I SSUE 7
Keele University Students’ Union Newspaper
M ONDAY 9 TH F EBRUARY 2009 www.kusu.net
UGM CANCELLED AS KUSU FAILS TO REACH QUORUM
Rich Hill Vice-President (Communications & Democracy) and Kate Lawrence
W ANTED: 9 3 P EOPL E
D oI te`ssns' ti mspoluyn3d%aofl oKte edl oe 'ess s tiut ?-
dent population. Yet we are still stru ggling to find this many people t o at ten d Union Gen eral Meetings (UGM) just four times a year.
In the past two weeks there have been two UGMs. The first was almost quorate (meaning it had 93 or more people there) but to be on the safe side, students were still brought in from the Lounge to pass a motion on the Sports Sabb. The A.U. took a register to see how many members of the A.U. attend-
ed and who didn`t. The motion passed and so the majority of the A.U. attendees left, as did the people who didn`t
F EATURES I NSIDE:
really have a clue as to what was really going on or indeed what they had just voted upon. So once again the UGM was in-quorate and so all the other motions were not able to be voted upon. One clear important motion was about library hours. A bug bear with most students. Many universities have their libraries open 24 hours a day seven days a week. As we all know Keele's shuts at 10pm which is ridiculously early. Another motion was for the NO2ID campaign. Although I was seconder on that particular motion and so perhaps a little biased, I feel that what the government are planning on doing is wrong with trying to enforce it upon students just so they can claim student loans and maintenance grants. If you disagree and think the government are doing the right thing, then you could have come along and stated this and voted against it. So the UGM was adjourned to the following Tuesday. Although there was some confusion as to what time the meeting would start, e-mails were sent out, Facebook messages were sent, posters were made, flyers were handed out, a Facebook event was created, societies (hopefully) tried to persuade members to go and yet still the meeting did not meet the magic number of 93! The excuse of `we didn't know about it` isn`t going to work this time as every means of KUSU communication was used. So why are so many of you not attending? If people could send me a message as to why they are not coming, it is something
U G M D E BAT E - P AGE 2 F E AT URE S - P AG E 4 ONWARDS
Keele University Students’ Union Newspaper
both I and the other sabbaticals would be extremely interested in hearing about. Due to the UGM not meeting quorum once more, the meeting was adjourned for ten seconds at the discretion of the chair of the Constitutional Affairs Committee (CAC) Nikki Cooper. The meeting was then abandoned. The end. No more UGM. So nothing was discussed and nothing was voted upon. I personally find it utterly ridiculous that in a Union as strong as ours, we cannot muster 93 people in the Ballroom four times a year. It`s not a problem on a Monday, Wednesday or Friday night and if there were only 93 people in the Union on those nights you would probably go home! All the motions, as boring and as complicated as they may seem, are in your best interests. They are written and proposed by students for students. I have heard so many people whinge and moan about a collection of issues surrounding KUSU and the university and the changes people want to see. This issue continues over the page...
L E TTERS - P AGE 5 C ROSSWORD - P AG E 1 5
www.kusu.net
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News/Opinion
...cont inued from front page.
But if you don't come to these vital forums then there is little that the sabbaticals and part-time officers can do! If there are not 93 people there then the likelihood of seeing further changes to how KUSU is run or what you want your sabbaticals to do for you will be compromised. So all in all, what a shame and waste of valuable effort it was for everyone to sit down and write their motions, for them not to even be voted upon. This is your Union. A Union that prides itself on being a strong group and yet getting 93 people in the Ballroom at the same time on a Tuesday night seems impossible. Please do let someone know why you don't go to UGMs. Or hopefully you`ll come next time. I cannot stress how important it is for people to attend and for the meetings to be quorate. We cannot make changes without you.
U G M C ANCELLED : A R E S PO NS E FR O M YOUR ` A VERAGE ` S T UD E N T Stephen Johns
I ta nanlowyaeyds asm awkeelsl ) mweh e lnauygohu (haenadr
the older generation or the misconceived students of today t alk ing a b ou t h ow s t u d e n t p o li t ic s wa s s o muc h better back in the day. In a previous edition of Concourse I read about how people are not interested in student politics and how years ago universities and Students` Unions were
awash with student politics and campaigns. Ironically looking through some older KUSU publications (from about 15 years ago) the exact same things were being said then! But more importantly I can see why people do not turn up to UGM and Student Council. I am on Student Council and turn up to nearly every UGM so I would count myself as one of the individuals interested in the politics and running of KUSU. To me, it is pretty simple why the `average` student does not turn up. It is because these meetings are so boring! Yes most of the topics are relevant to students at Keele and some will affect us while we are here but talking from experience there is nothing more boring than sitting in the Ballroom listening to people argue about trivial amendments to the constitution and arguing about petty issues within the discussed topics. I won`t mention no names! The best example I remember is from a UGM where after two hours six people got to speak on one topic. Backwards and forwards they went but in the end they were all trying to argue the same point and all in fact actually agreed with each other! Why do you need 6 people to say the same thing?! A complete waste of time. Fair enough if they were arguing about different points but to all speak for a motion just because you like the sound of your own voice? In those 2 hours I could have been playing pool, having a few relaxing drinks in the lounge, watching the television, playing a computer game, chatting to my mates or if things were that desperate, catch up on some academic work! Or in actual fact, we could have listened to some more equally as important (if not more important) motions. Which one would you choose? Being bored stiffless in a UGM or Student Council or enjoying yourself? I know which one most people would choose and it shows by the poor attendance at the recent UGM! However, I am nosy and so I like to know what is going on at Keele. I also care too much about Keele and our Students` Union to not take an interest and I have an interest in politics in general. But seriously, the system has to change to try to engage more students into student politics. Unfortunately I do not have the answers but if it does not change soon then I predict even fewer people will be present at the UGMs; especially after the elite constitutional goers have left us. How fewer people will be at the next UGM and more importantly if interest in student politics is diminishing this much then who in future years is going to want to represent us on a higher level as a sabbatical? Worrying times and no fault of the current sabbatical team but I think this is a nationwide issue and one in which NUS should be tackling more harder. Otherwise the excuse of apathy could spread even further causing the downfall of our once valued Students` Union democracy.
