Looprevil Press | November 2012 by Looprevil Press

11 winter 12/13

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ISRAEL

TRIP PULLED exclusive

by REBECCA FIELDING Editor

Image by Oliver Auckland

DEMO ENDS

IN CHAOS • NUS President heckled off stage • Chorus of boos from Anti-NUS protestors • Predictions of 10,000 participants

Find out inside what trends you’re channelling this wintery season with Bold Street Style, this issue’s Unlikely Style Icon and how to wear the girly/tough combo of leather.

Page 15

by OLIVER AUCKLAND News Editor THOUSANDS of students took to the streets of London on November 21 in protest of cuts to Higher Education and youth unemployment, yet the day ended in chaos as NUS President Liam Burns was heckled off stage. When Burns took the stage in Kennington Park he was met with a chorus of boos and was

HISTORY STUDENTS have been left disappointed after Liverpool John Moores University pulled plans on their trip to Israel. A group of approximately 20 Level 6 students were set to travel to the Middle East as part of their Israel/Palestine in Context module, with a handful hoping to gain valuable experience and research for their dissertations. The decision to cancel the trip came as a result of the ongoing feud between Gaza and Israel, and the 8 days of fighting between November 14 and 21 2012 which claimed more than 160 lives. The Gaza/Israel conflict worsened after... Continued on page 3

drowned out for the majority of his speech by the chant “NUS, shame on you, where the f*** have you brought us to” before leaving the stage to be quickly replaced by Kathy Taylor of the University and College Union. A small group of activists who had previously taken part in the march with a banner saying ‘Free Education – Smash the NUS’ emblazoned across it, pelted Burns with eggs and satsumas, before breaking through

the barrier and jumping onto the stage. Most of the discontent aired at the NUS is due to the belief that they haven’t fought against the government hard enough over the rise in tuition fees, which trebled to £9,000 this year for new students as well as the slashing of EMA and various other educational reforms. Continued on page 2.

INSIDE:

Meet Looprevil Radio’s new Station Manager, and read his plans for the radio over the coming year, page 12

Have a look at our Blast from the Past and other In Pictures, pages 10 and 11

The Masque is set to re-open, read the full story, page 4

Image by Oliver Auckland

Continued from page 1. The march, named ‘#Demo2012: Educate, Employ, Empower’, was called by the NUS and was the first national student demonstration since the 50,000 strong protest in 2010 that was marred by the infamous siege of Milbank. Having been voted in at their National Conference back in April, the aim was to stir up anger amongst students and hopefully replicate the positive impact that the 2010 protests had. The NUS predicted that 10,000 protestors took part in Demo 2012 - yet the Guardian report between 3000 and 4000 were involved - and it passed off peacefully with the police, bar a stand-off at Parliamentary square. 6 coaches drove from Liverpool to London for the demo, and up to a third - approximately 80 students - were from LJMU. Paul Abernethy, President of Liverpool Students’ Union, said: “It's really amazing to see such a huge turnout on

such an important day. “The whole march is very much about empowerment and that's exactly what we're here for to target the huge cuts that have affected every student recently. “Graduates job prospects are so low it's hugely dispiriting, so now is the chance to fight back with this demonstration. Having assembled in Temple Place, the march set off around 11.45am and headed towards the Houses of Parliament where it stalled until heading across Westminster Bridge, down Kennington Road and finishing in Kennington Park. The mood of the march was dampened by the rain and had lost all momentum before it reached the park. Kennington Park has a rich political history. One of the rally speakers, Owen Jones, a political commentator and columnist for the Independent, told the crowd of the Chartists in 1848 who in the same spot, proceeded to take a petition to Westminster that was so large it needed a horse and cart to carry it. The famous Poll Tax protest of 1990 that was part of the downfall of Margaret Thatcher also started in the park, drawing up to 200,000 people and in 1997 Liverpool Dockers, with Reclaim the Streets, rallied there to march on Trafalgar Square. When Demo2012 was initially called, Liam Burns said in a Youtube video: “We need to know from you what it is that students on your campus are really angry about. “What is it from us that you need to make sure that this is a moment a gener-

EDITOR’S LETTER

Welcome to the 11th issue of Looprevil Press. The beginning of the academic year saw the rebrand and new design, site and look of Looprevil Press positively received by students, Liverpool Students’ Union and the new members that have joined this semester alike. Our team now has more members than ever before all participating in the creation of content, both online and in print. With deadlines, exams and dissertations looming over each member’s head, this issue has still been made possible by the hard work and dedication of our new team. Since September, Looprevil

ation will never forget?” Yet on November 21, his speech was fruitless as less than 1,000 of the crowd had persevered through the wind and LOOPREVIL PRESS rain only to hear the same words. Burns praised newcomers to NUS protests for taking their first steps of becoming activists, that will go back to camEVERY WEDNESDAY puses and fight for real change in a way 6PM that doesn’t take people to shout the loudest, that will actually achieve real change HAIGH BUILDING for real people. Burns said: ‘Well done for coming on this march today. Well done for starting something special… Thank you to each and every one of you. Connor Findlay asked what you thought of the Demo: “And so we’ve come here today because we’re fed up with having promises patrick costello made and promises broken. A parliament 18, from Liverpool that promised not to increase tuition fees and then they treble it. A prime minister I'm hoping it will afthat promised to protect the money that fect students positively, went to the poorest college students and but I don't trust them to ripped it away from them. Enough is actually change any polienough. cies. Who can? “We have come here today to say that we refuse to become consumers in an educational market. We refuse to become the lost generation. “They say that there’s no choice. They don’t understand the realities of politics. vienna apple I say we understand the realities of poli20, from Liverpool tics all too well.’ The baying anti-NUS counter protesI'm borrowing a maintors at that stage were chanting ‘Liam tenance loan I can't live Out’ and in one swift movement, as Burns on and paying fees I can't said ‘and of course we are not alone, we afford. Stop taking money are not alone’, they stormed the stage. from our students and In the howling winds and the driving stop taking money from rain, the day for most will have proven to our universities! ___ be a damp squib.

Press have worked alongside Liverpool Students’ Union, Liverpool Echo and Post, LJMU’s Humanities and Social Sciences, The Secret Vintage Tea Party, Liverpool Music Awards, Liverpool Fashion Week and Liverpool Fashion Live. Our columns are a new aspect of Looprevil, launched at the beginning of term, and I urge readers to take a look. I’m honoured to be able to complete this issue, and would like to thank all of the Looprevil Press team and the support we have received from Liverpool Students’ Union. I hope you enjoy! Rebecca

MEETINGS

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TEAM LOOPREVIL Editor/Design Editor: Rebecca Fielding Social Secretary: Slaine Kelly News Editor: Oliver Auckland Features Editor: Gemma Jones Entertainment Editor: Hayley Minn Sports Editor: Jack McIlroy-Reid Copy Editor: Alex Martin Photographer: Qi Jiang Writers/Contributors: Harriet Sharples Aisling Davis Louis Martin Bethan Jenkins Michelle Homan Jamie Craggs Zoe Whittaker

Connor Findlay Qi Jiang Beth Dockerty Alex Martin Robert Collins Jack Alyward Nicola Foster Alexander Green Rhys Williams Joshua Gardner Tereza Kirwan Niamh Parker Sophie Cork Alex Green Craig Milligan Georgina Williams

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Winter 12/13

LOOPREVIL PRESS

“IT’S A DANGEROUS PLACE TO BE” REGENERATION OF SOUTHERN DOCKLAND GIVEN GO AHEAD

Visualisation of plans, image from BBC by ALEX MARTIN and ALEX GREEN

Writers NEW PROPOSALS have been approved for the regeneration of Liverpool’s southern docklands. Liverpool City Council gave the go-ahead for the 50 hectare development, running from Canning to Brunswick dock, on November 19. The plans were proposed by the Canal and River Trust and will be the biggest transformation of the area since the regeneration of the Albert Dock in 1984. Architectural firm BACA, who are drawing up the plans for the Liverpool Waterspace, have already designed floating homes in Europe and are using these as a basis for a floating hotel, stage and sculpture garden on the under-used docks. Richard Coutts, BACA Director, claimed they have drawn up a ‘water-based master plan’. He said: “We need something that shows the Docks as they were in their heyday with all

the huge ships, it was a living thing”. Other facilities could include a waterpark, surf centre, ice rink and bowling alley alongside restaurants, shops, pavilions and promenades. These will be based in two zones – the ‘Leisure and Aquatecture’ zone and the ‘Mixed-Use’ zone, with an additional ‘Culture’ zone to host events such as boat shows and music festivals. BACA have emphasised that sustainability is central to the project so as to maintain the listed status of the UNESCO world heritage site. The housing market in Liverpool city centre has suffered a sharp decline of recent but it is hoped that the development will provide a new form of income and encourage investment in the area. The proposals will reach millions of pounds upon completion.

LIVERPOOL RATED 10TH FASTEST-GROWING EUROPEAN TOURIST ATTRACTION

by AISLING DAVIS Writer

LIVERPOOL HAS recently been voted one of the top ten fastestgrowing European tourist attractions, according to online travel forum TripAdvisor. Ranking 10th on the list, Liverpool is one of four U.K. cities to make it, placing after Glasgow, Manchester and Belfast. The rankings were generated according to travellers’ opinions and reviews on TripAdvisor, a website on which holidaymakers and travellers alike can post their own opin-

ions about a place they have visited. Liverpool has always been known for its rich cultural history and heritage and this has attracted visitors to the spot. Back in 2008, the city was voted European ‘Capital of Culture’ - a title which paved the way for 9.7 million visitors that season alone. With countless galleries and museums, spectacular cathedrals, the picturesque Albert Dock and rich musical history, it’s not too difficult to see why Liverpool has become so popular and will continue to be a popular city to visit!

From page 1 ...the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) assassinated Hamas leader, Ahmed al-Jabari. Hamas’ armed wing warned that Jabari’s assassination had “opened the gates of hell”, which resulted in a surge of rocket fire from Gaza aimed at communities in the south of Israel, and the launch of the IDF’s Operation Pillar of Defense. Advice from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office was updated on November 20 to avoid all but essential travel to part(s) of the country. The overall level of advice has not changed since the ceasefire on November 21. Despite the ceasefire, the University still felt it was essential to cancel the trip entirely, which was planned to occur between December 3 and 13, 2012. Dr Joe Yates, Director of the School of Humanities and Social Science, with Tony Webster, History Programme Leader and the students’ lecturer Katherine Harbord, met with students on November 21 to discuss the cancellation of the trip. Dr Yates said: “This decision hasn’t been taken lightly... We know things are volatile in that region and can change every minute. “We’re all disappointed, but we’d rather be disappointed in this situation than have something happen to students. Your safety is our top

priority... “We have a duty of care for staff and we have a duty of care for students.” Students were presented with an alternate trip to London, as the school felt it would be useful for students research due to the large amount of archival material that is accessible in the Capital. Dr Yates said: “We need to plan effectively... February is looking the most likely for a field trip. “Taking students to London and going into the archives, being able to talk to Palestinian and Israeli organisations and embassies would be as beneficial to your studies. “We have to consider how relevant to this curriculum an alternative would be and if it will enrich the students experiences with the curriculum. As a result of this news, a handful of students in the group felt it wasn’t a sufficient alternative in comparison to an extensive trip to Israel, the place their studies are focused on. Matt Hoffman, a Level 6 student who would have been going on the trip, said: “I understand why the decision has been taken to cancel the trip at this point in time but I am incredibly disappointed with the university to not even consider rescheduling it for a later date, especially considering that a ceasefire

has now been finalised. “It is also disappointing that some people at the university seem to think that a trip to London will make up for the loss of our trip to Israel." Hoffman also voiced his concerns that the University did not consider the students’ wants and opinions in making the final decision to cancel the trip. Dr Yates responded: “We didn’t consult the students because it was a decision we made as an institution based on risks. “We collectively as a university had a responsibility towards you [students]. We feel it’s a dangerous place to be and the University is supporting that.” Students asked whether there was a possibility to postpone the trip to Israel and change the dates to next semester. Dr Yates said: “The information we’ve been given... the trip won’t happen... Both this trip and the one planned for next semester have been cancelled. “Postponing the trip would remove all possibilities of an alternative... We do invest a considerable amount of money in supporting student field trips.” The University was funding the trip, except for students’ spendings in the country. The total amount spent was not disclosed.

