Palatinate Indigo 718

indigo

The Childhood Edition

06.05.2010

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aster Term. The one we’d all rather didn’t exist. Sadly it’s not going to disappear into the abyss - quite frankly that would be weird. So to help you through the next six weeks of slow death by library and books we’re taking you back to your youth. If you thought you’d forgotten the joys of being a seven year old, never fear, for here you shall find them again. In spite of exams it’s not all bad being a kid... at least your parents don’t police your Facebook account.

If procrastination is on your mind, here’s

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the perfect excuse, a whole sixteen pages of excuses, in fact.

To reconnect with your inner child, we recommend the following indulgences: -Watch Sesame Street on Youtube -Read Roald Dahl’s complete works -Listen to Just William on tape - not CD -Watch the video of The Lion King -Buy a yo-yo, micro-scooter, Pogs and/or a Tamagotchi and bring back the fad!

-Read Goosebumps with a torch -Pick up a copy of The Beano -Play doctor with a “special” friend

For the s work outports scientists with a go where all your among you, everyoneod game of Tw muscles are make you else, it’s the pe ister. For spite of a rself laugh hystrfect way to to be donll the work that’ erically in s begging e.

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indigo nabbed an exclusive interview with

“How do you think you have improved Iceland’s image?”

“Durham’s Iceland definitely had more customers this week. But John Prescott said ‘No, no, no Iceland. We said send us all your cash’ so I think we might need some English lessons here pretty sharpish.”

indigo “Is there anything you’d like to say to the media?

indigo

“Right… So who’s fault was it that all this happened?”

“Topless radical clerics. They cause volcanoes. Either that or Nick Clegg.”

indigo

“Any closing remarks?”

“I have never faked an eruption. Fact.

And HA I am still blowing ash, so screw you Cheryl Cole.”

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Recapturing childhood The indigo cover was captured on location in a Gilesgate residence, using props to illustrate the academic life of students and the earlier life we left behind.

Palatinate used the toys and food to show the inner child within a hard working student for the cover image.

The student scribbling on the wall in crayon illustrates how we can possess high intelligence and yet behave as we did when we were juvenile.

Photographer: Jonathan Allen With thanks to Anna Golikova, James Thompson and Andreas Viethen for their help in the creation of these images.

XIBA

indigo

“I’d be grateful if they would cease using the term “heavy flow” to describe my monthly activity and also though I totally appreciated all the offers to interview me on radio and TV, but, as you can imagine, my throat was killing me... so next time bugger off.”

R ID: FLICK

Eyjafjallajoekull who has recently recovered from what she described as “food poisoning” and apologises for all the mess she made over Europe.

Imagine if library levels were like levels in a computer game. You could kill exams with books, and hide from the enemy among the journals ...

Life would be so much easier.

And much more entertaining.

ree. g t e c d e f r r u e is p r yo Cluedoision whateveyou can brushor for rev’re a scientist gative skills. Fg If you your investi dents amon talup on manities stu polish your the hu ’s a chance tonclusions’. you, it r ‘drawing co ent fo

Everyon express t e wants to be a So if you hemselves succ ble to the Artic ’re struggling, geinctly. practisin ulate box and st t out know eveg. Who cares if art world clu ry action/ persyou on / e already ...

FLICKR ID: MILD_SWEARWORDS

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Lifestyle Features The trauma of turning twenty The 10 best things

from our childhood...

3) Your love life was so much less complicated: going out with someone basically consisted of holding hands – so simple, so little drama!

4) Horror films were actually scary. And Disney films genuinely magical.

5) Life was one big fantasy. Santa was real. The tooth fairy too. Now we’re in a world of bleak realities with CVs to write and bills to pay, not one where you get a pound for a freakin’ tooth.

8) If you’re a girl you could get away with pig tails, now only reserved for Back to School themedparties.

9) Routine – you got up, you went to school, you came home. Nothing like the crazy days of university where chaos and disorder reign.

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2) You didn’t see the sexual innuendo behind pretty much every song of pretty much every pop group – “If you wanna be my lover, you gotta get with my friends…”

7) School trips were ridiculously exciting, especially when gift shops were involved.

10) Parties consisted of sausages-onsticks and party bags filled with amazing things like yo-yos. Forget alcohol, why can’t we have party bags anymore?

DILLO

1) The sound of the ice cream van provoked genuine excitement.

6) Facebook didn’t exist. A simpler life was led.

ARMA

Alex Mansell

R ID:

hope that hedonism and maturity needn’t necessarily be contradictory terms. It may just be another case of Americans liking to do things differently, but hey, I’m retaining hope it gives us all license to live the good life well into our twenties. Or maybe it’s just another depressing example of the fact that twenty-one year olds should be sensible, able to be rational and prudent when it comes to things like alcohol and gambling...

It didn’t always used to be like this. I remember a time when getting older was the height of cool: in Year 3 I longed to be in Year 6; in Year 10 I envied the 6th Formers and in 6th Form I craved the ‘student’ label, one that screamed a kind of cosmopolitan independance. And now here I am nearing the of my 2nd year “We are no longer a part end and wondering what of the age group associthe hell happened to ated with new experiences my youth.

JENS VILHELM ROTHE ciousness an I realise I’m coming - driving, drinking, sex...” across abstract notion a tad pessimisthat we should tic. Let me clarify, be growing up. In your teen years, you go these are indeed the best years of our lives, crazy. In your twenties, you hitch yourself and I’m very happy to be living them; I just onto the career ladder, develop meaningful don’t like the ‘adultness’ that comes with relationships, make something of yourself, them. However, on a happy note, whereas settle down... you males are moving away from the peak I try to find comfort in the fact that of your sexual pleasure, which occurs in America maintains a 21+ policy for your late teens (bad luck, boys), recent drinking and gambling. Surely this means research found that us girls don’t reach our that for American twenty year olds, the sexual zenith til we hit thirty. So every year best years are still to come, giving us Brits

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s I write this, I’m painfully aware of an impending event. No, not a summative deadline. Not my first exam. My twentieth birthday.

With cruel irony, ‘Not Nineteen Forever’ by the Courteeners came on my iPod as I was pondering this, and made me realise there’s something decidedly scary about hitting the big two-oh.

It’s so unlike my other birthdays. Not a ‘check out my rights’ 16th or a ‘Hey I can drive’ 17th. Not a ‘let’s get lashed’ 18th or a rebellious ‘last of the teen years’ 19th. Nope, my twentieth. Twen-ti-eth. It even has one more syllable than the others, perhaps a metaphor for the extra weight the age carries. (Sorry, I’m in a poetry lecture as I write this).

It’s true to say that twenty is not generally an age we look to with enthusiasm. For a start, it means leaving a whole chapter of our lives, the teen years, behind. It means we join the ranks of those creatures known as adults complaining about teenagers today. We are no longer a part of the age group associated with partying and new experiences - driving, drinking, sex - but must resign ourselves to a new era. Granted, we can still have fun, but on

entering the second decade of our birth, on becoming closer in age to 30 than we are to 10 (scary, eh?), we instantly receive the pressure to behave more responsibly; there appears in the depths of our con-

JOHN KEOGH

Alex Mansell

Just a childhood fantasy?

Our writer explores the glorified nostalgia of childhood, and why she thinks being an adult is so much better... bullied, we were the bullies themselves.

Now that I’m a fully fledged adult, I’m an enthusiastic member of Amnesty International and other Good Things. Back in the day, the only thing I was enthusiastic about was chasing a poor lad around the playground chanting “Farouk, Farouk, Farouk is on fire” to the tune of the Bloodhound Gang’s “Fire Water Burn”. The tutted old phrase “Children can be so unkind” didn’t just fall from the sky.

Not only were we all unnecessarily mean, every little insignificant event seemed vitally important. A petty argument with a friend over missing gel pens was akin to the

Speaking of maturity, something that we were so busy turning out noses up at no-one can deny improves with age is the raw fish and anything that looked a little opposite sex. Not only have they ceased to underdone that we missed out on years gross me out, they’re quite good company of sushi and medium-rare steak! It’s such at times. Instead of pulling a relief that now, our pigtails, boys are now after surviving two “I’ll take sexting grown up enough to buy us decades on this over playground kiss- planet, I can make a drink when they want our attention. And yes, I was one chase any day.” my way through a of those girls whose young tub of Ben & Jerry’s admirers decided throwing at my own leisure. a pot of pink paint over her would be the It’s not only eating choices that our perfect way to seal our love forever. I’ll take parents would dictate. Doesn’t anyone sexting over playground kiss-chase any day. remember being upset at having to leave Aside from the obvious advantage of a birthday party because your parents being able to indulge in every vice going, had come to pick you up? Or being told there are less evident benefits to being old you couldn’t have that toy because it was enough to be in charge of yourself. Has too expensive? Now I can come home at everyone forgotten the agony of mealwhenever time I like, if I come home at times? Even if your parents did cook your all and if I want an iPod, I can buy it for favourite bangers-and-mash for tea, you myself. couldn’t satisfy your craving for shepherd’s So here’s what I have to say to those pie. And has everyone forgotten how of you who are guilty of casting wistful disproportionally glances at those bright young things: it may seem like those children are enjoying “Everyone seems to awful vegetables world caving seemed to be? a carefree afternoon in the park but what look back on childin and why did it matter We’ve all been that eyes don’t see are the nits in their hood with rose-tinted child whimpering your so much that the boy hair, the helicopter parents hovering in the down the road had all the glasses.” over the final spoon- sidelines and the brussel sprouts they’ll be Pokemon cards and you ful of peas but now forced to eat when they’re dragged back didn’t? None of us were mature enough to we’re grown up, we suddenly find ourselves home. Enjoy your adulthood; it’ll fly by. enjoy the moments that really counted or partial to a helping of roasted parsnips and to brush aside those that didn’t. even the odd Caesar salad. What’s more, ARD

You know when you walk past a school playground or the local park and there are hordes of shrieking children running by?

And whoever you happen to be with turns to you and says “Don’t you wish you could be a kid again?” with a sickening look of nostalgia marring their face? Am I the only one who answers with a firm “No, thank you!”?

It appears that it’s not only absence that makes the heart grow fonder; time really does make you forget. Everyone seems to look back on childhood with rose-tinted glasses. We remember what we choose to remember; our mothers baking homemade bread, kindly uncles spoiling us with surprise gifts and days of endless wholesome laughter. Well it’s time to stop and face facts; being a child was nice alright, but being an adult? It’s infinitely better.

Just to be clear, I don’t want us all to hate our childhoods. I have wonderful memories of trying to make the swing go all the way over the top and of being genuinely entertained by Zippo’s Not-So-Magical Circus. Being a child had its moments but what I want is for everyone to stop fantasising about the wonders of yesteryear and to appreciate just how fantastic being all-grown-up actually is.

I know some of you are thinking “But being a child is such a stress-free life to lead.

Who wouldn’t want to go back?” Well I’ve got news for you. Even if you suddenly morphed into a child again, you’d still grow up one day and then you’d have to go through puberty and your GCSEs all over again. And trust me, it’s not going to be any easier the second time round.