Keele University Students’ Union Newspaper
9 th F ebru ary 20 09
THE NEIL AND GINA SMITH STUDENT OF THE YEAR AWARD Could you be the Student of the Year?
Applications are invited from final year undergraduate students for this prestigious award, which is made each year to a Keele student who demonstrates a combination of academic excellence and a contribution to Keele and the wider community through extracurricular activities.
The award is a prize of ÂŁ5,000. For further details and information about how to apply, please go to the webpages: htt p: // www.ke el e. ac. uk/ al um ni/ al um ni_studentofthe yea r.htm Applications for the 2009 award are open from 26th January. The closing date is 27th March.
H AW TH O R N S S TU D E N T C OU N CI L U PD A TE The Hawthorns Student Council and KUSU have agreed to make the safety bus available to students wishing to travel FROM Hawthorns TO the union. Posters will be put up in the entrance hall by Templar Bar displaying Security's number to call the bus. [ 0 1 7 8 2 7 3 3 7 2 0 ]
www.kusu.net
News
9 th Feb ru ary 2 00 9
K E E LE U NI V E R SI TY ` S ` G O GREEN` WEEK - 9 - 1 3TH FEBRUARY 2 0 0 9
3
Jason Davies Environmental Officer
W ewliclol mseh otwo Kheoewl e KUeneilve e rcsaint i erse d`uGcoe Gi trse ecna rWb oene k `e.m i sI t-
s i o n s , a s w e l l a s c e l e b r a t i n g w h a t w e a l r e a d y d o w e l l . home`. Local bus companies will be on hand in Chancellor`s Building to T h e w e e k w i l l a l s o r a i s e a w a r e n e s s o f c l i m a t e c h a n g e a n d answer your questions and provide timetables. Staffordshire County Council t h e i m p a c t t h a t K e e l e i s h a v i n g u p o n i t . T h e a i m i s t o will also be there with details of the Share-A-Lift scheme. show how students, staff and the general public can all Food and drink make a difference.
Vegan and Vegetarian specials will be available in Comus, the KPA and KUSU throughout the week. This is because reducing the amount of meat The introduction of campus wide blue bin recycling is a huge step you eat is an easy way to lower your own environmental impact. KUSU is forward allowing students to be able to recycle in their own kitchens also enforcing its daytime policy of giving only plates out at food outlets to and should increase recycling levels hugely. Whilst University reduce packaging waste. improvements and plans are moving forward it is important not to Entertainment forget the huge steps KUSU has taken. KUSU constantly strives to improve its environmental performance through the `sound impact awards`. For a full student planner of events during the week check It`s Green Night at KUSU on Wednesday 11th February. Watch out for a whole range of entertainment with a `green` theme! out the KUSU website w w w . k u s u . n e t . KUSU President - welcome to the week
Lovin` Recyclin`
How you can get involved?
During Go Green Week the University will be launching a new recycling scheme for halls of residence, with a fortnightly kerbside collection from the bin areas in Horwood, Lindsay, Holly Cross and The Oaks. There will also be additional recycling points at the Students' Union, Hawthorns and Barnes. The scheme will run for one month and if it is successful will become permanent. For details of what can be recycled please see the recycling flyer which is available on the Keele University Go Green Week online pages. KUSU will also be unveiling formally its recycling machine. It`s already recycled 1,400 plastic bottles and metal cans in only 4 days! For each time you recycle a KUSU product you receive a point which you can collect and then be rewarded. So team together in a block or a group of friends and start collecting.
You can make a Green Week pledge on Keele University`s Go Green Week pages. And you can sign the People and Planet Society valentine themed cards to the Vice Chancellor to petition Keele University to hire an Environmental Manager to improve Keele University`s environmental performance and save money for the University.
Energy The Barnes Energy League will be launched on Tuesday. Each block in the hall will compete to save the most energy, it will run for the entire term and a prize will be given to the residents of the block that saves the most energy. Energy Champions will be in the Student Union throughout Tuesday to discuss ways to save energy. KUSU is also making a huge push to replace lights with energy saving equivalents which reduces the environmental impact and energy costs. Travel On Thursday the gauntlet is thrown down to `leave your car at
Keele University Students’ Union Newspaper
To finish the clear message is...Reduce, reuse, recycle and get involved in Go Green Week!!!
R ECLA IM
THE
N I GH T
Ladies this is your chance to march against rape and male violence against women. Show your support and show that Keele cares. Saturday 21st February, starting at Manchester University's Student Union there will be a torch lit march followed by rally and club-night in Club Academy. For more information please contact Lauren Sheehy - Female Gender Officer st a5 3 @k usu .keel e.a c.uk www.kusu.net
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Features A
B U R GE R FO R A CH AN G E ?
Frederike Dammé
A
s food is essential for survival, the University should offer an appealing variety for every time of the day. He alth is one of the first issues on the British political age nda but as it seems one of the last on Keele`s.