YOU KNOW THAT MAGIC £50 IN YOUR VIRTUAL PURSE? exclusive by REBECCA FIELDING Editor IF YOU’VE submitted most of your work online this semester, and have been good with your library loans and returning your books when needed, you may not have noticed the magic £50 sitting in your Virtual Purse. No, it’s not free money. The £50 deposited into your account can only be spent on a range of services; printing, photocopying, library charges and the LRC shops. You’re thinking what we’re thinking, right? Party in Aldham Robarts LRC. But what sounds like a surprisingly splendid treat for LJMU students is the result of hard work and campaigning by our very own Liverpool Students’ Union. Paul Abernethy, President of LiverpoolSU, said: “It came from our campaign last year around additional costs, and part of that was about printing. Free printing for students, and that’s where the £50 virtual purse came from. “From communicating with the university, we thought that it was

for all students, and then [in September] they released a story to say that it excluded international students and NHS students.” LJMU’s initial announcement of the Virtual Purse contribution included eligibility criteria and the following exclusions: An international student, those enrolled on a NHS-funded programme, those enrolled on the foundation year of extended degree programmes, a postgraduate taught student and a postgraduate research student. Mr Abernethy added: “We had already been telling people in the welcome events that it was for everyone, so we had a backlash. We had complaints from international students especially; one asked why the Students’ Union had lied to them. We were disappointed that international students aren’t included, it’s not what we intended. But it’s been reversed, it’s all a big win and we’re happy.” The £50 Virtual Purse contribution was originally meant to be for Level 4 students, but it was extended to include all years and international students as LJMU announced in October, following consultation with Liverpool Stu-

dents’ Union. NHS-funded students are still exempt from this contribution, Mr Abernethy said: “It’s harder to justify this for NHSfunded students, but that doesn’t necessarily mean we can’t do someWe’re thing. keen to work with NHS students to find out whether there are any other wins that we can get for them that is more relevant for their studies.” The £50 should have been deposited into eligible students’ accounts on 1st October 2012. Your LiverpoolSU officers for the academic year 12/13 are Paul Abernethy, President, Tom Aldus, Vice President of Activities, Kate Wilkinson, Vice President of Academic Quality and Curtis Reid, Vice President of Community Engagement. Email looprevilpress@live.co.uk to share your views on the £50 Virtual Purse contribution, and its inclusion/exclusion of different student groups. 3

NEW HOME FOR HSS

Plans for the refurbishment were on show at Hope Street in November. Image by Nicola Foster. by NICOLA FOSTER Writer SEPTEMBER 2013 will see a new home for the LJMU School of Humanities and Social Sciences. Using the impressive Redmond’s building as inspiration, the refurbishment of the John Foster building promises to be an exciting move for both students and staff. Work on the Mount Pleasant site is already underway, and upgrades are planned for all teaching spaces, corridors, toilets, social areas and staff accommodation. Richard Pinnington, development manager for the project,

spoke of how the move will benefit the students and staff. He said: “Being housed in John Foster will bring the HSS students closer to the heart of the campus: closer to the library, Redmond’s Building and the Art and Design Academy. “There will also be more facilities in the John Foster building such as IT suites.” The real focus of the development is on the teaching facilities. There are impressive plans for the lecture rooms, incorporating more tiered seating, whiteboards on every wall for versatility, and feature walls to make the theatres enjoyable to sit in.

Seating within lecture rooms is a topic dividing many students. After an open session at Hope St last week, Pinnington said: “Most students prioritise a bigger desk to work on and seating that is comfortable and easily movable.” Nickianne Moody, senior lecturer in Media, Culture and Communication, commented on the move as a positive step for the school. She said: “We shall of course all miss the Dean Walters Building, but it will be a pleasure to be in a building that has been redesigned to meet the present and future needs of the School.” She also believed that the improved quality of the teaching spaces will be of real benefit to both staff and students. “It will allow programmes within the school to work more closely together.” The 68 Hope St premises have been sold to LIPA and the University is still considering what should be done with the Dean Walters building, both of which belonged to the School of Humanities and Social Sciences.

LIVERPOOL SANTA DASH

by QI JIANG Writer/Photographer

THIS YEAR’S Liverpool Santa Dash will attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the largest Santa gathering. To be held on the on 2nd December, the event is a 5km run around the streets of Liverpool dressed as Santa and it will be the 8th year that it has been held in the city. The course runs from the Liver Buildings to the Town Hall. It is open to runners, joggers and walkers and everyone who takes part has to wear a Santa suit, which is provided – even dogs can take part. There is also a 1km Mini Santa Dash for children under 12 years old, which will take place immediately after the 5km run. In 2011, the Liverpool Santa Dash attracted an impressive 7,411 runners and this year’s target total is 13,001, in a bid to beat the 13,000 record achieved in Londonderry. RunLiverpool have already received over 4,000 applications. Alan Rothwell, Race Director, said: “There is an ongoing promotional programme to encourage participation which includes the cross promotion with our events in the RunLiverpool portfolio, regular email contact to a database of 4 47,000.”

MASQUE TO RE-OPEN

by ALEX MARTIN Writer THE MASQUE is set to re-open its doors as a live music venue next year. The established Seel Street venue closed its doors last year when the operating company no longer deemed it to be a viable business. Promoters Chibuku and Circus fought to maintain their club nights but the venue was no longer operating on a full-time basis. However, as of December 9th, the promoters will begin a new partnership with MAMA Group who will take over The Masque on a long-term lease. The company, owned by HMV, already have numerous venues and festivals to their name in-

cluding the Manchester Ritz, Barfly Camden and Global Gathering. Richard McGinnis, Chibuku promoter and head of talent at MAMA Group, said: “We have worked tirelessly every day since The Masque closed to bring the right deal to the table and make the venue everything it should have been. “We are hitting our 13th year in The Masque next year, and finally we will be able to bring together all the great promoters in the city in a venue which Liverpool will be proud of.” The venue will be closed from mid-December for a seven-figure revamp and will reopen in February with a full line-up of live acts. Events scheduled during the refurbishment will be held at Camp and Furnace, Greenland Street.

SEVEN NEW SOCIETIES FORMED AT BETTER UNION FORUM by OLIVER AUCKLAND Writer

Rothwell further added that the event will have the same attractions as last year, including artificial snow at the finish line and stilt walker entertainment. However, the Santa Dash is not only a race but also a great way to raise money for charities. Rothwell said: “The event uses advertising posters on the Merseyrail Network and everyone who has previously taken part is contacted. “This year ITV is endorsing the event through their Text Santa Initiative.” This is the second year that the ITV Text Santa fundraising campaign will contribute by supporting the following charities: Age UK, Anthony Nolan, Carers UK, Marie Curie Cancer Care, Together for Short Lives and Whizzkidz.

Those who enter the Santa Dash will be encouraged to donate their fundraising efforts to Text Santa where all funds raised will go to these six charities. Another target will be to help smash the total raised by Text Santa last year which was a very impressive £4.1 million. Liverpool Actresses and Former Atomic Kitten members Natasha Hamilton and Liz McClarnon will join the celebrity line up taking part this year in the Liverpool Santa Dash. Beth Tweddle, David Price and Kim Marsh have also been invited to join. The entry fee is £20 including a free Santa suit along with a goodie bag. To join the Liverpool Santa Dash or the Mini Dash go to www.runliverpool.org.uk.

SEVEN NEW societies were voted through at LiverpoolSU’s Better Union Forum on November 22, chaired by the recently elected Natalie Gribben. The seven societies that were approved of are LSU Investment & Trading Society; Submission Wrestling; Events Management; Social Workers; Greek and Cypriot Society; Course Rep Society and Geography Society. Voters were unanimous in voting for every society with the exception of the LSU Investment & Trading Society, which provoked a debate on how it will serve students’ interests. As well as the introduction of new societies, the floor was asked to put forward suggestions for events that they would like to see at the Union. A real ale festival narrowly beat a Masquerade night for one that would be high in cost, yet various other cheaper events such as FIFA tournaments were approved of.

The floor was also invited to say what they would like to see in the new students’ union which will move to the Copperas Hill site within the next 5 years. Some suggestions included a summer storage facility for students’ belongings as well as a bar with a beer garden. Tom Aldus,Vice President of Activities, presented his objectives for the 2012/13 academic year to the floor. His objectives range from creating a 3 year-long sports development strategy to investigating live streaming of university matches with increased media awareness of clubs. The evening concluded with the election for delegate positions at LiverpoolSU. Looprevil Editor Rebecca Fielding was successful in becoming Women’s Delegate, whilst the elections for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Delegate and the Black Students’ Delegate were postponed as there were no candidates running. If you’re interested please contact LSU at liverpoolSU.com

Winter 12/13

LOOPREVIL PRESS

LIVERPOOL GETS HAIRIER

by REBECCA FIELDING Editor

DURING November each year, Movember is responsible for the sprouting of moustaches on thousands of men’s faces in the UK. Their aim is to raise vital funds

and awareness for men’s health, specifically for prostate cancer and testicular cancer. Looprevil Press asked Mo Bros and Mo Sistas of Liverpool to send in pictures of the hairy slugs they’ve befriended throughout November.

There are rules though: there is to be no joining of the mo to the sideburns (that’s considered a beard), there’s to be no joining of the handlebars to the chin (that’s considered a goatee) and each Mo Bro must conduct himself like a true gentleman.

WHAT’S ON

A Mo Sister is an individual dedicated to supporting the Mo Bros in her life. She may find it tempting to sport her own moustache, too. Join us in rating some of the moustaches that Looprevil Press spotted around the city.

Dark nights and gloomy weather has hit the country so extra layers of clothing and the heating on full blast are a must. But don’t let the winter keep you locked up, as Liverpool is packed with exciting events to keep you going until spring. Harriet Sharples investigates.

Ice Festival Liverpool One Nov 7, 2012 - Jan 13, 2013 Featuring the return of the popular Ice Bar along with an ice rink, ice slide and Santa’s Grotto, the Ice Festival is not one to be missed this season and looks set to be a hit with the public this Christmas.

Liverpool Christmas Market

Chris Howard

by ZOE WHITTAKER Writer

Stephen stewart

laurence gloves

ian jeavons

MOVING AWAY: PROS & CONS

TO MOST students, moving away from home is seen as an exciting yet nerve wracking prospect. We all have similar experiences of this transferral from child to adult, gaining control of our own education and success. There are many positives and negatives to moving away to University as it is an exciting yet scary time in every student’s life.

SPACE� This is the thing that students most enjoy when moving away to University. The space to drink as much as we like, leave our rooms in a mess and sleep into the early afternoon.

versus HOMESICK There is no way that you can avoid homesickness when moving away to University; many students will not have been away from their parents for such a long period of time. However, there are many ways you can distract yourself from these homesick blues, for example, joining a club or society, socialising with flatmates or visiting the

Liverpool Students’ Union to see what activities and support they can offer.

MEETING NEW PEOPLE During University friendships will be made that last a life time. Socialising is a very important part of the student lifestyle but it is particularly important to get the balance between social lives and work in order to maintain a healthy and happy lifestyle. Everyone thinks of meeting new people differently - some will find it easy yet some will find it difficult - but it is a particularly important interaction, so if you find this difficult try to relax and ease yourself into social situations.

versus MESSY OR AWKWARD HOUSEMATES This can be a big worry before starting University, that we will be stuck with housemates that are messy/awkward/nasty. As the first semester is coming to a close, students, in particular first years, will know whether or not they have been matched with compatible housemates.

If there are problems or tension in your flat, trying to maintain the peace with your housemates is particularly important in order to avoid any uncomfortable situations and therefore, make your university life as enjoyable as possible.

It is particularly difficult to try and keep up with the partying lifestyle when money is lacking. For those students who are past their first year, the majority will be living with friends that they made from their first year and this is a great way of spending more time with the people whose company you have enjoyed in the previous year.

PERSONALITY

University offers a chance for students to develop their own identity. During this time, individuals will discover what they like and dislike, and will gain confidence and knowledge that will be important in later life, particularly in the workplace. This period of time will allow students to grow into their own character and begin to decide which direction to take in later life.

Versus NO MONEY Surviving on a diet of Tesco’s branded beans and noodles is something that occurs to most students when funds are at a minimum. It is particularly difficult to try and keep up with the partying lifestyle when money is lacking. Many turn to overdrafts, further loan sites or even ‘The Bank of Mum and Dad’. The best thing to do in this situation is budget your money appropriately; there will be plenty of things to do in the area of your University, such as volunteering with local charities, become a student rep or joining the Lifestyle Gym. University offers students an opportunity to flourish and grow into the person they wish to be, in terms of their character and career path. There are many activities, talented lecturers and support networks which aid students in overcoming the negatives.

