Spark* 21st Feb 2014 - Elections Issue - Vol 65 - Issue 3 by The Spark

Friday 21 February 2014 Volume 65

Issue

University pledges cash for What’s RUSU building renovations Inside?

Abbie Weaving

RUSU has been granted funding by the University to expand its building on Whitknights; areas of Café Mondial and Mojo’s will be developed with the work beginning later this year. Since the library’s recent renovation of the second and fifth floors and opening of the study rooms behind Mondial, modern communal spaces are proving popular with students, and the Union has clearly taken note of this. Mark Kelleher, President of RUSU, said that the work will “create a new multi-purpose space”, and that the “existing area will increase by 35% meaning that students will have a brand new space to relax and work in.” In addition, by accommodating for more students, more tickets will be able to be sold for Union nights, which the President of RUSU recognises “can often get sold out,” despite the nightclub already having a holding capacity of 2,300 people. The extension however, will not only have the ability to stand on its own, but will also provide a number of potential configurations for its use between Café Mondial and Mojo’s. Indeed, it can either work as an extension to Café Mondial or Mojo’s, thereby doubling their holding

The Election Issue • • • • capacities, or it can work as a limbo area between the two, creating one large space combining all three facilities. Josh Cave, Student Engagement Officer, said “This will increase the opportunity for students to hire the various areas but will principally be used during the day as an extension to our ‘non-licensed’ areas in Mondial and an extension to Mojo’s when required for larger events.” Indeed, many events will benefit from the plans, such as the Quiz and

Karaoke nights at Mojo’s, Perk evenings, and overflow from the Union dance floor, to name but a few. Arran Ainsworth, a Second Year Philosophy student, said “These plans will be a great addition to the Student Union, and will make it a much more flexible venue. Once the extension is up and running, the Union will hopefully feel less crowded on Flirt! nights when swarms of people gather between the dance floor and Mojo’s too.

Mark Kelleher added “The work is due to start during the Autumn Term 2014 and be completed by the start of the Spring Term, next academic year in January 2015. Students will be able to view the plans later on this term, once they have been finalised. This project could not have been possible without the assistance of the University and it demonstrates the importance and benefits of student representation within the University of Reading.”

Students and staff develop Whiteknights Biodiversity App Daniel Mitchell

Staff and students at the University of Reading are designing an app that will record biodiversity data on the Whiteknights Campus. The student-led project will focus on gathering long-term data sets using a standard protocol that will provide a database for students and staff to monitor long-term changes in the local environment that will develop over time. The app itself has been branded ‘KiteSite’ and users will be able to record photographs, notes, extra information as well as being able to link it to particular projects. Users will also be able to include a date, time and location of what data they are collecting, which will be fed through to a database that can be mined to generate maps,

detect phenological patterns and much more. The project also aims to support other projects at the University, such as Whiteknights Phenology. The app will be used to support teaching as a part of the curriculum in several modules in Biological and Environmental Science courses and the app development process will be shared on the ‘Enhancing Fieldwork Learning’ online resource site which reaches a large network of fieldwork practitioners. Funded by the Teaching and Learning fund, the project allows six students from different disciplines to work on the development of the app. The students who are working on the project are: Liz White, Liam Basford, Mark Wells, Stephen

Birch, Jonathan Tanner, Phillippa Oppenheimer and represent the departments of Agriculture, Biological Sciences, Computer Sciences, Enviornmental Sciences and Typography.

The app has been branded ‘KiteSite’ and is a project funded by the Teaching and Learning fund The students got involved in the project after roles were advertised within their departments and the Teaching and Learning fund offers a £400 bursary for taking part in the project.

Once finished, although the app will be based in and around the University of Reading campus, it will be available for anybody to access. The team are hoping that the app will be available on both of the iOS and Android platforms. Part of the project includes modifying and developing the EpiCollect application in order to produce a bespoke application. The team are currently in the testing process of their app and putting the finalising touches to the way it looks and interacts and will be hoping to finalise it in the near future. For all the latest information and to stay up to date with this project, visit their blog at blogs.reading. ac.uk/whiteknightsbiodiversity/

• • • •

President Education Welfare Community and Development Student Engagement Faculty Reps Trustee Part-Time Officers

Film & TV

Robocop

Gaming

Flappy Bird

2 ELECTIONS

Friday 21 February 2014 Spark*

Elections

Your Presidential Candidates

Natalie Harper Why are you running for this role?

Put quite simply I believe that students need an effective voice to ensure that their

Anja Nielsen

Luke Chapman

Why are you running for this role?

I am running for the role because I have

concerns are heard within the university

been committed to RUSU for my whole de-

community and on a national scale. I believe

gree, and I’d like to build on this by leading

that it is vital that the views of Reading

What do you think the biggest issue facing students will be in 2014-15?

Within Reading; getting real value for your

including more effective communication with the university. At national level; ensuring that the needs of students from all backgrounds are fully understood and embraced by employers and

the union. I think that RUSU needs a strong

aim to develop RUSU with policies I would

majority of the student body well.

student voice on issues within the univer-

have liked to have seen during my time as a

sity, and that I can be that voice.

student at Reading.

What do you think the biggest issue facing

I think value for money in halls, welfare

Student employability will be the biggest

what the one key issue will be; it is a matter

issue. Reading currently offers general

£9000-£16500 fees for new students were the

employability. I want the individual needs

big issues this past year, and I am determined to improve or assist in the best way

of students to be considered so that they can succeed in the career path they want to fol-

of fixing all the little issues in order to perfect the whole, if you want to know more… read my manifesto. What skills do you have that would make

low, and not just be given a generic formula. you a successful RUSU President? What skills do you have that would make you a successful RUSU President?

It isn’t my skills that would be the most

you a successful RUSU President?

Coming from a degree in Politics, I under-

prevalent attribute that would make me a

I am dedicated to the union and to student

stand the importance of diplomacy. This

successful candidate; I think it is my per-

As a third year Politics student, Politics

dent tutor who worked prior to university,

needs, organized to the highest degree (just

I combine strong leadership and listening

check my workload), approachable, enthusi-

means I can work with individuals and

astic and confident in leadership roles. I am

sonality that matters most, with everything

groups to quickly find pragmatic solutions to important issues. I am very personable

ible leader for the SU. Most importantly

democracy!

I don’t think anyone can categorically say

opportunities and advice on how to improve

What skills do you have that would make

I stand up for what I believe in; which is

students will be in 2014-15?

representation in courses and the reality of

What skills do you have that would make

skills with commitment to be a strong vis-

What do you think the biggest issue facing

students will be in 2014-15?

I can.

Society Vice President, and voluntary stu-

it. I know what needs to be done, how to achieve it and think I can represent of the

policy makers.

you a successful RUSU President?

Because I’m confident that I’ll be good at

its importance. In running for President, I

university fees through everything that makes student life a worthwhile experience,

Why are you running for this role?

for two years, I have seen the impact the organisation has on students and recognise

students are seen to punch their weight and make a difference!

Having been an active member of RUSU

Grant Johnson

and have hands on experience dealing with

also not afraid to stand for the student view

members of the community from my work

when it comes to university decisions.

at RUSU Lettings.

I care about I am always (too) enthusiastic and it is this enthusiasm that will make me ideal for this role.

ELECTIONS 3

Spark* Friday 21 February 2014

ELECTIONS

Your Education Officer Candidates

Bryn McCrath

Stefan cato

Why are you running for this role?

No answers submitted

Sara Chandran

Marta Lopes

Why are you running for this role?

As Faculty Rep for Arts, Humani-

With soaring tuition fees students

ties and Social Sciences I have

everywhere want the “value for

experience in representing student

money” education. I’m running for

ensuring that all students receive

voices on many subjects. Because

Education Officer because I know

the education they need and de-

of this position, I have gained sev-

the academic issues students face

serve is of paramount importance.

eral skills that will help me in the

today and I believe I can improve

I believe the Education Officer is a

role as Education Officer. I believe

the education experience at the

I would be perfect for the role as

University of Reading.

Education Officer.

What do you think the biggest

Whilst students attend university for a variety of reasons, the number one reason is to get their desired qualification and therefore

great platform to improve students’ educational experience. What do you think the biggest academic issue facing students at

What do you think the biggest

Reading is?

academic issue facing students at

The majority of students must

Reading is?

complete a dissertation as part of

One of the biggest issues that

their degree but unfortunately, there seems to be a lack of parity across departments. Different supervisors allocate different

students face is the lack of contact with personal tutors. Many of the students I have spoken to, from a

amounts of time to their students

variety of courses, say they do not

with regards to arranging meet-

have enough meetings with their

ings, replying to emails, providing

personal tutors. Some even said

reading and providing general

they had none at all.

help. What is your number one priority for enhancing the academic experience of students at Reading?

What is your number one priority for enhancing the academic experience of students at Reading?

academic issue facing students at Reading is?

Education should be about you, as an individual student. Low quality, ill-timed, and unstandardised feedback will not let students improve themselves. The whole purpose of unassessed and assessed coursework is to provide guidelines for the student to work on in the future. Bad quality feedback will not achieve individual improvement. What is your number one priority for enhancing the academic experience of students at Reading?

My number one priority is there-

With the increase in tuition fees,

I want to focus on improving feed-

fore to work with students and

it is crucial that students know

back and assessment, as well as

staff with a view to managing

where their money is going. It is

their expectations concerning

implementing an institution wide

important that we cater to student

strategy on module selection. This

demands with the library improve-

way academic experience will be

ments and expand the access to

more personal and fulfilling. My

resources, whether it is online

priority is to ensure that students

tions, regardless of their supervi-

journals, study advice sessions or

create their own academic path

sor.

cranking up the heating.

without obstacles.

dissertations. I want to work with departments to ensure that the same level of help is offered to all students concerning their disserta-

Dee Islam

No answers submitted

4 ELECTIONS

Friday 21 February 2014 Spark*

ELECTIONS

Your Welfare Officer Candidates Geoffrey Jonas

Zaheer Khan

Why are you running for this role?

Thinking back to my first ever day in Fresher’s Week and being greeted, along with many other students with accommodation problems, by the friendly Welfare Officer made a big impact on me, and I hope to do the same if elected! Sometimes small things make a big difference!

Visiting Reading Uni for the first time in 2011, I attended a talk by the RUSU President. From that moment I knew that one day I’d aim to be a Student Officer. Inspiring students, engaging with under-represented groups, and working on national/local welfare issues is second to none.

What’s the best welfare campaign that you have seen?

lets all talk about sex, and more!

Sophie Davies’ recent work on Mental Health issues has been an admirable welfare campaign; one which I would be honoured to continue developing. Issues like mental health need to addressed openly and passionately, and should be shied away from. Oh, and the Chlamydia Screening Record- what a success!

What do you think the main welfare issue affecting students at Reading, and how will you try and tackle it?

Whilst there are many areas I will aim to improve, the advice that the SU can provide about housing issues is my main area: too many close friends ended up living in very bad, and even unsafe houses, and didn’t know their rights to help the situation!

Under-representation of minority groups within the Student Body is a Welfare issue close to my heart. Each student has an equally important voice; I want to make it my personal aim to make these voices heard by substantially promoting liberation groups and the important work of Part Time Officers.

The “Lets Talk Sex” campaign that gets students tested for chlamydia and lowers barriers we all face when talking about sex. Talking helps us understand important issues, be it sexual health, mental health or many other welfare related issues. So

Tilly Corless Why are you running for this role?

The number of students enrolled in universities is soon to increase. For this reason, the preservation of student welfare is more vital than ever. Reading thrives with student diversity, and so has lots to gain from successful and innovative welfare campaigns which I believe that I can implement and sustain. What’s the best welfare campaign that you have seen?

I love the ideas behind the ‘RUSU says Relax’ campaign within the university. I think that it’s paramount to support the mental well-being of students- especially during the exam period. This campaign has the potential to benefit every student at Reading, so I hope to see it grow. What do you think the main welfare issue affecting students at Reading, and how will you try and tackle it?

The main issue is access to and awareness of welfare-related resources and campaigns. In attempt to overcome this, I will launch an online Welfare Forum to promote, update and facilitate students with awareness and accessibility to welfare related activity, and for Lib-Rep groups to directly represent their constituents.

Gemma Lenton

Why are you running for this role? Advancing social rights is something I’m highly passionate about and to be given the opportunity to support students at my own university would be an amazing experience. As a Social Student Mentor and a RU Women’s Campaign member I understand the welfare issues facing students and will strive for changes. What’s the best welfare campaign that you have seen?

RUSU’s ‘Let’s Talk Sex’ week was a great campaign. In particular I attended the ‘Don’t Define Me’ discussion and the Porn Debate. They promoted a variety of ideas and created positive attitudes towards body image, sex and sexuality; something which I think is highly important, especially for students. What do you think the main welfare issue affecting students at Reading, and how will you try and tackle it?

Safety is highlighted every year but should still be our top priority. With the introduction of the 24hr library it’s vital that the safety bus is available at later hours. Also ensuring procedures are in place to protect students on nights out should be tackled together by students and nightclubs.

Ish Rahman Ben Thomas Why are you running for this role?

I want every student to enjoy university and get the most out of their time while they’re here. I want everyone to feel safe, comfortable and represented, while making sure that their welfare is of the highest priority. Finally, I have the passion, dedication and ability to make a change. What’s the best welfare campaign that you have seen?

I believe the best campaign was the week dedicated to sexual health awareness. It allowed a great amount of exposure regarding a sensitive issue. For example, the ‘Safe Sex Ball’ was both informative and allowed students to have some fun. What do you think the main welfare issue affecting students at Reading, and how will you try and tackle it?

Students continue to have housing issues, in particular, dealing with landlords. Students need more information about rights they have so there will be more detailed information talks given. I will implement a ‘standard housing criteria’ which makes sure that students are fairly treated and houses are of a decent standard.

Why are you running for this role?

I would not still be at university without the support for my welfare that I have received. I want to give something back – to safeguard and improve the welfare services provided to you. I have a mind for driving campaigns and a heart for working with people. What’s the best welfare campaign that you have seen?

Reading University’s own “Student Minds” group for students with eating disorders has caught my attention as being a fantastic campaign. They’ve built it up from nothing over the past couple of years, and I’ve been very impressed with their dedication and commitment. They deserve all the support RUSU can give. What do you think the main welfare issue affecting students at Reading, and how will you try and tackle it?

Mental health support is surely the key issue. The issues are often unseen and too frequently go unreported as students struggle on without getting the help they need. This is also paramount on the national stage. Fighting for funding for mental health care is as important as delivering that care.

ELECTIONS 5

Friday 21 February 2014 Spark*

ELECTIONS

Your Community and Development Officer Candidates Chloe Bartlett

Georgina Redgate

Why are you running for this position?

I’m running for the position because I am passionate about student rights and would like the opportunity to further my existing knowledge of the position! I would listen to the opportunities the student body wants, and engage with students to get everyone involved in campus volunteering and community work!

I am interested in the wellbeing of others. I have been an active member of the RAG committee and would like to use my experience to develop it. I have enjoyed undertaking a variety of volunteering opportunities in England and abroad and want to encourage others to do the same.

How do you seek to integrate students with the local community?

I would seek to promote the existing community volunteering groups such as Helping Hands and St. Johns Link and encourage students to get more involved. I would also introduce one of workshops working with different charities and parts of the community for students who cannot commit to weekly sessions. Tell us about a fundraising idea that has impressed you, and how you would adapt it to raise money at Reading?

A fundraising idea that impressed me is a mask charity ball, an event that appeals to all students. As we have one of the largest student unions in the country, we should take advantage of that, have fun and raise awareness and money all in one night.

Work to break down the “them and us” feeling that I imagine exists in any University town by encouraging students to volunteer and attend events in the local community, such as at primary schools or with the elderly, and also holds events suitable for both students and the wider community. Tell us about a fundraising idea that has impressed you, and how you would adapt it to raise money at Reading?

Fundraising seems to work on two levels, either by people donating small amounts or through sponsorship for a challenge. I would encourage both, firstly by pushing the volunteer side of the RED award to get more people to help with raids and events, and also assist RAG with challenge events.

Charlie Restick

Chris J Riley

Why are you running for this position?

I am running for this position it is similar to the role I have within a society at the moment, but it would have a wider scope than at present. I enjoy being involved with the community and would like to help other people to get involved too. How do you seek to integrate students with the local community?

I would love to see the community becoming more involved with university life, and not just students going out into the community so I would like to organise events on campus for the students and the community. Tell us about a fundraising idea that has impressed you, and how you would adapt it to raise money at Reading?

I would really like to be able to get more societies producing something that they could make some money from, i.e. making something to sell or putting on a performance which they can charge an entrance fee for.

Xiaoyan Liu

How do you seek to integrate students with the local community?

I want to give something back to the university, and town, by engaging others with schemes I’m genuinely passionate about. I’d like more people to have the same great experience I’ve had during studying and volunteering here while making sure future students avoid issues (ie: housing) that we’ve all encountered. How do you seek to integrate students with the local community?

Through promoting and developing existing programs like student tutoring in local schools and sports teams, while also engaging with societies such as RAG, RUSU Superheroes and the Tea Party Committee. Links with charities and services such as St. John’s will also be very useful. Tell us about a fundraising idea that has impressed you, and how you would adapt it to raise money at Reading?

My friend raised money for Cancer Research by shaving her head to support a sick relative. I think it showed real solidarity and I’d see if I could get people to do similar things, as well as running, cycling or something like leg waxing to raise both funds and awareness.

No answers submitted. Amber Thorne

Why are you running for this position?

I’ve wanted this position since it was first created. I have the passion to ensure the unity of students to create an encouraging community on and off campus. I want to prove that Reading students have much to give and blur the lines between students and members of the community. How do you seek to integrate students with the local community?

Students already are members of the community and I want to emphasise this by presenting those who already do such valued work in their best light and encourage others to get involved with the community in ways that support their studies and hobbies and provide rewarding support to others. Tell us about a fundraising idea that has impressed you, and how you would adapt it to raise money at Reading?

This year I adapted a popular video into a fundraising idea by creating a giant pillow fight for charity. I would like this year to appeal to people with more money to give than students by doing external events such as RAG races to get widespread attention for our causes.

6 ELECTIONS

Friday 21 February 2014 Spark*

ELECTIONS Your Student Engagement Officer Candidates Matthew Hall

Charlie Holman

James Clayton

Phoebe West

Why are you running for this role?

I have had the pleasure of working with

After the three best years of my life it’s

As a course rep, Spark* editor and secretary

both RUSU staff and so many amazing

really important that all future students are

of the Athletics Club I am highly engaged

able to experience the same or even better

with RUSU particularly with student activi-

opportunities as I had. With a huge network

ties and engaging students. My key concern

fellow students here at Reading Uni and so much trust has been placed in me by RUSU, that I want to repay that trust in the best way possible; by helping to shape RUSU’s future!

of societies and sports groups, promoting participation and removing perceived barriers is something I’m really passionate about.

When have you experienced effective communication?

Having worked in student media here at

When have you experienced effective communication?

Reading for the last three years,you are

I have experienced effective communica-

always communicating with staff at RUSU

tion as President of Reading Snowsports.

and students in societies and sports to pro-

Organising and selling a ski trip aboard to

vide the best media coverage possible! I am also a FTT Student - a course that requires collaborating with a lot of people!

300 people required a lot of communication with a wide range of students. This included those who had never skied or snowboarded

What do you think will be most challenging

before! The role also required effective

about this role?

communication with the tour-company.

With the cost of student tuition now really hitting hard, persuading people to join in with media, sports and societies seems to

What do you think will be most challenging about this role?

is the efficient running of day to day student

To improve conditions for students running, and participating in, clubs, societies and media. I know what issues we’ve been having, and I want to help fix them. Uni is about

life allowing the best facilities to be ac-

more than a degree, and I want to make sure

cessed.

we have the right support.

When have you experienced effective com-

munication?

Effective communication is key, as course rep and secretary of the Athletics Club I

I have organised a dance and arts show in aid of cancer research uk. It involved 9 soci-

have to communicate clearly and regularly with my course mates and club members as well as being approachable all of the time. I

eties, and I was responsible for everything: booking the venue with the events team, ar-

also have to communicate succinctly when

ranging the societies, communicating with

conducting interviews for Spark*.

designers for the posters and programmes

What do you think will be most challenging

and liaising with both the charity and RAG.

about this role?

What do you think will be most challenging

The Student Engagement role now encom-

The additional responsibility of looking af-

ion, getting involved with extra activities

passes a wide range of responsibilities, so

ter the commercial services. This is because

is what gives the ‘uni experience’, added

it will be important to give every aspect of

meeting the demands of students in having

value, it’s important for RUSU to provide

the role attention. Also, with the number

an affordable yet profitable shop on Campus

that value

of changes and initiatives I would like to

is a demand that has yet to be met. Further-

implement I’m sure it will be a challenge

more with the planned expansion of Mojo’s

and who is involved and helping where I’m

fitting them all in a year!

it is key waiting times do not increase.

needed.

becoming harder than ever. In my opin-

about this role?

Learning about sports and clubs I’ve not come into contact with before, but I’m looking forward to getting to know what

Elections 7

Spark* Friday 21 February 2014

ELECTIONS

Your Student Trustee Candidates Laura Richardson What experience can you bring to this role? When I was first elected to Stenton JCR the last committee left a bad reputation behind so I had to deal with a lot of complaints and get started on improving things. My experience of listening to the students complaints and understanding what they wanted, and then working this into. What do you feel RUSU should be focusing on in 20142015? I think RUSU should focus a bit more on things that really benefit the students, and not just things that look good written in a report. Little changes could be made, like cheap/free cloakroom in the union (because I think encouraging students to keep warm outside should take priority over

James Hart What experience can you bring to this role? Committee related experience after sitting on the committee for Childs Hall JCR for two years and the Cricket Club Committee. Both have made me prepared to make decisions and not shy away from difficult issues. What do you feel RUSU should be focusing on in 20142015? After major refurbishment of the library among other projects in 2013-14, it is important to ensure that RUSU aims to maintain the high standard of facilities at the University (e.g. new sports pavilion). It is important however, to make sure these are the needs of the majority. Tom Hurrell

Rikhil Morjaria

What experience can you bring to this role? 1) Intimate knowledge of RUSU & UoR structure, important stakeholders and how to make things happen.

What experience can you bring to this role? I have been the President of the Hindu Society this year, where we are currently first position on the societies rewards and recognition table. In addition I have been a course rep over the past 2 years and this year I have been the principal coordinator for the cultural show. What do you feel RUSU should be focusing on in 20142015? I believe that money should be invested in short-term projects (as well as long-term). This is so; current students can benefit as well as future generations. Student involvement is key and I think that more student opinions and ideas should be transitioned through RUSU.

2) An experienced people person – know how to get the best from people & help teams work towards common goals. 3) Strategy/Business planning experience from 12month placement at Unilever, including managing £2mil+ budget What do you feel RUSU should be focusing on in 2014-2015? At Trustee level, ensuring it has framework in place to thrive in a rapidly changing education sector. How do we:

Ben Rider

a) protect and enrich our valuable on-campus education experience whilst embracing the inevitable emergence of more remote education-systems/virtual platforms?

What experience can you bring to this role? • I was LGBT Part-Time Officer for 2012-2013.

b) represent UoR students on MOOCs or in Malaysia, and beyond?

In this role I: - Chaired committee meetings - Attended RUSU executive committee meetings. - Collaborated with other societies and Student Officers • I have also been a committee member for Student Minds. • I am currently undertaking a 12 month internship in Regulatory Affairs. What do you feel RUSU should be focusing on in 2014-2015? • Increasing the employability of students to compete with other universities through:

- More graduate job fairs - Courses and advice sessions - Increased placement and work experience opportunities • Improving the facilities for sports teams and societies • Developing new ways to increase communication with students to find out what YOU want

Edison Madziwa What experience can you bring to this role? I am a mature first-year student from the school of Construction and have managed and directed my own company whilst saving as a fund raising life member of Help Age Zimbabwe . These roles required me to implement effective profitable strategies which required good communication skills and using resources wisely. What do you feel RUSU should be focusing on in 20142015? The main focus should be creating a vibrant social campus life whilst nurturing a spirit that will get all students to participate in its social life. This would impact positive influence on students as they participate in projects and campaigns thus increasing unity.

8 ELECTIONS

Friday 21 February 2014 Spark*

ELECTIONS

Your Students’ Part-time Officer Candidates International Students’ Part-time Officer

Yang Liu

Saad Monaf

Why are you running for this role? First, i am an international student in the first year of my bachelor degree, so i can represent the views and interests of International students’ within the Union and the University. I know what they want, what they think and what they hope, so i can give more constructive criticism.

Why are you running for this role? I am standing for this position because I want to resolve issues, which we as International Students face, especially when we first arrive here. I am passionate about providing more and better support for international students, so that they fully enjoy their time at University of Reading.

What will your top priority be in this role? I have found that most of international students do not take part in the activities actively, i can randomly find international students, especially Asian students, in any sports clubs or volunteering activities, maybe they are shy or they think they are not welcome. I have joined in many activities like What do you want your biggest impact to be? I want my biggest impact to be reflecting more views and interest of international students to make their life and study in UK more comfortable and convenient. I want to help them integrate into the local society and local culture, to make their experience more impressive and colourful.

