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Should you bring your gun to uni?
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Exhibition: how our language evolved
The Big Lemon could be squeezed out of business Sophie Bishop The Big Lemon could go out of business by the beginning of the next academic year if Brighton and Hove buses continue to charge equivalent prices. In January this year the Big Lemon competitor, Brighton and Hove buses, reduced their day ticket price from £3.70 to £2.50 for the 23 and 25 routes. These are the routes that run parallel to The Big Lemon’s service from Old Steine to the University.
‘Motion for Long Term Transport’ following these price changes. At the SU Council meeting they highlighted the positive impact that The Big Lemon has had on choice and services for student transport. The SU also noted The Big Lemon provides competition within transport, as well as an innovative sustainable alternative bus for students. There is a fear that now the buses are equally priced students are being swayed by a more regular service provided by Brighton and Hove, due
They have reduced their prices to get rid of the Big Lemon This move has followed a price reduction in autumn for weekly tickets, from £10 to £8 along these routes. These prices now directly mirror The Big Lemon prices and have been called “a direct attack on the Big Lemon’s service” by the Students’ Union (SU). Tom Druitt, managing director of The Big Lemon, said: “Of course, it’s obvious why the fares reductions are not across the board: they cannot afford to reduce prices by that much across the city. “So why have they done it on the Lewes Road? We assume to get rid of The Big Lemon.” He added: “The challenge now is that the future of The Big Lemon service is at stake, as is, more importantly, the future of competition in Brighton and Hove and by extension, pretty much everywhere else.” The SU has now passed the
to the sheer number of buses. The Big Lemon insist that if Brighton and Hove continue with these pricing strategies the they will be forced to stop running by the next academic year. This would create a monopoly for Brighton and Hove. Questions are being asked about how Brighton and Hove can run bigger buses, a more frequent service and use more expensive fuel and still manage to break even, which The Big Lemon only just does. If Brighton and Hove buses are running their service at a loss, then they would be taking part in a form of illegal pricing and would be contravening EU competition law. The Big Lemon are legally restricted as to what can say and so have asked that the Union and Big Lemon users get as involved as they can. Continued on page 3 >>
The Big Lemon could be forced to stop running at the beginning of the next academic year.
Come to The Badger open writers’ meeting on Fridays, 1.30pm, Falmer House, room 126
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The week in photos: The students’ union celebrates Green Week
Above Left: An interpretive dance performance was held in InQbate on Thursday afternoon. Above Right: Crepes were sold on Tuesday afternoon in Library Sqaure. Photos: Anna Evans and Polina Belehhova
Top Left: On Wednesday afternoon inflatables were put up by Arts A for students to enjoy Green Week. Bottom Left: A craft fair in Falmer Common room showed students how to creatively use recycled materials. Top Right: A student takes part in an obstacle course on Monday. Bottom Right: Photos of trees around campus were displayed in InQBate Photos: Anna Evans and Polina Belehhova
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Editors-in-chief
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Bus company forced to search for lemon aid
Juliet Conway Eleanor Griggs badger@ussu.sussex.ac.uk
News editors Raziye Akkoc Jamie Askew Inês Klinesmith Sam Brodbeck
badger-news@ussu.sussex.ac.uk
Features editors Kieran Burn Joe Jamieson badger-features@ussu.sussex.ac.uk
Comment editor Marcelle Augarde badger-opinion@ussu.sussex.ac.uk
Letters editor Rosie Pearce badger-letters@ussu.sussex.ac.uk
A message from The Big Lemon to Brighton and Hove buses’ Managing Director. Photo: The Big Lemon
Arts editor-in-chief
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Olivia Wilson badger-artspages@ussu.sussex.ac.uk
Arts editors Joseph Preston Louise Ronnestad Lucy Atkinson Lily Rae Wanjiru Kariuki Jessie Thompson Harry Yeates Samantha Graham Sophie Moonshine Bella Cockrell
Listings editor Olivia James
badger-listings@ussu.sussex.ac.uk
Science editors Natasha Agabalyan Thomas Lessware badger-science@ussu.sussex.ac.uk
Photo editors Anna Evans Polina Belehhova
Sports editors Matt Stroud Ben Denton badger-sport@ussu.sussex.ac.uk
Sub-editors Luke Guinness Sydney Sims Barnaby Suttle
Students’ Union Communications Officer
Sol Schonfield communications@ussu.sussex.ac.uk
The Badger holds weekly open writers’ meetings Fridays, 1.30pm Falmer House, Room 126
Students are the majority of The Big Lemon’s clientele and the Students’ Union will actively support The Big Lemon by lobbying the relevant groups, launching petitions and supporting the issue throughout Green Week. They have also resolved to provide official representation for Big Lemon strategy meetings.
The issue has even reached local politicians. Mike Weatherley, Hove’s Conservative MP, has written a letter to Brighton and Hove city council’s chief executive John Barradel expressing his concern: “It would appear though that Brighton and Hove Bus and Coach Company is running a very hostile campaign against an emerging competitor which, if left unchecked, could result
in the loss of a much-loved benevolent enterprise.” Roger French, Brighton and Hove Bus and Coach Company Managing Director, responded saying: “The allegation that we are trying to run them off the road is nonsense. “We change our prices all the time. We are forever doing different pricing schemes and we will continue to do so. It has got nothing to do with other
bus operators. “We welcome the fact that there are other bus companies and I think competition is a good thing.” The Big Lemon has been operating since 2007 and expanded their service at the beginning of this academic year. On Shrove Tuesday they gave out free pancakes and will deploy two entertainers to raise money for Comic Relief.
Plans revealed for 23% expansion of Northfield Sam Brodbeck News editor The University of Sussex has submitted a revised planning application to Brighton and Hove City Council to build three more residential housing blocks at the Northfield site. The university says that it wants to help ease Brighton’s chronic shortage of housing by increasing the residential capacity of Falmer campus. A note on the application said: “The university wishes to help relieve the housing crisis in Brighton by moving all first year students onto campus.” The Students’ Union has consistently challenged the university over housing issues after an apparent accommodation shortage at the start of the last autumn term. Northfield is at the northern edge of Falmer campus, lining the South Downs National Park. If the proposal for the new buildings is accepted Northfield would be able to house 957 students, a 23 per cent increase on the original 777-bed plan. Each of the new buildings would
be made up of six study-bedrooms with shared kitchen and dining areas. The £33 million site currently has planning permission for 14 residential buildings including family and single occupancy flats with a reception, social centre and laundrette. The original buildings are due to be completed in July in time for the
above £100. A campaign has been launched (Hope Beyond the Slope) to try and ensure a future for cheap university accommodation after the demolition of East Slope halls. In the 1970s East Slope was among the first campus residences to be built and has a strong sense of identity among the student
The university wishes to help relieve the housing crisis in Brighton by moving all first year students onto campus 2011-2012 academic year. Rents have been set a £121.20 per week per room and will push the average price of campus accommodation
population. It is scheduled to be replaced when the Northfield site is complete and can house the deficit of students. More details
on the campaign can be found on its facebook page. Brighton has a well-documented housing problem. Old houses with less space than the UK average, limited space for new developments because of the sea and Downs, and Brighton’s popularity has left a shortfall in accommodation for students and residents alike. Earlier this month it was also announced that another proposal had been lodged with the council for a development at the longderelict Preston Barracks site in Lewes Road. Plans include 1,000 homes and student flats and a landmark bridge over the thoroughfare forming a grand entrance to Brighton city centre. The University of Brighton is involved in the pitch and echoes the University of Sussex by pledging to reduce the burden on the city’s housing infrastructure. To check the progress of the Northfield residences development visit http://www.sussex. ac.uk/its/buildwatch-northfield/movie/ and watch the time lapse video.
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New proposal to remove oldest module from the English syllabus Ellen Willis The popular third-year English module ‘Modern European Mind’ has been axed from the university’s curriculum following a proposal for academic change last year. The course has been available to English and American Studies students for decades, and was initially a compulsory module, uniting humanities students working in those two disciplines. It focuses on art, literature and society after the French Revolution, and on “radical late eighteenth century transformations in thought.” Now, instead of European literature and thinking pre-1700, a proposal for academic change suggests that the university “refocus the syllabus for the School of English at both BA and MA level on English and American literary and complementary courses, on drama, and on English Language”, according to information on the University’s internal website, Sussex Direct. In the 1990s, the course became an optional module among a wide variety
of other courses. It was eventually absorbed into the ‘special subject’ element of third year English studies, along with courses such as Irish Writing after Joyce, Literature and Psychoanalysis, The Literatures of Africa and The Uncanny, to name but a few. The variety of ‘special subjects’ is broad and varied, but Modern European Mind was a course that continued to attract willing and enthusiastic students. In a document detailing the proposals for change, made available publicly on Sussex direct, it is stated that “in English, the main thrust of the proposals is withdrawal from parts of the curriculum to give a sharper focus to the premium nature of the Sussex English undergraduate programme... It is not intended to change the overall degree programme offering, other than through normal change and adaptation.” Despite the withdrawal of the course, the school of English remains confident that it will continue to be able to offer BA English students exposure to classical and modern
European comparative perspectives on English literature and culture both in its core and optional courses. Third year English student Lauren Black-Fenner commented, “modification of the courses is natural and important in ensuring the degree program stays relevant and interesting.
courses are available. “However, a course that covers such a breadth of historical, social and political knowledge as well as a focus on literature is very valuable in providing a context to English students. Add to that, that the course still remained in popular demand, and it seems strange that this course in particular
A proposal suggests that the university refocus the syllabus for the School of English “Equally, it is reasonable that the restructuring of the School of Humanities – combining American Studies and History as well as Literature – to a new School of English would have a knock-on effect on what
would be cut.’ The cuts have caused controversy in the press, as well as among Sussex students. The Times Higher Education supplement commented on similar cuts in the History department. Richard J
Evans wrote, “History at Sussex has a long and proud tradition, not least in the area of pre-1900 European history... but just as much in pre-1700 British history. How can you understand modern European history without learning anything about the French Revolution?” He goes on to state that “the university claims that it does not intend to axe any courses, but how can one respect a university that proposes to cover this or indeed any other area by ‘non-research-led’ teaching? “Prospective students thinking of studying history at Sussex would be well advised to think again.’ In a economic climate where young people, are questioning the value and financial viability of university degrees, it is important that the university engage in cutting edge, relevant and new research. However, it seems the credibility of Sussex’s humanities department could be compromised as a result. Information regarding changes to the English department can be found at http://www.sussex.ac.uk/vc/1-3 -12-3-1-4.html.
