Annabel Jeffery

Sci-Tech Editors

Print: Ella-Jade Smith Online Daniel Grayshon sciandtech@exepose.com

Sport Editors

Print: Eloise Grainger and Ben Scott

Online: Reuben Moynihan-Case and Connor Myers sport@exepose.com

Social Media Executive: Eleanor Stewart

Finance Executive: Rhys Thomas

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Editorial

WELCOME to our first edition of term two! We hope you had a lovely Christmas break. We're so excited for another term of bringing the most engaging stories to you. As ever, if there's an important issue at the University or in Exeter you think we've missed, please email us at editors@exepose.com.

In this issue, News reports on Univerity events commemorating Holocaust Memorial Day (Page 3), covers the University's research project on Veganuary in Exeter (Page 5), discusses student opinion on non-alcoholic drink availability (Page 6) and more.

Comment discusses whether children should be banned from using TikTok (Page 12) while Satire offer their take on how to tackle the stress of second term (Page 14). Over in Exhibit, Lifestyle debate Dry January (Page 16), Arts and Lit discuss changes to the GCSE literature specification (Page 19) while Music examines the best albums of the 21st century (Page 20). Also in this issue, Exetera Exetera... dispell the myth of Blue Monday (Page 24) and delve into the archives to explore the partial demolishing of St Luke's campus. International analyses the status of the Panama canal and what its future looks like (Page 26) and discusses the lesserknown Welsh-speaking community in South America, in Welsh! (Page 27) SciTech covers the recent addition of AI to breast cancer screening technology (Page

28). Finally, Sport writers cover Luke Littler's iconic win (Page 30) and discuss Exeter's BUCS Golf success (Page 32). If you have any questions about joining the paper, please check out our socials @exepose. We hope you enjoy reading this issue and a huge thank you to all our writers, editors and proofers!

Gracie and Amy

University news home and abroad

Study shows extent to which wealth shaped the professoriate

ARECENT study reveals the contrast in the financial backgrounds of families from which US professors come. Whilst half of all academics come from the top 20 per cent of parental socio-economic status, only five percent are from the bottom 20 per cent. The underrepre sentation of lower eco nomic backgrounds varies by discipline; subjects requiring greater linguistic skills, like arts and humanities, saw more professors from wealth and were perceived as culturally elite. Whereas subjects with quantitative skills — maths and science — are more egalitarian in its accessibility to those from poorer backgrounds. Even in scholarly recognition, socioeconomic disparity reveals the difference in number of citations and accolades which papers by wealthier professors receive. Yet, there is hope in the fact that professors from poorer backgrounds publish at higher rates, recording greater production of ‘novel’ concepts, contributing to the creation of ‘new knowledge.’

THE Iraqi authorities have taken measures in recent years to prohibit gun violence, introducing strict regulations in 2018 and further initiatives in May 2024. Despite the new requirements that citizens must have proper authorisation and an identity card to purchase a gun, alongside an initiative to purchase unregistered weapons from citizens, a shooting on Sunday 5th January in Baghdad resulted in six injured. At al-Esraa University, a gunman entered the campus in Baghdad with a pistol, resulting in the injury of four students, a teacher and a guard. The young shooter, predicted to be in his early 20s, was not affiliated with the University as a student, but speculations arose that that the actions were the result of clashes between university students. Following the arrest of the gunman, Iraqi forces have launched an official investigation as the motive remains unclear.

ARECENT survey has revealed that students in Northern Ireland (NI) are suffering greatly from the cost of living crisis, with many having to choose between heating and eating. The survey was conducted by Northern Ireland’s National Union of Students and sampled over 600 students and apprentices. Results found that 44 per cent of respondents had diffi culty paying house costs and 22 per cent had missed class due to not being able to afford public transport to university. There has also been a 12 per cent increase in stu dents accessing a food bank since last year. This stress has proven detrimental to the mental health of many. In response to these alarming rates, NI universities have established various initiatives. Queen’s University in Belfast has opened The Pantry, a free food refill station. Some students reported having to rely solely on The Pantry for certain meals.

ACROSS many countries, there seems to be an abundance of students graduating from university, and not enough jobs for all the newly-qualified young people. One country facing particular challenges with graduate job prospects is China, who have seen a rise in unemployment, especially amongst young people, as well as a growth in the number of graduates. This has created doubt, competition and frustration amongst a lot of young students. This especially effects Chinese students who are studying overseas, as they are deprioritised in comparison with students who choose to study domestically. This is not just an issue that is faced by China however, as prospect for graduates seem to be bleak across numerous countries, including the UK. With each graduate job having over a hundred applicants, it is becoming increasingly frustrating for graduates globally.

By Anoushka

Proofers: Gracie Moore, Amy Rushton, Charlie Gershinson, Agata Koralewska, Rosie Peters-McDonald, Jo Howard

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University of Exeter to open new campus in Cairo

Gracie Moore Editor-in-Chief

ON Sunday the 19th January, the University of Exeter broke new ground with the announcement of a partnership with Ain Shams University in Cairo. The transformative collaboration will establish a branch campus in Egypt, which means Exeter will be the first Russell Group University to set up an educational partnership in Africa. The University hopes that this initiative will enhance academic collaboration, expand access to world-class education and address critical global challenges.

On the 19th January, there was a signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at a special ceremony which outlines the goals for the development of the branch campus at Ain Shams. The campus is to be located at Ain Shams University International campus and it will offer globally accredited undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs associated with the University of Exeter. Both of the universities (Exeter and Ain Shams) will also offer dual degree offerings and interdisciplinary courses which will

be tailored to meet the demands of students in both Exeter and the rest of the world. The partnership also hopes to prepare students for employment and fill gaps in job sectors.

Aside from studies, the partnership hopes to go beyond education as it will offer the chance for staff to receive training, professional development and for students to take part in exchange

programs. The ties between the UK and Egypt will strengthen due to the project facilitated by the British Council as part of its Higher Education Transnational Education (TNE) programme.

Professor Mohamed Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, added that the establishment of a Russell Group branch campus in Egypt is an

unprecedented first for Africa and “symbolises the boundless potential of collaboration in higher education.”

The President of Ain Shams University, Professor Mohamed Diaa also added that with the collaboration, they are combining a world class education from a prestigious Russell Group University with a commitment to addressing local and global issues. He is hoping that it will be innovative,

shaping the future for students. The University of Exeter hopes to expand global reach, foster innovation and deliver world-class teaching to students. It will help to prepare generations of students for the ever-changing world we live in.

Freedom House rated the country of Egypt 18/100 for Global Freedom levels and 28/100 for Internet Freedom. In comparison, the UK is rated 91/100 for Global Freedom. Civil liberties in Egypt are also rated by Freedom House as six out of 40. On the status of Egypt, they say: “Civil liberties, including press freedom and freedom of assembly, are tightly restricted. Security forces engage in human rights abuses and extrajudicial killing with impunity.”

Professor Lisa Roberts, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Exeter talked positively about the new collaboration, saying: “global partnerships are vital for tackling the world’s most pressing challenges while making higher education accessible to all. This collaboration with Ain Shams University exemplifies our commitment to academic excellence, knowledge exchange, and creating a lasting, positive impact on a global scale.”

Exeter commemorates Holocaust Memorial Day

Charlie Gershinson Deputy Editor

HOLOCAUST Memorial Day has been marked in a series of events on campus and around Exeter.

Numerous talks have taken place by academics at the University of Exeter and others to mark the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp.

In an event organised by the University’s Widening Participation

team and Barnabas Balint, a former Exeter student who now researches at the University of Oxford and the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, teenagers from around the southwest were invited to learn and reflect on the events of the Holocaust. This was part of an annual educational conference which is now in its ninth year.

During the event — which took place on the 22nd January in the Great Hall — a number of workshops took place which covered

the lives of Holocaust victims, the Holocaust in cinema and the artwork of Holocaust survivor Samuel Bak. Presenting, was Rosemary Schonfeld whose uncles and grandmother perished in the Auschwitz and Treblinka death camps while her father was a Czech refugee of the Holocaust. She is also the author of Finding Relly, which documents her journey to discover if Relly, who was married to her father’s brother and survived Auschwitz, was still alive.

Around Exeter, other events

took place which reflected the theme of ‘for a better future’ on the Holocaust Memorial Day of the 27th January. At the Cathedral, the Lord Mayor of Exeter and other dignitaries attended an opening ceremony including Professor David Tollerton of the University of Exeter, who gave a talk on the new Centre for Interdisciplinary Holocaust and Genocide Studies.

In Southernhay United Reformed Church, Stewart Raine presented a lecture entitled ‘A Kindertransport

Child, the story of Otto Deutsch’. Later in the day, a film and talk took place showing ‘Porrajmos’, the Nazi genocide of the Gypsy, Roma and Sinti peoples. Tollerton then gave a talk on the roots of the Holocaust. The day ended with a closing ceremony at the Guildhall with reflections and candle lighting by the Jewish community.

Image: University of Exeter

Image: University of Exeter

Vibhav Jha

Man jailed for stabbing strangers in street attack

toll, saying, “I will be stuck with those scenes for the rest of my life”. Bampfylde Street, a key route near student accommodations and coach facilities, is frequently used by university students, especially at night.

ON the 18th May 2024, at around 2 a.m., Leon Telemacque wounded two victims with a kitchen knife on Bampfylde Street in Exeter. Telemacque, 32, from St. Clements Road, Birmingham, pleaded guilty to two counts of attempted murder and was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 17 years at Exeter Crown Court. It has been reported that he suffered delusions from a mental disorder, prompting the attack. Telemacque claimed he doesn’t remember the incident, stating “If I did something wrong, then I did something wrong”.

One victim expressed the emotional

This attack has left students feeling vulnerable and unsafe. Many are now calling for improved security, including increased police patrols and better street lighting, to restore confidence in the area. This incident, though rare in Exeter, highlights the fragility of public safety and the urgent need for preventative measures. The city must act swiftly to ensure its streets remain a safe space for residents and students alike.

Devon and Cornwall Police website includes resources if you have been affected by crime. Please visit victimcaredc.org to access support services and information on your rights and how to navigate the criminal justice system. You can also call Victim Support on 08 08 16 89 111 or Devon and Cornwall Police’s Victim Care Unit on 01392 475900.

Gambling venue ‘will enhance’ Exeter street ‘known for crime’

Nina Exton News Editor

IN a controversial move, the Exeter City Council has given approval for a shutdown takeaway restaurant on Sidwell Street to be replaced with a 24/7 Adult Gaming Centre. Merkur Slots submitted this planning application in July 2024, with a planning council officer approving it on the grounds that this gambling venue will “contribute positively to the character of the area”.

The decision to approve this gambling centre has been met with

backlash by locals and councillors worried that it will exacerbate local crime, gambling addictions and noise pollution. A local Designing Out Crime Officer has also raised concern about the 24-hour open times of the venue in a relatively high crime area.

To mitigate these concerns, the planning officer in charge of the case has suggested that Merkur Slots reduce the open hours to 9am to 2am. It has also been recommended they implement additional measures like noise insulation improvements. Merkur Slots has responded saying that these concerns are valid but need addressing under different regulatory frameworks as currently only material planning

considerations are underway. Merkur Slots also contend that many concerns are based on misconceptions, as the venue will not serve or tolerate alcohol on the premises. Sidwell Street is considered one of the most dangerous in Exeter, with relatively high rates of crime and antisocial behaviour for the city. A 2018 analysis of police street level crime data deemed it the second worst street for crime in all of Devon.

“We hope that industrial action is not needed”

ASENIOR UCU official has previously told Exeposé, “We hope that industrial action is not needed, but if the credible threat to jobs remains, then members will be given the option of taking industrial action to defend jobs… staff do not take such action lightly and it is extremely costly, so if this does happen it is only fair that we plan to have maximum impact and disruption on the operations of the University.”

“If the credible threat to jobs remain, then members will be given the option of taking industrial action...”

UCU offical

They went on to say, “Senior leadership have not been sufficiently open and transparent about university finances or their strategic plans to establish that cuts to existing staff are warranted.

The university currently makes a surplus and has significant cash balances.” When asked for comment, a spokesperson for the University said, “All universities are facing long-term external pressures from the falling real-term value of home undergraduate fees and declining international student numbers. At Exeter, we foresaw these challenges and acted proactively, taking concerted action across our operations to ensure we sustain our strong financial position and deliver our ambitious strategy, whilst protecting our student and staff experience. Our actions have included driving up the efficiency and cost recovery of our research and teaching activity, reducing our non-pay spending where possible, using digital transformation to develop new ways of working and offering an entirely voluntary release scheme to colleagues.”

Exeposé reached out to the UCU but did not receive a comment at the time of writing.

Continued from the front page....

Image: rawpixel

Exeter research explores the benefits of Veganuary

Amy Rushton and Rosie PetersMcDonald Editor-in-Chief and Deputy Editor

THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS CONTENT RELATING TO FOOD AND DIET WHICH SOME READERS MAY FIND DISTRESSING

THE University of Exeter has launched a research project looking into the benefits and barriers to taking part in Veganuary.

Veganuary, an annual challenge which takes place throughout January as part of an initiative to encourage plant-based diets, motivates participants to give up meat and animal-based products for a month. Started by co-founders Jane Land and Matthew Glover, the initiative’s website cites its goal as “a world without animal farms and slaughterhouses. A world where food production does not decimate forests, pollute rivers and oceans, exacerbate climate change and drive wild animal populations to extinction.” The website implies Veganuary’s aim is not just a month-long pledge, but also to incite long-term changes to eating behaviours “with the aim of ending animal farming, protecting the planet and improving human health.”

The University study, led by Professor Natalia Lawrence, recruited 200 people to complete surveys between December and May, in order to monitor differences in eating before and after taking part in Veganuary. The study will test strategies to support Veganuary participants in overcoming challenges they may face in choosing plant-based eating.

Exeposé surveyed students

Agata Koralewska Deputy Editor

Eon their attitudes to vegan and vegetarian diets, alongside their uptake and feasibility on campus. Of the respondents, 57.1 per cent were vegan or vegetarian and outlined their reasoning for taking up a plant-based diet. Responses centred around animal welfare, with one student stating “I couldn’t sleep at night knowing what goes on in the meat/dairy/egg industry” and another citing “animal welfare reasons”. Environmental concerns were also common, with one student explaining veganism helped “to reduce [their] carbon footprint”.

University of Exeter PhD student Sophie Hearn, who is working on the University’s research project, is interested in both the benefits and limitations of the vegan lifestyle changes which Veganuary encourages. She says that “[the University of Exeter’s] research found that participating in Veganuary can help people reduce their meat consumption not only during January but also in the months that follow.” Despite this, “the research has also identified challenges that can hinder people sticking to the diet for the whole month. Barriers include having to navigate food choices in social settings, a lack of plant-based options when eating out, missing non-vegan foods, and the perceived inconvenience of plant-based cooking.”

Many student respondents shared the concerns cited by Hearn. When asked if vegan diets are feasible for students, many respondents addressed concerns such as cost and maintaining a balanced diet, with one explaining “It is more expensive to have this lifestyle, and with small fridge space at uni the possibility of having fresh produce is really limited. Usually the more expensive option is to be vegan…

why do some cafés charge more for alternative milk?” another that “I don’t see it as a healthy diet, especially related to protein.” Respondents also pointed to the challenge of further restricting diets; one student stated “I was vegan for seven years however after a recovery journey with anorexia, I became a vegetarian again to enable me to have more food freedom.”, and another that “I have been diagnosed as coeliac so it would be an extra restriction to my diet.”

Other respondents expressed positivity about the potential of plantbased diets at university, explaining “People think it's really expensive but there are cheap alternatives to meat/ dairy options and basically everywhere has plant-based meat options. It is more difficult to reach protein goals especially when trying to build muscle but it is completely possible on a student budget — you just sometimes have to think outside the box.”

Other students cited miseducation on veganism as a reason for negative attitudes, explaining “Often I will hear omnivores say they’ve never tried vegan food! Cheap staples: pasta, vegetables, tinned chickpeas/ beans/lentils, tofu etc. are all so cheap especially compared to meat!”

When asked what could be done to make veganism more accessible on campus, respondents pointed to decreasing the cost of vegan meals and the possibility of a dedicated vegan outlet. One stated “I wish there was less negative stigma surrounding veganism as a whole — not everyone wants to force it on you. I think that exeter uni does claim to be sustainable and green and therefore could promote eating plant based more.” Another stated, “make plant milks the same price

as normal milk in the drinks outlets (+ pret!) as paying 40p is annoying for people who can’t have dairy”.

The University, however, maintain that campus outlets have made an effort to make plant-based food available both throughout and beyond Veganuary. Simon Law, Director of Catering, Retail Services & Commercial Development at the University of Exeter, said: “Our approach is to offer a choice of delicious and cost-effective menu options, and to promote sustainable and healthy decision making. While we still offer meat options across our campuses, we work hard to develop a wide range of non-meat options all year round, including special offers in Veganuary, and a loyalty card where the fifth non-meat option is free during the month. Year-round, we have a “meat second” policy, meaning

non-meat options are placed most prominently on menus, and the default option at event catering is non-meat.

“We’re proud that these approaches have seen us serve more than 7,000 vegan meals in Veganuary 2024, representing just over half of all meals served in the month. We’ve seen a 22 per cent increase in the vegan and vegetarian meals we serve in the last 12 months, compared to the previous year.”

A Students' Guild spokesperson stated “Many students are taking part in Veganuary and switching to a plant-based diet both for its impact on personal health but also the environment. We’re pleased to have vegan cookbooks at our Community Library in Devonshire House, and we are making sure vegan options are available across campuses as part of the Officer’s work."

Exevision Song Contest returns to Exeter

XETER'S own twist on Europe’s beloved Eurovision Song Contest will take place on the 8th February in the Great Hall. It will be a night full of thrilling interpretations of famous international songs, and a mesmerising showcase of musical talents from all around the world. There will be 12 participants competing for your vote, from 12 countries: Poland, United Kingdom, Germany, China, Ukraine, India, USA, Australia, Slovakia, Netherlands, San Marino and Greece. This will be the third edition of the contest, with Costa Rica winning last year and Greece winning the year before. The performances will vary in their musical style and form with a wide musical variety and amazing atmosphere on stage. Prepare for catchy pop tunes, traditional folk songs and unexpected dance breaks!

The competition is organised by Exeter Eurovision Society — a group of students that are passionate about Eurovision started not only the contest, but also events connected to Eurovision itself throughout the year, for example Eurovision watch parties or pub quizzes. It was founded in June 2023 and it continues to give students the opportunity to both bond over their shared love of Eurovision and have a chance to perform on stage and share their culture through music. March 2023 is when the Exevision Song Contest was organised for the first time and the competition quickly gained popularity on the University campus, attracting contestants from various backgrounds. The contest will start at 7pm and the tickets can be bought through FIXR.

Image: Section 28 and its Afterlives

Image: Exevision

Image: Exevision

Image: ANDREA CARBONI, Flickr

Student bars have poor provision of non-alcoholic drinks, study finds

Katie Matthews and Charlie Gershinson

Online Editor-in-Chief and Deputy Editor

ACCORDING to Student Beans, two-thirds of UK students are open to sobriety whilst at university, but “not all Student Unions are doing enough to support their sober-curious population”.

Whilst Student Beans reported that a third of Student Union (SU) bars do not offer a non-alcoholic beer or cider, The University of Exeter’s campus bar, The Ram, offers a selection of zero alcohol beer and cider including Dead Man’s Fingers 0.0%, Birra Moretti Zero and Rattler Zero.

This can be seen on a poster in The Ram, which advertises alcohol free options that they serve. The zero-alcohol section of the menu also details the same six zero alcohol beer and ciders, all costing £3.50 or less.

However, The Ram does not sell other alcohol-free alternatives. The full drinks menu does not include any non-alcoholic wines, spirits, shots or cocktails, meaning students cannot always choose an alcohol-free equivalent to what their friends may be drinking.

The University of Exeter’s web-

site page for The Ram describes it as “the perfect setting to socialise, unwind, or prep for a night out” and a “social hotspot on campus”. It describes the Ram’s drinks menu as “extensive” pointing to the many “great local suppliers”.