What will your top priority be in this role? I would be on top of all aspects of University life including potential rises to fees, housing and academic support. I would like to assist students who struggle during their stay at Reading. What do you want your biggest impact to be? I aim to break the barrier between the international and local students and help to integrate the international students with the local culture. This would be by organizing social events regularly, where students from different cultures can interact. Brittney Shiny

Hoang Anh Why are you running for this role? I would like to contribute myself to better help international students benefits and enjoy every part of their time whilst studying in an unfamiliar environment because as being a nonEU student, I also understand the feelings and difficulty others are facing as well. What will your top priority be in this role? My prime purpose is to help internation students well integrate into the EU community as well as to provide them opportunities to promote their traditional values and heritages in front of their local friends so that even British people can get to know about their cultures. What do you want your biggest impact to be? I wish that I could render the friendly environment amongst every international student, making them feel like they are actually at home despite their thousand-miles distance away from their homeland.

Why are you running for this role? I would like to be the international students’ first contact point, organise more events for them, and work with RUSU, NUS to bring the best time ever to their uni-life. I hope i can contribute my capability to create a friendly wave that spreads over the university and even further. What will your top priority be in this role? i want to help the students settle down in the new environment, bring all of them together, become a big community, and get everyone know more about the culture of different countries. What do you want your biggest impact to be? I want the international students to know that i am there to help, listen to their ideas and make changes that will build up an enjoyable and memorable time they have during the

academic years. Mature Students’ Part-Time Officer

PostGraduate Students’ Part-Time officer

Una Markham

Chris Wysling

Why are you running for this role?

Why are you running for this role? I am the current Postgraduate Part-Time Officer. I wish to renew my role to have continuity in what I want to achieve. I am passionate in representing the postgraduate sector, and as I am doing a part-time masters, I am able to devote time to pursue my aims. What will your top priority be in this role? Next year I want to really hit the social area hard. I want strong links with the Graduate School, London Road and Greenlands campus, I want a Postgraduate Society, I want scheduled day trips, night trips, pubs and food nights. And I will capture this in Freshers Week

Having been the Mature Students’ PTO for the current academic year, I wanted to ensure that all the measures implemented by me were securely embedded within the University for all mature students of the future. What will your top priority be in this role? It is difficult for mature students to plan their lives around existing University systems. I will campaign for the University to set and publish its timetables and reading lists by 1 September at the latest. These measures will enable mature students sufficient time to make provision for their other responsibilities. What do you want your biggest impact to be? I want to ensure no mature student to feel socially isolated or that there is nobody there to help them. We need to band together to help one another to make our time at the University of Reading enjoyable and productive. What do you want your biggest impact to be? I have been doing a lot this year to bring Postgraduate Taught employability in line with Research and Undergraduate students. I would like there to be a minimal standard of employability provisions across the university departments, and I would like to see the return of a postgraduate-focused employment manager.

ELECTIONS 9

Friday 21 February 2014 Spark*

Your Students’ Part-time Officer Candidates Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic (BAME) Part-Time Officer Candidates

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transsexual + Students’ Part-time Officer Candidates

Ning Ning

Ben Davey

No answers submitted

Why are you running for this role? I’m running for LGBT Officer because it’s my greatest belief that all aspects of a community should be represented equally, and their opinions expressed. As voice of the LGBT community, I would be able to exercise these beliefs, and continually search to improve the role and its meaning to students.

Samiha Chowdhury

Why are you running for this role?

I am running for this role because I feel BAME students need strong representation, someone that will push for the furtherment of their success here at the university. I want to bring all cultures here at the university together, and to celebrate them all. What will your top priority be in this role?

My top priority will be to be a strong, active voice for BAME students, and to educate all students on what it means to be a BAME student. This means talks, workshops etc, anything to engage students and make them aware of any great opportunities. What do you want your biggest impact to be?

What will your top priority be in this role? I will hold more events, both for awareness and charity fund raising, with my top priority being education on the more global issues facing the LGBT community. Other cultural attitudes towards LGBT rights will take centre stage, in addition to continuing the great work of our current LGBT Officer, Caroline. What do you want your biggest impact to be? My biggest impact will be to make Reading University more widely recognised as an LGBT friendly place to be, due to its participation in events and its already lively and diverse Society. I want to give it a reputation for understanding above and beyond most other universities. Thomas Snipe

Why are you running for this role?

I want my biggest impact to be to boost the confidence of BAME students on campus, and to help them celebrate their differences. I also want the awareness of what BAME is and what good it is having representation for it amongst all students.

After representing our University at the NUS LGBT Conference, I was inspired to take on a greater role in a community I really care about. My intense passion is going to be my driving force as I feel I can really help further our campaign’s goals.

Disabled Students’ Part Time Officer Candidates

What will your top priority be in this role?

Peter Marshall

No answers submitted

Increasing awareness of the support available for LGBT+ students struggling with mental health issues and get LGBT+ specific training for the University counselling and peer support services so they are better able to deal with this. What do you want your biggest impact to be?

I would love to be able to further integrate our LGBT+ into the wider movement and increase our interaction with other groups. By doing this I would hope to open us up to better opportunities, inspire activism amongst fellow students and also expand the resources available to us. Women’s Part-time Officer Candidates Moon Wynn

Ella Hawkins

No answers submitted

Why are you running for this role? I have been passionate about feminism – in other words, equality - since I was told by a fellow pupil, at seven years old, that I would never be as smart as him because I was a girl. What will your top priority be in this role? I fiercely believe all female students should be able to feel safe and confident on campus. They should not be objectified by ‘lad culture’, or belittled, judged or shamed. I will also encourage female students to strive for success in their chosen academic field.

ENvironment and Ethics Part- Time Officer Candidate Roisin Boggan

Why are you running for this role?

Dealing with environmental and ethical issues is something that has been a part of my life for a very long time. These are issues that are very close to my heart and I hope that my passion and enthusiasm will get even more people actively involved in these areas. What will your top priority be in this role?

Building an even stronger bridge between the University and students; as well as create strong links within the student body- allowing us to address the environmental and ethical issues facing society today. What do you want your biggest impact to be?

I want to make being aware of environmental and ethical issues a part of everyday life here in Reading. I hope to make it much easier for people to get involved and to set the foundations of a collaborative framework that will last for years to come.

What do you want your biggest impact to be? I would like to increase the membership of the Reading University Women’s Campaign, and open up the idea of feminism, currently so misunderstood, to a much wider group of students including men. I want to generate productive and stimulating discussion around women’s issues. Fenella Ginn

Why are you running for this role? Because I firmly believe in equal rights and I’m passionate, dedicated and determined enough to use this chance to really make a difference to the role. Although it may be a Part Time role, equal rights are definitely my full time passion. What will your top priority be in this role? To expand the Women’s Campaign to raise awareness of sexism, and make our university campus a safe space free from casual double-standard sexist expectations, and dangerous apologist/erasive attitudes to sexual assault. To represent and empower anyone who cares about gender equality. What do you want your biggest impact to be? Improving the environment on campus and making campus an inclusive safe space for everyone of all genders, that is, to bring an end to the kind of subconciously sexist enviroment where toxic masculinity and rigid gender binary that encourages and endorses the sexist dress-up club night themes/lad culture.

10 ELECTIONS

Friday 21 February 2014 Spark*

ELECTIONS Your Faculty Representative Candidates Tanya Bastian

Arts, Humanities and Social Science

No answers submitted

Fenella Ginn Why are you running for this role?

Because I’m a passionate course rep, and to be faculty rep would be a natural extension of the role that I’m more than willing to take on, and see even more of how the university works from the inside to make it better for the outside, i,e you, the students. What will you aim to change in your Faculty?

I will make sure to communicate with all the course reps from all of the faculty to make sure I have a representational view of what needs working on at a faculty level, but aside from coordination plans, I want to end with an improvement of ratings across the faculty. Emily Crye

Caitlin Dewar Why are you running for this role?

I am currently a Faculty Rep for Arts, Humanities and Social Science and am really enjoying the role so would like to carry on in my position. I like being able to liaise with students and staff in order to get the best outcome for the student body. What will you aim to change in your Faculty?

I want to promote more communication between students and their course reps and then between course reps and faculty reps. I also want to work to make sure that students will be getting the best out of the new term layout. There is always a lot of innovation and change.

Why are you running for this role?

I have been the course rep on my degree (Primary Education & Art) for two years now. I enjoy representing my peers and working alongside members of staff to encourage change in the department. I’m enthusiastic, reliable and very keen to help.

Henley Business School Mitchell Ward

No answers submitted

What will you aim to change in your Faculty?

Greater links between Whiteknights and London Road campuses (including events). More library resources available to those on London Road.

Maria- Cristiana Radulescu Why are you running for this role?

I’m currently Part 1 Course Rep for Law and I believe that becoming Faculty Rep is simply the next natural step to follow. With the support of fellow students, I want to improve my networking skills and my leadership abilities while ensuring that the University maintains its student body happy. What will you aim to change in your Faculty?

My plans include improving the relationship between the students and the individual Course Reps and improve people’s awareness of what the faculty’s students are doing for the community. Furthermore, I aim on supporting the improvement of the process selection in departments where this represents an issue.

Tom Hurrell Why are you running for this role?

Because, having previously been both a Course and Faculty Rep for the Business School, I understand the value and importance of having effective and attentive student representative at all levels of the University, and want to continue to bring resolutions to the day-to-day niggles that affect us all. What will you aim to change in your Faculty?

I won’t lie to you; I can’t build a new library or abolish fees, Faculty Reps can’t do that. I can, however, use my experience and influence to effectively escalate your course-related problems to those who have the power to fix them – the University Management Boards on which we sit.

Lydia Lambert

No answers submitted

Junghui Wu Emma Wise

No answers submitted Why are you running for this role?

I enjoy providing a voice for students and the possibility to make positive changes towards their university experience. Building upon my position as a course representative and my presidential position in Reading University’s Fine Art Society I have chosen to run for Faculty rep due to the experience I feel. What will you aim to change in your Faculty?

If elected I hope to encourage communication between different areas within my faculty and the wider university community to celebrate and promote our achievements. Additionally I aim to encourage securing resources, ensuring these are fairly distributed. Most importantly I will support only the changes that are in the best interest.

Jessica Plant

No answers submitted

From top to bottom- Tanya, Bastian (not pictured) Aoife Lintin, Caitlin Dewar, Mitchell Ward (not pictured), Tom Hurrell, Lydia Lambert (not pictured) Junghui Wu (not

Oluwabukola Smart

No answers submitted

pictured), Jessica Plant (not pictured) Oluwabukola Smart (not pictured).

ELECTIONS 11

Spark* Friday 21 February 2014

Your Faculty Representative Candidates Science

Life Sciences Natasha Travers

Alex Blee

Why are you running for this role?

Why are you running for this role? In want to make a positive impact on the university improving the faculty as a whole, making sure that the voice of students are heard and well respected in respect to their course.

I strongly believe in representing your opinions and with experience as first year representative for Psychology, I feel that I can get your voices heard. Having attended many student-staff meetings, I have built relations with staff to allow for important changes to be made in order to benefit our learning. What will you aim to change in your Faculty?

To me, being a representative is more than just getting your opinions heard; it’s about getting your voices understood and acted upon. I will ensure student views are part of the decision making in every level and that whenever you have queries or issues; I am there to listen. Warwick Mackie

No answers submitted Hoang Anh

Why are you running for this role?

I would like to assist students with difficulty as well as to resolve any problem or issue during their study at undergraduate level. Moreover, it is also a great opportunity to enhance my transferable skills and to apply effectively my leadership skills.

What will you aim to change in your Faculty? I aim to make the faculty more open and responsive to students, making individual lecturers more accountable to students and trying to improve response times between departments and students. Alexia Gregoriou

Why are you running for this role? I have put myself forward for this position as I have enjoyed my role as Course Rep and I aim to raise a voice for students in bringing about change in academic matters. I hope to take my enthusiasm witth me as Faculty Rep and help students have their say. What will you aim to change in your Faculty? I aim to work closely with course reps to identity any pressing issues/ comments. I’m eager to be involved in course rep training and help reps understand better whattheir roles and responsibilities are. I would like to instigate campaigns - for both exam/ general feedback, timetabling remodelling, teaching awards. Cat Maciver

What will you aim to change in your Faculty?

My chief target is to continually motivate everyone to strive for academic excellence as well as to be involved in extra-curricular activities and to help students following different courses socialise with one another by awarding scholarships to those with high achievements and throughout competitions of the faculty.

No answers submitted

Timothy Seeborne

Why are you running for this role? I have been course r ep for 2 years, and in that time have seen the positive impact created by student representation. I would like to take on faculty rep so that I can use my experience to make sure that the student voice remains a key aspect of all courses. What will you aim to change in your Faculty? I want to ensure that all students understand how their concerns are dealt with, and that course reps have the con-

fidence and experience to resolve these concerns. Anup Kocheril Kurian

No answers submitted

Hannifer Ha

No answers submitted

Rory Mangles

Why are you running for this role? In my time as a course rep for part 1 engineering courses, I’ve been able to contribute towards the running of SSE in a small way, but am looking to expand my role and address some of the larger issues within the university. What will you aim to change about your faculty? One of the issues I would be aiming to tackle is Reading uni’s comparative lack of societies, particularly science related ones. I’m joint head of the RUSES Robot Wars Group which I helped set up, and feel there is missed opportunities for similar groups in various areas.

12 News

Friday 21 February 2014 Spark*

news.spark@reading.ac.uk

It’s time to talk mental health Reading wins Gates Grand Challenge Award Daniel Mitchell

Over the past few weeks, RUSU have been organising several events to raise awareness for mental health. On World Mental Health day, RUSU encouraged students as individuals to sign Time to Change pledges. This involved each student making a promise to do something in their own lives to help challenge and tackle mental health stigma and discrimination. RUSU also set up a ‘Depressed Cake Shop’ to attract attention and raise some money and also to start breaking down some of the taboos that surround mental illness. Through this campaign, 200 students signed pledges and over £200 was raised for Mind and Rethink Mental Illness.

On the University’s Mental Health day, RUSU made an organisational pledge to ‘take action to reduce mental health discrimination as part of Time to Change.’ Sophie Davies, RUSU’s Welfare Officer said: “I hope that leaving behind this pledge and the action plan that goes with it will go some way to making RUSU a better place to work and Reading a better place to live and study.” RUSU have also sent reports to both the University committees and the RUSU Trustee Board outlining the next steps both organisations should be taking with regards to mental health. Other events have included ‘RUSU says Relax’, ‘Time to Talk Day’ and ‘Tea, Cake and Mental Health.’

Becky Spokes

The University of Reading has received $100,000 from the Gates Foundation to explore the impacts of poverty on global health. The aim of the project is to determine the impact of both human and animal diseases on poverty by devising a one health metric combining standardized poverty impact metrics of individual livestock diseases and of human disease, using global datasets.

The University of Reading has received $100,000 from the Gates Foundation to explore the impacts of poverty on global health The University received the funding through round eleven of the Grand Challenges Explorations Awards (GCE). The GCE was launched in 2008 and fosters innovation in global health. The Gates Foundation has committed $100 million to the GCE to encourage scientists worldwide to expand their ideas to fight our greatest health challenges. The Gates Foundation was founded by Bill Gates and his wife Melinda. They team up with partners

around the world to take on tough challenges, such as, extreme poverty and poor health in developing countries, and the failures of America’s education system. Bill and Melinda Gates stated: “we focus on these issues because they are the biggest barriers that prevent people from making the most of their lives.” The foundation funds innovative ideas, such as, new techniques to help farmers in developing countries grow more food and earn more money, new tools to prevent and treat deadly diseases and new methods to help students and teachers in the classroom, all in the hope of removing these barriers. Bill and Melinda Gates stated: “We are both optimists. We believe that by doing these things – focusing on a few big goals and working with our partners on innovative ideas – we can help every person get the chance to live a healthy, productive life.” The reason this project came about was due to the extensive research on livestock conducted by the University of Reading. There are 1.2 billion smallholders globally who are dependent on livestock for their livelihoods. Often they live in poor conditions with basic sanitation. This means that the animals and their owners are vulnerable to diseases that can transfer from animals to humans, including, Tuberculosis, Rabies and Fevers. Leading the project is Dr Claire Heffernan. Dr Heffernan is the

Director of the Livestock Development Group at the University of Reading. She founded the group in 2000 based on the need for a metadisciplinary approach to pro-poor development. She is primarily interested in the impact of livestock on the environment and her aim is to support evidence-based, environmentally-sound praxis for the global livestock sector. Dr Heffernan will create a mathematical model to measure the impact of a range of diseases on households that depend on livestock for their livelihood. She stated: “We are delighted to have received this award from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. At present, the majority of emerging infectious diseases impact both humans and animals. In the coming decades, poverty is expected to be a key driver of disease increase.” The Livestock Development Group is currently working with The World Health Organization and The World Organization for Animal Health. Both groups are interested in applying the tool to global datasets on human and animal disease. According to Dr Heffernan, the funding for the project will allow them to target their resources more effectively, particularly with regards to diseases passed between animals and humans.

RUSU guest panel debate interns RUSU elections open Melanie Khuddro

Community and Development Officer, Katy Ashford, organised the RUSU Big Q debate that took place on Tuesday evening. The debate was part of a series in the campaign ‘Improving your employability’ in conjuncture with the University’s career service and focused on the difficulties of obtaining work in the desired career of University graduates. Five panellists were invited to engage in the debate. The first question posed by Mark Kelleher, President Student Officer, was: “What makes students employable?”

Community and Development Officer, Katy Ashford, organised the RUSU Big Q debate This revealed frightening figures of graduates in unemployment. According to the National Statistics, 47% of graduates do not get the job they wanted within the first three years of leaving University, and with one million people under the age of 25 being unemployed, Britain takes the lead as having one of

the highest percentage of youth unemployment in Europe. Panellist John Slattery, Career Coach, noted that the average number of applicants per position for any given job being a staggering 85 (AGR statistic). In light of this, the panel were unanimous in saying that a degree alone is usually not enough for the current job market. Regina Van Burkleo, Group Talent Acquisition manager at Enterprise Rent a Car, encouraged students to develop their own “personal brand” in addition to their degrees, using a unique aspect of their personality that will help them stand out from the crowd and be remembered for that specific quality. Voluntary work and joining societies were praised by everyone as good examples of this. The second part of the debate asked: “What is a good internship?” Julie Bowen, Member Services manager at The Association of Professional Staffing Campaigns (APSCo), was met with approval from her fellow panellists when she argued the emphasis of transferable skills: “The nature of the internship does not necessarily matter; it is what you can take away from that experience that counts.” The topic of a paid and unpaid internship did, however, cause a rift between the five. Tom Slater, recent graduate from the University of

Sussex with a BA in English Literature and current assistant Editor of online magazine Spiked, spent a lot of time working as an unpaid intern, he stated his opinion on this topic saying: “I don’t think unpaid internships are as bad as people think they are. In fact, they hinder more than help companies, so they are doing us a favour by taking us on. Some companies can’t afford to pay interns anyway.”

The panel concluded unanimously that a degree alone would never guarantee a job Chris Hares, campaigns manager at Intern Aware, sat on the opposite side to Tom, arguing that unpaid internships gives a disadvantage to those of a less privileged background: “Interns can sometimes be treated as employees for long periods of time, so why shouldn’t they get at least minimum wage? Young people need to be flagging this up. My main concern is that businesses treat graduates fairly and legally and I don’t think that unpaid internships tick all the right boxes in that respect.”

Daniel Mitchell

This week, the candidates who have put themselves forward for a role within RUSU have been announced. In this year’s elections, 63 people have nominated themselves to become a Full Time Officer, a Student Trustee, a Part Time Officer or an Undergraduate Faculty Rep. Every year, five Student Officers are paid to work full time to lead Reading University Students’ Union. The five Student Officer positions are: the President, Student Engagement Officer, Education Officer, Community and Development Officer and Welfare Officer.

Candidates who have put themselves forward for a role within RUSU have been announced this week Two Student Trustees who sit on the RUSU Trustee board and direct RUSU are also elected. They become trustees of a multi-million pound organisation, trustees of a charity and representatives for over 15,000 students. Eight part-time Officers who are elected to campaign and support

specific liberation and representation groups are also elected.

Voting is open from Monday 24 February from 10.00am to Friday 28 February at 3.00pm In addition this year Undergraduate Faculty Rep elections will also be taking place at the same time. In last years RUSU elections, there were forty-three candidates and over 3,000 people voted. Voting for candidates opens on Monday 24 February from 10.00am and will close on Friday 28 February at 3.00pm. In order to vote online, people who wish to vote must be registered on the RUSU website. RUSU uses the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system which provides the voter with much more choice and influence. The voter can allocate votes until they have No Further Preferences (NFP). If the voter believes that no candidates should be elected you can vote for Re-open Nominations (RON). For a full list of candidates, more information on the positions and to cast your votes, visit www.rusu. co.uk/rusuelections/yourrusuelectionscandidates/

news.spark@reading.ac.uk

Spark* Friday 21 February 2014

Dance Societies take part in ‘Beat It’ Rebecca Scotter

On Thursday 13 February the University’s dance groups took part in the ‘BeatIt’ show at the Union. The show was organised to raise money for Cancer Research with around 100 dancers and 8 societies participating. Phoebe West, Secretary of the ballet society and organiser of the event said “I chose Cancer Research because both my grandparents died from cancer, friends parents, family friends, everyone has been affected by it in some way and the programmes that Cancer Research supports are making good headway and are actually making a difference”.

A total of £700 was made through ticket and brochure sales The show consisted of two acts with a raffle during the interval. It opened with a big collaboration performance of all the societies and followed with each group performing various routines and highlights

included a breakdance, a group ballet dance, a circus act and a solo belly dance performance. Bryony Tyler, First Year History student who took part in the ballet dances, said “The show was so much fun and was for a brilliant cause which raised funds for a charity close to most people’s hearts. It was very rewarding and I know that most dancers will want

to take part in the next one too”. A grand total of £700 was made through ticket and brochure sales and Phoebe West, added: “A dance and arts show is a good way to raise money because it is an opportunity to showcase our talent. There is so much energy and excitement around a show and I definitely think the audience feeds off this, so many people came to me and said

how nice it was that we were cheering each other.” There were also two vocal performances from the Gospel choir and a singer songwriter who performed two original pieces. More shows are planned for the future and they are an excellent way to enjoy the talent the University’s society have to offer at the same time as giving something back to charity.

‘Love Clean Reading’ New ‘ReadyBike’ scheme Abbie Weaving

Throughout this springtime, more than 130 streets in Reading will be thoroughly cleaned as part of the ‘Love Clean Reading’ scheme. Organised by Reading Borough Council, a list of streets within the town are set to undergo a series of spruce-ups, including the clearing of vegetation, street sweeping, and graffiti removal.

Many of these roads are located nearby the University with deep cleans scheduled for Crescent Road and Redlands Road during March of this year Many of these roads are located nearby the University with deep cleans scheduled for Crescent Road and Redlands Road during March of this year. Many streets popular with student housing are set for a tidy-up as well with Addington Road, Basingstoke Road and Grange Avenue being just a few. Liz Terry, Lead Councillor for Neighbourhoods at Reading Borough Council, said “This is the sort of work the Council carries out on a regular basis across all of our neighbourhoods. What is different this time is that we have been able to organise teams so they get to work in neighbourhoods all at the same time, which means local residents and traders should be able to

see a real difference in how clean and tidy their streets are.” With twenty-five streets already tidied, the initiative is making good progress since work started in January. In addition, Reading Borough Council is not stopping at simply clearing up streets, but is continuing to monitor the residents’ response to the scheme and how it has impacted their local area.

“Local residents and traders should be able to see a real difference in how clean and tidy their streets are” Once each street has been cleaned, feedback forms are delivered to residents and returned to the council to examine how effective the work has been. As well as feedback forms, residents can also use the ‘Love Clean Reading’ app. This enables locals to report street cleanliness issues by sending a picture directly to the council, to which the council promised to reply with a picture of the same, but now spotless, street. Liz Terry highlighted the importance of this feedback, saying “Many people judge whether their Council is doing a good job or not by stepping outside their front door looking at how clean and tidy their street. That is what every survey tells us and the Love Clean Reading initiative aims to make a real difference.”

Leigh Anderson

‘ReadyBike’ is the new bike hire scheme that will soon be operating in and around Reading. It is set to be launched in the spring and will involve 200 bikes and 29 docking stations around Reading. Speaking in January 2014 Councilor Tony Page, the Lead Member for Transport at Reading Borough Council, announced the name, logo and branding of ReadyBike.

