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er spap nts w e A n stude f by so run tudent y of s for niversit the U Kent. ion t Un Ken

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April 8th 2010

IQ: Laura Marling’s new album review - p15

Entertainment: Musical Theatre Society does it again - p18

IQ: InQuire raises £3,474 from its Help for Haiti event - double spread

Issue 5.5

William Reed

Kent School of Architecture to downsize

Daria Oldale Rumours surrounding the School of Architecture at the University of Kent have suggested the immediate proposed termination of several undergraduate courses.

Following the announcement that UoK’s Biosciences is to be downsized, it appears that the Architecture department is the next school to be up for review.

The recent department evaluations are presumably attributable to the £950million government funding cuts to higher education, although correspondence between lecturers affiliated with the school indicate that the department has been the focus of

university review for some time.

In a letter addressed to UoK’s Vice-Chancellor, Julia Goodfellow, and to the Dean of Humanities, Karl Laydecker, staff from the School of Architecture outlined their concerns, asserting that “the status quo is not sustainable”. The staff went on to express fears that the school would sacrifice certain teaching commitments in order to expand its research credentials, a move that may lead to the termination of undergraduate courses such as BA (Hons) Interiors in as little as three years time.

The letter also revealed that the university are contemplating the possibility of downsizing the school to just two pro-

grammes of study, as opposed to the current five; “The directive to terminate three out of five validated programmes would undermine confidence and diminish the multidisciplinary ethos crucial to centres for design.”

Amongst the numerous issues raised by the staff, the prestige in achieving a degree in architecture from the UoK appeared a predominant concern, with the staff arguing that; “graduates holding degrees from KSA (Kent School of Architecture) would have their provenance questioned and diminished.”

Whilst the university is yet to confirm the proposed termination of architecture study programmes, the letter does reveal

department’s aspirations to gain entry into the Research Excellence Framework, or REF. The organization assesses the quality of research conducted at higher education institutions, determining whether they warrant funding from the government; the School of Architecture is yet to be admitted for REF status.

However, whilst those that signed the letter expressed their understanding that the growth of the school relies on improved research facilities and efforts, they also spoke of a ‘schism’ between teaching and research, stating that: “We think REF is important but think that the directives will damage precisely those characteristics that

would enhance the reputation of the school in teaching and research, now and in the future.

A first year Interior Design student at UoK revealed that students on the course were informed of the proposed termination without warning or consultation. The students felt that the university had “let them down”.

Dan Curran, VP Education at Kent Union, commented: “The problem with the review process is that students are kept in the dark, as we saw with the biosciences school, until the decision is made. The school of architecture have realised this and have started early consultation with students to try and make sure decisions made benefit everyone”.

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2 Ne ws Increase in students working in sex industry

Anna Maysey - Chairwoman chairwoman@inquiremedia.co.uk The Guardian

Ed Atkins - Newspaper Editor newspaper.editor@inquiremedia. co.uk Tom Warner - News newspaper.news@inquiremedia.co.uk Katie Graham - Comment newspaper.comment@inquiremedia. co.uk Jacob Brant - Culture newspaper.culture@inquiremedia. co.uk Sally Gower - Sports newspaper.sport@inquiremedia. co.uk

Home Office announces mephedrone ban Daria Oldale

Carl English - Website Editor website.editor@inquiremedia.co.uk Rebecca Bright - Web Comment website.comment@inquiremedia. co.uk Daniel White - Web Sport website.sport@inquiremedia.co.uk To run for any vacant positions please contact Chairwoman Anna Maysey

Editorial contacts: Vickie Campbell - Chairwoman chairwoman@inquiremedia.co.uk Adam Silver - Newspaper Editor newspaper.editor@inquiremedia. co.uk Nicola Standley - IQ Editor iq.editor@inquiremedia.co.uk Daria Oldale - News newspaper.news@inquiremedia.co.uk Tinashe Mushakavanhu - Comment newspaper.comment@inquiremedia. co.uk Nik Williams - Culture newspaper.culture@inquiremedia. co.uk Jane Tranter - Features newspaper.features@inquiremedia. co.uk Anna Maysey - Entertainment newspaper.entertainment@inquiremedia.co.uk Sally Gower - Sports newspaper.sport@inquiremedia. co.uk Sam Hall - Website Editor website.editor@inquiremedia.co.uk Romana Roske - Web News website.news@inquiremedia.co.uk Yogini Jivanji - Web Comment website.comment@inquiremedia. co.uk Alex Wood - Web Features website.features@inquiremedia.co.uk Grace Evenhuis - Web Entertainment website.entertainment@inquiremedia.co.uk Carl English - Web Sport website.sport@inquiremedia.co.uk

Legal high mephedrone is to be awarded a Class B status in the coming fortnight, despite criticism that the ruling is based on incomplete research.

Home Secretary, Alan Johnson, has revealed that the substance is to be banned on 12th April, 2010, in light of recent negative publicity surrounding the feline affiliated stimulant, commonly known as ‘MKat’ or ‘meow meow’.

The drug, sold online for a low price, only become recreationally available in recent years.

Therefore, very little is known about the long term side effects of mephedrone; however, short term side effects include anxiety, paranoia, rashes, and in a number of cases, death.

Critics believe the recent decision to be rash and to have been based on incomplete scientific evidence. Additionally, many believe the negative publicity surrounding the substance to have put pressure on the Home Office, as the ban on mephedrone was announced just days after several ‘MKat’ related deaths were publicised; Lancashire teenagers Louis Wainwright and Nicholas Smith, both 19, collapsed on 15th March, 2010 after taking the previously legal high.

However, pharmacologists conducting research on mephedrone have warned that banning the drug will worsen the situation, as the Home Office have not taken into account the detrimental effects classifying the drug would have on young people’s behaviour.

The dispute between the government and the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) has led to the dismissal of ACMD’s chairman, Professor David Nutt, who was fired after he concluded that drug classifications should be based on the findings of scientific investigation; Nutt

advocated that factors such as the social damage caused by the substance, the harm to the user, and the addictive nature of the drugs should all be taken into account.

Following a study of 20 different recreational drugs, not including mephedrone, Nutt proposed an overhaul of the British drug classification system after concluding that cannabis and ecstasy caused less social and physical harm than tobacco and alcohol.

Drawn up nearly 40 years ago in 1971, punishments for possession of controlled substances are rated via a class system; those caught with Class A substances can expect up to seven years in prison or an unlimited fine, whilst those in possession of Class C stimulants, the lowest classification, are usually punished with two years in prison.

However, the Home Office has opted against Nutt’s advice, subsequently firing the chairman whilst continuing to advocate existing policies.

Nutt’s dismissal led to a series of resignations from the ACMD council, including Polly Taylor, who was the pharmacologist necessary for consulting the government on drug classification; a process that usually takes around 18 months.

Eric Carlin, the most recent member of the ACMD council to resign, commented on the situation: “We need to review our entire approach to drugs, dumping the idea that legally sanctioned punishments for drug users should constitute a main part of the armoury in helping to solve our country’s drug problems.

We need to stop harming people who need help and support. As well as being extremely unhappy with how the ACMD operates, I am not prepared to continue to be part of a body which, as its main activity, works to facilitate the potential criminalisation of increasing numbers of young people.”

Lisa-Marie Janes In the last decade, the number of students working in the sex industry has increased from 3% to 25%.

Dr Ron Roberts, who led the study conducted at Kingston University, argues that although the survey was conducted at just one London university, the figures were indicative of universal experiences across the country, particularly in urban areas.

Roberts went on to state that high tuition fees are responsible for the high number of students working for chat lines, internet pornography services or as lap dancers, despite the government’s assertion that “generous support” is provided.

The survey went on to reveal that whilst 50% of students deemed employment in the sex industry unacceptable, 43% claimed it was understandable, whilst 7% were undecided.

Roberts attributes the figures to both rising levels of student debt and to the increase of strip club venues.

He commented: “Sexual imagery is everywhere. The middle classes are now kind of entering sex work and seeing it as a viable career path. The whole moral climate has altered substantially”.

A student from a West Country university, who chose to remain anonymous, revealed that lap dancing was the only way for her to afford her studies.

She stated: “If I’ve got deadlines or assignments that have to be in it is really hard but on the other side, if I didn’t do my dancing, I wouldn’t be able to afford to be at university”.

Billie Lister, a PHD student from The Stirling University that has based her study on the

experience of women in the lap dancing industry argued that flexible hours alongside the increasing social acceptability of lap dancing and phone sex made such employment appealing.

Lister went on to emphasise that the figures could be higher due to negative associations with the sex industry stating that: “It is possible that more students are working in the sex industry to fund their studies but choose not to tell people for fear of negative repercussions”.

Dr Roberts agreed with the statement, adding that he found his research difficult to conduct due to universities actively discouraging publicising issues concerned with the sex industry.

He commented that: “Universities were burying their head in the sand. They need to take this more seriously and listen to what the students are saying. I think students are getting badly let down here and aren’t getting, at the very least, adequate support”.

Moreover, Lister criticised the lack of attention paid to the sex industry by universities stating: “It is a topic that a lot of student bodies don’t want to address, mainly because there’s a lot of concern about the universities being attached to students involved with sex work”.

However, a spokesperson for Bath University argued that: “We do not feel that this issue is relevant to the University of Bath.

We have no evidence at all that our students are getting involved in the sex trade. It may be the case that some are, of course, but we generally get to hear of potential problems that may affect students’ work or wellbeing, and there’s been no indication here, so we can safely assume that it’s not an issue, I think.”

Deviant Art

New editorial team for next academic year:

Ne ws 3

Loan applications at risk of repeated delay Ed Atkins

William Reed

The Students Loan Company (SLC) is, yet again, at “substantial” risk of delay in processing applications for loans and grants.

A government watchdog has warned of a repeat of the unacceptable service provided by the SLC last September.

It went on to question whether the firm was capable of competently dealing with the increased number of student applications for financial assistance in the 2010/2011 academic year.

The complications experienced by the SLC in September

were partly due to the introduction of a new, centralised service created to save money in the long term; the failures of the new service meant that only 46% of applications were fully processed by the start of Autumn term, compared to 63% in the previous year, with 241,000 cases remaining outstanding in early September.

A high number of students did not receive financial support until the end of the autumn term.

Daniel Curran, Vice-President for Education at Kent Union commented: “I think the fact that some students have been left without the access to the money

that they rely upon is shameful and I really think the Loans company needs to immediately tackle this so that next year we don’t have a similar situation. The university has tried to help with emergency loans where possible, but the fact remains that students should not be left with false promises when it comes to their loans.”

The failure to capably handle the large volume of student finance applications led to a dramatic rise in the amount of telephone enquiries made to the company, accelerating the SLC’s descent into chaos.

Allegedly, 87% of phone calls were left unanswered due to poorly trained staff.

The financial issues caused

by SLC’s failures were national, with students across the country suffering.

Upon the news of the possibility of a repeat of the past years chaos, NUS president Wes Streeting stated that: “Students will feel sick to their stomachs at the prospect of a repeat of last year’s delays. Student loans are a lifeline to many people, and without them the costs of university would simply be unbearable.”

The report and subsequent

apology made by SLC is an embarrassing blow to the Labour government, whose decision to merge the local student finance authorities into this inexperienced and untested body is to blame for the majority of problems, due to an under tested document scanning system failing to cope with the demand.

Kent Union’s Vice President for Welfare, Samantha Kennedy, revealed what has been done to stop the situation reoccurring next year: “Along with NUS, we have been gathering case studies of the students affected this year and welcome the additional resources the SLC is receiving to deal with calls this year. NUS are now closely involved in overseeing the operations of the SLC and we hope that this along with the additional resources will help avoid a repeat of last year’s fiasco.”

University of Kent student, Ryan Falle, spoke of the disadvantageous effects of last September’s loan delay: “I have still not received my bursaries for autumn and spring terms. I do not come from a particularly well off background meaning that my annual bursary of £1000 is

essential for my living expenses.