Positive action from students and locals during Green Week Oliver Paynel Green Week began on Saturday 5 March with a Sustainable City Day at Jubilee Square in Brighton. Bid & Borrow, a Brighton and Hove community sharing website, pedal and solar powered live music, interactive stalls like Shedman, an environmentloving poet and the promise of “tasty goodness” drew in the crowds, whilst community groups promoted local environmental initiatives. River Jones from the University of Sussex’s Centre for Community Engagement (CCE) applauded the success of the event, saying “at our town centre launch, attended by over three thousand people, we extended a welcome to this week’s events on campus, got the word out about sustainability focused projects, societies and initiatives at Sussex, and provided an umbrella for local organisations that work to make our city more sustainable.” On campus, Green Week’s events focused on encouraging staff, students and the public to be more environmentally aware. A variety of events included Student Switchoff’s Energy-Saving Obstacle course and the Allotment Open Day, introducing students to the well-nurtured allotments on campus, behind Brighthelm . On Tuesday, 8 March, the Library Square welcomed market day, where recipe demonstrations and affordable lunchtime fare promoted local produce and products. One student described her Spanish omelette as “extremely moreish” and
The market day, on Tuesday 8 March in Library Square, to promote local produce Photo: Oliver Paynel added, “It’s an easy, cheap way to use up leftovers.” Becca Melhuish, University of Sussex’s Ethical and Environmental Officer, joined local councillors on the panel of speakers at Saturday’s Friends of the Earth Question Time debate. Becca announced plans for all Sussex courses to “have sustainability embedded within their curriculums”. Conservative Councillor Ayas Fallon-Khan explained the government’s support for a greener economy and education system, so that “when renewable technology companies are coming into the city, we have the skills aligned so that students can immedi-
ately go into that new kind of work environment”. Becca also argued for improved cycling access and for weekly recycling collections in student areas. Biz Bliss, University of Sussex’s Operations Officer for the Students’ Union, challenged Roger French, the chair of the debate and Brighton & Hove Buses Managing Director, on the subject of the ongoing price war with the Lemon Bus Company along University bus routes. To view the debate online go to www.energyunion.eu/en/tour/brighton Dan Glass, former Sussex Students’ Union President and environmental activist lectured on possibilities for
environmental action after university to a small, but well informed audience. He provoked discussion of how different approaches to activism, from lobbying and fundraising to public protest and occupation, can co-exist in Britain. Glass said “as people grappling with the growing concerns around climate change and its social impacts, we need to empower ourselves in understanding the facts and the options for action. People have to challenge the root causes of the big problems in the world. “Sussex Green Week is a pioneering and extremely well organised
platform for supporting each other in being proactive, untangle problems and provide hope.” Green Week is one of the on-going environmental projects at the Students’ Union – Thursday saw the launch of new drinking fountains in Falmer House, and campus cafes and bars will continue to offer special deals on ethically sourced meals as part of Fairtrade fortnight. Elsewhere, the Bike Train meets every week day at the Level (8.30 and 9.30am) to offer safe rush hour cycling to and from campus, blasting out music as they go. More information can be found at www.biketrain.org.
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Students disqualified Sex class at uni causes outrage from union elections Ellen Willis
Katie O’Shea The recent Students’ Union full-time officer elections at the University of Essex resulted in protests on campus after the winners were disqualified. On 11 February, the whole of the Yes Essex slate were elected to the seven sabbatical positions available. Five days later, every Yes Essex candidate was disqualified on the grounds that one of their nomination forms had been submitted fraudulently and further, that they had used coercion in order to gain votes. The incumbent Union appointed, as is general procedure, an Independent Returning Officer from the NUS to oversee the voting process. She investigated complaints alleging coercion and fraud in the Yes Essex campaign, and found grounds to disqualify them. Every student at Essex has been told that Yes Essex forged the signature of one of their candidates on his nomination form, and also that they
approached voters in the computer labs to “farm” for votes. This latter practice is strictly prohibited, as the labs are seen as ballot stations. There is allegedly CCTV footage of a Yes Essex campaigner standing over two female students, pressuring them to vote, and watching while they did so. A spokesperson from the university’s Students’ Union, said: “Coercion in elections is always a serious matter and this is no exception... the Union will be looking at its regulations and will ensure that they are tighter for future elections.” Sadiq Al-Hasani, the Yes Essex Presidential candidate, refuted all the allegations made against his slate. Although he has not been given access to the CCTV footage, he acknowledges that the alleged coercion did take place and denounces it as “clearly wrong”. Mr Al-Hasani claims that the person in question was not officially involved in the Yes Essex campaign:
“He’s just some guy I don’t even know very well”, he said. He also expresses outrage at the allegations concerning the nomination form, claiming that the candidate in question was unavailable to sign it himself, so gave permission for it to be signed by proxy, which took place in front of a member of the Election Committee. Mr Al-Hasani feels that the reason his slate have been disqualified is a result of bias on the part of the incumbent Union, who supported Vision Essex and were, according to him, “grooming their own people for the job.” The votes are to be re-counted, with all first preferences toYes Essex candidates removed, and the results are to be announced on Friday 11 March. Meanwhile, the Yes Essex slate has appealed to the university’s academic registrar, who will launch an independent investigation into the election results. They have also sought legal advice.
The slate, Yes Essex, was disqualified after allegedly acting in a fraudulent manner. Photo: facebook.com
Sussex student died cutting down trees Eleanor Whalley A student at the University of Sussex has been killed after being fatally struck on the back of the head by a tree branch. Mr Ulas, 61, died at the scene despite attempts to resuscitate him in Ashen Wood, Burwash Common, near Heathfield. His widow, Rosemary, when asked about Mr Ulas, described her husband’s death as a “tragic accident”. Mr Ulas was a part-time doctoral student of the University of Sussex Centre for Cultural Studies and was due to finish his doctorate in September 2011. He was studying under Dr Ben Highmore, reader in media and film.
When asked to comment, Dr Highmore described how affected those who knew Mr Ulas were at his sudden and untimely death. Dr Highmore went on to add: “Friends and colleagues in the School of Media, Film and Music were shocked and saddened to hear about Ted’s death.” Mr Ulas was described by his tutor as being “very much part of the academic life” of the department. Dr Highmore also talked about the personal qualities of Mr Ulas citing “his generosity and enthusiasm” and how they will be very much missed. Dr Highmore further commented that the academic interests of Mr Ulas describing the basic premise of Mr Ulas’s doctoral thesis; “he
was writing his thesis on Charlie Chaplin, using the work of the French sociologist Pierre Bourdieu for his methodological approach.” Mr Ulas’s “enthusiasm” for film extended well beyond the academic sphere and into his professional life. He was one of the founding members of the UK Film Council and joined the Council as a General Manager. His responsibilities included setting up the building and hiring staff. Previously he had worked for British Film Institute. When asked to comment on Mr Ulas, Ms Tina McFarling said: “There is not much more I can tell you about Ted except to say he loved the film industry and was a kind manager and colleague.”
A university in North America has received extensive media attention after a sex act was demonstrated live on stage as part of a seminar. NorthwesternUniversity,inChicago, Illinois, offered an optional live demonstration of the female orgasm after a guest lecturer discussed bondage and sexual fetishes with students, in a ‘human sexuality’ class usually taught by Professor John Michael Bailey. Around 100 students chose to stay for the demonstration, after receiving numerous warnings that it would be graphic, in which guest speaker Jim
Marcus, 45, and partner Faith Kroll, 25, engaged in a sexual act involving a motorised sex toy. The event was initially defended,with Professor Bailey stating, “I certainly have no regrets concerning Northwestern students, who have demonstrated that they are open-minded grown-ups rather than fragile children”. However, Northwestern President Morton Schapiro criticised the lecturer: “I have recently learned of the after-class activity associated with Prof. Bailey’s Human Sexuality class, and I am troubled and disappointed by what occurred,” He added, “I simply do not believe this was appropriate.”
Student wins comedy heat Raziye Akkoc News editor A University of Sussex student has made it to the semi-finals of a student stand-up comedian competition. Adam Hess, 22, won the second heat of the Chortle Student Comedy Awards at the University College London (UCL) on Wednesday 2 March. The annual awards seek the best student comedian across the UK “with competitors vying for a coveted place in the final at the Edinburgh Fringe” in August, according to Chortle’s website. The winner receives a £1,000 prize and £250 is given to the runner-up. Simon Bird, the actor and comedian from The Inbetweeners, the Bafta
award-winning sitcom on E4, entered the national competition in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008. It was in 2008 that he came second in his final attempt. Originally from Croydon, Adam Hess, a third-year undergraduate studying economics, explained how he got involved: ““I’ve always known about it but never thought to enter, but this year just thought ‘why not?’” He added: “I was surprised to win my heat due to my relative lack of experience and the strength of the other performers.”The semi-finals are in May, in either Manchester or London. To see Adam perform, visit www. youtube.com/watch?v=hTnQNE YSrAE&feature=channel_video_ title.