Now you may say “She’s missing the point. Kids never have to make significant decisions or deal with real problems. That’s what we really want back” and yes, on that point, I will concede; at aged 7, I never once worried about the electricity bill or paying the landlord on time. But we seem to have forgotten all the other stresses that played huge roles in our younger lives. This particular writer was devastated when her mother’s reinvention of the dreaded bowl cut made her “look like a boy” and if we weren’t the one being

TONI SHEPPH

Mei Leng Yew

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Features Is there such thing as safe sexting?

The latest sexual phenomena to rock your world can have devestating consequences...

I

f technology has revolutionised anything, then that thing is surely sex.

From webcam shenanigans to the almost staggering amount of websites devoted to every sexual taste under the sun (balloon fetish anyone?), it’s possible thanks to Mr. Technology to get your rocks off however you want – and fast. Yet what is possibly faster than a text? The answer my friends, is nothing. Sexy texting is absolutely everywhere. Chances are if you’re reading this, you’ve done it and if not, give it time. Sending something racy can give both sender and receiver a rush – especially if the text is received in a context far from sexy – at work, on the bus, in the library… possibilities are endless. And, for the most part, it’s relatively safe. Both parties are engaging in it mutually so there’s no awkward questions unlike if your significant other looks at your internet browsing history.

Needless to say, ‘sexting’ can lead to awkward questions if you’re caught redhanded, as so many male celebrities

have proven recently. Off the top of my head, Tiger Woods, Vernon Kay, Ashley Cole and (back in the day before it became more passé than a conveniently ‘leaked’ sex tape,) David Beckham have all been found with their naughty thoughts recorded on

KEITH ALLISON

“Sexting can lead to awkward questions if you’re caught redhanded” somebody else’s SIM card. The thing is, it’s rather hard to prove that you haven’t done it when the evidence is there for all parties to see, literally in black and white.

to hide their indiscretions are sportsmen.

Whilst the weedy child in me is begging to suggest this is due to a lack of brains on their behalf, the reality is probably a lot closer to that of sexting as a form of adrenaline rush. The thrill of doing something forbidden, when so much is at stake will be hard to resist. For most of the sportsmen in question, they are never going to get better than they are at their chosen game; Tiger Woods for example is practically synonymous with golf. Another outlet simply replaces one they no longer get the same kicks from – whether this be drink, drugs, or sex. Another thread in this rather complex tapestry is also that of self-destruction. Being surrounded by paparazzi 24/7, with every move and breath documented must be hard to take. Not only does the world expect great things from them, they expect great things from themselves. Slipping up in such a way as ‘sexting’ doesn’t seem believable.

I can’t buy the fact that these men don’t know what they’re doing, especially when such things like their marriage and reputation are at stake. I can’t help but feel that these man desire in some ways to be caught. This explains why men cheat on their wives with (essentially) cheap sluts. Like with food, even if you normally only eat the fin-

“Sending something racy can give both sender and receiver a rush – especially if the text is received in a context far from sexy”

But in the case of these famous men with so much to lose – their image, endorsements and often stupidly (pretty) powerful wives, why do they do it?

It is perhaps no coincidence that most of the culprits who don’t have the sense

est steak, sometimes, you just have to have a greasy burger. Women from perhaps the seedier side of

more easier to catch.

So, why do celebrities sext? For the same reason as anybody sexts. At the root of sexting is a desire to be wanted. By sending somebody, whoever it is, a message of sexual content, it affirms (in print, as it were) that not only is the sender thinking of the receiver, by texting back, that the receiver is interested too.

In a world surrounded by pressures and insecurities, to be told that you are needed will be an aphrodisiac too strong to walk away from. Of course, FLICKR ID: YDHSU

Daniel Dyson

“There is something erotic in a culture built around denial to express lust so openly”

life are appealing as they provide both an ego boost and are disassociated from the toxic world these men are desperately trying to escape from.

Ever the cultural mouthpiece of the moment, Glee’s bitchy cheerleader Santana tells her frenemy that her “sexts are too hot to erase” and this is obviously true for the texts women send famous men which leads to their very public fall-from-grace. There is something erotic in a culture built around denial to express lust so openly; it has a feeling of taboo about it. Sexting is interesting though; it provides both immediate and lasting gratification; texts can always be reread after all to enjoy the illicit content within.

Unfortunately, this pleasure makes it all the

I’m talking deep emotional issues here; one simple reason may be that whoever is sexting in question is simply horny and after a quick fix with whatever will have him (or her). The fact that you could get caught just adds to the spice of doing something that you shouldn’t be; it has shades of voyeurism about it. As long as the voyeur isn’t us the general public, who thanks to Lady Internet, now knows that Tiger Woods planned on “wearing out” one of his multiple mistresses, then its fine.

indigo investigates whether today’s children are being forced to grow up too fast

Lizzy Kirkham

“Paedo Bikini!” Ever the beacon of female empowerment, The Sun newspaper recently denounced the sale of padded bikinis for children aged seven. The controversy and subsequent recall of this product has reignited the media’s debate on the increasing sexualisation of children, especially girls, within modern society. Such sexualisation imposes sexuality upon individuals, delimiting them to a collection of body parts for others’ use. The so called “paedo bikinis” are just one of the more blatant examples of the vast array of children’s products that are based around sex and sexuality.

WHSmith’s sale of Playboy stationery led to the infamous bunny logo taking up residence in school classrooms via girls’ pencil cases.

Barbie, with her strikingly large

breasts (apparently a real woman of her proportions would be unable to stand up), has nothing on the Bratz dolls, with their fishnet stockings, feather boas and miniskirts. And these dolls are marketed at girls aged four to eight years old.

Pop stars, such as Girls Aloud, have launched their own figurines, while in 2006, the gyrating Pussycat Dolls were almost immortalised in plastic (no pun intended). The plans were eventually scrapped, not due to lack of demand, but because it was decided that they were inappropriate for their target market - children as young as six. However, the products marketed at children are often interconnected with the media that they consume, and the Pussycat Dolls’ songs, videos, and shows are undoubtedly popular with pre-teens. The band, whose name manages to successfully encompass both a reference to their nether regions and a reference to themselves as objects, use

“Does anyone seriously think she’s talking about an ego when the lyrics are ‘it’s too big...it won’t fit?’”

their burlesque roots to make their music videos as sexy and provocative as possible.

Putting aside the debate about burlesque as an activity for adult women, surely it is not ideal for children’s consumption?

Burlesque is about sex, childhood is not.

A report by the American Psychological Association noted that as much as 84% of music videos contain sexual imagery, often in the form of sexual objectification. Anyone attempting to watch a music channel in 2004 would have been confronted by the understated charm of a female exercise instructor thrusting her vagina about in Eric Prydz’s “Call on Me”. Clearly it is not a good idea to feed such sexualised images to seven year olds, especially given young girls’ tendencies to want to copy their idols. Katy Perry, a favourite at the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards, uses overtly sexualised imagery in her videos – one scene that is particularly poignant features a woman lying face down underneath a bed, her derrière scantily clad. She

has no identity, and is depicted solely as the body parts necessary for sex. Indeed, having watched a few of Ms Perry’s videos, I am now more acquainted with her thighs than I am with my own.

Alongside this imagery, a lot of lyrics in the songs that children listen to are “subtly” imbued with sexuality. I don’t suppose Beyoncé’s “Ego” would have sold quite as well if she had dropped the pretence and titled it “Penis”. Does anyone seriously think she’s talking about an ego when the lyrics are “it’s too big...it won’t fit”?

Similarly obvious are the lyrics to Kelly Rowland’s “Work” – “wanna hear me moan...put it in”. And while I am quite the fan of Lady Gaga, I can’t tell if her ex-

“As much as 84% of music videos contain sexual imagery”

STARCASM.NET

Exploring the pornification of a generation pressive moaning in “Dance in the Dark” is supposed to signify an intense orgasm or a painfully drawn out and horrific demise.

Children in modern society are confronted daily with sexual words, imagery and products. Their role models are highly sexualised, often objectified, men and women.

The current state of affairs sits in stark contrast to the days when the only way a child might hear a breathless moan (á la “Scream”, by Timbaland), was if their house had thin walls and their parents had an impressively healthy sex life.

Surely this was bad enough?

Miley Cirus’ nine-year-old sister is following in her older sibling’s footsteps and letting childhood pass her by

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Palatidating: the battle of the bachelors Check out the A-Team’s latest dating exploits - this week Grey, Hild Bede, Mary’s and Collingwood were put to the test...

mature than the average Durhamite, despite our childish glee upon realising we were both not-so-secret fans of DocIt seems an appropriate time to confess tor Who. Mr Mary’s definitely gave the that Palatidating hasn’t been the most appearance of a consummate dater, from professional of enterprises. We thought careful selection of the wine when we we’d plunged new depths when it came finally did land a table for dinner to casuto a behind-the-scenes love triangle inally but oh-so-smoothly taking care of volving the pair of us and a former dater. the bill away from the table. If anything, it Then, just when we thought we’d reached seemed like he was the professional dater the ultimate low, my fellow A-Teamer was and I the amateur! Mr Mary’s and I were on hand to interrupt my latest date with right in the midst of polished conversaa spectacularly tion when Mr Collingwood timed ‘chunder’. approached with the news “There was a little The fact we’d that my partner in crime had bit of a ‘lad’ itching vomited. At the table. In fact, failed to book a table on a Friday to get out.” all over the table. Mr Mary’s night wasn’t the was quick off the mark, greatest of ideas, but our dates seemed instantly suggesting I go to the aid of the happy to while away the hours until we distressed damsel, conducting small-talk could get a table at Pizza Express with with Mr Collingwood whilst the A-Team some pre-drinks... only it started to nudge negotiated our most farcical crisis to date a little too close to a pre-lash. Mr Mary’s in the downstairs loos, and then insisting has to be commended for maintaining upon helping me walk her home. class levels throughout. He arrived early, He even managed to wrap up the was impeccably dressed and chalked up evening in semi-romantic style by taking bonus points early on when he suggested me for yet another drink and walking me we make our way from Fabio’s to Ebony’s. to my door. Whilst Mr Mary’s seemed Everything about Mr Mary’s seemed more genuine in his role as a gentleman to scream gentleman, but I couldn’t help than Mr Grey, he seemed to lack the feeling there was a little bit of a ‘lad’ itchcheeky wit we’ve relentlessly glorified ing to get out. He definitely impressed during the Palatidating experiment. In with tales of mixing cocktails whilst the end, the messy turn of events prosailing around the Ionian Sea, but I think vided us with what we needed to spark I would have preferred more of the juicy the conversation. After all, as a modern gossip from his boys-only holiday to day Bridget Jones I have a predilection Malia. for things going awry. And whilst we may Now Mr Mary’s wasn’t the typical be blacklisted by Pizza Express, I secretly student. He certainly seemed a little more quite enjoyed the farce!

DANIEL BACON/ELECTRICINCA

Mr Hild Bede

We still need guys from Ustinov and John Snow!

How to nominate yourself or a friend: Simply e-mail us with: 1) The name of the applicant 2) His college

feature@palatinate.org.uk We will repsond via e-mail to let you know if you’ve secured a date. Good luck !

Catch the next edition to see how they got on, plus the FINAL!