I was only notified of problems surrounding my bursary when, at the end of December, after not receiving the first instalment of my bursary, I contacted the Student Loan Company to enquire why this had happened.

Their response was that the status of my application was still at the provisional stage, meaning that there is insufficient evidence regarding my family’s income.

After sending off the requested paperwork to the company, I contacted them again only to be told that the paperwork I supplied was unsatisfactory and requested almost the exact paperwork that I originally sent.

The difficulties of obtaining my bursary are still continuing, I have still not received the financial support I need.

Due to the lack of financial support I am now £1000 overdrawn, have been forced to get a credit card and have taken out a number of emergency loans from the University.

I have sought support from the University and have found little assistance as it seems that the difficulties surrounding student finance is out of their hands.”

Have Your Say: Should sabbatical officers run for a second term?

Conducted by: Jane Tranter & Daria Oldale

“They should be allowed to run for a second term, just like in other political parties.

However, whether there’s a cap on the amount of terms they are allowed to run for is a different matter.”

“I think it’s definitely a good idea. I have worked with Sam Kennedy (VP Welfare) in the past so it’s great that she has been given the opportunity to continue developing what she started.”

“I think it is only fair that they are allowed to be re-elected.

To be honest, it doesn’t really affect me as I am in my final year and will not benefit from any changes they make.”

Matt Fairbrass, 21

Joanne Howells, 22

Rachel Harber, 22

Web Computing (4th Year)

French & Spanish (4th Year)

French & Spanish (4th Year)

James Clark, 19

Kyle Clyett, 20

Drama & Film (3rd Year)

Law (1st Year)

“I think they should definitely be allowed to run again if they do a good job in their first term. Candidates run for multiple terms in the general election and this is a system that appears to work, so why not?”

“It depends, really. It all seems to be based on popularity and flyers rather than on raising awareness of student issues.

I think re-election should be allowed, as long as the re-elected officer introduces new ideas; however, old ideas should not be forgotten.”

4 Ne ws

Sally Gower A recent survey has revealed that one-in-seven female students in the UK have experienced serious sexual assault or violence while at university or college.

The survey, conducted by the National Union of Students between August 2009 and March 2010, has brought to light several other alarming statistics.

For example, 25% of female students admit to have been subject to an unwanted sexual experience, whilst a further 12 % admit that they have been stalked; in 60% of cases, it was revealed that the perpetrator was a fellow student.

However, according to the survey, only 4% of students that have experienced assault have

reported the incident to their institution, whilst a mere 10% made a report to the police.

The study went on to reveal that whilst the majority of those surveyed felt troubled by their ordeal, over 50% of victims felt ashamed or embarrassed whilst 43% believed that they would be blamed for what had happened.

NUS women’s officer, Olivia Bailey, stated that the report was a “wake-up call”, commenting that the findings made it evident that not enough is being done to encourage students to get help.

However, Bailey has been liaising with authorities at universities and colleges in order to urge them to work with the police department, victim support and health services to ultimately try and encourage victims of such traumatic experiences to come

forward to their institutions.

Sandra Horley, chief executive of the charity Refuge, stated that: “it is vital that universities create an environment where women feel confident to speak out against abuse. Women have the right to enjoy university life, focus on their studies and plan for their futures, without fear of intimidation or violence.”

Refuge, a charity based in the UK which works towards preventing domestic violence against women and children, endeavours to raise awareness of domestic violence issue; the charity produces features, targeting women, showing common signs that may lead to domestic violence, such as isolation, blame, jealousy and finally, charm.

For more information, visit http://refuge.org.uk/.

William Reed

1-in-7 female students experience cases of sexual as-

14% of female students fall victim to sexual assault or violence, whilst the perpetrator is commonly a fellow student

Universities fear upcoming ‘Summer of Chaos’ Universities across Britain are bracing themselves for spending cuts set to affect almost half of all institutions, while applications for higher education reach an all time high.

As of January, 2010, UK uni-

versities have received over 570,566 applications, an increase of 22.9% from 2009, as students hope to weather out the worst of the recession by staying in higher education.

Over 100,000 people were turned down last year, and this figure is expected to rise accordingly with the rise in

applications, causing havoc within administrative systems.

Whilst the rise in applications means that investment into universities needs to continue, the majority of UK universities are set to face spending cuts in teaching, research and capital budgets. University officials ahave expressed concern

Deviant Art

Chris Harlow

over the upcoming academic year, in what the NUS have dubbed the ‘Summer of Chaos’.

The teaching budget is set to be slashed by £215 million, a prospect that has led to countless members of staff fearing redundancy whilst officials have expressed concern over the possibility of a reduced teaching standard.

Research funding has been frozen, whilst the building budget will be cut by 15%. NUS president Wes Streeting alleged that the cuts will cause “irreversible damage” to the university system, whilst Liberal Democrat university spokesman Stephen Williams accused the government’s aim of getting half of all young people into university as “empty rhetoric” in light of the seemingly contradictive cuts.

Whereas the recently announced budget has pledged £270 million to put 20,000 more students into university, it is a double edged sword.

Before the budget, it was predicted that there would be 6,000 fewer places than last year, so this funding will only create an additional 14,000 places.

Only 10,000 of the promised extra places will be for full time students, the rest will go to part time and foundational degrees. The government must

then make sure it can afford to fund the living costs and grants and loans to university students.

Finally, the extra places do not counteract the funding cuts, which are aimed primarily at teaching, but rather, exacerbate them by placing extra strain and larger workloads on staff, and necessitating larger classrooms, which in turn will lead to a decrease in the quality of teaching.

Mike Cushman, secretary of the UCU, sees spending cuts as one of the “disastrous effects” of the decision to prioritise the “stem” subjects, science, technology, engineering and maths, at the expense of humanities and arts.

He sees the move as a myopic prioritising of subjects to push forward those at the academic summit of the country, whilst losing sight of those that maintain the stability of its core.

David Lammy, Higher Education Minister for England, stated that in light of the budget and spending cuts, there “will be a minimal impact on teaching and students” with the “bulk of the savings [coming] from a reduction in capital spending”.

He went on to state that these cuts must be seen in context against a “background of record government investment in higher education around 25% more than 1997”.

Ne ws 5

Student accommodation prices rise by 22% A survey of 132 universities and private landlords by the National Union of Students (NUS) has revealed that the average cost of rented student accommodation has increased by 22%.

The study, conducted in 2009, found that room prices has risen from £81.18 per week in 20062008 to £98.99 in 2009-2010.

The NUS claim that the private sector is responsible for the rising prices of accommodation, whilst property developers Unite Group argue that private landlords have invested more than £5bn on student flats. Without this investment, Unite Group stated that there would be a chronic shortage of accommodation.

Mark Allan, chief executive of Unite Group admitted university prices have increased but students are now getting better quality accommodation.

He commented: “Compared to

old housing stock built in the 1960s and 1970s, it is more expensive but that reflects the fact that it is has been built in the past five years so it’s more modern.”

He added: “You have to bear in mind that the student population has almost doubled in the last decade. The private sector has injected something like £5bn into building accommodation and that translates to about 130,000 rooms”.

However, Greg Hotchkiss, a student at the University of the West of England in Bristol, who rents accommodation owned by Unite Group, stated that the £404 he pays per week does not reflect the quality of the accommodation.

He said: “I thought it would be better than this. You don’t expect it to be a five-star hotel but you do expect basic things like the lift to be working, electricity and the toilet to flush”.

He further commented that too many people were

not getting the basic amenities that they required for the amount they were paying.

Unite Group have since apologised after finding the accommodation not up to the standard of the company’s other properties.

Additional reports have supported the claim that the rising cost of rented student housing could be down to higher standards; a study conducted by the BBC suggests that more students than before have ensuite facilities, whilst increasing numbers consider broadband and 24-hour security as standard requirements.

However, critics have argued that students have little choice and therefore end up paying for features they do not necessarily need, making rented accommodation difficult to afford.

Wes Streeting, NUS President commented: “I think universities need to look very clearly at the cost of their rents and look at capping rents to make sure they remain affordable to all

students. We think it’s really important that all students have a choice to suit their budgets and, clearly in some cases, there is such a prevalence of ensuites that some of the old-style accommodation is not available”.

The NUS went on to express fears that if the student accommodation industry does not come under regulation soon, a high number of students maybe be unable to live away from home much longer.

Deviant Art

Lisa-Marie Janes

‘Phantom Flat’ fraudsters target student tenants Edoardo Quadri

ask potential tenants to make a down-payment for accommodation advertised online.

They usually suggest that this is done via bank transfer; the prospective tenant must prove

William Reed

National charity, Citizens Advice, have recently launched a campaign warning all prospective tenants looking for rented ac-

commodation to take caution if asked for a preliminary deposit.

An increasing number of cases have been reported concerning landlords who, claiming to be living abroad,

Have you got a news story?

E-mail the News Editor, Daria Oldale, at newspaper.news@inquiremedia.co.uk

they have sufficient funds by providing the landlord with a receipt of a recent transfer.

When the tenant attempts to collect the money that they had transferred, they first discover that the funds have already been withdrawn by someone else, before eventually realising that the property they hoped to rent does not exist.

Students regularly fall victim to this scam, commonly referred to as the phantom flat scheme, particularly those looking for last minute accommodation. However, those scammed are often told by authorities that there is insufficient evidence to open a case, a problem further exacerbated by the money transfer agency involved, who often state that without a crime reference number, the agency cannot give out information due to data protection.

Consumer affair policy officer for Citizens Advice, Susan Marks, warns tenants that money transfers should be used with caution and not “as a way of proving funds”.

Money transfers through transfer agencies can be easily manipulated and must not be taken as a safeguarded means such as trans-

fers from one bank to another.

Citizens Advice is currently working with money transfer companies to strengthen their services by regulating the Financial Services Authority (FSA), as well as by providing prospective tenants with basic steps outlining how to protect oneself from fraudsters.

Perhaps the most significant warnings advocated by Citizens Advice are to keep money transfer account details private, as well as to never send any money to the landlord without having seen the property first.

Those asked by landlords to provide evidence of adequate funds are advised to offer references from previous landlords or employers as an alternative; if possible, the tenants should meet prospective landlords in person, in order to be sure that the landlord actually owns the property.

As a further measure, students are asked to take out a Land Registry Check –available at landregistry.gov.uk.

For more information, or for assistance in event of fraudulent activity, please contact the Fraud Authority at actionfraud.org.uk or the local police.

6 Comment InQuirer on

Race in South Africa The killing of white supremacist Eugene Terre Blanche in South Africa has stoked racial fires that have been fading in the post-apartheid regime.

Two farm workers, aged 15 and 28, were officially charged with four crimes including the murder of the former Afrikaner Weerstandsbeweging (AWB) leader in the Ventersdorp Magistrate's Court.

For over a decade now, farmers and farming communities have been on the receiving end of escalating criminal violence, and 3 368 have been murdered. Most recently, the ANC Youth League's loudmouthed leader, Julius Malema, has made popular again an old struggle song, the lyrics of which include the phrase '[shoot] the boer'.

Terre'Blanche's murder was "symbolic", for a number of reasons. It shows how close to the precipice South Africa is with pent-up racial rage and anger. A symbolic murder can often be the match on the dry grass, and this is what Eugene Terre'Blanche's murder threatened to be.

Terre'Blanche was no joke, even if he was not the threat to the transition to majority rule that he imagined himself to be. The AWB terrorised whole communities, assaulting black people with impunity. And he had one thing in common with Hitler: he exercised a powerful effect with his long appeals to Afrikaner nationalism and history.

His organisation met its Waterloo in the black homeland of Bophuthatswana, where it foolishly imagined the army of that nominally independent land would stand against the looming ANC rule. Three AWB members were killed as the organisation was sent fleeing by the soldiers it thought would do what these white men told them. But before the AWB was driven out, its members murdered scores of black people.

Terre Blanche’ death is regrettable like any human death but should it be the crack that divides South Africa into racial fragments?