However, the zero alcohol options are cheaper than their alcoholic counterparts, with a pint of Guinness costing £4.39, and a pint of Guinness 0.0% costing £3.25. Rattler costs £3.99, and Rattler Zero is cheaper by a pound.

The small range of non-alcoholic alternatives has raised questions about the accessibility of nonalcoholic options in The Ram, which is often used for society socials.

According to Student Beans, AJ De Vera, previous President of the Lancaster University Sober Society, says: ‘‘It’s fine if a social is in a drinking venue, but make sure that there are non-alcoholic beverages available for those who don’t want to drink. Bonus points for choosing venues that offer non-alcoholic pints, wines and spirits as it lets people choose to drink something similar to the rest of the group.”

AJ De Vera suggests the significance of university hubs, such as a campus bar, providing a wide range of non-alcoholic drinks, is inclusive to all attendees, including those who choose not to drink.

In a survey of Exeter students conducted by Exeposé , some students expressed dissatisfaction with the selection and variety of non-alcoholic alternatives on campus and around Exeter. One student said: “there just aren’t a lot of non-alcoholic options besides lemonade or coke/Diet Coke, I wished there were more options.”

Another student said that there was a wider range at Wetherspoons pubs but apart from that, there is usually “only one kind of lager/cider available at most places (i.e. Thatcher’s).”

A Spokesperson for the University of Exeter said: “The University regularly re-reviews its food and drinks provisions across all campuses to ensure that the needs and requirements for students, staff and visitors alike are met. This includes ensuring there are good selections and choices of soft and non-alcoholic drinks at all outlets to meet all requirements.”

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Students’ Guild told Exeposé : “Your Students’ Guild and Officers have championed and supported students to ensure there are plenty of options on campus to suit all tastes. We continue to advocate for food and drink options on our campuses which offer value and choice for everyone. Kira, your Student Living Officer, is working on an audit of

outlets to ensure all dietary requirements are catered for on campus.”

Whilst there are plenty of nonalcoholic beer and cider options available on campus bars in Exeter,

perhaps looking into other nonalcoholic alternatives would help all sober-curious students to feel included and meet the requirements that have been expressed by students.

FEATURES EDITOR: Honor Borley

Bella MacLusky

The LA wildfires and their wider implications

Judy Dodd, Arts and Lit Editor, looks at the impacts of the LA Wildfires

JUST a week into the new year, California has experienced one of its most destructive wild fires to date. The fire likely started on Temescal Canyon on 7th January, halfway between Los Angeles and Malibu. Since then, around 40,000 acres have burned down, destroying over 14,000 homes and taking at least 27 lives. The Pacific Palisades area in LA is among the most severely affected.

40,000 acres have burned down, destroying over 14,000 homes and taking at least 27 lives

Former president Joe Biden approved a Major Disaster Declaration for California on 8th January, which allowed impacted communities and survivors to access funds and resources to begin their recovery immediately. Additionally, the Federal government has taken action to support local firefighters through the provision of U.S. Forest Service Large Air Tankers and Federal firefighting helicopters. The National Weather Service has also been called upon for forecasting support and advice, and the Environmental Protection Agency will provide resources for air quality tests.

the Federal government has taken action to support local firefighters

IGavin Newsom, the governor of California, has provided tax relief to those impacted by the fires as temporary housing and shelter are organised. Despite the majority of the fires being stopped, more than 80,000 people are still under evacuation orders as the search for human remains continues. The added dangers of landslides and debris laden with asbestos and other toxins makes it unsafe for people to return to their homes until clean-up services do their jobs. In hopes to avoid disasters like this in the future, the city is already drafting stricter rules concerning the growth of vegetation around houses and is working on ensuring the

region’s drainage system does not get clogged when rain begins to return in the coming weeks, creating potential mud and landslides.

The Financial Times warns of an Insurance Affordability Crisis

In regards to these types of natural disasters, the Financial Times warns of an Insurance Affordability Crisis. Global warming is making extreme weather events such as storms, floods and wildfires more frequent and severe, and it is therefore

increasingly difficult for the sector to recover. Due to added risk of natural disasters, house insurance policies in California have increased with rates from 200 to 500 per cent and thousands of insurance renewal policies were refused. In the Palisades, 69 per cent of policies were dropped by State Farm, the region’s biggest insurer, amounting to 1,600 homes. When a homeowner in the US can’t get insurance via conventional channels, the Fair Access to Insurance Requirements (FAIR) plan is a last resort option. This system is funded by California’s private home insurance companies rather than taxpayers, resulting in policies twice as expensive. The number of homeowners reliant on the FAIR Plan has doubled to 2.7 million people in 2023.

House insurance policies in California have increased with rates from 200 to 500 per cent and thousands of insurance renewal policies were refused

There is concern about whether FAIR will be able to pay back its clients at all considering the severity of the recent fires. According to JP Morgan Analysts, the recent California Wildfires are the most expensive to date in the U.S, estimating losses of $135 - $150 billion.

Animal parts smuggling: Inside wildlife trafficking

Maya Dallal explores the evolving response to the threat of animal parts smuggling

LLEGAL wildlife trading involves the trafficking of animals and their parts, with the most well-known victims being elephants for ivory, tigers for their skin, and rhinos for their horns. This illicit industry is prolifically lucrative and estimated to value billions of dollars. The demand for animal products is often recognised to be related to wealthy individuals wanting exotic pets, jewellery, trinkets, trophies, or any of the myriad displays of cruelty this industry can produce.

On the ground level, poachers are often in desperate financial situations and enter the industry for its high profit margins and relatively low risk, as government punishment has not historically been effective.

Government punishment has historically not always been effective

Wildlife trading has numerous detrimental effects on the environment, including the destruction of ecosystems which may lead to animal extinction, the destruction of local livelihoods and resources, and collateral damage to non-target species. Globally, government efforts to combat illegal

trade often conflict with personal sovereignty.

In the United States, the 2016 Eliminate, Neutralise, and Disrupt Wildlife Trafficking Act was implemented. Through this act the US, which is no stranger to foreign interference, creates a presidential taskforce whose mission is to “to prepare an assessment of the threats to wildlife in focus countries and detail that country’s capacity to respond to the identified threats.”

While this is a coordinated national effort to combat wildlife smuggling, which is by nature an international issue, this law infringes on the national sovereignty of these “focus countries” by creating foreign strategies to combat internal issues, impeding international cooperation.

One prominent initiative against wildlife smuggling is CITES, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, which entered into force in 1975. Hong Kong’s CITES Ordinance aligns with the convention’s suggested frameworks and empowers wildlife crime enforcement to penalise perpetrators. It requires documentation from traders, but fraudulent documentation is another issue. Corruption at all levels can lead to fraud and documentation can easily be forged. This ordinance also endows wildlife crime enforcement with the power to detain and seize suspected individuals. Arrest upon

suspicion of a crime can be said to violate individual freedoms, and without substantial evidence, there is no form of ensuring that those arrested are actually involved in wildlife crime.

Kenya, another member of CITES, implemented the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act in 2013, whose punishments mean to act as preventative measures against wildlife trading. These penalties include prison sentences as high as life imprisonment and fines up to $198,000.

However, in the first two years of the Act’s implementation, only six per cent of convictions ended in prison sentences, exposing another pitfall of government intervention against wildlife trading.

Only six per cent of convictions ended in prison sentences

Despite severe punishments acting as a deterrent, a lack of implementation renders them much less effective and decreases the legal risk of being involved in the wildlife trade.

Wildlife trading is a beast with many heads, and the efforts to eradicate it have been numerous and commendable. Yet, analysing government initiatives against wildlife trading exposes how ostensibly positive efforts can infringe on

individual freedoms and reveals the complexity of combating this extremely important issue.

Image: David Hawgood, Wikimedia Commons

Image: Free Malaysia Today

The ultra-processed pandemic

Bella MacLusky, Features editor, considers the impact of the processed food industry on health

processed food dominates supermarket shelves, and are designed to be highly addictive, some evidence suggests that advice alone may not be not enough. Our consumer environment has made it almost impossible to understand what we are ingesting.

THE Lancet Show published that over a billion people world-wide now live with obesity. This figure includes 159 million children. With obesity rates higher than ever before, many say there is an urgent need for societal change to counteract these figures.

While some argue that obesity doesn’t always mean ill health, the NHS has stated it increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, cancer, mental health issues and strokes. With all of this information widely available online and constantly on the news, why have the figures continued to increase?

Chris van Tulleken published Ultra-processed People in 2024, and claims ‘it’s not you, it’s the food.’ Ultra-processed food has been named as a key contributor to obesity. While people may think selecting a tortilla wrap for lunch is a healthy option, these highly processed foods are often quite far from what they disguise themselves as. A tortilla, for example, should consist of just three to four ingredients, yet common supermarket versions contain up to 15 ingredients, most of which are long, unfamiliar chemical compounds. Not only do these highly processed foods contain far higher saturated fats, they are calorifically dense. In short terms, the caloric intake does not equate to your satisfaction upon eating these goods.

For too long, obese patients have been told they just need to make healthier choices, but when ultra-

Our consumer environment has made it almost impossible to understand what we are ingesting

As only those who have the time to educate themselves on health and processed food are making these changes towards whole eating, the obesity rates are increasingly interconnected with the wealth system. Everyone deserves the right to know what they are eating, what it does to their body, and the right to good, affordable food (Tulleken), not only those who can afford to make these switches.

Everyone deserves the right to know what they are eating, what it does to their body, and the right to good, affordable food

So how do experts suggest we shift society towards healthier eating, and away from addictive highly-processed foods which are directly linked to increased obesity? Operating in a capitalist system, our food markets have shifted to accommodate the need for greater food pro-

Nduction (due to increased population) and better affordability. The result is food which can be transported easily, with long shelf life, and as a consequence, far fewer fresh ingredients. Yet, hope is not lost. A change in consumer demand would force the food conglomerates to alter their products. Essentially, if we reject their products, they will be forced to alter their output and create truly healthy supermarket options. Of course, as we have depended on highly-processed foods for the majority of the 21st century, this shift is not easy. We have become accustomed, and in some cases dependent, on a daily sugar fix, or salty, calorie-packed snack. Unfortunately, limiting consumption of these products to the suggested weekly intake is hard for most. Due to their highly addictive qualities and powerful marketing,

one can of coke per week can quickly turn into multiple carbonated beverages per day. This is not the fault of the consumer, these products are designed on every level to be addictive — from the noise of the can cracking open, the sour tang and sweet aftertaste, even the colour and misleading packaging. It seems for most, consumption of these products in moderation is near impossible. The UK government is already shifting towards promoting healthier lifestyle, by banning some advertisement of secretly unhealthy foods, like cereals, prepackaged oatmeal packets and even crumpets. Without restrictions from the Government, the obesity rates are unlikely to decrease. But rest assured, due to the impact of obesity related illnesses on the NHS, the government will be forced to take action.

Make Greenland great again!

Katie Matthews, Online Editor-in-Chief, considers Trump’s designs on Greenland

EWLY inaugurated Donald Trump has shown interest in taking control of Greenland, following a proposal to buy it from Denmark. As the BBC reported, he argued this was critical for “national security”.

This attention on Greenland, at a time when it’s closer than ever to being an independent country, is largely due to its proximity to Russia, its natural resources including uranium and iron, and the US military bases that already reside there.

Greenland is a Danish territory close to Rus-

sia with territorial claim to a large portion of the Arctic Circle. Since Trump claimed he wants to “drill baby drill” in his inauguration speech on the 20th January, Trump has declared an “energy emergency” pushing the need to extract oil and gas in US territories, rather than importing.

Trump’s desire for energy independence comes from a belief that the US does not have energy security because it is reliant on other countries for energy imports. According to usafacts , in 2024 the United States

imported 75 per cent of crude oil and gas.

This has led to increased public concern from environmental groups who pair this desire to take Greenland with Trump’s withdrawal of the US from the Paris Agreement. Greenpeace has “condemned Trump’s “climate denial” with Greenpeace International Executive Director Mads Christensen commenting: “Trump and his cronies may push a pro-fossil fuel agenda domestically, but they cannot escape the momentum of global and state-level progress driving climate action forward.”

This has led to increased public concern from environmental groups who pair this desire to take Greenland with Trump’s withdrawal of the US from the Paris Agreement.

They continued saying: “Countries gambling on oil and gas extraction will be left floundering behind the clean energy transition.”

Russia had a serious oil spill releasing up to 5,000 tonnes of oil into the sea between Russia and Crimea. This has brought the environmentally damaging nature of oil extraction to public criticism.

Trump’s desire to control Greenland is also militant. Greenland’s proximity to Russia and its US Air Force military base, Pituffik Space Base, which, according to the

base’s website, specifically addresses “mutual defense”, makes it desirable as a US state.

A Kremlin spokesperson, Peskov, told the BBC that the Arctic was in Russia’s “sphere of national and strategic interests and it is interested in peace and stability there.” US control of Greenland is of interest to Russia and to the EU.

As a BBC article a few weeks ago entailed, there are a few ways Trump’s interest in Greenland could go: interest is lost and Trump moves on; Greenland seeks independence and looks to draw closer ties with US; economic pressure is pushed on Greenland, or an invasion occurs.

In response, Denmark’s Prime Minister Frederiksen has stated “Greenland belongs to Greenlanders and it’s the Greenlanders themselves who have to define their future.” Whilst MPs are calling out the Prime Minister for not being clearer in her rejection of Trump’s proposal, attention on this story has reduced since Trump’s inauguration. Trump’s public intention to take control of Greenland, the Panama Canal and Canada the week before his inauguration showcases his desire to be seen as politically powerful, with the potential military and economic influence to bring any country in the Americas into US control. It’s been made clear that Greenland is not for sale, but, as Trump takes his position in The White House once again, taking his words and intentions seriously may be crucial in protecting the environment and maintaining international peace at a time of vulnerability.

Image: David Owsianka from picryl

Image: Quintinsoloviev Wikimedia Commons

Climate

TCampaigners urge solar panels for new properties

Annabel Gowling discusses a local campaign to increase solar panel use in Devon

HE Devon Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) is supporting a new Private Member’s bill aimed at making solar panels a compulsory feature on the rooftops of newly built homes. The New Homes (Solar Generation) Bill, also known as the Sunshine Bill was proposed by MP Max Wilkinson. The Bill is set for its second reading in Parliament on Friday 17th January. Further, Devon CPRE is urging southwest residents to encourage their MPs to vote in favour to advance the legislation.

TThe Devon branch of the CPRE and the national CPRE charity have long advocated for rooftop solar to meet renewable energy goals without sacrificing farmland to vast solar farms. With widespread public support for rooftop solar, particularly on new builds, the charity is rallying Southwest residents to act ahead of the Sunshine Bill’s second reading on the 17th January.

The Bill, introduced by Wilkinson, aims to make solar panels mandatory on all new homes, cutting energy costs, protecting rural land -

scapes, and advancing climate action. Devon CPRE’s chairperson, Steve Crowther, describes the Bill as a potential “game changer,” noting that research shows 60 per cent of the UK’s solar targets could be met via rooftops within 10 years.

The charity warns that without legislative action, more farmlands could be lost to large-scale solar developments. Crowther highlights concern over proposals to cover 17,000 acres in southwest Norfolk with solar panels which could remove the equivalent of over 50 farms from produc -

tion, echoing similar losses in Devon. Devon CPRE is urging constituents to contact their MPs, emphasising the importance of securing widespread parliamentary support. Crowther has personally reached out to North Devon MP Ian Roome stressing the urgency of the issue and encouraging a commitment to vote for the Bill.

Residents can easily act by signing a petition for the Bill, which is available through the QR code.

By driving support for rooftop solar, Devon CPRE hopes to protect the countryside, re-

CLIMATE EDITOR: Charlie

Gershinson

duce energy costs and lead the UK toward its clean energy goals.

Exeter City Council plan for a new energy site

Poppy Fellows examines a new Council project to provide low-carbon energy

HE Grace Road Energy Centre is a new energy site located in Marsh Barton. Heat pumps make use of waste heat from a nearby data centre. Also, the Energy Recovery Facility found parallel to the proposed centre, the Grace Road Energy Centre, has the goal to provide low-carbon energy to Exeter, recognising the need for transition from nonrenewables, contributing to tackling the climate crises and the overreliance on carbon to power the city’s homes. Since its proposal, there has been objection from local politicians. The Exeter Green Party have spoken

against using protected green land, calling for a halt in the sale of the land back in December. They have accused the Labour-led council of “failing” to make a “cast iron case” to support their decision of “diminishing green space.” In addition, the Green Councillors have raised issues, such as the lack of Environmental Impact Assessment and withholding information about the 13 other sites the Council claim to have considered for the project.

In their write up of the project proposal, the Council laid out their reasoning for the land chosen. Their most important factor was the proximity to

low-carbon sources. This defends the project as it is concerned with lowering local businesses’ reliance on gas boilers to power their work, in addition to the city’s use of non-renewables for energy in homes. Furthermore, the plant will be close to proposed housing developments, indicating a possibility for lowcarbon heating of new-build homes. Moreover, the council have put forward that measures will be in place to ensure that there will be no increase in flood risk in an already category three flood zone. They have declared that the project will reduce carbon emissions by 13,000 tonnes a year and the management of the park is under the Devon Wildlife Trust.

University research round-up

Climate writers summarise recent research conducted with the help of University of Exeter academics

University of Exeter achieves top 10 in national sustainability league table

THE University of Exeter has risen 12 places in the 2024/25 People & Planet University League to ninth place, retaining its position as one of 25 ‘first-class universities’. This leaves Exeter as the highestranked Russell Group University in this year’s rankings.

People & Planet, the UK’s largest student campaigning network, considered 14 different criteria assessing the environmental and ethical performance of higher education institutions in their rankings. The University scored 100 per cent for its Auditing and Environmental Management System, which is part of this criteria.

Exeter has taken significant steps to promote sustainability and ethical consumption, producing ‘Strategy 2030’, which prioritises addressing the ecological crisis through education and management of campuses. More than 1,400 of the universities’ researchers are actively working on projects relating to the environment whilst collaborating with regional partners across the southwest. The University continues to report its sustainability performance on an annual basis.

Gemma Gradwell

Exeter joins £5 million initiative to support UK climate startups

THE UK’s fight against climate change has gained a significant boost with a £5 million investment to support climate-focused startups.

The University of Exeter has joined the Climate Scaling Collaborative, which enables the University and its partners to research solutions for climate mitigation and adaptation. This will provide vital support for climate startups by aiding their transition from research and development to commercial deployment. This will have significant benefits for the startups in scaling up their businesses.

This will include a collaboration led by Imperial College London, including the University of Exeter, Cranfield University, the University of Derby, the University of Leeds and the University of Nottingham.

The program’s launch in April 2025 marks an exciting milestone for climate startups, fostering collaboration and innovation both in Exeter and across the UK. By providing the necessary resources, expertise and connections, the Climate Scaling Collaborative promises to accelerate the UK’s transition to a greener, more sustainable future Juliette Grammer

Businesses face seven per cent drop due to climate risks

ANEW report aided by the University of Exter Business School has found that businesses face annual drops of up to seven per cent unless they adapt to climate risks.

The report, entitled ‘Business on the Edge: Building Industry Resilience to Climate Hazards’, found that businesses could see losses of $560-610 billion per year across listed companies by 2035. It warns that every stage of the supply chain would be separated such as packaging, processing and distribution.

The telecommunications and utilities industries are predicted to be the most significantly affected. These include losses of over 20 per cent in both industries or $518-563 million and $204-233 million respectively.

Exeter academic Professor Gail Whiteman, lead academic on the report, said, “This report empowers business leaders by showing them the nature and extent of the risks posed to their organisations by climate hazards, and the resilience strategies that provide a pathway to sustainable economic and social prosperity amid changing Earth systems.”

Charlie Gershinson, Deputy Editor

Image: Rayhan9d, Wikimedia Commons

Image: QR code generator

Image:Wikimedia Commons, Dual Freq

Tom

Trump’s Inauguration

Tom Richardson, Comment Editor, examines the inauguration of Donald Trump and his first day in office.