B&H buses to use smartcards Madeleine Trimmer
Brighton and Hove buses have announced the introduction of a smartcard ticketing system which will be implemented this summer. As with other smartcard systems, like the Oyster card in London, users are required to ‘touch in’ on every journey rather than purchasing a paper ticket each time. The scheme is being introduced due to high customer demand and also due to the amount of commuters travelling between Brighton and London every day. The smartcard will make travelling easier as the current paper-tickets can be easily lost. The smartcard will also allow easy online renewal and top-ups and can be cancelled if stolen. The government is very keen on ‘smart ticketing’ and is working with all major transport service providers to develop the technology. The cards being issued will all be compatible with each other so the same card can be used throughout the UK. A spokesperson for Brighton and Hove Bus and Coach Company said: “Students will no longer have to worry
about queuing up to buy a ticket in a shop any longer; once they have their card, they can just renew their ticket online or whenever is convenient for them. “Technology is continually evolving and ‘smart’ ticketing opens up many new opportunities.” Some students at the University of Sussex welcomed the proposal. One final year English undergraduate student said: “I think this is a good idea because anyone who has experienced Brighton and Hove buses previously knows it is inconvenient.to use the current daily bus passes. There’s so much faffing around. The card would be handier to always have on one’s person.” The company hopes to work with Southern Railway and eventually link with Transport for London to enable a smooth travelling experience. However these plans are still under development and will not be implemented for a few years. The transfer from paper to plastic will begin after a series of tests have been completed and then long term bus pass holders will be transferred over first with short day passes being the last to transfer over.
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Guns on campus: worth a shot? After a series of campus massacres in North America, Texas is set to introduce legislation obliging college students to carry firearms for self-defence. One Sussex student offers their perspective.
A non-fatal shooting last year at a campus in Texas is thought have acted as a catalyst for the pro-gun lobby. Photo: WSJ. Tori Turner What is your immediate reaction when you hear the words ‘gun’ and ‘US College’ used in the same sentence? For many of us, I’m sure, it draws up awful stories of the Virginia Tech shooting of April 2007; not the most recent but certainly the most fatal of a series of high-profile shootings that have taken place across North America in recent years. Now Texas, the Lone Star state famous for its adherence to the Second Amendment (often referred to as ‘the right to bear arms’), is considering not just giving public colleges the option to allow concealed carry on campus, but passing legislation forcing them to accept it as a right. Is this madness? Well, I’m inclined to think so. I’ve seen fights break out between our university students, seen tensions run high during first-year flat parties, seen drunk men and women brawl and fight it out on our campus grounds. When studies show that, at this age, our brains haven’t fully matured, is it really sensible to put guns into our hands? Maybe it’s just the thought of a gunshot going off on our campus that horrifies me so much, but despite growing up in a place that was, the media claimed, saturated with illegal firearms toted by drug-running gangs (with the awful nickname of ‘Gunchester’), it is still a lot scarier for me to imagine Sussex students being legally able to carry guns around with us – to class, in campus accommodation, around town. Take the situation of a particularly vicious drunken argument between two students in which one or both of them are also carrying a firearm. Can you guarantee that in the heat of the moment and with significant mental impairment and intoxication, one of them won’t pull out their firearm and wound or kill the other? The considerable damage we could inflict with our bare hands is nothing compared to the damage that could result from the pulling of a trigger in the heat of anger. The fact needs to be faced that these things do happen – but American views on guns will always be extremely different to British ones.
Of course, there are two sides to this story. The opinion of the senators who have already signed the legislature (more than half), the Governor ofTexas Rick Perry and a number of students is that having licensed, trained people (staff and students) carrying guns will actually increase safety on campus.The Bill’s sponsor, Senator Jeff Wentworth (Republican - San Antonio) described the current situation in words made famous by one student from the University of Texas, who described students as “sitting ducks to crime”. Others have repeatedly affirmed their belief that, in a situation like that in Virginia in 2007, having people on-scene who had guns could have prevented the situation from escalating, giving people an option other than “huddling under desks and playing dead” – the technique famously used by Virginia shooting survivor Colin Goddard, who was shot 4 times in the hips, shoulder and knee and only survived by doing just that. DerekTitus (Texas A&M University), leader of the Concealed Carry on Campus group at his institution, stated that gun-free zones were “shooting galleries for the mass-murderers” whilst a professor from the University of Texas said that he would take his gun to work with him so that he could help in the event of an incident. But the statistics belie the claims that guns would greater help than hinder life on campus.To get a license for concealed carry (CHL), there are 4 prerequisites. Firstly, that you are 21; secondly, that you have no criminal record. The third factor is that you attend 10 hours of training and pay $140; the fourth is that you pass a written exam on gun safety and pass a firing test on a shooting range. As of 2010, the state had just over 460,000 CHL holders. However, statistics put the shooting accuracy of police teams in America at only 20% when responding to a crisis such as a mass shooting. Can we really expect civilians who have had 10 hours of training and a practical test to do better than those who train regularly as part of their job? More, when responding to a shooting, if there are multiple persons
firing, how are the police expected to know who is the shooter and who is the student trying to stop the shooter? In terms of the number of shootings that have occurred on campuses since 2007, it’s true that there have been 24 incidents in three years, the most recent being in October 2010. However, out of these, 11 were non-fatal (excluding the shooters in two of the incidences, who committed suicide); the perpetrators of three more were not former or current members of staff or students and five occurred in a public place where a CHL holder wouldn’t have been able to intervene. Of those five remaining, then, only two would class as being an act of mass murder rather than being one or two killings relating to a personal dispute – Blacksburg, Virginia in 2007 and DeKalb, Illinois in 2008. The various presidents of colleges
in the state are united in their view, including University ofTexas President William Powers, the heads of University ofTexas of the Permian Basin (UTPB), University of Texas at El Paso, Texas A&M, and the Alamo Colleges board – many with the backings of their local police chiefs. They have stated, quite simply, that incidences of college shootings, particularly those involving multiple fatalities, are the rarest of rare situations. Friday and Saturday night come every week on campus. If they are given the choice to refuse the right to CHL on their campuses, they will almost certainly do so. But they may not be given the choice, meaning they would have to allow those who wish to carry firearms to classes to do so. The view that really matters here, however, is the view of those students, like us, who will be potentially affected by this. Multiple protests have been staged in Austin, Texas, about the measure and the debate on-campus is heating up around the topic. Flashes of vicious argument continue between students from the Brady Campaign to Prevent GunViolence and Students for Concealed Carry on Campus – with each side accusing the other of trying to make college campuses less safe. Comments from graduates and students of Texan universities seem overwhelmingly in the negative concerning this issue. Journalists covering opinions at UTPB, University ofTexas, University ofTexas-Austin and Texas A&M have reported a majority of students, staff and law enforcement officials coming out against the idea of allowing guns into classrooms. One self-effacing student admitted simply that “we’re not mature enough”, whilst another self-proclaimed “pretty Conservative guy”, who was in favour of gun rights, said that he would not feel comfortable knowing that “the person next to me could have one”. These are just two of hundreds of quotes from Texan students declaring that they
would not feel safer with those who have concealed carry licenses being allowed to have their guns with them in the classroom – be that a professor, a fellow student or a maintenance worker. Plenty of students in other states, includingVirginia, feel similarly and the debate has extended to many campuses in states not currently considering a similar bill, as well as becoming an issue discussed between US nationals from differing states, and between US students and the international student community online. The legislation is expected to pass, one of many similar bills being proposed across the country. Nine states are currently officially considering legislation, five others have had Senators announce that a Bill will be introduced during their term in office and two, Utah and Colorado, have already passed legislation. In Utah, state colleges have no choice over whether to allow concealed carry on campus; Colorado allows them to choose. Overall 70 American campuses currently allow their students to carry concealed, all in areas which require a CHL. Students for Concealed Carry on Campus tout the lack of incidents on these campuses since this introduction as proof that the fears of the Brady Campaign and other students are unfounded. But the USA has a total of 4,861 colleges and universities, just under 100 per state. If bills in all 9 states go through, that’s almost 900 additional campuses. It will only take one incident, in one college, involving a CHL holder to completely invalidate Student for Concealed Carry on Campus’ claims – and the more colleges that are forced to allow guns on-site, the more likely it is that a tragedy will occur. When one does, Senators will hopefully begin the process of dismantling this legislation which has the potential for far more harm than good.
The loosening of gun laws across North America has brought students to the streets.
Photo: The Plant.