Mr Mary’s

Mr Collingwood

Name: Chris Atkin College: Hild Bede

an example…) but alas, I was left alone.

However, it turned out I needn’t have worried; Mr Hild Bede was chirpy and friendly enough to make me feel at ease, Now the A-Team always have their dates and we soon got chatting away. It anat the same place and the same time, and noys me when people think dating chat because of this, there’s often an awkward should avoid such clichéd topics such as point at the start of the dates when my favourite books: conversation with him fellow A-Teamer and I await the arrival of quickly headed in that direction and was one of our guys whilst the other stands good fun. This made it occur to me that by anxiously. How the waiting boy deals when it comes to dating rules, there are with this situation says a lot about how no rules - you just see how it goes with the date will go. It has each person. a strange almost thirdpeople tell “It may have been meMany wheel flavour, and he their perception that he didn’t want must charm both of us of Hild Bede is that of to come across as a whilst focusing his ata college containing tention on the one he’s ‘gap year tragedy’ a larger-than-average type.” actually dating. number of the arrogant Mr Hild Bede social-climber type. I’m had to endure this test, and I can say he not sure how true this is, but thankfully passed easily, managing to get a good my date turned out to be nothing like balance and keeping the vibe upbeat this. On the contrary, whenever conversawhilst we nervously awaited the arrival tion drifted towards travel, he seemed reof Mr Grey. Normally it’s a five minute luctant to divulge the facts about his gap wait at most. This one was 20 minutes year, despite having done some amazing late, but Mr Hild Bede’s completely things in awesome places. Modesty is inoffensive character and relentless smile nice, but hey, if you’ve done something took the edge off the panic that one of the interesting, don’t be afraid to talk about A-Team may have been stood up. When it. It may have been due to the fact that Mr Grey did appear and swept his date he didn’t want to come across as a ‘gap off to Bella Italia, having booked there year tragedy’ type. Or maybe because in case Spag’s wouldn’t let them in late, it the YouTube ‘Gap Yah’ video was very meant my other A-Teamer wasn’t with much in vogue at the time. Either way, his me in the restaurant. We like to date in diffident attitude made him all the more the same place to provide a strange kind endearing, and the night turned out to be of stability, and in case of emergencies both entertaining and chilled out: a great (see the Mr Collingwood date below for formula all round.

big Tesco to, erm, use the beds there, Name: Charlie Radbone toproved more amusing.

As we hadn’t booked Spag’s we had College: Collingwood trouble getting in, but managed to secure

3) A few lines describing hobbies and interests

ALASTAIR BARBER/ELECTRICINCA

Name: Liam Jackson College: Mary’s

Mr Grey

DANIEL BACON/ELECTRICINCA

me both ‘quirky’ and a ‘sexy minx’... and this was before dessert had even been served! Oo-er. We had a little bit of common ground - having both been on Despite the apparent arrogance of this dates to the British Museum, favouring article, I have never claimed to be particu- the word ‘jokes’ over ‘banter’ (that’s the larly good at reading men. Since I attended London way)- yet whilst we both had an all-girls’ school which habitually ran anecdotes regarding relationship break assemblies promoting the nunhood, it downs in which we could easily come wasn’t until I arrived in Durham that I off badly, I wouldn’t hesitate to say that suddenly encountered the male species in he’s probably the kind of guy who could the harsh light of day. However, I think it’s inspire a girl to resort to Spotify-ing Taio more than safe to say that any girl would Cruz’s ‘Heartbreaker’. have difficulty reading Mr Grey.

After the meal and cocktails at Ebony, For most of the night I oscillated we headed to Jimmy A’s, where he had between being charmed and somewhat an impressive array of glamorous female suspicious. The friends to sing his praises. Just as night started with I was beginning to suspect they “He dubbed me ‘a had a twenty minute all been planted there as sexy minx’.” wait for his arpart of an elaborately-concocted rival. I can’t say the scheme we ran into Mr Grey’s thought of being stood-up for a fake date academic father (one clearly not deterred was a winning start but hey, I once waited by the thought of academic incest) who an hour and a half for one ex and Mr Grey promptly offered us a threesome. Mr Grey did have a decent excuse when he finally quickly saved me but was a little too insistshowed his face. Plus he suavely proent in his conviction I should go onto Loft claimed he had come to rescue me from with his friends, particularly given that I my tired old traditional dinner at Spag’s was in the brutal clutches of what I later and whisk me off to Bella Italia instead. An learned to be glandular fever (cue clichéd impressive start and he won definite plus joke about the kissing disease). points for being the only date thus far to Although I firmly maintained it was show such initiative. time I call it a night (it was already quarter Now I may have to doubt my abilities past one by now), Mr Grey still acted the as a potential investigative journo given gent and walked me to my door. But act that he seemed to glean far more details would be the operative word. Was Mr about me than I did regarding him. But Grey effortlessly charming or calculatedly then I apparently wasn’t the first girl to flirtatious? I hate to admit that this is one brand him ‘enigmatic’. He, in turn, dubbed enigma that I just couldn’t crack...

DANIEL BACON/ELECTRICINCA

Name: Matt Hughes College: Grey

When my devious editor told me he had a table at Pizza Express for 9.30. This the “perfect” guy to represent Collingmeant we spent two and a half hours wood, I was somewhat wary of his drinking on empty stomachs. That may intentions. When I probed him for more have been an error: by the time we got to details all I receieved was “You’ll have our table I was most definitely trashed. a great night” accompanied with a wry And then it happened. I didn’t see it smile. coming. He didn’t see it coming. My head After 10 minutes of introductory chat started spinning. I opened my mouth to he wasted no time in telling me he was warn him. And then...I chundered eveglad he was wearing his best underwear, rywhere. On the plate, on the table, on leaving me wondering where the night myself. Probably on him. The restaurant would take me. Now it really takes a went silent. Heads turned. The waiters certain type of person to pull off risqué stopped in their tracks. Mr Collingwood comments with a stranger but Mr looked on in horror. It was at this point Collingwood somehow managed it. He that I realised all those cocktails, aphroditook it further when we decided what to siacal or not, were a bad idea. drink. Pushing for cocktails, he pointed Although he loses points in that I find at the menu to one of the ingredients in a him partially responsible for the amount Caipirinha and said “Do you know what of alcohol inside me, Mr Collingwood that is? An aphdealt with it bril“The restaurant went rodisiac” and liantly, rushing over duly ordered silent. Heads turned.” to grab my fellow two. At this A-Teamer to help point I could see the night was going to me out, and despite the fact I was truly a be an interesting one...A few more cockmess, he stayed a good while longer, even tails, what’s the worst that could happen? putting his arm around me for the photo.

Conversation was fast-paced, and we So despite my initial concerns, it turns never ran short of topics to discuss. Both out Mr Collingwood was the one that doing French meant we had something should have been worried. He managed to bond over, although anecdotes about to make a great impression and was a the Italian girl who didn’t shave her armdamn good date; I only wish the same pits on his year abroad were just uncalled could be said about me... I bet that somefor. Please note, Mr Collingwood, that where out there the much-derided Mr really isn’t the best thing to share on a Butler of last edition is laughing... date. Constant references to getting a taxi

Indigo

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Food & Drink

What’s in your lunchbox?

Culinary comforts

Kirstie Hopkin

e may as well face it: with exams looming, most of us are going to turn to some form of comfort food in order to get through the next couple of weeks.

From a portion of steaming hot macaroni cheese, to an entire tub of ice cream, there will always be something that acts as a panacea for (most of) our ills.

As exams loom, comfort food may be just the thing to take your mind off the pressure Seph Henderson

FLICKR ID: ROCKYOFACE

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Quiche Lorraine Serves 8 500g Ready-to-roll shortcrust pastry 200g Bacon 85g Cheddar cheese 3 Eggs 284ml Double cream How about a French classic? This is something different and tasty for a packed lunch. One quiche should be enough for eight slices - so you can have it for lunch for the whole week or share it with your housemates to put a smile on their faces.

The fillings can be varied easily to your tastes or the seasons. It can be made vegetarian by adding a few vegetables to make up your five-a-day; asparagus and spinach are popular fillings. Eat with a salad for a more substantial meal.

Intimidated by quiche and all that pastry making? Try this beginner’s guide and you’ll be surprised how simple it can be.

1) Get 500g ready-to-roll shortcrust pastry to room temperature. Roll it with a floured rolling pin from the end closest to you outwards, gently turning it every now and then until it is 1cm thick. Be careful not to roll it too much as it may crack when cooking.

2) Lift it into a tin, gently pushing it into the sides and trim it leaving 1cm hanging over the edge. Chill for 30 minutes. Any excess can be frozen for up to one month.

3) Heat the oven to 200C, or Gas Mark 6. Line the pastry with baking paper and cover in beans or rice to support it. Cook for 15-20 minutes until it is crisp, then cook for a further 5 minutes without the paper and beans/rice until it is golden.

4) For the filling: fry 200g bacon until golden, chop and spread over the pastry 5) Add 85g cheddar in small chunks.

6) Mix three eggs and 284ml double cream and add to the pastry.

7) Bake for 30-35 minutes until just set.

Remove, cool and pack ready for a day out.

Comfort food, which made an entrance in the Webster’s dictionary in 1972 as “any food or drink one turns to for temporary relief, security or reward”, is something pretty much all of us will have experienced a craving for at some point in our lives.

Whether it is the result of an emotional crisis, a sudden build up of work or just household stress, there comes a point when only one type of food will do. It turns out that there is some scientific

FLICKR ID: F1UFFSTER

“There comes a point when only one type of food will do...”

reasoning behind this sudden craving for comfort food. Humans have a very different relationship with food to any other species: it’s not just a way of getting nutrition into the body, but it is turned to in times of happiness, stress, or used as an emotional crutch or a distraction... the list is endless.

Having said this, the exact type of food that we’re attracted to depends on our mood.

When happy, there’s a trend for people to choose a balanced meal. In contrast to this, in the middle of an essay crisis or revision stress, it is comfort food, normally packed with fat or sugar, that seems to help to balance out a bad day.

And even within this general pattern people tend to fall for one of two types of food when looking for comfort: either something that triggers memories, often

of home, or fuel in the form of a sugar injection. This too seems to come down to simple science. The former provides a psychological crutch, bringing back memories, whereas a sugar craving is simply your body demanding a boost as fast as possible.

Home-cooked food comes with elements of nostalgia and consequently has the ability to console, as there is often an association between food and feeling you want to recapture the culinary highlights of years gone by. So the soup your mum made you when you were ill brings back a feeling of security and being loved, which in turn makes you feel better when stressed out.

At the other end of the scale, most people will be able to recognise the appeal of eating a tub of ice cream, a block of Dairy Milk or an entire packet of biscuits. Here food provides a short-term hit, boosting serotonin levels in the brain, giving a feeling of relaxation. However, this wears off quickly as blood sugar levels drop, causing a return to the same state as before.

The main disadvantage with this sort of eating is that most comfort food comes loaded with sugar, fat or salt, which of course is the reason it tastes so delicious.