DONALD Trump’s inauguration last week was a striking symbol of wealth and influence in his upcoming administration. We saw ‘Billionaires Row,’ with America’s most powerful and wealthy billionaires in prominent display, sitting in front of the cabinet and other leaders of the federal government — a statement of what is to come, of unashamed plutocracy. This level of wealth is also present in his upcoming cabinet, with 13 billionaires making it the wealthiest cabinet in American history. But American society is unfortunately so broken and incohesive that, to many, rule by the rich is acceptable, as long as it frustrates liberals.

This level of wealth is also present in his upcoming cabinet

In 2016, Trump would have at least made an attempt to understate the role of the wealth establishment in his administration, whilst campaigning against the establishment. In 2024, Trump no longer cares; he does not need to

back up his campaigning rhetoric as the loyal ‘MAGA’ crowd will continue to unwaveringly support him.

Rule by the rich is acceptable as long as it frustrates liberals

From Trump’s family, we see Melania with her infamous wide hat, less of a fashion statement but as a barrier from having to be intimiate with Trump. Who can blame her!

We also see Barron Trump, the 4chan-addled son of the President. He took a prominent position, spending most of the inauguration dinner speaking to congressional Republican leaders. Barron has played a considerable role in the Trump campaign in reaching young men, responsible for the successful Joe Rogan interview.

Only time will tell whether we see the formation of a political family dynasty post-Donald Trump.

As with inaugurations we see the former Presidents and Vice Presidents, their second outing from their care homes this month since the funeral of Jimmy Carter. Donald Trump had specifically requested

that, for the inauguration, flags in honour of the former president no longer be at halfmast. How very humble of him.

Of the former presidents we see the Clintons, who attempted to keep a straight face when Trump announced the Gulf of Mexico was to be renamed the Gulf of America. Former Republican Vice President Dick Cheney, who endorsed Kamala Harris in September, missed the inauguration. This is unsurprising due to Trump threatening violence on his outspoken Trump critic daughter, Liz Cheney.

Only time will tell whether we see the formation of a political family dynasty post-Donald Trump

Did we see the ‘dictator on day one’ as was promised by Trump? No, but whether it be his mugshot-style presidential portrait, his billionaire-riddled cabinet, or his regressive executive orders, we are seeing what is in store for America over the next four years.

Non-disclosure agreements ban

ONE in five university students experience unwanted sexual behaviour and only one in ten make a formal report to their university. These cases are widely dealt with using non-disclosure agreements (NDAs). What does this say about our safety and how seriously is it taken by institutions made to protect us?

The Labour government is considering a ban on employers using NDAs in cases of workplace sexual harassment. Considering the misuse of gagging clauses to silence victims and to protect the reputation of the perpetrator, this ban could be reflected in legislations for universities in the future. Currently, the use of NDAs sets a damaging standard for the approach to workplace harassment.

It sends a message that victim’s experiences are unimportant and a source of embarrassment for the employer to deal with openly; that they are not worth the advocacy and support of their employer. Putting confidentiality over the accountability of the perpetrator, it seems that NDAs allow an easy way out which absolves the company of any shame, placing all onus on the victim to act, to sign and let all parties

carry on as if nothing happened. Yet no amount of money can compensate for the psychological harm caused by sexual misconduct.

Undoubtedly, there is stigma around this conversation — the thought of coworkers making comments about the victim, losing respect in the workplace and even the risk of losing their jobs forces many to choose a settlement over a trial.

In particular, this fear of a victim’s experiences undermining their position at work exposes the role that power and hierarchy play in the use of NDAs. These agreements are not designed to blackmail — having signed an NDA, the complainant may reveal the details of their case to a GP or the Police. Nonetheless, if not legal consequences, there may be a risk to their career. Especially in cases where the perpetrator works in a more powerful position, NDAs compel victims to be silent to not hinder their professional trajectory.

The story is not so different in many UK universities. The same misuse of NDAs has ‘bought or bullied [victims] into silence,’ according to former education minister Michelle Donelan.

According to the BBC , students at the University of Exeter feel there needs to be greater support and protection from harassment on our campus. Although our staff and students receive mandatory training on sexual consent, this does not go far enough in creating a safe university experience on and off campus.

Students

support and protection from harrassment

In the long-term, this can only be achieved by changing the culture in society which perpetuates sexist and inappropriate behaviour. Greater awareness and educational campaigns may be a start. In the short-term, however, when dealing with these cases after the fact, it is evident that both a settlement and a trial procedure can be distressful, for which better mental health support by employers and universities is crucial. However, a ban on the use of NDAs in harassment cases may better enforce accountability. Victims may feel they have greater choice in what legal options will provide them with: justice and closure. Transparency on these cases may prevent similar misconduct from happening to an employee or a student in the future.

Image: Wikimedia commons, Daniel Torok

Trudeau and his legacy

Rosie Peters-McDonald, Deputy Editor, considers the

highs and lows of Trudeau’s premiership

FOLLOWING in the footsteps of his father, Pierre Trudeau, Justin Trudeau has been Prime Minister in Canada for almost ten years. But this is no dictatorship — he won the hearts and votes of millions across three terms, winning his majority government in 2015 and subsequently two minority governments in 2019 and 2021. Now, as he prepares to step down, the world’s eyes turn to his legacy and the mark he leaves on the Canadian legislature.

Trudeau’s first political foray was his advocacy for avalanche safety in the wake of his brother’s tragic death. He then returned to the spotlight at his father’s funeral two years later, delivering a televised eulogy which the BBC claim “led many to ponder his potential for public office for the first time.”

The world’s eyes turn to his legacy and the mark he leaves on the Canadian legislature

From Liberal MP to party leader, and then finally to his nine years as

Prime Minister, Trudeau promised a new era of change to the Canadian people, and delivered on it for the most part in his first term. One promise he never delivered on, though, was that of electoral reform, an eventual cause for criticism as he prepared for his second campaign for office.

Trudeau promised a new era of change to the Canadian people, and delivered on it for the most part in his first term

Then in 2019 Trudeau faced a setback he could only blame himself for. Images arose of him in “blackface or brownface” (the BBC ), dating back to the 90s and early 2000s. Trudeau apologised and admitted that his privileged background had blinded him to the offence his actions might have caused. There’s no denying these actions had an impact on his second battle for Prime Ministerial office; he won with a minority this time. Now, as Trudeau steps down

amid continually worsening polls surrounding his leadership (much of which relates to his methods of dealing with rising housing and grocery costs), a legacy of positive change and political controversy is left behind. His first cabinet was an equal male-female split; he introduced a child benefit tax; he’s made childcare more affordable. He also ordered a national inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. Despite this, many feel that he’s failed to protect and connect to Indigenous communities, largely because of his oil pipeline project.

Many feel that he’s failed to protect and connect to Indigenous communities

Justin Trudeau leaves behind a mixed legacy, and one which many feel is punctuated with half-met promises that were never quite fulfilled. But for many — perhaps those who voted for him not once but thrice —Trudeaumania continued long after Pierre Trudeau’s retirement in 1984.

Should we protect children from TikTok?

Henry Anderson, International Editor, discusses the harms of TikTok whilst the US mulls on a TikTok ban

ON the 24th April 2024, President Biden signed a legislation to ban TikTok. Citing issues of national security, the US government decided it should not be available for use in America. At the time of writing, with the recent Trump inauguration, the fate of TikTok hangs in the balance, and it appears that the ban may not go into effect. Nevertheless, should the UK government consider a similar ban?

Notwithstanding the issues of national security, I will focus on the effects of TikTok on children.

According to 2023 research by the Information Commissioner’s Officer, 1.4 million children under 13 have access to TikTok. So, should we try and protect them?

1.4 million children under 13 have access to TikTok

There has been a host of research into the effects of social media, and TikTok specifically, on children and teenagers, and most of it is negative. Imran Ahmed of the Center for Countering Digital

Hate has found that there is selfharm content, nonsensical mental health advice and videos that distort the world view of children’s own bodies, mental health and how they compare to others. The algorithm, according to Mr Ahmed, “recognises vulnerability … and sees it as a potential point of addiction.” This helps to drive engagement on the app and keep children glued to its screens. An article in the European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry similarly found that “lower life satisfaction, increased risk of “contagion” of certain psychiatric symptoms, and problematic usage patterns” are all present on TikTok. Not all research on TikTok is conclusive and researchers argue that there is still much to be done. For example, there is no clear picture on whether it is addictive, although studies have certainly found that it encourages constant scrolling, and potentially affects stress levels, sleep and studying time. Dr of Psychology, Jaclyn Halpern, has also argued that research is in its early stages and is not yet definitive. Notwithstanding the above, a ban may not be the best way forward.

For starters, TikTok is not the only platform with short form content, with Instagram, YouTube and even Snapchat also boasting the feature. A ban on TikTok would simply cause a migration to these other apps. In fact, the most popular one is likely to be Instagram, and a TikTok ban would further monopolise the social media industry in Meta’s

hands. There is also the possibility that another app like TikTok, with all the same problems, will emerge.

TikTok is not the only platform with short form content

Instead, perhaps a more effective method of reducing the nega -

tive effects of these apps would be to educate parents on their dangers, impose time limits, and ensure the algorithm shows age-appropriate content to its users. Efforts to do this have been made but have so far been lacklustre. A stronger response along these lines should be considered before a ban.

Image: Wikimedia Commons, Fred Marvaux

Image: Wikimedia Commons, Solen Feyissa

Second Term

WHEN it comes to university work, I believe that people tend to overreact when faced with the infamous workload of the second term. There are countless online resources that, let’s be honest, essentially do the work for you. My advice to everyone — whether you’re a bright-eyed fresher or a battle-worn PhD student completing your third dissertation — is this: embrace the wonders of technology. Specifically, make ChatGPT your best friend.

Think about it. Technological advancements aren’t going to suddenly grind to a halt. Artificial Intelligence is only going to expand and evolve, so why not hop on the AI bandwagon now? Summarize your readings, auto-generate bibliographies, cite your sources, and have it transform into the all-knowing oracle of your academic life. In other words, let ChatGPT do the heavy lifting so you can cruise your way to a First-Class Honours. Bish, bash, bosh — job done!

Of course, no university experience would be complete without some good old-fashioned teamwork. The classic saying, “the more, the merrier,” couldn’t be more relevant when assembling your crew for a last-minute essay sprint or that dreaded group report. After all, why struggle solo when you can multiply your productivity by surrounding yourself with equally panicked peers?

“Two heads are better than one,” as the proverb goes. (And four heads? Practically a think tank!)

Finally, my ultimate tip: there will always be time to focus, study, and “lock in” when it comes to academics. But don’t forget that university is also about creating unforgettable memories — some of which will undoubtedly involve a mad scramble 24 hours before a deadline. Picture this: you and your mates, huddled in the Forum Law Library at 2 a.m. on a Thursday, bonding over caffeine-induced delirium while ChatGPT churns out your statistics report like the dependable machine it is.

Because, in the end, isn’t that what university is all about? Teamwork, resourcefulness, and the sweet, sweet thrill of submitting at 11:59 p.m.

Antoni Kaldunski

Do something! Anything!!!

Audrey Alvey Satire Editor

WHEN you’re seven years old and living in a foreign quasi-dictatorship, it doesn’t come as a surprise when you wake up one morning to discover that your city has become a centre for international revolution. Sure, you’re too young to know the name of the Vice President (spoiler alert: there was no Vice President), but you’ve read Narnia so you’re in that weird phase of “being an evacuee in World War II looked so fun!” that most Britisheducated kids go through at some point or another — so you know that no democracy = no good. The violence is scary and it’s wrong that people are being killed, but you know that someone has to speak up otherwise even more people would be dead, impoverished, or both. After all, your teachers always tell you to stand up to bullies.

You know that no democracy = no good

Then you move back to a democratic country (the UK might be a monarchy, but at least it’s only a ceremonial constitutional monarchy!) and all is well. You study politics, read the free press’ report about yet another protest in France, and make a joke about how the French were probably (definitely) already rioting as apes before evolution even had the chance to turn them into Homo Sapiens. Then you watch shows about really dramatic doctors or morally grey high school students all set in America and think that apart from the whole pledging allegiance to the flag thing, it looks like a pretty nice place.

In 2025, you watch the inauguration just like you did in 2021 — except this time instead of sunshine and poems with Hamilton references, you see a front row audience that resembles Russia oligarchy circa the 1996, the in-

Icumbent openly bragging about how the election was “rigged for [him]” and... a Sieg Heil? Two Sieg Heils? So, you cast your mind back to reading Narnia aged seven and remember the brave citizens of Cairo that fought against their oppressors in the streets to the death until they emerged victorious on the side with an unprecedentedly high score of 4.56 on the democracy index to show for it. And you wonder why on Earth the self-proclaimed ‘freest’ country in the world isn’t doing anything about the disintegration of life, liberty and happiness. Aren’t you meant to stand up in the face of injustice or something? Maybe they just don’t care about their precious little constitution or founding principles as much as they made themselves out to. But you go on Twitter (I refuse to call it X on principle) and the Americans (great show by the way, available on Channel 4) are all like “oh noooo this is so bad, someone should really do something about this betrayal of everything this country and the West stands for...” But nobody’s actually getting up and doing anything? It’s like that scene in Wall-E where people float around on their chairs, screen in front of their face, never lifting a finger. How could one expect those people to go on a pursuit of happiness when they don’t even know what

Housewives

N most circumstances, funerals aren’t grand events conducted with glorious fanfare. They’re usually morbid affairs consisting of a sullen trudge to a church or crematorium, followed by an odd array of what could generously be referred to as ‘British tapas’. This is hardly the case in Washington D.C., however, with a procession of politicians, soldiers and diplomats stalking the coffin of statesmen draped in the stars and stripes. Jimmy Carter’s funeral was no exception.

In the true spirit of US Politics, the commemoration of the 39th President of the United States was far from the biggest drama of the day. Instead the gang are back together, and the still-living presidents and their spouses became the latest hot goss for political nerds, Washington insiders and — let’s face it — reality TV enthusiasts. If you thought the Real Housewives of Salt Lake City were bad with their Mormon owned tequila brands and tendency to marrying their step-grandfathers (both real- look it up), the five living presidents and their spouses are a whole different story. In an exclusive interview with Exeposé, our funeral correspondent caught up with the former White House renters, Andy Cohen style.

the real world looks like anymore? And look, I’m not saying that us Brits are any better in the protest department. We watched the Queen sit alone at her husband’s funeral while the Tories partied (sorry — work evented) it up in Number 10, and what was the public response? To get over one-hundred people in Boris Johnson wigs chanting “I like to party” outside Downing Street. You have to admit that as a nation we are nothing if not creative. And even though there have been plenty of missed opportunities to protest in Britain over the last decade or three or ten — how have we not taken to the streets yet over the cost of Freddos crisis?! — at least we are allowed to protest without the FBI recording our biometric data to unlawfully obtain evidence via usage of facial recognition software in CCTV cameras... wait, what do you mean London is the most surveilled non-Chinese city in the world?

How have we not taken to the streets yet over the cost of Freddos crisis?!

Mind you, the revolution I mentioned earlier — the Arab Spring — wasn’t exactly successful in the long run. Egypt’s brief spike in the democracy index was just that: brief. In fact,

it’s now classed as an authoritarian regime. The Americans probably took one look at them and said, “looks like there’s no point in protesting; it clearly doesn’t work!” as if 1) that’s not literally how the USA got their civil rights (half of which are gone now, RIP the Equal Employment Opportunity Act) or 2) the average American even knows where Egypt is, let alone that Cairo is a city and not just a collection of big sandy alien-made triangular things in the middle of the desert. I mean, they want to annex Canada but can’t even point to it on a bloody map! But still, across North Africa and the Middle East, multiple governments were overthrown; criminal politicians got what was coming to them, even if most were just immediately replaced by other authoritarian criminals. But at least the people tried to fight for what’s right — and still are in many places all round the world — and you’ll never know if you don’t try. Speaking of criminals... I don’t even have any words. That’s actually something I have in common with ‘The Felon’; his response to being told he was signing off on abandoning the World Health Organisation was “ooOOoo”, which I think is quite the apt thing for the President to say. And I’m sorry, but you’re telling me that a FELON can click his fingers and overturn the constitution to make half of the country’s population leave... but when kids get massacred, you can’t change archaic laws made when guns could shoot ~1 bullet per 10 minutes because iT’s An EnTrEncHeD coNstiTuTiOn? Okay, fine, whatever — I shouldn’t even be allowed to have opinions as a Brit, considering that I say chewsday and eat beans on toast*. And before anyone writes into Exeposé complaining that this article is American-ist… I can’t be Americanist; I’ve got American friends!

*I do not, in fact, eat beans on toast. I have a civilised palette.

With Michelle nowhere in sight and Melania replaced by the inanimate wax model Donald pulls out for state affairs, it was prime catching up time for Obama and Trump. Whilst the two have had a few feuds (there was that tiny little thing where Trump told everyone Obama faked his birth certificate and wasn’t qualified to lead the country), that’s all behind them now as the two gossiped like best friends. While even our esteemed reporter could not get the full scoop, we heard from an exclusive source (Liz Truss who snuck into the funeral with sunglasses and a trench coat just to be a part of something), that they were planning a golf retreat. That Obama was spotted afterwards cancelling every golf course membership he had was sheer coincidence we’re sure.

Elsewhere, Kamala and Doug managed to sneak BRAT onto the funeral playlist, JD Vance failed to attend simply because he couldn’t find the door and the zombified corpse of Jimmy Carter was seen frantically booking a flight to Greenland — anything to escape a second Trump presidency!

Amy Rushton and Charlie Gershinson, Editor and Deputy Editor

Image: Gage Skidmore

Image: CinemaAustralia

Image: Audrey Alvey

Is Dry January an achievable goal?

Freddie Wilkins talks about Dry January as a popular New Year's resolution

AS a new year has dawned upon us, many are taking up new year's resolutions. A popular goal is 'Dry January,' in which people challenge themselves to be alcohol-free throughout the month. It all started in 2013 when Alcohol Change UK created a campaign called Dry January. Over the years, this campaign and challenge has become synonymous with New Year’s resolutions, with “over 175,000 taking part in 2023," according to the Alcohol Change Website. So, why are so many people participating in Dry January?

Well, there are a considerable amount of shortterm and long-term benefits for participants. Physical benefits include lower blood sugar levels and weight loss. A study carried out by Dr Gautum Mehta, a senior lecturer at the UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, supports this, stating that there may be “weight loss of around 2kg, a decrease in blood pressure of around five per cent, and improvement in diabetes risk of almost 30 per cent.” Mentally, frequent alcohol consumption can also cause bad habits like addiction and exacerbate anxiety and mood swings, causing mental health issues. Therefore, having a break from alcohol consumption can encourage selfreflection on an individual’s relationship with alcohol and prompt better mental health and emo-

tional stability. Furthermore, a period of abstinence from alcohol may be financially beneficial because drinking on nights out can be costly, even when it’s £3.45 for a Guinness at the Imperial Wetherspoons. An individual drink may not seem costly, but it adds up. A scenario relatable to many is waking up the next morning after a night out drinking, wondering where all your money has gone.

HAVING A BREAK FROM ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION CAN ENCOURAGE SELFREFLECTION ON AN INDIVIDUAL'S RELATIONSHIP WITH ALCOHOL

However, in environments where there is a huge culture for social drinking, it may be challenging for someone to commit to Dry January. After all, who wants to go to social events and be the only one not drinking? When you go out, there is huge social pressure from others drinking, whether conscious or unconscious, so how can you prevent this temptation and remain motivated for Dry January? Firstly, as with every goal and New Year’s resolution, there is a reason why you are partak-

ing in it so, to stay motivated, remind yourself of the reasons for why you are doing Dry January. Secondly, social pressure can entice people into giving up their goals, but what if you entice your friends and family to do it with you? This will stop people drinking around you, making the Dry January experience far easier.

WHAT IF YOU ENTICE YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY TO DO IT WITH YOU?