The council will be working with Hourbike Ltd to set up and run ReadyBike. Hourbike Ltd is a Surrey-based company that has already operated similar schemes within the UK including in Nottingham, Lincoln and Southport. They also gave assistance to Moscow’s successful bike hire scheme which had 10,000 rentals in its first month. The scheme will include free half-

“Reading’s initial

hour use for members at the start

cycle hire scheme will

of every rental with a daily cap of

include 200 bikes at twenty nine docking stations including Reading station and around the University” He said “Reading’s initial cycle hire scheme will include 200 bikes at 29 docking stations located across Reading, including on the north and south side of the newly developed Reading Station and other key locations like Broad Street, Thames Valley Park, The University of Reading, Green Park, and north of the river into Caversham. If it proves to be successful we can then look into extending the scheme further in future years.” He also claims that “Of all the Council’s Local Sustainable Transport Fund projects, a bike hire scheme for Reading is the one which seems to have captured people’s imagination”.

£4 a day maximum for members. There will be an easy to use website for registration and where members can top up and manage their accounts.

The scheme includes free half-hour use for members at the start of every rental with a daily cap of £4 a day maximum for members The public will be able to use the bikes as members, as occasional users or as a one-off user. The bikes will also be fitted with electronic chips, which means that the bikes will be able to be tracked at every docking station.

News 13

Editor’s Picks Library24 update The University of Reading has announced that the 24-hour opening hours will begin in the last two weeks of the spring term. The dates for these weeks are Sunday 9 March to Saturday 22 March. After the Easter break, 24-hour opening will resume from Tuesday 22 April until Friday 4 July. 24-hour opening in term-time will be standard over the 2014-2015 session. The University Library notes that during the 24-hour opening the Library will be closed between pm Saturday evening until am Sunday morning for essential maintenance. Students who would like to find out more about the 24-hour opening can visit www.reading.ac.uk/library.

UoR joins Stonewall The University has announced that it has joined Stonewall, Britain’s good practice employers’ forum on sexual orientation, and become a Stonewall Diversity Champion. Stonewall aims to create a professional lobbying group that would prevent such attacks on lesbians, gay men and bisexuals from ever occurring again and the Diversity Champion programme provides employers with access to a range of support and resources. Vice-Chancellor Sir David Bell said “We strive to ensure that the University of Reading is a great place to work and we want to demonstrate that everyone here, whatever their sexual orientation, has the opportunity to thrive and develop. Our commitment to Stonewall is another way in which we signal our commitment to equality and diversity. At the same time, it signals our relentless ambition to be, even more, an employer of choice in the future.”

Online poundshop On Tuesday 11 February, Poundworld opened their very own online store, which is great news for the student budget. Poundshop.com said that it will offer thousands of popular brands although customers do have to spend a minimum of £10 and pay £3.65 for delivery. Steve Smith, a partner in the enterprise said “Everybody wants a bargain and a deal and there are a lot more brands going on the site so we expect to see the range grow on a daily basis.” Chris Edwards Junior, Poundworld’s trading director, added “We’re thrilled to be launching the UK’s biggest online pound store. With too many bargains to carry home in store, the service will be convenient.”

14 NEWS

news.spark@reading.ac.uk

Friday 21 February 2014 Spark*

Flooding in Reading continues Entourage Project presents ‘Take Me Out’ Abbie Weaving

Dr Hannah Cloke, flood expert and Associate Professor in Hydrology at the University of Reading, has questioned the Government’s national response to the recent flooding. The queries were raised after Eric Pickle’s comment on The Andrew Marr Show, which saw him “apologise unreservedly” for having not decided to dredge rivers. The Community Secretary admitted that the failure to listen to local advice to dredge the rivers was a “mistake”, and that blame should be allocated to the Environmental Agency for poor advice on the subject. Indeed, during the programme he said: ‘I’m really sorry that we took the advice”, before adding “we thought we were dealing with experts.” By dredging rivers, debris and rubbish could have been removed, thus allowing the rivers more room for heavy-flowing water and reducing their chances of bursting their banks. Dr Cloke from the University has reinforced this notion that the Government is too reliant on the Environmental Agency for advice on national weather problems. She argues that the “Ministers’ continuing kneejerk reaction is worrying. It’s crazy to be trying to command and control very local

dredging operations from Whitehall.”

Dredging rivers would have helped ease the flooding Dr Cloke believes that flooding is inevitable and that there is no guarantee for stopping them. She continues “The idea that dredging on its own would have made the critical difference over the last month is fanciful. This crisis has been years in the making and will be years in the solving. There are no easy answers. We need to think very carefully about exactly how we’re spending our money for flood risk management.” Indeed, these floods are an example of how erratic nature can be, with strong winds and rain coming from the Atlantic, caused by turbulent weather all the way from Asia. Dr Andrew Barrett, a storm expert at the University of Reading, said “There’s effectively a storm factory over the Atlantic, caused by cold polar air pressing up against warm tropical air. These have then been steered across Britain by a strong jet stream.” Dr Barrett went on to say that, unfortunately for Britons, “This constant battering has not ceased for almost two months, and shows no sign of stopping yet.”

Sarah Barratt & Lyddy hemmings

700 students flocked to the Union as it played host to its own version of the provocative and quirky ITV dating show Take Me Out last Friday night. Six eligible bachelors and fifteen single ladies partook in the popular event, hosted by MBA student Chris Amacker, a contestant in last year’s show. While first year and self-confessed ‘Northern drunk’ George Banks sadly left dateless all other boys were luckier in love and scored dates with their respective ladies, even Iolo Morgan, who pointed to one lucky lady and declared “I’ll have that one.”

Reading’s answer to Take Me Out made for highly entertaining viewing, even with the awkwardness Speaking to the dressed-to-kill girls before they made their stage debuts, most admitted that they had been coerced into participating by friends and/or had done so whilst under the influence. Housemates Georgia Duke and Kiran Sandhu admitted that they were not holding out much hope of

University funding cut by £125 million Emily King

The government has given a £125 million cut to higher education funds in HEFCE’s annual grant letter from the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills published on February 10. The letter sent to England’s funding council gets rid of the £37 million Access to Learning Fund. The Access to Learning Fund gave grants to England’s poorest students, giving them an equal opportunity to gain a higher education. There has been no specific figure given for the Student Opportunity fund, allocated to University depending on the amount of poorer students that they recruit. This fund totalling £322 million in 20132014, now appears to have been put together with the Access to Learning Fund and then scrapped. Funding will now total £125 million less than the indicative funding of £4.216 billion set out for 20142015 in last year’s grant letter. Total funding for the sector will now stand at £4.091 billion, as proposed by the Higher Education Council. Mr Willetts and Mr Cable, who wrote the letter, told Hefce “It is for you to take decisions on how you allocate your budgets. But you should deliver savings in ways that protect as far as possible high cost subjects (including STEM), widening participation and small and specialist institutions.”

They go on in a section about social mobility to say that Hefce should “simplify funding streams where they seek to deliver a similar objective.” They then added “We therefore want to bring together funding which supports retention and success, specifically the Student Opportunity fund and the Access to Learning Fund. As you continue to support institutions to improve access for students with disabilities we want you to work with the department in 2014-2015 to review the way in which they use disability funding.”

Funding will now total £125 million less than what was originally set out for 2014-2015 in last year’s grant letter This year’s grant letter also covered Vice-Chancellors’ pay and on this matter Mr Willetts and Mr Cable stated that they are “very concerned about the substantial upward drift of salaries of some top management. We want to see leaders in the sector exercise much greater restraint as part of continuing to hold down increases in pay generally.” Some top executives from other Universities have commented on

the grant letter. Sally Hunt, from the University and College Union, has said that the Department for Business, Innovation and Skill has to “make up a huge shortfall in funding because of an overspend on student loans, largely caused by unchecked recruitment by private providers.” She continues to say that “Ministers are right to rebuke greedy Vice-Chancellors for their unjustified big pay rises, not least when according to the government’s own figures average academic pay has flatlined since 2010. Unlike those at the top, all staff want is fair pay and we hope ministers will recognise this distinction.” Libby Hackett, chief executive of the University Alliance, commented that she and others: “applaud the government’s commitment to protect direct funding for high-cost students, not just high-cost subjects. It shows a government that understands the hard work that goes into achieving real social mobility for the many, not just the few, and is willing to step up and put its money where its mouth is.” Whereas Michael Gunn, vicechancellor of Staffordshire University and chair of the University group Million+, states that although it is a “victory for common sense” he also finds it “disappointing that the overall grant is being cut.”

finding true love, but rather “a free night out and a bit of fun.” One participant said that she would consider the night a success if she made it through without falling over whilst another stated that she was so nervous about appearing on stage that she had not gone onto campus at all that day.

of the other male participants were interested in a same sex relationship but Sed’s bold cooperation and confident banter with the males made for entertaining watching nevertheless. While there were a few technical

Six eligible bachelors and fifteen single ladies partook in the popular event, hosted by MBA student Chris Amacker, a contestant in last year’s show. In the other room, the boys were discussing game playing strategies with most admitting that the girls ‘aesthetics’ were most important when selecting a potential partner. Although accusations of sexism arose during the show with some poorly constructed questions, the female participants seemed unfazed by such accusations and used their ‘no likey’ signs to great effect. For the first time a male appeared on the panel. First year Sed, clad in a pink tutu, ascended to the stage after Julian Mak swooped up his chosen belle. Unfortunately none

blunders, issues with amplification and questionable sexual innuendos, Reading’s answer to Take Me Out made for highly entertaining viewing, even with the awkwardness.

700 students flocked to the Union as it played host to its own version of the provocative and quirky ITV dating show Take Me Out Hopefully this event will run again next year and will help those who are particularly in pursuit of a last-minute Valentine’s Day date.

Asian Society host ‘Mission Bhangra’ Chandni Pankhania

On Thursday 6 February, the University of Reading’s Asian Society hosted ‘Mission Bhangra,’ a night filled with Bhangra music, Dhol players and plenty of dancing. This event took place in Café Mondial and was available for all students. There was a great atmosphere and the DJ, from Iconic DJ’s, played the latest music that ensured a great night for the attendees.

ish Mehta from the Dhol group Drumatic Entertainment who also captivated the crowd with his music.

The society aims to provide a fun and social community and also runs other events such as the Diwali Ball and the Cultural show

Mission Bhangra was a night filled with Bhangra music, Dhol players and plenty of dancing. There were performances from Ministry of Dhol, the DJ from Iconic DJ’s and Arish Mehta The Asian Society committee were excited to announce that Ministry of Dhol, one of the biggest Dhol groups in the UK were performing at Mission Bhangra, which the students thoroughly enjoyed as Ministry of Dhol brought the beat to the dance floor with their traditional drums. The society was also proud to announce another performer, Ar-

The society, which aims to provide a fun, social community offering a wide range of educational and inspiration events for everyone in the University and wider community, also runs other events such as the Diwali Ball and the Cultural show and aims to build relationships with other Universities to promote cultural unity. The Asian Society President, Sapheena Garcha, said: “Although it was slightly stressful to plan, on the actual night everything turned out so perfectly it was all worth it!” The committee were pleased with the successful turnout and the positive feedback received from the guests left them with a night to remember and hopefully some great ideas for their next event.

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16 NEWS

Friday 21 February 2014 Spark*

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Improving Wi-Fi on campus Differing opinions on entry requirements Emily King

On 28th October 2013, the University approved a capital project costing £1 million.

A project is currently underway to improve the Wi-Fi on campus. Work has already been completed in the Library, the HumSS building, Henley Business School and Whiteknights House This project is currently underway to improve the Wi-Fi on our campuses. This project has already begun, with works in the library, HumSS building, Henley Business School and Whiteknights House already finished. Works on improving the Wi-Fi are already ahead of schedule, and are likely to be finished around May 2014. Centrally managed services will cover all buildings on the Whiteknights campus, and they will be renewed and extended at Greenlands and London Road. As well as inside buildings benefitting, outside areas could also benefit from Wi-Fi coverage.

This project to improve Wi-Fi on campus is one of six priorities outlined by the Technology Enhanced Learning Strategy Group. Their aim is to open up new, enhanced and exciting opportunities to change the way we deliver teaching and learning at Reading. This is in the hope that it will encourage students to develop skills that will improve their employability. Buildings that are currently under Wi-Fi maintenance are TOB 1, Harry Pitt, and Earley Gate buildings and those with maintenance still to commence are buildings like Systems Engineering, Engineering, JJ Thompson, Chemistry and more.

When connecting to the Wi-FI on campus, students and staff should connect to the Eduroam network When connecting to the Wi-FI on campus, students and staff should connect to the Eduroam network. University of Reading guests should connect to the Wi-Fi via the UoR-Guest network. For more information on connecting to the WiFi on campus visit: www.wifi.reading.ac.uk

David Tilbury

A newly established college in London has declared that it will no longer be taking students’ A-Level results into account when making offers for places on its courses. This move comes during a period of increased pressure upon potential Oxbridge students as Cambridge has increased its entry requirements for degrees in Science to A*; A*; A, coming into effect from 2015 onwards. The New College of Humanities, established by philosopher AC Grayling, currently has an intake of only 60 students per year, and has cited its decision to ignore A-Level results as being due to ‘mistrust’ over failing standards of the exams. Professor Grayling explained that “A-level marking has become more standardised, prescriptive and a question of the boxes that need to be ticked. There are now very good students who aren’t getting A*s and As because they are a little bit too creative.” Instead, the College has decided to make students unconditional offers based on an interview and results from previous exams. The Professor continued: “We have decided that we will from now on be making unconditional offers. If we like somebody, we tell them to come… This is something that a lot of Russell Group universities are doing now.”

Despite Professor Grayling’s claim that other Russell Group universities are adopting the practice, it appears that this assertion is (at best) misleading. Whilst some Russell Group universities (Birmingham, Queen Mary, Nottingham) do offer some students unconditional offers in exceptional circumstances, the Universities still take note of all prospective students’ A-Level results and have given no indication that they plan to cease this practice.

A college in London has declared that it will not be taking students’ A-Level results into account This change comes at a time when Cambridge has announced an increase in A-Level requirement for its intake of students intending on studying Science degrees. Contrastingly to Professor Grayling’s decision, Cambridge University said in a statement, “The University believes that the revised offer gives applicants a clearer indication of the level of attainment realistically required to compete for a place, and to thrive on science courses. The University will continue to make non-standard offers where appropriate, based on

consideration of relevant contextual data including any extenuating circumstances which may have adversely affected an applicant’s academic attainment.”

This comes at a time when Cambridge has announced an increase in A-Level requirement Professor Grayling’s controversial decision will come as no surprise to other academics, particularly those familiar with his less than favourable reputation in the Higher Education community. The Independent claimed him to be ‘one of the most hated men in the world of academia’, and he has in the past suffered public attacks involving the throwing of eggs and smoke bombs. Opening with course fees of £18,000 per year, Professor Grayling’s New College of Humanities failed to achieve even half of the planned 180 to 200-student intake, enrolling 65 students in 2013 and 55 students in 2012, calling into question whether the Professor’s plan to ignore the A-Level results of applicants is actually based on ‘mistrust’ of A-Level marking, or merely an attempt to increase the number of applications.

Debate Society host ‘No-Notes Open’ event Balancing work with study Natasha Scanes

On Sunday 9 February, the University of Reading Debate Society hosted their first National debating competition ‘No-Notes open’. They had previously attended other competitions but this time decided to follow suit and host their own event, which took place in the Palmer building on campus. Twenty-four teams competed in the event and included teams from Liverpool, Cambridge, UCL, Hull, Warwick, and many more. There were four teams from the University of Reading that competed.

Twenty-four teams competed in the event and included teams from a range of different Universities The speaking style of the competition was Parliamentary Style, much like that seen on television, and as the name of the event suggests, the teams were not allowed any notes to help them with their 5-minute speeches. In this competition, two teams of two acted for the opposition and proposition to either put forward or oppose the particular motions. The day consisted of 4 rounds and a final and the motions were: Round

1 - “This House Would Prevent men from running for elected office for a period of two terms”, Round 2 - “This House Would ban any and all participation in faith healing”, Round 3 - “This House Would Allow and Enforce Prenuptial Agreements that Punish Infidelity” and Round 4 - “This House, as the Conservative party, would condemn the portrayal of Romanians and Bulgarians in the tabloids”. After these rounds the teams that had made the final were Cambridge University and Warwick University for the opposition, and UCL and the University of London for the proposition. In the final, the Motion consisted of a slide with some background information; a rogue dictatorship has launched a nuclear attack on an unaffiliated nation. You are unsure as to whether the dictatorship possesses any further nuclear weapons and the motion was “This House Believes that NATO Should Launch a Retaliatory Nuclear Strike.” The final got very heated, with arguments regarding mass civilian deaths, and setting a global example that force will be met with force and it was extremely interesting to watch, with a great turn out of spectators. Overall, Warwick took the title of Champions and were deserved winners. The event has been in the works since before summer 2013 and was a great success on the day. The so-

ciety meets weekly to debate on topical issues, which enables students to develop and practice skills of critical thinking, public speaking, and reasoned analysis and criticism.

The final got very heated but it was Warwick who took the title of Champions and were deserved winners Natasha Scanes, President of the University of Reading Debate Society, said “I was so pleased with their reliability and teamwork, and overall was extremely happy with how the day went – especially

Daniel Mitchell

A 2013 study by the NUS and Endsleigh Insurance found that 57% of students have a part-time job whilst at university and 90% of these students are working as many as 20 hours per week. Most Universities recommend that students only take on a maximum of between 10 and 15 hours employment per week during the academic term. This is so that they can readily balance work with their study. Some Universities, such as Oxford, do not allow students to undertake part-time work during term time except under “exceptional circumstances”. The University of Reading however is supporting students to find a suitable work/study balance and recognise that this will be important once they have graduated.

with to Yana, who did an absolutely amazing job pulling off such a successful event. The committee would also like to thank Josh Cave, Student Engagement Officer for RUSU, for his help and support along the way with the organisation of such a large-scale event. ” Anyone who is interested in getting involved with the society should

contact

hotmail.co.uk

Readingdebate@

UoR supports students to find a suitable work/ study balance and recognise that this will be important once they have graduated For students at the University of Reading there is a Jobshop that was specifically built to help un-

dergraduates find work that can be undertaken alongside a degree. The University also offers lots of placement modules within degrees, which enables students to build contacts, gain experience and hopefully secure full-time work once they have graduated. Students who have had a parttime job, some work experience, an internship or a placement are ultimately going to have a better chance in this competitive job market. NUS research into employment services for university and college students found that “The overwhelming consensus [amongst job shops] was that part-time work brought considerable positive benefits provided there was a work/ study balance.” Some students need a part-time job so that they can have some extra cash whilst at University for textbooks, printing costs and nights out and without this surplus income it could be a real struggle to survive on the student loan. Studying for a degree aims to equip undergraduates for employment but without the necessary life skills, experience and contacts they could really struggle to get a foot in the job market. More students could benefit from being able to study for a degree as well as having a part-time job and this is something that all Universities should be encouraging.

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News 17

Fume cupboards upgraded Vice-Chancellor victorious in ‘Battle of the Bins’ Daniel Mitchell

Over the last few months, work has been carried out to make forty-four fume cupboards in the chemistry teaching laboratories more energy efficient. The £250,000 project will perform an essential role in protecting users from exposure to hazardous substances during lab experiments. The cupboards are usually very energy hungry because they ventilate the labs and so as well as extracting any hazardous substances, they will extract a lot of heated air too.

Work has been carried out to make forty-four fume cupboards in the Chemistry teaching laboratories more energy efficient Previously, it has been very difficult to maintain comfortable temperatures in the labs but this project saw the installation of new fans on the ventilation systems, which were craned into place onto the roof of the Chemistry building over Christmas. The project also involved a complete redesign of the way that the cupboards and rooms are ventilat-

ed, providing a much more flexible solution through the use of intelligent sensor controls. Now the final work has just been completed, the early indications are that the estimated annual energy savingsof £83,000 are definitely achievable. This will take the University 1% closer in their plans to reduce their carbon footprint by 35% by 2016. This project has therefore been a major step towards this goal for the University. The project has taken careful planning, with staff from Sustainability, Chemistry, Health & Safety and Estates & Facilities all involved to provide a suitable longterm solution Dan Fernbank, the University of Reading’s Energy Manager, said: “This has been an important project that has multiple benefits for the University. Not only will we save significant amounts of money and reduce our carbon emissions, but the laboratories also now a much more comfortable temperature to work in. With over 300 fume cupboards around campus, we are already exploring options to make similar improvements in other laboratories.”

Tom Yearley

Between Monday 10 February and Friday 14 February, the University of Reading and the Reading University Students’ Union ran the fifth Go Green Week. This was aligned for the first time with the People & Planet Go Green Week. The week saw at least 21 individual events take place across all three campuses, reaching an audience throughout the University. Some highlights of the week included the Battle of the Bins, Environmental Career workshop, the Frugal Fayre and a screening of ‘Project Wild Thing’.

After a well-fought battle against Mark Kelleher, RUSU President, Sir David retained the coveted ‘golden bin’ The Battle of the Bins took place on Tuesday. The event saw Sir David Bell, the University’s Vice-Chancellor, race Mark Kelleher, RUSU President to find out who was the champion recycler. After a wellfought battle, Sir David took the victory and retained the coveted ‘golden bin’. Two of the main events took place on Wednesday 12th and these were

the Environmental Career Workshop and the Frugal Fayre. The Career Workshop was attended by 27 students from a diverse range of subjects, including Meteorology, Biological Sciences and Construction Management. The students were given the opportunity to meet recent graduates from a range of companies and some postgraduate students. The aim of the event was to promote opportunities in the Environmental Sector for University of Reading graduates. The Frugal Fayre saw a variety of promotional stalls showing students how to make money go further. Highlights included the Reading University Real Ale and Cider Society and Fashionably Skint demonstrating how to save money through clothes swap. In an event that was open to both the local community and University staff and Students, Reading Film

Theatre presented Project Wild Thing. The film aims to sell nature to children, which was kindly introduced by Helen Bilton, Associate Professor in Education at IOE and provided a thought provoking promotion of ways to encourage children to play outdoors. Go Green Week closed with a Whiteknights Campus litter pick. Although the weather dampened this somewhat, a few hardy souls braved the elements to help prepare the campus for the weekend open days. The Sustainability Team is already looking forward to the 2015 Go Green Week and hopes to be able to work closely with the newly elected Environment and Ethics Officer. For more information, please visit the website: www. rdg.ac.uk/cleanandgreen.

Spark* weather forecast Brewing up a storm

Image courtesy of Rebecca Reilly - taken at the Meteorology building Weather Watcher

Anorak

Although Reading has avoided the worst of the tempests which have scoured England for the past weeks, you will doubtless have noticed rain, hail and high winds making themselves at home on campus and across town. Office structure ‘The Blade’ suffered damage as winds stripped metal panels from the upper scaffold which necessitated closing nearby streets. Some student services were closed, including post of-

fices, and some lecturers were unable to reach campus.

Things are generally improving but some trouble remains The Meteorology Department at the University have officially named winter 2013-14 as the wettest ever on record for Reading (since 1908). On the plus side, the

flood warnings for Reading were recently downgraded from ‘severe’ by the Environment Agency and the town has avoided largescale disaster. The weather won’t be pristine or picturesque by any measure but disruption to everyday life should be minimised. The train services between Reading and London are mostly functional although some road closures are still in effect - be sure to do your research before planning any longer trips out of town.

We all know that the UK has faced many storms this year, but did you know teleconnections from Asia have helped to drive these storms? There have been higher than average ocean temperatures in South East Asia, which has led to increased rainfall in countries, such as Indonesia. This has resulted in a greater temperature contrast between arctic and tropical air masses. This increase in temperature contrast has helped to provide the jet stream with more fuel, leading to the in-

creased storm activity that has been observed in the UK. Now looking at the next few days, a mixture of dry and bright to dull and wet conditions, however no storms are expected. We’re all still eagerly awaiting to be blanketed by snow, however our airflow is being dominated from the warm Atlantic, rather than from the colder Arctic...this means temperatures are mainly too warm over Reading for snow to form.

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INTERVIEW 19

interview

Have you thought about a year abroad? Jessi- The process was fairly easy although I was expecting a lot more help from the chemistry department. The study abroad office was fantastic: they gave me information, chased after the lecturers who were slow at signing forms etc. However as the chemistry department doesn’t very often send people abroad, they weren’t very helpful and still aren’t now!

Lily Brown & James Clayton

This week we spoke to four students who are studying abroad. Where did you choose to take your year abroad and what drew you to this location? Will- Well basically I wanted a big city that wasn’t Paris as I had heard it was not the friendliest place for a young man seeking his fortune in a foreign land. So I picked Lyon which I has heard was pretty cool and I was lucky enough to get a placement there.

How is your year abroad recognised by the university? Will- There are few documents that need to be given to the uni at the end of the placement which are basically performance reviews. There’s also a personal writeup of the year which I think comes to 6000 words.