After all, it’s a special type of person who rushes for an apple over a chocolate bar when the work-mountain starts looking

Cellar Door Review

river, which will be perfect for those lazy good old fashioned vanilla days after exams. ice cream. Whilst the fruit The changes to the menu are extensive of the Mess was fresh, the ««««« and impressive compared to its former ice cream was a slight let There’s a veritable smorgesboard of Italian incarnation. There was a wide choice of down. eateries open to the starters, antipasti, Throughout the meal, discerning student main dishes and an the staff were attentive, “Finding the cupboards in Durham. You’ve extensive wine list coming over to check that got the chains: Bella from many regions everything was all right empty, we went out to Italia, Pizza Express, to choose from, a reasonable time after ASK, Dominos. If although desserts each course was served. It you want an experiinvestigate...” were not listed on certainly was all right, and ence that couldn’t be the menu. we decided to round off the repeated in a hunWe started off feast with lattes. dred restaurants up and down the country, with melon wrapped in prosciutto and It is clear that The Cellar there’s the smaller, independent Italians: bruschetta. Both dishes were tasty and Door are trying to reposiBisto Italiano, Melanzano, Spag’s. It is the arrived quickly, although the bruschetta tion themselves to be seen latter which usually offer the more finance- lacked the parma ham mentioned on as more than just a rival friendly options, and these restaurants the menu and the cheese was slightly to Spag’s, given their use remain eternally popular with students. overcooked. of high-quality ingrediIn June 2009, a new restaurant joined Mains took the form of Chicken Milaents and improved menu the ranks. The Cellar Door is located on nese, breadcrumbed and fried with lemon, choices. The ambiance and Saddler Street, a cosy and quirky eatery and a fine piece of Filet Mignon. These décor were inviting and underneath Jack Wills. In its first year of were served with garlic and herb potatoes we left feeling impressed. business, it has managed to establish itself and MediIt’s clear that as a superior alternative to Spag’s, but terranean the new and “It’s always good to has been criticised in the past for its slow vegetables, improved service and limited menu. which in Cellar Door is support independent Upon returning to Durham at the themselves now offering its start this term and finding our cupboards were deliclientele somelocal businesses” empty, we ventured to the Bailey to incious. The thing a bit difvestigate The Cellar Door’s revised menu, steak was ferent from its launched earlier this year. We were warmly cooked well to the specification requested rivals. While the food in the welcomed by the polite and attentive and the chicken dish made an interesting chain restaurants may be of staff, who gave us a choice of tables in the alternative to the usual Italian fare of pizza a similar calibre, it’s always recently redecorated dining room. Looking and pasta. good to support independout of the window, we noted that they are Having just about saved room for desent local businesses, and currently building a new patio down to the sert, we were presented a somewhat narThe Cellar Door deserves row selection and opted for Eton Mess and student support.

Vincent McAviney & Jodie Smith

Himalayan. However, consistently relying on this as a way to get through crises is only going to have downsides in the long term. Apart from an obvious expanding waistline, the chemicals in many massproduced comfort foods have been shown to be highly addictive. What is fine during the short term period of exams doesn’t tend to carry on to be such a good strategy once normal life resumes.

“Food provides a short term hit, boosting seratonin levels in the brain...”

Overall, while comfort food is something to be enjoyed - and is often a rare moment of relief in a stressful period of the Durham calendar - it is probably best kept in moderation. Rather than reaching for whatever biscuits are on offer in Tesco, or begging Mum to courier a portion of cooked food to you, try finding other ways to deal with exam-induced pressure. And if that still doesn’t help? Then it’s time to head for the supermarket.

Indigo

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Travel

Our endless numbered days

StylishTravel

indigo takes a look at how to escape academic stress and voyage back to your childhood Katy Balls

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2

The University Trip:

Take the train and head towards Newcastle University. We’re not suggesting you make use of their library or nightlife facilities. Rather, take a walk around breathing in the ambience. Then

Sit on the Green or climb the Tower and watch your First disappear in a cloud of superstition

remind yourself that whatever degree you end up with, at least it’s not from here.

Now, breathe easy.

3

The Durham Trip:

Take a walk on Palace Green or up Durham Cathedral Tower. Relax to the beautiful view from the green as well as the panoramic views from the tower.

Legend has it that by committing either of these two acts you will not get a first.

So, this way by breaking the superstisions you’ll have an excuse for not achieving a first other than your own lack of study.

The Beach Trip :

There’s nothing like a day by the seaside to relieve you of any pent up tension. So hit the road and head to South Shields Beach this May. Why not do some-

Jonathan Allen

1

thing productive like build a castle? That way you will have achieved something with your day . Furtherstill, even if as a result you fail your degree you will be able to boast of your construction skills which to be honest are probabaly rarer than degrees nowadays anyway. Alternatively, take a note from the ostrich and bury your head in the sand. Literally. Ignorance is bliss after all.

Katy Balls

hink back to the last time the month of May arrived and you weren’t wracked with guilt for going out on a sleepless night instead of meeting summative deadlines. Hard to recall?

Unsurprising really, it seems that gap yahs aside it’s been years since we’ve spent the months of spring free from academic angst. But while it may seem the month of May goes with stress just as Tiger Woods and mistresses go together, there is still some fun to be had.

Recall the days of your childhood where aside from the occasional fall or heartbreak from ‘The Singing Kettle’ not touring in your local area, life was relatively stress free. Trips to the seaside and adventure parks meant that we managed to take pleasure in the simple things nature has to offer. This said, we feel that whilst major excursions may have to be postponed to the month of June, there should still be some room in your schedule for a little bit of childish adventure.

So here it is, Palatinate’s adventure list of ideas for you to carry out to alleviate stress and regain the youthful peace of mind you once had. Note: not all points are to be taken literally.

Each edition we test out one of Durham’s many forms of travel. This week our volunteer Hannah Jenkins tries out the gymnastic mode of travel known as cartwheeling.

4

The Picnic Trip:

Sandcastles: A productive use of your time

Head anywhere from Alnick Castle and Gardens to St Aidan’s pond where you can feed the ducks. Bring with you

your picnic food, a blanket and preferably an acoustic guitar. Then watch the hours dissapear as you wallow in the sweet sunshine.

“Take a note from the ostrich and bury your head in the sand. Literally.”

And there you have it. The definitive list of ways via travel to relieve your stress this May. No need to thank us.

Cartwheeling is... a bit like a handstand only better.

Did you enjoy your cartwheel?

Yes it proved a pleasant experience.

Do you prefer cartwheeling or walking?

Cartwheeling because it is faster.

Any problems?

It could be hard to perform a cartwheel on a crowded pavement.

Best thing about cartwheeling?

Everything. I love it.

How would you rate cartwheeling out of ten?

9/10

A beginner’s guide to cartwheeling Step 1: Locate an area clear of obstacles

Don’t let a volcano (int)errupt your holiday Ben Kaastan

I thought a week in Israel would ease me in to the exam slog that lay ahead, but getting back to Durham proved to be the stressiest part.

As the plane drew out of Ben Gurion airport, I looked back on the energy of Tel Aviv and the treasures of Jerusalem’s Old City with a smile, and vowed to return to Israel one day.

“Luckily, an orthodox Jewish family adopted me until UK airspace opened” I didn’t realise just how soon that would be, as halfway to London our pilot announced we were returning to Tel Aviv due to a volcanic eruption in Iceland. Eff my life.

Having faced a long night at the airport, my hopes of reaching London were then shattered as all flights were cancelled and El Al Airlines wouldn’t fly during Shabbat.

By the way, that is 24 whole hours. Luckily, an orthodox Jewish family adopted me until UK airspace opened, thank God for small talk. However, sitting down to dinner that night I had a few second thoughts as I was handed a kippah and told to speak in Hebrew. Considering I only know the bad words, this could not end kosher for me. With the TV, internet and phones switched off for 24 hours, I was tempted to swim back to Europe.

Naively thinking my insurance would cover everything and anything; I booked a £500 ticket to Madrid and set off once again to the Airport. After one hour of questioning by security, a mentally scarring strip search, and my bags being emptied three times, I boarded the plane and planned my few hours in the Spanish capital.

Heading to the Prado and Reina Sofia art museums, I was blown away by Pablo Picasso’s exhibition. It was well worth my volcano ordeal, as ‘Guernica’ drew you in to the depths of the Spanish Civil War.

Step 2: Hands first, launch yourself into a sideways handstand

Step 3: SUCCESS

The Icelandic volcano may look pretty from afar but proved costly for our writer

Taking a break for some tapas and margaritas, I toasted to the end of my nightmare travelling. But arriving at Madrid coach station, I joined the hundreds of stranded Brits clawing at each other to get home, where I managed to get a seat on an 18 hour bus ride to Paris.

Expecting a luxury coach complete with entertainment and reclining chairs, I was

greeted by a rickety tin can that regularly got taken over by a convoy of local Catalan donkeys.

After breaking down countless times and getting a whole two hours sleep, I arrived in Paris clutching my passport and phrasebook.

Comment dit-on how do you get to London en Français?

Photography: Katy Balls

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Summer in the city

I don’t understand why...

Travel

Fashion

Workwear doesn’t have to be limited to suits and pencil skirts, as we show the fun side of dressing for your internship this summer, using Zara’s key pieces this season...

FASHIONABLE PEOPLE FORUM

Antonia Thier

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ou’ve completed the applications and passed through the interviews but are now left thinking what on earth can you wear to your summer internship. We took to the offices and streets of Canary Wharf to show the best ways to work around the ‘smart’ dress code. The days of wearing boring black suits to work are over; instead mix statement jackets, harem pants and high waisted shorts in whites, nudes and blacks.

Boys don’t be afraid to mix suit pieces and reach for a statement white or coloured jacket. And with Zara as the perfect place to experiment with statement pieces which could easily fit into your daily wardrobe without spending a fortune, don’t be afraid to try.

Stylists: Antonia Thier Emma Spedding Photography: Quin Murray www.quinography.com Models: Arun Blair-Mangat Alex Sinclair Joice Catherine Kolubayev Lara Morley Toby Abel Hair & Make-up: Antonia Thier With Thanks To: Zara in Canary Wharf, London for generously donating the clothes for the shoot.

KPMG for letting us use their offices.

Accessories to update your wardrobe Emma Spedding

Looking to update your look without spending a fortune? These transformative accessories are an affordable, easy way to refresh any summer outfit.

Straw Trilby The straw trilby remains an interesting way to transform an outfit in the summer months, whether on the beach or in the city. Invest in a plain classic style or experi-

Scarf A patterned or embellished scarf, found in any high street store or at a local vintage shop or flea market, is an affordable and versatile way to update an old look, often a cheaper alternative than investing in jewellery.

ment with open weave straw, gingham or diamond straw trilbies in colours ranging from khaki to lilac for a sophisticated addition to your summer outfit.

Chunky wooden clogs Whether wedged, platformed or studded this season sees the transformation of the wooden clog. For a cheaper alternative to the Chanel clogs often seen on the feet of Alexa Chung, head to Zara and Topshop who offer several variations of the ‘clog.’

“The perfect way to stay bang on trend”

“Invest in a classic style” Round Glasses After months of wearing wayfarers, aviators and oversized sunglasses channel Mary Kate Olsen by reaching for round frames. Whether John Lennon- esque or bug eye styles, these are set to be the perfect sunglasses shape for 2010.