Liverpool City Centre Nov 22 - Dec 22, 2012 A unique and impressive selection of stalls from around the globe; the market proves a hit each year. With goods including arts and crafts, clothing and food from countries such as Morocco, Germany and China, the market provides something different than the typical high street shopping experience.

Glam! The Performance of Style Tate Liverpool, Albert Dock Feb 8 - May 12, 2012 An exhibition that explores the history and eccentric style of the Glam genre that hit Britain in the 70s. £8 per adult ticket.

The Cairngorm Reindeers Liverpool City Centre Dec 6, 13, 20, 2012 4pm - 7pm The reindeers return to Liverpool and will no doubt bring with them the festive cheer and excitement of Christmas.

Winter Arts Market Great Hall, St George’s Hall Dec 8 and 9, 2012 10am - 5pm A weekend market filled to the brim with handmade arts and crafts, find the ideal gift for Christmas or that perfect treat for yourself. Entry is £1.50 per person, under 16s enter for free.

The Narnia Experience Great Hall, St George’s Hall Feb 11 - 23, 2013 C.S Lewis’ acclaimed story is brought to life in an interactive production with a 400 strong cast and crew. With the whole of the Great Hall transformed into Narnia, the experience will most certainly enchant both children and adults alike. Tickets range from £5 - £7 per person.

3RD YEAR:

WHAT NEXT by GEMMA JONES Features Editor

EVEN SAYING the sentence “I am a third year student” makes me want to vomit with anxiety. A mere two years ago, I was making baby steps in the Aldam Robarts library; I was playing drunken fancy dress three times a week; I had about 7359265 new best friends that I only met once and never saw again; I didn’t have an agenda or anything major to prioritise and the prospect of leaving university felt like a million light years away. It is uncanny, then, how a light year can fly by faster than a Mo Farrah sprint when you’re having fun. And I’m not saying the fun has to stop altogether. But now you are a third year and external pressures expect you to sober up, take off your beer goggles and contain your inner party goddess, because at the end of the day, the party girl eventually has to down her last shot and leave the party early into a metaphorical cab ride that is her future. So when the cab driver asks for a final destination, what are you going to say? Where are you going to go? Welcome to third year and the stone cold reality of choices. Career advisors and a society like ours will interpellate us into believing that we are the masters/mistresses of our own universe. We are programmed to believe the optimistic dogma: You can do anything you want, you can be everything you want to be, you do have the freedom of choice. But to what extent is that actually true? Anything and everything are all really large abstract concepts. Hypothetically speaking, say we do indeed have this mythical ‘freedom of choice’, then is it really something worth having? Or is having so much “freedom” actually claustrophobic? This is the neurotic dilemma I have been faced with ever since I confirmed my attendance back in September. So what on earth do we do then? Do we go straight into a job like our parents want us to? Do we go backpacking across Europe and take a scapegoat and procrastinating ‘year out’ as it were to truly ‘find ourselves?’ Or do we continue to live the student dream forever and take a postgraduate course, cocooning ourselves with the comfort blanket of education? It is indeed a toughie. I am not a career messiah or life coach who can answer all these colossal questions. Instead, let me explore this

dilemma further with a quote from one of my favourite books, The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath. Here, protagonist Esther Greenwood is suffering from severe depression as she cannot make up her mind on what profession to choose in her life. Yes, Plath’s writing is largely invested in depressing self-hatred and morbidity half of the time so you may not care and it may seem irrelevant to your happy-go-lucky life. Yet I do believe the little lady has a point about not being able to make decisions in our professional lives, and it is not just my biased opinion of being a loser member in some crazy literary Sylvia Plath society: “I saw my life branching out before me like the green fig tree in the story. From the tip of every branch, like a fat purple fig, a wonderful future beckoned and winked. One fig was a husband and a happy home and children, and another fig was a famous poet and another fig was a brilliant professor, and another fig was Ee Gee, the amazing editor, and another fig was Europe and Africa and South America, and another fig was Constantin and Socrates and Attila and a pack of other lovers with queer names and offbeat professions, and another fig was an Olympic lady crew champion, and beyond and above these figs were many more figs I couldn't quite make out. I saw myself sitting in the crotch of this fig tree, starving to death, just because I couldn't make up my mind which of the figs I would choose. I wanted each and every one of them, but choosing one meant losing all the rest, and, as I sat there, unable to decide, the figs began to wrinkle and go black, and, one by one, they plopped to the ground at my feet.” – Sylvia Plath. If you read that entire quote, then well done. I commend you. And I’m sure if you can make sense of this, Esther is not alone in her life defining musings. We probably have all had Esther moments at one

point or another in oh so dramatic whirlwind lives. Especially in the context of a university environment when we are forever bombarded with so many choices that ironically serve to “starve” us even more for professional success. Writer, journalist, photographer, actor, manager, lawyer, teacher; we are good at so many things but we have to make decisions eventually. We can’t be Perfect Polly or Pete for the rest of our lives, and that is the sour pill we have to digest. Like it or lump it, we are adults now. We can’t copy our peers anymore because it looks “cool” or “interesting.” They aren’t us. They don’t want the same things as us in the end. And we can’t go on nights out in the middle of the week, rely upon our student loans and watch Jeremy Kyle re-runs in the middle of the afternoon forever. But relax, it’s not all doom and gloom, I’m not suggesting that you make these decisions in your third year. We’re still young so don’t be so hard on yourself. We are allowed to make mistakes along the way and arguably that is what makes “growing up” so exciting - the unpredictability of it all. Certainly it is an uncomfortable reality that we live in a culture where we are forced to make decisions ‘before our time’ as it were. That even at 18 years old is considered to be too premature and overwhelming to decide what you want to be for the rest of your life. Yet if you do follow a route and you want to change route down an avenue you didn’t expect to encounter then don’t automatically deem yourself a failure. As you grow, you change and three years in university will change you as a person. Learn from your experiences and utilise them to your best advantage. I’m sure a prospective employer would admire you more if you admitted your first dream job was not for you and that through that acknowledgement, you are sure of what you want now, as opposed to a 26 year old ‘gap yar’ addict who thought partying in India was far more important than gaining some vital work experience beforehand.

HOW TO BEAT YOUR STRESS DEMONS by MICHELLE HOMAN Writer OVER THESE past few weeks, I have been on the brink of pulling my hair out. I have been living in a world of confusion while feeling depressed, stressed and uncontrollable all at the same time. Everyone around me has appeared to be fine; I couldn’t understand why I was feeling the lows of University. I do have a positive end to my story; I am fine now. I have my deadlines under control and I’m meeting all of my targets. This switch around happened while wearing my gorgeous, warm pair of purple wellies; if it wasn’t for these little guys, I’m pretty sure that I’d be writing this article with a bald head right about now. I’m no longer feeling stressed and the reason for this is because I found a balance. I found a way to beat stress, and so can you! I have been trying a range of de-stressing techniques, so I thought I’d share them with you. Get organised: This was the first technique that I tried. I also found it to be one of the most successful. Get familiar with your deadlines. It is easy to ignore them, but they won’t go away. Write them down on your calendar in a brightly coloured pen and keep it in a noticeable place. This will act as your personal reminder and will allow you to feel a sense of control. Deep breathing: This technique works during those moments when you feel as though you’re about to burst. If you feel this way then take

ON TWITTER: @oliauckland: Reporting for @Looprevil_Press at #demo2012. Utility man job with camera, dictaphone, pen & notepad and Twitter of course! @princessjack: @Looprevil_Press @nusuk I will not be happy if they [Abort67] visit campus. @LaurenBowmer: My WoW statement is sucko #ljmu #wow @Tebay91: Just applied to be a racing driver for the LJMU racing team ☺ #zoooom

a step back, inhale deeply through the nose and out through the mouth. They say to breath like a baby - when your stomach goes out as you inhale and comes in as you exhale.

I’m no longer feeling stressed and the reason for this is because I found a balance. Socialising and Bargaining: It is impossible to write essays 24/7 and I’m sure that your tutors would agree. You need to have time for yourself, whether this be time alone or spending an evening with friends - you need a break! If you’re like me and you think ‘I have to get it done now!’ then create a bargain with yourself. If you complete 500 words, then you’re allowed to have an evening with your friends down in the pub. Time: One of my tutors passed on this technique to me during my first year at LJMU. After writing for 25 minutes, have a break for 5 minutes, and then continue to repeat this process for a further two hours. Then reward yourself with a 30 minute break. I found this technique to be useful and it helped to break up the essay. I was also surprised at the amount I’d written. Good luck beating those stress demons! Elle @PaulJWilliams5: Uni assessment deadlines are starting to get to me now. Just seems to be one essay after another. #LJMU @iqrazafar19: Ljmu forgot one main thing from the timetable, DINNER! @gary_hughes: can I just say how much I love @LiverpoolSU @LGoS and @LiverpoolHopeSU, who chanted my name at #Demo2012, confusing everybody else massively @becca_forster: Some of these freshers look so young!!!! Did I look that young? #ljmu #gettingold

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EVERYONE HAS (SKY)FALLEN FOR DANIEL CRAIG by GEORGINA WILLIAMS Writer HAILED AS ONE of the greatest Bonds, Daniel Craig is notably one of the fore figures of the celebrity community in 2012. With Skyfall being one of the biggest box office hits of the year, we get to see his stunning bodily form on most tabloids and magazines. But the question on everybody’s lips: where is this beautiful man from and where can we find one. Very proudly, I often tell people he’s from the Wirral, my hometown, and yes, you do pronounce it THE Wirral. That place on the other side of the muggy Mersey waters, but most people only know one place, Birkenhead, which is one of the more industrial towns in the country. Yet despite this, we’re a refreshing little peninsula with beaches, award winning villages, farms, fields and Daniel Craig. I’m sure many people have anecdotes, or know someone who knows him. In small places, that’s always the case. Personally, his mother taught my best friend. Craig once came into the school, pre-Bond, and nobody really took a second look. At that moment in time he was simply just one of us. He was just another average handsome local man in the background.

by SLAINE KELLY Social Secretary

However these days, he casually hangs out with the Queen at the Olympics, skydiving out of planes for a dramatic entrance. If ever there was a guaranteed advertising scheme for a film, having the nation tune into the Olympics was probably one of the most successful ones, ever. Not that it was needed; Skyfall very proudly landed on its feet, and then jumped straight back up there to a height of reputable standards. I don’t know whether it was the gadgets, the old school cars or showing Bond with a weakness, but I genuinely believe Skyfall was one of the better Bonds. Strategic planning was certainly in play, with most of the film being set predominantly in Britain - a rarity for Bond; it tied aptly with this year’s theme ‘Proud to be British’. My only lingering thought is: will he continue as our nations favourite secret agent. He brings wit and British humour to the role, something you don’t often see in most multimillion box office hits. by JAMIE CRAGGS Writer

THE PERKS OF PERKS

by GEMMA JONES Features Editor

TEEN ANGST movies are typically pity parties with cliche characters and few surprises. Yet despite The Perks of Being a Wallflower following this formula, what makes it stand out amongst the others is that the unique characters are multi-dimensional and dilemmas that have a sense of reality about them. And the film unlike other generic American films about adolescence is superbly written. Director Stephen Chbosky's screenplay is based on his critically acclaimed novel. Logan Lerman plays protagonist Charlie. He's an introspective, introverted high school freshman. Charlie's voice reading an excerpt from his diary opens the movie, he's writing to a friend. Charlie becomes friends with a gay high school senior and with the young man's stepsister and their friends. Like most teen angst films, The Perks of Being a Wallflower explores adolescence and all the usual issues - school, popularity in school, adolescent love, parents and parenting. It's the stuff you normally see

in teenage films. That's where the similarities end. Using intelligent discussion and dialogue, Chbosky's story explores those themes because that's how life is for high school kids. Where Perks separates from the pack is in the development of characters that seem real. Very far from the Holden Caulfield stereotype that all teenagers “relate”, Chbosky's characters are likeable, less dramatic and address themes of childhood trauma and death far more superiorly than other one dimensional characters in adolescent literary genre can. Also of note is the performance of Harry Potter star Emma Watson. This is one of her first breakout adult role and from this performance it seems that she’s certainly up for the challenge, with all images of Hermione Granger being cast to the margins of our minds. Also turning in exceptional performances are Lerman and Ezra Miller, who shined in the dark drama, We Need to Talk about Kevin. So yes, there are actually many perks to The Perks of Being a Wallflower.