Comments Editor Tinashe Mushakavanhu

THE ESSAY: ‘‘Look like the innocent flower but be the serpent under’t’’ Matthew Cozier

I

cannot say that I have ever been keen to study history in a big way. Like a lot of kids, I was always fascinated by all the exciting details of battles and beliefs but once the subject of politics and economics came in I drifted off into a boredom induced coma. There is one exception: The Elizabethan Era. It is just impossible to find it boring.

A time of religious upheaval, turmoil and war that resulted in some of the most important cultural changes to have ever taken place in the British Isles.

In the centre of all this is Elizabeth, the virgin queen, a fierce redhead with brains, beauty and power (what is there not to love about her?) Whilst other monarchs were bickering over borders and roughing up the locals, we had a leader that was busy putting both the parliament and the gentry firmly in their place.

She also took on the massive responsibility of attempting to heal a nation divided by religion and crippled by economic mismanagement.

I felt a surge of nerdish delight the other day when the national portrait gallery revealed that an old painting of Queen Bess had

deteriorated to reveal the queen holding a serpent in place of the flowers that had been painted over it. Given that almost all of the portraits of the Tudor queen rely heavily on the symbols used in them I cannot help but wonder why the artist chose a snake and then changed his mind.

A lot of specialists have argued that the serpent has always been

used as a symbol of wisdom but I cannot help but think that it has some overtly Biblical connotations. Perhaps it was the ambiguity of the symbol that made the artist change it but that then begs the question: why flowers? Why go from something so bold to a picture of just another pretty woman holding a posy?

I can only guess that he did

not want to cause offence and so he went for the safety of self-censorship rather than the risk of daring creativity.

One thing has, however, haunted my opinion regarding the picture; a line from Macbeth written sometime after the Queen’s death.

“Look like the innocent flower, but be the serpent under’t”. I am not suggesting that Shakespeare was somehow in on the secret but it would make for an interesting story and is at the very least a charming coincidence.

The line fits with the symbol that has accidently emerged from the painting, a symbol that reflects the Virgin Queen in a way that no other portrait has managed.

On the outside was a dainty woman adored by all but beneath that image was the reality of one of the most powerful and enigmatic monarchs Britain has ever known. I will leave the informed speculation to the experts. I am happy to view this painting for what it means to me as an amateur; it is another shining and mysterious jewel that can be added to the crown of the Virgin Queen.

I would urge anyone looking for something a bit different to do to go down to see the painting for themselves when it is put on display in London. After all, how often does a four-hundred year old queen reveal a secret to the nation?

The biology of motherhood in younger women Lisa-Marie Janes Hilary Mantel’s claims about early motherhood shocked me. I do not agree with her view that early motherhood is dictated by a woman’s role in a man’s world, though I do sympathise with her endometriosis that prevented her from having children when she was ready to conceive.

Personally, I feel that there are a variety of reasons why young women try to avoid getting pregnant. In most cases they are simply not ready to start a family. Accompanied by a sense of uneasiness, their child’s upbringing could suffer, especially in our current economic climate.

Whilst women are physically capable of becoming mothers in their twenties considering their fertility is at its peak, it should be questioned whether they are

emotionally mature. It is important to stress that if women are not emotionally mature, because they still harbour plans to go to university and pursue a degree and a career, then this would jeopardise their choice of having a child in their twenties.

Through this view, modern day women are choosing a career over children, advocating a stable career before starting a family.

It is even more worrying that Mantel is quoted as saying:

“You know, I was perfectly capable of setting up a home when I was 14.”

“And if, say, it had been ordered differently, I might have thought, 'Now is the time to have a couple of children, and when I am 30 I will go back and I'll get my PhD.'” This comes after the revelation that Britain has the highest

teenage pregnancy rate in Europe – and this is even after a 10 year campaign to cut numbers.

Women in the 21st century may be more intent on careers but that does not mean that children are no longer a priority in society.

I think it is acceptable that women can choose when to have children and when to have a career, though it tends to be that the career tends to act as the basis of raising a child or family.

This is because it generates the income required to provide for a child. Women have progressed from being subjugated to the household as wives and mothers and therefore, I think it is liberating for women to have a choice.

In addition, potential fathers are liable to form families with the choice to support young mothers. However, men would be more likely to advocate a career beforehand to provide for the

family. Perhaps this is due to the stereotypical view of men playing the role of the breadwinner.

I would advocate pregnancy for women in their twenties because they have the benefits of youth, high fertility rate and have a good chance of gaining a job dependant on their past choices. However, these women may not be willing to have a family just yet because they have other goals in life which they are yet to achieve.

In light of this point, children are a natural part of a women’s life and though careers may be important, children, I believe, are more so.

Whilst women in their twenties have their own individual goals, they need to face the reality that they will not always be able to conceive.

Please send your comments to newspaper.comment@inquiremedia.co.uk

Comment 7

Is internet a fundamental human right?

Katherine Graham Is the internet a fundamental human right? This question was asked recently for a BBC poll, and many people answered that they believe this to be the case.

This was a worldwide opinion poll, with 26 countries taking part, and so I am forced to consider whether the internet has now become so huge and so integral to our lives that it would be against our rights, as human beings, to be denied access to the internet.

Denial of access to the internet makes me think of countries such as China and Iran that censor the internet, playing its part in a wider oppression of its people.

However, the debate is also rel-

evant here as we discuss whether those that illegally download music and films from the internet should be punished by having their internet access stopped. This surely interferes with their human rights and can be considered too harsh a punishment for what could be argued a menial crime.

On a practical level it is not feasible or warranted to deny what has become a necessity for so many. Online shopping, communication with friends and family throughout the world, even essay submission is done with the aid of the internet now. As well as online journals, current news, world affairs and a whole wealth of information is available at the touch of a button. To withdraw such a

major resource would, I would argue, be against a person’s fundamental rights. It would make a person’s life unnecessarily hard.

But I think it is important to establish what a Human Right is. A Google definition is “any basic right or freedom to which all human beings are entitled and in whose exercise a government may not interfere (including rights to life and liberty as well as freedom of thought and expression and equality before the law)”. I would argue that the internet is the epitome of freedom of thought and as such we should be allowed access to it. However, whilst it is the biggest outlet for free expression in the world it is not a necessity. It is possible to

survive without the internet. My Grandparents still don’t own a computer and we lived in a world prior to the internet. If we had to, we could do it again. This is what I believe makes the internet a Privilege and not a Right.

This does not mean that everyone should be allowed access to the internet. I would argue that a paedophile that uses the internet to stalk and abuse children is no longer entitled to this right -he is abusing this privilege. Anyone who continually, systematically and seriously abuses this privilege should have it removed. It is a privilege. We can live without it, and like any privilege, if it is abused, our right to it should be withdrawn.

Outside the Law: Stories from Guantánamo Sam Hall Outside the Law: Stories from Guantánamo, a film documenting the inhumane and international law defying conduct of the USA’s most infamous terrorist detention centre played to a packed out, morbidly fascinated audience in Keynes Lecture Theatre 1 in May. The event, jointly hosted by the Centre for American Studies, Kent Current Affairs Society, Kent Debating Society and UKC Amnesty International Society, included a question and answer session with former detainee, Omar Deghayes who was released in December 2007.

The film begins by illustrating the contrived paranoia that emanated through US foreign policy since the 9/11 attacks and the subsequent invasion into Afghan and Pakistani territory somewhat ironically named, Operation Freedom.

The scenes that followed laid bare the brutal hostility and treatment towards the general population of the Middle-East who would be arrested and detained without adequate screening by the immobile US military.

The torture would begin in the numerous detention centres setup within the region, which the film explicitly uncovered with damning scenes. The detainees would then be roped immovable

Film’s director Polly Nash and one of the former detainees, Omar Deghayes

and bagged blind inside cargo planes to be taken to Guantánamo Bay on the southern tip of Cuba.

The general narrative of the film is co-ordinated around interviews with former prisoners, including Omar Deghayes, lawyers for the prisoners (Clive Stafford Smith in the UK and Tom Wilner in the US), and journalist and author Andy Worthington, and also includes appearances from Guantánamo’s former Muslim chaplain James Yee, Shakeel Begg, a Londonbased Imam, and the British human rights lawyer Gareth Peirce.

The film was intense and powerful, mostly because it did not attempt in any way to emotionalise the story it was laying out before us.

While the former detainees spoke of personal experience of the hellish life they endured within Guntánamo, the lawyers spoke with clarity of the grave injustice the US forced upon the untried prisoners within its barbed-wire camp.

The most shocking laws were exposed, including the redefinition of terror to vainly protect Guantánamo Bay’s legitimacy.

Furthermore, the detainees were held not as prisoners of war that would otherwise be protected by the Geneva Convention, nor as criminal suspects with habeas corpus rights, but as ‘illegal enemy combatants’.

This gives the US the freedom to torture their victims in whatever horrific manner they choose, whether it be waterboarding, exposure or prolonged constraint.

Even the cells in which the detainees could only hope to sleep in were kept unbearably cold with air conditioners and forever bright with insomnia inducing lights.

Suicides are frequent within the detention centre and, even for those that are released; many are emotionally and psychologically scarred in what has been known as Torture Victim Syndrome. Omar Deghayes, is one of the fortunate few and, following the film, he spoke at length of what he called the ‘War of Terror’ that US foreign policy has created, not just in Guantánamo but all around the world.

In a week in which many are pleased to see President Obama’s most bold policy claims come to fruition, that of the Public Health Bill, students bore witness to Deghayes’s testimony.

Yet there is an unfulfilled promise that was made upon Obama’s election – the closing of Guantánamo Bay. Obama stated he would close the centre within a year of office, that year has now passed and there still remains over 200 detainees that are held without trial in the torture chambers of Guantánamo.

More so, there still remain 17 locations around the word that hold countless victims under the undignified, and frankly disgusting, anti-terrorist laws.

Focusing on the stories of three prisoners, ‘Outside the Law: Stories from Guantánamo’ is powerful rebuke to the myth that Guantánamo holds “the worst of the worst”.

IQ HOWLETTS

HELP FOR HAITI

GAP YEARS

REVIEWS

POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS

THE GAP YEAR EXPERIENCE

Matt Cooper

Matt Cooper

Gap years can provide an opportunity to become immersed in a new culture and explore exotic destinations across the world. When employers look at CVs they look for something that makes an individual stand out. What you do on a gap year can enhance your career prospects whilst providing adventure and lasting memories.

The cost of a gap year can be a discouraging reason for many, especially with the weight of student debt. However, there are simple ways to cover the costs. It is possible to raise money by getting part time work in your local area for a few months before heading out. Alternatively, choosing a gap year that provides work as well as travel can also help deal with the fees. Relating the activities you do abroad with your chosen career path will give you skills and experience needed for future employment. Taking a gap year that will involve supporting a volunteering project aboard and charity fundraising is another good way to cover the costs and add to your CV. For example, I was part of a group that spent a week cleaning up a school during a trip to India and before leaving I raised £800 doing a sponsored run. Certain local companies will have an allocated amount of money for sponsorship that they will give out in support of pre-gap year fundraisers.

Raising money through small jobs such as car washing can seem hopeless at first but will quickly build up a substantial fund. It is also crucial to make a detailed plan of the trip and work out a budget in advance. At times I doubted whether my trip to India was worth the money and effort. But looking back when I returned to England at the end of the trip I knew it had been worthwhile. We had an excellent time discovering different ways of life and visiting incredible places such as the Taj Mahal and Himalayan mountains as well as giving something back to the community by fixing up and painting a school in a small Himalayan village.

A year out doesn’t have to be taken straight after leaving uni. Some people in full time jobs save money over many years before taking time off to travel and explore. For others travelling abroad is not appealing but a year out can be used to gain work experience at different companies around your local area. Gap years can been useful for those who are unsure of what career path they want to follow and they provide time to think and research the different types of employment for the future. Searching for a full time job can be a daunting task for many young people and a gap year is one way to postpone it whilst the country recovers from recession. Travelling is hard work but the places you visit and people you meet can change your outlook on life and send you on an incredible adventure.