THE FASHOIN SPOT.COM FORUMS

The fashion of our childhood is returning to haunt us. When we were younger we were able to blame the brightly coloured leggings and dungarees on our parents slightly deluded fashion sense. Yet now the Alexandra Shulmans of the world are forcing us to question the fundamental fashion faux-pas so inherently engraved in our minds as is basic etiquette. Whereas ten years ago socks and sandals would have screamed fashion police, this (hopefully passing) trend can now be seen on the chicest of fashionistas, including Fearne Cotton and Alexa Cheung.

Well this was my original response to the socks and sandals craze, but the more I was exposed to it, the more it grew on me. The look has slowly been making its way onto the high street, making appearances in Marni and Miu Miu’s shows as a favourite look to compliment flat pumps. Although controversial at first, the trend now become the ‘it’ way to dress your feet. And I have to admit, watching model-types strutting down Oxford Street in short black lace socks and heels (preferably of the clog nature) made me identify with the trend; a clear demonstration of how anything can prove to be a trend if it can be seen on enough beautiful, well-dressed young women.

Nevertheless, one must be careful with the way in which these trends are treated. Double denim has an extremely fine line between long-time subscriber to Vogue and frumpy mother-offour. Although denim is a reasonably forgiving trend compared to bodycon, requiring absolute physical perfection, it is not an easy look to wear. Since the days of James Dean and Marlon Brando, denim has had an innate quality of rebellion, so double the dose means if it isn’t executed to the utmost perfection, if the hair isn’t quite scruffy enough or the jeans are slightly too fitted, you could end up looking like an outcast from Top of the Pops.

This season’s trends seem to be a nod to our younger days, and whilst this may entail a reminiscent cringe and the odd flashback to pig tails and sandboxes; it also means you can have some fun with it. If we have been given free range to break the sacred socks and sandals rule- surely anything is possible.

The most stylish celebrities around sporting the key trends for accesorising this summer

Small Bags Give your shoulders a break and finally ditch the oversized bag. Opt for a simplified smaller shoulder strap bag or an envelope clutch. Smaller bags spun from real straw, as seen at Chanel, are also the perfect way to stay bang on trend this season.

Wellington Boots Those planning on a staycation or heading to a festival should invest in a decent pair of Hunter Wellies. Check out their new Limited Edition festival line.

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Toy Story

Is Disney Pixar’s Toy Story more than a kids’ classic?

Jonathon Knowles

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Film and Television Arts

Ex-Bond girl Gemma Arterton reveals all indigo speaks to the star about her new thriller The Disappearance of Alice Creed Jodie Smith

A

fter starring in two of the year’s biggest blockbusters, Gemma Arterton is fast becoming a household name. From her humble beginnings in Gravesend, Kent to starring alongside Daniel Craig as a 21st century Bond girl, Arterton’s starring roles over the last few years have been numerous and varied.

April sees the release of her latest flick, which somewhat bucks the trend of multimillion dollar pictures like Clash of the Titans and Prince of Persia. Arterton plays the feisty kidnap victim in The Disappearance of Alice Creed, a dark thriller whose twists and turns keep you on the edge of your seat.

The lowbudget movie is young British director J. Blakeson’s first featurelength project.

It was shot in its entirety on the Isle of Man, though most of the action takes place in just two rooms where Alice is held hostage by her kidnappers, the talented Eddie Marsan (Happy Go Lucky) and Martin Compston (Monarch of the Glen).

In an interview with Palatinate, 24-yearold Arterton spoke of how much she had enjoyed making the film. “I read the script and loved it. When I was offered the part I was thrilled! LA agents were telling me

it was risky, but that’s why I wanted to do it” she said.

The film is a departure from the roles that Arterton has previously taken on and required a high level of emotional performance, as well as scenes of nudity.

“Everyone always talks about the nudity and to me it’s quite boring, because there’s always nudity in films and always has been,” she reflected. “They talk about it more when it’s a girl because it’s quite exciting for a guy to know that a girl’s going to get her kit off. But the guys get their kit off as well!”

Throughout the film, Alice refuses to play the victim. “She’s actually a really strong woman with a great mind.

She’s very intelligent and savvy” reveals Gemma. “You see her humiliation at the

“LA agents were telling me it was risky”

start so it’s even better when she fights back.”

Part of that humiliation is spending the entire film clad in a purple velour tracksuit, which she describes as “quite iconic.

Hideous but strangely iconic.”

Arterton threw herself into her performance, describing it as the first time she’s been able to really use her craft and the skills she learned at RADA. “I’d never had the opportunity to do a film which would give me the opportunity to act properly. Usually you have to make the guy look really good, but this one was the first one I’d taken on which I needed to do work on. It was so

satisfying, but exhausting at the same time.

I felt like, ‘This is what I do and I feel really comfortable doing this’” she said.

“One day I cried so much I couldn’t actually see. Luckily in the film I didn’t have to look beautiful because my eyes were so puffy every single day.”

Where her career is concerned, Arterton is determined that she’ll get back to basics and star in at least one theatre play per year. “I know everyone says it but it’s the purest form of acting. You have to get it right,” she remarked. “I always imagined that I’d do theatre all the time and I’ve had to fight my way into doing it. I turned down four films to do it [West End play The Little Dog Laughed].”

“One day I cried so much I couldn’t actually see” “Although I feel much more at home on stage than I do on the screen, it’s still very frightening to act in the theatre!” she continued. “I loved it, and I learned so much more about acting. Hopefully I’ll do at least one play a year.”

Arterton describes this latest project as “not your average Hollywood movie”.

According to the star, the change of pace offered by the dark thriller is “what’s always excited me most about films and theatre.

I hope the next thing I do scares me and challenges me,” she remarked.

Durham’s starring role in hit BBC programme Sophie Zeldin-O’Neill

FLICKR ID: GUY_INCOGNITO

Every so often, something comes along that you get excited about, but perhaps you really shouldn’t – something you absolutely adored in your childhood that comes back a long time down the line, yet somehow seems to make you smile as much as it did when you were younger. For me, this happened last year, when I got stupidly excited about the announcement of Toy Story 3.

Of course, this led to me rewatching both the first two films, and I was very pleasantly surprised – not just by the nostalgic memories, but by the actual quality of the films. Indeed, both Toy Story and Toy Story 2 exemplify the extent to which a film can appeal to an audience of both children and adults.

Perhaps the greatest strength of the films is the eclectic cast of colourful characters. Woody, Buzz, Jessie, Hamm, Rex – each one is not only very likable and distinct, but also extremely well written. The scripts are very strong and as such the characters noticeably develop over the course of both movies.

Indeed, Woody and Buzz are clearly different characters at the end of the second film in comparison to the beginning of the first – and as these changes are based around concepts such as friendship and loyalty, it’s hard for anyone of any age to not be thoroughly heartwarmed.

These strengths relate to the high production values of both films. Indeed, it’s no surprise that the revolutionary visual effects landed the production team for Toy Story, the first ever fully computer-animated film, an Oscar for Special Achievement. Furthermore, the voice cast, led by Tim Allen and Tom Hanks, are exceptional, and the news that the majority have signed on for the third instalment can only be seen as brilliant news. Similarly, the soundtracks of the first two films are remarkably strong – the tracks melodic, the lyrics a step above those found in most Disney films (just listen to the sorrow embodied by ‘When She Loved Me’) and as such, they can successfully appeal to all generations – indeed, find someone who doesn’t love ‘You’ve got a Friend in Me’!

Thankfully, the trailer for Toy Story 3 meets all expectations – it looks like we’re going to be treated to an equally strong plot, some great new characters, and both emotive and hilarious moments on par with the original films.

It’s these factors that sum up why the Toy Story series represents the best kind of childhood film - ones that can be enjoyed beyond youth. As such, I’m very proud to have the first two Toy Story films near the top of my DVD pile, and I don’t doubt that a large number of Durham students will, like me, be rushing to cinemas to see the third instalment when its released later in the year.

And for some final good news?

Monsters Inc. 2 was just announced for release next year!

Stage

The year is 1966. Welcome to a Durham alive with World Cup fever, Beatles Mania, atomic terror and the scent of social unrest, sexual liberation and most of all, murder… Or so it would appear for Inspector George Gently and his rather un-PC DC, John Bacchus.

In the first episode, the mysterious death of a well-known Lefty academic brings the crime-fighting pair onto the Durham University campus, an ‘ancient temple of learning’ in which the first influx of students from the working classes are joining forces with radical academics to Castle looks set to steal the small screen in BBC favourite George Gently rebel against the establishment. Having previously been filmed in Ireland, this, the of soft, Bakelite curves and looks like and revelling in one hundred different uses eighth series of the show, marks the first something straight from The Beano. More of a daisy chain. Surreal, to say the least. time that the drama has been shot on loca- incongruous still, it was fabulously sunny.

I watched as a scene in which ‘man tion in the North East.

Durham really had been transformed! walks, is greeted by other man, they chat, When I arrived But it wasn’t until they depart’ was shot by the lawn. I imagin Palace Green for I stepped through ine it would have been more gripping if I’d my day of reportthe gate and into the have been able to hear what they were saying adventure, I was grounds of Castle that ing. Nevertheless, seeing Judge John Deed greeted by the sight of I really began to think investigate the murder of a policeman on two beautiful vintage that some guy in a the very spot where I spilled a Sambuca motors (a teal Ford suit had mistaken me shot one night in Freshers’ Week truly was Consul Corsair and for Amy Pond. The a sight to behold. an aquamarine three-litre Rover with grounds of ‘University College’, as the press Interviewing Martin Shaw, it was cream interior, if you’re asking) parked continued to refer to it, were teeming with clear that he had fallen in love with our side-by-side outside Castle. I noticed a students dressed in funky retro threads quaint little town. As a first-time visitor kitsch sixties-style bus parked outside the (man), strumming guitars, putting up ban- to Durham, he professed to find it one of cathedral, too - the kind that is a medley ners campaigning for nuclear disarmament the most ‘extraordinary’ and ‘spectacular’

“Durham really had been transformed”

places he had ever been. It was a lovely sentiment, echoed by Shaw’s co-star, Warren Clarke, who said that he hadn’t been in our neck-of-the-woods since kids were donning corduroys for real, and that it had hardly changed a bit.

Meanwhile Lee Ingleby, who stars as Detective Inspector Bacchus, the cranberry to Gently’s brie, if you will, added that he had devoted most of his time in the big North East to exploring the town in the Beeb’s on-loan Corsair and getting to grips with the regional accent. Steady on, pet.

The BBC’s Kate Evans said that “In-

“Surreal, to say the least spector George Gently continues to attract an audience who relish its unique blend of strong story telling, a period setting and contemporary resonance”. After my day on set, I must say that whilst I wholeheartedly empathise with Kate’s enthusiasm, I am almost equally excited about the small screen appearances of my friends wearing flares…

Inspector George Gently is due for transmission on BBC1 later this year.

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A work of art that did not begin in emotion is not art Exploring the ability of art to demand socio-political change Tamara Gates

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Nick Kosciuk aims to do. He says, “I want my life to be important. I want my paintings to inspire.” Born in 1964, Kosciuk is an American figure and portrait painter whose work is based upon his inspiration in life-the children of Belarus, who he regards as incredibly brave and resilient.