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letters and emails Referendum Dear Sir/Madam, This letter is in response to James Butcher [‘Referendum’ letter, 07.03.11]. I feel Mr Butcher forgets that regardless of the voting system, any political party can be punished at the polls, simply by voters not voting for them. If the Liberal Democrats pick up a vote share of around 10% (as current opinion polls suggest) then they would be annihilated under FPTP and AV. Hung parliaments occur when there is sufficient support for a third party, therefore if the support is there, both systems would deliver hung parliaments (and vice versa when the support collapses). The fundamental problem with Mr Butcher’s argument is that it implies that FPTP is immune to hung parliaments (which after last May’s election we know is not true) and doesn’t lead to “supermajorities” (Tony Blair had a majority of 179 in 1997). In fact one of the positives of a move to AV is that it isn’t a radical change. Most seats wouldn’t dramatically change hands, but MPs would have to work harder for your vote, and your vote will truly count. Yours faithfully, Matthew Reilly Dear Sir/Madam, In response to James Butcher’s letter on the subject of the disadvantages of AV: Presenting the situation under AV as inevitably falling into two categories (hung parliament and overwhelming victory) is a complete false dichotomy. There is no evidence to suggest that
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either one would definitely happen; and when the last fifteen years of elections have produced both outcomes, then it is hard to see how changing the system would make things any worse, even if the result did arbitrarily have to fall into one of those categories. With regard to the possibility of a landslide victory for one party, there is first no reason given that this might occur. There is also no connection between the size of a victory and how well it represents the views of the populace; the two are simply not causally related. The second point with regard to a more probable hung parliament one must really question one’s own views on politics and how much you personally value representation against stability – there is no need to insinuate that one is any worse than the other, it’s purely a matter of personal values With regard to the third point, Mr Butcher suggests that the Lib Dems will not be punished for lying to the people about tuition fees – there is no reason to believe this at all, in that parties can only gain seats by getting votes. Irrespective of the system, if people stop voting for the Lib Dems then they will not get seats, it’s as simple as that. So, first of all there is no reason to suggest that either of the two aforementioned options should happen. Secondly there is no reason that there should be a false dichotomy between those two options either way. Thirdly, neither of the two options is fundamentally wrong for the reasons stated. Finally, there is no reason that AV would gain the Lib Dems anything if people don’t want to vote for them Yours faithfully, Frank Fontaine
Course evaluations Dear Sir/Madam, I was disappointed to see that there is no longer an open commentary section on the course evaluation questionnaires (although I can speak only as a student of Psychology). I realise that individual comments made by students are not published but I’m sure that they are taken into consideration by the course convenors when organising their courses for the next academic year. I feel that the seven questions do not provide a broad enough range of feedback. What about how seminars went? What about recognition of the Associate Tutors as well as lecturers? What about whether we were happy with the sorts of assessments for the course? Most importantly, what about how we think things should be improved? I suppose you could e-mail the course convenor with such comments but then that would defeat the object of remaining anonymous on the questionnaires and could put the sender at risk of sounding like a sycophantic stalker or a pedantic old whinge. Perhaps I have turned into a grumpy old woman in my final year or am suffering from “End of Term Syndrome”. Either way, I hope I’m not alone in my opinion on this issue. Yours faithfully, E. Coxhead
Politics and protest Dear Sir/Madam, I have read two responses now to a feature I wrote some weeks back on politics and protesting [‘Everyone is
comment and opinion
a loser when it comes to politics and protest,’ 14/02/11]. I thank Kieran Burn for his defence of my article, though do not take exception to the reader who suggested that I may be naive. Everyone is entitled to an opinion. I would say however, that the line in the article to which he objected, ‘I am neither naive nor idealist to suggest education should be free’ has to be given some kind of context. Of course I’d love university education to be free but living through a time of economic recession, it is unlikely, shall we say, to suppose that at least some of the money needed to balance the budget won’t come out of higher education. I’m not saying that’s what I want, obviously I’d far rather bankers were taxed more or big businesses were better held to account but I’m just trying to be realistic. I was proposing a middle ground because, well £9,000 is obviously a ludicrous amount of money to have to pay for a degree education. Demonstrators, who don’t give way to mindless violence, have nothing but my deepest respect and admiration and I’m sorry if I failed to convey that in my article. I would say that my cause wasn’t helped by an editorial decision to change the title from: ‘Nobody wins in politics and protesting’ to ‘Everybody’s a loser in politics and protesting’. I’m not questioning the Badger’s editorial staff, indeed I myself am an Arts editor and know that difficult decisions need to be made, though I think my attempt to show sympathy and solidarity with protestors was made to sound like an attack on them instead, which is not what I wanted at all.
AGM debate
Yours,
Yours, with plenty of mashed potato,
Harry Yeates
Will Prothero
Dear Sir/Madam, I would like to suggest that the AGM updates its methods for the 21st century. Speaking to someone from another university, I found out that it isn’t just disinterest and apathy that are keeping people from attending. Other universities get as high as 50% turn outs. I have several ideas that I think may help, for example a series of debates held at East Slope, Falmer Bar and Mandela Hall between the people proposing motions and people against said motions. This would involve a 2 week period running up to the debates in which the Badger would run articles on the motions proposed and advertise the debates and any other available methods. The debates could be recorded and put online, both on the Badger and the SU websites. Then the voting could be done on-line to avoid people feeling pressured to vote a certain way at the risk of losing friends. It would also mean that there would be a longer period of time for people to get acquainted with the motions. Thank you, Virgin Cola
Whither Bodger? Dear Sir/Madam, Much as I love the Badger, it just isn’t the same without Bodger.
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Arming the regimes of the Middle East Liam Sabec
As our Prime Minister attempts to reinvent himself as the humanitarian interventionist in regards to Libya, it may be poignant to recall his last foray into the affairs of the region. A few weeks ago, Mr. Cameron toured the Middle East within a sortie of arms dealers. Adopting the Coalition’s amorphous concept of fairness he argued that countries “like Kuwait” cannot be expected to manufacture all their own weapons. Thus, the arms trade was transformed into an egalitarian endeavour; an ideological crusade to assure the equality of sovereignties. However, the UK’s defence industry has never felt compelled to only sell weapons to regimes “like Kuwait”. The UK’s biggest customers in the arms trade in North Africa and the Middle East, as measured by total value of military and dual use export licenses, are Algeria, Saudi Arabia and Libya. The value of military goods sold to Algeria alone is over 40 times that of
Kuwait. These states all have particularly atrocious records of internal repression. Algeria has had a national state of emergency declared since 1992 and has been consistently denounced by human rights organisations for politically-motivated killings and torture. Saudi Arabia is also widely condemned for the brutal repression of political dissidents and the use of corporal punishments, including amputation, as penal sanctions. In light of the events of recent weeks the willingness of Libyan authorities to use military measures against their own people hardly needs to be highlighted. Nor have UK governments, particularly Conservative governments,seemed concerned about selling weapons to regimes likely to engage in aggressive actions against their neighbours. It is now well-established that Saddam Hussein was substantially armed by the US and UK during Iraq’s war with Iran. The provision of Indonesia with Hawk fighter jets used in the brutal subjugation of EastTimor during the 1980s and
1990s is now notorious. Current prominent customers in the Middle East and North Africa include Israel, widely condemned for committing war crimes in the occupied territories, and Libya which launched four aggressive interventions into neighbouring Chad between 1978 and
defence contractors. In recent years, allegations of chronic corruption in its £43 billion Al Yamamah contract with Saudi Arabia have been the centre of controversy, it has been revealed that the company paid £1 million into the account of former Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet
We should not be fooled by these fake radicals and their convenient neologisms for instruments of death
1987. Indeed, the incongruity of Mr. Cameron’s language of principle with a trade delegation headed by Chief Executive of BAE Systems, Ian King, is palpable. As many will be aware BAE Systems has the shameful distinction of being the largest and most unscrupulous of
and it has agreed to pay £286 million in criminal fines due to a failure to keep “reasonably accurate accounting records” and “conspiring to make false statements to the US government” in regards to its activities in Tanzania. What most people are unaware of is that having been substantially support-
ed and funded by the UK government the operations of BAE Systems are truly done in our name. In the last financial year BAE system received £4 billion in payments from the Ministry of Defence, more than many governmental departments and equating to £64 for every British man, woman and child - more than the UK’s entire contribution to the EU. When the Thatcher administration supported the arms trade they made few concessions to the language of equality and justice. The present government takes similar actions but avails them with the language of ‘fairness’. We should not be fooled by these fake radicals and their convenient neologisms for instruments of death and disingenuous defences of the trade. Sometimes things are exactly how they seem and the trade delegation, and the UK arms trade in general, appears to be unprincipled businesses selling weapons to the highest bidder with the blessing of an unscrupulous government.