Thirdly, non-alcoholic beverages have become more popular and accessible in recent years. So, next time you go out, consider having a zero-alcohol Guinness and a range of other zero-alcohol drinks. They taste the same as their alcoholic equivalent but are a far healthier alternative. The hardest part of this challenge is the motivation and persistence to complete Dry January. Therefore, the adoption of coping techniques should make it far easier to complete. In the end, sobriety, even if it is for one month, will provide you with many health and financial benefits.

Becoming a gym bunny

Magdalena Kanecka, Online International Editor, talks about getting into the gym

WITH nearly one month into 2025, the popular slogan of “New Year, New Me” continues to embark for many — with some having altered, delayed, or given up their fitness and gym goals while others persevere through January.

Let’s face it: the gym can be scary. It definitely was scary for me as I walked through the hall and examined each machine for the first time, and everyone but me seemed to know what they were doing. Was there something I wasn’t doing right? Are people looking at me? Was all of this common knowledge that I was missing?

The truth is, more often than not, other people are thinking the same thing as you — everyone, at times, feels either a little bit watched, insecure, lost, or confused, no matter what the reason behind their gym attendance is. Finding the courage to go in the first place is already a big achievement way before you start seeing your desired outcomes or results. People are far too busy overthinking

their own appearance to worry about yours. Over time, as I manage my struggles with an eating disorder, I frequently have moments where I use exercise in a negative way, and I believe it is important to draw that distinction for yourself. Think about it and ask yourself — why are you really there? Is it because you want to get in shape and keep fit, or because you’re already unhappy with how you look, and you think looking fitter or losing weight will help?

My main word of advice is to start easy and not push yourself too hard — if something isn’t working out or isn’t feeling right, mentally or physically, the first time you try it, leave it and come back to it during your next session.

Tutorials are always there on the internet, and specifically on YouTube, when you need them. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed, but rest assured that others have felt it too — it’s normal, and it goes away the more you attend. Perhaps starting out with some cardio machines like the treadmill or the crosstrainer is a good starting point; I know personally that’s what worked best for me, and as I grew more confident on those, I moved over to weight training and other more targeted machines, which often also have instructions of how to use them printed on them.

Another good tip is to go with a friend, regardless of their skill level or experience — it’s more fun that way and can

definitely help overcome the potential worries that may arise in the beginning.

ANOTHER

GOOD TIP IS TO GO WITH A FRIEND... ITS MORE FUN THAT WAY AND CAN DEFINITELY HELP OVERCOME POTENTIAL WORRIES

Most importantly, keep in touch with your body — remember your goals, but try not to keep them too strictly weight-lossfocused unless it’s a medical concern of yours. If you think you’re struggling with body image or are starting to use exercise and nutrition in a negative way, please reach out for help through the University Wellbeing team, or the Student Health Centre.

MOST IMPORTANTLY, KEEP IN TOUCH WITH YOUR BODY

Image: pixabay.com

Image: Wikimedia Commons

Running in Exeter

Katie Roberts, Lifestyle Editor, talks about why you should run for more than Strava kudos

IN a blur of Hokas, On Clouds, running vests, over-ear headphones and pastel shorts - running certainly had its moment in 2024 - with Strava handles and 5k PRs being dropped into conversations. Maybe Oakley sunnies or neon pink Puresport socks featured on your Christmas list this year, or your New Year resolutions included signing up for a half marathon? The popularity of running was felt in Exeter last year and it doesn’t seem like it’s going anywhere in 2025; you don’t have to look very far to see groups bouncing along the pavements or to find a new run club. Beyond its ‘trendiness’ at the moment, it really isn’t hard to see why lots of us seem to have fallen in love with running here. As an almost love letter to running in Exeter, this is for anyone who wants to be (or is already) a part of it.

LOTS OF US SEEM TO HAVE FALLEN IN LOVE WITH RUNNING HERE

For this article I didn’t really want to offer advice on running faster, further or with better form, not just because my fairly mediocre running ability doesn’t really put me in a position to be giving tips on any of those things, but also because it might be time to re-learn how to just vibe with running above anything else. Seek out running with friends for coffee, runner’s high, exploring the city, or showing off your new pastel shorts before you seek to beat your PR (or your Strava frenemies’ pace).

One of the best ways to get running and genuinely love it is to go with a few friends and chat, which can be a way of taking your eye off your fitness tracker because your focus shifts to the social aspect of the run, especially if you agree to get coffee afterwards. Maybe engineer the route to end at The Coffee Cellar or Sundays down on the Quay. There seems to have been a run-club ‘boom’ in Exeter, with clubs like Gravitate, Sunset Striders or ones ran by societies, to encourage social runs and take the pressure off you to find your own route. If you are up at 9am on a Saturday Exeter Riverside parkrun can be a gorgeous way to start the day, and a happy medium if you are running with friends of different abilities. You can walk

or jog down to the quay together before legging it around the (thankfully very flat) course, and meet each other again at the finish line.

PARKRUN CAN BE A GORGEOUS WAY TO START THE DAY

In terms of running routes, I will admit that the biggest stopping block to running (or having any chance of enjoying it) in Exeter can be the killer hills, which is why most of the best routes are down by the river towards the Quay and along Riverside Valley Park. On long run days, heading down to Double Locks, Topsham or even Dawlish Warren along fairly straight paths can make for such pretty runs that you can easily forget how far you’ve gone. Duryard Valley Park is hilly but has equally as stunning views to make the leg ache feel worthwhile (you can loop back to campus from here too via Higher Hoopern lane which links up to East Park). Then, if you want a complete change, why not head out to Exmouth and run along the promenade there.

THE BEST ROUTES ARE DOWN BY THE RIVER

Wherever you are running, a good playlist and headphones are essential to block out the sound of your own footsteps or breathing (this way its possible to delude yourself that running is almost completely effortless). And speaking from experience… if you are left with knee pain that’s leaving you with a questionable ability to walk up Forum Hill, it might be

University budgeting: tips and tricks

Amberly Wright, Online Deputy Editor, offers her advice on managing finance in the new year

Budgeting. A struggle that all university students face. For most, the student loan doesn’t stretch to pay for rent, leaving most of us dipping into savings, asking parents for money, and working part time jobs, to cover the costs of living as a student. It is tough to socialise with friends during deadline season, and this is made especially tough due to money. Student discounts come and go as the year goes on, but apps like Unidays and Student Beans are helpful to keep track of your favourite shops. Shopping in the sales is another way to save money, with student favourites, Urban Outfitters and H&M, regularly having sales. I, personally, chose to shop in charity shops or on Depop and Vinted to save money, and I chose to shop on sites such as Etsy, and at Flea Markets (like the Fore Street Flea!), where you can get handmade and high-quality items at a good price!

Meal planning – the social media trend of putting aesthetic meals into various glass containers; it’s not really as fancy as you think.

If I am cooking for one, I will try to make two portions, eating the first, and saving the other for lunch the next day, or freezing it for a week where I feel too busy. I have found meals that work best for this are soups, chilli, and curry, where I can quickly boil some pasta or rice to accompany them. This ensures I don’t waste any food – I even freeze my fruit and vegetables if I go home for a week or two.

Picking seasonal food for your dishes can help to save money, especially if this produce is local. Less air miles usually means a lower price. At the moment, carrots, cauliflower, and parsnips are amongst the January and February produce, with courgettes, rhubarb, and spinach ready to eat in the Spring. You can also grow your own food, in your garden, or on a windowsill, with lots of herbs and smaller fruits and vegetables such as strawberries being very easy to grow. I recently found that you can re-grow your spring onions by putting the roots into water, and they will re-grow a few times! Farmers markets are a good option too,

as they sell local produce that tastes amazing, and you can support local businesses!

PICKING SEASONAL FOOD FOR YOUR DISHES CAN HELP TO SAVE MONEY, ESPECIALLY IF THIS PRODUCE IS LOCAL.

It can be useful to track your income and expenses; although this takes time and commitment, it can help you understand if you are spending too much money on certain things, for most of us, this will be entry to TP’s top floors, and Venoms. My boyfriend opts for a spreadsheet, which is no surprise considering he’s an economics student doing an accountancy placement – spreadsheets are in his job description. He colour-codes each expense and does some excel wizardry so it calculates the money he has left. Excel makes my head hurt and I don’t want to spend my day look-

ing at tiny squares with numbers, so I opt for a notebook and various lists and reminders on my note’s app, as well as setting up standing orders, sending my weekly budget for food between my bank accounts. Student overdrafts are incredibly helpful, as they don’t accumulate interest. Some student accounts offer an overdraft of over £3,000, with most offering at least £1,500. They also come with extras, such as a Santander Edge account, offering free railcard. On campus, we have the £2 meal deal, and the coffee outlets have loyalty cards, so once you’ve bought a few oat lattes, you can get one free! Unfortunately, Pret no longer offers their loyalty scheme at universities, but if you find yourself in the city centre, they offer it there. There are plenty more options on the Good To Go app, selling discounted food that is close to its sell-by-date. For more budgeting tips, UCAS, The Student Room, and the Guild offer tips and tricks.

Image: Henry Anderson

time to invest in a better pair of running shoes.

Image: Katie Roberts

Image: Katie Roberts

Image: Katie Roberts

Image: Katie Roberts

arts + lit

Sam North leaves Exeter: End of an era

Judy Dodd, Arts and Lit Editor, interviews Sam North about his life as an author, lecturer and motorcycle enthusiast

OVER the Christmas break, Exeter has had to say goodbye to Sam North, one of the most beloved lecturers in the English and Creative Writing department. After 17 years of lecturing, his retirement is well-deserved. Except, he’s not slowing down. I’m not sure the word ‘slow’ belongs in his dictionary. He is currently in India, just outside Delhi, teaching a script writing module and helping to set up a Creative Writing minor at a university. He logged on to a video call with me last week to talk about all things teaching, writing and his life before novels. Growing up on a farm in Exmoor, Sam had what he calls “a Wordsworthian childhood.” He lived in a flat above the stables with his mother and sister and tended to horses. By 16 years old however, the world of motorcycles became more interesting to him than work as a groom

and he moved into a caravan with his best friend Johnny. After leaving school and having failed his A-levels, he left Devon for London at seventeen. He got himself a job at a motor vehicle repair shop working for a man called Curly, who was called that because of his curly hair.

After working for Curly, Sam worked an array of different jobs whilst finding his feet. He worked as a runner on film and TV sets. In the ‘80s, he was a stuntman for fight sequences in low-budget MTV music videos, which were all the rage in London at the time. He worked as a motorcycle messenger and at 28, he wrote his first novel, The Automatic Man, which won the Somerset Maugham Award. On a roll, Sam then published several other novels which eventually led to a job as Head of Development at a television company and later a job as Director of a literary agency, selling the screen rights of stories. If you’re wondering why life doesn’t feel exciting for you right now, it’s because Sam North seemingly hogged all the cool life stories years ago. On whether these life experiences had an influence on his writing, Sam said that “it was definitely an asset, but anyone can write brilliantly. Look at Emily Dickinson. She never really left her room. But yes, I’ve met lots of different people with interesting lives in London and I’ve gained some important life experiences there.”

His novel The Unnumbered,

Twhich was longlisted for the Man Booker Prize in 2004, for example, was inspired by incidents and gossip from London. Similarly, The Automatic Man, his first novel, was inspired by the urban fear he experienced in the city.

“There were some events that happened to me in London that just made me really scared. The Automatic Man is really about the realisation that I wasn’t physically brave.”

“ANYONE CAN WRITE BRILLIANTLY. LOOK AT EMILY DICKINSON. SHE NEVER REALLY LEFT HER ROOM”

At 40, he left London with his wife and two small children. They moved back to Devon to bring up his children in a different environment and to be able to write full time.

“I had a contract with Walt Disney at the time, developing a script.” Whilst nothing came from the Disney project in the end, the job nevertheless gave him the financial freedom to write several novels including The Unnumbered, The Velvet Rooms, and The Old Country In 2007, Sam finally made his way to the University, where he ended up teaching for the following 17 years. He had heard about an opening for a temporary teaching job from Professor Andy Brown, a good friend of his. “I didn’t think the job would amount to anything to begin with. I was replacing a woman on maternity leave. I don’t

An ode to Fore Street

think I’d ever even seen the ad,” he laughs. Ever since, generations of students have benefitted from Sam’s experience and insight. As a result of his teaching, he wrote two books on the craft of creative writing: Five Analogies for Fiction Writing and The Instinctive Screenplay. “But my favourite aspect were the students and my colleagues, definitely. Their lives and stories and feeling like I contributed to them in positive ways.”

“Your most important piece of writing advice?” I ask.

“Integrity and authority.” He emphasises the importance of using your own voice in writing. “Don’t get sidetracked trying to impersonate a writer you really like. It’s important that you find your own voice and use it.” Secondly, the authority comes from knowing your material and understanding what you’re interested in: “if you don’t know what your area is, look at the kind of stuff you read a lot of. Those books will point you in the direction of things you should be writing about.”

At the end of our talk, I ask him about leaving Exeter and going to India. “I think I needed a change, more than anything. I had been at the University for seventeen years. I felt that I had to throw everything into the air and land somewhere uncomfortable. India gives me a new kind of energy.”

“INDIA GIVES ME A NEW KIND OF ENERGY”

Kizzy Rollings on ‘Fore Street Stories’, a publication of love for Exeter’s independent businesses

HE prescriptive strip of characterless highstreet chains seems to be a requirement of all UK towns and cities. Whilst this means that you are spoilt for choice as to brands of meal deal, often a trip to a city centre is a soul-sucking experience, feared by countryfolk and haters of slow walkers alike. Heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic, shopping continues to become a more impersonal experience as the Tesco self-checkout voice becomes a jarring familiarity and late-night Amazon clicks gobble up all dwindling funds. The only likely meet-cute is between your Pret cinnamon swirl and an angry seagull. For most university students, Effe’s marks the boundary of the city centre and the prospect of venturing beyond such a culinary paradise can be daunting. Yet, dare to look beyond and you’ll soon discover Fore Street: a vibrant cultural hub, home to “bustling bylanes” and “cobbled steps”, fuelled by a diverse array of innovative artisans and entrepreneurs.

Far reaching views of the rolling Haldon Hills are framed by a steady descent and crisscrossed with bunting in the summer months. In collaboration with the Creative Arc Programme, Bookbag (a charming bookshop nestled in McCoy’s Arcade) conducted a 48-hour creative writing challenge in late 2024. The outcome was ‘Fore Street Stories’, a collation of stories produced by a talented ensemble of 12 young writers under 30. The eccentricities of Fore Street are captured in a series of vivid sensory delights, woven together in an intimate portrait of a thriving community and cultural identity.

THE ECCENTRICITIES OF FORE STREET ARE CAPTURED IN A SERIES OF VIVID STORY DELIGHTS

The introduction firmly instructs “No need to rush”, a motto taken perhaps too literally by some (guilty) and there is something almost meditative and indulgent in reading these pieces. They prompt us to reflect on how we often rush and chase our way through life: ploughing through deadlines and Venoms until we can join the Exeter Uni expat community of Clapham, marry a finance bro and live happily ever after in the Cotswolds with a fleet of dachshunds.

Consumed by the dread of such life calculations and comparisons, we tend to chase what we don’t have, resulting in a disconnection with our present and leaving us dissatisfied and bitter every time reality hits and we’re not on a superyacht with GQ’s Man of the Year. ‘Fore Street Stories’ encourages us to do the opposite. It illustrates how our individual and communal identities are shaped by our relationship to space, evolving much like the places we anchor ourselves to at different

points throughout our lives. Storytelling connects us to the histories of those around us, before us, and after us. Passion and purpose spring from human connectivity such that we should “Be present and look around, listen.”

Investing in your community socially and economically has a positive impact for all involved and provides reassurance that there is life beyond the Law Library. An hour of people-watching will be more fulfilling than an hour of Instagram doom-scrolling and sharing conversation over a simultaneously questionable and intriguing “rose and rhubarb latte” supports independent local businesses. Many of the featured businesses are sustainably run too, which is a perfect excuse for a whole new wardrobe courtesy of The Real McCoys (a funky dimly-lit vintage clothing store). By nature of its creation, ‘Fore Street Stories’ invites discussion and promotes collaboration. It is a tonic of soothing nostalgia and a source of shopping inspiration.

Image: Sam North

Judy Dodd and Kayleigh Swart

New year, new reading goals

Gracie Moore, Editor-in-Chief, shares her top tips for sticking to reading

goals this year

IT seems to be quite a common but unspecific new year’s resolution for most people: reading more. Without quantifying how this goal will be achieved or even, what the goal is, it’s hard to progress in our reading journeys. The most important part of commencing said journey is to know the literature that tickles your fancy. Maybe you’re into romantic fiction, autobiographies of your favourite sports stars or poetry. All of these and any that fall outside these categories are great for enriching the mind and learning new things. Once you know what your favourite genres and styles are, it’s easier to find the urge to pick up a book and read. Also, you’ll suddenly find more time to dedicate to reading despite your persistent complaints to friends and family that you just don’t have time for it. Another way of setting realistic goals is by using an app to track the books you’re

reading. Goodreads is my go-to because you can set a yearly goal, update your reading status whenever you’ve progressed and connect with friends to get inspiration for your next book. I personally find myself addicted to updating my Goodreads and downloading the app has made me want to read more. To kill another bird with the same stone, you can even make a wish list on the app that your friends can see. This is perfect for your loved ones who like gifting you books for birthdays and Christmas because they can take it straight from the app rather than having to ask you and this gives you even more excuses to read. The most important thing to remember is that reading goals are hardly achievable if you make them unrealistic. Sessions of reading should be taken in short bursts because reading a book is not a marathon task: often the shortest bursts are where

you will learn the most. As soon as reading feels like a chore, that’s when you will know you are either reading the wrong book or you are forcing yourself to read too much because intuitively, you should feel relaxed and refreshed after reading. Usually, I set myself a timer of 30 minutes of reading time so is there no pressure on how many pages to read, I can just pace myself depending on how difficult the text is or how focused I feel. Also, reading is a fantastic way to get into a routine at the end of the day. If your university course is full of reading books to study, it can be hard to find the energy to then read other texts when you’ve been doing it all day. For this reason, I’d say there’s no point to putting a mountain of pressure on yourself to read when you’ve had enough. You’ll start resenting books and it takes the fun away. Remember that everyone is on their

own path with reading and no one can truly tell you what you should be doing with your time. Choose books that inspire you, pique your interest, and make you feel relaxed and happy and the rest will follow.

Changes to GCSE literature specification

Kayleigh Swart, Arts and Lit Editor, discusses the changes being made to GCSEs

IT has recently been announced that the classic American novel Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck will no longer be taught at GCSE level in Wales. The BBC reports these changes come because of concerns about the heavy use of racial slurs throughout the novel. For some, this change is a long time coming, while others are concerned that this could lead to more censorship in literature. The novel, set in the 1930s, contains heavy themes of racism, sexism and ableism. Throughout

the book the N-slur is used to describe black characters. Wales’s Children’s Commissioner Rocio Cifuentes said that the content matter in the book has been “Psychologically and emotionally harmful” for some black children.

The BBC spoke to some teachers who reported that there are other texts that discuss the same subject matter but in a less harmful way. These teachers have also defended the situation saying“it’s not censorship but rather safeguarding children.”

However, there are others who oppose this change, some students reporting that a classroom was the best place to have these conversations. In addition, this this, this change comes at a time where tensions have been growing surrounding ideas of ‘book bans,’ especially the ones that have been taking place in the USA. Penn America reports that over 10,000 books have been banned in public school across America. These bans often target authors

of colour, LGBTQ+ stories and female writers. While this change in GCSE spec is not a ‘book ban,’ nor does it seem to be related to supressing certain stories, it does leave the idea of future book bans open. Whether this change is for better or for worse it does leave questions about how we will treat and teach topics like racism in literature in the future. It is also currently unclear if English exam boards will follow with this change.

2025 — The arts rundown

Sarah Gould runs through what to out for this year in the arts

AS we leap into 2025, it’s exciting to think about all of the fresh releases in the arts that await us. From books to theatre, there is much to anticipate. Here’s a roundup of what to keep an eye out for.