Let`s face it, England is not known for its Haute Cuisine. I know many people disagree. Yes, I, even though not English, love Sunday roasts too. However, one good traditional dish might not always make up for greasy fish and chips and a country where take-away can be considered essential for survival. This might not be true for most people in England but certainly it is for students. Every night when I look out of my window, I see another man jittering in front of Holly Cross, waiting for a student to let him in. A mutual relationship as it seems. Students do not survive without take-away. Take-away owners do not survive without students. I`m standing there thinking: Why? Students are lazy when it comes to cooking that`s common sense. However, Hawthorns Student Council was going to offer cooking classes for the students. But Keele University intervened, giving the almighty Health and Safety excuse. It seems that the University is not too keen on turning their students into Master Chefs. This leads to another option: going out for meals. With mummy and daddy out of reach, most students turn to the cosiness of the Sneyd Arms for a traditional Sunday roast. Located in Keele Village, the pub offers good food at a reasonable price. Unfortunately not every day of the week is Sunday. Where do you turn to when you feel the urgent need to consume a plain, micro waved and overpriced burger? There is only one answer. Lindsay Bar offers every type of food you shouldn`t eat but still do. Micro waved chips, micro waved burgers and pizza which tastes like it has been micro waved too. Don`t get me wrong, Lindsay Bar is a nice place to be, especially if you want to hang out before heading to the Union. However, when it comes to food, this bar shows the very worst that Keele University has to offer in catering for their students. Le Café in the Chancellor`s building on the other hand, is food wise on a higher level and nearly always packed with students and university staff. In my eyes it proves that students appreciate good food. Nevertheless it is a place for lunch and coffee and closes at five. When I ask other students if they have ever been to Comus I normally get the
Keele University Students’ Union Newspaper
9th F ebru ary 20 0 9
reaction of a blank face. Even though Comus is the only restaurant on campus, most students have never heard of it or they only have a general idea as to where it is located after a detailed description. The problem with Comus however is that it does not really meet the expectations students have if they want to go out for a meal. The food is good but it simply has not got the atmosphere. There are plenty of options on campus when it comes to lunch. The jacket potatoes in the Union as well as in the KPA are my favourite come 1 o` clock. But when the sun goes down and the campus gets empty, so does my stomach. Obviously I don`t expect Keele to become a place where one high class restaurant is next to the other but I think Keele would benefit from a place which serves simple but good food with reasonable prices and a cosy atmosphere. It would be an alternative for the obligatory birthday night out in the Union as certainly many people would appreciate a nice meal with their friends instead of not remembering how they got home and wondering why some obscenity is written on their forehead. Someone just recently said to me `University is a temple of love`. So I reckon all these love searching individuals would rather go on a romantic date in a decent restaurant which ideally is on campus than for beer and a burger in Lindsay Bar. There are rumours that the closed Endsleigh branch will be turned into a curry place. I suppose a lot of students would be happy about that. However I suspect that curry is not the solution everyone will be satisfied with. Interestingly, in a country where health has become one of the most important issues on the political agenda the majority of young people turn not only to unhealthy food but to just plain bad quality food. Are there not enough alternatives; is it pure laziness or do they just not care? Whatever the answer might be, in my eyes the University has a responsibility to save their students not only from a possible fire but from bad food. When a healthy lifestyle is promoted so highly, the University should not coward away from offering high quality, healthy and reasonable priced food. Hawthorns now have a Burger Van which caters for the students from right the minute they fall off the Safety Bus. After a night of drinking, to some this will seem like the best idea anybody had the dignity to come up with. But then there is always that terrible morning after feeling where you can actually feel the burger right down in your stomach floating with your spirit and mixers. By the time people leave Keele, burgers will probably not be their first choice but as my friend has always said: ‘It is an experience`.
CALLING
ALL BUDDING CAMERAMEN
(AND
WOMEN!)
We're looking for someone adept at using a videocamera (who preferably has their own) and would be willing to give up an afternoon or two of their time to help raise money for charity. The recordings will then be shown during a Union night, as part of a themed event. The money will be used to send five Keele students to Thailand this summer, where they will spend around a month teaching English to young children. It would be greatly appreciated if anyone showing an interest in helping out could send an email to u 7 h 0 0 @ s th . k e e le . a c . u k. www.kusu.net
Letters
9 th Feb ru ary 2 00 9
Letters to Editor Pl eas e se nd t o vp. co mm s@ kusu .ke el e. ac. uk
Dear Editor At first, I was most impressed with KUSU`s seemingly new TV sports schedule, especially with the recent showing of the American Superbowl. However, I found it highly frustrating that the vital student service of the Kiln was not open until 4 am. Given that there is no where else to eat come 10 o`clock on campus, why was this so? Further to this, why is it that I was refused by security to order takeaway?
5
Steven, Firstly, I am glad that you are happy with KUSU's new sports schedule. It seems as though most of you are happy! However, it would appear that you were not the only one that was frustrated by catering not being open on the night of the Superbowl past 12 o'clock. We as a sabbatical team also found this completely unacceptable and were also affected by the closure as we were present on that very evening. What I can say is that we are working hard with the mangers concerned to fix this for future sporting events. To put it simply, it shouldn't have happened and we will be looking to have a survey to see what people think of the food provided here at KUSU. If anyone else has any complaints or queries regarding our catering services, please do not hesitate to get in touch. I think food on campus is a very hot topic at the moment and one in which needs to be addressed more thoroughly. Rich
Steven Appleby.
Keele University Students’ Union Newspaper
www.kusu.net
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Features
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W OR T H OF A LU M IN IU M
IS TH R O WN AW AY E AC H Y E AR Nader Sadek
A
n establishment which confines its roles to its educational experience alone dooms itself to stagnation, but an establishment (like Keele) that outstrips its people`s expectations runs the benefit of being strongly acclaimed and praised. Kee le Un iversity has evolved over the years as a beacon to many st udents like myself.
On the other hand, as other universities have gazed on in envy, no educational institution has experienced such an exhibit in wondrous care for its student's needs on campus. I am of course talking about the amusements of the entertainment sector at Keele. Over other Universities, we have a Student's Union that is in strong and constant modernisation. Advanced variations have been reinterpreted through a grandiloquently placed filter, a filter of moral Green rights. This has made Keele a budding Green Campus – and yet is a work in progress. £36,000,000 worth of aluminium is thrown away each year. The righteousness of recycling – grating and difficult to do at times, has meant that the two part of the Union (the SU and K2) have been for a while, no longer wide enough to insulate the importance of recycling waste after a long night. The union can be found looking tired and miserably bestrewn with readily recyclable glass, plastics and more.