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LSE resignation will have repercussions Joshua Feldman Hosted by the English department, a recent lecture entitled ‘Commercial CulturalTheory and Semiotics’. Small, informal and spirited, it was led by two representatives from a unique market research company called ‘Space Doctors’, who predominantly use qualitative, cultural analysis to inform the direction of advertising agencies. Both with an academic background in the humanities, they have transferred their interpretative skills to the commercial world, imbibing theory into practice. When the main presentation had finished and the time for questions had arrived, the girl behind me passionately asked that which had been on everybody’s lips: whether this enterprise was a sell out. After all, cultural materialism is an inherently left-wing discipline that aims to disseminate the ideology of power structures, and ‘Space Doctors’ essentially exploit its research for a counteracting effect. But the main speaker was confident in his reply: he acknowledged the validity of her comment, but challenged her to find a career from her degree that was not financially motivated. From this ensued a fascinating discussion about the increasing unification of academia and commercialism, a fact that we can be
ideologically opposed to but cannot escape. This serendipitously timed debate helps to inform our reading of the recent resignation of LSE director Howard Davies over the exposure of his links to the Libyan regime. As our country unites in condemnation of Gaddafi and buttresses the cause of civilian protestors, it would be easy to demonise Davies and his underlings as part of a corrupt plutocracy, all too ready
Exeter, for example, were making similar ties with Libya back in 2003, when vice-chancellor Steve Smith shook hands with Gaddafi on a £75 million deal to educate the next generation of Libyan academics. Smith said: “Britain is developing strong new links with Libya and is very interested in doing business with it and it will open up a whole new era of diplomatic relations”. Similarly, the University of Leeds voiced a commitment to Libyan
Davies and LSE have been involved in distinct practices that should not escape our condemnation to sacrifice academic scrupulosity for a financial bolstering. Although this is certainly true to an extent (the allegation that Gaddafi’s son plagiarised parts of his doctoral thesis is particularly incriminating), the easiness of such a polemic descends into facility when considering the past of other British universities, and the profundity of the issue that this represents.
students in 2006, offering a Ministry of Health Scholarship Scheme for the nation’s postgraduates. Ties to Gaddafi’s regime are thus by no means restricted to LSE, and it is partially due to the media’s recent focus on Libyan politics that they have been the recipient of such localised criticism. It is true, however, that Davies and LSE have been involved in distinct practices that should not
escape our condemnation. Along with the controversy surrounding the PhD thesis of Saif Gaddafi, they have been funded to actively promote the reputation of his father in the West, demonstrating a clear, economic partisanship that is difficult to separate from their overall ethos as a university. To quote Ashok Kumar, the education officer at LSE’s students’ union, their relationship with Gaddafi’s family was “deeper and more perverse than we would have ever imagined”, and the malignity of these revelations naturally stretch beyond the efforts of media sensationalism. Their situation is, as the Guardian’s Simon Jenkins argues, ultimately an extreme version of the predicament now facing all UK universities. Indeed, the dealings of LSE are indicative of a more fundamental issue, namely the gradual conflation of academia with commercialism. This process effectively began in 1988 with Thatcher’s call to “bring higher education institutions closer to the world of business”, a relationship that has since been consolidated with research assessment exercises, income-generating units and capitation grants. Universities can no longer offer education for education’s sake: they must gear it towards profit.
For some, this is the pragmatic outcome of industrialisation; but for others, it is ideologically reprehensible, and I find myself straying towards the latter group. John Dewey wrote that ‘Education is not a preparation for life; education is life itself ’, and if you can move past the triteness of axiom, it is difficult not to find truth in that statement. If universities are merely training students for the workplace and acting as vehicles for the economy, then they amount to little more than mass internships and cease to be the independently reflective institutions that they should be; they risk being assimilated into the globalist push for economic expansion and, in the case of Davies and the LSE, losing any sense of integrity. The recent allegations are therefore shocking in themselves, but we must be aware of their deeper implications of the yoking between universities and the governing institutions. This development is of grave concern, and its position within the broader globalist movement may make it seem impossible to reverse; but to paraphrase Burke in gentler terms, the only thing necessary for the triumph of commercialism in academia is for a resisting force to do nothing, and the situation therefore need not be hopeless.
Modern society or modern day Victorianism? Michael Handrick The words of an unknown university master that a “working-man” should stay in his own “sphere” hangs bitterly in the ears of every student and every student that dreams of entering a university. Yet, these words do not come from modern day UCAS letters but from Thomas Hardy’s, Jude the Obscure, written one hundred and sixteen years ago. Hardy’s novel about a young man self-taught in the classical languages who has great aspirations to attend Christminster University (Oxford University) and the bitter consequences of Victorian society and class restrictions brings extraordinary parallels to our own modern day British society and current events unfolding.Reading Jude the Obscure, one cannot do less than empathise with the protagonist. Jude reflects many thousands of students across the country: diligent, huge dreams and breaking family tradition in wanting to go to university. Jude comes from a rural, agrarian background and his desire to learn and to read is eccentric, abnormal to the country workers. It does not deter him and he proceeds to further his education by moving to the aforementioned Christminster having learnt the trade of masonry beforehand in order to support himself. It is the idea of tradition, “following the ways of the immediate generation before us in a blind or timid adherence to its successes”, that Jude has to escape, and succeeds in doing so, to start his attempt at becoming a scholar. Although, Jude’s elders and towns-
men clearly express their opinions on his ambitions: he is told that University is “only for them with plenty o’ money” . Breaking tradition is one of many ways of achieving social mobility, the tuition fees that can now be tripled to £9000 will most definitely restrict the students that wish to break tradition and better themselves. Students from every household income, above all from lower income boundaries will be deterred by the massive debts that will come with a university degree. The words of Jude’s town folk ring clear, will university be restricted to those who have the money to pay and support themselves? What is evident from Jude is that the Victorian society had an extremely rigid hierarchy. University and higher education was, generally, restricted to the middleupper classes and the class hierarchy rigidly kept in place. Can we draw upon Jude the Obscure for a possible future for society in Britain? Will our country now suffer the restrictions that Victorian society once imposed? Opportunities becoming only attainable through wealth and the right acquaintances restricting initiative and creating a large class divide. Britain has long enjoyed the liberty of social mobility and meritocracy, and, with each university feeling obliged or willingly rising tuition fees may see this movement firmly stamped out for future generations. A faint echo of Jude’s fate with his dream of becoming an esteemed scholar and studying his passion were crushed due to social class prejudices and lack of monetary security and background. The possible modern
Are our academic ambitions achievable? Photo: Oxford University, virtual-archive.co.uk day numbers are limitless. With the impending tuition fee rises, many students are seeking to migrate to our neighbours in Europe which have the attractions of lower living costs, higher standards of living, and most importantly, lower tuition fees. Increasingly the Germanic speaking countries from the Netherlands to Belgium are offering English based undergraduate and postgraduate courses which do not hold the burden of unthinkable debts. This trend is even spreading to the Mediterranean countries, famous Anglophobes in regards to our language being incorporated into theirs, the prospect of having English initiative and ambitions in their countries is becoming attractive. What does this leave for Britain?
A massive loss in a creative and intelligent demography as well as the financial boost the government hoped it would receive from students. Worrying still, with Europe being and looking so attractive, not only to study but also to live, this could be catastrophic for the British economy. Why would these fleeing students wish to return to high taxes, inflation rises and few graduates? Will Britain’s economy suffer again? We stand to lose incentive, enterprise and fresh inspiration in the work place with the loss of these students. This is a potential long term, crippling future for Britain, possibly overlooked by David Cameron and our government in their hastily thought out legislation. With every
step modern day Britain is set to evolve, or mutate, into its ‘great’ predecessor, the Victorian period and the harsh restrictions on class. It paints a very bleak image in the minds of Britain’s future generations. The results of the tuition fee rises and university funding cuts, conjures the oppressive nature of Victorian society that our hero Jude had to endure where only the higher echelons of society could attend. A bright spark that was crushed heavily under the ashes of class and society. Upon Jude’s death bed, some of his last words are a heart wrenching reflection that he was “fifty years too soon” The question left on our lips is, are we digressing back one hundred and sixteen years?
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There are 12 differences between the two images. See if you can spot them
Ode to the arrival of Spring by Inês, Kieran, Marcelle, Raziye Disclaimer: the following poem is a result of a fun experiement, in which the verses were written without the writers knowing what the verse above said.
Hello Spring, we have long awaited Your petals scattered, no longer belated... The beauty of the season mystifies us all And I know that we will have a ball! The birds of Spring dance around us Amidst the meadow I find myself in, I wait for a bus. The clouds are full and glowing over head I wondered freely into a flowerbed.
The photos that caught our eye last week
Talk about extravaganza! Samba schools show off at the second night of Rio de Janeiro’s annual Carnival parade on Saturday 7 March Photo: uk.reuters.com
1. How many stars are there in the EU flag? 2. Which country in the world sends the most letters abroad? 3. What does OXFAM stand for? 4. What was the second full-length Disney film after ‘Snow White’? 5. Who are teddy bears named after?
General knowledge/ Who am I? Results (7 March) 1. 212F 2. A sitting cat 3. Coffee 4. 43 5.1961 6. Hydrogen
1. Van Morrison 2. Lord Alan Sugar 3. Jacques Chirac
Pick up the Badger next term (out Monday 2 May) to find out the answers to our General Knowledge quiz. While you’re waiting for next term, visit us online at www.thebadgeronline.co.uk
Finally. We all need the holiday.
Bouncy castles
Tuesday’s Well Fair reminded us of our youth.
UniTV’s Sussed
TV news will never be the same again
Going down...
Flowers blossom as Spring arrives The sunshine dapples gardens, the roses come alive Yonder the birds sing and the daffodils spring to life With all its troubles and strife.
Last week of term
Going up...
Spot the difference!
General Knowledge
| badger@ussu.sussex.ac.uk
Rupert Murdoch No explanation necessary
Giant Easter eggs Too expensive!
Last week of term
We will all miss the Badger during Easter.
cool wall
misc.
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students’ union
Candidates for Sussex reps to NUS LGBT conference Students’ Union Release This years NUS Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Trans (LGBT) conference will take place on the weekend of May 6-8 in Sheffield and Sussex has five available places to go as a delegation. Because eight students have stood as candidates, there will be a campus-wide ballot to decide who goes and this will take place on 16-17 March. The conference is an opportunity for LGBT student activists from across the UK to come together to set the direction for the campaign for the year ahead and elect the LGBT Officers and Committee. One of the key functions of the conference is to debate and vote on motions, which become the policy for
five years. Nominations for the position of LGBT Officer (Open Place)
Only students who self identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bi,Trans or Queer should vote for the delegates that will represent them and LGBT Officer (Women’s Place) are now open and will close on Friday
18 March. The deadline for submitting motions has passed. Soon a motions document will be put up online for students’ unions to read, and submit amendments to (if there is a motion to be debated that you feel needs changing in some way). The deadline for amendments to motions is Friday 18 March. LGBT conference is representative of all LGBT students nationwide and is autonomous of the NUS. Only students who self identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Trans or Queer should vote for the delegates that will represent them at LGBT conference. We urge all students to respect this and only vote if you do self identify as one of the above.