Matt Cooper

Rebecca Bright

While most people on their gap years were jetting off to exotic, far away destinations, I was stuck working in a mundane IT job, counting down the days until I too could get away. The summer, and my Camp America placement, could not come fast enough. I may have not been going trekking through the Amazon rainforest or surfing in Australia, but looking after American kids in a beautiful rural environment, coping with team building, water sports and terrible camp food sounded like a pretty good adventure to me.

I was placed at Camp Kingswood, a small camp in the woods of Minnesota. My position was a ‘general counsellor’ which basically means you are the dogsbody of the camp. Because my camp was so small we counsellors had to do anything and everything, from being lifeguards to setting up for dinner to cleaning toilets. There were two types of camping weeks offered at my camp. One was adventure camp, the typical summer camp experience. We stayed in tents, canoed to breakfast every morning, and ate s’mores around a campfire.

I led snorkelling, wide games, hikes, and campfire talent shows. One of the best things about this camp were all the new experiences.

I learned how to canoe, was trained on how to belay a high ropes course, and got to abseil down a cliff in a national park. I’m not a particularly outdoorsy person but by the end of the summer I was a pro at building fires and navigating my canoe around a lake. The second type of camp offered focused on charity/community work.

Groups of teenagers were sent out to such tasks as paint fences or help at homeless shelters. One week we went down to run a camp in Iowa where a city had experienced bad flooding. I spent the week knocking down soggy dry wall and shovelling the rubble of ruined houses whilst singing The Beach Boys (badly) at the top of my lungs.

It was the highlight of my summer.

I was initially very sceptical about working with teenagers. Kids I could deal with, American teenagers were another thing entirely. I could picture their reactions: “Like, why should I do what this British girl tells me? She’s, like, soooo not that much older than me!” Ok, maybe I’m being a bit facetious, but I was truly worried about how I was going to handle them. As it turns out, I found working with teenagers so fun and rewarding. They were generally willing to get involved and participate, and it was great to just mess around and have fun with them. My English accent was a big hit, I found myself being asked to say things such as ‘aluminium’ and ‘rubbish’ over and over again. It’s an amazing feeling seeing kids that were so closed off and challenging at the beginning of the week participating happily in everything at the end and not wanting to leave camp. There is nothing in the world like hearing someone tell you that you have made their summer or that you have changed their life.

You do not do Camp America for the money. It cost me a little over £500 for return flights, medical insurance, travel insurance and of course, food and board, and I got about $1000 pay at the end of the summer. It’s true that you do a lot for very little monetary incentive. Camp involves unsociable hours often doing unpleasant tasks and having to deal with angry or sick kids. But the benefits definitely outweigh the negatives. I made some amazing friends from all over the globe and got to experience a glimpse of the American lifestyle, from going to a baseball game to celebrating 4th July. After camp I travelled to Chicago, Boston and New York while another of my fellow counsellors did an organised sightseeing trip with ‘Trek America’.

Camp America was without a doubt the craziest, most tiring and most fun summer of my life. My co-counsellors are my friends for life and I still keep in contact with some of the kids I worked with.

It has been nearly two years since I went and still most of my anecdotes begin with “this one time, at camp…” Without meaning to sound sentimental and cliché, I grew as a person during my gap year travels and I discovered qualities about myself that I did not even know I had. The great thing about working at a summer camp is that it you can do one during your university holidays without spending a fortune. Camp may not be a relaxing escape but it is an exciting, stimulating, and ultimately fulfilling experience.

Rebecca Bright

Never too old for a trip to the zoo

be, ‘the largest most successful gorilla collection in the world having had more than 100 births and maintaining over 70 animals’.

This wasn’t surprising as every which way we seemed to turn was yet another giant enclosure with handfuls of graceful gorillas either eating, snoozing, or playing up to the cameras - attempting acrobatics across the fruit-strewn floor, reminding me a little of myself (minus the acrobatics of course). Next on the map were the Canadian Timber Wolves, the Red River Hog (similar to ‘Pumba’ from The Lion King) and Javan Langur monkeys. These were possibly the cutest monkeys I have ever seen, originally from the Indonesian islands of Java and Bali, who sat happily dozing, squashed up against the window,

providing an opportune photo moment.

Possibly my favourite element of Howletts were the beautiful Indian/Bengal Tigers who we luckily saw at feeding time, where the keeper revealed how, surprisingly, they are only fed twice a week due to slow digestion of the raw meat they are fed. The three tigers ducked and dove, searching like scavengers for every scrap of meat they could get their paws on, jumping up against the metal gates, revealing their staggering height and radiant coats of fluffy fur. The ‘Walking with Lemurs’ experience was fascinating too, as visitors could get up close and personal with the lemurs who were wandering around freely, but don’t be tempted to touch, as they might bite!

Unfortunately, although Howletts is home to other animals such as elephants, rhinos, and deer, it did seem to lack the traditional elements of a zoo such as giraffes, bears, lions and an aquarium area, with the only sign of a reptile being one python which was buried behind mounds of twigs and a very dusty window. Additionally, a word of warning about food and drink.

Although gift shops and cafes are dotted everywhere, prices come close to that of The Ritz and for us students on a budget, packed lunches are definitely the better

option.

Despite the few downsides, Howletts provided us with a great day out, one that we would thoroughly recommend.

I was pleased to see the animals content in their environment and kept in spacious enclosures that were reasonably clean. Howletts promise to try and return the animals to their natural homes, but sadly some cannot due to threats from the bush-meat trade and logging industry which is destroying their habitats. I was happy to know that my money was going to a good cause and helping endangered species.

If you are looking for a fun day out that won’t break the bank, head for Howletts.

For more information on Howletts visit: www.totallywild. net or www.aspinallfoundation. org

Loriley Sessions

from Canterbury East one stop to Bekesbourne station, where you can then hop on the free shuttle bus to the zoo. However, if you are visiting with a group of four or more, I would suggest taking a taxi, as sharing the fare could work out the cheapest option and let’s face it, every little helps!

Upon entering the zoo we visited the Gorilla enclosure boasting to

Loriley Sessions

As a child I had always enjoyed fun filled days out with family and friends to places such as theme parks, aquariums and zoos, yet most of my weekends at university had been spent hibernating in my room all day, cocooned in my duvet and catching up on sleep I had lost from a hard week of working… and partying.

I was shocked to discover (whilst attempting to blag a bit of free fudge in the amazing ‘Fudge Kitchen’ in town) a leaflet for ‘Howletts’, Canterbury’s very own zoo, (right on our doorsteps) that I had never even heard of!

Being an animal lover myself I was quick to google for information, and, more importantly for a student, find out the price and location for public transport. At just £13.95 (student rate), probably cheaper than a standard night out for most, this is money well spent for a whole day of fun. Trains can be taken

Loriley Sessions

Loriley Sessions

The Goods Shed: Canterbury’s hidden gem The Goods Shed is certainly an acquired taste. Firstly, it doesn’t have the appearance of a restaurant from the outside; it does in fact just look like a shed on the edge of a railway. This is because it’s also a farmer’s market during weekdays. The majority of ingredients that the kitchen staff use for preparing meals are from the market itself. (There is a sign on the wall assuring it’s 95 per cent.)

When entering the restaurant, you are standing, literally, in the market. It’s almost as if customers walk into some sort of bizarre mixture of a green -grocers store and a scene from Alice in Wonderland. And while

William Reed

Sally Gower

the waiters aren’t exactly Johnny Depp; there is no denying that

the market gives the restaurant a certain je ne sais quoi, as the

French like to say.

On walking past the refrigerators and tables, we went up the small number of steps to the ‘raised gallery’ which actually hosts the restaurant. On being allocated our table for two by a friendly waitress, we then chose our main course by viewing the menu which is always written on the blackboard above the ‘reception’ counter where coffees are made. Starters and desserts are usually priced between £6-£8 and main dishes can differ anywhere between £15-£20, or it’s £11 for a vegetable platter. The menu is changed twice daily, according to what is available in the market, and often consists of two meat dishes, one fish option and one vegetarian plate.

We chose not to go for starters,

which included soup, terrine or tartlets, and instead went for a main course and sharing a dessert.

(Sweet tooth alert.) Both of us had the Kentish free range chicken, which was doused in gravy and came with perfect roast potatoes and beautifully prepared spinach.

For drinks, we chose a bottle of South African Chenin Blanc (for about £16) which was placed in an ice bucket. For dessert, we shared a syrup tart with lashings of single cream (also has option of ice cream). Portions were respectable and the service was excellent. The food? Exquisite.

While it enters my list of top three restaurants and would certainly receive my recommendation to any cuisine specialists, the prices do prevent many returns throughout the year.

Student effort raises ÂŁ

The much mooted benefit for Haiti, hosted and organised by InQuire took the event was the culmination of weeks of organisation, campaigning and entitle the wearer to cheaper drinks), the sabbatical sale that took place a venturing from the tamest, that saw the editorial staff lose a lot of leg hair a Richard Torr and Zaffie Cox, who both had their heads shaved. The ev

Vickie Campbell

Vickie Campbell Vickie Campbell

Jane Tranter

Many thanks have to go out to RAG, Kent Union, Zaffie Cox and Richa Without you the event would

£3,474 helping Haiti

k place on Thursday 25th March in The Venue. Titled, simply ‘Help For Haiti’ d fundraising. Encapsulating wristband sales (similar to the RAG bands that few weeks gone, a raffle on the night and the much advertised hair removal; and Ben Alonso losing a lot more, to the far more gutsy charitable acts by both vent hoped to raise money and awareness towards earthquake hit Haiti.

Vickie Campbell

Vickie Campbell Vickie Campbell

Vickie

Vickie Campbell

Catherine Hill

ard Torr, The Venue and all the businesses that donated prizes for the raffle. not have been the success it was.

Jane Tranter and Nik Williams

THE ART OF CAMPAIGNING

NEWS IN (Y-FRONT) BRIEFS

Ben Rowan

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The build up to the upcoming general elections, due to be held in May, is proving to be both exciting and unique. Not only is Labour closing the gap on the Conservatives in recent polls, but both parties, as well as the Liberal Democrats, are adopting new techniques to reach the electorate, using sources like Facebook and Youtube to try to widen the scope of their campaigns. But with the general apathy shared by much of the public in regards to politics, the purveying distrust that has arisen since the expenses scandals and the perception that all parties are roughly the same, how will the parties stand out in their election campaigns? What are they fighting for and how are they differentiating themselves from the others?

The Conservatives are fighting on the grounds of a ‘Broken Britain’ as David Cameron, leader of the Conservatives puts it. Cameron believes that society has been broken under Labour and wants to fix it by strengthening the foundations good neighbourhoods are built on. To do this, the Tories are offering financial incentives and tax breaks for married couples with children, marriage being the core to a well balanced and happy child, they hope. The Tories also want a freeze on all public sector pay and a reduction in Whitehall, freeing up policy makers from the masses of bureaucracy currently in place to regional decision making.

Labour are really fighting their campaign on the defensive, mainly defending their choices on the economy in light of the current financial crisis. The recent budget report released last Wednesday had Alistair Darling, Chancellor of the Exchequer, claiming that Labour ‘has been right about the recession and right about the recovery’. A lot of the policies to come out of the budget are also very similar to the Conservatives, denying the Tories a lot of point scoring opportunities on the economy.

But Labour also want to give a £145 tax cut to 22 million basic rate taxpayers, provide one-to-one tuition for children

This poster, likening David Cameron to the star of Ashes to Ashes, was the winning entry in a public competition.

falling behind in English and Maths, increase child benefits, and abolish stamp duty for first time home buyers. They have made it clear that the brunt of fiscal policy will fall on the richer classes, and their campaign slogan, ‘A future fair for all’, reflects this.

So how are they reaching the electorate? In an era obsessed with visual culture, interactivity and personality, leaders like Gordon Brown, David Cameron and Nick Clegg are turning to the internet to aid them in their election campaigns. Politicians have been making use of the internet for some time, (WebCameron back in 2006, and Gordon Brown’s apology on Youtube) but recent media campaigns conducted through the internet by the three main parties highlight the changing nature of election campaigns.