Sophie- I am currently doing my Year Abroad in Paris. I chose to do my Year Abroad here because I had to go somewhere French speaking and it has always been my dream to live in Paris. Sara- I didn’t get to choose where I went on my year aboard. I went to the University of Oklahoma as part of my degree. We had the choice to do a 3 year BSc and stay in Reading, or do a Masters and get a MMet and do a 4 year course with a year in Oklahoma. Jessi- I am taking my year abroad in Zaragoza, Spain. The truthit was the only university the chemistry department was teamed with! However, it is lovely here: a big city, nice weather and friendly people. What has been the highlight of your time abroad? Will- Despite my assistantship being very enjoyable and rewarding, and living in the city being awesome, my favourite experience was working on a vineyard in the month before my placement started. I had gone out early to try and improve my French beforehand and it ended up being one of the best months of my life. It made the transition into French life all the easier too.

Sophie- I have loved being able to say I live in Paris! The teaching side has been incredible but I have been very lucky with my school because I have heard of several disasters. I love going to watch the rugby. Sara- Being able to travel and see the country and meeting new people, both American and other international students. Jessi- There are too many things! The festivals here are fantastic, the people are lovely, I am really enjoying working in the lab, the weather is also a plus!

Sophie- This year, I have to write my dissertation and complete a Year Abroad task. Sara- My year abroad is treated like any year at university. The results we get count for 40% of our final degree grade. Was the process of applying and then sorting out your year abroad an easy one or do you think the system could be improved?

Will- I’m in France, which is the land of red tape, so it wasn’t the easiest setup ever but considering the reputation it did have, especially regarding setting up a bank account, I was pleasantly surprised. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still a colossal faff but most people here are pretty helpful about it and appreciate that it’s a tad complicated for a stranger in a strange land. Sophie- From the beginning of my degree, the university never promised that they could find me a placement. I found the process relatively simple because of the route I wanted to take. Applying to be a Language Assistant was not too hard especially with my background in teaching. Had I wanted to do any other work placement, then that would have been a lot harder. Saying that, Reading was very good at helping me had I wanted to study abroad at a French university. Sara- It was all done through my department and was relatively easy, however everything was done at the last minute which made it a bit stressful! I only got my visa about 2 weeks before I left for America because we got the paper work late to be able to apply for it.

Jessi-Unlike most of the Erasmus students, my year is my actual 3rd year (most students have a gap year where they ‘just have to pass exams’ this is very lenient however). So 75% of third year is from tutorials and my report, with the other 25% being the exam when I am back. Normal Erasmus students- the year doesn’t count it is just to improve language skills. Do you feel that this year has been beneficial to your course or would you have preferred to study purely in Reading? Will- Definitely. I think if I had stayed in Reading I would have regretted it hugely. It’s not been just a cultural revelation and an exciting challenge, but a massive improvement to my level of French as well, especially spoken.

Sophie- Whether it has been beneficial to my course, I am not certain because although I speak French day to day, I haven’t really written seriously in French since second year. I definitely would not have preferred to continue studying because I have learnt so much being abroad about spoken French,

culture and what I want to do in the future.

Sara- It has been beneficial to study at a different university, especially as the meteorology department is one of the best in the world and is situated in tornado alley! It has a different approach to lecturing and we have a chance to study topics which are not offered at Reading. Jessi- In a way, yes and no. I feel that I have learnt a lot working in the lab with doctorate students, they know so much and our research is very interesting. I am learning a bit from the distance learning too however, I feel that the students who stayed in Reading will know a lot more than I will next year. On the plus side my Spanish has improved so much, I only studied it until A level so was very rusty. I wouldn’t change being here though, it is an amazing experience!

If I had stayed in Reading I would have regretted it hugely Looking back over your year abroad has it lived up to your expectations and if not, why? Will- No, it has exceeded them. The city I’m in is great and the French are a lovely bunch, which was not exactly the reputation I had in mind before I came here.

Sophie- I didn’t expect to work so hard which meant I thought I would be out and about more like a student but even French students don’t live the same student life that we do but it has been great, even if a little bit too short! Sara- I didn’t really have much of an idea of what it was going to be like. Although now that I’ve nearly completed the nine months out in America, I can say that I have seen a lot more of the states than I thought I would and that I have really enjoyed the whole experience. Jessi- So far yes! I am very much enjoying it! My only concern is

that I believe that there is rather a lot of work to be done, which means I can’t go out as much as the other Erasmus students, but I feel it has made me a lot more confident and dependant, a real life changing experience!

Take any opportunity you are given Lastly, any words of wisdom for those preparing to start their year abroad in October?

Will- Don’t panic. I’ll admit it was pretty scary at first, especially considering how terrible my French was, but within two months, I was settled, meeting lots of cool new people and speaking the language. Probably still horribly, but at least I’m not worrying about it now. Sophie- Just enjoy it. The first month will be a nightmare but by the end you will want it to last longer! Sara- Enjoy every moment and take any opportunity you are given to meet new people and see new places. Jessi- Don’t try to be a hero and sit the whole year without going home. To begin with a lot of people said to me ‘it’s not a year abroad if you go home a lot’. This is not true, if you want to go home, do or you may end up enjoying your time less because you wish you could be at home. Also install skype!

Don’t try to be a hero and sit the whole year without going home Travel around, experience the whole country not just one city! There are tonnes of hostels which are very cheap and transport is cheaper than England. And book flights as far in advance as you can!! They will be a lot cheaper!

20 CAREERS

Friday 21 February 2014

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Careers Employability: Things to consider You’re getting on with your coursework, preparing for exams, joining societies, and you might even have a part time job on the side. You’re preparing for a time when your days won’t be filled with lectures and libraries. But do you really know the skills that employers are looking for in graduates? The Guardian recently wrote an article discussing just that. Here are some of the qualities they note as being essential for graduate job success:

Business sense

This might be shown by starting your own society, or through doing some work experience to see how a company operates.

A clean online profile

Set up a Linkedin account, make sure your Facebook photos aren’t too embarrassing, and set up a Twitter account or blog related to your career aspirations.

Making a good cup of tea

It might sound silly, but in a lot of work environments, a good cup of tea or coffee becomes a vital part of the day. Being able to make a good beverage might make you quite popular. To take a look at the full list, head to ‘The ten skills students really need when they graduate’, on The Guardian website. If you think your employability skills are lacking then waste no time; the Careers Centre offers plenty of op-

portunities and advice on helping you to stand out from the crowd.

‘Employability’ is a vague term but vital for your career prospects Graduate employers’ expectations may depend on the industry but basic ‘work-readiness’ is a key requirement. Consider what ‘behavioural competencies’ you have (and those you don’t) - how will you make yourself come across as someone who would be good to work with when your applications are stacked with hundreds of others?

National Student Employment Week 2014 Every year, student employability organisations all over the country spend a week promoting student careers advice and services. Arranged by The National Association of Student Employment Services, this annual event offers a brilliant opportunity for you to get thinking about your employment plans during and post university. This year, National Student Employment Week will be held between Monday 24 February and Sunday 2 March. The Careers, Placement and Experience Centre will be getting involved by running a series of dedicated events for students and graduates to come along to, including a pop up careers express in the library

and job Shop where students can find out more about our internship schemes, summer jobs and much more. See below for our careers events on and surrounding the week. NSEW will also herald the start of the ‘Student Employee of the Year’ award; in this scheme, employers can nominate their student parttime staff for the award. Although an overall winner will be selected, runners-up are eligible for a £100 prize cheque, attendance at the awards dinner and admission to the SEOTY alumni network. Nominations will open on 24 February, so if you have a part time job then you lose nothing by making your manager aware of the scheme.

Also, keep your eyes peeled for our ‘nominate your employer’ and ‘UROP Supervisor’ competitions on Facebook and Twitter.

25/02 – CVs for mature students – Carrington 101, 1pm-1.50pm

27/02 – RED Award Information Session – Carrington 201, 1pm1.50pm

See the following for a selection of jobs selected by the University Careers Service:

Job Title: Catering Staff Company: Compass Group Location: Madejski Stadium Pay: National Minimum Wage Closing date: 28 Feb 2014

Job Title: Consumers required Company: Sensory Dimensions Location: University Pay: above National Minimum Wage Closing date: ongoing

Company: Total Hospitality Location: Reading Pay: National Minimum Wage Closing date: 11 Apr 2014

Job Title: Teach First Brand Manager Company: Teach First Location: University Pay: £10.01-£11 per hour Closing date: 01 Apr 2014

Job Title: High Street Marketing Company: Learning Source Location: Local Pay: £8 per hour Closing date: 16-Apr 2014

Job Title: Tutoring Roles Company: Butterfly Tutoring Location: local/regional Pay: £11.60-£18.00ph Closing date: 16 Apr 2014

Job Title: Weekend Library Attendant Company: University of Reading Location: University Pay: £7.50-£8.50ph Closing date: 25 Feb 2014 Job Title: Casual Playworkers Company: Reading Play Location: Reading Pay: £8.01-£8.50ph Closing date: 28 Feb 2014

Job Title: Fun Science Presenter Company: Sublime Science Location: West London & Berkshire Pay: £11.01-£12.00 per hour Closing date: 07 Apr 2014

NSEW events 21 February - 5 March: 21/02 – RED Employability Award Sign Off Session – Palmer 105, 1pm-2pm 24/02 – Interview skills presented by NHS – Carrington 101, 1pm1.50pm

Job Title: Mystery Shopper Company: Market Force Location: Reading area Pay: National Minimum Wage Closing date: 31-May 2014 Job Title: Event Waiter/ Waitress

25/02 – Getting lab experience – Palmer 104, 1pm-2.30pm 25/02 – RED Award Training Session: Communication Skills – Palmer 103, 6pm-7pm 26/02 – CV Workshop – Carrington 101, 1pm-1.50pm 26/02 – Placements and Work Experience for Science/Life Sciences – Carrington 201, 1pm1.50pm 27/02 – Pop up Careers Express – library café, 11am-1pm

27/02 – UROP opportunities for Science and Life Science students – Palmer 103, 1pm-1.50pm 27/02 – Mock interviews – Carrington 116, 10am-12pm 03/03 – RED Employability Award Sign Off Session – Palmer 104, 5pm-6pm 04/03 – CV Workshop – Carrington 101, 1pm-1.50pm 05/03 – Psychometric testing with PwC – Carrington 101, 1pm-1.50pm

For full details visit www.reading.ac.uk/careers/myjobsonline

Spark* Friday 21 February 2014

comment.spark@reading.ac.uk

COMMENT 21

comment How to be a Canadian in Britain Clare Yacyshyn

I remember my first moments in Britain. Straight out of my taxi from the airport, I was walking through campus towards Child’s Hall. Taking my first steps through the beautiful campus... My racing heart distracting me from the fact that my rain-soaked hair is literally sticking to the back of my neck. Little did I know that my heart would start to race a little bit faster when I walk past a guys’ rugby game... Let me tell you, an British bloke in a pair of rugby shorts could go a long way where I come from. When I finally settle into my accommodation, and after I’ve had a quick shower to fix my humidity destroyed hair,

I meet my flatmates! Shout out Ruscombe 1.3! I’ll admit that it is an overwhelming and pretty awesome experience to have a mini crowd of British people telling you that you have an accent. No, YOU have the accent! Even though Canadians and British people are supposed to share the same language, there are a lot of “British words” I did not know before getting here. Some personal favorites: squidgy, posh and chav. There are also the classic phrases “mind the gap”, and “you alright?” instead of “what’s up?” Anyways, after being introduced to the British accent (which continues to amuse/ impress me to this day) my flatmates and I began to get

ready for a night out. There is a lot of enthusiasm and energy surrounding nights out in the UK. Every night out brings some kind of experience, even if that involves a row of tequila shots

At the end of the day, it’s these people that it’s all about. It’s about getting closer to your friends, not that guy you just met at the bar. Fifty missed calls? I love you within five minutes? Really? I mean, that’s pretty affectionate even for a Canadian. Every night out brings some kind of experience, even if that experience is getting way

too up close and personal with a row of tequila shots and then being dragged home by your flatmates. Not like that’s ever happened to me or anything... I find it’s a lot of fun going on a night out with British people. From what I can tell, and I am aware that this is a very general and sweeping statement, but in normal day to day life British people tend to hate confrontation and try to their very best to avoid any form of awkwardness in social situations. Social conventions and politeness seem to be more important here than I anticipated. I think that maybe part of the appeal of a night out is the freedom and permission to break convention that they provide. As

long as you wake up and act normal the next day everyone will pretend like nothing ever happened, and you will not be held accountable for any mischief you got up to the previous night. I think that’s pretty awesome. I’m having a fabulous time here. So how can you be a Canadian in Britain? Start by getting really impressed with the accent and failing to maintain a relatively normal heart rate around pretty well every guy you meet. So I’m a little boy crazy? Yeah, I mean I’m living in a land with literally thousands of Mr Darcys. So let’s hear it for Britain, and all of its beautiful cities and people, its quirky words, its rainy weather, and of course, its rugby players.

22 DEBATE

Friday 21 February 2014 Spark*

comment.spark@reading.ac.uk

Debate

NekNominations: Should Facebook ban the drinking game videos? Abbie Weaving

Yes

You’re checking Facebook, perhaps for the fifth time again today, but this time you’ve been tagged in a video. This can only mean one thing. You’ve been nominated for NekNominate. Originating in Australia, the craze has, with the help of social media, escalated dramatically in recent weeks. Facebook users are pouring themselves lethal cocktails of spirits, energy drinks, and even food, all in the name of peer pressure and wanting to be seen as ‘one of the lads’. In fact, this pathetic attempt to look ‘cool’ has led some to gulp down nettles, dead mice, and even live goldfish. What’s more, it’s not even giving people fifteen minutes of fame, because so many are deciding to follow the trend. A few minutes of idiocy more like. This, however, is for the lucky ones. For some, NekNominate has dug an early grave. Mix yourself a truly horrific concoction, and alcohol poisoning, injuries relating to intoxication, or even death can occur. Indeed, four deaths have already been linked to the drinking game; two of which were British men. In NekNominate videos, people are essentially trying to prove themselves to others, which no one should have to do. What’s more, even if the pranksters think they look like the ultimate daredevils, just how many of your friends’ NekNominate videos have you been back to watch? I doubt very many. The now almost adorable efforts of NekNominators, however, are quickly left unseen and unheard. Therefore, while the Internet, unimpressed, quickly moves on, the pranksters, on the other hand, are left in a pool of their own vomit, thumbs in the air, thinking they’ve achieved something brilliant. Not really. You’re covered in vomit, after all. Only the brave few have declined their friend’s requests and decided not to participate in the trend, which brings about a hangover at best. In fact it is

these videos of rejection to peer pressure which have sparked most interest on Facebook news feeds. Whether it is by donating to charity, or poking fun by gulping down a nonalcoholic drink, it is a huge relief to see that some people are still rooting for common sense. Even if you’re smart enough not drink harmful amounts of alcohol during your nomination, don’t, however, try to trick viewers into thinking that you are. Some viewers might watch a NekNominator finish an entire bottle of ‘wine’ and think it’s achievable. It’s not. It’s dangerous, and arguably even sadder. You don’t want to drink real alcohol, but you don’t want to reject the nomination either. So to compensate, you think downing a pint of water disguised as vodka is a better solution. It’s not. You’re only fuelling the trend of stupidity, and believe me, there’s enough of that on the Internet already. Making things worse, Facebook has refused to remove the drinking game videos. In fact, they’re making a profit from them. That’s right, Facebook are reveling in the money they receive from adverts posted alongside the videos at the cost of your liver, or even your life. If Facebook is prepared to remove harmless pictures of women breastfeeding their babies because of ‘nudity’ reasons, then why not remove videos of people essentially harming themselves and worse, encouraging others to do the same? So the next time you check your Facebook account, spare a thought for all the ‘cool kids’ damaging their bodies in the name of peer pressure. Most importantly, however, don’t let it be you. Now with its own Wikipedia page, the drinking game has gone global.

Leigh Anderson

For some, NekNominate has dug an early grave. Alcohol poisoning, injuries, or even death can occur

Making things worse, Facebook has refused to remove the drinking game videos

Many people have taken part in this game without killing themselves or ending up in hospital

Facebook should not be allowed to ban NekNomination drinking game videos

It has seemed near enough impossible quite recently to log onto Facebook and not see a NekNomination video. It’s become the new social media craze to down a pint of something as fast as you can. There have, however, been calls for Facebook to ban these videos from being uploaded online after there has been a reported four deaths within the UK and Ireland as a result of partaking in this game. As tragic as any death is, it is not Facebook’s responsibility to police what people are choosing to drink. It is, after all, the participant’s choice to consume whatever is put into their glass. It is pure idiocy that is driving people to drink dangerous concoctions such as a pint of mixed spirits, bleach, urine- whether it’s their own or someone else’s- and in the worst video I have seen, a goldfish. In some extreme cases, NekNominations are pushing people to the limit; but this is not the case with the vast majority. The game does not require people to drink these dangerous substances and it doesn’t even need to be played with alcohol I have seen a video of someone playing it with non-alcoholic beverages and baked beans. So many people have taken part in this game without killing themselves or ending up in hospital. It doesn’t seem right for Facebook to stop the people playing by the rules from making these videos because of the stupid actions of a minority. I recently heard someone using a road analogy when asked if Facebook should ban NekNominations and I think they made a very good point. They pointed out that Facebook is merely a platform for the game and what happens on it is of little concern to them. This is similar to people who make roads. They cannot be held responsible or police what happens on their road, that responsibility lies purely with the drivers. Facebook was designed as a place to share pictures and videos and

to keep in touch with friends; the content of the videos that are being uploaded is down to the participants and no one else. People (especially students) play drinking games that involve drinking large amounts of mixed alcohol quite frequently and no one is suggesting that this is banned. I’m sure the type of person who would drink bleach or urine in a Neknomination video is the type of person who would even do it off camera, and off of Facebook, if their friends dared them to do it “for a laugh”. I completely understand why some people want the videos to be banned, especially those people who were affected by the deaths. But I also think that, firstly it is not Facebook’s responsibility, and secondly (perhaps more importantly) I do not think that Facebook should have that kind of control in people’s personal lives. I believe that allowing a social media site to censor what we share with friends it a step too far. Facebook should not be allowed to control what content we share and view and, by banning NekNomination videos, we are allowing them to do just that. It is censorship and we should be discouraging censorship not encouraging it. At the end of the day, Facebook is not a lawmaking body; it is a way of communicating with friends so it should not be put in the position where it can effectively ‘make laws’. Furthermore, if Facebook is encouraged to ban NekNomination videos because they are deemed dangerous, shouldn’t they also ban videos that include people doing other harmful activities, such as smoking and extreme sports? People have died from doing both of these things and yet no one is urging Facebook to ban videos that contain footage of these activities.

Spark* Friday 21 February 2014

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ARTS&BOOKS 23

Arts&BOOKS Reading student’s mini sagas: Part 1 English Language and Applied Linguistics lecturer Clare Furneaux explains: A mini-saga is a complete story in 50 words, plus title. This term this writing task has been given to a range of students on programmes in the Department of English Language and Literature. It was part of an activity exploring the cognitive process of writing; the authors had to think aloud while writing their minisaga. Not easy – try it! The Private Investigator- Lloyd Brown

What a wonderful dinner it was as Mr Smith and his lady friend left the bistro; a venue his wife had always adored. The private investigator’s eyes met those of Mr Smith and they both noted his wedding ring glinting in the soft streetlight. Mr Smith wept.

My Dearly Departed by Correy Faccini

I believe there is no life after death. Maybe that’s why I always visit her at that same moment, to see her face for the first time once more. Nothing I do can change the past; nothing can give her a future. All I have are moments, forgotten in time. Winter by Fay Bainbridge

Walking home in the rain is not something I’d recommend. Wind blowing you sideways, cold hands, soggy feet. Makes you dream of summer. Needing something for tea but not wishing to detour, a decision is made to just go home. A text to a housemate; get the kettle on! Man’s best friend by Jessica Fullam

He leaps from the armchair as the clock chimes – it’s time to go. He grabs his shiny red bike from the

hall and cycles away, heading for war. His bike waits for him, tied to a tree. The paint turns to rust and the tree envelopes it – he never returns. The truth about Father Christmas by Nayila Mmadi (From France)

Mary was fascinated by Christmas, growing up she had some questions to ask to Father Christmas. One evening, whereas she was waiting for him, she saw her father who put her gift under the Christmas tree. She fell apart and understood everything. Like a lot of children she was now part of the rational adult world. Last Hope by Emma Osho

It just wasn’t enough anymore. She tried to hold on but she could feel her grip loosening day after day. Days turned into months and time was fed up with her. Until one day she finally let go, and felt her pain drift off into the darkness.

Split second by Daisie Hockings

Her steely gaze met with his big brown eyes. Anna hurled herself towards the gun on the floor and got to it first. In one fluid motion she raised the barrel and aimed it at his chest. She looked at him, her face expressionless. “Sorry,” she mouthed. The Window by Annie Leith

A girl stands in the window, the glass broken, toes gripping the edge. In front of her is nothing, behind her is desperation. She opens her arms, the wind beckons. He races up the stairs two at a time. Three at a time. He throws open the door. She’s gone. It should have been mine by Sahar Ameerbakhsh

I saw it in his drawer. I wanted it for so long, but I never told him. Anxiously waiting for the moment when he gives it to me. His mom came. His brother brought a cake.

It has to be mine. He announced, “Happy birthday mom, a gift from us!” A beautiful wedding by Charlotte Webb

I went to a wedding last year, it was the most beautiful wedding I had ever seen. It took place during the summer at a country house near where I live. The bride was stunning, unfortunaly the wedding had to take place inside as it was pouring with rain. Looking up by James Kennedy

In a cold, unfamiliar city, I have found myself lost. The unexplored streets stretch infinitely in the imagination. Having once walked with the desperate hope of finding a taxi, the unsung saviours of the adrift, I now light a cigarette and lose myself once more, drunkenly staring at the stars.

Keep your eyes peeled next issue for more mini sagas!

Childhood stories you never forget

A review of ‘Henry V’

As I study Primary Education, one of the best bits about the course is that I am able to read a great many children’s books. This leads me to rediscover lots of the books that I read (or was read) when I was young and it is really interesting to read them back now as an adult. So here are just a few of the ones that are the absolute best you never truly forget.

‘I think the King is but a man, as I am: the violet smells to him as it doth to me’. Such an honest line rings through the entirety of this production of Shakespeare’s ‘Henry V’, which grounds itself beautifully in a raw sense of humanity. Consequently, its echo didn’t leave me for hours after the final curtain.

charlotte coster

Each Peach Pear Plum by Alan and Janet Ahlberg

A beautifully crafted rhyming picture book with detailed pictures. All of your childhood fairytale characters are present at some point throughout the book and children love trying to find all the hidden ones in the illustrations.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

Learning to count without using this book should be made illegal!

Not now, Bernard by David McKee

The funniest book I ever read as a child. Bernard tries to tell his parents there is a monster in the garden but they just get annoyed with him. So he goes out to talk to the monster who eats him. Then

the monster takes his place in the house, yet the parents still don’t take any notice of him or even notice that it’s not Bernard any more. Sounds a little creepy but I found it hilarious as a child.

Enid Blyton

As she is such a prolific writer I did not think it would be right to put just one of her books down. Over a span of about 50 years she wrote hundreds of books including Noddy, the Malory Towers series, the Secret 7 books or the Famous Five series. She has shaped thousands of childhoods all over the country and despite criticisms that her books are dated and badly written, she is still enjoyed by children in the present day.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl

As a child I just lapped up all of Dahl’s stories but this was always my favourite. What child wouldn’t love the idea of being able to explore a factor full of chocolate… best book setting ever!

The Harry Potter series by JK Rowling

As we grew up, so did Harry and his adventures within the magical world, caught the imaginations of children everywhere!

Jude Law stars at the Noël Coward Theatre chloe rendall

The raw sense of humanity stays with you for hours The line comes from the King, in disguise, lamenting to his men as the strife of the battle of Agincourt looms, that monarchs are mere men themselves. It is borne from moments like these, when we are afforded a rare glimpse of his vulnerability, that the heart of the play becomes truly established in the lives and deaths of common men, regardless of royal titles. This essence is the strength of the performance; its stark portrayal of all aspects of humanity seems fresh and relevant as ever, not in the least due to Jude Law’s wonderfully exuberant performance, capturing the multi-fac-

eted nature of a man and a King. Appearing unfazed at stepping into the famous and notable shoes of Laurence Olivier, Richard Burton and Kenneth Branagh, who have all walked the stage as the famous Henry, Law exudes an undeniable presence and assertive force that is surely needed for a King, yet never loses sight of the human behind Henry. Such a protean performance lends itself to the diversity of the material; Law is seemingly able to slip effortlessly between well timed comedic interactions, harsh battle scenes and the intense patriotic speeches for which the play is famous. The stirring St. Crispin’s Day Speech is a scene hard to forget, to the merit of the talented cast. It seems fitting that such a monumental play would crown the end of Michael Grandage’s fifteen month, five play season at the Noël Coward Theatre, which included ‘Privates on Parade’,‘Peter and Alice’, ‘The Cripple of Inishmaan’ and ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’; a project which aimed to draw a wider range of theatregoers to the rich material of drama. Grandage’s clear vision for the project is particularly evident within this rendering of ‘Henry V’, with subtle choices that ensure Shakespeare’s timelessness is

never lost within the realms of modern day. Ashley Zhangazha is a perfect example, whose stand out performance as the Chorus is one of genius.