LGBT candidate manifestos Jess Bayliss (Women’s place)
ence to be your voice at conference!
As Sussex LGBTQ Open Officer, I have worked to raise awareness of LGBTQ issues and support LGBTQ students. I have applied to go in a Women’s place as I am equally passionate about issues affecting Women and I am currently assisting with the national WeAreEQUALS campaign. I am also representing Sussex at the NUS Women’s Conference. As a delegate I will use my experience of raising awareness of LGBTQ and Women’s issues to ensure visions of equality and liberation are maintained, additionally voting in favour of motions which are anti-cuts, anti-fascist, support international solidarity and positively support LGBTQ students.
Ben Coupland (Black student place)
Kieran Burn (Open place) “Anti-Cuts,Anti-Fascism,Pro-Liberation? Vote Kieran!” I’ve been consistently hardworking throughout my time on LGBTQ Committee. As our passionate Union Liberation Officer, I’ve: • increased our political presence on campus; • raised awareness of LGBTQ issues; • lobbied the union to recognise nonbinary gender identities in diversity monitoring; • increased the LGBTQ’s democracy and accountability; • actively engaged with students to represent their views to the union and provided feedback to increase union engagement. This experience makes me well-placed to understand our concerns: the threats of fascism and cuts and the importance of liberation. As delegate I’ll use my experi-
“Equality for all” I’m currently the welfare officer for Sussex LGBTQ and I’m a half Arabic gay man, passionate about representing you, fighting for equal rights and an end to discrimination against LGBTQ individuals and ethnic minorities. If elected I promise to: - Fight against the spread of Islamophobia and the rising threat of far-right fascism. - Push universities to support LGBTQ students sufficiently - Fight for the LGBT movement to do more for Trans people - Fight the savage cuts to Education and the NHS Continue to fight for the Student Loans Company to adequately recognise estrangement in LGBTQ young people. Charley Jarrett (Black student place) “Less stick, more carrot” Amiable solutions must be sought to the tensions between LGBTQ, ethnic minority and religious communities. Recent conflicts – like those between homophobic and Islamophobic extremists in my hometown, London, – must not escalate into violence; they must be reversed through dialogue. My immediate family has European, Arab and Jamaican influences. Seventy-two languages were spoken at my comprehensive. I’ve seen the wounds of cultural division first-hand, but also the fulfilment when these are healed. After seven years of LGBT activism
I ask you to elect me to Conference, please; I will help shape an NUS Campaign with harmony and liberation at its core.
URF 24 hour broadcast for Comic Relief Nicola Alexandrou URF Station Manager University Radio Falmer (URF) presenter James Innes, also known as DJimmy and a group of avid radio presenters will be doing a 24 hour broadcast from 1pm Saturday 19 March to raise money for Comic Relief.
the website www.justgiving.com/ Face4Radio/, you can also contact the 24 hour show for song requests at studio@urfonline.com Volunteers have agreed to have their legs waxed or hair dyed an unusual colour in order to help raise money for the cause. The set target is £1,000 but DJimmy is confident that the 24 hour
The set fundraising target is £1,000 The broadcast will include non stop tunes and regular banter along with live acoustic sets from local up and coming bands. URF’s production room will be transformed into a participant area, which will include Rock Band for all to enjoy for a small donation to Comic Relief. Listeners at home can donate via
broadcast will able to surpass this target. Everyone is welcome to come up to the studio in Norwich House during this time to see how they are getting on or to donate and play Rock Band. You can get involved on facebook and the event Comic Relief 24 hour radio show and by listening live at www.urfonline.com
Tori Turner (Trans place) In my position as Campaigns Officer for Sussex LGBTQ, students have told me what they think we should campaign on, the problems they personally face and the things they feel should be highlighted. As a delegate at NUS LGBT Conference, I would aim to represent those priorities as the Conference sets the policy for the next year. Just as vitally, last year, I came back with ideas, contacts, inspiration and advice for campaigns. Please vote for me to attend, so I can represent your views, and come back with even more ways to campaign about your concerns here at Sussex! Carly Walker-Dawson (Open place) “Vote Carly #1 NUS LGBTQ delegate!” I’ve been active in the LGBTQ field for eight years, coordinating educational seminars, events and campaigns. If you elect me, I will: 1. Fight for equality of LGBTQ students and staff in all aspects of university life 2. Encourage closer work with other inclusion-orientated organisations, e.g. black students’ society 3. Push the campaign against homophobic bullying 4. Continue the support of free education by the LGBTQ NUS campaign Partying is all well and good, but I want to make sure societies and campaigns support LGBTQ students in all different ways, bringing everyone together.
Thinking of being a Union Councillor or Part-time Officer? to find out more :
Fulton 109, 5pm-6:30pm Thurs 17 March
Nominations open online Fri 18 March
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students’ union Sussex students help out at local primary school Project V collaorate with Brighton Michaela Rossmann Volunteer Development Coordinator Project V and Active Student (the University of Brighton volunteering service) worked in partnership to organise a one off arts taster session with the Carlton Hill Primary School as part of Green Week. The students and children were creating shower-heads for the Children Parade, happening in May 2011 and the theme for this school is Children’s Rights, and the right to clean water. Six students from the University of Brighton and six University of Sussex students attended and enjoyed a creative day. Victoria Miller, one of the Sussex students involved said that she “loved how we were able to work with a child one on one” as she is interested in going into childcare in the future. She added “I thought the school had a great atmosphere and we were treated really well.”
Brighton and Sussex students who attended the one-off event Photo: Michaela Rossmann
Free for all Friday 18 March
Outside Falmer House 12 - 3pm
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arts THE MAIN EVENT NOTES FROM THE UNDERGROUND Page 12 THE MUSIC ROOM MUSIC FEATURE GIG REVIEW FOOD FOR THOUGHT Page 13
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The main event
Hauntingly Good
The Badger reviews this year’s newest nightclub and live music venue: The Haunt
ON THE BIG SCREEN ON THE SMALL SCREEN COMPUTER CAMING Page 14 EXHIBTION REVIEW PERFORMANCE REVIEWS UNIVERSITY APPAREL Page 15
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WHAT’S ON...? Page 16
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The Haunt holds regular clubnights such as: Sextape, Thursday Night Fish Fry or It Is Still 1985 Photo: thehauntbrighton.co.uk Douglas Clarke-Williams Whether you fancy Sextape, Thursday Night Fish Fry or It Is Still 1985, The Haunt seems to please both midweek clubbers as well as weekend partygoers. There’s an argument to be made that Brighton has, if anything, an excess of achingly trendy nightspots scattered about.With venues like Coalition for those seeking to jump around to the week’s hits to Casablanca for those seeking to pay £4 a pint, there’s a little something for everyone. The news that there is yet another club opening its doors in our fair city may fill some people with a certain amount of exasperation, but fear not
– The Haunt has found its own niche by filling every niche going. With an almost overwhelming array of themes and performances on offer, keep an eye on The Haunt’s website – the hilariously ironic shoulder pads which you wore to their ‘80s night ‘It is Still 1985’ (on every Saturday) will just look silly when you turn up to the performance of Yelle and CocknBullKid on March 25th. Indeed, you may well recognise a lot of the features of said ‘80s night – it’s done by the same people who put on similar ‘80s themed nights at Concorde2 in September and at Coalition on New Year’s Eve. It is the plethora of live performances planned which are particularly interesting. A few venues, such as Jam
and Audio, manage to combine being decent places for gigs as well as being able to cater for an acceptable clubbing night, but the formula can certainly be improved. If The Haunt is able to combine these elements, the payoff could be considerable. Especially with regard to hosting bands more conducive to dancing, as well as the standard acoustic guitar-plucking fare which usually inhabit the various dingy club basements. In this it may well be aided by is location: on the waterfront almost opposite the Pier, it’s in the territory of the most popular clubs like Coalition, Digital and Honey Club. If the passing traffic is from that kind of crowd it will have to make sure that it
caters to them. However, the worry with all these differently themed nights being put on by such a variety of companies is that The Haunt will fail to establish itself as a venue with a concrete identity – essential in a city so concerned with image as Brighton. Spots like Jam and Volks have a well established persona, and people know what they’re getting when they go. Even Oceana, for all its sins, knows exactly what kind of clientele it’s serving. Unless The Haunt can equal or better what all these other places do there may not any reason to go beyond the novelty of it. For now, it looks like it promises plenty of half-remembered nights and unexplained bruises.
a space where these elements could coexist and enrich one another,something I didn’t see happening anywhere else in Brighton.” It certainly has a distinctive feel, and I recall feeling as if I’d stumbled into some subterranean cult gathering the first night I attended but with that was a sense of having discovered something fantastically unique. And I’m not the only one;the room is regularly filled out,with a friendly,mixed crowd making up the monthly audience. The organisers are eager to switch things up as well, with the March edition being an overly music-based night yet, which featured the malevolent electronic craftings of Raime and Ekoplekz, as well as the psychedelic folk stylings of Alexander
Tucker. Entry is £5 on the door, which opens at 7.30 with the night usually running until around 11. Plans for future events are already underway, with the April edition said to be featuring a considerable amount of film and video elements, and when pressed for further details on the April event, the organisers offered this unsubtle clue: “Gh*st B*x”. Also mentioned was an interest in incorporating performance art, dramatic works and special ‘off-site’ events. If you feel like taking a gander beyond the veil, the sensory communion you’ll receive at The Outer Church promises to fulfil your arcane curiosity.