There is a growing concern amongst politicians that this year’s election season will be one of the nastiest of modern times and the internet is, in part, responsible for this: it allows the parties to be ever more cynical and invasive.

In many ways, Barack Obama’s election in America did more than upset the curve of American politics. His election reformed and revolutionised how elections can connect to voters, how a campaign can position itself outside of the political sphere, but inside the social conscious of a region, country and the international

arena. The way he used the internet (he perhaps utilised it more than any candidate before) has revealed to the three parties the many ways, in this technologically driven period, the most successful and effective way to present a message. It is not surprising that the Labour party have called in advice from Obama’s campaign team in the run up to the General Election, in a way of hoping to tap into the President’s campaign successes.

Some of the more recent political campaigns via the internet include Labour’s attempts to encourage voters to ‘take a long hard look’ at Conservative policies and asks them to spread the message through social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook. The online ads use authoritative voices, like that of Richard Lambert, head of the CBI (Confederation of British Industry), to tell voters that Labour is the right choice to make, come the elections in May. The Conservatives have also launched various campaigns, including cashgordon.com, a website aimed at pointing to Gordon Brown’s links with the Unite union, the union behind the recent strikes at BA. Many MP’s, Potential Parliamentary Candidates (PPCs) and party activists now also have accounts on Facebook, Twitter and Myspace, open to the voting public, and regularly blog their efforts on

the campaign front.

Additionally, the internet is making the practice of donating to a party much easier. The Labour website simply features a big button calling for you to donate towards the campaign, which can be done at any time, any day, from anywhere.

The upcoming televised debates between the three leaders, (due to be broadcast on ITV, Sky News and BBC1), also show the changing nature of political campaigns.

Although televised debates have been a feature in the U.S for some time, British politics has been slow to catch on, and this will be the first time in history the three leaders of the three main parties get a chance to debate key issues on television. The first of these televised debates will centre on domestic affairs, the second on international, and the third on the all important topic of the economy. The audience will get a chance to put forward questions, although there will be no clapping allowed over the one and a half hour period. By agreeing to the debates, the three leaders show an understanding of the electorate’s need to re-engage with politics and the increasing emphasis they are placing on image and presentation. These debates could make or break an election campaign, and Gordon Brown, David Cameron and Nick Clegg are currently being advised on the dos and don’ts by Barak Obama’s election aides.

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Leonardo DiCaprio is in talks to star in a biopic of J. Edgar Hoover, in a film directed by Clint Eastwood and written

by Milk scribe Dustin Lance Black.

Stephenie Meyers is set to add a novella to the Twilight saga, entitled, The Brief Second Life of Bree Tanner.

Poet Alice Oswald won the inaugural Ted Hughes Poetry Award.

Rapper LL Cool J has hit out, as an interview he gave has been used to advertise the Fox network’s new program Real American Stories that is to be hosted by ex-vice presidential candidate, Sarah Palin.

Three men have been injured in Mexico when the stage being built for Elton John collapsed.

Yoko Ono has been named as the first Global Autism Ambassador by the Autism Speaks organisation.

Recently reformed Brit icon band, The Libertines, played their first gig together again in a north London pub.

David Mills, award-winning writer for TV shows from ER to The Wire, died at the age of 48, reportedly from a brain aneurysm.

Superman’s debut in a comic book has sold at auction for $1.5m, beating a Batman comic that recently sold for $1.075m.

Troubled actor, Rip Torn, has been charged with breaking into a bank in Connecticut with a gun.

Oscar nominated Carey Mulligan has reportedly been approached to star as Eliza Doolittle in the remake of My Fair Lady.

Photographer Martin Elliot, who snapped the now famous shot called Tennis Girl, died of cancer aged 63.

There’s still life in the Oasis machine, as a reported singles collection is due out in June this year.

The first known portrait of a freed slave, by a British artist, is to be saved as it has been granted a temporary export ban.

That is all for now, Nik Williams

IQ Review MUSIC

LAURA MARLING ‘I Speak Because I Can’ The follow up to 2008’s Alas I Cannot Swim, Laura Marling’s latest faire features all that you’d expect from the singer/

songwriter. Its insightful lyrics are best displayed in title track ‘I Speak Because I Can’ but the standout track has to be ‘Devil’s Spoke’ which was the single released in the week prior to the album’s release on Monday 22nd March.

Other tracks to look out for are upcoming single ‘Rambling Man’ and ‘Alpha Shallows’.

The album features similar influences and guests from the last album, with Marcus Mumford being one of them (you can hear his backing vocals throughout the album, in the way you could on Alas I Cannot Swim) however the album has taken a darker turn from the last one, and lacks the playful riffs that juxtaposed the dark lyrics of her first album that gave her a likability in a harsh music industry.

It takes a few listens (which as an avid fan, I have duly partaken in!) before any track other than ‘Devils Spoke’ really extricates itself from the album as a whole, but sadly the grey, cardboard album sleeve is a premonition of things to come here. This is an album fans will enjoy, but I can’t see it hooking any newcomers to Laura, and I would divert their attention to her earlier work.

Sophie Power

6/10

GORILLAZ ‘Plastic Beach’ It’s been a while but at last they’re back! The Gorillaz have returned with their new album Plastic Beach, a fresh fusion of weird and funky beats for 2010. The 16 track triumph is the band’s third album and it promises to be a huge success.

It seems that they’ve gone even further for influences this time with sounds ranging from hip-hop-techno fusion to using a full Arabic orchestra.

Of the three singles released from the album I’d say that ‘Stylo’ will be the one to watch, as it features the furiously cool vocals of Bobby Womack, but all tracks are radically different and fresh.

My personal favourite is the vibrant indie-techno track ‘Empire Ants’, a tune that was made to be the laidback driving anthem of the year.

I really cannot plug this

To Remix or Not to Remix, That is the Question The big ‘R’: remixing. It’s inescapable; it’s been infused in our charts since the early 90s and it’s here to stay.

Having firmly grappled its claws into our musical concepts, remixing, as a genre in itself, seem discontent until it can permeate every possible music scene. More and more artists are recording remix albums and more and more artists are remixing their original work into a mash up of genre and sound, in many cases, refocusing on bass lines and beats. Is it worth it for musicians to remix their albums into club friendly anthems? Or is it cheating their fans and blurring the lines between genres by forcing a new hybrid of music upon the music scene? The question of musical variation and crosssplicing of sounds will continue to circulate: to remix or not to remix? Artists who have already fallen into this line are the likes of Feist, Grizzly Bear and even U2 who have recently commissioned a remix album titled Artificial Horizons, which is a re-imagining of their most recent album, No Line On The Horizon.

Fabien Barral

Nik Williams

So to remix or not to remix, is it worth it for musicians to commission remixes of already successful albums? Or is it solely recycling the old and marketing it as new? With bands such as U2 and the release of Artificial Horizons, it seems it is a chance to draw attention and reinvent their old work. With their already iconic tunes it is a risky step taking their original body of music and transfusing it with experimentation, synthesizers and utterly foreign techniques.

The main conflict they face, when considering an album for a reworking, is surely whether remixes will add or take away

from the main organ of the music?

It would seem not, judging by the content of today’s charts.

It appears that the reception is a favourable one with song remixes such as the Jay Z/ Mr Hudson collaboration of the song ‘Young Forever’. The song is fundamentally just thieving the chorus of the classic 80’s tune ‘Forever Young’ by Alphaville and mixing in Jay Z style rapping, yet people have gone crazy for it. Artists such as Mark Ronson have forged their career by remixing other peoples songs such as the now legendary, jazzier version of the

Zuton’s ‘Valarie’; eventually making it even more popular than the original. It is this mixing of genres which people enjoy; it breaks down the isolation of the song providing new improved appreciation of the originals. Often the tunes become genre neutral, and bridging that difficult barrier between rock and electronic music is a balancing act that every remix struggles to uphold. If it works for Mark Ronson, why wouldn’t U2 bring out an album of remixes of their old music? The constant attack of the remix has already hit most major artists on some scale and inevitably will affect many more, U2 included.

It seems that remixes are here to stay, even if you don’t like them, it’s tough. Bands are doing it for diversity; ultimately remixing is all about recognition, reinvention, and recycling.

Good remixes are always going to draw attention back to the original track, positioning remixes as a sound marketing tool as well as one of creative invention. Time will tell if the magic touch of remixes will touch U2, but the only thing that is sure is that Bono and Co will not be the last band to commission a remix album.

album enough, it’s as if someone took every good sound down from the spice rack and told the chef to bake something whilst on hallucinogenic substances.

The result is an album that was meant for hot summer afternoons where the only mood in existence is mellow.

8/10

Matthew Cozier

‘SHUTTER ISLAND’ Martin Scorsese

Scorsese’s latest offering fits into the ambiguous genre of thriller/horror. The first half is reminiscent of old horror masterpieces such as Dario Argento’s Suspiria, blending a sense of sinister mystery with moments of sheer horror, as Leonardo DiCaprio’s Police Marshall investigates a missing patient in an insane asylum.

The violent editing during the first half keeps the audience swept up in the mystery while the smattering of close-ups of fences and locked gates keeps up the sense of claustrophobia with wonderful undertones of gothic horror.

Dicaprio gives his best crazy eyed performance, gathering a storm of intensity throughout the film, though his performance is only challenged by one thing; his ridiculously intense tie.When things comes to a climax it must be said that the final twist is some what unfulfilling, but the build up is so well handled it negates the negative feeling the initial twist leaves, with the subtly ambiguous final line of the film making up for it.

A very entertaining film, blending moments of beautiful film-making seen in the dream sequences involving Michelle Williams, while also appealing to the other members of the audience who want an occasional horrific thrill and sprawling yet enjoyable mystery.

James Cheetham

9/10

Editor’s Playlist • • • • •

Pink Mountaintops- ‘Outside Love’ Lightning Dust- ‘Highway’ Jonsi- ‘Go Do’ The National- ‘Bloodbuzz Ohio’ Band of Horses- ‘Compliments’

Twilight: Never has submission seemed so sexy Writing this article I am aware that feminism seems to have a lot of press recently and mine will be amongst a whole host of other newspaper articles, documentaries and online discussions about the nature of feminism in today’s society. I am unsure whether this is a resurgence or merely a further dissection, another picking over the bones of a radical, thought provoking and, at times, politically powerful movement. Whatever feminism means in 2010, whether women have truly chosen anything or have told that they have, is put into question when you look at the popularity of the Twilight saga. The Twilight saga (Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse and Breaking Dawn), all written by Stephanie Meyer is a capitalist’s wet dream; full of shirtless men and swooning, angst ridden women and more market material for years to come. I can understand its appeal, I can see the marketing potential, right through to

Edward’s pose in the posters, looming over you, telling you to buy, to have him for your own.

But what I can’t stomach is the utter dullness of the sexism apparent in the franchise.

The relationship that runs through all the books is Edward and Bella’s, she a human and Edward an ageless vampire, drinking animal blood and restraining his lust over Bella until their marriage later on in the saga. However, it isn’t just the lazy writing, but the abject repression of the female that will truly affect the generation of young women who will have read this book. How can it still be legitimate to suggest that a woman, however angst ridden and ill defined, needs to still be saved, to be made virtuous before she can have sex? No man can save a woman, or haven’t we realised that yet, no one can save us but ourselves, wasn’t that what feminism wanted, equality? The ability to choose one’s fate? In light of Marilyn French’s death last year, I re-read The Women’s Room, an interesting and, at times, frustrating account of

women’s experiences.

One of the most famous and controversial ideas discussed in the novel is the idea that all men are rapists, at heart.

I, and I am sure many others, have much to argue against this idea but I was struck by how easy it is to see Edward’s and Bella’s relationship as, if not including physical rape, certainly containing a psychological one. Bella thinks of nothing but Edward for four

novels, whining and irritating, she has no personality without her obsession for him, she did not ask for this but it is hers all the same. Why is it that so many girls, and I hate to say women, have become obsessed with the idea that Edward and Bella are who they are, or who they want to be.