9th F ebru ary 20 0 9 To many students who have newly joined and those who have been a part of Keele for a year or two, some have noticed that Keele is a joint tenancy of fun and eco-friendliness. Sadly, this article does also apply to the large compiles of garbage collections of beer cans strewn around campus in dorms, living rooms, and living quarters. The surmounting surplus of recyclable items that are being thrown out and not even recycled are of great importance to the welfare of Keele. A free night at the Union after a tiring day at lectures is a welcoming event, and could be of use to a much greener campus. Here is how this could be done. For example a themed night event could be held at the Union that would be endorsed by Keele to bring bags of aluminium cans to the Union so as to save the planet and promote the rights of recycling. This article exploits the lacking in social understanding towards what students really want (which is, a good time, and a healthy planet). This is a moral compass of how common interests may be juxtaposed with a more important characteristic, and that is the common good of the campus. This does not mean that students should drink cheap alcohol such as `'Captain Amazon's Crazy Adventure`' or other similar brands at £0.25, to get more cans and bottles! Along with a few others, we had hoped that Keele have it both ways, that it enjoy the fruits of socialising without falling victim to the normal consequences of non-recycling exercises. It is with the thought that as time passes and indifference binds fatigue, that many of us are reminded that major on-campus engagements cannot be a success without working in collaborated communal effort. Further ideas on this issue could be brought to the next UGM meeting.
RAISE
AND
GIVE WEEK 2009
RAG Week is the one week in the year where we all get together to raise as much money as we can for those less fortunate then ourselves. Some Statistics: Every year Students' Union's around the UK get involved in putting 1 recycled tin can would save enough energy to power a television for 3 on random, fun and bizarre activities to raise money for charity & this year we want it to be the BIGGEST and BEST year for Keele!! hours. Last year was a great success and we want to build on that. 1 recycled glass bottle would save enough energy to power a computer for The idea factory for RAG is at full steam ahead including a fashion show, knit-a-thon, tug of wars, Wii competitions, BBQs, plenty 25 minutes. more Krispy Kreme doughnuts, a talent show, various sporting tournaments and plenty more! If you have any ideas or want to be a part 1 recycled plastic bottle would save enough energy to power a 60-watt of RAG, contact me on v p . f i n a n c e @ k u s u . k e e l e . a c . u k or search light bulb for 3 hours. for the RAG facebook group. The week itself will start on the 3rd June, straight after exams, until 70% less energy is required to recycle paper compared with making it the 10th. Weather permitting; we are in for a sunny fun filled week. from raw materials. We aim to raise several thousand pounds for both a local charity and international charity. Watch this space or kusu.net for further updates.
Keele University Students’ Union Newspaper
www.kusu.net
Features
9 th Feb ru ary 2 00 9
K E E LE S T U DE N T S - T HE
7
includes the hiring of 50 energy students dedicated to protect Keele`s Green rights. Many students by now have adopted the right line to denounce anti-climate change, however more is A ND FU E L PO V E R TY needed to help Members of Parliament reconsider the building of more nuclear power plants. Nader Sadek In a recent student letter asking the House of Commons to minimise mainly nuclear and fossil fuels and to increase water-based plants the response was `It is an inefficient policy in the real world, such merely easy to manipulate continuums are seen as u m a n s a r e p a r t s o f a s i n g l e b o d y , n o p a r t c a n r e s t w h e n a n o t h - ineffective, and are only available to further left-wing agendas`, e r s u f f e r s , a l l a r e p a r t s o f o n e s t u p e n d o u s w h o l e , w h o s e b o d y i s David Milliband. n a t u r e a n d d e i t y t h e s o u l . ( J i b r a n K h a l i l J i b r a n - a L e b a n e s e w r i t e r ) . So let us object and be different and let a large majority of us prove the long-standing efficiency of Keele has at present from this day forward is a good thing. Let us stand together with the university, united in becoming a stronger and more self-sufficient institution and believers in fairness and equality in the confrontation against climate change.
E N VI R O NM E N T
H
(In remembrance of those who perished in the Asian Tsunami, may their souls rest in peace). Please take a look at Keele`s Energy Awareness Campaign Online at: w w w . k e e l e . a c . u k / k e e n /
F I LE - S H AR I NG N IG H TM A R E Adam Mason On December 26, 2004, Seismologists in the United States detected a tsunami off Vice-President (Education & Welfare) the coasts of the Solomon Islands, Southern India, Sri Lanka, Thailand and parts of Africa. By the time events had run their course 216,000 lay dead. In no previous natural disaster (in this case an earthquake) had there been so little warning and lack in mobilisation for people who stood in the way of the catastrophe. The world watched in a media-induced frenzy while rescue workers plunged into murky waters to find UK tourists stranded in submerged hotels and save lives in housing quarters. Politicians today have not only demonstrated their recklessness, but a severe lapse of historical memory. Now, today on the 1st of February 2009, a similar flooding threat has been predicted for European and American land in the not so distant future. The political world deducts that by then there will be very little anyone can do. Our difficulty as a united educational establishment with the changes in the climates patterns have become both inevitable, and we are in danger of losing before even having time to unsheathe our sword. It is continuous student action that is the fulcrum, the willpower of swift public accomplishment to bring fairness into the hands of those so oppressed and suffering from famine, drought and disease – a matter so urgent for change to occur for the International Red Cross. From the days of the Pharaohs (2000 bc) until 1950 –the inhabitants of the world amassed 300 million as a world population. In the past 59 years, the population grew to 6.5 Billion. That is why fuel poverty is a catastrophic consequence, ready to hit every household 70 years from now, as prominent MIT scientist Richard Lindzen has recently acclaimed. A starting point to solve this issue would be that a strong conservation in fuel is necessary today. Keele's Green role identifies a divine victory in this challenge that Britain and the rest of the world face. One of Keele’s Challenges involves asking the IT department to install climate prediction software from climateprediction.net on all the university computers while they operate idly so as to identify the threat more quickly, this is after all the least we could do, and also signifies our recycling merits. Keele has embarked upon installing a large wind turbine in Barnes Hall. This
Keele University Students’ Union Newspaper
A ti n ct hreea sset aritn otfh et h eH aylelas rn,e tw el i mr ei tp or–t e dg oai nmg a sfsriovme
500mb to 1gb!