He is an advocate for the forgotten and abandoned children in the Eastern European republic.

He regularly visits the orphanages, spending great length of time talking to the children and photographing them in preparation for his paintings, which he completes in his studio in Arizona.

His work combines fairy tale imagery and a child in a disturbing juxtaposition between the childlike connotations of make-believe worlds and the dark reality that faces the orphans. They are beautiful and haunting representations of the fragility of childhood innocence. And this innocence is growing increasingly fragile as the fairytale state of childhood continues to be shortened through rapid sexualisation, child trafficking and increasFLICKRID: ICHANGINGLIVESCAMBODIA.ORG

t would be fair to say that many of us can recall precious childhood memories, from disastrous camping holidays with the family; learning to ride a bike; the excitement of Christmas morning and countless other moments for us to reflect on at our leisure. It has been argued that our greatest adult fears are created by childhood memories, as do our most negative views of ourselves. So what kind of fears and views will be in store for the children worldwide that have grown up without such precious recollections?

For the impoverished and parentless children around the world it would be fair to say that many of their childhood memories will be far from precious.

To focus on one example, there are around 30,000 orphans in Belarus, a number which increases by approximately 5000 each year that passes in this land locked country. Belarus is the region that was worst hit by the Chernobyl disaster of 1986; by 1990 2 million people, 20% of the country’s forests and endless acres of agricultural land were contaminated.

This, paired with the break up of the USSR in 1991, caused the economy to take a downhill slide, resulting in significant lowering of living standards. Poor nutrition, widespread pollution and a growing number of social diseases contributed to 70% of the country’s population living below the poverty line.

Approximately 80% of orphans in the country are social orphans, whereby their parents lost parental rights. This is often due to excessive alcohol and drug abuse, leading to neglected and physically abused young children.

The country has not established a foster care system, so the children are sent to orphanages.

It is tragic to imagine that when they are adults, their childhood memories will be void of the love and care from their parents which many of us know, and maybe even take for granted.

Throughout history, art has represented ideal family values, often depicting a mother and child in a caring embrace. This can be seen in the work of Mucha, Picasso

“It has been argued that our greatest adult fears are created by childhood memories

and the countless religious representations of Madonna and her child.

The visual arts are an ideal vehicle to address socio-political issues and to raise awareness of worldwide tragedies, which

ing violence towards children. So, his work may raise awareness and evoke sympathy or pity, but how can art actually begin to help the situation? An organisation called Halo Foundation is currently supporting orphans worldwide in Cambodia, India, Mexico and Nicaragua, providing food, shelter, education and art therapy.

Children are encouraged to paint and the art produced is auctioned by the charity. The money made from the children’s work is then used to improve the orphanages, which is a brilliant way of enhancing self-confidence within the children as they are contributing to their own future in a productive and creative way.

Unfortunately due to restrictions on images we were unable to display the work of Kosciuk, however it is definitely work looking at. His work can be viewed at www.selbyfleetwoodgallery.com

“...disturbing juxtaposition between the childlike connotations of a make believe world and the dark reality that faces the orphans...”

To donate or volunteer for Halo, visit www.haloworldwide.org.

“Forever is a long time and time has a way of changing things” indigo welcomes the return of classic Disney animation after a seven-year hiatus Adriana Lowe

In today’s rapidly developing world, no aspect of the media is left untouched by the incredible progress of technology. But Disney’s 2003 announcement that all future animations would be computer generated provoked a wave of nostalgia in their fans, like us, who grew up with The Lion King, The Little Mermaid and other hand-drawn icons of our childhood.

Computer generated imaging (CGI) has taken over the animation industry since its introduction in 1971 with Metadata, a 2D short by Peter Foldes. It has gradually replaced its forerunner- hand-drawn, or cel animation - dramatically cutting down on production time and cost.

Although this is practical and financially responsible for the production companies, many

audiences lament the loss of the recognisable, classic style; today’s Mickey Mouse Clubhouse is computer generated and notably different from the Mickey we saw in the 1940 classic Fantasia. Likewise, iconic English creations such as The Snowman with its distinctive pastel and crayon style are, thanks to the immense amount of time and effort needed to hand-draw each movement, threatening to become a thing of the past.

Snow White was the first full-length cel-animated feature, produced in 1937 - the first full colour feature produced by Walt Disney and the first in the Disney Animated Classics canon.

The illustrative, vivid quality of the picture set the standard for the Disney features to follow, and they certainly didn’t disappoint. Although the modern world has developed new media technology that enables us to benefit from the clarity and true-to-life depiction

of characters, we lose an art form that presented a generation with some of the best-loved movie characters of all time.

“...as the modern world develops technology, we lose a cherished form of art...”

The success of films such as Toy Story, the first feature-length film made with CGI software, would seem to have put the final nail in the coffin of classic animation styles. However, although CGI films like Shrek and Finding Nemo have delighted audiences around the globe, hand-drawn animation still retains popular in Japan where the majority of anime relies on traditional cel-animation to create its distinctive style. Despite winning an Academy Award and a Japanese Academy Award for his fully and semi-computer generated work, Miyaziki, the popular Japanese filmaker, has claimed that “hand drawing on paper is the fundamental of animation.” He has

since dissolved his computer animation department to focus solely on hand-drawn animation in his future productions.

Fans of the illustrative style of classics such as Dumbo, Cindarella, Sleeping Beauty and many more, can celebrate the fact that CGI has not entirely taken over yet; American television’s most popular current animations, Family Guy and The Simpsons remain hand-drawn as their creators reportedly ‘can’t stand’ CGI style; Groening is said to dislike the human eyes characters have in computer generated cartoons, favouring the basic ‘circle and dot’ style of his Simpsons characters.

It seems that many animation artists from both sides of the globe are unwilling to compromise on quality and tradition.

Feature-length animations are not all set to follow in Pixar’s footsteps with their CGI triumphs.

Under the stewardship of former Pixar CEO John Lasseter, Disney has realised that there is still a place for cel animation in modern cinema. Earlier this year, they released

-The Fox and the Hound

their first tradtional hand-drawn film since 2003, The Princess and the Frog, The movie also broke into new territory by featuring Disney’s first ever African-American heroine.

Although the decision to make a cel animation caused rifts and huge expense at Disney, as the whole production department was overhauled, their fans can’t help but be relieved that another generation will experience the Disney magic the same way they did. Disney films are more than just pure entertainment, they are entrenched in our childhood memories and will never grow old. I don’t think I’d be the first to admit my ability to watch the classics time and time again.

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Come along and listen to the lullaby of Broadway DELANEY CHAMBERS

indigo puts on its gladrags, heads uptown to take a bite out of The Big Apple and loves how it tastes 42nd Street Hild Bede Theatre Company Caedmon Hall ««««« Jila Bahri-Esfahani

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hen waiting in the Caedmon Hall I had high expectations of 42nd Street from its glamorous publicity and the knowledge that the production had been in rehearsal for around two months. This tap-centred musical depicts the story of a young, naive Peggy Sawyer, (delightfully portrayed by Sarah Peters) who stumbles into the auditions for the play Pretty Lady. Inadvertently challenging the once famous Dorothy Brock (Hannah Cope), Peters presents the progression of a chorus girl into a star, guided by her director and later love interest Julian Marsh (David Stodel).

“The performance was very visually effective with imaginative use of lighting. . . ” The metadramatic nature of the musical allowed for creativity on the directors’ behalf which was taken up wholeheartedly by Jonnie Grande and John Hall. The performance was very visually effective with imaginative use of lighting and an array of costumes which worked effectively with choreography to develop atmosphere in different scenes, seen for example in the silhouetted dance behind a screen.

to recognise the size and limitations of their cast. Some of the dances, particularly those that incorporated the whole chorus appeared too ambitious for a college cast, some of whom had never danced before.

Their hard work was clearly seen in the performance of the cast, nevertheless the complexity of some of the routines lacked accuracy which was emphasised by the nature of tap, whereby the effect is not only visual but audible. Some of the dances thus appeared cluttered and mainly led by the core chorus girls. The final routine however had more precision and much higher energy producing a strong penultimate song.

“The support and enthusiasm of the whole chorus was evident” The five main chorus girls (Clare Reavey, Adele Pope, Catherine Scutts, Rachel Argent and Laura Warton) all deserve special mention for their talent and accuracy in several numbers. The choreography was outstanding, tailored to their abilities and executed neatly.

The support and enthusiasm of the whole chorus was evident throughout and really uplifted the musical as a whole.

The dedication of the entire cast and crew to pull off such an ambitious production was clear and worthwhile, resulting in a fantastically enjoyable performance on all fronts. My expectations were met, and despite occasional weaknesses, the whole team demonstrated aptitude worthy of commendation.

The cast of 42nd Street try and live up the high life in this musical set on the streets of New York during the Great Depression

The show witnessed another stunning performance by Peters with accuracy in her role and notable character progression through the second half whereby her rendition of “42nd Street” was well directed to echo Cope in expression and mounting confidence. Cope portrayed a convincing diva, supported by a powerful voice, giving a strong impression in her first production with Durham Theatre. Some of her characterisation however bordered on too melodramatic, taking away from the authenticity of her role; a criticism which is more concerned with the director.

Applause must go to Stodel who gave a consistently charismatic performance with sincerity of character throughout showing undeniable talent. Joe Childs’ emotive rendition of “Lullaby on Broadway” was successfully carried out and Sian Dolding portrayed an enthusiastic Maggie with an appropriate maternal aspect. It would be impossible not to mention here the comic flair of Dave Jenkins. Mincing on stage and proclaiming “Dancing is my life!” he naturally brings something to the cast, often proving a distraction from the main happenings on stage.

A criticism which must be noted however was the volume of the band.

Certain cast members were forced to shout their lines to be heard and some lines were drowned out altogether; something which was frustrating for the audience throughout the performance. This was unfortunate as the musical director Seth Miall showed aptitude in his work with the cast but this did bring down the professional image of the play.

The choreography was undeniably impressive; however the choreographers (Emma Cave and Megan Clayton) needed

What comes next for Durham student actors?

Palatinate interviews former Durham student and RADA graduate Will Oldroyd on his dramatic career

Emma Jayne Pursey

than 130 actors. He has since worked with the Royal Shakespeare Company and the English Touring Opera. Will considers his theatrical experience indispensible to his involvement with opera. “I’ve learned so much from opera,” he explains, “but I’ve also brought a lot from theatre. I’ve been able to see things with a fresh light, and so many people from the world of opera have been surprised by it.”

RICHARD HUBERT-SMITH

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he English Touring Opera brings Donizetti’s Don Pasquale to the Gala theatre on the 17th May, a particularly exciting tour date for director, Will Oldroyd. Will graduated from Durham in 2002, having been heavily involved in Durham Student Theatre, but narrowly missed out on the chance to perform at the Gala, which was being built at the time.

Primarily an actor during his Durham years, Will played major roles in DULOG shows and was DST president in his final year. It was performing with the Durham Revue, however, which sparked Will’s passion for directing. “The Revue was pivotal in my decision to become a director” he recalls. “When we weren’t in a sketch, we’d sit back and tell the others what was good or bad about it. I didn’t even know it was directing at the time, but I knew I preferred it to acting.”