Is the book somehow claiming that marriage is liberating for women? It seems to be the case for Bella,

who although pregnant and trapped again by her body’s needs, has become more confident, less sullen in her attitude and perhaps displays a little strength. In the end is it only Edward’s control that can define her? Stephanie Meyer seems to think so. But add adolescent girls, an aggressive marketing campaign and a good looking cast for the film and we’ve glossed over the whole thing.

Whitneyman.file.wordpress.

Kylie Grant

Aceshowbiz.com

Opening weekends and the pitfalls for Motherhood

Matt Cooper

The film Motherhood, a comedy starring Uma Thurman, has failed at the UK box office taking just £88 during its opening weekend. The film tells the story of a woman who struggles to raise her young children while she tries to

become a successful writer. The main character is played by Hollywood star Thurman, who is generally seen as a bankable star, as she is known for her roles in classics such as Pulp Fiction and Kill Bill. Motherhood cost around £3.4m to make and has embarrassed the film’s producer Jana Edelbaum.

She feels Motherhood is a

‘decent’ movie and blames the film’s distribution company Metrodrome for its terrible performance.

Metrodrome believed that they could make the film into a success by giving it a low key release. They have claimed that the film industry needs to use radical new ways of promoting films in order to

counter threats to the industry such as online piracy. Over the weekend Motherhood was released at the Apollo West End cinema in London and only five other Apollo cinemas across the UK. Metrodrome hoped that the exclusive screenings would attract viewers and then spread publicity through word of mouth in a similar way to the successful 1994 film The Shawshank Redemption.

However, the marketing campaign has ended in disaster both in the UK and America. In the US it opened last September and took just over £40,000. For a Thurman comparison, Kill Bill 2 took £14m on its opening weekend.

Opening weekends are becoming increasingly important for the film industry because it is a chance for new films to generate money before the profits are damaged by online pirating. Piracy is lowering DVD sales and continues to threaten the film industry as a whole. Opening weekends mean the cinemas are usually more crowded

and have good atmospheres as excitement surrounds new films. Famous names make media appearances to attract attention and producers hope for positive reviews to follow the first weekend in order to draw in large audiences. In 2009 Avatar made $77m on its first weekend which disappointed its producers however it went on to smash box office records by grossing over $2.5 billion worldwide.

Despite the low figures, Motherhood has fared better than My Nikifor that made just £7 on its opening weekend. The film was released in 2007 and is about the Polish artist Nikifor Krynicki. Yet it had no major Hollywood stars and was an independent film compared to Motherhood that was produced

by DreamWorks who have been more successful in the past with the Transformers and Shrek films. The record for highest grossing film in an opening weekend belongs to The Dark Knight which starred Heath Ledger and took $158.4m.

Enter tainment 17

Bending backwards to entertain Miranda Athanasiou Save the date ladies and gentlemen because on the 7th April the ‘Pole Fitness’ society will be putting on their most spectacular performance to date. Having attended last years show, I can say with full confidence that this is not one to miss. Some of these ladies have spent years practising the art of vertical gymnastics and have, for your pleasure, choreographed a number of routines which I guarantee will surprise you with their amalgamation of dance and acrobatics.

For those of you confused by the concept of pole fitness allow me to be of some help. The idea of manoeuvring ones body around a pole and doing so with apparent grace and charm seemed too much for my comprehension. So, rather intrigued at the prospect of acquiring such a unique talent, I braved my fear of exercise and headed down to one of the weekly classes. After mere moments of participation, I was

Preview inwardly chastising myself for having believed it was a sport for the faint hearted. The classes contain that ever so rare com-

bination of fitness and fun, and whilst my abilities to climb a pole may be better suited to the classroom, the same cannot be said for the more experienced members. If my explanation has been insufficient then I suggest you bear witness to this your-

self on Wednesday 7th of April as the routines which have been choreographed and practised for months finally come together.

A number of other unique societies will be performing alongside pole fitness, all of which are likely to capture your interest. If like myself you have never been a live witness to Belly-dancing, Capoeira, Circus, Musical Theatre or salsa, then this is an opportunity to have a taster of something a little different. After all, I have always held the belief that life is like a buffet, and if you don’t try a little of everything, you end up missing out.

This dancing, balancing, athletic spectacular will be kicking off at 7:45pm and whilst Kent Pole Fitness will be hosting, it will be a chance to observe the hard work and dedication of a number of on campus societies.

Tickets can be purchased from the Gulbenkian box office up until the day of the show, £6 for adults and £5 for students. I urge, get your tickets before it’s too late.

John Smith: A folking brilliant time Sally Gower Those who appreciate a voice and an aptitude for the acoustic guitar complimenting each other beyond expectations should go along to Orange Street Music Club on Saturday 10th April. John Smith is everything you could possibly wish for from an evening of musical entertainment, (or maybe

Saturday 10th that’s just my own criteria...)

This Devon-born musician brings to folk music exactly what Rich Tea brings to a cup of Earl Grey in the mornings: delicious relaxation, and a whole repertoire of the stuff. He is possibly one

of the most appropriate musical accompaniments to have while studying, although arguably not when struggling with fatigue, as he really is quite relaxing so there may be a chance of drifting off!

His mellifluous voice and exquisite talent with an acoustic guitar would also make him perfect for film soundtracks with that ambitious or heartfelt happy ending.

Spending several consecutive years on the road, he has toured with folk legend John Martyn and also accompanied Davy Graham on the latter’s final tour.

In the closing months of 2008, equipped with only a laptop and a few microphones, Smith took himself around the USA’s deep South, recording in a number of locations such as in forests, under bridges, on the bayou and even in motel toilets. (Inspiration comes in the most peculiar of forms.) Nevertheless, the end result was “Map or Direction”. The new record from the folk connoisseur has received an award for Best Album in the 2010 Spiral Awards, deservedly so, judging by the reviews this guitar genius

has received. This year, Smith took Glastonbury and Cambridge by storm: soft and soothingly gentle tunes such as “Invisible Boy” contrasting ever-so slightly with the faster tempos heard in “Winter” and “Watch Her Die”.

“One man, a guitar and an incredible voice...mesmerising.”

But don’t just take the BBC’s word for it; this is an entertainer not to be missed. Aged only 27 and a spring chicken still, Smith is gradually becoming known as one of the most exciting voices on the British Folk scene. The Sunday Times willingly echoed this notion, stating, “His performance was an object lesson in how taste and imagination always outweigh mere musical virtuosity...unexpected and daring.” If you enjoy artists such as David Gray and Jools Holland (talents whom Smith has previously supported), chances are you’ll relish an evening witnessing this soulful, up-and-coming folk starlet.

Tickets are £8 in advance or £10 on the night. For more information, visit his website at www.johnsmithjohnsmith.com

London’s Calling Hands On Make a Bobble Hat Workshop @ Project:Me Get creative and learn how to make your very own chunky bobble hat. You will be provided with your very own knitting needles to take home, as well all the knowhow and the wool to make it with. £27

Exhibition Sustainable Futures@ Design Museum

This exhibition showcases a range of products, and projects which address issues of sustainability in their design.

Tickets £5 - £8.50

Theatre Moscow State Circus One of the world’s most famous circuses returns to London with a fabulous new show themed around the life of Gregory Rasputin.

Tickets from £7 for students

Music Longplayer@The Lighthouse. Trinity Buoy Wharf Using the peaceful, meditative tones of Tibetan singing bowls, this composition aims to last a millennium and does not contain any repetition.

Free

Outdoors Easter@London Wetlands Centre Take your chance to get up close and personal with Spring by taking part in the Easter activities at the LWC. The LWC is one of the most important conservation projects in the UK and a really fun day out! £7.40 entrance for students Gwen Wordingham

For more information on up an coming events check out the website at: www.inquirelive.co.uk

18 Enter tainment

The Grandfather of Japanese Martial Arts and the soul of fighting are but a few synonyms which can be used in Jujitsu’s stead.

Control, speed, tactic and technique are the four pillars upon which Jujitsu is built. Its strength comes not from power within our muscles but from our mind.

Jujitsu’s makeup of grapples, throws, strangles, joint-locking and immobilisation means that the only thing inhibiting you is a lack of desire to learn. Make no mistake- Jujitsu is not a sport rather it is designed for a sole purpose; to ensure you aren’t left on the floor. It is what separates Martial Art from Fighting System.

The University of Kent now has a new addition to its range of clubs and societies, and this one is open to all levels of Jujitsu with the first two sessions being free so that you can acquire a taste of the fighting style.

Regardless of whether you attend only those two sessions, you will not leave without having learned a technique, which will stay with you. Trust with your fellow students of Jujitsu is paramount and it something which the president and his committee strive to achieve within their new club.

For anyone looking to start Jujitsu for the first time it is important to bear in mind that dedication is something which is highly valued at the club, some of the techniques are tricky but with a steadfast attitude, success will follow.

Jujitsu training will be held in the Small Sports Hall on Tuesdays from three until five, and Fridays from six until eight.

Katie Hogben Being set in a very cold Russia of 1905 and featuring a plot heavy with religion, custom and politics, any production of Fiddler on the Roof has the potential of falling into a trudging stride – but by emphasising the individual emotion of each song, an entertaining variety and warmth was achieved by the Musical Theatre Society in their rendition of this challenging musical, performed from 1st – 3rd of April.

The theme of ‘tradition’ is a bold presence in Fiddler a n d thus i t

Review seems fitting that the society managed to maintain their tradition of producing wonderful moments of full-cast action. Songs like ‘Tradition’ held much effective variety and interaction amongst the chorus.

The leads (Aaron Simon and Lucie Nash) gently carried the performance. Nash performed with complete sincerity in her face and easy charisma, while Simon managed a gruff warmth perfect for Tevye, shining delightfully when interacting with Jóannes Lamhauge, who also gave a dedicated performance of a strong character and shone out vocally.

Many scenes were beautifully moving, particularly the reverence of the ‘Sabbath Prayer’ which contrasted wonder f ully with the charmi n g

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Thursday 8th

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MacMac Photography

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MacMac Photography

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warmth and animation of ‘Lechaim’. Watching the latter, I could not help but smile.

Particularly astounding were the dance sequences, notably that of ‘Lechaim’ and the bottle dance.

Credit goes to the choreographer (Jamie Mount) and those dancing – after watching such dances in the film, no one would expect an amateur rendition to come close, but stunningly they did!

Standout performances also came from Jon Bolitho-Jones who refused point blank to ever be out of character. As Grandmother Tzeitel, he was wonderfully fearless and unforgettable. He and Lena Younes (as Fruma Sarah) powered the Dream sequence defiantly.

The fearless and conscious treatment of the humour in this tricky scene made it highly successful.

Some rough edges were visible, notably in aspects of the scenery and larger props that were restricted by the limitations of a small budget and stage. Some scenery changes were also not the smoothest or swiftest, but considering the awkwardness and the multiplicity of changes, what

was managed was impressive.

Overall, the look of the show was apt, feeling alive in the intimacy of the Whitstable Playhouse. At times the stage seemed almost too small when all the cast were dancing, but clever direction created a good contrast between commotion and silence, stillness and motion.

The emphasis of humour where possible was wise, keeping the level of entertainment up in what could feel a lengthy musical. It seemed but a shame that a fuller orchestra could not be found to fully compliment the action onstage.

It must be considered when critically analysing a production such as that of Musical Theatre’s Fiddler on the Roof, that it is an amateur production operating on a meagre budget. Those involved do not profess to be professionals and so reviewing them as such would be unfair. Stating this, though, an amateur feel did not pervade in this production.

It was emotive, entertaining and an almost sell-out production, and certainly charmed the stage of the Whitstable Playhouse.

for more, visit: www.inquirelive.co.uk

8-10th

Monday 12th

Saturday 17th

Tim Westwood@ Chill

School Disco

Funny Money

OyOySter Comedy

A Glimpse of Stocking

Popular radio one DJ Tim Westwood will be doing an energetic urban set at Chill; arrive early to avoid disappointment.

The last night out of the spring term! With school disco themed music, costumes and drinks promos to send the term out with a bang.