This is all great news until the effect starts snowballing into something bigger. Keele have started receiving lots of Copyright Violation Notices from big companies asking to get hold of students to possibly sue them! Companies trace the IP addresses of your computer when you try to download movies, songs or games illegally. These are all from file-sharing networks (so programs like Limewire, Azureus, Napster, etc., or anything with P2P, Peer-2-Peer or Torrent in the name), so please, for your own sake, don`t use these programs on Hallsnet – if you get 2 copyright violations then the companies could try to sue you!
www.kusu.net
Mon 9th Feb Manic Monday with Dj Jayne & guests Tues 10th Comedy Club
Weds 11th Wicked 3 club nights under 1 roof Green Themed Fancy Dress Thurs 12th Quiz Night KRAP
Fri 13th Get Funked ʻAnti Valentines Partyʼ With Yukinoda Bandʼ Sun 15th Karaoke
Tues 17th Battle of the Bands K2
Weds 18th Flirt OAP fancy dress Bingo in the Lounge uDisco in K2
DAVID LITTLE - ENTERTAINMENTʼS OFFICER
I hope everyone`s heads have recovered from a mad week of post exams celebrations. I know I've been feeling slightly worse for wear. The Super Bowl night was a great success and keep your eyes out for some more late night sports action. Special events this week include the return of Wicked Wednesdays, the new 3 room extravaganza with everything from dance, indie, pop, cheese, hip hop and RnB. Also if your're unlucky in love, come on down on Friday for the Anti-Valentines celebration featuring Yukinoda who rocked last years Summer Party and also the up and coming Jonny 4skin and the Pull Backs. Hope to see you there.
LIV ISAACS - ENTERTAINMENTʼS DEP HELPER
touch of décor. The nights that have been chosen are Anti-valentines night for all of you who are unlucky in love (13th Feb), St Paddyʼs (16th March), 90s niglf named Umpa Lumpas!
The perks?
FREE ENTRY and FREE DRINKS VOUCHERS but you will need to put a couple of hours of work in, on the day prior to the event to earn these. If you keep coming to help at the different events you may well earn yourself permanent free entry, now wouldnʼt that be nice?
First décor night: Unlucky In Love Anti-valentines Party 13th Feb!
Involves: Cutting out hearts… and then destroying them (UNLUCKY in love), and other things anti-valentine related.
FIND US ON FACEBOOK – KEELE ENTS Feeling a bit creative? Sick of writing essays? The Ents décor team TEAM - GET INVOLVED. is calling YOU and FREE ENTRY is waiting… Every little helps. If you can draw or paint (stick men to masterpieces), use blu-tack effectively to stick stuff up, climb a ladder or just enjoy getting your hands dirty then WE NEED YOUR HELP. The Ents team worked hard last term decorating for almost every event; the drapes, the drawings, the balloons – thatʼs all us. This term things can only get better… Whatʼs in store for event décor?
Amongst all the general fancy dress nights we have lined up for you this term, we have chosen a few nights to make them extra special by making the union look a bit more glam and sparkly with a
(hosting artists such as The Sugar Babes, The Automatic and even Ian Brown in years gone by) and a dayʼs recording at Tremolo Recording Studio in Silverdale.
Let`s hope the amps go up to 11, itʼs a battle of the airwaves.
At the moment Iʼm in touch with around twelve possible bands but more are needed!
JAMES DEGNAN - BANDS OFFICER - BATTLE OF THE BANDS 09
Help from you the students is also needed. If youʼve always wanted to get involved in the running of live music events this is for you!
The first heat will be TUE 17th FEB
I need your help to make this the ultimate K2 shake down! Yes the time has come again for the rock nʼ rollers to step into the arena that Interested? Mail me: degarooni@hotmail.com is K2 and battle it out. Being a third year at Keele Iʼve had the pleasure of being a part of several past Battle of the Bands competitions, as a spectator and as a contestant, playing in one a couple of years ago. I now have the privilege of actually organising the event, slightly daunting but exciting none the less. With this privilege itʼs in my best interests to make this yearʼs event un-forgettable. Already on the cards is sponsorship from Stolichnaya Vodka and Jim Beam (what would Rock Nʼ Roll be without a suitable tipple!). The main prize this year will be a support slot at the Keele Summer Party
Entertainmentʼs Department - j.winstanley@keele.ac.uk
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Features B E H E AR D - T H E N AT I ON A L S T U D E NT S UR V E Y 2 0 0 9
9th Fe bruary 2009
the NSS is your chance to have your say about what you liked and didn`t like about your student learning experience during your time at Keele.
comments that you have about the whole experience. Write them all down and let Keele know! Keele has been participating now for five years, and as a result of listening to what former students have said we have improved communication with students, and refurbished the Library. The National Union of Students (NUS) fully supports the NSS and sees it as an opportunity for students to shape the future of higher education. Aaron Porter (Vice President for Education for the NUS) said `The National Student Survey gives final year students a unique opportunity to inform future students about the quality of their student experience. Prospective students will be able to compare standards in a number of institutions giving them valuable information, which can help in making choices about their Higher Education. It also provides students` unions and institutions with the kind of feedback they need to affect changes and improvement to the student experience. I hope that finalists will take a few minutes to share their experience with the next generation of students.`
What is the NSS?
How can I get in on the action?
An annual survey of final year undergraduates in the UK, the NSS aims to provide robust data on the learning experience for prospective students and their advisors, via Unistats.com, and for institutions and students` unions to identify areas where they performed well or less well. It forms part of the system of quality assurance for Higher Education.
Eligible students will be sent an invitation email by Ipsos MORI, an independent research agency that administers the survey, and later non-respondents will be contacted by post or by telephone. Alternatively, visit www.thestudentsurvey.com to complete the survey online. You may also opt out at any point. The success of the NSS depends on your feedback so please set aside a few minutes to participate. All respondents go in a draw to win free tickets to the graduation ball or SU shop vouchers. Your response is anonymous so your answers can reflect your genuine perceptions of your experience. Want to know more? Visit w w w . t h e s t u d e n t s u r v e y . c o m or contact the National Student Survey team at Ipsos MORI at t h e s t u d e n t s u r v e y @ i p s o s . c o m .