IT’S EXCITING TO THINK ABOUT ALL OF THE FRESH RELEASES IN THE ARTS THAT AWAIT US

Arguably the most anticipated book for 2025 is Suzanne Collins’s Sunrise on the Reaping . This prequel to The Hunger Games follows Haymitch Abernathy’s story of the 25th annual Hunger Games, set 24 years before the first book in Collins’s incredibly successful series. This comes after the first successful prequel of the franchise The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes , and the adaptation onto our screens at the end of 2023 saw a renewed spark of interest into the dystopian world of Panem. Haymitch Abernathy’s story has been one of fascination for many of the fans of The Hunger Games , and so getting a whole book dedicated to his experience will

be a treat for fans who have been waiting since their first peak in Catching Fire . The release date is set to be in March, so keep an eye out!

On the thriller side, we have Lisa Jewell returning with another novel Don’t Let Him In , anticipated for release in June. The world’s most notorious horror novelist Stephen King will release his latest novel in May. Never Flinch will see familiar King characters returning, and a whole lot of horror.

JoJo Moyes, author of the popular (though crushing) romance novel Me Before You , brings us a new book away from the synopsis of romance and rather focusing on family dynamics in We All Live Here , releasing in February. For all you nonfiction fans, John Green (author of The Fault in Our Stars ) takes a different approach to

writing about healthcare. In his new book Everything is Tuberculosis , releasing in March, Green tracks the wreckage of tuberculosis, the world’s deadliest curable disease.

Turning our attention to shows, we have a treat of what is to come in 2025. Starting out strong, Disney’s Hercules, the 1997 animated film version of the Ancient Greek Tale, has been adapted into an exciting stage musical. The story follows the son of the gods Zeus and Hera as he grows up on Earth and must learn what it means to be a true hero. Directed by Tony winner Casey Nicholaw, whose work includes the incredible The Book of Mormon and Aladdin , this should be a brilliant show for fans of the story.

Anyone who is a fan of Studio Ghibli will be excited to see that multi-Oliver Award

winning stage adaptation of My Neighbour Totoro is back this year by popular demand. The whimsical tale is brought to life with the creative stagecraft, puppets and lively music and will be one to catch if you can. If anyone took the first year English module ‘The Novel’, this may intrigue you. Sam Selvon’s The Lonely Londoners will be making its way to the Kiln Theatre in London this year after it’s sold out run Jermyn Street Theatre. The story is set in the 1950s and follows the highs but also tough realities experienced by the Windrush generation. One musical that came to the West End at the end of 2024 and will continue to run into spring 2025 is Titanique . Yes, you read that right. Titanique is a hit off-Broadway show that brings a comical and camp re-enactment of the tale of Jack and Rose, all from the view of Céline Dion. Sounds interesting to say the least! So whether you’re a book lover, or an avid show fanatic (or both!), 2025 is a jam packed year that you can delve into.

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Image: Wikimedia Commons

Greatest albums of the 21st century (so far)

Queen, What Do You Think About the Car?

MUSIC in the 21st century has been as influential as that of the 20th. Though we haven’t had anyone come close to the work of Queen, What Do You Think About the Car? by Declan Mckenna, is incredibly worthy of this accolade. 'Brazil', his most well-known track, and the second track on the album, is played throughout festivals and parties around the world. The song, ironically, features on the FIFA soundtrack, as Mckenna criticizes FIFA and their lack of consideration of the extensive poverty in Brazil during the 2014 World Cup. Though political themes are a constant throughout McKenna’s work, the album provides enough serotonin to last a lifetime, fuelling many kitchen dance parties in my house. I recommend 'The Kids Don’t Wanna Come Home', and 'Isombard', or a stand-alone single, 'British Bombs', for optimal grooving.

Amberly Wright, Online Deputy Editor

WHEN going through rolling stones ‘250 greatest albums of the 21st century’ I was not expecting for Hozier to be missed off the list, especially his self-titled debut. Aside from its popularity with ‘Take me to Church’ making number two on the billboard hot 100, Hozier’s debut album contains a mix of folk songs that vary between gut wrenching and reverent. For an album that speaks to so many human experiences, that is written and composed to speak straight to the soul, while breaking folk music into the mainstream, having been skipped over is a major oversight.

BBRAT

RAT by Charli XCX is undeniably one of the best albums of the 21st century, blending experimental production with raw lyri cism. The album pushes boundaries, offering a visceral snapshot of modern pop culture while exploring themes of partying, self-expression, and rebellion. Charli’s fearless approach to production (from highenergy dance tracks to softer ballads) sets brat apart from mainstream chart-toppers. Its cultural impact was unprecedented. brat influenced fashion trends through its single Von Dutch, presidential candidate Kamala Harris used the album art, TikTok users made the 'Apple' dance viral, and Summer 2024 was subsequently named ‘BRAT summer’. The unapologetic, chaotic aesthetic reflects a fresh, unfiltered voice, giving listeners a deeply personal yet universally relatable experience. Brat isn’t just an album; it’s an experience

Def Leppard in Exeter

Thomas Baker reminisces on a 1996 concert in Exeter

ON Thursday 28th November 1996, one of Britain’s biggest rock bands played in front of around 700 people at the Lemon Grove here on Streatham Campus: the night prior, they’d been playing to a crowd of 10,000 at the old Wembley Stadium. How Def Leppard came to play the last UK leg of their Slang World Tour is a peculiar one, though it’s mostly down to the marketing prowess of Coca Cola. Throughout 1996, Coca Cola was perhaps more wellremembered for their marketing in relation with the Euros, but they also set up a competition for all UK Universities: whichever campus brought the most Coca Cola products across a three-week period in the summer would win a mystery concert from one of the world’s top bands.

The marketing certainly worked, and somehow, Exeter ended up winning. Some state that in fact, Exeter came second, but that the original winners had fiddled the numbers: either way, it was the sleepy southwest University that had secured the prize, and it was soon announced that the mystery act they’d secured a gig from was Def Leppard. While perhaps best known for their hit 1987 album Hysteria, Def Leppard were one of the biggest rock groups of all time and synonymous with the British music scene in the '80s

and '90s. Following two massive hit albums in the '80s, they’d then regrouped following the death of their bass guitarist Steve Clark in 1991 and were soon back on top form. The result was the 1996 album Slang, and its accompanying world tour, taking them from Johannesburg to Tokyo, and everywhere in be -

FireAid California

tween. Led by frontman Joe Elliott, the Sheffield Group would now be ending their UK leg of the tour in sleepy little Exeter, With the event entirely sponsored by Coca Cola (the concert now branded as “Rocking the Campus”), they went on sale for the unbelievable cost of a mere £2 (proceeds went to charity). While university students got the first dibs on the event, the local papers then advertised what appeared to be around half of the tickets to the wider public a week or so before the event, resulting in long queues outside the Exeter music shop that was selling them. Despite the fact they were playing in a small and perhaps underwhelming venue compared with the heights of their previous concerts, the band wowed the small crowd who were packed in like sardines: the setlist was as comprehensive as ever and the local paper, the Express & Echo, declared that “by five songs in, Elliott had the crowd in the palm of his hand.” Running through their greatest hits and their new material, they followed it up with the traditional Def Leppard encore of 'Rocket' to end what was a spectacular night. In the end, despite the peculiar circumstances, that fateful November day has to go down as one of the greatest in the history of the Lemon Grove, and one of the most memorable Def Leppard gigs of all time.

Brooke Taylor, Music Editor, discusses the concert which will raise funds for those affected by LA fires

IT would be hard to be unaware that California is burning. Countless people have lost homes, livelihoods and businesses in the disaster, and every day a new celebrity posts about losing their mega mansion. As a hub for record producers, studio technicians, sounds specialists, artists and a whole host of other talents, the music industry will undoubtedly feel this hit. The entertainment industry has banded together to protect its own in the form of FireAid, a concert benefiting those who have been displaced by the blaze. FireAid is set to take place on the 30th January and has been organised by the Annenberg Foundation with the aim of raising funds to combat the devastation caused by the ongoing California wildfires, and to raise funds to help

prevent future wildfires in the area. The show will take place across two venues: the Inuit Dome and Kia Forum in Inglewood California. The breadth of confirmed acts is wide, old-school legends like Joni Mitchell and Stevie Nicks will share the stage with contemporary favourites like Billie Eillish and Gracie Abrams. The show follows on the well-established tradition of using music to raise hope and money during times of hardship, notable previous examples like BandAid and Manchester One Love have proven to be successful. With such an extensive lineup of music legends, the show is sure to be an incredible display of talent and a reminder of the importance of music, both in an economic and emotional sense..

Hozier

Isabella Yates Katya Jones

Image: Aslum Atalantic and warner UK

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Image: Wikimedia Commons

Image: RafaelAveiro, DeviantArt

Neil Young vs Glastonbury

Rebecca

Aparicio Vega examines Young's conflict with the business side of the music industry

NEIL Young, for those who have been living under a rock, is one of the biggest rock stars of the 70s who fused rock and folk together through his music. Young’s music has been celebrated for decades, and he remains a highly significant figure in the music industry. Recently, Young’s decisions, actions and public statements have been discussed in the music world and often deemed controversial.

Young decided to drop out of Glastonbury 2025 as he claimed it has fallen under "corporate control" because of their new partnership with the BBC. Young claims Glastonbury "not the way I remember it being"; which is understandable. Glastonbury has been classic music event from the '70s all the way to the '90s because of its anti-profit, anti-capitalist and pro-music motto. Now, along with pretty much everything else, Glastonbury seems to be moving on from this approach that made it so popular in the '70s's experimental, soulful era of rock. Young, having lived through this, must be devastated by this move (aren’t we all?).

This, however, impacted Young’s musical career as it reignited his beef with Spotify. Spotify claims Young’s decision is unprincipled because Glastonbury donates massive amounts of money to charity over 5.9 million by the end of 2024. Yet, Spotify’s statement appears to be influenced by Young’s strong mindedness and anti-corporate ideology, as well as previous problems between the two. In 2022, Spotify removed Young’s songs due to his public statements accusing Spotify of spreading misinformation about Covid-19 vaccines by streaming Joe Rogan’s podcast and demanded Spotify to choose between his music or his podcast. This was later resolved, and Young’s songs are now up on Spotify, but the resentment lingers. Young is often accused of stubbornness and the inability to move forward with the times, but maybe we should move back to when music festivals were solely about music. Young was one of the biggest rock stars of the 70s, with his album Harvest being the biggest selling album of 1972, and having lived through the golden age of rock, his opinion and decisions are wise and in accordance with his values. Young is right to protest as it is with protests like his that music festivals such as Glastonbury can reconsider what they stand for. Artists like Young can help bring back the soulful and down-to-earth aspect of music that is lacking in today’s musicians. And maybe music festivals like Glastonbury should bring back focus to what makes them what they are: the music.

Artist Spotlight: Bob Dylan

Jacob Ciesielski celebrates Bob Dylan's work following the release of bipoic A Complete Unknown

WITH the release of A Complete Unknown , Bob Dylan is astoundingly once again at the centre of the cultural conversation, and as a devout Dylanologist, I could not be happier to see a renewed interest in Bob Dylan’s illusive character and transformative music. Beginning humbly as a scrappy folk singer in New York’s Greenwich village, he became a reluctant voice for a generation feeling frustrated and yearning for change. Armed with a harmonica and guitar, albums like The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan (1963) and The Times They Are a-Changin’ (1964) have such an authentic and homely quality. His profound

songwriting and ballads echo the spirit of early folk music, while carrying a deeply personal and confessional tone. Dylan’s move into electric rock was a dramatic departure from the past, both musically and philosophically. His three album run of Bringing It All Back Home (1965), Highway 61 Revisited (1965) and Blonde on Blonde (1966) completely transformed and reinvented rock. This is Dylan at his most lyrically imaginative and adventurous, he blurred the lines between folk, rock and surrealist poetry. It's his most fun and unpredictable, and a perfect gateway into Bob Dylan. This era became his most memorable, which cemented

Dylan into the limelight of musical and artistic revolution. But it's with Bob Dylan’s later era, particularly the deeply personal and contemplative Blood on the Tracks (1975), where I feel he musically matured, and is at his most emotionally vulnerable and artistically profound. It is the most poetic and sombre of any of his records, and it stands as his magnum opus. It's a must listen to. This only scrapes the surface, there is so much more to Dylan. From more albums, films, books and even paintings, he has continuously managed to be relevant and shape our cultural fabric as we know it today.

Little Mix to It Girl J

rebrand

ADE Thirlwall, best known for being a part of the popular UK girl group Little Mix, is truly coming out of the shelter of a band and embracing her own spotlight. With the band splitting up in 2021, each of the members have since gone their own ways to begin their solo careers, and Jade Thirlwall has opened 2025 with a bang. Thirlwall’s brand new single ‘It Girl’, released on the 10th January, gives a taster of her solo album due in 2025. With this powerful and edgy song, it is apparent that Jade wants to move away from the romance/ break-up tunes that made Little Mix so popular and more towards a 'Girl-Boss' energy with her art. The song starts with an opening that may trick listeners into believing this will be another vanilla ballad, but then turns with an epic twist into an electronic dance number, with beats that may remind some of Azealia Banks’s ‘212’. The lyrics bring a ‘I don’t care what you think’ attitude, whilst also including a feminist perspective on the way that some men treat women as though they are their property. The lyrics heavily point towards the sexism in the music industry in particular, and this may be Jade’s way of vocalising what she has been subjected to. However, the lyrics “I’m not your thing…Cut off your power trip… Remove your filthy paws” shows her defiance to the controlling behaviours of those in the industry.

Jade has over ten years of experience in this industry however, now that she has a solo career, she may have more autonomy over what she does and what music she really wants to make. The music video shows Jade in a daring outfit, with fiery red hair as she ragingly smashes plates front of a man who is sat in an armchair and calmly watches her rampage. Jade’s fury in both the ‘It Girl’ lyrics and video reinforces the message of the song and the repetitive electronic beat will be one that you’ll struggle to get out of your head.

Thirlwall’s dramatic rebrand is exciting, and implies that she will be focusing on songs that provide more female empowerment and an eccentric flare that she perhaps had to hide in Little Mix. I for one am looking forward to the release of her new album this year, with the hopes that she brings more of this attitude to her other songs. It’s going to be good.

Sarah Gould explores Jade Thirlwall's

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screen

All that glitters, the Golden Globes

Gracie Roberts reviews the 82nd Golden Globe Awards Ceremony

JUST like moths to a flame, showbiz royalty and Hollywood’s biggest stars gathered at the Beverly Hilton Hotel this January for the 82nd Golden Globe Awards Ceremony. An iconic night, the red carpet boasted an array of glitzy looks, with some notable mentions being Andrew Scott’s Tiffany blue suit and Emma Stone’s new pixie haircut. After previous controversy, this night can be considered a triumphant resurrection of the Golden Globes, charming viewers with a glittering night of memorable moments.

As the first solo female host, Nikki Glaser brought a fresh energy to the ceremonyconfronting the audience with her sharp wit and unflinching honesty. Immediately establishing an upbeat and informal atmosphere, Glaser introduced the evening as Ozempic’s biggest night, playfully referring to the weight-loss drug that has celebrities in a chokehold. This quippy monologue, set the tone for the night, contrasting the ceremony’s historically structured and serious nature. Where

Iprevious hosts may have played it safe, Glaser tested the boundaries, openly addressing issues in the industry and leaning into the awkward nature of live television — resulting in some unpredictable and candid moments. Timothee Chalamet quickly became a target of her humour, with his wispy moustache proving to be a hilarious topic in the opening monologue. A particular highlight came in Glaser’s parody performance of “Pope-ular” — celebrating both Conclave and Wicked in a witty and unique fashion. Despite some personal digs, it was evident Glaser held excellent rapport with the star-studded crowd evidently amused and smiling.

WHERE PREVIOUS HOSTS MAY HAVE PLAYED IT SAFE, GLASER TESTED THE BOUNDARIES, OPENLY ADDRESSING ISSUES IN THE INDUSTRY

The evening boasted an array of uplifting exchanges, with acceptance speeches

shedding light on the hard work behind the scenes in the entertainment industry. Winning our awards, Shogun epitomised itself as the standout TV show. In a memorable moment, after winning for The Substance, Demi Moore reflected on the fact that this was her first acting award in her 45-year career. In an empowering acceptance speech, the actress shared a personal anecdote of how she was made to feel small by a producer despite her success. Many have remarked on this inspiring speech being a stand out emotional moment in the show. However, celebrities also took a more light-hearted approach in their acceptance speeches, with Colin Farrell joking about his preparation for the role in the Batman spinoff, as the Penguin. He recounted of how he drank black coffee and spent time listening to ‘80s music before he filmed scenes.

WITH ACCEPTANCE SPEECHES SHEDDING LIGHT ON THE HARD WORK BEHIND THE SCENES

Vampires suck!

The production of the Golden Globes immersed viewers at home in the party, displaying on-screen facts about winners and presenters keeping viewers entertained and engaged. As joked about by Seth Rogen in the ceremony, new camera angles offered viewers various angles of the ballroom showcasing the arrangement of the celebrity crowd. Overall, the ceremony proved to be a glamorous occasion, reminding viewers that celebrating the entertainment industry can indeed be a golden affair!

Rosie Peters-McDonald, Deputy Editor, argues why vampires make such compelling and dangerously sexy villains

T really is true that vampires never get old. From folktale to novel to screen adaptation, vampire mythology has been repurposed time and time again, and I would argue that, since the late nineteenth century, when Bram Stoker popularised his portrayal of the ancient and uncanny vampire foe in Dracula , vampires have remained culturally relevant. This is thanks to their adaptability: films such as Nosferatu call back to the origins of Stoker’s Dracula mythology and continue, despite two centuries’ difference, to incite fear in audiences, while romance novels and screen

adaptations of these ( Twilight , The Vampire Diaries and its prequel The Originals ) play on the danger — and thus, for lots of people, sex appeal — of an unageing, ultra-strong being.

I think a driving factor in the continued appeal for vampire characters is their ancient and historical knowledge. You don’t often hear about a stupid vampire, do you? Twilight , for example, of fers many a vampire for us to

critique: clairvoyant Alice, super-strong Emmett, empath Jasper, clever Carlisle and, well, Esmé and Rosalie (slightly boring). Perhaps they aren’t all exceptional, but they’re certainly collectively wise and intimidating, and I think this makes vampirism all the more desirable considering the pace at which modern technology — espe -

Rcially artificial intelligence — is developing. In comparison, a wise, ancient — and, let’s face it, good-looking — ancient being, monster or not, is a novelty in this society.

A WISE, ANCIENT — AND, LET’S FACE IT, GOODLOOKING — ANCIENT BEING, MONSTER OR NOT, IS A NOVELTY IN THIS SOCIETY

Nosferatu: A gothic vampire epic

Pollyanna Roberts, Screen Editor, reviews the new gothic horror charged with sexual depravity and a thirst for blood

OBERT Eggers has done it again. He has directed a fantastical and outrageous new gothic horror Nosferatu , based on the 1922 film of the same name. The story follows young Ellen (Lily-Rose Depp) and her husband Thomas (Nicholas Hoult), who goes to sell a broken-down mansion to the reclusive and unsettling Count Orlok (Bill Skarsgaard). On Thomas’ return, their town of Winsburg is overtaken by horrors and plague, as Ellen’s connection with the mysterious supernatural Nosferatu grows and threatens to kill her and everyone she loves. Having been an avid fan of his 2015 gothic horror The VVitch , I was incredibly excited for Eggers’s next work. I find his muted style of horror unsettling; his use of chiaroscuro and shadows is unique and often a much more effective choice to create an eerie atmosphere. Nosferatu was no different. Eggers’s use of dark

tones and low-key lighting was intense and a homage to his niche style. In the final act, the shadow of Nosferatu’s hand stretches over the town of Winsburg, as it navigates its way to Ellen, ready to take her for his own. The hand is symbolic of both his hold over Ellen, as well as his hold over the whole town. He is this mysterious, unnatural being that has the town in torment.