The monumental play crowns the end of Michael Grandage’s 15 month season In modern day dress, obviously juxtaposing with the medieval dress of the ensemble cast, Zhangazha narrates the action while reading from a modern copy of the historical play itself. Without question this is intended to illuminate significant parallels between the conflicts of the past and the conflicts of today; to assert with clarity that although centuries have elapsed, the themes of Shakespeare’s day, and the themes of history, are very much still the themes of today. ‘Henry V’ at Noël Coward Theatre, ran from 23 November 2013 – 15 February 2014, as part of the Michael Grandage Company ‘Season of five plays’. http://michaelgrandagecompany. com/

24ARTS&BOOKS

Friday 21 February 2014 Spark*

arts.spark@reading.ac.uk

Arts&BOOKS Book review: The Girl with All the Gifts

Kimberley brennan

The Girl with All the GiftsM.R.Carey In recent years, literature has been exploited by supernatural and paranormal characters; vampires, witches, wizards and even zombies all spring to mind immediately. However, M.R. Carey’s The Girl with All the Gifts is original, inspiring and influential. Melanie is a 10-year-old girl whose thirst for knowledge, love for her best friends and constant questioning resembles many other girls of her age. Her world, however, bears no resemblance; the planet is overrun by zombies. Young Melanie lives in an underground base with 20 other children, all muzzled and chained to their desks throughout class time before being escorted back to their cells at gun point. But Melanie is different… and it’s impossible to explain much more without delving too deep into the plot, and the slow reveal is all part of Carey’s charm. Carey’s strength lies with his character building, and this 2014 release is no exception. The Girl with All the Gifts is told through the eyes of innocent Melanie, her favourite teacher Miss Justineau,

the base camp leader Sergeant Parks and a scientist, Caroline Caldwell. All four are human and believable, and alongside the narrators all other characters are strong. So strong in fact that it is almost impossible not to empathise with them on every page. Each will make you question “Who is right?”

It will make you question everything you thought about the supernatural Without giving anything else away, Carey has created a Pandora’s Box novel. The narrative winds through a variety of perspectives, helping readers explore the true lengths to which we will go to survive. Meanwhile, challenging us to stare out into the darker side of our nature: violence, endurance and passion. Although there is some predictability midway through, by the time you reach this you are already fully engulfed by the storyline and characters. So if you like a novel that will make you forget, and challenge, everything you previously knew about zombies, then pick up Carey’s The Girl with All the Gifts.

To doodle, or not to doodle? Laura Armstrong

Art is something that is constantly evolving and throwing out all sorts of outlandish creations. So if we can consider an upside down urinal (AKA ‘Fountain’ by Marcel Duchamp, 1917) a piece of art, are there any bounds to our ability to accept and admire creativity? Doodling is one of those things we aimlessly do to entertain or distract ourselves, quite possibly (although I wouldn’t recommend it) in our lectures. There are the obvious doodles of hearts, flowers

and even graffiti style writing but can there be more to it? I happen to know a ‘doodle-er’ and it isn’t until you see someone who is a gifted artist doodle that you truly appreciate how amazing these little sketches can be. Just because they are small and normally on scraps of paper, does that make them worth any less than other art? Of course the situation in which you choose to doodle is important, I’m sure if a lecturer caught you doodling on the desk they would consider it to be ‘defacing Uni-

versity property’- and rightly so. Yet defacing property has been defined as art, because graffiti is exactly that. Banksy has works scattered across the country and these are now seen as iconic, last June his mural ‘Slave Labour’ was auctioned for £675,000. If Modern Art continues to expand and develop, and graffiti respected and appreciated, why shouldn’t doodles get the same recognition? That is, of course, if you have the ability to doodle something impressive, which I most certainly do not.

These Images were taken of drawings/doodles sketched by Andrew Starr

‘The Lord of the Rings’ returning to the stage! Lindsay Coles

Transport yourself back to Middle Earth where… ‘Long ago, in a time when the world is green and Hobbits thrive, MR. BILBO BAGGINS of the Shire holds a magnificent party’. The Theatre Royal, Drury Lane was filled with magic, awe and wonder from the very start to the very end upon Matthew Warchus’ outstanding The Lord of the Rings musical being there. The Lord of the Rings musical was the most expensive musical to ever be brought to London’s West End, standing at a staggering £25 million. The musical is based on J. R. R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings. Tolkien’s incredible trilogy begins with an uncanny hobbit, called Gollum, who used to own ‘The Ring’ which drove him mad and began to possess him. Gollum

wants the rings back. However, Frodo, another hobbit, becomes ‘The Ring’ bearer who is on a colossal quest to destroy the Ring as it has corrupted Middle Earth with evil. After many epic battles, tests of friendship and fantasy at its best, Middle Earth returns to the once better state it preoccupied ready for the age of men.

Heroic Battles, Romance and Thrilling Circus Effects costing £25 Million! During the musical, heroic battles were fought, a beautiful romance blossomed, thrilling circus effects adorned the stage, a 30ft tarantula sprayed mock ink over the front row of the stalls, and hilarious comedic elements

gave that refreshing enhancement needed for the audience. Friendly hobbits, trying to catch fireflies, filled the theatre as the audience entered to introduce you into the world of the Shire, (and from first-hand experience with communicating with one, I can report they are very amiable creatures). Also, terrifying orcs invaded the auditorium, before the second act, which led to people running from their seats. Yes, including me. However, it’s not just all this which makes the musical so mindblowingly spectacular. The beautiful sets, the striking costumes, the technical effects, the £1 million rotating floor, which made the acting look three-dimensional, the elves, orcs, dwarves and mortal men, as well as the acting, aided it to being undeniably phenomenal. Furthermore, composers, A. R. Rahman, Varttina and Christo-

pher Nightingale, produced music which made the musical shine with enchantment and was a huge stand-out feature for the show. For instance, ‘The Cat and the Moon’ is set in the trilogy’s iconic pub. This comedic song is all about festivity with its lyrics, for example, ‘Horses neighed and champed their bits / For the bloodshot Moon had lost its wits’. Furthermore, the Elven language enabled a vital magical element. For instance, in the song ‘The Road Goes On’, there is lyrics such as, ‘Númenna! Auta i ré. Yallume! Hilya!’ Translated into English, this means, ‘Into the West, the day is passing. It is here at last! Follow!’ All the songs can be found on YouTube, and trust me, they are well worth a listen! Having seen the musical twice, Laura Michelle Kelly, who played Lady Galadriel, was the standout character for me. Her voice

soared as much as she did. The remaining characters’ voices were very well situated in the cultures they were meant to inhabit, which added to the brilliantness of the show, and the musical, itself, kept to Tolkien’s trilogy excellently. The Lord of the Rings musical may have taken its final blow on July 19, 2008, but there’s no need to be dismayed. The Lord of the Rings musical is preparing for a World Tour in 2015 where the magic, charm and allurement of Tolkien’s Middle Earth could grace London’s West End once again!

Spark* Friday 21 February 2014

arts.spark@reading.ac.uk

ARTS&BOOKS 25

Post-Valentines day blues?

Missing the love, or sick of it, here’s something for you...

Top 5 fictional Strong fictional ladies couples louise ingham

The saying goes that “behind every great man there’s a great woman”. Everyone has their favourite female character and loves their strength, whether it originates from their moral compass, loyalty or their ability to wield a weapon.

Liberty Jackson

As Valentines Day disappears into the distance it doesn’t mean we have to stop celebrating the love! So take a look at these five fictional favourite couples...

1. Katniss Everdeen

1. Ally and Noah – The Notebook:

Who doesn’t want Ryan Gosling to be their future hubby? The amount of memes on Facebook demonstrates just how much love us girls all have for him. The Notebook is wholly responsible for this adoration, as Noah and Ally live the unstoppable love story. The weepiest film since Titanic according to critics, we watch Noah and Ally defy the odds and prove that love really does conquer all. The best bit, is of course, is that Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling were a real life couple for two years after the film wrapped.

2. Monica and Chandler - Friends:

Everybody wants to be Rachel in Friends right? But if you really think about it Monica’s the girl with the fairytale ending come the series finale. What makes this couple so sweet is the rarity of two friends falling in love. You could argue the same for Rachel and Ross, but neither Chandler nor Monica had feelings for each other before London, which to me makes this all the more special. From hiding in the bathtub to avoid Joey to perhaps the most romantic TV proposal, this surprise romance had us all hooked.

3. Jess and Nick - New Girl:

New Girl is just the best thing ever. Who doesn’t want to be Jess Day with her constant singing and sunny attitude. Just me? Oh ok… Whilst I would argue that New Girl did not really need an in house romance, we could all spot this blossoming from the very start. The petty arguments and cheeky looks proved to be too much for our quirky pair, and a sneaky (electrifying) kiss behind Russell’s

back led to them finally admitting to their feelings for each other. YAY.

4.Hermione and Ron – Harry Potter:

Sorry Harry Potter fans but after book/film number three I got a bit tired of a storyline with no thrilling romance. I’m a sucker for a good love story. And despite her recent claims of regret, I love the Hermione/Ron storyline. I’m pretty sure I squealed when Ron said Hermione’s name in the hospital bed. Sweet, innocent and just what every girl dreams about growing up; that someone will love her exactly as she is. Bridget Jones anyone?

5. Mary and Matthew - Downton Abbey:

Matthew is just the perfect gentleman isn’t he? So sweet and kind to Mary despite her hot head and constant demands – without being a pushover. He is perfection. Always doing the right thing, and clearly head over heels with Lady Crawley from the off. I don’t know about anyone else but I hated Lavinia for getting in the way. Though she denied it for a long time, it was clear that the Crawleys were destined for each other. The proposal was perfect, the wedding was magical. Too unrealistic to last according to Mr Fellowes though, (aka Dan Stevens got a job on Broadway) which ruined the majority of the population’s 2012 Christmas!

‘The Hunger Games’ series by Suzanne Collins. It seems almost the entire world has read ‘The Hunger Games’ series by Suzanne Collins, or at least seen the movies. Who doesn’t love the clever, resourceful and fierce Katniss? The book’s protagonist survives two Hunger Games and starts an uprising against the oppressive capitol almost single handed… not bad for someone who isn’t even eighteen. Her strength shines through along with her determination, loyalty to the ones she loves and her skills with a bow. I am sure she has got young girls everywhere begging their mums to let them take archery classes.

2. Elizabeth Bennet

Elizabeth Bennet from Jane Austen’s ‘Pride and Prejudice’ has always struck me as a quietly brilliant character. In a world of people obsessed with rising through the ranks of society and the nitty-gritty rules that accompany such a world, she manages to keep her head. She is clever, kind and wonderfully witty. Just like

all the other characters she has her flaws including her mistaken prejudice which causes upset between her and her future husband, Mr Darcy, but she overcomes this. Due to her level-headedness she manages to find love in a world of propriety yet never sacrifices her individuality.

3. Amy Bellafonte

If you enjoy a supernatural thriller and have not read ‘The Passage’ by Justin Cronin, I strongly urge you to do so. Cronin asked his young daughter what he should write about and she replied “a book about vampires, and a girl who saves the world.” Amy Bellafonte is one of the protagonists of the story where in a world of people infected by a virus that turns them into horrible flesh eating, blood sucking monsters, she is immune and carries in her a cure. She’s only a young girl yet she fights against hordes of these monsters, controls them with telepathy and is the world’s only real hope of survival. I’d certainly call these the qualities of a tough, fearless female character.

4. Hermione Granger

In J.K Rowling’s ‘Harry Potter’ series without a doubt the smartest, most resourceful, and also most smug and annoying character is Hermione Granger. She begins the series as an obnoxious knowit-all but her ability to devour knowledge from the books she

reads constantly comes in handy. As you read on, her good qualities appear – her kindness, her bravery and the fact that she always sticks up for the little people like shy, awkward Neville Longbottom or the literal little people, the house elves with her charity S.P.EW. Harry could never have defeated Voldemort without her help.

5. The Wife of Bath

From Geoffrey Chaucer’s compilation of stories ‘The Canterbury Tales’ comes one of the most vivid, funny and brilliant characters of the entire collection. The Wife of Bath, or Alyson as she is known to her friends, winds up with the longest and most detailed of all the prologues and it even out does her tale in size and in quality. The Wife is unafraid in announcing to anyone and everyone her bold sexual appetite and flits through husband after husband, claiming both their money and their hearts. She knows how to control men and manipulate them for all she’s worth. All in all - she’s a man eater, and a hilarious, unashamed one at that. Despite all their individuality, strength and independence, all but one of my top five characters eventually find romance in a happy, long-term relationship – feminism seems to come in many forms these days! For Amy Bellafonte, perhaps saving the world and living ‘happy ever after’ is a little too much to hope for.

Romantic reads

If you enjoyed a quiet night in this Valentine’s Day, and wanted nothing more than to curl up with a good book to bring some romance into your life then this is for you. Whether you fancy a classic romance novel, a modern heartwrencher or something a little more risky, this guide has something for whatever mood you are in. emily glanfield

The Heart-Breaking One:

- The Time Traveller’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger The beautiful science fiction tale of time-traveller, Henry is a story that will leave you in tears. If you want a book that will draw you in, leaving you lost in its pages, then this is the one for you this Valentine’s Day. It’s a true love story that really does pull on the heart strings.

The Classic One

- Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austin Set in 19th Century England, this classic love story tells of the difficulty in overcoming pride and prejudice. The one and only Mr. Darcy must overcome his pride and Elizabeth Bennet must overcome her prejudice. If you are going to read anything this Valentine’s Day, the world’s most famous love story surely has to be top of your list.

The Risky One

- Fifty Shades of Grey by E. L. James If you want to try something a little different and be a little daring this Valentine’s Day, then why not try the notorious Fifty Shades of Grey. The steamy tale of ‘good girl turned bad’ Anastasia Steele, is full of seduction and passion, not to mention the infamous Mr. Grey; the business man with a dark secret and sordid past. Try this one if you dare.

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Friday 21 February 2014 Spark*

Spark* Friday 21 February 2014

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FILM&TV 27

film&TV

Robocop: Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Is it some acting?! Directed by: Jose Padilha Starring: Abbie Cornish, Gary Oldman, Joel Kinnaman, Samuel L. Jackson Running Time: 118mins Genre: Sci-Fi/Action

Unfortunately the other half weren’t so enjoyable. The central two characters, Alex and Clara Murphy, seemed so cardboard that they were outacted by the actor playing their son – who was alright, but hardly the most riveting child actor that I’ve seen on film. The other actors involved were trying, but they seemed to be trying for stock, uninspired performances that left me rolling my eyes.

Siobhan Whitebread

Some bits of Robocop are actively enjoyable! No, seriously, it most certainly isn’t the worst film that I’ve ever seen. And, for what I was expecting, it’s actually pretty alright. It isn’t awful, it at no point indulges in punching you in the face, it doesn’t make you want to weep tears of blood like certain other remakes I could mention – it’s acceptable, vaguely competent, almost good at some points! …Almost being the key word. In 2028 the world (specifically America) is still generally corrupt and filled with people who deserve punching. The new hot button issue is that of robots – used widely in other countries, they’re regarded with distrust and downright fear in America. A status quo that OmniCorp, with the unwilling help

Everybody that you’d expect to give an of quickly injured cop Alex Murphy (Joel Kinnaman), is looking to change…

It’s acceptable, vaguely competent, almost good at some points! The set-up is interesting, and continues to be interesting through the first half of the film. There are most definitely ideas being presented – and the plot keeps brush-

ing up against them in a slightly fragile way, highlighting just how excellent they’d be if used correctly. Likewise, everybody that you’d expect to give an excellent performance does so. It took me a while to recognize Gary Oldman, but he gave a coolly competent appearance that managed to carry the film a great deal. And Samuel L. Jackson was criminally unused, his frothing talk show host stealing the show every time he was on screen.

excellent performance does so The above statement also extends to the second half of the film. The first half did, at least, attempt to be interesting in short bursts. The second half was an insanity of not particularly interesting explosions and slightly hysterical plot, an orgy of loud noises that didn’t particularly seem to know where it was going. In the end, as I’ve been reliably informed, it settled simply for rehashing the superior original

in a manner that felt more like a futile shrug than anything else. Robocop wasn’t actively awful, but I can in no way justify it as good. It had some interesting ideas and some interesting actors, but squandered both in a second half purely focused on meaninglessly loud violence and actors seemingly trying their best to be resolutely cardboard or hopelessly annoying. It wasn’t a slap in the face, but it was slightly annoying for a good half of its runtime – and life is really far too short to feel that frustrated for that amount of time.

That Awkward Moment: Awkwardly led by Zac Efron Directed by: Tom Gormican Starring: Zac Efron, Michael B.Jordan, Miles Teller, Imogen Poots Running time: 94mins Genre: Romantic comedy Tom Flew

The latest in a hopefully shortlived trend of rom-coms which attempt to subvert and modernise

the genre, That Awkward Moment details the ‘romantic’ adventures of Jason (Zac Efron); a shamelessly misogynistic twenty-something who fears relationships to an unnerving degree. With his two closest friends also finding themselves single – Mikey (Michael B. Jordan) having recently discovered his wife’s infidelity – Jason seizes the opportunity to relive the hedonistic college days which he has not yet outgrown. What more could a guy possibly want? Right?

As pleasant and occasionally amusing as Mikey and Daniel (Miles Teller) were as his two best buds, they serve as only minor distractions from Jason and his current interest Ellie (Imogen Poots). As well as rising star Poots does in her shallow role, there is a severe mismatch here. We are left wondering how her character can be as stupid as to have any interest in a man who has a “roster” of women – a turn of phrase that is as outrageous as it is disappointing which he rotates as he sees fit. Bizarrely, however, That Awkward Moment is a far cry from the absolute irritant which it could so easily have become. It may induce more astonished guffaws and eye-rolls than genuine laughs, but thanks predominantly to its supporting cast the film does manage to wrestle the audience onto its side for brief moments. The subplots featuring Mikey and Daniel bring about the best and most original moments of the thankfully short running time, these relationships feeling a little more genuine than the unbelievable and far-too-

easy match-up between Jason and Ellie. Writer/director Tom Gormican’s attempt to create a new, modern kind of rom-com (which in my opinion) falters immediately thanks to its unbelievably dated gender politics, as well as its increasingly exhausting reliance on the clichés that it appears so desperate to avoid. In my opinion and what I find baffling is the decision to create perhaps one of the worst romantic leads in cinematic history. I be-

lieve Efron squanders the efforts of a solid and often funny supporting cast. Zac Efron is an easy target for criticism when he takes such roles such as this, what an unfortunate waste of the potential.

FILM NEWS IN BRIEF: Sacha Baron Cohen’s new movie, Grimsby, in which he will play both lead characters, has been set for release on 31 July 2015...

28 FILM&TV

Friday 21 February 2014 Spark*

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film&TV

Mr. Peabody and Sherman: Truly barking mad! Directed By: Rob Minkoff Starring: Ty Burrell, Max Charles, Ariel Winter Running Time: 92mins Genre: Animation/Comedy Jonathan Edney

Given that Mr Peabody, the smartest dog in existence, used to appear in a 50s/60s television programme, the youth of today might be forgiven for thinking that he was an original character but regardless of whether you are familiar with the original stories, Rob Minkoff brings the character into the twenty-first century in a wildly inventive and funny animation.

machine to travel through time. However, when Sherman takes a fellow student back in time to prove he’s not making his fantastical knowledge of history up, chaos ensues.

time travel is rarely this barking (sorry) mad outside of Doctor Who The concept of a dog adopting a boy is barmy to start with and it only gets barmier from there, as the WABAC crew take in Renais-

The animation is vibrant and colourful, with many impressive sequences

sance Italy, Ancient Egypt and the Trojan War. Although the sequences are entertaining and creative, they also make the film episodic, which is perhaps not surprising given that it would have originally been an adventure per episode. I also found that although I was laughing at many of the jokes, I wasn’t sure if very young children would get them at all, as many of them depend on a basic knowledge of history and culture, such as the Mona Lisa not smiling. There is however enough generally silly humour to keep kids interested and even if they don’t know much about history, they can certainly learn some basic facts from Peabody and Sherman’s escapades.

I was laughing at many of the jokes [but] I wasn’t sure if very young children would get them at all...

As with the original character, Mr Peabody adopted an orphaned/ abandoned child called Sherman and as a means of educating him about history, uses his WABAC

The animation is vibrant and colourful, with many impressive sequences but the film is given its

heart through the father-son relationship of Peabody and Sherman. Ty Burrell brings a brilliant air of superiority to the brainiac dog that also possesses a great deal of wit demonstrated through various puns (a dog after my own heart!) but also makes sure the affection for Sherman shines through and the film’s most touching moments come from the more meaningful exchanges between the pair. There is also sterling work from great

character actors such as Patrick Warburton and Stanley Tucci that add life to historical figures such as Leonardo Da Vinci and Agamemnon. Although a far cry from Minkoff’s other animated film (some film called The Lion King), time travel is rarely this barking (sorry) mad outside of Doctor Who.

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Dallas Buyers Club: Matthew MacGonetotheoscars Directed by: Jean-Mark Vallée Starring: Matthew MacConaughey, Jared Leto, Jennifer Garner Running time: 177 mins Genre: Drama

couldn’t have AID’s because he was straight and his friends turning on him because they believed he must have caught it off a man.

MacConaughey has transformed himself in recent years going from rom-com bore to indie darling

Oliver Dickinson

Matthew MacConaughey has transformed himself in recent years going from rom-com bore to indie darling. He has started taking more complex roles in films like 2012’s Mud and it has seriously payed off, MacConaughey has proved he can perform these roles in a sensitive way portraying serious issues and emotions.

The film raises serious issues about misconceptions of AIDS Dallas Buyers Club is his finest example. MacConaughey plays Ron Woodroof, a Texan electrician, hustler, womanizer and drug addict. Woodroof lives in a very

masculine and conservative world where at the start of the film he is seen with a prostitute using cocaine in a bull fighting arena, an image summing up the destruction of his lifestyle, and making homophobic jokes with his friends. His world is shattered when he is told that he has HIV, telling the doctors they have made a mistake, he is alienated by his friends and is left becoming more and more ill until admitted into hospital after passing out. There he meets transvestite Rayon, played by Jared

Leto, who completely challenges the heterosexual and homophobic world that Woodroof occupies.

Watching this film you see MacConaughey’s dedication to the role The film raises serious issues about misconceptions of AIDS, particularly the belief of it being the “gay plague”. This character believed at the beginning that he

have lost a lot of weight as the film leaves striking images of him suffering and extremely thin with his bones showing. Leto also gives a fantastic performance as the films heart Rayon, MacConaughey and Leto work well to produce a dysfunctional duo. This film is a serious contender this awards season.

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The film shows the delicate transformation of the character and his understanding of the disease he is suffering from. It also raises serious issues about how people with HIV and AID’s are being treated. The film is set in the eighties and shows the desperation in getting drugs that treat the disease and the greed of the medical corporations. This film has a serious heart and you really feel that you know the characters and care for their cause even though you are routing for a character that at the beginning of the film you despised. Watching this film you see MacConaughey’s dedication to the role, even in his appearance. He must

FILM NEWS IN BRIEF: Sacha Baron Cohen’s new movie, Grimsby, in which he will play both lead characters, has been set for release on 31 July 2015...

Spark* Friday 21 February 2014

Directed by: James Cameron Starring: Sigourney Weavey, Michael Biehn and Carrie Henn Running time: 137mins Genre: Action-Adventure/ Sci-Fi

film.spark@reading.ac.uk

Retro Review: Aliens (1986)

greater elaboration in subsequent films.

Usually when money is thrown at a film it’s because something about it is weak, but not in this case.

Jack Marshall

As far as movie sequels go, Aliens is the best I have ever seen. Not only does it stay true to the themes of the first film that preceded it (Alien, 1979) – despite diverging from the horror genre into the action/adventure subset – but it expands upon the mythology in a way that is enough to entice and intrigue whilst still allowing for

FILM&TV 29

Returning from the events of Alien, Ellen Ripley (Sigourney Weaver) finds herself awoken from hyper sleep 57 years later. With her daughter dead and no one believing her story about the fate of her crew, she hasn’t got much going for her. That is until a colony of humans on the planet where Alien took place loses contact with Earth and she’s sent there as an

analyst alongside a team of highly trained fighters to investigate and destroy the alien organism. I was lured into watching this film (many months after watching Alien) when I learned that it was directed by James Cameron. Cameron is a king of sci-fi and adventure: The Terminator franchise, True Lies (1994) and Avatar (2009) to name some of the most successful sci-fi and action films. His participation within the Alien franchise is not a disappointment and maintains the high standard of directing. The score by James Horner cranks up the tension and adds an encompassing atmosphere, with sounds that Cameron would go on to employ in Titanic (1997) for the exact same purpose.