OCTOBER 19 was Looprevil’s first fundraiser of the year, MASQUERADE. As always, the aim was to raise money towards the cost of printing while offering a more alternative night out to students. The chosen venue was the Engine Room in Liverpool Students’ Union, meaning we not only had a great location but also the opportunity for drink offers. With performances by ReVerbed and Looprevil Radio’s very own Small, Medium and Large Show, the entertainment could not be faulted. There was a brilliant effort made with masks and our photographers got some great photos. RAG also made an appearance, selling cupcakes for a worthy cause - a big thank

you to everyone involved in Raise and Give. Many of you will remember Monochrome, which was a huge success. Unfortunately, it’s sad to say that despite our best efforts MASQUERADE didn’t quite have the same turnout. Nevertheless, the money raised has been used towards this print and we are grateful to everyone who came to show their support. It looks like we will just have to work that little bit harder on our next event in the second semester. So keep your eyes peeled and we hope to see you there.

COOKING CORNER Lancashire�Hotpot with�Rustic�Bread Make a well in the centre, then add the oil and water, and mix well. If the dough seems a little stiff, add 1-2 tbsp water, mix well then tip onto a lightly floured work surface and knead.

FOOD MILES have become a very big issue over recent years. It refers to the distance your food has travelled to get from farm to plate and most foods in supermarkets these days have travelled thousands of miles to get to your plate and this equals a lot of Co2 being pumped into the atmosphere. Below is a recipe for Lancashire Hotpot with rustic bread where all the fresh ingredients have been sourced locally. Not only does this help to keep the Co2 levels down but it also helps to support the local farmers who are struggling against the big name supermarkets. All fresh ingredients were obtained from St Johns Market and are sourced locally. Preparation Time: 20 Minutes | Cooking Time: 2 ½ hours | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 4

Recipe

1) Mix the flour, salt and yeast in a large bowl.

Once the dough is satin-smooth, place it in a lightly oiled bowl and cover with a tea towel. Leave to rise for 1 hour until doubled in size. 2) Line a baking tray with baking parchment. Knock back the dough, and then gently mould the dough into a ball. Place it on the baking parchment to prove for a further hour until doubled in size. 3) Whilst the bread is rising, heat oven to 200C/gas 7. Heat some oil in a frying pan, brown the lamb in batches, lift to a plate and then repeat with the kidneys. 4) Fry the onions and carrots in the pan with a little butter until golden. Sprinkle over the flour, allow cooking for a couple of mins, shaking over the Worcestershire sauce, pouring in the stock, and then bringing to the boil. Stir in the meat and bay leaves and then turn off the heat. Arrange the sliced potatoes on top of the meat and then drizzle with a little more dripping. Cover, then place in the oven for about 1½ hours until the potatoes are cooked. 5) Dust the loaf with flour and cut a cross about 6cm long into the top of the loaf with a sharp knife. Bake for 25-30 mins until golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped underneath. Cool on a wire rack. 6) When the potatoes are cooked remove the lid, brush the potatoes with a little more dripping, then turn the oven up to brown the potatoes, or finish under the grill for 5-8 mins until brown.

Check out other recipes from Cooking Corner at www.looprevilpress.org

tually roam the earth. One thing the media has latched onto in recent years is the now famous Mayan prediction that the world will come to an end on the 21st December of this year, but where did this prophecy come from? The Mayan calendar differed from our own in that it is linear and counted many years into the future. The Mayan units of time were K’in (1 day), Winal (20 days), Tun (1 year), Ka’tun (20 years) and B’ak’tun (394 years). In Mayan legends it is said we are living in the fourth world and that the previous 3 worlds were deemed a failure by the gods and so they destroyed them. The last world

by NIAMH PARKER Writer

ways accurate, ranging from politics to religion and science. Many believe this is the start of the end of our world on this specific date in which he points to. The Mayans were masters at studying the stars and reading their meanings. They point to this date as a warning of change. They highlight that we are leaving the age of Pisces and moving into a new age of Aquarius. Their calendar ends on the 21st of December 2012 which makes us think, is this really the end of an era? They may stark the change of civilisation completely. However many believe and some scientists believe they have disproved the predictions by these ancient cultures.

by JAMIE CRAGGS Writer

IF THERE IS one thing the media loves it’s the end of the world. In the past 10 years, 71 films have been released and countless games, books and TV shows that deal with the end of world in some way or another, whether it is through war, meteor strike or zombies. The zombie apocalypse is that popular that my brother, my best mate and I, like many people, have made a contingency plan for when the hordes of undead even-

IS DECEMBER 21 2012 really the end of the world? Why is this date so important in some ancient cultures and points to an age of great change? Once every 26 thousand years the sun aligns with the centre of the galaxy and this galactic alignment is set to happen on the 21st of December this year. The earth has suffered over 5 different extinctions and some of these ancient cultures and thinkers such as Nostradamus may be warning us of our future. Nostradamus is a writer who became famous worldwide. He died 500 years ago, however his major world event predictions were al-

Emma Corbett

18, a student from the City Centre ‘I think it is devastating although I don’t believe it will be the end of the world as other predictions like this happened in the year 2000 which people freaked out about, anyway isn’t Jesus meant to appear at the end of the world, where is he?’

was destroyed at the end of the 13th B’ak’tun and so the Mayans viewed the end of the 13th B’ak’tun as a very important date. Many archaeologists decided that this meant our world would also end on the 13th B’ak’tun and it was not helped by the fact that a small inscription was discovered by archaeologists in 1915 that read ‘The 13th B’ak’tun will be finished on 4 Ajaw the third of

VERSUS But they’re not the only ones that have pointed to this date. Nostradamus wrote a book of predictions which has been referred back to time and time again when great world events or disasters occur. Predictions which pointed to such events as the rise of the Nazi's and disasters such as Hurricane Katrina. Possibly the most interesting prediction to come true to date would be 9/11. "Earthshaking fire from the center of the Earth

by GEMMA JONES Features Editor

25, an Architect from the City Centre “I’ve never heard of anything more ridiculous in my life. You can’t predict the future, especially thousands of years in advance. I’ll be happily enjoying Christmas this year.”

Amber Hazelton

1. RUN:

18, a student from the City Centre ‘I believe that one person doesn’t have the power to predict the end of the world, there would have been signs about it’

david roberts

20, a student from the City Centre ‘I don’t think it will be the end yet, I think these theories are just making people more aware of global warming etc, people are just being diluted’.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Tweet @Looprevil_Press to tell us your thoughts

prophecy’ is rubbish - the long count calendar predicted astronomical events that they could observe hundreds of years past 2012 and in fact would view the completion of the 13th B’ak’tun as a time of celebration as it meant they had made it to the end of a cycle and further than the previous worlds. So this December 21st I will be sat in my lounge with a crate of my favourite beers and I will celebrate the end of the cycle like the Mayans would have wanted. If the zombie apocalypse does happen, at least I know the fastest route out of my flat and where my baseball bat is.

Will cause tremors around the New City. Two great rocks will war for a long time, Then Arethusa will redden a new river."

World War 3. When we look at current affairs such as the Gaza conflict, the rising tensions in the Middle East and the spike natural disasters, it’s possible this chain of events is leading us towards World War 3. In my own opinion, all the theories point to something happening although I’m not quite sure it is the end. After all, Nostradamus doesn’t state the world will end, he states that it’s the beginning of the end meaning anything could happen.

Nostradamus’ quatrains – or to you and I, 4 lined poems he wrote to predict things - have been looked upon after many disasters. Does this quatrain actually predict 9/11? Is the New City actually New York? Nostradamus' quatrains are left to interpretation, much like his predictions of 2012. The end of the world has been predicted again and again just like in 1994, 1998 and 2000. So why is 2012 so different; many believe 2012 is in fact not the end of the world, just the beginning of

HOW TO: SURVIVE A ZOMBIE ATTACK EVIDENTLY A zombie apocalypse is one of those hyperbole and fanciful situations where you don’t know how you would act until it actually happens to you. Therefore the following list is a fruitful and humorous collation of what I deem as the finest and good-enough-for-me ‘essential’ tips of survival. You may not be able to carry out each single instruction listed here so I urge you to please read each of these life defying points carefully. Then select one that is relevant to you and your own zombie infected circumstances and aspirations.

Paige Taylor

Uniiw will occur. It is the display of B’olon-Yokte in a great investiture’. B’olon-Yokte was the Mayan god of death, war and the underworld and the investiture is a ceremony where a title and authority is conferred, and so many took this as a sign that the world would end, despite the inscription being incomplete. Over the years many theories have been suggested as to what would happen on December 21st; some claimed the world would end, others said we would enter a new age of enlightenment where we would learn the secrets of the universe. However the entire ‘Mayan

VENUS

MARS

So the Apocalypse is supposedly coming? We got two Looprevil Press writers to investigate the origins, give their own opinion on 21.12.12 and share their findings.

An instinctive and primary response to any zombie given situation. Would not advise for you to do this if your running skills are weak or if you are morbidly obese and cannot even walk down the street without getting a stitch. Going to the gym now and then would be quite beneficiary to get trained up.

2. FIND A REALLY FIT BOY/GIRL:

5. PARTY: The old saying

Now it is the end of the world, it is more important than ever that you don’t become a spinster and be alone forever. You can’t even have cats as a back up because remember, all of the cats are dead. Eventually the trauma of the situation will bring you both together and you will fall in love.

goes ‘if you can’t beat them, join them’. There’s always a social stigma in the air that zombies and humans can never be ‘true’ friends. However, a little compromising goes a long way and if you set up some boundaries and limits there’s nothing stopping you guys from all having a little party to drive everyone’s spirits up.

3. IMAGE: Your bad ass alter ego can now become a physical reality. If you’re one of the last surviving people in the world, show the world how sexy you are and why it should spare you. Find a gun, a fast car, a pair of sunglasses, a leather jacket and go outside and create some mayhem.

4. GO LOOTING: It may be socially frowned upon but now these dark fantasies of materialistic possession can be embraced. Pretend you are a child in a candy shop. Wear Gucci, Chanel, Calvin Klein. Sit on a park bench playing on the latest iPad whilst a group of zombies are slowly descending on you in the background at 2mph.

6. BE ZOMBIE-LIKE: Throw on some of that war paint, do some occasional groaning, walk like you have poo’d your pants and you’ll be on your way to manipulating the zombie crowd and fitting right in. 7. DOUBLE-TAP: Always ensure a zombie is dead with this shooting technique. Don’t be stingy with the bullets. 8. GIVE UP: If you are uncreative then you may opt for taking the easy way out. Poison and guns are usually best to achieve your desired results.

The LJMU Law Society will be holding its annual Legal Professional Evening on the 29th January 2013 at The Racquet Club in Liverpool. It will be an event where students will have the opportunity to network with a variety of professionals from the legal field. The event consists of a champagne reception followed by speeches by a variety of professionals there will then be a two course meal with the professionals giving students a chance to socialise with specialists from their desired legal field. This is an invaluable opportunity for students to get a real life view of the different areas of law they intend to go into after university and even a possible chance for students to gain work experience and advice. The Law Society will New this year, LiverpoolSU are offercirculate an email ing a programme of tailored Give It A around about this Go trips by faculty, event within the next to allow students to couple of months. meet and get to If you would like know others on their any further informacourse of study. Trips tion or updates on this will occur throughout fantastic events or any other the year. Children and events that we have coming up partners are also welcome on trips, unless during this academic year then otherwise stated. Please go to www.liverplease like our facebook page, poolsu.com/events for more details. LJMU Law Society 2012/2013.