Hidden within the horror, is an exploration of female sexuality. Ellen, as a young girl, promised herself to Nosferatu in a moment of loneliness. Which, years later, he has come to claim. Nosferatu himself is a very sexual creature, as even the act of sucking, as a vampire, is

guttural and erotic. Especially because Nosferatu bites straight into the heart. In a harrowing moment of body horror, Ellen rips open her bodice, and her eyes roll to the back of her head.Her body contorts, as if possessed with this overwhelming sexual desire. Nosferatu has thishold over her, but it is not just Ellen that falls victim to his power. Thomas, after being prey to Nosferatu, has returned a changed man. He is constantly sweaty and unnerved. After seeing Ellen’s moment of possession, they proceed to have sex. Sexuality is the underlying theme throughout the film, but more im-

portantly, it is their repressed sexual desire. Therefore, it only makes sense that Ellen should sacrifice herself to save the town and kill Nosferatu in a gruelling final scene. Nosferatu dies in between her legs, after a passionate moment of sex and literal engorging. There is a dualism present, where sex acts as both the destroyer but also the saving grace. Eggers’s all-star cast truly brought this film to life. Lily-Rose Depp stunned as Ellen. Her dedication to the role was clear; she was not afraid to push her body to its limits and it really paid off. She was compelling and a marvel to watch. Nicholas Hoult was also incredible. Aaron Taylor-Johnson seems to always pop up on my screen in the most random films, but he played a rather dull character very well. Willem Defoe was truly iconic. Nosferatu is dark, bloody and unsettling. With incredible performances and a unique, eerie style. Eggers truly knows what he is doing. Enjoy this sexually charged, gothic masterpiece.

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SPOILERS AHEAD

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Conclave Review

Patrick Irving tells us why Conclave should absolutely be on our watchlists

“CERTAINTY is the great enemy of unity… the deadly enemy of tolerance.”These words spoken by Cardinal Lawrence (played by Ralph Fiennes) only become truly apparent by the end of the film, but nevertheless represent why this film is so important. Directed by Edward Berger (also known for his 2022 film All Quiet on the Western Front), Conclave centres around a group of cardinals who are sequestered (essentially, locked away from the outside world) and must elect the next ‘Supreme Pontiff’, that is, the next Pope.

An all-star cast featuring Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, Isabella Rossellini, John Lithgow (who some of you may recognise as the priest in the 1984 classic Footloose) among others, ensures that the task of portraying the inner workings of the Catholic church is handled gracefully and sensitively. Witnessing these characters display real, human faults is refreshing for the viewer to see. The film does not condemn the cardinals for their mistakes nor fail to address them, but rather shows the viewer that poor judgement, pride, and ambition, are human failings that can influence all of us.

Perhaps the most essential aspect is the ongoing clash between traditional practices and

modern indulgences. On one hand, the cardinals are responsible for carrying out an extremely historically significant task (in fact, the process of holding Papal elections goes all the way back to 1276), and on the other, they are still a part of modern life and not above succumbing to modern indulgences. Cardinal Tedesco (played by Sergio Castellitto) can be seen vaping, other cardinals smoke cigarettes in the courtyard, and Cardinal Tremblay (John Lithgow) has the fortune of owning a coffee machine (presumably

Ia Pret-subscription wasn’t available). Each candidate also maintains concrete attitudes, and tensions arise on issues such as race, gende, and sexuality. The battle between past and present is fierce as each character grapples with the task ahead. The viewer is also left asking themselves the very same question: is it possible for traditional institutions to function in modern society?

“Certainty is the great enemy of unity… the deadly enemy of tolerance”. In a monologue delivered to perfection by Fiennes, we learn a

Vampires (actually) suck!

valuable lesson about why this film has been made, and why it is relevant now more than ever. Kindness, compassion, and understanding must prevail over ambition, discrimination, and ignorance. While some cardinals believe in a return “to the tradition of Rome” and make snide comments about liberal attitudes (insults eerily similar to those made by recently elected President Trump), there are still those who maintain progressive ideas for the Catholic church. Ultimately, it is compassion which prevails over ignorance in the film. Unfortunately, this is not always the case in real-world politics. This film represents an artistic triumph for Berger, as proven by several awards and nominations, including a Golden Globe win for Best Screenplay. Whether you are interested in the inner workings of religious institutions, or perhaps simply enjoy the tension of a dramatic thriller, I would absolutely recommend giving Conclave a watch.

THIS FILM REPRESENTS AN ARTISTIC TRIUMPH FOR BERGER

Sarah Gould speaks on how modern Vampires have burnt out the creatures’ horrific potential

T may have been acceptable to fear Vampires way back in 1897 when Bram Stoker’s Dracula was first published. Now, I fear I will instead die of boredom every time this supernatural creature comes onto my screen. Don’t get me wrong, vampires definitely had their prime time, especially in the late 2000s with Twilight and The Vampire Diaries having a hold over our screens. However, when rewatching both of these franchises during lockdown, I found myself giggling at how ridiculous (though admittedly iconic) the Vampires are, rather than fearing them. I now struggle to associate Vampires with

horror, but rather with the attractive personas that immediately come to my head whenever someone mentions the word. Even the darker, more horror focused stories that involve Vampires just don’t entice me anymore. I feel as though I already know the character of the Vampire from every other film and series that involves them. I understand their strengths and weaknesses so quickly that any mystery they might have had dissolves. I appreciate that some vampires are given different characteristics, whether they can be ‘vegetarian’ by only drinking animal blood, or glisten in the sun like a diamond instead of just

Aburning like they should (I’m looking at you Edward Cullen). Even these changes feel like a vain attempt to try and make an overdone, supernatural creature somewhat ‘original’. Is it too much to ask to see a completely original supernatural creature, without a thirst for human blood?

IS IT TOO MUCH TO ASK TO SEE A COMPLETELY ORIGINAL SUPERNATURAL CREATURE, WITHOUT A THIRST FOR HUMAN BLOOD?

‘Popcorn Actress’ Joseph James disavows this charged phrase in light of Demi Moore’s recent critical success

T this year’s Golden Globes, Demi Moore deservedly won Best Actress in a Musical/Comedy for her role in the body-horror film The Substance . In her acceptance speech, she commented on how a producer had labelled her as a ‘popcorn actress’, and that whilst her films could be successful and wildly popular, she would never achieve the same critical acclaim as her peers. Given her newfound critical success, it is worth asking whether the ‘popcorn actor’ label is useful or accurate, and how actors have been able to break out of that mould and gain critical success.

[MOORE] COMMENTED ON HOW A PRODUCER HAD LABELLED HER AS A ‘POPCORN ACTRESS’

First, it is worth exploring what the phrase actually means. The term ‘popcorn actor’ is typically used for actors who only star in popular, big budget films. This concept is normally used in a derogatory sense, to suggest that these actors are unserious

and unworthy compared to those who star in smaller budget, dramatic films. Popcorn actors are often hugely famous and wellliked, but they tend to lack the critical and industry respect that other actors receive. So which actors have broken free from the popcorn actor label? Aside from Demi Moore, another recent example is Brendan Fraser. Fraser was best known in the late 1990s for starring in The Mummy franchise and became typecast into action films as a result. This changed following his performance in the 2022 drama The Whale which was widely acclaimed and led to him winning the Oscar for Best Actor the following year. This in turn led to a general rise in popularity for Fraser dubbed the ‘Brennaissance’ by fans and enabled him to get more dramatic roles such as in Martin Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon Therefore, it is definitely possible for actors to escape the ‘popcorn actor’ label through strong dramatic performances. However, it can still be difficult for these actors to be cast in these roles in the first place, with Fraser being unable to land dramatic roles throughout the 2010s before being cast in ‘The Whale.’

So, is the term ‘popcorn actor’ an appropri-

ate description for certain actors? Potentially not. Most actors who star in popular films will also take roles in smaller dramas. For example, Tom Cruise may be best known for his work in action films, but he also has his fair share of strong dramatic performances and has received three Oscar nominations for his acting. Even Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, one of the biggest action stars in the world, is trying his hand at a more dramatic role in the upcoming Mark Kerr biopic The Smashing Machine. Ultimately, just because an actor typically stars in big budget, popular films, it doesn’t mean that they’re not a skilled actor and that they’re unable to do more serious roles. Demi Moore’s outstanding performance in ‘The Substance’ proves this more than anything and suggests that the label of ‘popcorn actress’ is unhelpful and boxes in performers who are talented enough to take on a variety of roles.

THE LABEL OF ‘POPCORN ACTRESS’ IS UNHELPFUL AND BOXES IN PERFORMERS WHO ARE TALENTED

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E x etera Exetera...

Let’s Talk About It...

Amy Rushton, Editor-in-Chief, dispells the myths surrounding ‘Blue Monday’

This article contains discussion of mental health struggles which may be triggering for some students

LAST Monday I had a terrible day. I had just come back to Exeter after visiting my long-distance girlfriend only to immediately be faced with looming essay deadlines and more seminar readings than one student (and editor) could feasibly manage in a week. In short, I felt low, anxious and overwhelmed. It also happened to be Blue Monday, the third Monday of January and supposedly the most depressing day of the year, when companies will churn out discounts to ‘cure’ your day-long depression and media outlets will offer their top tips on ‘getting through Blue Monday’. It’s a comforting thought in lots of ways — that you just have to get through this one day in January and you’ve already hit your low for the year. Imagine my surprise then when I woke up on Tuesday and felt just as awful, if not more, than I had the day before.

The truth is, there is no ‘Blue Monday’ — it’s a marketing gimmick popularised by a travel company to sell more summer flights, based on a completely arbitrary equation (‘gloomy weather’ plus ‘time since Christmas’ plus ‘motivation levels’ = ‘blue Monday’). Over twenty years after its conception it continues to bolster company profits whilst spreading dangerous myths about how mental health works.

‘Blue Monday’ trivialises mental health conditions. It’s not productive or useful to think about a singular ‘depressing’ day, because depression is for many a year-round condition which affects every aspect of people’s lives. You don’t experience depression, or any mental health condition, simply for a day and move on. Adher-

ing to the messaging of ‘Blue Monday’ not only dismisses people’s individualised experiences, but risks them not getting the help they need.

It’s true that January is a difficult time of year. Many suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), where reduced daylight leads to problems with melatonin and serotonin levels, making the winter months challenging. As university students especially, the pressure of coming back from a long break to classes and deadlines can be overwhelming. However, this isn’t restricted to a single day and pretending it is can create feeling of guilt when you don’t magically wake up feeling fine once this ‘blue’ period has passed. Applying this intense label can be anxiety-inducing for those already suffering from a mental illness, leading them to set unrealistic expectations onto a day that truly is just a random Monday in January.

That’s not to say that ‘Blue Monday’ is entirely pointless — it opens up conversations about mental health at a time when lots of people are really struggling. However at a time when poverty is increasing and access to mental health services dwindling, this cannot be a conversation we restrict to one day a year.

My anxiety didn’t disappear after Blue Monday, and the chances are that if you’re also suffering from a long-term mental health condition, yours didn’t either. Instead, we should be focusing on longer term mental health support and having this conversation every day of the week, every month of the year.

Recipe: Homemade pizza

PIZZA a beloved Italian classic and arguably the most common recipe that you can find online. This popular party dish is made differently in every household and seems to have its own version in every country. My recipe comes from my grandma and it stuck with my family for generations. It’s fast and easy to make and will effectively impress your hungry housemates after a long day of seminars and lectures.

Step 3:

Set it aside and let the dough rise, preferably in a warm place. Wait until it doubles in size.

Step 4:

Choose your favourite toppings, for example ham or olives. Don’t forget to add loads of cheese! Set the oven temperature for 180 degrees and let the pizza bake for 30 minutes, until the crust turns golden.

Step 2:

Sift in five cups of plain flour, add a pinch of salt and three spoons of olive oil. Knead the dough until it’s not sticky anymore.

BEFORE the news of Exeter’s Cairo campus, there was the threat of our beloved St Luke’s being demolished!

An edition of Exeposé published in 2013 covered proposals found by a student that included pictures of plans suggesting that the University was considering a radical overhaul of infrastructure on the St Luke’s Campus.

The pictures appeared to suggest that around half of the St Luke’s campus could have been demolished and replaced with new spacious and modern buildings which included the Sports Centre, Medical School Building, Baring Court and the library that had recently been renewed.

The student who found the plans apparently did so after a meeting between the University bodies in the St Luke’s Medical

School. The officials involved in the meeting had left written plans on a desk in a room available to studrnt access and at the time of publication, the University were asked to confirm that they wouldn’t be demolishing the North Cloisters or the Chapel.

In light of the announcement about the new University of Exeter campus in Cairo, it brings us back to recent campus developments closer to home, in Exeter and Cornwall.

The St Luke’s campus is known for its intimate and quaint feel, contrary to the airy, spacious feel of the Streatham campus. It is exciting to hear news of Exeter’s stamp being marked somewhere completely different — a country in Africa with a vastly different climate and culture.

When the St Luke’s campus faced

threats of partial demolishing, Hugh McCann, Director of Estate Development said: “We are currently looking at the long term development of St Luke’s with a firm of consultants. This exercise is about exploring the future capacity of the Campus over the next 5-15-25 year period.” The appearance and facilities on Exeter’s campuses have hugely changed over the last 25 years and with news of a new campus in Cairo, it is exciting to see how Exeter’s global links will change over the next quarter of a century.

Agata Koralewska, Deputy Editor

Gracie Moore, Editor-in-Chief

Image: Gracie Moore

Image:s: Tiia Monto via Wikimedia Commons

STUDY BREAK

CROSSWORD

Across

1 Male lover — dandy (4)

4 Certainties (Australian informal) — mentos? (anagram) (6)

8 Wraps (8)

9 Hollow ringing instrument (4)

10 Small door — wicket, for example (4)

11 Young aquiline — gelate (anagram) (6)

13 Remnant (of a ticket, say) (4)

15 Naturally occurring mineral (3)

16 University official (4)

18 Outfitter (6)

19 Young sheep (4)

22 Departure (4)

23 Maple tree (8)

24 Town in northwest England (6)

25 Note — timbre — pitch (4)

ANSWERS

2 Occasion (5)

3 Above — over (4)

4 Erroneous — mankiest (anagram) (8)

5 Bitten gently (7)

6 Lacet (anagram) — showy display (5)

7 Chess piece (6)

12 Enormous thing (8)

14 City in southwest England (7)

17 Reddish-brown colour (6)

18 Poisonous (5)

20 Management, in short (5)

21 Tail (of a rabbit, for example) (4)

SUDOKU

TRIVIA CORNER

1. WHICH BRITISH POLITICIAN COINED THE PHRASE “HE WHO WIELDS THE KNIFE NEVER WEARS THE CROWN”?

2. PLAYED BY FRANK SINATRA IN A FILM VERSION, NATHAN DETROIT IS A GAMBLING BOSS IN WHAT CLASSIC 1950S BROADWAY MUSICAL?

3. NETBALL, WATER POLO, AND OLYMPIC RUGBY ARE ALL PLAYED WITH HOW MANY PLAYERS PER TEAM?

4. WHAT 110-MILE-PER-HOUR AIR CURRENTS CIRCLE EARTH’S TROPOPAUSE IN A WESTERLY DIRECTION?

5. IN 1756, VOLTAIRE CLAIMED THAT NONE OF THE THREE WORDS IN WHAT INFLUENTIAL POLITICAL ENTITY’S NAME WERE ACCURATE?

6. A “CREPUSCULAR” ANIMAL BECOMES ACTIVE AT WHAT TIME?

Beau, 4 Montes, 8 Envelops, 9 Bell, 10 Gate, 11 Eaglet, 13 Stub, 15 Ore, 16 Dean, 18 Tailor, 19 Lamb, 22 Exit, 23 -Syca more, 24 Eccles, 25 Tone. Down: 2 Event, 3 Upon, 4 Mistaken, 5 Nibbled, 6 Éclat, 7

Knight, 12 Colossus, 14 Bristol, 17 Auburn, 18 Toxic, 20 Admin,

INTERNATIONAL

EDITOR: Henry Anderson

Jed H. Gibbins

Global election round-up number two

Henry Anderson, International Editor, reflects on last year’s elections and the global

shifts

that have emerged

IN the first issue of the academic year, I published an article on The Year of Elections, in which I discussed the phenomena of 2024 as the year with the most global elections. I discussed further some of the predictions and results of various international countries. Now that the year is over, and we are into the second quarter of this century, I thought it was a good idea to revisit last year’s elections and their implications. In the last article, I covered in detail the Austrian, South African and Venezuelan elections. Venezuela is written on in more detail by our Editor-in-Chief on the opposite page, so please do give that a read. Instead of going over Austria and South Africa, I will instead go beyond these case studies to look at some broader shifts. Globally, there has been clear shift towards right-wing parties. Analysis by The Telegraph found that left wing parties were at their most unpopular since the end of the Cold War, gaining a global average vote share of just 45.5 per cent, and something that can be seen on every continent. In Western Europe, the left had 42.3 per cent of the vote share to the right’s 55.7 per cent, the widest gap since 1990. In South America, a

stronghold of socialism after years of fascist dictatorships, the right is once again emerging, with right-wing leaders in Argentina, Ecuador and Paraguay all gaining power. As we move fur ther into 2025, left-wing defeats are expected in Canada, Australia and Germany. Labour’s election in the UK was the main victory for the left last year, but even the landslide win is fragile. The Labour government has been plagued with protests and push back, and the latest You Gov poll shows that the voting intention stands at 26 per cent for Labour, 25 per cent for Reform and 22 per cent for the Conservatives.

The reasons for the above cannot be covered in this short article, but Jeremy Cliffe, a senior policy fellow at the European council on foreign relations, believes the shift is due to three interconnected trends: “The globalisation-driven decline of organised labour, rising identity politics harnessed more successfully by the Right than the Left, and a general tendency among Leftist forces to fragment rather than unite.” The Telegraph also reports that the proliferation of social media has allowed politicians to speak directly to citizens, without going through conventional media channels. There has also been a steady change in how

Panama Canal or American Canal?

Jed H. Gibbins, International Editor, dives into Trump’s rhetoric surrounding the Panama Canal

OVER 13,000 container ships pass through the Panama Canal a year. The canal is a vital connection, between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, for the American continents to trade with Asia. Over two-thirds of the ships transiting the canal are either heading to or departing from US ports. Over 40 per cent of US flagged container ships pass through the canal a year. This highlights the importance of the canal for international trade, especially between the world two largest economies, America and China. Thus, the running of the Panama Canal is intrinsically political.

OVER FORTY PER CENT OF US FLAGGED CONTAINER SHIPS PASS THROUGH THE CANAL A YEAR

The US constructed the Panama Canal from 1904 to 1914 and continued running it independently until 1977 when Jimmy Carter signed a treaty with Panama to slowly handover the running of the canal. The handover was labeled as ‘a big mistake’ by Donald Trump. In 1999, the handover was complete and Panama began operating it, under treaty, that they would maintain neutrality and be open to vessels from all nations. Trump believes they have broken this treaty and declared in his inaugural address that ‘China is operating the Panama Canal’. Trump

argued that ‘American ships are being severely overcharged’ to pass through the canal. He has also asserted the United States Navy have also been effected by this overcharging, raising security and defence concerns in the US.

The history of the US controlling the canal is the bedrock of Trump’s claim to ‘take back’ the canal. Trump’s rhetoric surrounding the canal has been fiercely rejected by the President of Panama Jose Raul Mulino. Mulino said ‘the Canal is and will continue too be Panama’s’ and ‘there is no presence of any nation in the world that interferes with our administration.’ Marco Rubio, Trump’s new Secretary of State, has argued that the neutral running of the canal is essential for the US economy, defence and security. This is not the first case of Trump advocating for the expansion of American territory, he continues to make similar arguments that Greenland is also necessary to safeguard America’s security.

gender influences voting. Oren Cass, writing in the Financial Times, argues that the Democrats were unable to reach young male voters (18-29) in the US election, with many of them, especially minorities, abandoning the party in droves. Trump won the young male demographic by 14 points, where as Harris won over young women by 18 points.