Action-packed, thrilling, scary and polished to an incredible finish The second film was afforded a much larger budget than the first film, and it shows. The models used for spaceships are blended well with space scenery considering it was the 80’s and the production sets look and feel immersive and realistic. It is clear that no costs were spared in the making of Aliens. Usually when money

is thrown at a film it’s because something about it is weak, but not in this case. Sigourney Weaver effortlessly reprises her role as the tortured Ellen Ripley, developing her character further in the aftermath of the trauma that she has experienced. The loss of her daughter after being in hyper sleep is especially touching and a theme that continues through the film where Ripley risks everything to keep Newt (Carrie Henn) – a young girl and the only survivor of the colony – alive and safe. Weaver’s performance is truly outstanding and beyond worthy of the Best Actress Academy Award nomination (she should have won!) at a time

when Sci-Fi as a genre was heavily undervalued. The rest of the cast seems overwhelmingly large at first, but in true Alien-style it is not long until this is significantly reduced and the viewer can get to grips with the personalities and occasionally overbearing egos of the supporting cast. Action-packed, thrilling, scary and polished to an incredible finish for an 80’s sci-fi outing, Aliens is everything the sequel to the classic Alien should have been, and more.

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Lone Survivor: a good war film prevented from being great Directed by: Peter Berg Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Taylor Kitsch, Emile Hirsch, Ben Foster Running Time: 121mins Genre: Action/Biography

style of the main action sequence includes some shaky-cam which justify their franticness amidst chaos, and the Foley design of every hit and shot were sometimes better at portraying the reality of battle than Black Hawk Down.

Matthew Crowe

the calibre of acting allows us to engage with them despite lack of screen-time

At times Lone Survivor seems a confused movie. Not confusing in terms of story, but the film’s intentions.

The actions scenes in Lone Survivor are compelling in their brutality The interesting moral quandaries that Lone Survivor brings up, like the moment where half the patrol are willing to kill shepherds that will compromise their position but eventually let them go, are never given enough time to actually contemplate, to the point where the final scenes are confusing as to whether they act as a third act or a coda.

Some of this though is criticising a film for something it’s not, which is unfair. The film that we have, based on the bestselling memoir (the conclusion somewhat spoiled by the title), is that of a lone survivor detailing the accounts of a botched mission in Afghanistan, and director Peter Berg uses this narrative to give us a (from reports, accurate) representation of the field life and hardships of Navy SEALS. This could also be a counter-film to that of Berg’s

previous “war-on-terror” work The Kingdom, which was criticised by some reviewers for being too “pandering” and full of “wish fulfilment” (though the movie is still engaging in a Rambo: First Blood II style). That is not the case here. The actions scenes in Lone Survivor are compelling in their brutality, and it is hard not to wince at the film’s more cliff jumping set-pieces. Particularly worthy of praise is both the visual and sound design; the

However some directorial choices undermine these elements. There are a copious number of extreme close-ups of bullets penetrating bodies and the battered faces of soldiers. Rather than displaying the nobility of their fighting, Lone Survivor concentrates on the pointlessness of their deaths. I don’t wish to use the cliché “war porn” to describe these moments, but in some instances it is hard not to, particularly as the score can be occasionally misplaced and sentimentalised. In fact in the midst of this carnage it’s hard to forget that the movie has not had much time to establish these characters. Fortu-

nately the calibre of acting allows us to engage with them despite lack of screen-time. Mark Walhberg’s tough-guy persona works to the film’s advantage, Taylor Kitsch’s portrayal of leadership proves he is a fine actor despite recent roles and Ben Foster continues to prove himself one of Hollywood’s best and most overlooked actors. Lone Survivor is a good war movie, but its focus prevents it from being a great one. The film’s intentions seem entirely noble, but it could have done with one less look at a bloodied face and one more look at the script.

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FILM NEWS IN BRIEF: The competition to produce a live-action version of The Jungle Book is hotting up with Ron Howard the latest name in the mix!

30 FILM&TV

Friday 21 February 2014 Spark*

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film&TV

The Lego Movie: A triumphant “kids movie” that everyone will love Directed by: Phil Lord, Christopher Miller Starring: Chris Pratt, Elizabeth Banks, Will Arnett Running Time: 100mins Genre: Animation/Action/ Comedy Matthew Crowe

Everything is wrong with the phrase “just a kid’s movie”. There is an implication in that which says the entertainment we expose children to isn’t important. That is not true. Some of the first movies I remember seeing were Toy Story 1 and 2 back-to-back and I know it helped shape my attitude on quality. If you expose and tolerate rubbish movies for children, they grow up with low standards, and will perhaps find it harder to recognise great artistic craft.

The Lego Movie is the kind of film I wanted to see as a child. It was inventive, funny and didn’t feel the need to pander to lowest common denominator. But both the humour and nostalgic elements, particularly in the Kaufman-esque final act, ensure it has another layer of both teenager and adult audiences. The

movie feels modern without me putting that in quotation marks. Even when jokes are pop-culture based, such as the ribbing of cinema’s brooding representations of Batman - in a hilarious turn from Will Arnett - we forget how much that culture already affects our youth (I heard a young girl exclaim “BATMAN” in the cinema).

Jack Ryan - Shadow Recruit: Good but forgettable Directed by: Kenneth Branagh Starring: Chris Pine, Kenneth Branagh, Keira Knightley, Kevin Costner Running time: 105mins Genre: Action/ Thriller Michelle Badipe

From the director who brought you Thor, comes a forgettable film based on one of Tom Clancy’s famous characters: C.I.A Agent Jack Ryan. Whilst watching the film, I was enthralled by the thrills of the chase and amazed by Kenneth Branagh’s impeccable Russian accent. But once the credits rolled and I had dusted off the popcorn

that managed to get lodged behind my knee, I had forgotten what I had just watched. The movie wasn’t terrible by any means, it was well done, and full of fist clenching suspense, but it wasn’t memorable. Kenneth Branagh sets the scene in our current age: Jack Ryan emerges from the war in Iraq and is launched into the world of espionage. The villains he faces are the archetypal Russians, and the crisis is an intelligent plot to destroy the U.S economy, landing them in a second Great Depression.

it was well done...but it wasn’t memorable. The movie places Tom Clancy’s character in our current economic and cultural climate. He assumes his role as an employee on Wall Street, the same role he had in some of his earlier appearances. However he is placed in our current framework, which creates a new and interesting dynamic to the film. Keira Knightley plays Dr. Cathy Muller, Jack Ryan’s fiancé. Apart from her awkward American accent, and the adjustment I had to make seeing her in scrubs and not a gown from a period drama,

Essentially a riff on every monomyth b******t that has plagued blockbusters since Star Wars, Emmet (Chris Pratt) is an ordinary worker who listens to an annoyingly catchy song and simply follows instructions. But when he is mistaken for the “Special” he must work with the master builders to stop President Business from gluing the Lego universe together. The casting of role big and small feels flawless. Liam Neeson and Morgan send up their public personas, but the movie takes risks with its leads, such as Pratt – this year’s likely breakout star – as the relatable hero, and Elizabeth Banks as Wildstyle, one part badass female send-up and another part youthful soul. Also Will Ferrell displays both humour and pathos reminiscent of his role in Stranger than Fiction. Lord and Miller – the masters of unexpected mainstream maturity - create a beautiful animation style that evokes comparisons to Aard-

man, and the writing allows both their imagination to run free and the intelligent storytelling to stand out. From the dropping frame rates to recognising the flaw in the story message “you are special because we tell you to be”, it hits intelligent elements in a manner not really seen since great-period Pixar. Despite all the ways it could have gone wrong and just been a cynical toy commercial, the film triumphs by not falling into the traps of films like Battleship: it’s not just a movie involving Lego, it is in many ways about Lego. And when it comes to family entertainment, The Lego Movie is not just great, it deserves to be influential. Now where did I put my Lego?

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This fortnight at the RFT... Student Tickets: £5.50

The Reading Film Theatre was established 40 years ago as an independant cinema with a policy to show the best films from around the world. With a mix of mainstream films and independant cinema, as well as foreign-language films, there is something for everyone and all are welcome. Below is a listing of showings for the upcoming fortnight...

Tuesday 25th February (8.00 PM) The Phantom of the Opera (PG)

Knightley’s performance was stellar; she brought an interesting air of elegance to the role of Ryan’s love interest. But the performance that stole the show was Kenneth Branagh’s portrayal of Russian villain, Cheverin. I found myself fascinated with Branagh’s portrayal of Chevrin’s coldness, and I found the motive for which he had decided to target America as interesting and thought provoking. Over all despite the immediate thrills of Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit, the film was forgettable. If you’re looking for a simple easy move night with friends then this movie is for you, but don’t expect anything extraordinary.

Thursday 27th February (7.45 PM) Marius (12A) Tuesday 4th March (7.45 PM) Saving Mr. Banks (PG) Wednesday 5th March (7.30 PM) The Kingdom (15)

Prices: Members £5.50 Non-members £7.50

RFT@reading.ac.uk www.Readingfilmtheatre.co.uk

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FILM NEWS IN BRIEF: Channel 4’s drama Utopia is set to be remade by David Fincher for HBO. If HBO’s reputation is anything to go by it should be good!

Spark* Friday 21 February 2014

gaming.spark@reading.ac.uk

GAMING 31

GAMING

Review: Lego Lord of the Rings Lego meets Middle Earth? You wants it! Gabrielle Linnett

Lego is something that most people will recognise as building blocks, providing hours of fun, either alone or with others. However the joy does not have to end when you have lost all of the little pieces somewhere in the cupboard under the stairs. Gamers are also able to enjoy the franchise, with similar perks, all from their games console. Lego games have a standardised designed and expectation; Lego Lord of the Rings is no exception. Making your way from The Shire to the depths of Mordor, gamers play as a number of different characters from the movies to solve puzzles and progress through this platforming game. Lego Lord of the Rings follows the trilogy of films very closely, which provides the game with one of its biggest perks. As players advance through the story, the game is filled withh Lego recreated scenes from the films, the magnificent

movie score overlyaed justas in the films. These interluding sequences really add to the games aesthetic quality; who could forget Gandalf’s classic “You shall not pass!”, the novelty of watching it in Lego-form allows the franchise’s speciality to shine. The music throughout the game is also taken from films, providing the eerie background for when you get closer to a character’s ill fate.

The game follows the trilogy of films very closely, which is by far its shining feature The game still has its setbacks however, the main one being controls. When fighting off an army of orcs, players thrash at their buttons hoping to attack something and come out of it with enough hearts. Playing this game makes that task a little difficult as the controls are not totally responsive, often the aim is off and your

character will stand there hitting the air once you’ve already pulled your joystick as far down as it will go.

Characters need to be responsive to the player’s direction, but instead we’re forced to attempt that fight again because the timing was all off. Adding to this frustration is the companion you travel with. As the player’s character changes for the various stages, so does the companion, changing from noble Legolas and the mighty Gimli to Gollum. Despite which character you are fighting alongside, there is always an element of disappointment; the companion never seems to make a big difference. When in combat the companion might take out a few of the enemy, but it will always be down to the player to save the day. Similarly the companion is not prone to rescuing you when things get a bit much. The usefulness of the companion starts, and ends, with the puzzles which require both characters or specific characters’

The charm and playfulness of previous Lego titles is here in bounds abilities. The silver lining is that it!), even if the characters need when the companion breaks into their functions, animationas and little pieces and is restored, play- motions a litt bit more fine-tuned. ers do not lose any of their coins. The beloved Lego treatment Overall Lego Lord of the Rings here saves the day, the charm is a fun platforming game which and delight of previous titles is remains loyal to the three films here in an absolute abundance it’s based upon. The inspiration and will have you grinning form drawn from the films makes ear to ear, it’s just such a shame game-play an adventure of nos- theat a few little niggles are talgia (The Fellowship of the Ring enough to stop this being the came out in 2001, can you believe best Lego tie-in game to date.

Feature: the Flappy Birds phenomena The free to play game that sent everyone into a flap Gabrielle Linnett

The last couple of weeks have seen the game Flappy Bird turn into a full blown trend. For those who aren’t aware, Flappy Bird has players furiously tapping their smartphone screens trying to avoid Mario-styled green pipes. At first instance it seems like a colourful version of the helicopter game we all played on the internet. The Mario-style background creates a charming game, added by the colour changing ‘bird’. However, eager newbies looking to find out what it’s all about are deprived of their chance to play Flappy Bird as it was voluntarily removed from the Appstore by the developer, after rumours circulated that the new craze was in fact copied from another game. This hasn’t stopped fellow developers fill-

ing Apple’s top chart of free apps with games that are strikingly similar to the pipe-dodging game.

At one point the developer was earning $50,000 a day from Ad revenue, so why pull it? Currently in the Appstore’s top 10 free apps, Ironpants shares the same format as Flappy Bird but substitutes the little fish for a little man with pants over his skinsuit. Ironpants does have the advantage of smoother movement, rather than springing up Ironpants glides, making it easier for players to fly. But the game left this writer infuriated as it is difficult to gage how quickly the character reacts to your tapping at first.

The problem passes, as you would expect, but the first tower (instead of the green pipes) comes very quickly and is not forgiving when newbies are learning the ropes. Adding to this fury are the occasional adverts that appear during gameplay, blinding players and causing them to crash. Game over. It is widely accepted that many games need built-in advertising slots to keep them free to download, but developers must reconsider this logistically flawed advert location; it will push players away. Splashy Fish, however, has constant adverts along the bottom of the screen, which are far less intrusive. This Flappy Bird-related game stars a character with an even closer resemblance to the Cheep Cheeps of the Super Mario Bros. games. Players have to guide ‘Splashy Fish’ between pil-

lars and as the game progresses players collect treasure such as golden fins and crowns. Splashy Fish is a slower paced game than Ironpants, but the spring action makes it addictively annoying as players judge the gap between columns and the size of jumps.

Plenty of Flappy Bird clones have taken it’s place, but are they as good as the original? So fear not would-be Flappy Bird players, Ironpants and Splashy Fish are available on the Apple Appstore in the top chart of free apps, alongside all manner of other Flappy Bird clones that play almost identically. Download one and join in on this tap-game craze today!

The one screen we’ve all seen!

32 MUSIC

Friday 21 February 2014

music.spark@reading.ac.uk

music

NEWS

LIVE REVIEW British DJ Richy Ahmed took to Sub89 last week...

Richy Ahmed Sub89 siobhan maguire

To round off the first month of 2014, Cubed succeeded once again in bringing a panoply of new and upcoming DJ’s to Sub89. With Jamie Stedman, Dolla, Low sole, B2B and Hi-Fen on the bill, the night was set to be massive and that’s exactly what it was. The place was full and the atmosphere was buzzing. Pretty much everyone was waiting in anticipation for the headline act; Richy Ahmed. London based Ahmed is at the fore front of new and upcoming DJ’s. Celebrated by Radio 1 and playing gigs worldwide from Nevada to Ibiza, Sub89 was blessed to have such a talent on its stage. Ahmed has sped to fame in a short space of time, though his presence in the ‘Renaissance’ of dance music has been long lasting. He has been at the centre of the changes which have taken place in the genre for some time, not only playing at various festivals and venues but also producing a wealth of tunes

to add to his catalogue. Ahmed is seen to have redefined house music by bringing it into the contemporary. His music blends a range of genres, from disco and techno funk to hip hop and this resonates throughout each one of his songs. On the night, Ahmed presented a range of his tracks to an excited crowd. His debut song, ‘The Drums’ did not fail to be popular.

Richy Ahmed is at the fore front of new and upcoming DJs The track merges elements of Ahmed’s favourite Chicago house music with original hip hop sounds which is one of the things that makes his music stand out. The classic dance beats combined with a hip hop vibe makes the track upbeat, and this got the crowd going. His set was enhanced by the graphics and lights which encompassed Ahmed onstage and this only made the atmosphere more intense.

ALBUM REVIEW Warpaint Self-Titled rough trade

james heighway

There has been a lot of attention focused on Warpaint’s second self-titled album as it dropped into record stores in early January, and from listening to the band’s sopohmore attempt, I can easily understand the reasons for such attention. The album’s opening track ironically titled ‘Intro’ is as natural sounding as it is grand, and offers the listener the chance to personally feel as if they are at a Warpaint gig listening to one of their sound checks. This seamlessly proceeds into the infectious opening tremolo-effect guitar riff of ‘Keep it Healthy’ which is later accompanied by a warm bass and a wall of choral vocals. ‘Love is to Die’ arguably the biggest track on the album, contains a cocktail

mixture of sonic shoegaze and synthesised guitar effects, with a hard hitting bold chorus. With ‘Hi’ the pace of the album initially slows down with a soothing bass line and the dreamy vocals of Emily Kokal and company. A track more progressive in its genre, is reminiscent of Metric’s ‘Artificial Nocturne’, and puts electronic loops to use, highlighting the bands broadened musical direction and vision. This is followed by the epic sci-fi space pop ‘Biggy’, a track that I could easily imagine featuring on a Ridley Scott film score.

It almost feels like being at a Warpaint gig listening to a sound check ‘Teese’ a gentle acoustic number, features a delightful array of sounds including the use of trum-

Spark*

His tracks never failed to please the crowd His other tracks including ‘Your Love’ all debuted the Sub89 stage and never failed to please the crowd. Each track sounded different whilst still demonstrating Ahmed’s style and sound which is so individual to him. The night was full of great Dj’s and music, though it was Ahmed who stood out. His music has an element of calm about it, cool sounds which can be listened to anywhere. They

are as equally suited to afternoon listening as they are to an environment like Sub89 and this versatility can only be commended, a perfect fit for the pending summer months. Ahmed is sure to be busy covering the festival circuit gigging across the world and what with his recent rise to fame, the only way seems to be up for the DJ! With live shows like this, he is definitely someone to look out for in the rest of 2014, and could soon see himself becoming the new king of British house music.

Radio 1 have just announced that the official UK Top 40 is getting a shake up. The chart will include streaming in it’s calculation of sales, meaning that online services such as Youtube and Spotify will be included in the countdown, supposedly from as early as this summer. Although a separate streaming chart has existed for a while now, this is the first time that streaming will be included in the overall Top 40, although in areas such as Germany and America streaming has been included in since early 2013. Meanwhile, current chart-toppers Clean Bandit have also just broken the record for the most played track in a single week on Spotify; ‘Rather Be’ was streamed 1.09 million times in a 7 day period, giving it a total of 3 million plays overall.

James reviews Warpaint’s second album this week... pet synths. ‘Disco/Very’ sounds a lot like the band’s attempt of writing a dream-pop dance anthem, and seems to do this with much avail. This track says much about the musical direction of Warpaint, and previous space rock gods Pink Floyd followed the same line with their disco-beat prog ‘Another Brick In the Wall (Part two)’ on their monster concept album The Wall (1979). ‘Go In’ again highlights the band’s more experimental, organic and psychedelic sound, employing a heavily reverb hall echo effect on the drums.

The tracks say much about the direction Warpaint are going in Similar experimentation has been recently employed by other bands, a notable example being Tame Impala’s phased drums on ‘Nothing That Has Happened So Far Has

Been Anything We Could Control’ from their commercial stomping album Lonerism (2012). The tempo crucially picks up again with another sonic Goliath ‘Feeling Right’. ‘CC’ marks the unconventional song writing of Warpaint and it’s a breath of fresh air to listen to with its abrupt stop-start booming bass riff. Ironically the penultimate

track ‘Drive’ almost feels as if it could easily fit onto Cliff Martinez’s astoundingly atmospheric sound score for the 2011 film of the same name. The final track, the piano driven ‘Son’ ends the album as it began: finishing with a natural organic sound. Warpaint’s self-titled second album offers a promising scope into the band’s future and while the album may not be perfect, it does what a lot of other albums fail to do in that each song retains a coherent and constant signature sound without sounding exactly the same as any of the other tracks and that is probably the mark of song writing at its best.

HHHH

marketing@rusu.co.uk

Spark* Friday 21 February 2014

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34 SCIENCE&TECHNOLOGY

Friday 21 February 2014 Spark*

SCIENCE&TECHNOLOGY

Fly genes for smooth legs? At least you’ve only got two ! ElspETH Houlding

Fed up with shaving and waxing? Well, hairy legs could be a thing of the past. A recent genetic study has discovered a new molecule to repress hair growth on the legs of the common fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, possibly creating a new method of hair removal for women, and men. Shaving, waxing and many other well-known methods of hair removal were voted Britain’s most hated beauty chore, according to Escentual.com (1). But with Spring looming, women everywhere are dusting off their razors and getting their legs out. Hair removal is regarded as the ‘holy grail’ of the beauty industry. In 2011, the hair removal market was worth US$2.1 billion, showing that tapping into this niche has hair-raising potential for businessmen and scientists.

Hair removal and related products are a perennial cash cow for the beauty industry But why are fruit flies important? Well, to biologists, the fruit fly is a powerful tool and model organism, used worldwide for genetic and developmental research due to its small genetic sequence (formed of just 4 chromosomes compared to the human’s 46), simple diet, and short life cycle. This allows scientists to analyse the DNA of a simple creature, effectively,

cheaply and quickly, before applying these concepts to large, more complex DNA sequences, like humans. Alistair McGregor and his team of scientists at Oxford Brookes University have made a new discovery during their studies of the ‘naked valley’ of Drosophila. This area on the upper leg of the fruit fly, is known to have a diverse range of ‘trichomes’ (hair-like projections), which vary in size and shape.

A molecule has been discovered that prevents hair growth - it could be a major money spinner in the future McGregor has discovered a molecule, mir-92a, that prevents trichome formation on the ‘naked valley’. This has sparked excitement, not only by geeky scientists in labs, but beauty gurus worldwide, who think that this could be the key to having permanently hair-free legs, making razors and wax strips tools of the past. McGregor’s research could be used to indicate similar molecules in the human body which could be targeted in order to prevent hair growth, saving not only your time, but money too. This method of hair removal would prevent those awkward stubbly mid-wax days and shaving accidents. However, research on fruit flies is a lot easier than humans.

The possibilities of fruit fly genomes and the future of beauty intertwined? Photo from cisr.edu Treatments like this are not likely to be available for a long while yet, as stringent research and clinical trials are needed to identify the correct molecules in the human body. The long-term effectiveness of such treatment is unknown, and scientists fear that it could prevent the growth of hair everywhere, removing beloved hair on the head, as well as eye brows and eye lashes.

There may be a risk of too much or total hair loss if used incorrectly

Could the secret of hair-free living lie in the genome of the fruit fly, and would this ever be an effective method of hair removal?

Animals have been part of our beauty regimes for a long time now Well, there’s a long while yet before we’ll see this treatment at the local beauty parlour. So for the mean time, you might just have to stick with your trusty razor. It’s not just flies and hair removal either - fish are getting

in on the beauty industry. The Garra Rufa fish, or Doctor Fish has been used to alleviate the symptoms of psoriasis for years now - as they eat the dead skin from patients suffering from the skin condition. No cure exists for it - but the fish can have real positive effects on the selfesteem and immediate condition of the patient involved. Anybody who uses nail polish too owes a debt of gratitude to insects - many brands of nail polish use shellac - a resin secreted by the bodies of the Lac bug in Thai and Indonesian forests. At this rate, they’ll be taking our jobs next...

Anything that you’d like to see done differently? Not enough focus on a topic you’re interested in? Let us know! Get onto the Spark* website, Facebook group or comment on one of the stories on

www.sparknewspaper.co.uk!

35 SCIENCE&TECHNOLOGY

Friday 21 February 2014 Spark*

SCIENCE&TECHNOLOGY

Is this becoming the age of the human exosxeleton? Aryan Alipour

An exoskeleton is an external property which normally represents the inner skeleton of its subject and is purposefully made to support and protect vital parts of the subject’s body. In nature, most exoskeletons are known as shells which are either permanent or temporary parts of the body. Certain insects such as the Dragonfly Nymph discard their ‘shells’ at the end of each cycle in their life due to growing in size. Snails and Turtles however do not shed their ‘shells’ and keep them for their entire life cycle.

Exoskeletons are a common feature of insects but researchers are looking into human applications The first time humans used artificial exoskeletons was in the use of clothing and protective clothing (Armour). The main purpose for these exoskeletons was to protect the wearer against the environment and to enhance the wearer’s life expectancy. The clothing would keep the wearer warm and shielded from the elements of nature. Armour would protect the wearer from collisions from forced and non-forced objects. Until this day, artificial exoskeletons have been used by humans to do many things and support many roles. Even a bandage or a cast can be considered to be an artificial exoskeleton to support the

wearer’s injuries and protect against the environment. With technological advancement, came the ability for humans to advance further from the basics. Artificial exoskeletons have now ranged to the use of fire retardant clothing to hardened space suits which can protect the wearer from the extreme conditions of outer space. Another use of exoskeletons has come from the use of prosthetics, which assist or replace the limbs which may have been damaged due to previous environmental or other circumstances. Due to the advancements in technology and use of energy (electricity and chemical) has allowed the creation of powered exoskeletons (this has also branched off for prosthetics in the form of bionics). Powered exoskeletons or robotic exoskeletons have only just recently been used to assist humans with various tasks whether extreme or mundane. The NASA AX-5 hard shell space suit is a powered exoskeleton which has the ability to increase the user’s ability to move flexibly with 95% kinetic movement compared to not wearing a suit at all. This is mainly due to the use of free rotational bearings which can move outside of human joint limits. Another form of powered exoskeleton technology is the ReWalk by Argo Medical Technologies. This exoskeleton is designed to support a disabled user to walk with little kinetic functions in the limbs. There are two variations, one to be used by institutions for rehabilitation and the second variation for personal use by the disabled

The amazing capabilities of the Raytheon XOS2 exoskeleton - images sourced from Raytheon.com wearer. This robotic exoskeleton is able to create kinetic energy to aid the wearer’s limb movement via the use of Haptics (technology involving levels of touch and physical feedback). There are many different forms of robotic exoskeletons which are available for medical and industrial purposes. Rex Bionics developed a pair of Robotic Exoskeleton Legs which much like the ReWalk, allows a wheelchair user to be able to walk and perform mundane tasks of which they would not normally be capable of doing. This technology has allowed wheelchair users to get back to working, operating equipment with their legs and most importantly have a more

‘normal’ life.