Free Entry at the Venue

THEATRECRAFT presents a hilariously funny play, centering around a couple’s battle to hold on to £735 000 found on the underground.

Tickets £8-9

A fun night of comedy with Nick Wilty and various comic guests at Whitstable Playhouse.

Join Miss Maybe- a classical burlesque dancer- as she sashays around the stage in a witty and musical celebration of British burlesque.

7.45, book tickets online

£8 Entry

£6 Entry at Chill

Enter tainment 19

Strictly Kent Dancing: Not for the faint of heart Katherine Graham Kent Latin and Ballroom Society present Strictly Kent Dance on Wednesday 7th April.

This promises to be a fun packed night with members of Kent Union such as our Union President, Helen Wood, Vice President of Activities, Ben Alonso and Parkwood United’s Anthony “Fordy” Ford being partnered up with their professional dancers made up of competing members of the Latin and Ballroom Society to attempt popular dances such and the tango, salsa and rumba, often seen on the popular BBC show Strictly Come Dancing, where the night has taken its inspiration from.

They are putting themselves through hours of rehearsal in the lead up to the event in aid of The Prince’s Trust, a charity dedicated to helping young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, throughout the country, this charity was chosen as Grace Kemp, one of the professional dancers said “because they represent young people and we feel that they do a lot for people in our age group.”

7th April The doors of Eliot Dining Room open at 7pm for a 7:30 start and it promises to be an entertaining evening, possibly for the wrong reasons - I have been informed by one of the professionals that the amateurs are ‘trying’, a phrase that doesn’t necessarily inspire confidence but also fills me with excited trepidation that this could be an cringingly good night.

The lead up to the event has been dogged with inexperience, injury and physical exhaustion (like any good TV show) so the event itself

should be similarly astounding.

There is also an open salsa competition where, if you are feeling brave, members of the audience and public are allowed to get up and join in the fun and where the winner will get to take home not just the satisfaction of winning but a shiny, brand new trophy!

So get yourselves down to Eliot Dining hall on Wednesday 7th April (this Wednesday) for fun, amusement and a good laugh at the expense of others and to see the likes of Fordy attempt the Paso Doble. And remember, it’s all for a good cause. Tickets are £4 each if they are purchased on the door or £3 if you buy them

For more information, full listings or booking please call 01227 769075 or visit www.kent. ac.uk/gulbenkian.

Highlights Saturday 17 April 7.45pm: Andrew Clover:Dad Rules: Based on the Sunday Times column, Dad Rules is an hilarious, feel good mix of stand-up and stories from Andrew Clover. Tickets £12 Friday 23 April 7:45pm: European Arts Company: The Strange Case of Dr.Jekyll and Mr. Hyde: Set in a Whitechapel tavern in 1888, a versatile ensemble cast will tell the gruesome story of Dr Jekyll and his charismatic alter-ego. Tickets £14

For more information, full listings or booking please call 01227 769075 or visit www.kent. ac.uk/gulbenkian.

Highlights Fri 23- Mon 26 April: Shutter Island. Scorsese’s latest sees U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels (Leonardo DiCaprio) sent to track down a murderous escapee from a hospital for the criminally insane on a bleak, dangerous island.

Fri 30- Tues 4 April: Alice in Wonderland. Tim Burton’s re-envisioning of Lewis Carroll’s hallucinatory classic is a real treat. Mixing mesmerizing CGI with his trademark Gothic stylings and fantastically off-the-wall performances, it lives up to the considerable hype.

on Monday 5th April between 9am and 6pm from Eliot hall.

And make sure you get there

early so that you get a good seat, it looks to be a popular night.

Katy Brand’s first ‘Big Ass’ live tour Eliott Farr Aside from Catherine Tate, who we have not seen much of of late, there are few female comedy actresses who write and star in their own material. Fortunately, there is one name that springs to mind, that of British comedy award-winning actress, comedienne and impressionist Katy Brand, who comes to the Gulbenkian on the 20thApril.

Brand, most famous for her popular ITV2 series ‘Katy Brand’s Big Ass Show’ has won critical acclaim for her scathing music video parodies in which she has performed her own unique and hilarious versions of contemporary artists’ chart-topping hits.

Demonstrating her comic range and relevance, Brand has spoofed songs by an array of artists from ‘Kanye West’ to ‘Little Boots’; she has also found herself hiding from ‘Lily Allen’ once or

20th April twice after repeatedly and perfectly impersonating Allen’s larger than life persona on screen.

Most recently, Brand appeared on BBC1’s ‘Lets Dance for Sport Relief’ performing Beyonce’s ‘Single Ladies’ dance which saw her placed as series’ runner-up.

It is not just songs that Brand performs though, she also writes and performs sketches, typically with exaggerated characters that most will be able to identify in part with.

In addition to her series regulars such as Army Captain Rosie Fielding and HRH the Queen, Brand has promised new sketches to tickle the funny bone; however she has wisely remained tight-lipped about exactly what it is that these will entail.

Brand has significant comic pedigree, as well as writing and starring in her own show, she ap-

peared in BBC3’s brilliantly grotesque female sketch show ‘Tittybangbang’ in which she played a number of wonderfully surreal characters, most memorable of which was an obese Northern woman-turned vampire slayer.

Brand has also shown herself to be equally funny when not acting, having made numerous appearances on satirical panel shows ‘Have I Got News for You?’ and ‘Never Mind the Buzzcocks’ and she is sure to incorporate this witty and yet pleasingly silly humour into her set at the Gulbenkian.

Brand’s next move will be to turn her hand to film acting as she appears in Emma Thompson’s new film ‘Nanny Mcfee and the Big Bang’ which is currently in UK cinemas.

The ‘Big Ass’ tour will be the first live tour of Katy’s career, but with her acclaimed past credits and her current career going from strength to strength it seems that there is much to look forward to.

Spor t 23

Football 3s XI secure league title Promotion gained by one point from Goldsmiths Christian Seear

2

City University 1sts 0

Nuno Vaz Martins

For the University 3rd XI football team, Wednesday 24th March was a date to remember as they were crowned 2010 BUCS champions. After a long season, that had seen them rise up the league with victories over King’s College, Essex, Goldsmith’s and Imperial medicals, Kent faced City University 1st XI, where they knew only three points would secure the title, they so desired.

After a lacklustre first half, with Danny Smith and Tom Hitch going close to breaking the deadlock, and Tim Collins causing City to hang on desperately, for the remainder of the first-half, an inspirational half time team talk by captain Christian Seear, elicited a quick response in his players, as they came out in combative spirit for the second half. Substitute Bolaji Ali Balugon came on in sensational fashion and could have twice given Kent the lead, with some excellent link up

Kent 3rds

Warming up: Kent 3rds were ready and waiting for a battle that was only going to end in triumpth

play with the ever dangerous, fox in the box, Danny Smith. Some resolute and hard hitting defending from Phil Battersby, James Warner, Jon Ward and Chris Mcdermott, enabled the quality of Christian Hurley and Alex Nelson to put further pressure on City’s depleting strong hold, with both players going close to scoring.

Despite the one sided nature of the game, Kent survived a couple of half chances, with Kent keeper Matt Davis, who had already shown his quality with an earlier stop, denied a great chance for City. As Kent pressed, Christian Hurley slotted in Christian Seear who found himself through on goal, firing in

an angled drive which was spectacularly pushed to safety by the City keeper. As the final whistle approached, and Kent desperately pushing on for the winner, they were awarded a free-kick when substitute Jack Stingemore tumbled under a challenge. From the resulting free kick, the ever present, Chris Mcdermott arose

at the back post, and grabbed a vital touch to put Kent ahead.

The game was at a halt for at five minutes as the Kent players and massive crowd celebrated with a mass congregation of spectators on the sideline. Substitute Chris Hills came on and sat in the holding role, to maintain the lead, but this defensive move enabled Kent, spurred on from their lead, to break on the counter, where Tom Hitch slotted home the second to put the game beyond reach for City and secure the league title for Kent.

It was to prove the pivotal moment of an enthralling final game for Kent. Sources close to the team believe that celebrations went long into the night to culminate a fantastic season for the team.

Ultimate Frisbee: This year’s just flown by...

Alex Wood Ken “K-Dawg” Plas, newly elected president of Kent Touch This Ultimate Frisbee team, talks to inQuire at the close of the year.

This was the best of the two years I’ve had here, and I think the best year for a long time, the most successful. In terms of results, we made the nationals twice and the teams that didn’t make nationals were still the highest we’d ever come. So pretty damn successful I’d say.

What kind of results did the team see this season?

In Indoors we came 5th, which

C M Cains

How would you summarise this year’s progress?

Kent Touch This: Ultimate Frisbee is a great way to have a ood time

qualified us for nationals, in outdoors we came 7th which meant we missed nationals by one place.

I’m really excited for the next couple of years because the teams we have now, the new players, have picked it up really quickly, now we have a very strong 1st team and

a very strong 2nd team actually.

What advice would you give to someone considering joining the club?

KTT started out as a social society where the focus wasn’t

so much on the athletic side, but being able to socialise.

Now we’ve evolved a lot more into other kind of sports teams, you know, competing in tournaments, really trying to push ourselves, so the team cohesion, when we’re going out on socials is a lot better in that sense. We know we’re not sporting heroes or whatever, we don’t have a chip on our shoulder, we’re just a good bunch of guys and girls trying to have fun.

Sporting wise it’s good, because prior to university nobody has experience, so most of the time everyone starts at the same level and it’s a good environment to play in, it’s easy to pick up and play, it’s really accessible. If you can run, and you can catch a frisbee, which most people can, you can play Ultimate. The door’s always open.

So you’re the newly elected

president for next season, what, if any, changes are you going to make?

I’d like to keep us on this upward path that we’re on, I want to keep recruitment strong like it was this year. I want to really establish the club, we’re a relatively new club, so that’s something I really want to expand on. I wouldn’t want the competitive side to take precedence over the social side, ideally I’d like to keep everyone having a good time, because, you know, that’s why we’re here.

I want to get more exposure on the club, we’re relatively unknown and if you tell someone you play Ultimate a lot of people don’t know what it is, or have a bad idea about it, so I would really love to get rid of this negative image. Make sure we get the respect I think we deserve.

22 Spor t

Gold medal won by Taekwondo veteran at competition Vanessa J Richards

mined and wanted my third gold.”

Kujawa picked up his nickname ‘The Dentist’ for removing an opponent’s tooth with a turning kick in the final of his first BSTF national competition. He also won.

3 Number of consecutive gold medals that Kent’s Antoni Kujawa has now won in Taekwondo competitions attended.

landed a flying push kick to his opponent’s face, sending him down and winning the bout.

The second fight started and ended very close. Even when the allotted time was up, scores and bruises were of equal amount, so the fight went to ‘golden point’, the tie-break of Taekwondo, i.e. the first one to score wins. Kujawa landed just that after the gong had barely sounded, en-

UKC Taekwondo

Sunday, the 7th of March saw hundreds of contestants and supporters pile into the Stoke Mandesville Stadium in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, for the 24th British Student Taekwondo Federation’s (BSTF) national competition.

The UKC team fielded six competitors for this tournament, unfortunately only ‘’The Dentist’’, veteran UKC member Antoni Kujawa won a medal.

“It was great to have the rest of the gang there, and our trainer Mark, too – he helped me win my first fight!”, comments Kujawa enthusiastically. He brought home his third Gold in a row.

By luck of the draw – and fewer participants – Kujawa’s first fight was already the quarter final. However, he was off to a slow start, allowing his opponent to score several hits in the first round. Kujawa regained his focus and the doubled efforts led to a win in the second round: he

suring his spot in the final fight.

The final match of the day was by nature tense. Kujawa was in the lead until his opponent scored in the last second. Then the fight went again to golden point, where Kujawa scored but his opponent scored directly after to 1-1. After another round, Kujawa eventually landed another hit and won the fight.