GET INVOLVED

These forums are an opportunity to speak your mind, activate change, and help improve your student union. February 7, March 7 2013

This is your chance to join in open discussions about all things LJMU! We want to hear your opinions on everything to do with your University experience. February 12, March 12 2013

The Better City Forum is how Liverpool John Moores students shape their community: it delivers their vision for active and involved student citizens. February 5, March 5 2013

ReVerbed at MASQUERADE by Qi Jiang

Fireworks at Sefton Park, Bonfire Night by Aisling Davis

Liver Bird by Rebecca Fielding

All That Sparkles by Nicola Foster

The Beatelles at Liverpool Fashion Live by Rebecca Fielding

Liverpool Fashion Week (above and immediately above) by Sophie Cork For more pictures and Sophieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s review of LFW, visit www.looprevilpress.org

Winter 12/13

LOOPREVIL PRESS

The Small, Medium and Large Show at MASQUERADE by Qi Jiang

RAG cupcakes at MASQUERADE by Qi Jiang

Coloured pigeons as part of Liverpool Biennial by Unknown

Albert Docks by Rebecca Fielding

Students signing up to Looprevil Press during LSU Welcome Fair, September by Rebecca Fielding

BLAST FROM THE PAST

The very first edition of Looprevil Press in print. How far we have come since then! Demo2012 march through London by Oliver Auckland

Image by Connor Findlay

LOOPREVIL IS LOVING: Jessie Ware Night Light

RE-SHUFFLE AT RADIO exclusive

by CONNOR FINDLAY Writer AFTER THE recent departure of Elle Cesseford, it’s an exciting time for the new Station Manager, Jamie Gibson, and everyone involved at Looprevil Radio, LJMUs leading radio station. With big boots to fill, Looprevil Press asked former Head of Music Jamie Gibson whether he was up to the task. Sitting in the Looprevil Radio office, he seems genuinely concerned for the station’s well being. He said: “Part of the reason was that I didn’t think anyone else was going to go for it, so I was a bit worried about what might happen to the station. “I want it to do well so I thought ‘I’ve got to take the responsibility’” With his predecessor Wil Judkins taking up the reigns as Head of Music, Gibson is more than pleased with the team in place. He said: “I’ve still got Lucy [Robinson] as Assistant Manager and I’ve now got Wil [Judkins]. I think it’s going to be a very close working relationship so I think we’ll be fine.” When asked if he was planning to make any changes, he was quick to voice his concerns over the way certain things had been left. He said: “I’m not happy with how it is at the moment, I don’t like the fact we can’t do weekend

shows. “I’m looking into pre-recorded shows which is a high possibility because there are people who want to do the shows. “I really want to ramp up the interviews and promo stuff. We’ve built up quite a good promo relationship with the likes of Peer Group and Cool Delta, the same with the interview side of things too. I think if we can get 4 interviews a month that would be great.” Although ambitious in his hopes, he does have an idea of how to make it all happen. He said: “We’re trying to organise some sort of club night. Wil’s just got his official after party at Disco Sucks in the Heebie Jeebies basement, so I want to get our name out there and build us a bigger station. If we got this club night, that would be huge.” The biggest obstacle and shared nightmare for all leaders of Student run organisations is the financial backing needed, but Gibson already has that covered. He said: “There’s a Dragons’ Den style competition where we could win a £5000 grant over the next 3 years. We still need to collect some membership fees and we can still get grants from the Students’ Union. “Basically, the bigger budget the better the equipment we can get to increase the profile of the station.” However, he’s determined to keep his integrity and not succumb to the necessary evil that keeps so many online sites run-

ning. He said: “As for actually making income, we really don’t want advertising, that’s one thing we don’t do, that’s our ethos. At the moment, the club night would be the big one. With his love of the station and all he’s hoping to achieve, it appears a firm stance is necessary in making it all happen. He said: “As station manager, I’ve got to be friendly in some aspects but at the same time I’ve got to take care of Looprevil Radio; I have to be firm but fair basically.” A healthy dose of optimism coupled with an already structured plan are seemingly all it takes for the new Station Manager to make Looprevil Radio serious, yet successful On leaving, Elle told Looprevil Press: “I’ve had an amazing year being Station Manager at Looprevil Radio and now I’m nearing the end of my degree it’s time to pass on the wonderful challenge to someone new and fresh. “I wish everyone involved with the station the best success over the coming years.” Small, Medium + Large show Tuesdays 12 - 2pm

Mercury Prize-nominated Jessie Ware delivers her own brand of gorgeous, soulful pop in her latest single Night Light. Dark and mysterious with a subtle 80s vibe - we love!

Latch ft. sam smith

Disclosure T.Williams Remix Hotly tipped house duo Disclosure get a make-over in this energetic remix of their chart hit Latch. A hefty UK garage beat and sped-up vocals make this tune perfect for the club.

rudimental ft. john newman + alex clare

not giving in With jazzy brass, twinkling piano and rumbling bass, East London based quartet Rudimental have picked up where they left off. And with John Newman’s smooth tone - we love!

FEATURED REVIEW

RIHANNA’S UNAPOLOGETIC by AISLING DAVIS Writer THERE IS NO denying that Rihanna is unstoppable. Her 7th studio album, ‘Unapologetic’, is the latest bundle to hit UK music stores. Not unlike her previous album releases, the songs verge on a mix of pop to dance-pop, and even a little dubstep is thrown into the mix for good measure. There are some big-name collaborations on the album including Eminem and David Guetta. Rihanna proves that she isn't shy of controversy as she duets with her abusive ex-partner

Chris Brown on the tenth track, ‘Nobody's Business’. We are given even more snippets into her personal life through her song lyrics, with some explicit sexual references. Towards the middle of the album with ‘What Now’ and the soulful ‘Stay’, featuring Mikky Ekko, we finally hear some of those vocals that made Rihanna a star in the first place. This album is definitely worth a listen, even if its elements are somewhat similar to her previous releases. It’s emotional and will give fans even more pieces to the puzzle that is Rihanna’s life.

Let us know your thoughts on our choices, or suggest your own favourites - email us at looprevilpress@live.co.uk

12 Looprevil Press is printed quarterly. Want to be on this page and show LJMU students your talent? Email looprevilpress@live.co.uk

Winter 12/13

LOOPREVIL PRESS

£’s FOR PUDSEY exclusive

by AISLING DAVIS and REBECCA FIELDING Writer and Editor

STUDENTS’ LIVERPOOL Union’s Raise and Give Society threw an eventful and successful night in aid of BBC Children In Need. A total of £160.84 was raised for the UK charity, the result of 60 wax strips, a questionable Cilla Black impersonator, water pong hand-made-shop-bought and cakes. Despite starting late, RAG was successful in beating their amount raised last year. For as little as £1 students could wax the President himself. A group of 5 students donated £10 to the cause on the condition that they could all make RAG’s President a little patchy. Stephen Stewart, RAG President, said: “The target we had was £150. “This year we’re just having one-off events but next year we’re planning to do a week long Children in Need fundraiser.”

Last year, RAG itself raised £2500. The club participates in Movember every year and holds monthly events for the charities they support. In April 2013, Mr Stewart himself is doing a 24 hour cycle for Sports Relief and the RAG team will be thrown into a dirty bath in March for Comic Relief. The team will also be climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and hope to beat their target of £20,000 for the year. In terms of attracting students to join RAG, the society has done well. Mr Stewart said: “It’s been better this year but we all think it’s due to the higher fee increase. People are trying to get a little bit more out of their nine grand fees. But RAG has been a lot more successful this year, especially in attracting first year students.” In supporting RAG, Liverpool Students’ Union President Paul Abernethy said: “We have kind of put all our energy into this because we know our RAG society have been really successful in the past. “All the officers who can grow moustaches have been supporting

M o v e m b e r, but in fairness to Children In Need as well we always come down with guidance and support. “On a whole we also give funding for any activities that they want to do as well so it’s really an open-door policy and I myself have been a member of RAG for three years now.” Through curiosity, Looprevil Press asked why Mr Abernethy wasn’t being waxed alongside Mr Stewart’s efforts. He said: “Laughs- The state of my chest you’d be here all day. I’m not getting waxed because I know exactly how much it hurts.” In the North West alone, £2,160,218 was raised in total for Children In Need. The charity’s aim is to raise money for disadvantaged children across the UK. Its most popular appeal is its annual telethon, which takes place every November.

LMA CELEBRATES MUSICAL TALENTS by TEREZA KIRWAN Writer LIVERPOOL MUSIC Awards celebrated the local talent of those who contribute to Liverpool’s music industry. The red-carpet evening was hosted by Liverpool-born Radio 2 DJ, Janice Long. Special tribute, The Roger Eagle award for outstanding contribution to music, went to Liverpool Sound City founder Dave Pichilingi. Those presenting the awards included Radio City breakfast show presenter Rossi Ross ,Wirral band The Coral, Frankie Goes To Hollywood, blues singer Connie Lush, producer Mike Discala, Liverpool MP Steve Rotherham , Spice Girl Mel C and The Wombats, who said: “We always love being in Liverpool. We have just got back from the states, but no matter where we go Liverpool is the best.” The night saw performances from chart topper boy band Lawson, who said: “The night is awesome, there is nothing we can fault, the speakers, the setup, and just everything is brilliant.” There were also performances from MOBO Unsung Award winner Esco Williams, Sense of Sound Choir and X- Factor’s Craig Colton. Colton said: “It feels amazing to be here, I was the first performance of the night which was brilliant, hopefully I might get an award next year which I would love. It could be as big as the MOBO’s as that started off just as small.” Former Spice Girl Mel C said: “I love being back in the city, I feel so privileged to be a part of the awards.” Sporty Spice presented the award for female artist of the year to Rebecca Ferguson, her first ever award. Former Hollyoaks star, Matt Littler was delighted for Rebecca. He said: “I am so pleased Rebecca has won her first ever award here. Such a nice girl, I have

interviewed her myself a couple of times and she deserves it.” Best DJ of the year, voted for by the public went to Lee Butler. Butler said: “What a fantastic way to acknowledge local talent. The people here are great, all deserving. Music is where my heart is, I am so thankful to all those who voted for me and I feel privileged.” Rock/pop band My Forever also attended, and Looprevil Press spoke to their bass guitarist and backing singer, Twiggy. He said: “I am having a great time here, Lee Butler is fantastically lovely, there is so much talent in the room and the after party should be good.” Awards won are as follows.

REVIEW: BIENNIAL by LOIS VENTRE Writer

THE RETURN of the Liverpool Biennnial sought the theme of the ‘Unexpected Guest’. The bi-yearly exhibition ran from September 15 to November 25, perfect timing for any fresher with an artistic eye. The works are exhibited across the city giving you a mini tour as you visit each work. The festival is one of a kind. If you are sick of hearing that ‘London has all the jobs, all the best artists’, this highly contradicts the statement and gives somewhere up North a bit of credit. The sinister theme contradicts Liverpool’s thriving culture. The secondary theme is hospitality, how we welcome a guest, how we interact with people. Each artist explores the idea in a variety of forms - the most popular being on canvas; emerging artists and famous artists have created pieces with the given title: ‘What draws the line between guest and host?’ In these hard financial times are we unwelcoming to different social classes? Or have we become more unfriendly and less approachable as we’re wrapped up in our own stresses? The list could go on. The Biennial has been celebrating its 7th return after huge success. Each year the arts festival gets better, with highly accredited artists exhibiting in the past, such as Yoko Ono, Gilbert & George and Tracey Emin. This will be my third visit to a Liverpool Biennial. It’s different from the rest - with previous themes such as ‘made-up’ and ‘touched’, this year’s theme has been the most relatable; it gave the viewers a chance to connect with the exhibitions. The Bloomberg New Contemporaries was a competition between 1,200 aspiring artists, desperate to show their work; successful candidates exhibited their work on the ground floor of the Royal Mail sorting office. The most favoured exhibition was the old Royal Mail sorting office; the warehouse environment created an eerie kind of atmos-

phere for the art, as if they were abandoned, and the famous ‘black pillow’ was created by architects Audruis Bucas and Valdas Ozanrinskas. Inspiration behind the work was based around phenomenological experiences, however the public’s perceptions have changed the real definition of work by confusing it with accumulating collective and failure of our lives; the new meaning prevails a ‘crying into the pillow’ idea as sadness can sometimes be an ‘unexpected guest’. The Tate Liverpool hosted a series of artworks under the umbrella term ‘Thresholds’. Artists such as Martin Parr, George Shaw and Simryn Gill all exhibited their works. Shaw paints landscapes and yet his work looks as though someone has taken a photograph. Parr sees things how they are by taking ‘mug shot’ photos. Simryn Gill collected 258 photos of people’s living rooms; she went touring around the Malaysian Peninsula, going into people’s homes. receiving their hospitality then taking a photo of their living room.