THE DEMOCRATS WERE UNABLE TO REACH YOUNG MALE VOTERS

This is not just a US phenomenon, but in fact a longer-term trend, as highlighted by The Guardian, which has seen more young men steadily voting for right wing parties, whilst their female counterparts vote increasingly for the left. This was seen in the 2022 South Korean presidential election, where the gender difference between young men and women voting for the rightwing candidate was almost 25 points. In Germany, 18–29-year-old men were twice as likely to vote for the AfD as women of the same age.

Society Spotlight: Polish Soc

Antoni Kaldunski highlights the University’s Polish Society

HAVING recently celebrated a year since its reinstatement on campus, the University of Exeter’s Polish Society has marked its first term with remarkable achievements and a growing presence.

Starting the term with just four committee members, the society quickly expanded to a vibrant team of 10, including two social secretaries, a welfare officer, an events co-ordinator, a cultural officer, and a football captain leading the “Polskie Orły” (Polish Eagles) in weekly six-a-side matches.

Collaboration has been a cornerstone of their success, with partnerships spanning societies like the German, Eastern European, Kazakh, Russian, Vietnamese, Beer Pong, and Quiz societies. Events have ranged from karaoke and quiz nights to football screenings and pub crawls, fostering a dynamic and inclusive atmosphere.

KARAOKE AND QUIZ NIGHTS TO FOOTBALL SCREENINGS AND PUB CRAWLS

In December, the society attended the “Tomorrow’s Voice: Polish Youth Forum UK” in south Kensington, London. It was organized by Zjednoczenie Polskie (United Poland) partnering with the Polish embassy. President Dominik Stępniak, social secretary Stanisław Sieńczewski, and Cultural Officer Oskar Stępień represented Exeter, gaining invaluable insights into running Polish organizations and ad-

dressing challenges faced by Poles in the UK. The term’s highlights included the Christmas dinner (Wigilia) and ball, celebrating Polish traditions with cultural richness, music, and camaraderie. With such dedication, the Polish Society is set to thrive in the term ahead.

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDED THE CHRISTMAS DINNER (WIGILIA) AND BALL

Image: Roger W. Flickr

Image: Stanisław Sieńczewski

Image: RawPixel

ON the 28th July 2024, presidential elections were held in Venezuela to choose a president for a six-year term beginning on 10th January 2025. Nicolás Maduro has been sworn in for a third term despite the elections being of great contention. Maduro vowed that the third six-year term in office would be a “period of peace”, despite the growing tensions between Venezuela and countries such as the UK and the USA.

The results have been heavily contested globally, particularly by geographical neighbours Colombia and Brazil along with the USA after Venezuela’s opposition leader, María Corina Machado, was briefly arrested and then freed after addressing a protest rally. Also, Maduro was declared the winner of July’s elections by Venezuela’s National Electoral Council (CNE) which is closely aligned with the government.

Venezuelan election crisis

Gracie Moore, Editor-in-Chief,

Opposition candidate, Edmundo González fled the country in September to Spain and has toured the Americas to rally international support. Maduro’s government has issued an arrest warrant, offering a reward of $100,000 (£81,755) for his detention. The United Nations has also expressed its alarm after it received reports of arbitrary detentions and intimidation, notably of Carlos Correa, the head of an NGO promoting press freedom. In the last few weeks, the USA has claimed that these elections are corrupt and have agreed an offer of $25 million (£20.3 million) for any information that would lead to Maduro’s arrest. Last week, the British Foreign Office highlighted similar beliefs and placed sanctions on 15 Venezuelan officials linked to Maduro. The USA has been tightening their surveillance on Maduro given his strengthening personal and political bond

discusses Maduro’s return to power

with Russian President, Vladimir Putin. Putin is using Venezuela as proxy in his war against the West, so the USA are trying to maintain tight control. As for the repercussions on Venezuela, the economy has been suffering recently due to floundering relations with global powers, such as the USA, and this will have a lasting impact on its citizens. Public services are unreliable, water and power have forced businesses to adapt, and tourism is suffering. Venezuela is largely beholden to the global superpower of the USA and without civil relations, will begin showing signs of economic collapse. Maduro said during his inauguration: “I swear that this new presidential term will be one of peace, prosperity, equality and new democracy. I swear it by history, I swear it on my life. I will keep my word.”

MULTILINGUAL ARTICLE

Cymru tu hwnt i Gymru

Mae Ceri Vaughan-Jones yn trafod hanes Y Wladfa.

Yn ôl Cyfrifiad 2021, dim ond 538,000 o siaradwyr Cymraeg sydd yng Nghymru. O ganlyniad i ormesiad yr iaith ar hyd y blynyddoedd, mae’r ffigwr yma yn cadarnhau statws y Gymraeg fel iaith lleiafrifol; dim ond 17.8% o’r Cymry sy’n gallu siarad yr iaith. Ond prin iawn o bobl tu allan i Gymru sydd yn ymwybodol o ymgyrch hanesyddol y Cymry i amddiffyn eu hiaith a’u diwylliant, ochr draw’r byd: Y Wladfa, y Cymru tu hwnt i Gymru. Ar yr 28ain o Orffennaf 1865, hwyliodd 153 Cymro ar draws Môr yr Iwerydd i dir yr Ariannin. Ar long y Mimosa oedd ffermwyr, mwynwyr, cobleriaid, seiri coed a theilwyr, wedi eu arwain gan Lewis Jones a Chapten Love Jones-Parry. Fe wnaeth y llong lanio ym Mhorth Madryn, â gafodd ei enwi ar ôl ystâd Capten Jones-Parry yng Ngogledd Cymru. Ar ôl dechreuad cymhleth i’w bywydau newydd yn Ne America, yn bennaf achos diffyg ffrwythlondeb y tir amaethyddol, roedd rhaid cydfyw gyda’r bobl brodorol Tehuelche er mwyn osgoi prinder bwyd. Symudodd y Cymry i ffwrdd o Borth Madryn a’r arfordir hyd at ddyffryn Chubut, Patagonia. Cyn hir, daeth llong

arall draw o Gymru, y Vesta, gyda’r gweithlu perthnasol er mwyn adeiladu rheilffordd 42 milltir o hyd o Borth Madryn i’w cartref newydd: Trelew, wedi’i enwi ar ôl Lewis Jones. Mae’n werth cydnabod bod Y Wladfa wedi gwynebu nifer o heriau ers ei sefydliad, yn enwedig wrth i’r iaith gystadlu yn erbyn pŵer y Sbaeneg. Ond mae’r Gymraeg wedi goroesi ym Mhatagonia hyd heddiw. Sefydlwyd papur newydd ‘Y Drafod’, dechrewyd Eisteddfod dwyieithog ac fe adeiladwyd tabernaclau Cymraeg. Mae traddodiadau Cymreig, fel yr Eisteddfod, dal i’w gweld heddiw, ac mae’r iaith i’w glywed yn Gaiman, Dolavon, Rawson, Esquel, a Threvelin, yn ogystal â Phorth Madryn a Threlew. Ond nid y cymunedau yma yw’r unig Cymry tu hwnt i Gymru. Mae’r Gwyl Cymru Gogledd America yn cael ei ddathlu’n flynyddol ac yn gyfle i hyrwyddo ac i fwynhau diwylliant Cymreig ochr draw Môr yr Iwerydd. Mae dylanwad y Cymry a’r Gymraeg yn fwy byd-eang nag y mae’r rhan fwyaf o bobl yn sylweddoli, ac mae’r cysylltiad rhwng Cymru a Phatagonia yn parhau hyd heddiw. Ac un peth sydd yn sicr: bydd yr iaith Gymraeg yn fyw.

Little Wales beyond Wales

Ceri Vaughan-Jones outlines the history of ‘Y Wladfa’, the Welsh Settlement in South America

ACCORDING to the 2021 Census, there are only 538,000 Welsh speakers in Wales. As a result of the oppression the language has suffered over the years. This figure confirms the Welsh language’s status as a minority language; only 17.8 per cent of the population can speak it. But only very few outside Wales know of the historical ef forts to preserve the language and culture on the other side of the globe: ‘Y Wladfa’, a little Wales beyond Wales.

On the 28th July 1865, a ship set sail from Liverpool, across the Atlantic Ocean, to Argentina. Aboard the Mimosa were 153 Welsh farmers, miners, cobblers, car penters and brickmak ers, led by Lewis Jones and Captain Love Jones-Parry. The ship landed in Port Madryn, named after Captain Jones-Parry’s North Wales estate.

ABOARD THE

WERE 153 WELSH FARMERS, COBBLERS, CARPENTERS...

After a difficult start to their new lives in South America, mainly because of the poor agricultural land, the settlers were forced to work with the indigenous Tehuelche people to avoid food shortages. The settlers moved inland to the Chubut Valley, Patagonia, and it wasn’t long

until a second ship came over from Wales. The Vesta , carried the required manpower to build a 42-mile railway from Port Madryn to their new home: Trelew, named after Lewis Jones. It is worth acknowledging that ‘Y Wladfa’ has faced many challenges since its establishment, especially with the language competing against the dominance of Spanish. But the Welsh language is still present in Patagonia today. The newspaper ‘Y Drafod’ was established, and an annual bilingual Eisteddfod — Welsh music and poetry festival — was introduced.Welsh chapels have also been built. Welsh traditions, such as the Eisteddfod, are celebrated to this day and the language can be heard in the towns of Gaiman, Dolavon, Rawson, Esquel and Trevelin, as well as Port Madryn and Trelew. But these are not the only Welsh communities beyond Wales. The North American Festival of Wales is celebrated yearly and is an opportunity to promote and celebrate Welsh culture and descendancy on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean. The Welsh language’s influence is more global than most people realise, and the Welsh-Patagonia link is maintained to this day. But there is one thing that is certain: the Welsh language will live on.

MIMOSA

Image: Cancillería del Ecuador, Wikimedia Commons

Lewis Jones. Image: Hogyncymru, Wikimedia Commons

Image: Andrew, Flickr

Sci-Tech

What is hMPV?

Ella-Jade Smith

Ella-Jade Smith, Sci-Tech Editor, investigates whether the virus sweeping the headlines should be of concern

HMPV, or human metapneumovirus, has been sweeping both Chinese and international headlines. With images of masked patients and overrun hospitals circulating the media, many find themselves panicking that history is repeating itself, but is hMPV really the COVID-19 sequel nobody asked for?

Is hMPV really the COVID-19 sequel nobody asked for?

Almost indistinguishable from the flu, hMPV is a virus that typically causes mild upper respiratory infection, showcased through symptoms like a cough, fever, and a blocked nose. First identified in the Netherlands in 2001, hMPV provides over two decades of research and understanding, unlike COVID which emerged unexpectedly in November 2019. Furthermore, hMPV belongs to

the Pneumoviridae family of viruses, meaning the disease shares more similarities with the commonly known RSV, Respiratory syncytial virus. Despite comparisons drawn by sensationalist media, the fact that hMPV affects infants, the elderly, and the immunocompromised more adversely, should not be understood as a similarity to COVID, it is quite standard for viruses to pose a greater threat to those with weaker immune systems. With some research claiming that hMPV has circulated for as long as 60 years, it can be said with certainty that hMPV is a relatively common virus. As a globally present disease, Dr. Hsu Li Yang, an infectious diseases specialist in Singapore, assured that most adults will have ‘some degree of existing immunity due to previous exposure’. It was also estimated by Paul Hunter, a medical professor at the University of East Anglia in England, that almost every child will have encountered ‘at least one infection with hMPV by their

fifth birthday.’ These facts underscore the critical difference between hMPV and COVID-19: unlike the novel coronavirus, hMPV is far from new. Its long history of circulation, coupled with widespread immunity from prior exposure, explains why this disease should not pose a threat as dramatic as that of COVID-19.

In light of this, it remains unsettling to see the rise of cases, particularly in China. However, like many respiratory infections, hMPV is most active in late winter and spring. As with any virus, hMPV survives better in colder conditions and is spread more easily as people spend more time indoors, close together with closed windows. The spike in infections is therefore not unsurprising, as affirmed by the World Health Organisation which has not identified any unusual or overly concerning outbreak trends in China or anywhere else. Additionally, despite what social media may lead you to believe, Chinese Authorities have confirmed that their health-

care system is not overwhelmed, and there remain no emergency declarations or responses at the current time. As aforementioned, hMPV impacts vulnerable groups, especially those with pre-existing lung conditions, such as Asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), or Emphysema. For these individuals, hMPV may manifest more severely, resulting in bronchitis or pneumonia. While lower-income countries, with weak healthcare systems and poor surveillance, have experienced a higher death rate associated with hMPV, for higher-income countries, even more extreme manifestations of hMPV are rarely fatal. Regardless, if you remain concerned, health officials have recommended sensible precautions that can be taken to mitigate the risk of developing hMPV: wearing a mask, avoiding crowded places, washing your hands regularly, and disposing of tissues securely. These advised habits are not specific to just hMPV, and they aim to protect individuals

AI-assisted breast cancer screening

against respiratory diseases generally. While the rise in hMPV cases has drawn attention, the virus is neither new nor as threatening as COVID-19. By installing good hygiene habits, and following precautions, individuals can take steps to protect themselves, which remains especially important for the vulnerable. It is clear that hMPV is not here to rewrite the pandemic playbook, instead, it is a familiar guest in the seasonal sniffles saga. Ultimately, hMPV should serve as a reminder to stay informed but not succumb to health-based fearmongering.

Gracie Moore, Editor in Chief, discusses how artificial intelligence is revolutionising breast cancer detection

GLOBALLY, 2.3 million people were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women and can affect everyone of all ages after puberty. According to Cancer Research UK, every year in the UK, there are around 56,800 new cases: the number of which is projected to increase from around 61,800 in 2023-2025 to around 69,900 in 2038-2040.

Globally, 2.3 million people were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022

Breast cancer screening (or mammograms) are recommended to women over the age of 50 to increase the chances of early detection — the methods of which are set to be boosted by articifical intelligence in the coming years. According to Nature Medicine, when AI helped examine mammograms, doctors caught one more cancer case per 1,000 screened individuals compared with when they didn’t use the technology.

The AI tool not only visibly labels the scans it deems unsuspicious as “normal”, but it issues a “safety net” alert when a scan it rates as suspicious has been judged

as unsuspicious by a radiologist. For more clarity, it also highlights the area on the image that the alert is referring to, helping doctors to detect it more quickly, even when the suspicious area may be tiny.

The largest real world study, conducted on 500,000 women in Germany, concluded that the software could streamline the screening process without raising the rate of false positives. Cancer epidemiologist, Alexander Katalinic of the University of Lübeck, said: “AI in mammography screening is at least as good as a human reader, and our study shows it’s even better.”

At the moment, Germany’s breast cancer screening programme requires two radiologists to independently assess each patient’s mammograms and look for masses and abnormalities. For reference, most U.S. clinics rely on one physician.

During the study, clinicians identified about six breast cancer cases, confirmed via biopsy, per 1,000 during screening. With the help of AI, the doctors found about seven, meaning a 17.6 per cent increase in detection with AI.

Helpfully, Professor Katalinic also said: “We could improve the detection rate without increasing the harm for the women taking part in breast cancer screen-

ing,” adding that the approach could also reduce the workload of radiologists.

Vara is the name of the company that built the AI tool and Stefan Bunk, co-founder, said the technology increased the speed at which radiologists examined scans flagged as “normal”, adding that calculations showed that even if these scans were not reviewed by experts, the overall breast cancer detection rate would be higher.

Calculations showed that even if these scans were not reviewed by experts, the overall breast cancer detection rate would be higher

Here in the UK, there is a specific interest in whether the use of AI along with a single radiologist can safely replace the reading by two radiologists.

Dr Kristina Lång, of Lund University, said that the study was just another piece of evidence that supports the potential benefits of incorporating AI into mammography screening. She also added that the large increase in detected ‘in situ’ cancers raised concerns as these

cancers are often slow growing and may do more harm than good. This is because it may cause an overdiagnosis burden of screening, leaving hospitals unable to cope with the diagnoses it provides. Dr Lång explained that long term follow-up is essential to fully understand the clinical implications of involving AI in breast cancer screening. It is important that clinically relevant cancers are the ones that are focused on by the AI tool, where early detection can make a meaningful difference to patients’ future prospects.

With a recent 29 per cent shortfall of radiologists, according to The Guardian, any tools that can boost accuracy and productivity are welcome by researchers. It is vital that these experiments continue to be carried out with expert oversight, though it currently faces challenges of limited application — especially on a larger scale. As research continues, these findings could become a cornerstone of global efforts to mitigate climate change.

How to optimise your coffee consumption

Amberly Wright, Online Deputy Editor, explores the importance of timing your caffeine intake

AS I sit here with my double espresso, it occurred to me that I may not be optimising the intake of my favourite beverage, as best I could. Throughout my life, and my time as a coffee drinker, I’ve always received mixed signals about my slight caffeine obsession. Having my own coffee machine doesn’t help me defend my case, but I usually get told I embody Lorelai Gilmore, and drink too much coffee. This got me thinking, is it the amount we drink or the times of day we get our caffeine hit, that effect our health and wellbeing?

Is it the amount we drink or the times of day we get our caffeine hit that affect our wellbeing?

A study involving over 40,000 adults saw a 16 per cent reduction in premature death from any cause and 31 per cent fewer cardiovascular risks, if participants drank coffee in the morning; this was compared to non-coffee drinkers and all-day coffee drinkers. This study also accounted for confounding variables, such as health conditions, diet, physi -

cal activity, and differences in participant’s sex, race, ethnicity, and age.

16 per cent reduction in premature death from any cause and 31 per cent fewer cardiovascular risks

It’s no lie that coffee effects our sleep. Melatonin, the hormone that induces sleep, is suppressed by coffee, so your late-night coffee-filled study session may not be a good idea. It is estimated that coffee takes around forty-five minutes to show effects, with the peak around the hour mark. Caffeine has a half-life of six hours, so fifty percent of the caffeine will be circulating in your body after six hours; this is not good news for my late-afternoon latte.

Melatonin, the hormone that induces sleep, is suppressed by coffee

Though effecting sleep somewhat negatively, coffee does have its benefits, containing anti-inflammatories, in both caffeinated and decaffeinated

forms. We know coffee boosts our energy levels, but it can also boost mood and support brain health. Studies have seen an eight per cent reduction in low mood in individuals who drink coffee. A lower risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia has been explored, but these studies yielded mixed results.

We know coffee boosts our energy levels, but it can also boost mood and support brain health

Additionally, coffee could support liver health and lower rates of liver scarring and liver cancer in those with liver disease. For those without existing liver complications, drinking more than one cup of coffee saw a reduction in chronic liver disease by seventy-one percent. For sports performers, caffeine can be used as an ergogenic aid. There are many debates whether caffeine should be capped in major sports events, or even considered a performance enhancing drug. Drinking coffee before exercise can improve endurance and decrease perceived exertion, potentially waver-

ing the psychological signs of tiredness and removing mental block.

The NHS advises against more than four cups of coffee per day but suggests that those who have less than four have a healthier heart than those who do not consume coffee at all. They conclude that moderate levels of caffeine intake may be associated with a reduction in type two diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and premature death.

To conclude, I think I’ll be changing my caffeine intake, keeping to my usual two-three cups, but in a smaller, and earlier, window, ensuring to stop my caffeine intake by late afternoon to help my already questionable sleep schedule. Though, this does mean cutting out my evening beverage, so you probably won’t see me on the TP dancefloor anytime soon — I’ll be too busy sleeping.

Puzzled by your new year’s resolution?

Ella-Jade Smith, Sci-Tech Editor, reveals the benefits ‘speedcubing’ can have on your mental health

AS we enter a new year, many of us are looking for new ways to make 2025 our best year yet. If you are aiming to boost your happiness and well-being this year, then it might be time to pick up a Rubik’s cube. Once just a nostalgic toy, Rubik’s cubes are now making waves as a tool to enhance mental health. Dubbed ‘speedcubing’ when done competitively, solving those colourful cubes has now been linked to improvements in cognitive skills, stress reduction and overall happiness.