Adam Mason Vice-President (Education & Welfare) and Chris Wain
M oSnt uddaeyn t 9St hu r vFeeyb(rNu aSrSy) 2s0e0e9s att hKee e ll ae .u nNc how oifn itthse f i fNt ha t iyoenaarl,
Why should I be interested? The results don`t just disappear into a black hole! Future students can use them and Keele can use the them to enhance students` learning experience. The questions allow you to give feedback on, among other items, the Academic Support you received during your studies and the Organisation and Management of your course. There`s also space at the end for any
Keele University Students’ Union Newspaper
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9 th Feb ru ary 2 00 9
Keele University Students’ Union Newspaper
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www.kusu.net
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Reviews Films W.
O nwea twc hoirndg sWu m: us nuc opmhf oorwt abI l ef.e l t w h i l e
I went into this film expecting more of an absurdist comedy than a tragedy. The level of realism was far beyond what I expected. For the most part, the cast, makeup, and casting crew did such a good job with the characters that it was very easy to imagine that these were not actors on the screen but the actual people. Josh Brolin's characterization of W was certain-
Slumdog Millionaire
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w o n `t s e e a b e t t e r, mo re e x h i la ra t in g movie at the beginning of this year than Danny Boyle's Slumdog Millionaire. If Academy voters have any sense, they will nominate this for Best Picture and Best Director.
Boyle has taken what is essentially a story about a young man on India`s version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire and transformed it into a gritty, realistic, powerful and, at times, gut-wrenching fairy tale. It`s a Dickensian pic-
9 th F ebru ary 20 09 ly Oscar-worthy. Even better than Brolin's part was Phedon Papamichael`s photographic direction. The job of the Director of Photography is to bring the story to life through the creation of images to draw the attention of the viewer where the Director wants. Few films are as good of an example of this as W. Papamichael used the camera to force moral and emotional perspective in a way that I have rarely seen outside of the films of Stanley Kubrick. I've only seen the film once, viewing it as a complete work. Overall, I thought the film was fair in its treatment of the actual people involved. The most ardent Bush supporters will not like it, but to still be that supportive of him in the final months of his second term, you either have to not be paying attention or be uncritical in all of your thought. While artistic license was taken throughout the film, the portrayal of all events and people, with the possible exception of Dick Cheney, were far more grounded in reality and recorded history than I expected. The film made me uncomfortable on multiple levels, which is why it succeeds and deserves such a high rating. The portrayal of Bush's relationship with his parents, especially his father, forces the viewer to feel sorry for him. The overt religiosity that pervades the public service portion of his life must anger anyone who believes strongly in the separation of church and state. There are many moments when, with any other characters, the film should have generated much laughter.
Only one moment in the film actually caused more than one person in the theater to laugh. I guess 4000+ dead soldiers drains the humor out of even the most hilarious gaffes. I would recommend this film to anyone who wants to see a realistic portrayal of historical events. I wish Stone had waited until Bush was out of office to make it, though. While it captures the major events that were involved in building the Bush legacy, it ends far too early.
ture about a world rarely, if ever, seen in mainstream movies, a film that grabs us from the opening frame and doesn't let go until the credits roll at the end. Films like Slumdog Millionaire are rare. They are things of beauty, works of art that make me fall in love with movies all over again. Boyle has done it twice. First with Millions (2004), which also, coincidentally, was about a young boy and money; and now with Slumdog Millionaire. This is Boyle's masterpiece - a stunningly original piece of film-making. Simon Beaufoy`s script was originally entirely in English, but Boyle's decision to have the Indian kids speak in Hindi, instead, is the right call. Having the children speaking in their native tongue makes perfect sense, especially because Boyle and Beaufoy depicts the realism of the kids' lives. That`s what incredible about this film. Boyle and Beaufoy do not shy away from showing the squalor of Bombay. These kids live in deplorable conditions amid the grime, sewers and trash
dumps of the slums. And, yet, thanks of Boyle true ingenuity, he creates uplifting and even humorous moments in the slums. Boyle doesn`t do a thing wrong here. From his choice of actors to the music to his choice of colors, Boyle works his magic. The performances are uniformly good. Irrfan Khan finds the right balance between a tormentor and a quasi-father figure as the police officer. There's young Dev Patel as Jamal, playing with confidence, bringing a wonderful swagger to his role, as well as a sense of fear that we completely understand. Freida Pinto as the love interest is superb. And, of course, there are the three young ones. Perfectly cast, they actually make the film work. Their performances as Jamal, Salim and Latika are so utterly convincing that they completely draw us into the picture and make the jobs of the older actors playing them much easier. It is not to be missed.
Keele University Students’ Union Newspaper
By Nicola Robinson.
By Dauda Bappa.
www.kusu.net
IAU
9 th Feb ru ary 2 00 9
Nightline Co-Ordinator
N
ightline is a listening and information service, run by students for students and open at night when few other serv ices are available . The first Nightline was set up at the University of Essex by a Samaritans' direc tor almost forty years ago to reduce student suicide. Nightline services now operate in over forty universities in the UK and beyond thanks to an incredible team of over 1,500 student volunteers. Here at Keele we have a dedicated team of over
60 anonymous student volunteers who insure that our service is open every night in term time 9pm-3am. University can be a time of many changes and challenges and being able to talk to a fellow student can and does make a difference. You can talk to us at Keele Nightline about anything you like. We won`t judge and we won’t tell you what to do, but no matter what it's about, we'll listen. Nightline is confidential and anonymous; you don't have to tell us anything about yourself, not even your name. Other students have come to us about anything and everything but common topics we`ve discussed include essay and exam stress, loneliness, eating disorders, arguments with flatmates, depression, career path, rape, worries about a friend, bereavement, relationship breakdown, sexuality, abortion, alcohol and drug abuse, family problems, suicidal thoughts, housing concerns, self harm, debt... There is no problem too big or too small - if it's bothering you, Nightline volunteers will be there to listen. Our volunteers don't have the answers they're trained to actively listen, to help you
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come to your own solution or resolution. Nightline will listen to you for as long as you want to talk. As well as providing a listening service Keele Nightline provide information numbers; if you fancy a pizza but have lost your menu, if you`re stuck outside your block and have lost your Keele card, if your neighbour is getting on your nerves by playing `You spin me right round Baby, right round� for the five hundredth time at full volume and you don`t know who to call...Keele Nightline has the numbers that can help. Try to think of us as a cross between the 118 men and the Samaritans and the best thing is that we`re free if you call us from your room phone. If you want to talk to us at Keele Nightline we`re open 9pm-3am every night of term.