The new meaning prevails a ‘crying into the pillow’ idea as sadness can sometimes be an ‘unexpected guest’ The dome outside the Tate Gallery held Doug Aitken’s ‘The Source’. When you walk in you are welcomed into a conversation of over 6 different artists/musicians/curators, but walking closer into each alcove you are only drawn to one conversation. The sound proofing drowns out the rest and you are then welcomed to eavesdrop into their conversation. The Biennial certainly gives students an great opportunity to go and see and exhibit their work.

UNLEASH THE LEATHER LADY

to any outfit, and in leather, add an unexpected dose of rocker-chic. Pair one with your favourite jeans and embellished heels or flats, and you've got the ultimate brunch or day date outfit just like this one on Blair Eadie.

by GEMMA JONES Features Editor

Whether coloured, embellished, vintage or faux, it is a winter necessity. A winter without leather would be akin to New Year with no January. The girly/tough combo has become such a craze these past few seasons. Even the most fabulously feminine closet staples like dresses, skirts, and flirty tops are getting major makeovers in androgynous leather. But fear not my fashion disciples! Although it may sound intimidating, leather pieces are totally easy to wear and will give a perfect badass image whilst still sustaining some feminine allure.

A DRESS: Olivia Palermo always looks immaculate. She's known for her perfectly-put-together ensembles, but this leather shift dress gives her a little edge. This cut is flattering on all body types, and paired with luxe accessories and pops of color, would make a lovely holiday party outfit.

A SKIRT: Can you say date night? This look on fashion Queen Alexa Chung is just the right mix of classy, cool, and comfy. The leather skirt is super sexy but is toned down with a slouchy sweater and casual booties. In colder weather, throw on a pair of black tights (and don't forget your dark lipstick).

This issue’s unlikely style icon is

WEDNESDAY ADDAMS.

PANTS: Leather leggings are essential. Not only are they comfortable but will no doubt keep you warm when the weather becomes even more mercifully cold outside. They instantly pull together the most casual of ensembles. Wear with a simple cashmere sweater and a big comfy coat for simplistic chicness. Accessorise by wearing them with any kind of shoe from trainers to ballet flats to sky-high stilettos.

She might be a fictional character but Wednesday, the eldest daughter of the Addams family, has influenced a lot of people. In keeping with this season’s gothic trend, this deadpan prepubescent is a charming, interesting

antidote to shiny, happy pop culture. Her most famous outfit is a knee-length black dress with a pointed white collar and white cuffs. Her hair is in two skinny braids. Black tights and anklelength boots complete the look. Very American gothic.

Show us how you’re wearing leather this winter: www.facebook.com/ looprevilpresspaper

A TOP: The peplum is the trend that keeps on giving. They add just the right amount of flirty flair

THE INTERNATIONALITY

OF UK REALITY

TELEVISION by CRAIG MILLIGAN Writer WITHIN THE 21st Century thus far, there has been one genre of television created, entrancing the planet since its inception - reality television. Beginning with shows like Big Brother and Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County, the genre has evolved at such a rapid pace that almost every topic of reality has been covered by some form of reality television. Of course, the largest provider of what some may call pointless television, is the United States. From The Hills to Jersey Shore to the entirety of The Real Housewives franchise, America has allowed hundreds of normal people to transcend into celebrity. However, with many of these shows facing the axe due to low ratings, is it possible that the United Kingdom is now taking over the helm of reality television?

UNLIKELY STYLE ICON

www.twitter.com/ Looprevil_Press

Jersey Shore, at its peak, attained 8 million viewers yet now garners a measly 3 million in comparison. In contrast to this, however, its U.K. counterpart Geordie Shore continues to go from strength to strength in ratings each season, so much so that MTV have begun airing the show stateside. Matching this pattern is Made in Chelsea, a UK show that continues to grow each series. With The Hills gone and scripted teen dramas like Gossip Girl and 90210 gaining less than 1 million viewers an episode, Made in Chelsea is looking ready to takeover on the USA Style Network and is being marketed as the ‘British Gossip Girl… but real.’ Talent reality television transitions, on the other hand, have not made the stateside jump quite as s m o o t h l y. Simon Cowell’s beast The X Factor coughed out an astounding $15 million for Britney Spears

Textured crystal collar dress by Topshop, £46 | Louisa wedges by Jeffrey Campbell via Office, £100 | Skull and Cross rings by DIXI (www.shopdixi.co.uk), £4 and £5

to judge in its second season and, surprisingly to many, this was an apparent mistake as ratings are averaging about the 7 million mark while The Voice continues to gain upwards of 11 million. The fact that talent shows do not achieve success in the transition proves that the American audience are after one thing: real U.K. drama. With The Only Way Is Essex already available stateside on Hulu and currently searching for a suitable stateside network, it can only be presumed that the U.S.A. will be expecting more shows from us soon. The only question that remains is this: once the reality T.V. well runs dry from the UK, there’s no knowing where it will progress to.

Winter 12/13

LOOPREVIL PRESS

ross, 16, from the wirral

“I like how the Smiths dress, so my style icon has to be Morrissey”

ve we�lo

suzanna, 22, from city centre “I don’t really have a style icon, I just like who I like!”

harry, 18, from the wirral “I’m quite into Henry Holland and Nick Grimshaw at the moment”

emma, 18, from the wirral

“I tend to go for stuff that fits my shape, and I wear a lot of black!”

emily, 22, from wavertree

“Obviously my style icon has to be Alexa Chung”

bold street

STYLE 4

Gemma Jones and Sophie Cork took a stroll down Liverpool’s most fashionable street to see how the locals are pulling oﬀ this season’s coolest winter trends, who’s style they are crushing on and how they would describe their own style.

the master

AUTUMN/WINTER FILMS FEATURED REVIEWS:

by ROBERT COLLINS Writer

skyfall

paranormal activity 4 by HARRIET SHARPLES Writer AS THE fourth installment of the popular franchise hit cinemas just in time for Halloween, it’s in no doubt that the Paranormal Activity films are a hit among movie goers around this time of year. Paranormal Activity 4 is set five years after the end of Paranormal Activity 2, which saw the possessed Katie take off with her baby nephew, Hunter, into the night. The film begins with an introduction to Alex (Kathryn Newton) and her family, which includes adopted brother Wyatt. Alarm bells ringing yet? After a few minor spooky goings on, Alex enlists the help of her boyfriend to set up CCTV around the house to really get to the bottom of what is going on. While Paranormal Activity 4 follows the usual documentary/ home-video-style format of the

previous films, not much can be said for the actual plot. Yes, the film is filled with suspense once those CCTV cameras switch to night mode, but the scare factor is relatively low. Once the ‘big’ twist is revealed and the body count begins to rise, the film becomes boring fairly quickly. While many may be familiar with the previous Paranormal Activity films that the franchise has churned out, it can be argued that the home-video-style format of the films has become a little repetitive. Nonetheless, this definitely adds a sense of realism to the horror genre, making audiences wonder, what was that bump in the night? With a fifth sequel penned for October 2013, Paranormal Activity looks set to continue to maintain box office success in the future. Rating:

LP LP LP LP LP

by LOUIS MARTIN Writer THERE IS no doubt about it Bond is back! If you were still wondering about Daniel Craig’s portrayal of our most famous spy, then you need wonder no more. Everything you would expect from a Bond film is here, but with a fresh and classy edge that was missing from the cheesy films of the 90s. The film opens with a 12 minute chase, then spirals into a story filled with action and intrigue. The Bond theme is back too, after the previous two Craig films used it very sparsely. The song by Adele that accompanies the films is perhaps the best ever written - there is nothing that raises your hairs on end better than hearing the tune during one of Bond’s many shootouts. The DB5 returns as well. It might sound nostalgic but with all this ‘returning’ being added to

the twists and turns that run through the film, it’s impossible not to smile. Craig’s performance is second to none. Skyfall propels him to challenge Connery for top spot and this is aided by some exquisite one-liners. To publish them would ruin the film, but watch out for his dialogue with Silva, especially on the abandoned island. It isn’t all action and shooting though - the film allows plenty of character development. We learn a lot about the relationship between Bond and M, and Albert Finney’s character allows us to understand Bond’s upbringing a lot better. All in all, it is definitely a contender for film of the year and is a must-see for anyone who has an ounce of interest in cinema. The film ends with the text ‘Bond will be back’, and we certainly hope so. Rating:

AFTER winning the FIPRESCI award at the Venice Film Festival and being lauded by critics in America, Paul Thomas Anderson’s The Master has finally hit U.K. shores. P.T. Anderson, formerly known as America’s wunderkind for original films Magnolia and Boogie Nights, has reportedly based the film on L. Ron Hubbard, unused ideas for his much praised film There Will Be Blood and John Steinbeck’s life. With such a varied idea range, The Master is sure to follow There Will Be Blood’s footsteps in being highly praised by critics. The film sees Joaquin Phoenix star in his first major role in four years and long-time collaborator Philip SeymourHoffman in the supporting role. Both the Odeon and FACT are showing 70mm screenings of the film. Have something to say about the films reviewed here? Or have a review of your own? Let us know and send it to looprevilpress@live.co.uk

LP LP LP LP LP

HOROWITZ’S HOUSE OF SILK THERE AND BACK AGAIN: A RETURN TO MIDDLE EARTH

by LOUIS MARTIN Writer

THE GREATLY portrayed fictional character is back, but this time in the format he started in. Anthony Horowitz was commissioned to write the first official Sherlock Holmes book since Conan Doyle and he has not let the fans down. The House of Silk stays true to Holmes and to Doyle - there is not a lot of action or killing, but a fantastic mystery that only Holmes could solve. Trying to write in the style of Doyle must have been extremely daunting for Horowitz, but he does it with aplomb. The ever-present voice of Watson narrates the story and there are many references throughout

which show that Horowitz has done his research. There are even gems hidden for the true Holmes fans such as a reference to Edgar Allan Poe’s detective Alexander Dupin, who the character of Holmes is partly based on. The story itself is strong enough to be one of Doyle’s own. The mystery is not obvious until right before Holmes reveals it himself but has a twist that only a modern writer could add, due to the values of the age in which Doyle was writing. It keeps you enthralled and guessing just like any Holmes story should and then surprises you with twists that you could never see coming. All the main characters are there, as well as a very clever scene with Watson and Moriarty, and he also manages to capture the age in which the story is set with great accuracy. For a Holmes fan, or someone new to the stories, it is well worth a read and it could be that we have a new set of Holmes tales just around the corner.

by ROBERT COLLINS and JACK AYLWARD Writers WITH THE Hobbit about to hit theatres, a renewed interest in the Lord of the Rings franchise is sure to sweep the globe again soon. Peter Jackson’s trilogy of the prequel novel by J.R.R. Tolkien is out in cinemas on 14th December with previous stars returning, including Sir Ian McKellen and Andy Serkis. Fortunately, if you haven’t seen any of the films or if you just want to relive the full cinematic experience once again, FACT cinema on Wood Street is providing a one-off showing of all three films on 9th December at midday. The original release of the Lord of the Rings trilogy broke a number of box-office records with The Return of the King being the second-highest grossing film of all

> In Ian Fleming’s original Bond books, M, the Head of Secret Intelligence Service, is in fact male. Instead, in recent films starring Daniel Craig, M is portrayed as Dame Judi Dench and her character is based on Stella Rimington, the real-life head of MI5 between 1992 and 1996.

time for a while. The trilogy’s success could be put down to a stellar performance by actors, including Orlando Bloom and Elijah Wood, who became household names following the success of the films. Due to such records and the high profile of each film, tickets for this one-off event are likely to sell out fast so be sure to book in advance to ensure you are able to witness these ten hours packed with some of the most iconic moments of 21st century cinema.

DID YOU KNOW?