At its core, ‘speedcubing’ is about problem-solving. By engaging with puzzles like the Rubik’s cube, the brain is challenged to think critically, manage multiple steps at once, and test strategies, not to mention the added time pressure. Recent research has demonstrated how solving complex puzzles can reduce anxiety and provide a sense of accomplishment, benefitting the mental health of those who partake. These actions exercise the brain in the same way physical exercise strengthens muscles. Dr. Jane Smith, a psychologist specialising in cognitive development, explains ‘Problem-solving activities engage the prefrontal cortex’ this is the area of the brain responsible for planning and decision-making. When individuals problem solve, ‘we build mental resilience and experience a sense of achievement’ emphasising how a task as simple as solving a Rubik’s cube can be directly tied to positive emotions. Studies have shown that engaging in this sort of cognitive activity can even improve memory, and concentration, in addition to increasing dopamine production. For many, the calming act of ma-

nipulating a Rubik’s Cube can be a great stress reliever. The repetitive motion offered by the rotating puzzle mimics the mindfulness of activities like meditation, allowing ‘cubers’ to focus exclusively on the task at hand, removing them from the stressors of day-to-day life. Described as ‘active mindfulness’ this form of relaxation has grown increasingly popular with mental health professionals as an accessible method to combat anxiety. Dr. Mark Williams, a mental health expert, shared that he encourages his clients ‘to incorporate puzzles like the Rubik’s Cube into their daily routines’, as small puzzle-solving breaks can help to ‘centre their thoughts’ and to provide ‘a break from more demanding tasks’.

If you are aiming to boost your happiness and wellbeing this year, then it might be time to pick up a Rubik’s cube

In today’s world, the accessibility

of ‘speedcubing’ has transcended the hobby’s retro roots, no longer is ‘cubing’ gate kept by competitive circles of Rubik’s aficionados. Instead, access to online tutorials and communities has made it easier than ever to get involved. Whether you are looking for a way to unwind or for a fun way to challenge yourself, investing in a Rubik’s cube could be the twist your life needs! Personal testimonies highlight how this simple hobby can enhance your wellbeing. Sarah, a 28-year-old marketing manager, told the BBC how she turned to speedcubing during lockdown to help deal with the stress and isolation of working from home. Whilst she initially began cubing for fun, cubing became ‘a mini escape from the world’, enabling her to calm down when she felt overwhelmed. Sarah now cubes ‘every day for a few minutes’ and a habit that helps her ‘stay grounded’. For those looking to give speedcubing a try, the great news is that it is an activity for all ages and skill levels. Additionally, it is very cheap to get started! Aside from a standard 3x3 cube, there are a multitude of alternative sizes and shapes of Rubik’s

cubes, providing you with a pathway if you wish to stretch yourself as your skills develop. Try setting yourself challenges, many ‘speedcubers’ find it motivating to track their solving times. This added element can improve your well-being further by providing a tangible sense of progress. Alternatively, joining Exeter’s very popular ‘Cubing Society’ could combine the benefits of socialising with those of ‘cubing’, amplifying the advantages of the hobby.

The repetitive motion mimics the mindfulness of activities like meditation

Speedcubing provides more than just a nostalgic trip down memory lane, it offers a mindful escape from the stress of day-to-day life. As students, it seems too good to be true that a cheap, time-efficient hobby could cultivate joy and a sense of achievement whilst also relieving stress. So, why not pick up a cube and start solving your route to a happier, healthier year?

Image: Emanuele Cremaschi, GettyImages.com

The "Nuke" Explodes: Littler's historic win

Ben Scott, Sport Editor, reports on Luke Littler's heroics to become the youngest PDC World Champion

LUKE Littler cemented his place in darts history with an impressive 7-3 victory over Michael van Gerwen to become the youngest PDC World Champion at just 17 years old. His triumph at Alexandra Palace marks a watershed moment for the sport, showcasing a generational talent destined to reshape darts. Littler’s journey to the title was a showcase of consistency and brilliance. Averaging over 102 in the final and hitting 12 180s, the Warringtonborn teenager displayed composure and precision that belied his years. This victory earned him the £500,000

first prize and the coveted Sid Waddell Trophy, a remarkable feat for someone who, just 12 months prior, was runner-up in the 2024 championship.

Nicknamed “The Nuke,” Littler’s rise has been meteoric. Since making his professional debut, he has climbed from 164th to second in the PDC Order of Merit, winning 10 titles in 2024, including the Premier League and the Grand Slam. He also hit four nine-darters last year and claimed the Ballon D’Art trophy for leading the 2025 tournament with 76 maximums. Though he fell short of Michael Smith’s record of 83, Littler’s relentless scoring and exceptional timing overwhelmed opponents throughout the championship.

His final against Van Gerwen was billed as a test of nerves and skill against a three-time world champion. Van Ger-

wen, 35, started strongly but faltered on crucial doubles, hitting just 14 of 38. Littler capitalised, racing to a 4-0 lead. Though Van Gerwen showed flashes of his old brilliance, including 13 180s and a 100 average, he could not stop Littler’s charge.

Reflecting on his victory, Littler said, “Everyone dreams of lifting this trophy. I can’t believe it. You’ve got to get through a tough field.”

Indeed, Littler’s path included victories over seasoned professionals like Nathan Aspinall and Stephen Bunting, culminating in a dominant semifinal performance where he averaged over 103 to defeat Bunting 6-1.

Beyond his on-stage heroics, Littler’s impact on darts is profound. His success has led to a surge in interest among young players, with the number of junior academies doubling globally.

Littler's impact on darts is profound

At Christmas, over 100,000 Littlerbranded magnetic dartboards were sold, reflecting his influence on the sport’s younger generation. Sponsors,

recognising his marketability, have lined up to back the 17-year-old, who has already been compared to Phil Taylor, the 16-time world champion.

Barry Hearn, president of the PDC, hailed Littler as “the next Tiger Woods of darts,” noting his ability to attract massive audiences and elevate the sport’s profile. Littler’s Instagram following soared from 4,000 to 1.3 million in a year, and his matches now command peak viewing figures, including 3.7 million for the 2024 final.

For Van Gerwen, this defeat continues a frustrating run, with his last world title coming in 2019. “Every

L17 years, a star is born,” he joked, acknowledging Littler’s brilliance.

As darts enters a new era, Littler’s trajectory seems limitless. With his sights set on breaking Taylor’s record of 16 world titles, “The Nuke” has the talent, temperament, and time to redefine greatness in darts.

If you are interested in getting into darts in Exeter, venues such as All Stars and the Black Horse, have boards and darts for reasonable rates. If you fancy watching instead, the Premier League of Darts comes to Exeter at Westpoint Arena on the 27th February.

Keely Hodgkinson: From silver to gold

Lily Fawcett details a remarkable 2024 for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Winner

EAVING 2024, we can look back at an exciting and engaging year of sport, making pub lic view on who should get the BBC Sports Personality of the Year a divisive topic. Ultimately, Keely Hodgkinson proved herself worthy of the award after a stellar year which brought her wait for a global title to an end.

The Tokyo Olympics in 2021 were pivotal for her prominence on the British Athletics scene, but it almost didn’t happen. She won the silver medal in the 800m, aged just 19, breaking the record that was set by Kelly Holmes in 1995. But, if COVID hadn’t caused the push back of the games, her leap into senior athletics may have looked very different. 2015 saw her forced to restrict training and race starts due to a surgery that removed a non-cancerous tumour from the left side of her head, resulting in

95 per cent deafness in that ear and balance issues, affecting her ability to walk. This didn’t stop her progression as a junior or crucially, competing in Tokyo. From here, the Brit went on a run of strong results, including silver at both the 2022 and 2023 World Championships, and golds in the 2022 and 2024 Euro peans, which she powerfully retained despite illness, with a season’s best as well as a personal one. Her sights were then set on Paris, which she saw as a “huge opportunity to change her life” after

the silver in her breakthrough year. After promising herself “never again” in Budapest in 2023, an Olympic gold was what she was determined for. Having been an enthusiastic swimmer when she was younger, her athletics career blossomed after watching heptathlete Jessica Ennis-Hill win gold at London 2012, when she was only 10. The momentous victory she saw in Paris made her the first British woman to win gold in athletics since that moment. Speaking to the BBC after the occasion, Paula Radcliffe said that “now she’s turned to silver to gold” it will “open the floodgates”. When it comes to recognition for her memorable achievements, the Sports Personality of the Year award came her way to round off a sensational year, competing against the other popular nominees such as Jude Bellingham, Luke Littler, Joe Root,

Sarah Storey, and fellow Olympic triathlete champion, Alex Yee. Alongside this, she was made an MBE for contribution to athletics in the 2025 New Years Honours. As we enter the new year, one that sees the 2025 World Indoor Championships in Japan and the World Outdoor Championships in China, Keely Hodgkinson’s sights are set on breaking the record for the 800m, saying “I’ve seen this year what my body is capable of and I’m excited to push on” and “I’ve

achieved everything I set out to do”. If she succeeds with this goal, she will break the record set by Jolanda Ceplak in 2002. Her goal of gold at both the indoors and outdoors are set and after the year we’ve just seen, another year of exciting athletics is looking likely.

Another year of exciting athletes is looking likely

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Potter is Appointed

Eloise Grainger, Sport Editor, reflects on West Ham United's new Head Coach

OUT with the old, in with the new. Graham Potter replaces Julen Lopetegui as Head Coach at West Ham United after the Spaniard had a shocking short run with the Hammers. The 49-year-old joins the East London team on a two-and-a-half-year contract that will see him as manager until the summer of 2026. Potter has been awaiting the right opportunity to come back to Premier League management. After a sensational spell at Brighton and Hove Albion, Potter then made the move to Stamford Bridge to become Chelsea’s Head Coach. Following a challenging period in West London, he was sacked by the club.

With West Ham sitting in the bottom half of the table, Hammers fans are desperate for a manager who can extract the best out of the players – particularly at a time when the potential for relegation is looming ahead. This is where Potter’s style of play might suit the team in claret and blue… he favours fluidity in his set up rather than rigid formations, his managerial style focusses on adaptability, and he is meticulous about player development. If West Ham can survive this tough season, then Potter has the opportunity to rebuild the squad in the summer and align it with his tactics. But right now, the focus must be on keeping

OWest Ham away from the relegation zone. First match as manager and West Ham are out of the FA Cup in the third round; but it doesn’t seem all bad… Paquetá gave the new manager a dream start to his campaign with a goal just 9 minutes into the match. West Ham suffered with losing Füllkrug and Summerville to injury, but the Hammers did ‘offer a threat’ in the first half, so there were positives to the match despite the exit from the cup.

Potter’s first Premier League match at the London Stadium ended in a 3-2 victory for the home side, with two first-half goals in the space of 131 seconds. Their opponents Fulham were penalised for

their mistakes. But this is just the thing Pot ter and the squad need to capitalise on. Potter has a wealth of expe rience under his belt, and this could be an interesting move to West Ham – for both his own managerial ambitions and for the club in a desperate time. A mid-table finish would be ideal and something fans would welcome after they have witnessed poor results and countless injuries to the team. Potter’s philosophy in extract ing the most out of individual players might just be West Ham’s saving grace.

Shampoo or Six Figures?

Eloise Grainger, Sport Editor, explores the gender pay gap in ski jumping

UTRAGE has spread amongst the skiing community as the women’s ski jumping World Cup qualifying prize was revealed to be shampoo and towels. This ‘well-intentioned’ gift bag paled in comparison to the cash prize handed to the men. The men’s qualifying winner of the equivalent tournament, Jan Haerl, received 3000 Swiss Francs (about £2680), meanwhile the women’s winner, Selina Freitag, was awarded an assortment of care products. The women’s ski jumping tournament kicked off in Garmisch-Partenkirchen in Bavaria, Germany. The initial qualifying took place on 30th December followed by the main competition the day after. The crowd then reconvened in

Oberstdorf for the conclusion, but it was in the qualifying where the issues of gender inequality became starker than ever.

The competition, called the Two Nights Tournament, takes place in Germany to match the start of the men’s Four Hills Tournament. But, female athletes have long been calling for a closer equivalent to the men’s week-long event, and the difference in prize giving drew particular attention to the sport’s disparities.

The winner of the men’s tournament, Daniel Tschofenig, won not only the prestigious Golden Eagle Trophy, but he also won over €100,000. Meanwhile, the overall winner of the women’s tournament, Slovenian ski jumper Nika Prevc, was awarded €10,000 — which is

barely more than the men’s qualifying prize!

Tschofenig produced an amazing comeback to claim his first FIS Ski Jumping Four Hills Tournament title, with 14,500 in attendance to watch this dramatic victory in the Austrian’s homeland. Yet crowd numbers for the women’s tournament were comparatively lower and highly noticeable… and the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS), which is the sport’s governing body, has offered this as one of the explanations for the significantly smaller prize pot or lack thereof in some cases.

Women’s ski jumping faces disparity in recognition, opportunity, and resources, but the substitution of cash for shampoo has brought the issue into sharp focus. The

FIS responded to the ‘frustration’ by stating that differences in revenue and viewership between the men and women’s tournament justifies the disparity. Whilst they ac knowledge that women’s ski jumping is a relatively new sport, they claim that less spectator interest and marketing revenues than its male counterpart consequently means less prize money is available. Advocacy groups for gender equality in sport, such as Her Sport, have taken to social media to highlight the inequalities that still exist in sport and claim that investment and commit ment is the first step in bridging the gap.

Game On Down Under!

Connor Myers, Online Sport Editor, previews the Australian Open, outlining the key players to look out for

AMERE 21 days after the conclusion of the 2024 tennis season, the first Grand Slam of the 2025 season is set to begin in Melbourne for this year’s edition of the Australian Open. Perhaps the main story on the men’s side of the draw is how Novak Djokovic will perform with Andy Murray in his coaching box. Coming off the back of the Serbian’s first year without a Grand Slam

title since his injury-affected 2017 season, Djokovic will be looking to utilise the Scot’s experiences of years spent standing at the other side of the court to him to guide him back to the trophy he’s won ten times.

Italian Jannik Sinner enters the tournament as defending champion, but in the midst of the uncertainty surrounding the Court of Arbitration for Sport hearing for his doping case, whether the world no.1 will be able to defend his title and add to his two Grand Slam wins last year is up in the air.

The other two grand slams in 2024 were claimed by Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz. Alcaraz, 21, needs just the Australian Open to become the youngest

man to complete the ‘Career Slam’, already having won two Wimbledon’s, and one French Open and a US Open each. The no.3 seed has tweaked his service motion and his racket weight in an attempt to be in the best position to do so.

Over on the women’s side, Aryna Sabalenka enters as defending champion, and will be looking to win her third Australian Open in a row. Having won a WTA500 level tournament already this year in Brisbane, the Belarussian looks as unbeatable as she always seems to be down under in pursuit of the ‘three-peat’.

Poland’s Iga Swiatek joked that she’s looking to avoid her own three-peat, having exited the tournament early in the third round and the fourth round in the two previous editions respectively. With four of her five Grand Slam titles coming on clay, the world no.2 has somewhat of a point to prove on the harder surfaces.

The British charge is headed up by Jack Draper, who will begin his campaign as the fifteenth seed, and looking to

match the semi-final he reached at the US Open back in September. Young gun Jacob Fearnley, best known for taking a set from Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon last year, opens his tournament against home favourite Nick Kyrgios. The British no.3 will be hoping to utilise the extra attention on his first-round encounter to halt the big-serving Kyrgios’ comeback tour.

Cam Norrie also has a tough test in the first round in the form of former Wimbledon finalist Matteo Berrettini.

Katie Boulter sits at a career-high ranking of 23rd in the world and thus leads Brit ain’s female effort. She opens her campaign against Canadian Rebecca Marino. Emma Raducanu will be hoping to build on the signs of promise she showed last year, having re-vamped her fitness team in the off-season. But, facing 26th seed Ekaterina Alexandrova in the first round and a potential third-round

Iga Swiatek

to summon

form to make

Image: FMT

meeting with

means she may need

her US Open winning

it out of her section. Fans in the UK can watch the-

ian Open from the 12th-26th January on Eurosport TV channels or Discovery+ online.

Image: Wikimedia Commons

Novak Djokovic will perform with Andy Murray

Image: Wikimedia Commons

Image: Wikimedia Commons

Sport

Golf 1s Win 8th Consecutive BUCS Title

YOU would have to go all the way back to the 2015/16 season to find the last time Exeter weren’t crowned champions of the BUCS Golf Southern Premiership. Previously facing fierce competition from rival universities, such as Bournemouth, Loughborough and Hartpury, the recent trend has seen a decade of golfing dominance for Exeter in the South. The latest addition to the trophy cabinet is the eighth straight league title since the 2016/17 season, pausing only mo mentarily when BUCS was postponed as a result of the COVID-19 lockdown.

The 2024/25 title was sealed in emphatic fashion. Unbeat en all season, the top spot of the Southern Premiership was guaranteed with a game to spare following a 6-2 victory away at second-placed Bournemouth. However, it was not all plain sailing at Ferndown Golf Club. At the halfway stage, Exeter were down in four matches and level in the rest. The result of the match re-

mained in the balance all the way to the end. But the Exeter players held their nerve and showed their quality to turn the match on its head.

Notable mentions must be given to Michael Roche and Jon Kay for their instrumental roles in this fightback.

Roche pulled a rabbit out of the hat on 14, delivering a 7-iron to a matter of inches. Birdie moved him to 1up, on his way to a 3&1 win. First-year student Kay also closed out victory on the 17th hole, marking his first-team debut in style. Following a late callup to the team, Kay overcame some early struggles to claim a valuable point, inspiring his teammates to follow suit.

The Golf 1s were boosted for the 2024/25 season by the arrivals of star duo Tommy Lamb and Matt Millar following their undergraduate degrees at the University of North Carolina Greensboro and Florida Gulf Coast University, respectively.

Both Lamb and Millar have shown their class all season, maintaining a 100 per cent win record, including some thumping scorelines. Since starting the season with

a comprehensive 6-2 away victory against Hartpury, Exeter have shown no signs of slowing up. Both Bath and Nottingham were beaten 6.5-1.5, while Birmingham were blown away by an 8-0 scoreline. Defeating second-placed Bournemouth means that Exeter cannot be caught at the top of the table, despite Bournemouth’s game in hand.

Exeter have shown no signs of slowing up

First-team captain, Harry Butler, expressed his pride, highlighting the team’s positive attitude as a key reason for their success: “Exeter has always been about passion, perseverance and teamwork, and our team embodies that spirit every day. Winning eight years in a row is more than an achievement, it’s a testament to the dedication of every player. I’m so proud of each and every one of them. It’s a pleasure to lead such a great group.”

Exeter have one match of the league season remaining, against historic foe Loughborough, on the 12th February. Upon completion, attention will turn to the National Cup knockout competition. Exeter will be hoping to go one step further than last year, when they fell short at the semifinal stage. Butler revealed, “It won’t be easy, but we’re coming together with a clear strategy and a united front. We are ready for the challenges that Woodhall Spa [where the final of

BUCS Golf is played] presents. Our sights are firmly set on BUCS Gold.”

Another successful season comes as a result of the high-quality performance programme that the University of Exeter Golf Club offers. Harry Scott, Head of Golf at the University, explained, “Our performance programme affords the opportunity for players to train in a holistic way comprising of around 20 hours of golf activity each week. It is noticeably paying dividends in performance.”

“We are seeing more players with World Amateur Ranking status apply for programmes at Exeter which highlights the strength of the programme in helping students fulfil a dual career with the opportunity to turn professional after graduation.

It has been great to see success at this level with more players featuring on development tours over the past five years,” Scott continued. While the Southern Premiership is settled for another year, more hard work is required throughout term 2 as the National Cup gets underway. Players will also have the opportunity to compete individually on the BUCS Tour and R&A Student Series, including the Exeter Trophy. Exeter’s home BUCS event will be played at Trevose Golf & Country Club from the 3rd to 5th of March. If Exeter can replicate this astonishing first-half of the season, then further success is just around the corner.

Eloise Grainger

Ben Scott

Image: Charlie Ward

Ceri Vaughan-Jones

Image: Charlie Ward

Image: Charlie Ward