Nightline Internal: 34999 and External: 01782 733999.
Polling Dates:
2nd March - 9am-7pm 3rd March - 9am-7pm
4th March - 9am - 2pm kusuelections@googlemail.com Keele University Students’ Union Newspaper
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KPA/VE
9th February 2009 No, the KPA is also a channel of communication between you, the postgraduates, and the University. This means that we really want to know all about your complaints, worries, and trials as a postgraduate student here at Keele. We`re here if you want to have a good old moan about anything and everything. In fact, we want to hear it so much that we`re coming to your offices and social areas to find out exactly what is going on in your lives! Some may call it just plain nosiness, but we like to call it good representation! Watch this space for confirmed times and dates! £20 Book Voucher up for Grabs!
Lauren Fuzi KPA Chair
Green Week at the KPA
The KPA has been very excited about the University`s initiative to spread the good green news. Keele does a lot in terms of sustainability and our new Green Policy is both progressive and inspired. However, we still have a lot of hard work ahead of us if we want to achieve the sustainable dream; Green Week is the first step towards this. There will be a green theme in the KPA Clubhouse all this week, so pop along for some green fun and enjoy our special vegetarian and vegan menus.
The first edition of this year`s Postgrad Independent, the KPA`s newsletter, will be out on the 23rd February and we want you to contribute! We`re running a competition for the best Keele story. We want to hear about your funniest, most embarrassing, and most inspiring stories from your time at Keele. There will be prizes for the best three stories. First prize will be a £20 book voucher, second prize a £10 book voucher, and third prize a £5 drinks voucher for the KPA Clubhouse. Send all entries via email to k p a c h a i r @ k e e l e . a c . u k . The deadline is the 1 6 t h F e b r u a r y , so get writing!
Introducing the KPA Mobile Surgery – Coming soon to an office near you! The KPA is not just a wonderfully vibrant postgraduate social space.
T HI N KI NG
O F VO LU N T E E R IN G?
NATIONAL STUDENT VOLUNTEERING WEEK MONDAY 23RD FEB SUNDAY 1ST MARCH 2009 Becky Taylor VE Project
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Friday 27th February. The week long events will conclude on Saturday 28th February in Keele Village Hall with a fantastic event for residents of Keele village, consisting of special musical performances from our very own Keele students! More Keele students are needed to help with these events. Getting involved is easy, you could gain a VE Award and you will gain additional skills to add to your CV!
If you are interested in helping to make a positive impact in the local community and would like to gain essential transferrable skills, or you want to find out more, contact ActiVE or Becky Taylor at v o l u n t e e r s t a b l i s h e d i n 2 0 0 1 S t u d e n t V o l u n t e e r i n g W e e k h e l p s t o i n g @ k u s u . k e e l e . a c . u k or Tel: 0 1 7 8 2 7 3 3 6 2 6 . raise the national profile of stud ent volunteering in the
UK.
This year Keele students will once again be organising a sequence of events during the week to highlight and promote Keele student volunteering activities, whilst enabling students to put something back into the local community. VE @ Keele will be taking an active role in supporting students together with KUSU`s student volunteering society ActiVE, Staffordshire Police and members of the local community. Planned events include Afternoon Tea for residents of Keele village on Wednesday 25th February, with two local schools giving musical performances at this event. A community litter pick is also planned in Silverdale and Parksite on
Keele University Students’ Union Newspaper
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Games/Sport
9 th Feb ru ary 2 00 9 Across
3. female quarters (5) 7. on land (6) 8. makes up for (6) 9. musical play (5) 12. shroud (5) 14. beneath (5) 15. forgiving (9) 16. wave (7) 17. allowing (7) 19. alterations (9) 22. meant to be elected (5) 23. biting insects (5) 24. catches (5) 26. emphasis (6) 27. funded (6) 28. santas little helpers (5)
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Down
1. of the stars (6) 2. Columbian capital (6) 3. saviour (4) 4. female relative. inf (4) 5. adoring (6) 6. minor (6) 10. condition (9) 11. turning (9) 13. worn away (7) 14. joining (7) 18. morals (6) 19. expensive car (slang) (6) 20. grab (6) 21. worker who tends furnace (6) 24. fill (4) 25. weeps (4)
T I G E R S R OA R IS N O T T H E IR B I GG E S T, B U T I T I S S TI LL A W IN N E R A S K E E LE SE C UR E A 6 - 4 V IC TO R Y M E N ` S L ACR OS SE K E E LE T IGE R S 1 STS V S. L IVE R POO L 1 STS - W E D NE SD AY 2 8 T H J A NU AR Y 2 0 09 Stephen Johns
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hat a difference two months make! When Keele men`s lacrosse team played Live rpool University at their place last semester, Keele looked lethargic with no ideas and lack of skill. Fast forward to last week and a totally different type of Keele turned up and deservedly gained a hard fought victory in a scorcher of a match. Playing at Staffordshire University`s pitch due to Keele`s pitch unsurprisingly being under water, it felt more like an away match and so the Tiger`s had to make sure they worked extra hard to gain the victory. With this in mind the Tiger`s started off slightly better with a few more chances and unusually were managing to keep possession and create chances. Eventually it paid off with men`s team captain Shez Khan slotting in the first goal of the match. This made Liverpool raise their game and it was mostly one way traffic for the first half with the scousers having superiority of possession and shooting chances but they failed to take full advantage of their opportunities. On the other hand the Tigers were taking full advantage of their
Keele University Students’ Union Newspaper