Winter 12/13

LOOPREVIL PRESS

Image by Nicola Foster

LJMU FREESTYLE DANCE LIVERPOOL SU GETS ZUMBA BUG by BETHAN JENKINS Writer

The LJMU Freestyle Dance society would like to announce their brand new festive showcase. Running for seven years, the society has taken part in several showcases, however the team’s Christmas-themed night is a first this year. Styles of dancing include ballet, tap, lyrical, contemporary, jazz and hip-hop, all of which will be included in the showcase. The showcase will provide the team with some experience before the four competitions entered in the New Year. The team will also be representing LJMU on tour in Croatia in

April. The Christmas showcase will be taking place in the Sudley Theatre, IM Marsh Campus in Aigburth on December 7 and 8, 2012. Hannah Meehan, Vice President said: “Because of high demand we are having to do two shows”. Tickets are £4 for adults and £3 for students/children. Doors open at 6.30pm, the show begins at 7pm. Come along and enjoy an evening of dance which we guarantee will leave you feeling festive and jolly. If you would like to purchase tickets for the evening, do not hesitate to contact Amy Robinson, Society President by email at A.S.Robinson@2010.ljmu.ac.uk

FUTURE ATHLETE? Join a sports clubs today at LSU:

Find more sports clubs and societies at www.liverpoolsu.com

by NICOLA FOSTER Writer

14 MILLION people take weekly Zumba classes in over 140,000 locations across more than 150 countries. Now the fitness phenomenon has come to Liverpool Student’s Union. Zumba combines aerobics and dance to provide a fun and lively keep fit regime. Bringing together music and moves from salsa, hiphop and belly dancing, to name just a few. The average hour long class can burn between 400-500 calories. The routines are specially designed to help strengthen your core, burn calories and most importantly, have some fun. The society run by Sam Davys, is new to the SU this year. After attending a class run by her cousin, Sam got bitten by the Zumba bug and couldn’t wait to start a class of her own. A third year dance student at LJMU, she ran a smaller class in the city centre last year and was urged by friends to approach Liverpool Students’ Union.

She said: “I didn’t really know what I was letting myself in for! It has been a lot of work but it is definitely worth it.” After an overwhelming response at the Fresher’s Fair with over 200 people signing up, the society has gone from strength to strength. Davys said: “I said at the start that if I got 10 every week I would be happy”, which the classes regularly exceed. However, she admitted that she would love to see even more enthusiastic dancers in front of her every week. She said: “Because I know so many signed up I’m a bit greedy. I want them to come because I know it’s so enjoyable for everyone.” Zumba is much more than a way to keep fit. With socials and fundraisers planned, Davys prides herself on “the little community” she has created. With a diverse range of students studying everything from Dance to Media, Chemistry and Business, the society is a great opportunity to meet some new people.

So does Sam have any top tips for anyone thinking of starting a society at LiverpoolSU? She said: “Just go for it! I never even joined a society in my first two years, let alone know there were about 80! “But I have made so many friends and gained so much experience from starting my Zumba classes that I would recommend it to anyone.” Rosie Monro, a second year LJMU student really enjoys the classes: “I had never tried Zumba before but would urge anyone to give it a go! It’s such a fun, cheap sociable way to keep fit while at University!” Davys receives new routines every month from ZIN, the Zumba Instructor’s Network. With new songs and sequences being added every week. She said: “There is always going to be new ones people don’t know, so there is no time like the present to come along and get fit with us!” Zumba society meets every Monday at 6.30pm and Tuesday at 7pm in Liverpool Students Union, Haigh Building and classes are just £2.50 a week.

BALAGUÉ SAYS ‘RELAX’ by RHYS WILLIAMS Writer

IT IS RUMOURED that during the 1980’s, one of the most famous songs of the decade was written over a beer in the Bridewell pub in Liverpool. Frankie Goes to Hollywood’s controversial song ‘Relax’ is the record in question, making the pub pretty iconic with regards to Liverpool’s music scene. The Bridewell was at it again this week as it played host to another momentous occasion in November. The pub teamed up once again with Waterstones to hold a book signing for one of the leading football writers in the world. Spanish journalist Guillem Balagué was in the city to promote his newly released biography of Barcelona legend Pep Guardiola. Guardiola, an ex-Barcelona player, has become a ‘demi-god’ in the words of Balagué, due to his incredible achievements as manager at the club. Balagué, who is a friend of Guardiola’s, felt that it would be good for him to help with the inside story on life at one of the biggest clubs in the world, almost justifying Guardiola’s decision to quite the Nou Camp. It was evident by listening to Balagué speak that he had worked incredibly hard to get to where he is today. Born in Barcelona, he considers himself an ‘adopted Scouser’ having started his long road to the top of university in Liverpool. He came to the city without the ability to speak English and made some money doing long hours in a bakery. Soon he began to write anything that he could from all genres within journalism in an attempt to be noticed. He eventually managed to build contacts in the city and took an interest in Liverpool Football Club. Having written columns and articles about English and Spanish football, Balagué decided to concentrate on his first book. A Season on the Brink was released in 2005 and gave a brilliantly in-depth look into one of the most famous games not only in Liverpool’s history, but in the world football. This book showed the world of football how Balagué had an incredible bond with professionals in the game, as he was able to gain exclusive access into the clubs. He has since shown on Sky Sports that his knowledge of all the biggest stories in world football is unrivalled, with managers and players respecting Balagué’s footballing brain despite his position merely as a journalist. November 2012 saw the launch of his new book, Pep Guardiola: Another Way of Winning, with a number of dates across the country for his book signings. Balagué spoke brilliantly for thirty minutes about Guardiola’s life as manager of FC Barcelona, before taking questions from the Liverpool audience. Many asked for stories about the famously controversial figures of Real Madrid manager José Mourinho and Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovich, who in their own

THE POWER BALANCE

IS SHIFTING

£50 million and signing Carroll for £35 million. With the money that Liverpool have at their disposal it seems that if they had some strong and quality leadership they could have built on their form at the end of the last decade, but too many errors have let them down. The management at both clubs could also not be any different. Since David Moyes has been in charge at Everton, Liverpool have had 5 different managers. It is proven that if you give managers time to build, the best example of this is Sir Alex Ferguson, and shape the team then it will pay off. Everton are now starting to reap the benefits, going from strength to strength. When Moyes took over, Everton were lucky to stay up, and he has now turned them to a top 6 team that are a constant threat to the ‘Big 5’, both home and away. Both United and City have failed to score in their last visits to Goodison Park. On the other hand, Liverpool have missed out majorly on Roberto Martinez and have settled for Brendon Rodgers. Yes, he did do well with Swansea last season, but he has not got a great track record. He inherited a very good Swansea team that was built by Martinez before he left for Wigan. He may have added well to it, but Liverpool needs rebuilding from the bottom up and they passed up the best man for the job. Martinez would have taken the job but insisted on having total control and not wanting a director of football. Liverpool refused and the Spaniard stayed true to his

ways have caused problems for Pep. However, it was his passion for Liverpool FC by LOUIS MARTIN which sparked many Ko- Writer pites into life, with many asking about Rafa Ben- LIVERPOOL, the team that has itez’s appointment at dominated the City for the past 20 Chelsea and Liverpool’s years, are now being overtaken by decision to hire Northern Everton. Some people are surIrishman Brendan prised when this is said, but if you Rodgers during the sum- break it down and look at the facts mer. Balagué had one then there should not be any surparticular story that gen- prise at all. uinely brought silence to The most obvious area to look a previously excitable at would be transfers. In recent crowd. years, Liverpool have spent a lot It was well publicised of money and have not gained a that Liverpool had cre- lot of talent in the process. Playated a list of six candi- ers such as Downing, Carroll and dates for the role of Henderson rack up a bill of over manager at the club, £70 million while Everton have however Balagué men- players such as Baines, Fellaini tioned a seventh man and Jelavic that total around £25 who wasn’t even consid- million. ered. Everton have to run on a tiny This man is a legend budget so have to make their signin the world of football, ings count. There have been miswho was not only one the takes, Bilyaletdinov being a prime greatest ever players, but example, but they cannot afford to was responsible for start- waste like their counterparts on ing the philosophy that the other side of Stanley Park. we see at FC Barcelona Liverpool’s transfer policy can today: Dutch legend Jo- also be questioned when you look hann Cruyff. at the Andy Carroll transfer. It According to Balagué, was reported that the Director of Cruyff contacted LiverFootball at the time, Damien Copool with a plan to rebuild molli, was the man who wanted their whole club by introCarroll and was told the only way ducing a similar system to get him was to sell. He did this to the one found in Catby letting Torres go to Chelsea for alonia. He had prepared a plan that would introduce himself as the Director of Football with Txiki Begiristain (now at Manchester City) working closely with him. This would have brought backroom staff from FC Barcelona, which would have given by JACK MCILROYthe first team a similar structure to that of the REID academy, which is run by ex-Barcelona staff Sport Editor members Pep Segura and Rodolfo Borrell. This could have potentially changed the face of IF SOMEONE told you at the club and their fortunes this season. the start of the season that However, the most incredible point given by coming up to Christmas a Balagué was the relationship between Cruyff Merseyside club would be and Pep Guardiola. top of the league what He suggested that, had Cruyff taken over at would you have said? Liverpool, Guardiola would have been more Brendan Rodgers’ phithan tempted to join him as manager of the losophy must have suited club. What was the Liverpool owner’s reaction Liverpool right away. Everto this proposal given by Cruyff? Nothing. Comton had finally shaken off plete ignorance. the reputation of slow According to Balagué, the Liverpool’s starters and had peneowner’s naivety caused them to ignore Cruyff trated the big 4. completely, not even a polite refusal. Oh no. The highest Therefore I will leave you with two words: achievers this year are What if?

principles and stayed with Wigan. They may never be world beaters, but they play good football. Rodgers has Liverpool playing a decent passing game but you can’t help but feel that Martinez would have given them that as well as the cutting edge they have lacked. There is no doubt Rodgers has got Liverpool playing attractively, but there is no sophistication to their performance. They depend heavily upon the goals and creativity of Luis Suarez, who has created or scored 85% of Liverpool’s goals this season, while the rest of the team seem to be struggling for inspiration. If you look at Everton, their goals have come from all over the pitch. Fellaini has already scored more goals than he did last season, Jelavic has carried on with his fantastic form and the delivery of Baines, Mirallas and the ever persistent Pienaar supply the assists for Everton to score. It is crucial that they do not rely on one player and Liverpool need to address this situation before Suarez get injured or leaves to a stronger team. Unfortunately for a city with such a great footballing history, they have not got a team that can challenge either Manchester clubs or some of the London ones for the title, but Everton are now the stronger of the two. The power shift was evidently shown with Steven Gerrard’s when he compared Everton with Stoke. A Liverpool captain has never been worried enough to have to publicly state they are better than Everton. That says a lot.

THE SKY IS THE LIMIT Tranmere Rovers, the often forgotten little cousin to Liverpool and Everton from over the water. Rovers find themselves top of League One, overachieving, after finishing 17th and 12th in the previous two seasons. Club legend Ronnie Moore has turned round the Birkenhead club’s fortunes in his second spell as manager. along with the help of league top scorer Jake Cassidy. Despite not winning in three, spirits are high at Prenton Park and should

the team’s form continue, a return to the second tier of English football for the first time in over a decade is something that looks increasingly likely. The sky is the limit and with their next game against Chesterfield in the FA cup, recent performances suggest there is no reason they can’t put together a cup run similar to that of twelve years ago, reaching the final of the League Cup. Who is the best team on Merseyside? No contest.