His experiences with the Revue were not all good, however, with his first performance at Comedyfest earning him what he describes as his worst ever review. “It was awful. The then Palatinate editor wrote that it made him embarrassed to be called a Durham student. Our next show obviously had a sketch about Palatinate though!”

Dreadful reviews aside, Will remembers his Durham experiences fondly. “In Durham we all got involved with everything.

Actors weren’t just actors; we gave whatever we could offer to productions. I did set design for all three DULOG shows I acted in. Then I went to RADA, and it was totally different. My first year in London I spent trying to figure out how it all worked in the real world.”

Will’s directorial career certainly took off after Durham, and he attributes his “real education” to his work as assistant director on a Barbican production of Julius Caesar, the cast of which featured no less

“I’ve learned so much from opera” Will insists that truly believing in a production is vital to success in his trade.

“I don’t want to do anything I don’t believe in. I’d rather do one or two shows a year that I really love than ten or twelve which I don’t. I don’t want to be a director-for-hire.”

The man himself, Will Oldroyd

Will’s passion for Don Pasquale is obvious, and he hopes to attract a wider audience than opera typically does with this English language production of Donizetti’s farcical comedy. “I really believe in Don Pasquale,” he asserts, “I want to make opera accessible to people I know. We’ve done a few things to make that happen. It’s not just the language that makes a difference; it’s the whole style of the opera, the venues, and the ticket prices. It’s a simple story, and there are some beautiful arias and duets.

It’s such a fresh opera.”

After the Don Pasquale tour ends this summer, work with a dance company beckons, with Will involved in adapting the novel The Unbearable Lightness of Being for performance. Don Pasquale is the first of two English Touring Opera performances, with Mozart’s much loved The Marriage of Figaro showing the following evening.

Tickets for both operas are available from www.galadurham.co.uk

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“Hmm, I’m beginning to come round to that opinion. . .”

indigo flicks open its jotterpad and takes a candid glimpse into the intricate world of theatre criticism IAN MUTTOO

Rosanna Boscawen

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rritic!” Estragon famously yells “with finality” in his comic – or is it serious? – argument with Vladimir in Waiting for Godot. It is the insult to end all insults. And deeply insulted Vladimir seems to be. It puts an end to that phase of their banter and elicits many a laugh amongst the audience, who might perchance turn slightly, trying to catch a glimpse of any man silently slipping his pencil and paper out of sight and mind as he wonders whether his kind really is hated that much. After all, who would put up his hand and volunteer to wear the badge that says ‘critic’ in the theatre, concert hall or cinema, when it could equally say ‘person who values own opinions highly’? Or outside these establishments, for that matter, especially when the adjectival equivalent has synonyms like ‘perpetually unsatisfied with everything’ or ‘pedantic old bastard’?

Not Vladimir.

Unappealing connotations aside, is this insult justified? And if it is, isn’t it still a joke for Beckett, revelling in his own wit? I can see him now, the old Irish great in heaven (for some reason the image is in black and white), sitting and smoking (most likely) and watching with childish glee. And what does he see? He sees literati and critics alike feebly flailing, writhing and wrestling with his remark. They are anxious because a tiny little part of each of them thinks he is right to be serious, and they want him to be joking or else their work is, well… somewhat undermined.

“He sees literati and critics alike feebly flailing, writhing and wrestling with his remark” It is true that one cannot simply give condemning judgments of a piece of theatre alone, and anyone who does so deserves to be insulted. But if a satisfactory explanation is handed over in the same package, Estragon’s insult becomes unjustified. Then again, despite the intricacy of theatre criticism’s subject, it is written largely for the masses to read in the paper over breakfast, mug of coffee in hand, so in many ways it works like an advert. It is not for cast and crew to use as an additional set of director’s notes after the first performance, though you could be fooled into thinking otherwise. If the review is good, said breakfast-time-peruser might perchance twaddle up to London to see the thing for themselves.

So, the reviewer’s duty is not to the theatre or producer, the director or the actors; it is to the good old British public – or the students of Durham for us. He has to write something short and sweet (or savoury, if the play is not so hot). You might wonder why I emphasise “has”. It is because in Durham reviewers are allocated plays on a

review of the latest Florence and the Machine track or Tim Burton’s newest film to be riddled with minutiae with which only they can engage. Granted, it is interesting to have the odd article which is more penetrating than the rest, but if they’re all pushing the 700 word mark, no one’s going to make it to the end of anything. If they do, they will more than likely a) be involved in the show b) be a friend of cast/crew/reviewer c) be involved in serious procrastination d) have missed out the juicy stuff in the middle to get to the concluding pearls of wisdom.

‘Why do you publish such long reviews then?’ I hear you cry in outrage. ‘It’s much easier to write a long letter than a short one’ is my answer, and a problem which, with a little time and perseverance from reviewers, can be fixed.

“Three or four plays will have blazed up in the Assembly Rooms and disappeared with equal rapidity” Theatre reviewers in Durham don’t expect West End production values, but we do look for convincing performances from the actors

first come, first served basis. In Palatinate English, this means that said person who comes first will supposedly produce a review of an appropriate length on the right day (professional critics leave the theatre at 10.30 pm and have to hand in their reviews ninety minutes later so it can all go to press on time, don’t you know, so really there’s no excuse).

“Reviews that don’t materialise have two rather unnerving effects” Reviews that don’t materialise have two rather unnerving effects. Firstly, stage editors become abnormally irate, they go very quiet, become sullen, sulky, ghostly pale – a bit like Edward Cullen. Then they miraculously procure a review from an unknown corner of Durham at no small effort. As I write, their cries of frustration are filling the Palatinate office, and I’m learning several new and obscure expletives that are most certainly not suitable to be noted down here. Secondly, theatre companies who have put up two free tickets for the reviewer-ghost, despite being on a tight budget, morph into enraged animals – wolves larger than bears, I’ve seen them – and start hunting the stage editors. Which is no fun for them, as you can probably

imagine. It seems to me that the best solution would be for the wolves and vampires that are the theatre companies and stage editors to join forces and ruthlessly hunt down said ghost-reviewers. After all, this is a reciprocal society - you give when you

receive - and they both want the same thing: a review for their money.

So, on to the review itself. Although a reviewer has a duty to support his argument, five words are enough; five sentences, too many. If he opts for the latter, no one will read it. What a waste. We don’t expect the

What’s On? Tuesday 11th May - Saturday 15th May Hello Dolly! - THIS Theatre Company -Gala Theatre Whilst nothing to do with Ms. Parton, Jerry Herman’s musical will bound to have you thinking about it from 9-5 the next day £14.50. - 7:15pm with additional 2:15pm performances on Wed and Sat Thursday 29th April - Saturday 1st May Art - Peculius Stage - The Assembly Rooms Tensions rise when Serge shows his friends his new, very expensive, all-white painting. Rational debate quickly descends into a breakdown of tears, punches, nibbles and stationery. £5 NUS, £4.50 DST, 7:30pm start, 3:00pm matinee on Sat Sunday 20th June The Merry Wives of Windsor - HCTC - Trevs Quad A farcical comedy about love, class, sex and hiding fat people in dirty washing baskets. For an afternoon of highbrow stupidity, join HCTC in Trevs Quad for cream teas and summer sun... £4.00 NUS, £3.50 DST

The icing on this particular cake is that there would then be space to print the reviews which at present can only be fitted onto the website. But there is another dilemma: the anticipation of theatre critcism in Durham comes from the wrong people.

And this is a little harder to resolve, for this paper, anyway.

The quandary is that we go to press once a fortnight, during which time three or four plays will have blazed up on the stage of the Assembly Rooms and disappeared with equal rapidity. Puff. Just like that. By the time the review comes out the situation is this: cast and crew are just desperate to know how well they did, those who saw it might be curious to hear a second opinion, but the majority of people will discard it to the outer recesses of the mind, along with the last essay they wrote.

So the people who might read a short review to help them decide whether to see the thing or not are out. Those readers that remain want something wordy, difficult when these three or four shows are all vying equally for a chance of journalistic glory.

Having decided that there’s not a lot that can be done about this, you might think that my opening up the debate to the floor is a bit pointless. I thought so at first, anyway. Earlier I said that the reviews were waited for by the wrong people. I should rephrase that. They are waited for by different people. We aren’t in London, and this isn’t a national paper. So perhaps we should just embrace it as yet another of those quirky Durham bubble things.

And anyway, you probably shouldn’t take my opinion too seriously – after all, I am a critic.

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Are Mumford & Sons the saviours of folk?

indigo discusses onstage nakedness and the re-emergence of folk with Marcus Mumford and Ted Dwane FLICKR ID: KDAMO

tour bus. “We don’t like overhype. People’s expectations are raised through all the exaggeration.” Understandably it would be a slight travesty if this time next year, as part of the emerging London folk scene along with Laura Marling and Johnny Flynn, they were compared with Klaxons’ shortlived new-rave fad of a few summers gone.

If these raviator-wearing fluorescent adolescents of yore were asked what one of 2010’s rising genres would be, folk would probably be in the dark depths of choices alongside Gregorian chant and acid jazz.

“We were fired in our first gig for not taking our clothes off!”

Olivia Swash

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fter being deemed as ‘leading a folk revolution’ by the press recently, the hype surrounding Mumford & Sons is perhaps surprisingly something they’re very defensive against. “Folk music

has been going on for ages... It’s not a revolution, it’s just the press catching onto what already existed, which in a way is a bit annoying for the people who have been doing it all along” frontman Marcus Mumford tells me as we chat pre-soundcheck on the plush sofa area in their tardis of a

“It wasn’t really a conscious decision (to go into folk), we all grew up playing our instruments and listening to loads of different genres... It was pretty natural. We all met at school and we were fired in our first gig for not taking our clothes off at the

end of a song!” says double bass player Ted Dwane.

Nakedness aside, considering the impossibility of the rest of the band actually being (Marcus) Mumford’s sons, the question which they must have encountered over and over arose... “The idea is it’s like an old family business. If there was a tailor called ‘Smith & Sons’ it wouldn’t mean Smith was the boss, it just means it was founded in a certain way - lots of people run it and own it. Band names are strange...

It’s weird that you almost get known by your name before you get known by your music.”

The four-piece of multi-instrumentalists (I’ve never appreciated banjos, dobros and mandolins more) have rocketed to success in not just the UK. They have gone twice platinum in Australia and also bagged a number one with their debut album Sigh No More. So is being big in Australia the new ‘big in Japan’? “We don’t even know how it happened! They just seem to love us over there, we’re really excited to go back” says Marcus. Seems it’s a similar situation here in Blighty, with their amazingly diverse fanbase. Ted tells me “it makes for

a really nice atmosphere at gigs. It’s like a village fete, everyone’s all together!”

This definitely rang true whilst watching their show later in the claustrophobic and dingy underground Newcastle University venue, which had clearly been organised before Mumford & Sons’ surge of mainstream popularity.

“We don’t like overhype.