opportunities. Every time Liverpool scored, Keele replied with a goal of their own. Khan then added the second and later on a tremendous diving goal by Max van Praag made the score 3-3 at half time with the game finely balanced. The third quarter was similar to the second with Liverpool continuing to have the upper hand in chances and possession. It was only through the defensive determination of Craig Rosenbloom, Luke Crowley and Rupert Day and the fine display in goal by Stephen Johns that kept Liverpool from taking the lead. This lead to Liverpool`s attack becoming frustrated and giving away careless fouls. It got so bad that they even started arguing between themselves! At the other end the attack were determined to score more goals. On a fast break, Edward Hincks stormed down the pitch, dodged two defenders and put the ball in the back of the net to make the score 4-3. This really lifted the Tiger`s but even so Liverpool managed to sneak a goal before the end of the quarter to make it 4-4. It was make or break for the Tiger`s in the fourth quarter. Liverpool were second in the league and looking to strengthen their position. Keele were playing for pride and trying to gain third place. It would boil down to who were more determined to win! Keele came out roaring and took the attack to Liverpool. It paid off with a goal from Alex Curley but the Tiger`s could not relax as there was still another eighteen minutes left! Chances came and went for both teams until with about ten minutes left Khan fired the ball in to the net to gain his hat trick and take the score to 6-4! The tension could have been cut with a knife as the Tiger`s defended for their lives as Liverpool rained down shot after shot at Johns in goal. Strangely for such little time left Liverpool seemed slow and lethargic. It suited Keele perfectly and with some great defence Liverpool failed to score and the Tiger`s hung on for a great victory. Team Captain Shez Khan was delighted with his team`s victory and even though the league has now finished for men`s lacrosse, Khan was looking forward to some friendly matches and Varsity!
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Sport
9 th F ebru ary 20 09
TEAM: KEELE
Steven Kew Athletic Union Treasurer
A
Q U ICK UP DA T E F R OM Y OU R
A . U . C O M M I TT E E . . .
i everyone, here are a few more updates and reminders for you about the A..U. The A.U. Committee can confirm that Varsity will be held on the 11th March 2009 and the main events will take place at Staffs` Campus, with the final match between Men`s Football taking place at Newcastle-under-Lyme football ground. Please put the date in your diary and come and support Team: Keele! More information on Varsity will follow shortly. The A.U. Presentation Ball is going to be on March 21st at Keele Hall. Tickets will go on sale from the 10th February and will be priced at ÂŁ35 per person. This includes a 3-course meal, guest speaker, free photo, disco and discounted bottles of wine! For any more information please contact the A.U. Committee. Nominations for next year`s committee are now available! The positions which will be open are: A.U. Deputy President, A.U. Secretary & A.U. Treasurer. Please feel free to come and talk to one of the existing committee about the different posts if you are considering running. If you want to run for the role of A.U. President or for the new Vice-President (Sport and Fitness) sabbatical officer then you must do so through the maincycle KUSU elections. For more information please speak to a member of the A.U. Committee, a Sabbatical Officer, or email the following address: kusuelections@googlemail.com Hope to see you at some of our forthcoming fixtures!
H
L EAGUE
TABL E GETS
E V E N TI G HT E R AS
K EELE
LO SE
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M EN ` S R UG B Y B A NG OR 1 STS X V V S . K EE L E 1 ST S X V ( A ) - W E D NE SD AY 2 8 T H J ANU AR Y 2009 Rich Hill Rugby Club Secretary
eele Rugby were looking to continue the new year in style following their 116-0 trouncing of Lancaster 3rds in the cup at the weekend. They travelled to Bangor in high hopes, despite missing key forwards Ricky McCollom, Gaultier Dubois and explosive prop/centre Russ Birkett. The day itself saw a comedy of errors, ranging from the kit being forgotten, to a sat-nav malfunction, resulting in a river crossing! Nevertheless, we were lent a kit and the minibus survived the water and we arrived in plenty of time. Bangor started the game as the more aggressive and dynamic side upfront and pressured the Keele line for the first ten minutes. After this initial test, Keele began to take charge of the breakdown and set-piece, with Aarran Horne again being a thorn in the side of our opponents. Greg Wood was also prominent in attack with some hard earned yards. The pitch was not conducive to free-flowing, `total rugby`, and Monaghan opted to use
K
Weston as a battering-ram through the centres rather than throwing the ball wide. This tactic worked time and time again, however the quick ball required to take advantage of these breaks just never developed and Keele lacked the cutting-edge required to break down their opponents. Two longrange penalty efforts were all that could be mustered, one missing narrowly and the other striking the left upright. At half-time the score remained 0-0 and the same pattern emerged in the second period. An increasingly desperate Keele side were trying everything to score and were twice held-up over the Bangor line and one had the suspicion that it was just one of those days. Indeed, seven minutes from time, Bangor collected a loose ball from yet another Keele attack and some slick hands and good support play saw them score an opportunistic yet stylish winner in the corner. Keele struggled to break down a stubborn, if unimaginative Bangor side and thought their hopes of the North 2A were blown. However, a slip up from rivals UCLAN away at Liverpool has left the title race open and with UCLAN still to play both home and away, Keele Rugby still have a chance of securing their first league title since 2005. A better performance is required however in attack, if they are to have any chance of success in both league and cup.
Keele University Students’ Union Newspaper
Next Wednesday`s Home Fixtures - February 11th 2009 Badminton Men`s 1st Vs. Manchester/Lancaster Badminton Women`s 1st Vs. Huddersfield Fencing Women`s 1st Vs. Bradford Lacrosse Women`s 1st Vs. Hull Rugby Men`s 2nd Vs. Man Met 2nd Squash Women`s 1st Vs. Man Met
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