Notes from the underground Aiden Aitken The Outer Church Komedia Every second Thursday Find yourself yearning for a touch of weirdness? Can’t quite scratch an itch for the unsettling, the just-a-little-creepy? The Outer Church, held every month in the basement of the Komedia, promises to satisfy your cravings for the twisted, irregular and just a little bit beautiful. Mixing film screenings and musical performances, the monthly event showcases horror and psychedelic cinema along with dark electronic audio. The January
night featured a wide array of trailers from sleazy horror flicks such as The Last Orgy of the Third Reich, The Cannibal Man and The Ghastly Ones along with sets by The Haxan Cloak andThe Larsen Effect. All of these surrounded the main event, a screening of the surreal and disturbing I Can See You, Graham Reznick’s 2008 independant horror title. Joseph Stannard, an organiser of The Outer Church claims it was a love of “music which gestures at other worlds, parallel dimensions and alternate histories” as well as being “a lifelong fan of weird fiction and cinema” that inspired the formation of this wonderfully warped event. “I conceived The Outer Church as
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The music room
Alisha Trombetta Susanna Cairns
Early Ghost
Cloud 9 Brighton Place
Early Ghost Photo: earlyghost.co.uk Louise Ronnestad Arts editor Early Ghost is comprised of Mike O’Malley, Karl Fitzgerald, Sam Watson, Hugh Aynsley, Sam Allen and Zoe Brownrigg. They have recently released their second EP ‘We Crossed The Waves’. After playing shows alongside artists such as Beirut, Freelance Whales and Larkin Poe, they are spending 2011 playing shows across the UK whilst writing and recording for a third release. The Badger met Early Ghost at Prince Albert for an interview with Zoe and Mike. Catch them for yourself at The Hope on Thursday 17th March for a free entry gig. How’s this third release different from the previous two?
Mike: It’s quite different in the way we’re experimenting with different styles. We’ve been listening to a lot of gypsy jazz recently. We’re experimenting but we’re still retaining the old sound, which is something we want to achieve. Zoe: The second EP was quite ‘cowboy’ but this time we’re spreading it out a bit. How did you all meet? Mike: We all met at Lewes Sussex College. Some of us are from Eastbourne and some of us are from Lewes. How does your instruments complement each other (or not)? Zoe: The mandolin and the banjo are quite folky. Mike: Sometimes it can be quite an issue with having so many instruments because they can
Music feature
Re-unification is commonplace in music today. With everyone from Take That to Pavement entering from the left all over again, it is hard to imagine a split that isn’t rectifiable for the right price. The idea that a band is choosing to end on a high at the peak of popularity is a rarity with so many artists milking their success, or former success, to the bitter end (look no further than Peter Hook or the Red Hot Chili Peppers for proof.) It also goes against the current trend of giving the audience everything and some, rather than leaving them desiring more; with an idyllic image of a group at the top of their game, not a dishevelled shell of their former selves. LCD Soundsystem first found prevalence in 2002 with a 12” single release of the now seminal track ‘Losing My Edge’, famous for its witty lyricisms and name dropping spread over 8 minutes of raucous poly-funk rhythm and driving bass. Since then LCD, fronted by the ever absorbing creative head James Murphy, have continued a run of commercially and critically successful albums including last year’s ‘This Is Happening’, and 2006’s ‘Sound of Silver’. From an initial scare back in November 2008, when Hot Chip guitarist Al
What’s your influence? Mike: We’re influenced by a range of artists: AA Bondy, The Shadows, Fleetwood Mac, The Middle East and Beirut. How do you write songs, together or separately? Zoe: Usually, an idea will start off from one person that will make up a little riff or does something on the guitar and they will show everyone else. And then everyone else goes: Oh, I can do this thing on the top or I’ll do this. Mike: Half of the ideas will be written and then one of us will
take it away and work out a structure. I think we all like it that way: where we sort of do some things together and then come up with other ideas on our own. It varies from song to song. Usually, Zoe will be writing the lyrics but the other guys have no involvement in the lyrics because they have no desire to. I sort of do involve myself for the fun of it. There are two Sam’s in the band, how do you solve that? Mike: It actually is – it’s one of the band’s biggest obstacles. Zoe: I think Sammy boy Allen and Sammy boy Watson works quite well. If you say Sam Watson and Sam Allen it’s too formal, but if you say Sammy boy Allen or Sammy boy Watson, they tend to respond. We’ve sort of adopted that now.
Gig review
LCD Soundsystem announce final performance Sam Durrant
drown each other out. Sometimes the banjo doesn’t come through so well. Mostly, they all seem to harmonize with each other, literally, not musically, but harmonize like friends.
Doyle incorrectly announced to the BBC James Murphy’s departure from music, to the official statement issued post- This Is Happening by Murphy himself, the inevitable end to the New York based project has been providing fan’s the world over further incentive to bite the bullet for gig tickets, in the assumption that they may never see the band perform again. The band, synonymous with the NYC disco revival of the noughties, have announced a final-final performance at New York’s infamous Madison Square Garden. “For just one more night, we will be playing with friends and family for nearly 3 hours-- playing stuff we’ve never played before” says Murphy via an official statement on the bands website. Support for the band will come from fellow NewYorkers Liquid Liquid, an obscure 70’s dance group that found a new audience with the disco revival, leading to their track ‘Optimo’ being featured on the GTA4 soundtrack in 2008. So it seems that a final farewell is in order for Murphy and his motley crew; farewell indeed. LCD Soundsystem play their finale show at Madison Square Garden April 2nd, with four additional shows at Terminal 5, NY in the days preceding. For anyone who’s got deep enough pockets to go, there is a UK fan meet-up planned.
Douglas Clarke-Williams Does It Offend You, Yeah? Coalition 6th March Incredibly stupid name aside, Does It Offend You, Yeah?, have been making waves over the last couple of years with the NME crowd with their highly danceable synth-rock and what may lightly be termed ‘enthusiastic’ live performances, and all that was certainly on display tonight.There was an initial fear that the crowd would be a little thin, but it quickly filled as the final support act (a pretty awesome hardcorey band called The Tripwires) wound down their set. Now, Coalition is actually a pretty shitty venue as far as most live performances go; the four big pillars, while probably architecturally vital or something, make it impossible to see the whole stage unless you’re standing directly in front of it.Tonight, however, this worked to DIOYY’s advantage as the majority of the audience packed themselves directly in front of the band to create an instant mosh-pit where the ironic moustaches of local hipsters rubbed up against the gravity-defying mohawks of the punk contingent. DIOYY have carved out a scene for themselves alongside fellow punctuated electro-rockers like Hadouken! where all the self-conscious posing associated with the indie movement since the late ‘80s is overwhelmed by the desire of young to drink flat beer and jump up and down a lot – undoubtedly an excellent development.
Indeed, DIOYY have the two things which all young people can identify with – a vague, self-righteous anger towards all things which aren’t them, and loud shout-along tunes – and they have them in spades. They dedicate songs to Bill Hicks and Jay Reatard, urging the youthful crowd to check them out (and you really should, by the way) ‘because they can’t promote themselves’ and lead singer James Rushent introduces one number by saying ‘this is for all the people who told you that you couldn’t do something’. Putting aside the fact that these all sound like lines from a sub-par John Hughes film, they certainly strike a chord with those in attendance here and everyone spends the time proverbially dancing like no one is watching. All this would be meaningless, of course, if the music weren’t up to scratch. Luckily, it is; don’t expect wailing guitar solos or other ostentatious instrumentation, but the band (including a very talented and even more underrated Rob Bloomfield on drums) is able to incorporate synthesisers as an organic aspect of its songs rather than just plonking them on top as too many bands of this ilk do. They even have the chops to switch from their usual furious pace to a relatively slower ballad at one point, a change which amazingly elicits a bout of lighter-waving – perhaps unrecorded in the country since Springsteen last toured. Talented, hard-working and they know their audience – with a decent name change these guys might get somewhere big.