Imagine our clothes giving us super-strength or healing our wounds - the possibilities are endless! Although today’s exoskeletons seem technologically advanced, fiction has always shown the limitless potential of the use of robotic exoskeletons. From films such as Aliens, to games like Crysis, fiction has always been able to show what humans can do with robotic exoskeletons with enough research and time. An easy example is Iron Manbut the

recent sci-fi blockbuster featured exoskeletons also. Maybe one day we will be able to wear normal clothes which would give us the ability to do extraordinary things. Imagine what this could mean for industrial and military applications. What if we had the ability to cocoon ourselves in an exoskeleton which could heal our wounds and cure our diseases? What if we didn’t have cars and used body suits to travel? Only time can tell!

The Sci-tech section at Spark* is always on the look out for new writers! Whether you do a science, technology or engineering based course, or just love the subject, we don’t mind! Just write a 500-700 word article on a topic of your choice and you could see it in the next issue of Spark*! Check out www.sparknewspaper.co.uk for more details.

Spark*

SCIENCE&TECHNOLOGY 36

Friday 21 February 2014

‘Bird-brain’ could soon be a compliment Maddie Wilde

While your first reaction to being labelled a “bird brain” might not be overwhelming joy, take a second to reconsider the grounds behind this supposed insult before taking offense. Studies exploring the puzzle-solving abilities of birds have shown that actually, they might just be ahead of the game.

There may be a genuine possibility of some birds being cleverer than some students As the name suggests, New Caledonian crows live on the islands of New Caledonia. They survive on a diet of larvae that they remove from trees using twigs- they poke the twig into the tree bark until the larvae bites the end before pulling it out, larvae in tow. Researchers observed this behaviour and wondered if the crow’s ability to make and use these tools could be tested. They left a captive crow with a bucket of food placed inside a tube and a straight piece of wire (see image A). The only way for the crow to reach the food was to bend the end of the wire to form a hook and pull the bucket out of the tube. After 5 attempts at trying to reach the food with the straight wire (and failing) the crow bent the end of the wire to form a hook and successfully pulled the bucket out of the tube to reach the food despite never before having done the experiment or been shown how to do it.

Another example of the amazing problem solving abilities of birds comes from Goffin’s cockatoos. Following the work with New Caledonian crows, a joint research project was undertaken to test the abilities of the cockatoo when faced with a 5 step puzzle to open a hatch which would reveal food (see image B). The puzzle involved first removing a pin (#5 on the image) that was placed through the end of a screw. Once the pin was removed the screw could be undone which freed a bolt. The bolt was removed and a wheel could then be turned 90 degrees and removed before sliding a bar to open the hatch and reveal the food.

bask in the knowledge that being a “bird brain” might be a good thing after all. It’s been said that the biggest threat of world domination comes from cats with opposable thumbs- but what if Hitchcock was right and it’s the birds?

Genius cats, ingenious crows , resourceful hyenas - they’ll be taking our jobs next! It’s not just the birds either hyenas are getting in on the problem solving action too. An experiment performed by Christine Drea of Duke

University involved pairs of captive hyenas, that had to pull a rope in unison working together to release a food treat. It took less than 10 minutes and no training for the hyenas to get the problem and experienced hyenas even helped inexperienced hyenas to solve the problem at hand.

The hyenas and crows can solve problems far faster than previously thought An interesting sidenote to this experiment is that the groups of hyenas given problems

to solve did it all in silence as well. Usually in the wild, hyenas whoop at each other to communicate - but if they can do this without having to communicate with their voices, it will shed new light on how non-primate social animals can solve problems and has shown us that it isn’t just the dolphins that deserve the credit for being clever - there are a whole host of animals that deserve it too. To find out more search Youtube for “New Caledonian crow tool use” or “Goffin’s cockatoo lock puzzle” to see the experiments in action.

Even though the birds had never actually been shown the experiment, they took less than 6 attempts to solve it The birds were separated into groups: some were allowed to watch the problem being solved before attempting it, some were given it in stages and others hadn’t seen the problem at all before being asked to solve it. 10 cockatoos were given the puzzle, but one who was given the puzzle as a whole and never before seen it managed to solve it in a mere 5 attempts, which is probably less than your average student after a trip to Park Bar. So take a moment before casually muddying the reputation of the humble bird with a throwaway insult and

A New Caledonian Crow sourcing food using a tool - image copyright to Jolyn Troscianko

Free app of the week: Dyce Decider Matthew Twells

If you’re anything like me at all, you probably know someone who is chronically indecisive. Going for any kind of drink or meal becomes a battle - where to go , what to have? It drives you to distraction and insanity fraying much-needed nerves to shreds. However, a handy free new app - Dyce - is here to alleviate the pain.

Know anyone who’s chronically indecisive?

It takes how far you’re prepared to travel , picks six restaurants or bars and you roll the dice to pick one. It throws a nice element of chaos into a night out and taking the work out of organising a meal.

Dyce is an interesting, free to use app that makes going out far easier Dyce is a lovely addition into a clogged market full of recommender apps - all

recommending the same places YAWN. Dyce brings some much needed fun into organising a night out with friends or work colleagues. Interested in checking the app out? Dyce is available on the Apple App store for absolutely nothing. Check it out and let us know what you think on the Spark* website! Interested in writing for Spark*? We’re always looking for new writers - check out the Sci-Tech writer’s group on Facebook for more details on where to send your article!

Spark* Friday 21 February 2014

fashion.spark@reading.ac.uk

FASHION 37

FASHION Top five Bollywood fashion moments

Lindsay Coles

Bollywood movies have played a major part in India’s ever-emerging fashion industry. Here, five iconic fashion Bollywood movie moments will be discussed. Bollywood actress, Sonam Kapoor, has wielded power in the fashion world. Kapoor starred in the 2010 film, Aisha, which was based on Jane Austen’s novel Emma. In the movie, Kapoor’s character, Aisha, carries a ‘Lady Dior’ handbag, which was first popularised by Princess Diana. Aisha became an iconic fashion Bollywood movie

after sales of the handbag soared. The 1973 Bollywood movie, Bobby, stars actress, Dimple Kapadia, who sported a sexy retro outfit which consisted of a blue and white cropped, tie-knot, polka-dot shirt and a navy, buttoned short skirt. Kapadia’s look became a huge rage among teenage girls in the ‘70s. The look was so popular, that it was recently recreated in the 2010 Bollywood movie, Once Upon a Time in Mumbai.

Furthermore, Hindi movie, Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!, starred Madhuri Dixit. Dixit wore a gold embellished and crystal-encrusted purple satin sari with a backless blouse for the movie’s song ‘Didi Tera Devar Deewana’. This outfit became a massive rage in wedding circles, verifying it as an iconic fashion Bollywood movie moment. Devdas, a 2002 Bollywood movie, uses a classic Indian style. Aishwarya Rai and Madhuri Dixit star

in the movie where they sport saris with paisley patterns, extravagant embellishments, lavish colours and excessive jewellery. This movie is worth the watch visually due to every look being awe-inspiring. The 1995 Hindi movie, Rangeela, stars Urmila Matondkar. Matondkar wore a pink and a white bustier with a tiny cascading, flowing skirt. Matondkar’s look was east-meets-west fusion and

was one of the most fashionable forward moments of the decade. This eye-opening article proves Bollywood movies deserve recognition for being fashionable and having a vast influence in the Indian fashion industry.

Primark SS14 Paul Smith Exhibition

Charlotte Coster

Primark is not the obvious store to become excited about but it seems that this coming season they have really upped their game to start competing against the big names that graces the highstreet with their presence. And the best bit is that, in spite of the pieces themselves being bang on trend, the cheap prices have remained. The cold and the rain still makes it feel like winter is never going to end, but you can receive some hope and view a light at the end of the title with this collection. There are some stereotypical items that are either pastel coloured or have broad flowery patterns, that we have come to anticipate every year within the highstreet as the spring rolls around. Macs also make an appearance, to keep us protected from those April showers. A common feature of the collection is that it embraces the bold print for SS14. With checks, large domineering spots and lace, all the predictable ones are present. I also love this funkily patterned top and skirt and the bright colours sported here will definitely chase away the dreariness of the winter. The bright colours continued throughout the majority of the col-

lection, to counteract the pale pastels that they clearly felt had to be a part of SS14. These much more cheerful items seem to be looking towards the sunnier summer! With American style slogans and cartoony prints, these much more unique items are perfect to make you stand out. And paired with the much more classic styles that are pastel coloured, the whole collection works well as an ensemble that you can wear together to be fully on trend this season.

Olivia JeffeRy

A mild January afternoon, cold enough to be wearing this season’s must have accessory: a fur collar. Although rather reminiscent of Mrs Fox (Dad’s Army), I found myself , with the family in tow, heading towards the warm and welcoming Design Museum. Situated right by the Thames and a stones throw from Tower Bridge, the Design Museum (formerly a banana warehouse) has featured some of the most prestigious artists of modern times. Since opening in 1989, the museum celebrates designers, including: Christian Louboutin, Constance Spry and Terence Conran. The ‘Hello My Name Is Paul Smith’ exhibition gives you an insight into his beginnings in a tiny 3 x 3 meters square shop in Nottingham, with his Afghan hound, Homer, to his globally successful fashion label. The exhibit featured a series of rooms documenting his rise to fame including; original office, design studio and a gallery of garments from various seasons. One of the rooms features famous collaboration pieces; this includes the iconic Paul Smith stripes on both Mini Cooper and Bentley Skis, and my personal favourite,

a Roberts DAB Radio with kitsch Paul Smith floral print. The second floor of the Design Museum featured a collection of design classics including the British Telephone Box and the Anglepoise lamp. Exhibits from the Designers in residence including Chloe Meineck’s memory box. Although interesting, exhibitions at the Design Museum are a lot

pricier than the free collections at the V&A, Natural History and Wallace Collection to name but a few. Tickets for students were £9.50 but if you are a Paul Smith fan it is definitely worth a look. The exhibition runs until 9th March 2014. Details can be found at: designmuseum.org/ exhibitions/2013/paul-smith.

38 FASHION

fashion.spark@reading.ac.uk

Friday 21 February 2014 Spark*

Couture trainers Style profile: G-Dragon

Hannah Jackson

As the audience enjoyed Karl Lagerfeld’s dramatic array of icy crystal embroidery, flowing trains and pastel tones at Chanel’s SS14 Haute Couture show, a more radical fashion statement captured the attention of onlookers: trainers. Thanks to Chanel and other designers such as Dior, Valentino and Giles, no longer is the trainer merely a neglected object of your lonesome gym bag, but this season’s most featured footwear. Are trainers now ‘à la mode’ because of designer brands? Or are the attempts to reintroduce trainers a little too ambitious? Typically, the sports trainer is considered an object of practicality as opposed to one of aesthetic qualities, but Chanel in particular have altered the shoe into a demure and chic choice of footwear by sampling them in pastel shades with embellishments of pretty crystals and futuristic décor to emphasise the fact that practical doesn’t have to be dull. Also, not only are the trainers beauteous- but comfortable; the models practically bounced across the Chanel catwalk in their light-

weight footwear, radiating ease as they highlighted the collection’s light-hearted and fun sentiment to infect us with the trainer’s appeal.

Nevertheless, despite their ostentatious appeal, running trainers (even the sparkly kind) aren’t the most realistic new trend. Their bulky shape and lack of versatility narrows their suiting to very casual wear only as opposed to both casual and formal dress as Chanel and co endorsed in their couture shows. Furthermore, the more ‘decorous’ trainers look more like the love-child-shoe of a collection by Lily Allen and Tinker Bell as opposed to a sophisticated shoe choice, drawing attention that only crows would admire. But, as with any fashion trend, the more you see them, the more you might find yourself guiltily wanting a pairjust a little.

However, G-Dragon has no qualms on the matter, he is willing to experiment. This has transformed him into the ultimate style chameleon, his style encapsulates fearlessness, he changes his hairstyles as often as one changes clothes. Concisely put, the man oozes cool! His unwavering, somewhat ‘punk’ attitude is the cause of his growing list of admirers. He has managed to garner attention from fashion connoisseur, Karl Lagerfeld, who he recently met at Paris fashion week, where he sat front-row at Chanel, Juun.J, Saint Laurent and Rick Owens. A credit to his fashion sense is his awareness of current and future trends. G-Dragon is distinct in that he consistently strides forward in the pursuit of reinvention.

Faith Ayomoto

G-Dragon or Kwon Ji-yong by birth, is an overwhelming force in the Asian music industry, both as the leader of the group Big Bang and as a solo artist. Although his music is not well-known outside Asia, his style has been causing waves in the fashion industry for some time now. Even if you have never heard the name G-Dragon, you’ve probably unknowingly seen him on tumblr. His face is all over social media; with over 2 million avid followers on Instagram and another 2.6 million on Twitter, his fans disperse his uploads across social networking sites. What is it about his style that draws the attention of fashion’s taste-makers? It could be his unique ability to pull anything off. In his words, “to judge someone because of their appearance is pretty foolish. If you have time to do that, I suggest you look at yourself in the mirror and spend more time developing yourself”. G-Dragon is unapologetically daring, his recent endorsement of ‘typically’ female products such as handbags and lipstick raised several eyebrows.

Modelling: how young is too young?

Mollie Fifi

Tall, sexy, intimidating, sassy. They’re all words you would quite happily describe a model as. Nothing wrong in that. But how about attributing them to a 13-year old girl- a little more uncomfortable doing that? And therein lies the problem in hiring and using girls barely old enough to buy their own clothes, let alone old enough to fully understand the harsh realities of the industry in using their bodies to parade, promote and present designer clothes.

There is no minimum legal age for modelling in this country Currently in this country there isn’t a minimum legal age for modelling in the adult fashion industry (both editorial and catwalk). But, generally agencies suggest models under 16 have a guardian with them for consultations, and work according to precautionary measures including chaperones, restrictions on hours, maturity of photographs etc. However, these regulations aren’t followed to the T, as numerous high profile media frenzies have reported the extreme cases. A model as young as ten years old graced the front cover of Vogue, clad in tight-fitting clothing and stilettos. This is an extreme, which is absurd and

raises more than an ethical dilemma but it raises the issue of young to mid teen models used routinely in the industry. I would fully support legislation to help protect young girls, who are children on ethical, moral and social grounds. But simply age-banning is not the solution.

The sexualized images verge on pornographic The issue of liberty and individual rights for older teens does become an issue amongst others. Culturally, for example in some developing countries some models work in order to send money home to their families who are dependent on their daughters working to support their family. By attempting to ban all models of a certain age would damage this source or income, or would force them to postulate as adult models without the protection as a minor. Yes, there do need to be sanctions and support put in place for individuals to be able to make their own decisions, if they are under 16 then this needs consent by a guardian. There is no guarantee that a girl of 17 is “ready” for the industry anymore than a girl who is 16 who does have, as NY fashion week implemented last year, a whole range of support to stop the possibility for exploitation.

The sexualisation of children is both sickening and perverse but simply banning young models doesn’t provide a solution it only creates a problem. It is two-fold: underage models will continue to work and these protective measures would not be there to protect them. That is, in simply banning under 18s and ignoring the need for support systems younger models will continue to work but under the guise of an 18 year old, potentiality exposing them to darker sides of the industry which they need protecting from.

A ten year old graced Vogue’s front cover dressed in tight-fitting clothing and stilettos Designers do fairly routinely work with minors who are internationals; notably Marc Jacob’s 14-yearold models, Thairine Garcia and Ondira Hardin, who caused a stir after NY fashion council advised against under 16 models to be used on the catwalk. There needs to be a collective set of legislation that helps protect models internationally as opposed to localised systems. Furthermore initial signing up of minors is an issue which massively has the potential to make a major difference to their well-being, alongside when and how they are dealt with in the industry. Fully

understanding the practicalities and the un-glamorous side of 4am casting calls, numerous rejections, long haul flights and sleep deprivation in busy seasons needs to be more transparent when they are initially approached. An age limit should be enforced internationally and regulated, but this should not be held up as the be-all and end-all solution. Yes, it is utterly ridiculous to have a 10 year old in Vogue in a compromised position; in fact the child is so highly sexualised it is not all that far from verging on issues of child pornography. This needs to be addressed and prohibited. It is clear to see however that age bans create almost as many problems as they solve. There is no magic answer that would be “right” and comprehensively cover all young pre-20s models. Furthermore it is not only the model, but the guardians and the agencies themselves that need to fully consider and understand the implications that occur in working in this industry, self-esteem issues playing a major role.

She was too big to model, at a UK size 8 Gerren Tylor, the infamous 12 year old model in 2003 was fully supported by her parents, with her agency heralding her as the next ‘Naomi Campbell’. After strutting

for catwalks from McQueen to Marc Jacobs when she started to “fill out” (quote: the designers) to a size 4 by the age of 16, she was considered not the ideal shape. She enjoyed her time as a model but ‘had a very hard time coping’ when faced with these damaging reactions of the industry to the natural process of her body maturing into a pubescent state. Agencies in hiring pre-pubescent girls need to address this – the young models will inevitably, as is natural, physically develop from the stick-thin boyish figure into something else. In signing up girls too young of course they will change; it is problematic, nay dangerous for models, younger and older and damaging to be told as Gerren was she needed to be thin and was told ultimately that she was too big too model, all of this still at a UK size 8. It’s this obsession with extreme youth and the minuscule body aesthetic it purports as some kind of ‘ideal’ that’s the problem that permeates the industry. Age regulations could help but only as one of a package of support systems, regulations and international legislation to help protect young models who are vulnerable in an industry that is notoriously cut throat. These young models deserve rights as individuals to care, respect and support but also need protecting as children, as young adults that crucially are still developing physically and mentally and learning everyday who they are.

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40 BEAUTY

Friday 21 February 2013

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BEAUTY

Essie Fiji What’s in my makeup bag? My must-haves! Elle Turner

Séana Gatehouse

So feeling a little restless I had a fumble through my fave nail polishes to find a Spring shade to lighten and brighten things up again. And what should I find but my old faithful Essie Fiji, it’s been too long... Firstly I think now is as good a time as any to bang on about the formula of Essie nail polishes in general, my god, they are just too good. Flawless, chip resistant coats in one stroke? Essie’s yo’ gal. Plus the brush is an absolute babe, nice and chunky so it fits your whole nail in one smooth motion. Being a light shade, Fiji did require a layer or two to achieve the opacity that I like but I’m a two coat kinda girl generally so that wasn’t a problem. Now onto the best bit, the colour. It’s so fresh and pretty but without the barbieness that you can get from really bright pinks. The milky hue just tones the whole look down to make it much more sleek and understated. So to brighten up a grey January day, why not try searching through your forgotten nail polishes... you may just find a gem...

Benefit’s Erase Paste This has to be my number one all-time favourite concealer. I got my first Erase Paste in Benefit’s ‘Confessions of a concealaholic’ set about a year and a half ago, and admittedly only discovered it’s brilliance about 6 months ago. I’m definitely one of those girls who’s always been too afraid to leave the house with anything less than a whole face of make-up, but I can honestly say that I feel totally comfortable wearing just this concealer on imperfections and under my eyes for a light make-up day. Admittedly it is quite expensive at £19.50 a pot, but for how

long it’s lasted and how good it is, I completely recommend this as a splash-out product.

Body Shop’s Shimmer Cube Palette This product is definitely one I could not live without. It’s a cute little set of four cube eye shadows that can literally be used whenever and wherever. I have the palette in the Warm (06) shades which are

perfect as you can either wear one colour alone, or mix and match the colours to create a smoky, contoured look. It retails at £16.00 but seems to last forever.

has plumping properties that actually make your lips tingle and gives a gorgeous glossy shine either on its own or over a lip colour. I have this product in the most natural ‘Candy Gloss’ shade so that I can use it on a daily basis, and it can be bought in Boots for £9.00, which is a great price for such a brilliant product.

Soap and Glory’s Sexy Mother Pucker Rarely do I find a lip gloss that I stick to using on a regular basis, but I’ve been buying this one for years and still love it. This gloss

Lipgloss or lipstick: The beauty battle Lindsay Coles

In the world of make-up, adding something to your lips is the best way to make your look have a brilliant finish. However, what do you use? A lip gloss or a lipstick? This article will decide which one is better for those luscious lips! First, lipsticks are more matte textured than lip glosses which means lipsticks can make lips look dryer whilst lip glosses, being more sheeny, make lips look more moist. Due to this, many applications of lipstick can make lips crack whilst lip glosses won’t do this.

Lip gloss 1 - 0 Lipstick. Certainly, lip glosses are shinier, more light-weight and more slippery than lipstick which is creamier, heavier and thicker. This means lip gloss will allow more shine than lipstick, meaning lips can look more natural. Lip gloss 2 - 0 Lipstick However, due to the creaminess and thickness of lipsticks, lipsticks will give a fuller coverage compared to lip glosses. Lip gloss 2 - 1 Lipstick Furthermore, lip glosses have to be applied more regularly than

lipsticks as lip glosses are more slippery meaning they wear off quicker. However, lipsticks provide a richer and denser texture which demonstrates that they last longer. This also means that, for those with longer hair, lipsticks are better than lip glosses in windy weather. Lip gloss 2 - 2 Lipstick Although lip glosses can come in sparkling and scented forms, lipsticks can also come in ‘frosting’ forms which are packed with shimmer to create a fuller pout.

Lip gloss 3 - 3 Lipstick Application-wise, unless you have liquid lipstick, lipsticks can be harder to apply due to their denser colour and creaminess, compared to lip glosses, which boast ‘wand brushes’ and a more liquid form. Lip gloss 4 - 3 Lipstick Therefore, lip glosses and lipsticks both have advantages and disadvantages, but lip glosses reign over lipstick. However, certain outfits and occasions may require you to wear either lipstick or lip glosses, so it’s best to see which one suits you best!

Best beauty dupes: Why pay more than you need? Séana Gatehouse

Being a make-up and beauty product lover is never easy on a student budget. There’s so many amazing products that we all wish we could splash out on but can’t, so finding a good beauty dupe is super exciting. Here are a few of my favourites... Benefit Brow Zings – Accessorize Brow Kit Benefit Brow Zings is a gorgeous set of eyebrow shadows that can be mixed to create your perfect brow colour, and shaped to however you want them. The compact kit comes with a shaded paste and a shaded powder, two brushes, a tiny set of tweezers and a lesson on how to use the product. It comes in three shades and is perfect for all your brow needs. However, at £23.50 it’s nowhere near within

our student budget, so the Accessorize Brow kit at £6.00 matches up pretty well with three shaded powders, a fixing gel, double ended brush and mini tweezers.

Eylure False Eyelashes – Primark False Eyelashes Okay, so it doesn’t sound particularly classy, but Primark’s false eyelashes always look great and have been recommended to me by so many people. I hate spending money on lashes (A typical set of Eylure cost around £5.00), so Primark’s sets at £1.00 are perfect, though I would recommend buying Eylure’s Superfix Lash adhesive that can be bought for just £2.75 in Boots and will last for ages.

YSL Touche Éclat – Barry M Imperfection Correction I haven’t actually compared the two concealers myself, but I’ve been told numerous times that there’s very little difference between the two. Having used the Barry M Imperfection Correction and looking at the YSL concealer, I can’t see a lot of difference. The Barry M version has great coverage and is so easy to apply, I would definitely recommend it.

So give these products a try and you’ll see that you don’t have to spend a lot to look great.

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TRAVEL 41

travel Reader’s pick and travel tips: Canada Quebec City Jessica Freeland

Canada - the land of Beaver Tails, ice hockey and maple leafs. If I could describe Canada in one word I would say it is varied. After living in this glorious country I feel satisfied. I have that warm, content feeling similar to when you’ve eaten a Sunday roast dinner. Canada is a beautiful and welcoming country. I would recommend that everyone should go, should the opportunity arise. In the scheme of things I saw such a tiny part of it. Before I arrived I had no idea how gigantic it is, and I still struggle to comprehend the fact that it is over forty times bigger than the United Kingdom! I certainly will be back.