“The Dentist” comments on the tournament: “I can honestly say that this has been the hardest nationals yet but I was really deter-

Colour’s Ball 2010 Sally Gower Saturday 27th March was the date all currently involved in Kent Sport had been waiting for. The Sports Federation organises the Colour’s Ball annually in order to present awards to clubs and their members for their achievements throughout the year.

After enjoying a splendid three course meal, washed down with drinks a-plenty, James Budge (Vice-President Sport), kicked off with an introduction before Graham Holmes then called for the winning candidates to come forward and collect their certificate or trophy.

Sarah Hunwick (Rugby) was awarded “Outstanding Administrator”, “Club of the Year” went to Rowing, while Natasha Brennan won “Sports Woman of the Year” (Rugby and Hockey), and Mohammad Reza (Karate) triumphed in “Sports Man of the Year”. Men’s Hockey were chosen as “Team

of the Year”, receiving plenty of cheers from the room’s occupants; and finally “Outstanding Individual” was awarded to Medway’s Kimberly Hughes (Karate).

After copious rounds of applause, the band then came on to entertain the crowd.

Budge comments, “All of the award winners have done fantastically well this year and are very deserving. It was very difficult to pick a winner for the awards because there were so many high calibre candidates.

The Colour’s Ball is a way to celebrate all of the sporting successes from the year and I would have loved to have given every club and individual an award!”

When speaking to Christian Wren (Rowing), afterwards, he said: “The progress our club has been making, both on and off the water, has been phenomenal. The award is a testament to the hard work and commitment we have all put in over the last year.”

Getty Images

As the cricket season is kicking off, the football World Cup looms in the nearing months, and ultimately spurred on by Eddie Izzard’s contribution to Sport Relief, I have decided to start training for Race for Life.

I have been involved in this huge organisation before, two years ago now, and while I enjoyed it, I think I would have benefit from having trained a bit more seriously for it. I know it’s only five kilometres, which is probably easily the amount of walking around and about Canterbury and campus each day, but it’s a small improvement to actually run the damn thing the whole way.

I’ve now recruited myself a running partner too, which makes the ordeal much less of an ‘ordeal’ and far more of a potentially ongoing health-related partnership.

The training guidelines set out by the organisation, recommend training for 15 minutes each day, in a bizarre method comprising of two minutes of running, followed by one minute of walking, then rinse and repeat a further four times.

I like to run in the evenings when the sun is setting, and choosing more scenic routes if possible (the traffic on the roads must find it awfully tedious if I hold them up on their way to the theatre or other such culture imperative to a successful Canterbury visit).

While I have no idea of the actual length of the course I tend to run, I time myself to monitor any improvements, so when I do improve I can then set out on something structured a little more challenging.

I remember being able to run the cross country back in secondary school in a surprisingly short amount of time, but know that this endurance has managed to wane with time and lack of discipline. I do feel that I can get myself back to this fitness (lack of weekly netball, swimming and tap dancing aside) through remembering all the reasons that I (and others) run the Race for Life.

Cancer shouldn’t have taken you so early, Nan. Sally Gower

“The Dentist” fights tooth and nail

UKC Taekwondo

Health & Fitness

James Tredwell: in action for Kent continued from back page

Robert Key were not as fortunate as they were overlooked by coach Andy Flower‘s final selection.

For their next season, Kent are without right-arm bowler, 34 year-old Stuart Clark. The Australian is apparently not at the sufficient fitness ideally required

by Kent in order to risk renewing another contract for him.

Speaking of the news, Paul Farbrace, team director at Kent,

said: “I’m very disappointed that Stuart is not coming to Kent because he offer so much.”

Josh Jones

Kent Cricket LV=CC1 fixtures 15/04/10 Nottinghamshire

(Away)

27/04/10 Lancashire

(Home)

04/05/10 Warwickshire

(Home)

10/05/10 Essex 17/05/10 Durham

(Away) (Home)

24/05/10 Durham

(Away)

04/06/10 Nottinghamshire

(Home)

Spor t 23

A big congratulations to UoK Men’s 1st who finished top of the League this year. As a result, the team are guaranteed promotion for next year. They reached Round Three in the Men’s Southeastern Conference Cup, ultimately losing to the current runners-up of the tournament, Roehampton University Men’s 1st. UoK Men’s 1st played a total of 10 matches, winning seven and losing only three.

UoK Men’s 2nd finished the year fourth in their league. They were unfortunate because most of their opponents comprised of Men’s 1st teams. They reached Round One in the Men’s Southeastern Conference Cup, like the Mens 1st losing to Roehampton University Men’s 1st. They played nine matches in total, winning one, drawing one and losing seven.

UoK Men’s 2nds are a very committed team highlighted by the fact that they missed not a single BUCS match this season. A great example of sportsmanship – the

team should be equally proud.

The Women’s 1st team finished as strongly as the 2nds.

They played 12 matches this season winning eight, drawing three and only losing one. They are the best performers in UoK Tennis Club this year finishing the league very respectably as runners-up and having reached the semi-finals in the Women’s Southeastern Conference Cup, missing out to Roehampton University Women’s 1st.

InQuire had the chance to interview the Women’s Captain, Bella Ritchie, who said: “We have had an amazing year, with much deserved success. Although the team may have come second overall in the league, it is much improved from the last year and I have high hopes for the next. I believe that in building on our success this year, we are in a very favourable position to win the league next year as well as varsity as we did do this year. I think anyone interested in playing tennis and making great friends would find a perfect home with the club, just as strive

Kent survive drop Kent 2nds

6

City University 1sts 2 Joe Garnett led his men to a comprehensive 6-2 victory away to City University 1sts last week in the final match of the season, maintaining their position in the South Eastern Conference Men’s 3B League. Well done lads!

The Men’s badminton 2nds had had a difficult season, culminating in a sigh of relief as they were able to hold on for a decisive win against City.

Their opponents were very

keen to give Kent a difficult last game, however, looking at City’s statistics; they had lost nine and won only one tie all season, so Kent weren’t allowing themselves a defeat here. Luckily, Kent’s resilience shone through at the perfect time and the determination was evident as the final scores sent the home team down a tier.

Previous opponents in the league have caused Kent headaches as they had won three but lost seven during their 2009-2010 campaign.

It looks set that four victories is enough to keep Kent up. Smashing stuff.

Sally Gower

to improve and work hard, we are just as happy to socialise.”

InQuire also spoke to the Men’s Captain, Carlson Yui: How do you think the team will do next year?

All of the players involved in winning the League (3B) will be around next year. If we’re lucky, we might have some decent players joining Kent Uni. next year as freshers. We are ambitious and aiming to get our first team promoted to the Premier League. We must not get carried away. Our focus now is to make sure the players practice enough during the summer holiday. If every player comes back next year in good shape and free from injuries, we will have a good chance, and that goes

for the Men’s 2nd team as well.

from our performances this year..

Should the Sports Centre improve the tennis court conditions?

Definitely. It is a well-known fact that Kent Uni doesn’t have a proper tennis court. There have been numerous incidents of players sustaining injuries from the poor conditions of the courts.

They are slippery, muddy and the surface is uneven making it very hard to play on. It’s not only a problem for UoK tennis but also for visiting universities. As a health and safety principle, the courts need some serious maintenance. I hope the Sports Centre will consider resurfacing the courts during this summer because UoK Tennis Club is playing some serious tennis here, shown

What advice would you give to those interested in joining next year?

I think UoK Tennis Club is going to shine even brighter next year.

The level of tennis has increased immensely. The foundation of tennis had become much more solid.

For beginners, we have expertise in this club and I think our advice will definitely be helpful to them.

I asked Carlson whether he had anything else to add: The extent of commitment and effort from our Chairman, Christian Zaleski and all the committee members has been tremendous.

They have made UoK Tennis Club a much better club this year, so I’d like to say a huge thank you.

UKC Tennis Club

Aaron Barlow

UKC Tennis Club

Tennis teams triumph at end of excellent year

Kent Tennis Women’s First team finished second in their league this year after a brilliant season

International and County Results Bowls

Football

Golf

Rugby

Tennis

Oyster Indoor Bowling Club were victorious in the Kent League, winning 144-124 against Folkestone IBC, and picking up seven points in doing so.

Katie Chapman’s 30th minute volley into the net was enough for England to see Spain off 1-0, maintaining their 100% World Cup qualifying record.

In the Shell Houston Open, Round Two, American golfer Bryce Molder has moved ahead to first while British Lee Westwood remains in joint fourth.

Whitstable 3rd’s strong but unsuccessful performance against Faversham which ended 22-27 sees Faversham still avid contenders for the East Kent 1 title.

Andy Roddick stunned Rafael Nadal in the semi-final of the Sony Ericsson Open as the American came back to defeat him 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 and reach the final.

inQuire www.inquirelive.co.uk

SPORT

Fighting force gains medals

Deniz Kayimbasioglu

BUCS Karate Championship sees a force to be reckoned with

Proud to be Kent: Kent Karate Club travelled to Sheffield in March to put their hard work to the test.

Deniz Kayimbasioglu The weekend of 13-14th March was an important date in the University of Kent Karate Club’s calendar. After months of hard training, they were finally going to the BUCS Karate Championships in Sheffield, where their hard work would pay off. It was an amazing weekend full of excitement and competition, and the Kent Karate Club certainly did not come back with empty hands.

On Saturday, the club’s male team formed from Chris Storey,

Marco Selci, Mohammad Reza and Tom Elder showed an amazing performance in Men’s Team Kumite and ended up in 3rd place, leaving behind many universities that took part and bringing home bronze medals. On the same day, the black belt Kimberly Hughes from the University of Kent at Medway, made everyone proud by achieving a 1st place in Women’s Senior Kata, coming back home with a shiny gold medal. Also, Fatma Salahioglu, who was competing in Women’s Novice Kata, managed to get a 3rd place, earning Kent another

bronze medal. Deniz Kayimbasioglu, who was also competing in the same category, showed a great performance and came 5th out of over 35 competitors.

On Sunday, Fatma Salahioglu put another bronze medal in the bag for Kent during the Women’s Under 57kg Novice Kumite. In the same category, Deniz Kayimbasioglu put up amazing fights. However, disaster then struck as she suffered an injury through her opponent’s resilience, which then affected her performance and in turn contributed towards her defeat in the semi-finals. Never-

theless, she kept on fighting and succeeded in achieving 4th place.

On the other hand, Marco Selci showed an incredible performance and stamina during his fight in Men’s Over 84kg Senior Kumite category, and came 4th.

It was a weekend that earned everyone lots of experience. And in addition to this, the University of Kent Karate Club came home with an impressive array of medals and the pleasure of knowing they had put up many a good fight throughout the competitions.

Keep up to date with Karate, visit www.ukckarate.blogspot.com

Tredwell named for England squad James Tredwell has been selected for the England cricket team’s World Twenty20 squad which is due to take place at the end of this month.

“It was a very proud moment, not just for myself but for my friends and family who have supported me along the way”, the spinner stated last week when he was selected to win his first cap for his country.

The champagne glasses may have been refilled and raised again in the Tredwell household today as twenty eight year old James can hope to build on the six wickets he chalked up against Bangladesh last week. One downside, for Kent at least, is that the tournament’s final is on May 16th meaning Tredwell could miss up to a month of first team country action.

Despite this, he remains up beat and heralds how far he has come, in no small part, to his current club: “This is good recognition for both me and Kent cricket. I guess it shows that I must be doing something right to maintain my place in the national squad.”

Tredwell is one of two spin bowlers that were named in England’s 15-man squad with veteran Graeme Swann also chosen to represent the country in the West Indies.

The Kent man has also come in for some praise, one testimony from ex England skipper Michael Vaughn: “He can offer a little bit of flight and variation of pace.

He’s got a good cricket brain on him and can bat as well... James has done well, he’s been around a while and he’s got his rewards because he’s worked very hard and he deserves a lot of credit.”

The World twenty20 finals get under way at the end of April with England selected to play the hosts and Ireland their group at the start of May. This is a masssive achievement for the relatively inexperienced James Tredwell but Kent CC colleagues Joe Denly and skipper continued on page 22

Kent kicking supreme: Football League Champions - page 22

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