People’s expectations are raised through all the exaggeration” Okay, there were no apple-bobbing contests or tombolas, but the inevitably cheery fluctuations between excitable ditties and smooth-flowing four-part harmonies seemed to regress the whole audience back to some sort of long-forgotten joyous summery roots. If you want proof: I actually witnessed people doing the jig.

Maybe it goes to show folk never should have been ‘out’, and we innately do love the traditional side of modern music.

Evolution Weekender 2010: the North East’s biggest festival returns Jess Denham

For the sixth year running, Evolution Festival will be unleashing exciting music acts upon the Newcastle and Gateshead quaysides during the late May Bank Holiday Weekend. Previously known as Orange Evolution and Freevolution, events begin the preceding week with a selection of performances at various venues.

Tickets have increased in price for 2010 due to the addition of Ballast Hills, a new third stage alongside the original two - Spillers Wharf and Baltic Square. Yet at only £25 for the weekend or £17.50 for a day, they remain affordable for students.

The new stage will house folk and roots music from the likes of Donovan and the critically acclaimed Unthanks who will create the perfect lazy summer atmosphere.

For those with an ethical streak, Wateraid,

the official charity of the festival will be receiving a percentage of all ticket sales.

This money will be put towards saving the lives of thousands of people across Africa and Asia.

“This May sees a seductive fusion of dubstep, acoustic and indie gracing the quayside” Back in 2005, the first festival sported acts such as Hard-Fi, The Futureheads and Boy Kill Boy. Several of the artists who first graced Evolution’s stages returned for the following few years alongside up and coming stars such as The Sunshine

What’s On? 2nd May- DUOS Alumni Concert 2010 @ Castle Great Hall. £4 concessions. Email orchestral.society@dur.ac.uk to reserve 12th May- New to Q Tour with Detroit Social Club, Goldhawks & Tiffany Page @ Newcastle O2 Academy. £8.50 14th May- Dinosaur Jr @ Newcastle O2 Academy. £18 30th/31st May- Evolution Festival @ Newcastle. £25 w/end or £17.50 day 12th June- Jam By The Lake @ Van Mildert College. FREE Every Monday- Cassette at Market Vaults

Underground, Maximo Park and Calvin Harris (who is performing again this year).

Last year Friendly Fires, Dizzee Rascal and Little Boots satisfied the musical cravings of the 60,000 eager fans who stormed the banks of the Tyne, as the festival attracted music lovers from all over the country.

This May sees a seductive fusion of dubstep, acoustic and indie gracing the quayside with Manchester trio Delphic, chilled-out soul from Paolo Nutini and skinny-jeans-magnets Enter Shikari leading the bill, with hip hop legends De La Soul closely behind. Ellie Goulding will be basking in her newfound starry-eyed glory alongside Studio favourite Tinchy Stryder and the innovative DJ act Scratch Perverts, who after their one-off set at Loveshack last year, proved themselves to be utterly unmissable. Sunday night on the Baltic Square stage will be dominated by dance remix king Fake Blood after a set from Benga, one of dubstep’s biggest names.

Innovative samples of emerging talent will be showcased by bands such as cheeky Scotsmen Dananananaykroyd, Cosmo Jarvis and Sunderland indie four-piece Field Music, who will be returning to the North East to make another appearance on 12th June when they headline Mildert’s Jam By The Lake alongside Polarsets before they head to Glastonbury and Bestival.

The Newcastle festival has already rapidly gained a reputation for launching fresh talents before they become well-known household names, such as Marina & the Diamonds and Duffy. With an eclectic variety sure to tempt even the most difficult to please festival-goer, Evolution sets the standards for all festival fireworks on the horizon this summer. The perfect warm-up for Glastonbury.

Last year’s Evolution festival crowd at the Baltic Quay stage. Who needs Glasto?

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Planet Narnia: the secrets of children’s books

indigo finds out what can you learn from revisiting your favourite childhood literature Jodie Smith

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s a child, I was a voracious reader.

This hasn’t changed much as I’ve grown older, apart from the fact that I have far less time to read novels at university. But when I was at school, I used to greedily devour a book and then begin the search for my next one. W H Smith and Ottakers were my favourite shops, and I was lucky enough to have parents who indulged my love of all things fiction and financed my addiction.

In my bedroom at home, my bookshelf remains a testament to the child and teenager I once was. Every now and then, for nostalgia’s sake, I will peruse the spines of the books that accompanied me through childhood, dog-eared and dusty though they are. I will remember how they made me feel when I read them, what I learned from them, and occasionally I will pick one up and re-read it.

That’s when it gets interesting. Unlike the naive child you once were, you begin to pick up on things you may not have understood when you were eight. And no, I don’t just mean how reading about Dick and Aunt Fanny makes you snigger nowadays.

It’s more than that - books that were once boring suddenly seem a lot more interesting, and the magic and mystery you once delighted in starts to give way to symbolism and metaphor.

Take, for example, C.S. Lewis’ classic The Chronicles of Narnia. As a child, you are captivated by the fantastical world, the magical creatures, the spirit of adventure.

As an adult, however, you see the great number of allegorical elements (Aslan is meant to represent Christ, for example, and the White Witch is Satan) that Lewis weaved into his work.

In 2008, Reverend Dr Michael Ward put forward the theory that Lewis had based his seven novels on the planets that comprised heaven in medieval astrology.

Each planet gives the books their themes; Mars is represented in Prince Caspian, Mer-

After finding Christianity later on in life, C.S. Lewis packed his novels full of symbolism

cury in The Horse and His Boy. Ward’s book Planet Narnia explores these various levels of meaning that are not immediately obvious to the younger reader.

One of the things that is most evident when you re-visit children’s books is how your perceptions have changed. As a child, you are perhaps less aware of the historical context of the novels you read. This was certainly the case for me when I read The Diary of Anne Frank aged nine and found it incredibly dull. To me, it seemed old-fashioned and boring – what relevance did this girl’s words have to my own life? When I went to read it again in my mid-teens, I suddenly realised what a

The magic and mystery you once delighted in starts to give way to symbolism and metaphor

powerful is, and it

book it really was because I

was so much more aware of the history and context of Anne Frank’s words. As a younger child, I couldn’t relate to the ideas and issues that she dealt with but in my mid-teens the book had a far greater affect on me.

When I choose a book nowadays, I always look for something well-written that will captivate my attention, be it a modern classic or a piece of clichéd chicklit. As a child, however, writing style just doesn’t matter so much. That’s what I notice most when I look back at my favourite novels from years gone by. Books that I devoted hours to reading now appear incredibly contrived

and not very well written, with implausible plots and awful characters. Who can forget the classic Goosebumps series, with titles such as Say Cheese and Die and Welcome To Dead House, literary masterpieces of our age. When you read a book as a child, it is almost always the plot that counts, with character development and writing style playing second fiddle to the action.

That isn’t to say, of course, that there aren’t fantastically written children’s books out there. I recently re-read a book by Michelle Margorian, authoress of Goodnight Mister Tom, one of my favourites.

I enjoyed the book (Back Home) just as much as I had when I was younger, as Magorian’s talent as a storyteller alongside the multi-dimensional characters she creates continue to make an impression upon me all these years later. Or Dame Jacqueline Wilson, who has managed to find a inspired way of sensitively introducing children to serious topics like divorce, death, bullying and mental illness.

Revisiting those much-loved books from childhood is a great form of escape.

The books you read when you were young may well have taught you lessons that your parents and friends couldn’t impress upon you in quite the same way. What never changes is the pure enjoyment that reading a good book can bring you. I truly believe that those who enjoy reading as a child will develop a lifelong love of books.

Who can forget the delight of reading a Roald Dahl book whilst taking in Quentin Blake’s wonderful illustrations, or the sense of adventure you became immersed in when you read a Famous Five book?

On the other hand, perhaps a book merely entertained you for a while before you completely forgot about it, only to discover it again years later languishing on your book shelf. So maybe it’s time to revisit Hogwarts, Narnia and Neverland to see what you find.

What never changes is the pure enjoyment that reading a good book can bring you

Word of the Week “SCIOLIST” A person who pretends to be knowledgeable and well-informed

Top 15 Children’s Books 1. The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, C S Lewis 2. Famous Five series, Enid Blyton 3. Winnie the Pooh, AA Milne 4. Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, J K Rowling 5. Alice in Wonderland, Lewis Carroll 6. Peter Pan, J M Barrie 7. The Wind in the Willows, Kenneth Grahame 8. The Wizard of Oz, L. Frank Baum 9. James and the Giant Peach, Roald Dahl 10. A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens 11. The Railway Children, E. Nesbit 12. Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Jan Brett 13. Aesop’s Fables, Jerry Pinkney 14. The Worst Witch, Jill Murphy 15. Just So Stories, Rudyard Kipling

Games

Leisure Crossword Challenge

Photography

Stage Arts

Sudoku

Wordsquare

Crossword Clues

Down

Across 1. Fiftieth anniversary (6) 4. Lift (5) 8. Trench (5) 9. Shorebird (7) 10. Wye robe (anag.) (7) 11. Male deer (4)

12. Pinch (3) 14. Dam (4) 15. Den (4) 18. Excavate (3) 21. A public school (4) 23. Attained (7)

25. City in Germany (7) 26. Saunter (5) 27. Expel (5) 28. Sculpture (6)

1. Gizmo (6) 2. Raffle (7) 3. Urged on (8) 4. Mature (4) 5. Half-wit (5) 6. Betroth (6) 7. Jester (5) 13. Nice (8) 16. Occupy (7) 17. Goad (6)

19. Allow (5) 20. Stick (6) 22. Overweight (5) 24. Revise (4)

Combining the central letter and at least three other letters, find as many words as you can! There is at least one nine-letter word.

10 Words - A-Okay 20 Words - Average 30 Words - Awesome

Photography Competition Winner Natasha Coral

Theme: The joys of spring This was taken in my garden, I was sat amongst the daffodils taking photos of insects and then had the idea to lie down and take the photo from beneath! The blue sky contrasts really well against the bright yellow daffodil and I love how the sun is shining through it. The grass also

Lorna Urwin (Above)

“I love the way blossom looks anyway, but I

Camera: Canon EOS 400D

particularly liked the contrast of the pinkish

Lens: Tamron 55-200 mm

hues...there were several bees buzzing around

Exposure: 1/500 sec @ f/5.6 (ISO 100)

and I knew if I could get a shot of one it would make a good focal point.”

Palatinate is excited to announce a collaboration with Sustainable Living Action Group. As a result of this, a selection of the winning entries from the next competition will be displayed in St. Mary’s College from 22nd June.

“Water is such an important environmental issue. It sustains life and biodiversity. But we’ve also seen in the UK in the last few years, the impact of too much or too little water. Climate change will likely make such extremes more likely in the future.”

Jonathan Collinson, Co-ordinator, Sustainable Living Action Group

Next Theme: Water, Water Everywhere Deadline: Sunday 6th June. Entries to photography@palatinate.org.uk

gives the impression of being tiny, which is quite an interesting perspective on the world - I can imagine that is how an insect sees things.

Camera: Canon G9 Powershot Lens: Wide Angle

Matt Mulligan (Above) Camera: Sony A300 100 Lens: 18-70 mm Exposure: 1/500 sec @ f/19