Winter 12/13

LOOPREVIL PRESS

LFC YOUTH ACADEMY

by RHYS WILLIAMS Writer

“THE ACADEMY of Liverpool is the only one that can compare to La Masia of Barcelona FC,” stated Pep Guardiola, ExBarcelona Manager. Liverpool Football Club is famous for its incredible history, boasting numerous league and cup titles along with an impressive tally of five European Cup victories. The club has a tradition of nurturing young talent into established international players, with many considered as worldclass footballers. During the 1990s, the academy produced players such as Steven Gerrard, Michael Owen, Robbie Fowler, Steve McManaman and Jamie Carragher, which was testament enough to the quality of the development of young talent at the club at the time. However, it was evident that the academy needed considerable improvement after several quiet years, Jay Spearing being the most impressive player to come through in the 2000s. Following the introduction of Gerrard and Owen into the first team, the club failed to produce any genuine contenders for first team football and were in need of inspiration which would spark the academy into life. This spark came in the shape of a certain Spaniard. Rafael Benitez was hired to replace Frenchman Gerard Houllier as Manager of the club in 2004 and made an immediate impact. His first task in his new role was to persuade both Steven Gerrard and Michael Owen to stay at the club, with both attracting interest from the biggest clubs in Europe. Owen departed to Madrid, seeking a new challenge, whereas Gerrard performed a huge U-turn, rejecting the advances of Russian Billionaire Roman Abramovich and Chelsea in favour of committing his career to the reds. Keeping Gerrard was a big statement of intent by Benitez and this was the beginning of his plan; it was clear that Benitez was laying the foundations for a long-term plan to make Liverpool successful once again, as they had gone fourteen years without a league title at that point. Benitez brought a large Spanish contingent with him to Liverpool, who helped

transform the face of the club. He brought Jose ‘Pep’ Segura and Rodolfo Borrell in f r o m Barcelona, along with his assistant, Paco Ayesterán from Valencia. Segura and Borrell went straight in to work with the youth teams, looking to implement the ‘Tiki-Taka’ style of football made famous by the Barcelona academy La Masia. Segura and Borrell were responsible for developing some of the current Barcelona team, which is hugely impressive in itself. The Spanish contingent had begun to introduce a new system where all Liverpool teams played with a 4-2-3-1 formation, with emphasis on ball retention. Liverpool’s academy had begun to grow in a similar way to that of Barcelona’s, putting emphasis on retaining possession at all costs and working hard to win possession back if lost in the first place. The new Spanish influence made sure that from as young as the age of 14, players were tactically sound and comfortable in possession. This approach was implemented perfectly in Benitez’s first season in charge, leading a pretty average Liverpool team to European Cup glory. Having seen the club achieve this four times previously, Liverpool fans, despite always showing belief in the team, could never have predicted that the crop of players in the 2004-05 season could be champions of Europe. Benitez made sure the team kept possession well and were difficult to break down, something which was already being implemented through the youth set up. Benitez made another important change within the club by changing the role of then Chief Scout, Frank McParland. McParland had considerable pedigree with regards to the development of young talent and he was now overlooking the whole academy. There were changes implemented with regards to their scouting system, with ‘modern’ players on the radar. The club were now seeking players who would be tactically aware, comfortable in possession and had the kind of positive arrogance which would bring excitement to the fans. During the 1970s and 80s, the club was known for its dominating style of play. Possession was vital, keeping the ball away from the opposition for as long as possible so they had little opportunity to build any kind of momentum. Liverpool would often take the lead in a game and were able to keep possession well enough to comfortably

LJMU TRAMPS The Trampoline club will be participating in the Manchester Trampoline Open on Decem-

win games by narrow scoring margins. This made them one of the elite clubs in the world at this point, which is why Benitez felt he must reinstate this philosophy. As well as bringing in Segura, Borrell and McParland to shape the academy, Benitez made sure that the academy in Kirkby was renovated. Opened in 1998, the academy was in need of improvements in order to take the club to the next level. Therefore millions of pounds were spent on the new development, offering world class facilities to those between the ages of nine and eighteen. Each of these factors has contributed to an incredible rise in quality in the academy, with many prospects being touted as genuine contenders for first team places. In 2004 when Benitez took charge, Liverpool had a total of just two youth internationals. However, as we approach Christmas in 2012, Liverpool now boasts thirty one youth internationals, making them one of the top youth teams in Europe. There are also several youth players who have recently made the step up to the first team, proving that the changes made by Benitez during his reign in charge have helped the club massively, even to this day. Benitez had formed possibly the strongest Liverpool team for the last twenty years with the signings of players such as Fernando Torres, Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano. In the 2008-09 season, Liverpool finished second behind champions Manchester United by just four points, with frustrating draws at home to bottom half clubs costing Liverpool massively. Despite beating Manchester United twice in the league, including a famous 4-1 victory at Old Trafford, Liverpool were unable to hold on to win the Premier League for the first time. That season saw Liverpool play some of the best football in Europe, with an outstanding 5-0 aggregate win over Spanish giants Real Madrid being a particular highlight. Unfortunately for Benitez, he was unable to repeat this great season again and was eventually sacked in 2010 after a disappointing seventh-place finish. However, he was able to lay the foundations for a successful future for the club; all they needed was the right man to take them forward. Unfortunately, Liverpool’s attempt to take the club to the next level failed when they hired the now England manager, Roy Hodgson. Hodgson was unable to inspire the team and seemed to lose the confidence of the dressing room. His reign was short lived as he left by mutual consent in January 2011, being replaced by Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish. The football being played by the team lacked cutting edge and without goals were struggling for form in the league.

ber 8. The competition will run between 8.30am and 6pm and will take place at Manchester University. The competition is 1 of the 5 that is part of the Northern English University Trampoline League (NEUT), where their highest scor-

Dalglish came in to replace Hodgson and seemed to instantly breathe life into the club and the city. The performances improved dramatically thanks to the influence of ‘King Kenny’ and the signing of Uruguayan star Luis Suarez. Dalglish brought much needed stability back to the club and an air of confidence, but his managerial skills were perhaps lacking in what turned out to be another poor season during the 2011-12 campaign, despite League Cup glory. These years were quiet for Liverpool and perhaps were the beginning of a long transitional period leading into a successful future. The current manager, Northern Irishman Brendan Rodgers is already showing signs of re-implementing ‘the Liverpool way’, something many feel was lost under Hodgson and Dalglish, with him emphasising the importance of possession. He studied the philosophy implemented by Barcelona in the past and has so far tried to apply this to Liverpool. Despite unfavourable results, the potential is clear for everyone to see. Rodgers has shown during his short time in charge that he is prepared to trust youth, with many young players being given their opportunity in the first team. However, it is Benitez who Rodgers should be hailing, as it was indeed the scouting team ran by Frank McParland who suggested the acquisitions of two recent sensations. Raheem Sterling and Jesús Joaquín Fernández Sáez (Suso) have smashed their way into current manager Brendan Rodgers’ plans. Both Suso, 19 and Sterling, 17 were scouted and then recruited by the team that was crafted by Benitez during his time in charge, not to mention Andre Wisdom, 19 who has now made seven appearances in the first team. He signed for Liverpool at the age of fourteen during Benitez’s reign and has since come through the youth system and into the first team. The development of these young players pay great a great compliment to the changes made during that transitional period. Therefore, with many fans not entirely impressed with the results at the moment, it is clear to me that the signs are there for a bright future at Anfield. Rodgers has a plan which will take time as he creates his own team, capable of playing the football so well recognised at Anfield. With a number of young players currently being blooded into the first team, expect to see many more products of the academy celebrating at the Kop end very soon.

ing 3 competitions out of the 5 count towards the league. There are 3 categories/mini leagues and the team are currently 6th in all 3 (out of 16). Good luck!

Winter 12/13

LOOPREVIL PRESS

INITIATIONS CAUSE DISRUPTION exclusive by JACK MCILROY-REID Sport Editor IF YOU’VE managed to check your university emails at one point throughout first semester, you will have seen the email sent to the entire student body of Liverpool John Moores University on October 19, 2012. Sent by Marie Ward, Head of Student Policy and Regulation, it told of an incident that had resulted in the police being involved. It read: “For the small minority involved in the incidents this week, I can assure you that LJMU security services work closely with the police and we will take action against students identified in engaging in criminal behaviour or actions which damage the University’s relationship with the local community and emergency services.” Had you not read the email, you were more than likely told about it. Of course, there’s no doubt that the email was a direct result of the misdemeanour of a group of students at IM Marsh campus during their welcome events. In true gossipfashion, rumours spread amongst the student population; walking through the library, one would overhear seven different possibilities from the time it took to walk to the printer and back. Rumours circulated that it was in relation to the events of the LJMU’s Men’s Football team’s annual initiation ceremony. Yet to use the term ‘initiation ceremony’ is incorrect in itself; at the beginning of each year, all clubs and societies are required to sign an initiation policy, provided by Liverpool Students’ Union, which reads: “Student groups will NOT carry out initiation ceremonies... “An initiation ceremony is an event in which members (often new members) of the club are expected to perform any activity as

a means of gaining credibility, status or entry within that club. “This peer pressure is normally (though not explicitly) exerted on first year students and may involve consumption of alcohol, eating concoctions of various food stuffs, nudity and behaviour that may be deemed humiliating.” The story goes that the football team were indeed taking part in an initiation ceremony and were asked to leave IM Marsh by security, because a number of members were dressed in only female underwear and the consumption of alcohol was taking place. They then moved to a public field close by, where their noise alerted a member of public. Consequently, they were asked to leave by the police and did so without any hassle. It’s inevitable that most teams organised initiation evenings; those who attended Medication around this time will have no doubt seen the array of potato sacks and tutus sported by certain clubs. It’s easy to guess that the organisers of these social events also named them “welcome nights” as opposed to “initiation”. Nevertheless in doing this, they will have broken both LiverpoolSU’s and the National Union of Student’s initiation policies. It is of course understandable why LJMU and LiverpoolSU take the participation of initiation ceremonies so seriously. It discourages new members to participate and join clubs and societies. In 2008, students at the University of Gloucestershire were videoed with plastic bags over their heads, drinking and vomiting, whilst being directed in a chain gang by someone dressed in a Nazi-style uniform. The shocking images caused national controversy and cast serious doubt over the merits of the rituals. The same year, 18 year old Gavin Britton, a student at Exeter University died after downing a “cocktail of shots”. Consequently NUS called for a ban of all student initiations ceremonies.

Image by Martin Klefas-Stennett

Looprevil Press are glad to report that our peers’ behaviour was not as serious as the above example. The stories that circulated involved arrests, expelled students and the dispassion of the Men’s Football team. There were no such consequences for any members of the team. Tom Aldus, LiverpoolSU’s Vice President of Activities, said: “With regards to the email about the student misbehaviour, we always encourage our students to be positive leaders and ambassadors of themselves, their sports team, their union and the University. “There was however some unfortunate events that drew complaints. LiverpoolSU has taken appropriate disciplinary actions to ensure that this does not happen again.” Looprevil Press are yet to receive a response from NUS on the matter. The rumours don’t stop; speculations involve the reason the email was sent was a result of a “welcome event” organised by the

the reality television show unnecessary. Perhaps it’s a last ditch attempt to boost his publicity status. Surely he should just be remembered for his quick jabs and knockout blows which we last saw in his stunning five-round victory over fellow Brit Derek Chisora. It’s certainly arguable that, if after he was first crowned Heavyweight Champion of the World after a points win against Nikolai Valuev, he was told that in just over 3 years he would be hanging out with Corrie’s Helen Flanagan, he would have knocked out the messenger. It has been rumoured that he is the highest paid celebrity to enter the juggle with a substantial figure being branded around the media. Surely his bank balance cannot be that low that he risks dampening his reputation that he

RING OF THE JUNGLE by JOSH GARDNER Writer

ONCE THE WBA Heavyweight Champion of the world, going toe to toe with the Klitschko brothers, David Haye is now a man associated with minor celebrities spending two weeks in the jungle and eating kangaroo testicles. This is the path Haye has chosen to resurrect his once respected and successful boxing career. Haye was firmly established as one of the modern greats in British boxing until his career defining loss to Wladimir Klitschko, which he blamed on a suspicious broken toe. Possibly an excuse, nobody knows, but what we do know is that his career plummeted after this fight. As in many boxing press con-

ferences over the years it is all about mind-games and who can ‘talk the talk’. It can be said that Haye managed the first part with ease but failed to follow it up with the goods in the ring. The low point was the heated press conference following Chisora’s WBC heavyweight title loss to Vitali Klitschko which was overshadowed by a clash between Haye and Chisora. Most likely a publicity stunt, but scepticism arises as it led to a money spinning fight between the two. David Haye now finds himself appearing in ITV’s I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here. Why a wellrespected former world boxing champion felt the need to appear in such a show is bewildering. He’s had a controversial career, one which positions his appearance in

Men’s Hockey team, the events of which have not yet been disclosed. It’s important that all students remain vigilant to the dangers of team initiation ceremonies, and remember that they are indeed banned under NUS and LiverpoolSU policies. LJMU boasts many extremely impressive sporting teams and it would be a tragedy to lose a team over something so avoidable, let alone lose a life.

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quite rightly gained in the ring. Haye has sacrificed his quick hands and combos in the ring to spend sleepless nights in the jungle with other Z-listers who are desperately trying to gain publicity. You would not see the sport’s all-time greats Mohammed Ali appearing on Strictly Come Dancing or Mike Tyson on Take Me Out. It’s possible that British boxing has reached an all-time low; Audely Harrison on Strictly, Haye in the jungle, how can British fighters possibly be taken seriously. Thankfully all is not lost. Tony Bellew and David Price, both Liverpudlian boxers, are applying their trade in the right ways. Bellew nicknamed the ‘Bomber’ is the reigning British and Commonwealth Light Heavyweight Champion, who quite rightly moved a step closer to securing his

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world title shot after defeating Argentine Roberto Bolonti. Hopefully these two will restore the credibility the sport deserves. Let’s hope Bellew is given a shot at the world title and can be crowned ‘King of the Ring’; a much more respectable title than King of the Jungle.

David Haye in his jungle gear