In the meantime, here are my verdicts for the places that I managed to see:

Tadoussac

Quebec City

Thousands of tourists flock to the small village of Tadoussac for one reason - whales. Tadoussac is renowned for its boat tours that travel into the St. Lawrence river in the search of the many species of whale that frequent it. I was so pleased when we saw a Humpback, it brings its tail out like you see in all the distinctive photos. Not that I managed to get a good shot, I was far too slow every single time that they made an appearance! It was amazing when we were just floating on the water, and you could tell if a whale was below you by all the air bubbles that were rising to the surface! The most spectacular part of the day was seeing a Blue Whale (yes, that is the largest mammal in the world) . We went on a Zodiac Boat Tour and I would recommend it as it gets you so close to the action. You are kitted out in what I presume a fisherman would wear, and you waddle aboard like a ‘Michelin’ man. Essentially it is just an inflatable boat so you are thrown about as you crash into the waves which is very exciting. As you are so close to the water, the risk of getting a wave in your face is quite high too which is very entertaining when you are not the poor soul who gets hit. Trying to save money? The hostel in the village was adorable, like a big home. There were people playing the guitar and the piano which made it feel so chilled, and everyone helping out with the washing up made me feel like I was part of a big family!

Quebec by Canadian standards is old, and so for a history student like myself, this was very much appreciated! The Victorian part of town with cobbled streets down to the riverside was lovely to explore. The ornately decorated parliament and the imposing Chateau de Frontenac (the most photographed hotel in the world according to my guidebook) added to the gorgeous architecture of Quebec. The hostel here was in a fantastic location, only minutes from parliament.

Montreal I recommend having a wander in the older part of the city. The beautiful basilica reflects memories of Paris’ Notre Dame and actually shares the name. The Basilica is on the Place des Armes, which displays an interesting patchwork of architecture making the square well worth a meander through. The Old Port was beautiful. The unusually (for a Canadian September) warm weather meant I was able to stroll around the riverside to my heart’s content. The following morning I went to the top of Mount Royal to see the views over the city which were spectacular. The park itself was beautiful too with all the trees transforming into their Autumnal colours. The old Olympic park offers an alternate view of the skyline; above the swimming pool is the tallest inclined structure in the world and from here you get a view of the city with Mount Royal in the background.

Toronto Toronto is arguably Canada’s most famous city and after hearing raving reviews I was eager to make my own mind up. I found the CN Tower a bit overrated, on a clear day you can sometimes see all the way across to Niagara Falls but my luck was not in. I stumbled upon St Lawrence Market which was great, with all kinds of food stalls and the odd tacky tourist shop in between. It was absolutely heaving but a lovely place to wander about and I felt I was experiencing the real side of Toronto.

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls, Canada. All photographs taken by Jessica Freeland.

Going on the Maid of the Mist, certainly was impressive. Wearing their famous poncho we piled

Mont Tremblant aboard the boat and headed into the mist. The boat firstly goes right up close to the American Falls where you can see the walkway where you get the opportunity to get incredibly close (would love to go down there next time I go!). You then make your way deeper and deeper into the Canadian Falls, which are very impressive. When you’re in their shadow, feeling the spray (and that is putting it lightly) it is breathtaking. When back on land, I walked up to the top of the Falls. It was phenomenal. The sheer volume of water cascading over the edge every second was unfathomable. I understand the water cycle but I just thought ‘it’s got to run out at some point!’ I loved looking down into the Falls and seeing the tiny Maid of the Mist Boat, made me realise quite how tall they are!

Mont Tremblant Tremblant is the biggest ski resort on the east side of Canada. I have heard it is equally beautiful during the Summer. I visited at the beginning of the Winter season so saw it in all of its sparkling, snowy glory. The village too is fantastic. I loved its “Alp-style” with the multi coloured roofs – it was all very quaint.

Ottawa Ottawa is a fantastic city, albeit a small city, I personally thought it offered everything. Not once did I wish that I was somewhere bigger. Check out one of the many museums, go watch the Sens play Ice Hockey, explore the Parliament buildings or have a stroll around the Byward Market. The only regret I have is not being around

for when the canal freezes over, it turns into the world’s largest ice rink!

Travel Tips: Try Poutine. Technically its just cheese, chips and gravy but it is much more. Head to Smokes Poutinerie for guaranteed deliciousness. I do not know what makes it taste so special but try it and you will understand why it is basically the Canadian national dish. Beaver Tails They are also in competition with Poutine for my favourite Canadian food. Do not fear, it is not an actual Beaver Tail. It is in fact rolled out fried pastry with the topping of your choice. Sortilege Whether you buy some there or pick some up from the duty free, I would try some Sortilege - Canadian whiskey with Maple Liqueur. I despise whiskey but this was delicious. Travel Canada is big therefore getting anywhere is expensive. I personally used Greyhound a lot but there are other coaches that would no doubt offer equally reasonable fares. On the more popular routes they provide coaches with leather seats and wifi which is rather luxurious. I do know of some people who had some trouble with Greyhound but I found them perfect and there are stops all over Canada and America. ---If you get the chance to cross the pond and visit Canada, then do it, you won’t regret it.

42 SOCIETY SPOTLIGHT

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Society Spotlight Reading University Singer-Songwriters Started in 2011, the Reading University Singer Songwriter Society a.k.a RUSS is dedicated to music and aims to bring the song writing, gigging and jamming abilities of Reading University students into clear view. The society holds regular jam sessions on campus to encourage students to play music together, and also regularly visit open mic nights around town which give many the opportunity to play their music live.

RUSS aims to let student musicians get public exposure Through this RUSS has created some great musical links throughout town, which has led to their own ‘showcase’ nights at venues such as the Global Café, where society members get half hour slots to perform, as well as slots at the

weekly BBC Introducing nights at the Oakford Social Club. Events like these have led to many RUSS members forming bands together and writing more songs, and has also created a great community of musicians and music fans alike. RUSS is open to musicians of any kind and of any level of skill, whether you’re a grade 8 cello player or you picked up a guitar for the first time last week. Whilst our famous ‘Big Jam’ events in HumSS and our open mic night trips are our most frequent events, we also have socials to the union and indie nights at Q Club and Sub89, so even if you don’t play music you can come along, get drunk and sing along to whatever Oasis song will inevitably be played at the end of the night (it’s normally Don’t Look Back in Anger). We’re also pretty big fans of the Karaoke nights in Mojos, and since we’re normally a team of singers you know you have a

good chance of winning a bottle of champagne with us! Our big event this term, however, is the return of the annual RUSS ‘Big Gig’ in Café Mondial on the 7th of March. It’s a night of music from a mix of local bands and notable names, and the line-up this year is looking like the best one yet! Headlining this year is the amazing Eliza Shaddad; set to be appearing on Clean Bandit’s upcoming album, her solo music portray tales of relationships and heartbreak set to her amazing voice and guitar work. Supporting her will be RUSS-formed bands Dinosaur Crush and Red Tape, as well as a solo set from the incredible Tim Oyesanya, a RUSS member who is also a regular fixture at the Oakford’s BBC Introducing nights. Advance tickets are just £1.25 for society members or £2.25 for non-members, so there’s never been a better time to join as this is set to be a fantastic night!

RUSS members jam outside the Carrington Building If you’d like to know more about RUSS, be sure to join our Facebook group (search ‘Reading University Singer Songwriters’ on Facebook) or email us at russongwriters@rusu.co.uk. We’re always looking for new members,

so if playing music is something you’re interested or would want to get into make sure to come down to one of our events soon. Who knows, next year you could be headlining the Big Gig!

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Spark* Friday 21 February 2014

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THE SPARK TEAM 43

THE SPARK* TEAM EDITOR

NEWS

Calum Rogers

Daniel Mitchell

news.spark@reading.ac.uk

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SPORT

COMMENT & DEBATE

Tom Newbold

sports.spark@reading.ac.uk

Jodie Hitch comment.spark@reading.ac.uk

Sarah Harvey-Kelly

Abi Gammon

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GAMING

Aaron Hall

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FILM & TV

PHOTOGRAPHY

Jack Marshall

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INTERVIEW

Ollie FitzGerald

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James Clayton

Lily Brown

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SCI & TECH

Matt Twells

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Ioulia Zoukova

ARTS & BOOKS

Patrick Scott

Laura Armstrong

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Will Trickey

ALSO Charlotte Coster

(Film & TV online editor)

Matthew Sapsed

(Fun and Games Puzzle Designer)

Samantha Yates

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Sabina Rouse

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TRAVEL

Hannah Banks

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FASHION

Elle Turner

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MUSIC

DESIGNERS

Chrissie Levick

BEAUTY

Emma Reeves

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Spark* is written, designed &â&#x20AC;&#x2C6;typeset by students at the University of Reading. Printed by Newbury News Limited, Newspaper House, Faraday Road, Newbury, Berkshire. RG14 2DW. Published and funded by Reading University Studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Union studentengagement@rusu.co.uk. Spark* is completely editorially independent. Complaints should be made to the Editor, in the first instance, and thereafter to RUSU. All complaints should be made in writing. All articles, letters etc. must include a name, address, and contact number/e-mail address. These may be withheld from publication at specific request. Spark* or RUSU can take no responsibility for products or services advertised herein. Spark* reserves the right to reject or edit any submissions. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the Editor. The views expressed in Spark* do not necessarily reflect those of the Editor, particularly those expressed in the comments pages, which are often the opinions of the specific authors. Photographs in Spark* are copyright to the photographer concerned.

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fun&games Crossword (cryptic)

Solutions due next issue (Friday 6 March). 1

8 10 11

23 24

Across 8 Study a team googly losing a good spin (8) 9 Dance around old lake plug (6) 11/3 Inundated body wasting Venice money grant? (11,6) 12 Artillery about king’s fitting 4, perhaps (3) 13 Meet state to put back fellow inside (7) 15 Gross land after 22? (6) 17 Most local listener in den (7) 19 Proverb of old denial gets comment (7) 21 Cathedral city crafts around wing (6) 22 Fragments of particles (7) 24 Method used by Prince’s cleaner (3) 25 Toadies’ food for historic assembly? (4,2,5) 27 Ditch Foot’s partner in disease (6) 28 Promotion with gold - clever dear! (8) Down

Down 1 One criticised lately in note held by rector... (8) 2 ...that is in Kent’s first 5 - capital! (4) 3 Healthy female aroma about myths (10) 4 See 11 Across 5 See 25 6 Spain buffet has shag landing (6,4) 7 Unusual manner secures Cook’s ends (5) 10 It overflowed when first woman entered sister’s name (6) 14 Letter broadcast by 4, an old one (3,7) 16 Beam ex-coach’s little bloomers (3,7) 18 It overflowed when amateur crossed group turn outside (6) 20 Girl’s linked to Daisy’s view of 22? (8) 22 John in fine delta soil at first tides (6) 23 Metalworker one criticised lately (5) 25/4 It helped in 22 to dip snake on time (4,4) 26 Leaders of rurals underwater bore Cameron at heart, the oaf (4)

Quick crossword Across 6 Position of compromise (6,6) 8 Knob (4) 9 Topple (8) 10 Small (ear) bone (7) 11 Behind (5) 14 Worrisome (5) 15 Boldness (7) 17 Case annulled due to error (8) 19 Obligation (4) 20 Ingrained tendency (6,6)

FUN&GAMES 45

Down 1 Inseparable pair (7,5) 2 Reprimand (8) 3 God-awful (7) 4 Protest (5) 5 Talk rubbish (slang) (4) 7 Very long period of time (7,5) 12 Minor detail (8) 13 Soaked ground (7) 16 Ex-BBC Director General, b. 1930 (5) 18 Stuff (4)

1 Scabbard, 6 Locust, 9 Erebus, 10 Magellan, 11 Title role, 12 Cadiz, 14 Ugli, 15 Misgivings, 17 Mishandled, 20 Away, 22 Petty, 24 Ice hockey, 26 Biathlon, 27 Nubbin, 28 Skimpy, 29 Skeleton.

Quick crossword: Across: 1 Part-time, 6 Fuse, 8 Coupon, 9 Ironic, 10 Fizz, 11 Road rage, 12 Eurosceptic, 16 Germinal, 19 Lour, 20 Cleave, 21 Rebuff, 22 Stet, 23 Eye candy.

Down:

2 Curling, 3 Bobsleigh, 4 Assortment, 5 Dimples, 6 Luge, 7 Culpa, 8 Skating, 13 Wind change, 16 Irascible, 18 Ice rink, 19 Lacunas, 21 Arecibo, 23 Totem, 25 Clay.

Down: 2 Agonise, 3 Topaz, 4 Innards, 5 Evita, 6 Foot rot, 7 Swing, 13 Rampart, 14 Enlarge, 15 Chuffed, 17 Eclat, 18 Niece, 19 Libya.

13 14

Previous crossword solutions Cryptic: Across:

16 17

All puzzles designed by Matthew Sapsed

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Indoor athletics season kicks off with a bang

lindsay coles

One of the first indoor events of the 2014 athletics season was the Birmingham Indoor Grand Prix which took place on Saturday 15th February. It featured a star-studded line up which included Shelley-Ann Fraser Pryce, Dwain Chambers and Genzebe Dibaba. A sell-out crowd watched the athletes aiming to impress ahead of the IAAF World Indoor Championships in Sopot, Poland which will occur in March. The men’s 60m featured wellknown names in the world of sprinting, such as St.Kitts and Nevis’ Kim Collins, Britain’s James Dasaolu and Jamaica’s Nesta Carter. British indoor champion Dasaolu ran a brilliant personal best of 6:47 in his heat which was the fastest time in the world this year. This successful heat was followed by Dasaolu winning the final by clocking 6:50 seconds but, with three weeks to go until Sopot, this race cost him his place there with a pulled hamstring. Carter and Collins achieved second and third place clocking 6:53 and 6:55. whilst Brits, Dwain

Chambers and Richard Kilty, who will both be in the British team for Sopot, came fourth and fifth. Surpringly, Frenchman Jimmy Vicaut, who stormed to victory in his heat by achieving a personal best of 6:48, could only muster sixth in the final. Ethiopian Genzebe Dibaba continued her record-breaking ways by having a brilliant run in the two miles where she smashed her third world record. Dibaba was in imperious form after taking nearly six seconds of the world record byrunning 9:00:48. The east African stormed through the race whilst fellow teammate, Hiwot Ayalew, came second by clocking 9:21:59 and Britain’s Stephanie Twell came third with 9:42:41. In the women’s 60m, two-time Olympic champion and 100m and 200m world champion, Shelley-Ann Fraser-Pryce surprisingly finished in second place. The Jamaican faced two-time world’s silver medallist, Ivory Coast’s Murielle Ahoure, and they both clocked 7.10 with Ahoure given the win. Britain’s Asha Phillip, who took the UK title earlier in February with 7:09, finished in third with a time of 7:12.

British pole vaulter, Holly Bleasdale, who gained a place on the British team for the World Championships AFTER achieving her fourth British title earlier in February, threw herself into victory with a first time clearance of 4.71m. Tina Sutej came second after achieving 4.61m and Olympic silver medallist, Cuba’s Yarisley Silva, and Germany’s Lisa Ryzih, came joint third clearing 4.46m. Olympic champion Greg Rutherford came third in the long-jump with an indoor personal best of 8.00m. Rutherford was behind Russia’s Aleksandr Menkov, 2013 World Champion, who jumped the farthest with 8.14 metres. China’s Jinzhe Li came second and achieved a personal best by jumping 8.12m. The athletes who competed in the Birmingham Grand Prix brought astounding shocks and exciting thrills to the start of what looks to be an exhilarating athletics season. Birmingham has prepared the athletes for the World Indoor Championships which will occur between 7th and 9th March where they hope to deliver only the best on the world indoor stage.

Froch and Groves set for grudge rematch in May mike brown

One aspect that ensures sport is both unique and exciting compared to other forms of entertainment is the prospect of a rematch. These showpiece events have the ability to leave a nation holding its breath and can, and often do, make or break an individual’s career. Carl Froch versus George Groves rightfully joins the likes of England versus Australia in the Ashes and Brazil versus Argentina in international football as one of these epic contests, as it was finally confirmed that the two will go head-to-head again on Saturday 31st May 2014 in what promises to be a classic. There’s no question that this will be the fight of the year. Both fighters are claiming bragging rights from the first contest and to say there is bad feeling between the two is a huge understatement. If you’d attempted to get them in the same room to negotiate the contract then it would have exploded, which makes it all the more enthralling when they eventually meet in the ring. Boxing fans worldwide have been pleading for a rematch following Froch’s debated victory last No-

vember. Groves looked set to cause a colossal upset when he floored a bewildered Froch in the first round. However, Froch is justifiably regarded as a ‘warrior’ in boxing circles and the referee stepped in to end the contest in the ninth round with Groves clearly reeling following some destructive blows from Froch. Groves was leading the fight and the subsequent media reports all suggested that he had been ‘robbed’ of a chance to win the fight. Yet many reports failed to recognise that Froch was well on top at this stage and surely on the way to victory, and indeed, could argue he was actually the one who was denied the chance to complete the victory. The only reasonable outcome was a rematch to settle the clash once and for all as Froch’s WBA and IBF super-middleweight title becomes up for grabs once more. At the time of going to press, there is still no confirmation on the fight’s location. To gauge just exactly how big this fight is, the final venue is likely to be chosen from an impressive list of venues that includes: Wembley, Twickenham,

The Millennium Stadium, Old Trafford, The Emirates or the home of Froch’s beloved Nottingham Forest, The City Ground. So, which way will it go? Groves deserves tremendous credit for being one of only two fighters to knock Froch down last time the two met and will be desperate to avenge his only ever professional defeat. He also proved that he isn’t afraid of the big occasion and his start against Froch in November was both measured and fearless. It’s become a cliché used all too often in all sports, but Froch simply does not know when he is beaten. The Nottingham fighter is as tough as they come and has crushed world-class boxers on several occasions. Froch has an unrivalled ability to bounce back when close to a defeat and I believe the courage and heart he possesses will be the difference. I personally can’t envisage him making the same mistakes again and with his legacy being placed firmly on the line, I predict ‘The Cobra’ to come out on top to further enhance his status as a British boxing legend.

SPORT 47

The Oracle and the Prophet anthony gargan and ben beach

Anthony and Ben give their predictions for the big upcoming fixtures in football and rugby:

Week 27 of Premier League fixtures commences this weekend with Chelsea sitting a solitary point above the rest. The bottom half of the table remains as close as ever with only 8 points separated 10th from 20th.

Chelsea take on Everton – a team that in recent weeks has hit a rocky patch in an otherwise gleaming season. However, Everton appear to be getting back on the right path. I fancy Chelsea to dominate possession, yet this is just the type of game Everton are specialists at getting something from. Prediction: Chelsea 1-1 Everton. Arsenal, sparked into action from the 5-1 thrashing they received away at Liverpool, now appear to have regained their sense of momentum after beating Liverpool in the FA Cup. I can see Arsenal tearing a Sunderland side short of confidence to pieces. Prediction: Arsenal 3-0 Sunderland. A similar pummelling is to be expected at the Etihad Stadium. The victims in this round are Stoke City – a potent force at the Britannia, yet seemingly hit-or-miss on the road. I see Stoke performing a ‘damage limitation’ mission. Prediction: Manchester City 3-0 Stoke City. The big question is which Manchester United team will turn up. I don’t agree that Man Utd have been terrible this season. However, I do feel they have been inconsistent. They will be up against a well-drilled, well organised Pulis side, but I still fancy the red devils to triumph. Prediction: Crystal Palace 0-2 Manchester United.

The Northern Hemisphere’s top rugby competition returns this weekend, with the Six Nations hosting fixtures that would capture the interest of even the most indifferent of rugby fans. Ireland and France have surmounted their opponents thus far, and go into week 3 with good momentum and belief against the challenges that may be presented to them.

Wales have had a relatively poor start to the six nations and face the enormous task of defeating an in form French side in Cardiff. Wales will be keen to redeem the sluggishness shown in their first two games and will be liberated in attack in front of a home crowd. However, the belief and flair shown by France so far will carry Les Bleus past an industrious Welsh side. Expect a high scoring fixture in Cardiff. Prediction: France to win by 8-10 points. Twickenham will host the tightest game in week 3. Ireland will be keen to rid themselves of last year’s ghosts following their defeat to England in Dublin. The threat of Luther Burrell will be snuffed out by Gordon D’Arcy’s strong defensive abilities, nullifying England’s attack. Prediction: Ireland to win by 3-5 points. Aside from a 10 minute lapse in Italy’s performance in week 2, they showed enormous promise against France. Scotland will break their scoring drought with a charge most likely led by the excellent Stuart Hogg, but Italy’s strength at the set piece will lay the foundations for a victory at the final whistle. Prediction: Italy to win by 3-5 points.

48 SPORT

Friday 21 February 2014 Spark*

sports.spark@reading.ac.uk

SPORT Pharmacy FC win 5-a-side title Campus Sport champions decided after close final luke fry

After a long hard season, the Sports Park 5-a-side League culminated in a pulsating and tense final contested by Badger and Pharmacy FC. Prior to Badger and Pharmacy renewing their rivalry, the Quarter and Semi-Finals were played out. The first match-ups saw League one winners Pharmacy take on Wealdstone Raiders and League two runners up NFAC face Teenage Mutant Ninja Skrtles, the latter of those two fixtures being arguably the game of the round. The Skrtles took an early two goal lead following some flowing football, but were pegged back by NFAC forward Jon Saville. Despite growing into the game, NFAC found themselves 3-1 down at half time with their lack of experience at this level being called into question. The second half saw a lack of discipline from both sides, however the game was kept under control by Referee Nathanael ‘Mark Clattenburg’ Lee. NFAC duly overcame the disruptive play from The Skrtles and levelled the game thanks to strikes from John Barwell and John Saville. This was how it stayed and the tie was decided on penalties with The Skrtles eventually edging a nervy shoot-out. The game on Pitch One had gone true to form with Pharmacy progressing to the Semis. Next up was Spartans clash with Bacons Barmy Army and Badger against Oh Agassi. Badger produced a determined professional performance running out 8-1 winners following goals from Robert Bryan-Smith, Charlie Langbridge, Jack Shrubsall (2) and the defensively minded Luke Sheppard with a bewildering four, which saw him top the Badger goal scoring charts. Spartans overcame Bacons Barmy Army to set up a tasty Semi-Final

Indoor athletics in Birmingham Froch-Groves rematch set Sporting predictions

Pharmacy overcame the challenge of Badger in the final at the 3G pitches at SportsPark with Badger, who Spartans put six past two weeks previously. A quick break and the Semi-Finals were underway. It would have appeared cup fever had reached boiling point at Sports park, as Pharmacy and The Skrtles came to blows in a tumultuous and rowdy affair, which saw the heavyweights Pharmacy progress to the Final. As for the second Semi-Final, Badger boosted by their previous performance started the game on top, and eventually ran out 2-1 winners. An official referee was appointed for the final between Badger and Pharmacy, as both teams arrived to the pitches early as if to showcase their will to win. A frantic start saw Badger edge possession early on but without creating any clear cut chances, then a defensive slip allowed Phar-

macy space to work the ball to Aimar Sherief, who from just over the halfway line smashed home the opener. Badger continued to control possession after the goal, but found chances hard to come by and even when an opening presented itself, Pharmacy keeper Ramen Farahani was equal to it. It appeared that Badger would need something special to get back into the game and that’s exactly what Luke Sheppard provided. After some clever wing play Sheppard delicately nutmegged the defender and cut the ball back to playmaker Jack Shrubsall who finished clinically levelling the game at half time. An open start to the second half saw the game become stretched with both teams finding more space. The tempo suited Pharmacy better

and they regained the lead through Aimar Sherief who finished well from the edge of the box. Badger responded with some heavy pressure, until Pharmacy gave away a penalty and following a quick substitution, up stepped Luke Sheppard. To the despair of his teammates, Sheppard having sent the keeper the wrong way rattled the bar and Badger’s big chance had seemingly gone. Following the penalty miss, Badger’s pressing game dropped off somewhat and they were hit on the counter attack with Ibrahim Kadri finishing off a slick move from Pharmacy. Shortly after, the final whistle blew and Pharmacy were crowned Campus Sport 5-a-side Champions, with Ibrahim Kadri named man of the match.

RUBC Head of the River race cancelled tom newbold

The infamous Head of the River race, organised by Reading University Boat Club (RUBC), is the latest sporting event to fall foul of 2014’s adverse weather conditions. With BUCs fixtures being postponed left, right and centre, and even the programme for Varsity in doubt, the cancellation of the Head of the River race has come as no surprise.

Inside

University of Reading Directer of Rowing Will Rand said, “Currently the flow rate on the River Thames is six times the average for this time of year, and there is lots more water upstream of our stretch heading this way. “It is extremely unlikely that the river conditions will allow safe racing for some time yet - let alone parking vehicles and trailers on the waterlogged land. We thank everyone for their support and we

hope that next year things will be better.” The event was due to be held on Saturday 1st March, and has been run by RUBC students since 1935. It is the largest student-run public event in the country, with over 240 boats each year competing. The race is for divisions of eight and is just short of three miles, starting at Roebuck Ferry and ending at the Boat Club just past Caversham Bridge.

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The HORR winners medal