They say good things come in small packages; well Cloud 9 is no exception.This newbie to the Brighton café scene only opened at the end of June. It may be hidden away in the laines but you can’t miss the bright pink exterior of this enchanting venue. The incredible cakes displayed in the window are sure to draw you in. Cloud 9 is owned by the genius Hannah and Paul, who also find the time to manage the business, work in the store and make all of the delicious products you get to taste. Their smiling faces make this café stand out from the rest. The colourful decor is sure to brighten your mood; topped with the divine goodies and comfy seats, you’re sure to feel on Cloud 9. If you find yourself by Churchill Square on a Wednesday afternoon, check them out at the market with a selection of the best of what they have in store.You may have also tasted the Cloud 9 delights at some of the local Italian restaurants in Brighton. Why not try popping over to Cloud 9 for an after dinner sweet treat as it’s open until late. They offer a huge range of sweet products from peanut and caramel fudge cake to turkish delight ice cream. As the products are all made on site daily, there is always something new to try. The team love to experiment with new ice cream flavours and welcome suggestions from their customers, either online or in store. Quirky flavours such as baked bean and pear and stilton have already made it into the freezer. Our favourites include the delicious ‘box of chocolates’ and the fun ‘birthday surprise’. Try your favourite on their tasty, hot waffles. Look out for the unusual weekend specials; it’s the best time to treat yourself. With so many exciting new flavours to choose from, you may need to try a few; luckily the generous staff encourage this. The luxurious cheesecake is to die for, whether it’s in ice cream, brownies or a slice of the chocolate chunk cheesecake itself. If, like us, you’ve been hit by the cupcake craze sweeping the nation, you’ll be relieved to see their range of colourful cupcakes in a variety of flavours, topped with weird and wonderful decorations. To recreate the experience at home, you can buy their signature cupcake cases and edible glitter, which also make great gifts. Sound tempting? Luckily, all this fits into a student budget with cupcakes from just £1.75. To wash it all down, they offer hot drinks, cold drinks and you can even create your own milkshake using the ice creams on offer. Cloud 9 cater for everyone, with gluten free cake options and vegan and dairy free sorbets available. You can also feel safe in the knowledge that Hannah and Paul are committed to using as many natural ingredients as possible and the majority of these are locally sourced. Want to know how the magic is created? Cloud 9 offer ice cream making lessons for just £25 a person; a perfect present for ice cream lovers or why not treat yourself. They also take orders for birthday cakes, wedding cakes and personalised cupcakes. Having personally tried most of what’s on offer, we think Cloud 9’s slogan, ‘A Taste of Heaven’ couldn’t be more right!
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On the big screen
Bella Cockrell Aiden Aitken
Jessie Thompson Arts editor The Adjustment Bureau George Nolfi USA, 105 mins, 12A, 2011 After a flurry of films that aim to boggle our minds and invert the world we are used to, such as ‘Inception’ and ‘Shutter Island’, comes ‘The Adjustment Bureau’. Based on the short story of Philip K. Dick, the source material has been turned into a stylish and fast paced romantic thriller, starring Matt Damon and Emily Blunt. David Norris (Damon) is a young politician running for Senator. The ease with which the public iden-
tify with his laid-back attitude and troubled upbringing suggests the race will be a foregone conclusion in his favour. However, when pictures are published of him indulging in some mischievous antics whilst still at college, he loses his early lead. Cue Elise (Blunt), beautiful and mysterious ballerina. The two fall for each other instantly, in the men’s bathroom, of all romantic locations. Does this sound ridiculous yet? Things become complicated when David accidently stumbles upon the eponymous Adjustment Bureau themselves. In this world, we all have a pre-determined plan mapped out, from which our lives must not deviate, and it is the job of the Adjustment Bureau to ensure that we do not
veer off script. In David’s case, he was never meant to meet Elise, but he is unwilling to accept this fate, despite constant obstructions. Putting aside the absurd sounding nature of the plot, it is clear that there is something cinematic in the work of Philip K. Dick – this adaptation follows ‘Minority Report’, ‘Blade Runner’ and ‘A Scanner Darkly’. This is a film in which we must suspend our belief for a while – not just for the existence of the Bureau, but also the instantaneous love that occurs between a dancer and a politician that know nothing about each other. Having said that, the chemistry between Matt Damon and Emily Blunt is electric, and the intimate moments they share togeth-
er are some of the most engaging parts of the film. The two central performances, alongside the admirable moments of wit and suspense, make this a film worth watching. The tension is maintained throughout, and there is a feeling of genuine hope for the two protagonists, but the lofty themes that emerge jar against the fact that this is a film that cannot be taken too seriously. Fate, choices, and love overcoming obstacles are all thought provoking areas that the film suggests, but it is so whimsical that it is hard to engage with these. ‘The Adjustment Bureau’ is a film that is cosy and easy to watch, but if you think about it too much, its innate silliness could cause the entire plot to fall apart.
On the small screen Conor Bollins Outcasts Sunday, 22.25pm BBC 1 The Beeb’s latest sci-fi serial has received mixed reviews for the simple fact that whilst it has the potential to be one of the best shows on today’s tellybox it just hasn’t managed to prove it can meet anyone’s expectations, least of all those of BBC high command. After disappointing ratings, the ruthless decision was made to move the programme from its prime-time viewing slot of Monday or Tuesday evenings to late night on Sundays. Having your show being rescheduled because it’s so bad must be the ultimate brand of shame for anyone working in television. We can safely assume that heads are rolling and that even the creators of the humiliatingly dull One Show snigger when they pass the poor directors of Outcasts in the corridors of Beeb HQ. However, this punishment is largely unjustified. Outcasts really isn’t all that bad – a few tweaks here and there would help to offer this sinking ship a lifeline. The fundamental flaw is that it’s too
messy.The ambitious scriptwriters have tried to cram so many different plots in each 60-minute episode that it’s infuriating just trying to keep up with it all. So basically, humankind have buggered up Earth so the best and brightest have been sent out into space to boldly go where no man has gone before so as to prolong our species’ existence. Admittedly, this isn’t a terribly original idea. What makes the show different is the fact that the main events take place 10-years after the pioneers resettle a new planet and the basic storyline is a look at the kind of society the characters are building. The planet they settle is named Carpathia, named after the boat that saved those that survived the sinking of the Titanic, because the new world is like a lifeboat available to those that have escaped the destruction of Earth. Clever, hey? The exact fate of Earth is left ambiguous but the suggestion is that all the worst traits of civilization have finally made it uninhabitable. So what is interesting about Outcasts is watching as the humans of Carpathia are prevented from creating a perfect city because all of the worst feats of humanity prevent them from doing so in the process.
Ashley Walters and Hermione Norris in Outcasts Photo: dorkadore.com
Photo: nerdemic.com
Matt Damon and Emily Blunt in The Adjustment Bureau Photo: collider.com
With the recent release of Dead Space 2, a game that is classed in the market as “terror”, there is something that makes this writer feel indignant that it can be even called “terror”. Now, I realise that terror, as opposed to horror, is a subjective notion. What this game fails to realise is that limb dismemberment, needles puncturing eyes and a man slicing his own throat in front of you is in no way terrifying; grossly physical, perhaps, but not psychological. You follow the story of Isaac Clarke, an engineer, waking up after a coma (caused by fatal “Space Dementia” from the first game) generally trying to escape from the space station that you are now on (a story that is essentially dragged out four hours too long).The mood of the beginning of the game is well set by the chase of the clichéd-appellation “Necromorphs” mainly due to the fact that you have no gun. However, ten minutes in, all terror is now lost once you obtain one: a beacon of your masculinity. You now have a weapon to kill these abortions of nature. This phallic symbol is poorly used: In the F.E.A.R. franchise, your gun is undermined by the fact that everything that you shoot is not necessarily there. Never before in a game do you waste so many bullets. However, in DS2, your gun is God. You can punch enemies to death: there is no vulnerability.They make an attempt at psychological terror in a “genre-revolutionising” tactic where you must shoot the limbs instead of the head, but the novelty wears off rapidly. Essentially, this game should be rebranded as horror rather than terror. However, Dead Space 2 is not even good horror; it’s expensive horror. It is horror as directed and funded by Michael Bay. It is the kind of horror that in an early development trailer, the makers of the game went out of their way to stress that making gamers frightened nowadays is difficult, as they’re too “sophisticated”, but then release an advert whose message was somewhat diluted by the tagline: ‘Dead Space 2: Your Mom Will Hate It!’
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Exhibition review
The art of language
Wanjiru Kariuki Arts editor
Rebecca Loxton Evolving English Until 3rd April British Library For anyone with a remote interest in language, literature or social change, the temporary exhibition currently installed at the British Library is one not to be missed. ‘Evolving English: One Language, ManyVoices’ charts the development of the English language from its beginnings to the present day. With the aid of original manuscripts, sound bites and opinions of academics, the exhibition shows how our language evolved from its Old English roots into the language we speak today.
A manuscript from The Canterbury Tales marks the tongue’s transformation into what became known as Middle English and continues through the centuries, marked by documents such as the King James Bible and the Oxford English Dictionary. Examples of personal correspondence document the use of the English language in everyday life, and show how varying social contexts impact on the type of English used. Part of the exhibition focuses on that Great British obsession: class, and how language and accent is the greatest giveaway of one’s position in the social hierarchy. It is not only standard English featured in this exhibition: the forms of English spoken across the Pond, Down Under and in
other parts of the British Isles are also investigated; British Sign Language and slang also get a look-in. Old adverts and posters form part of the exhibition to show how the English language can be twisted and moulded to influence people. The persuasive and emotive power of language holds sway, in posters ranging from an advert for a circus coming to town in Victorian England to a wartime propaganda poster, urging girls to do the ‘honourable’ thing and convince their young men to join the fighting. A section towards the end of the exhibition called ‘Language at Play’ shows how the English language has been manipulated and enjoyed to create puns, word games and linguistic puzzles
in the works of authors such as Lewis Carroll and Edward Lear, and how this linked with the birth of literature aimed at children. Of course texting, the scourge of the guardians of the English language, is featured. The exhibition debates whether txtspk will mark the downfall of eloquent English or whether it is in fact a symbol of a language in lively evolution, Packed with information, a good couple of hours is necessary to do this exhibition justice, if you want to listen to every video, read all the descriptions and peer over the large collection manuscripts and documents. The exhibition will run until early April, and admission is free.
most acerbic. Following Jorik was the aforementioned Stewart Lee clone, Adam Smith. It’s a very easy card to play, and a lazy one at that – train yourself not to smile and drawl punchlines about dead babies and the government. Despite this, he went down extremely well – possibly because we were seated in a room full of Stewart Lee fans. Adam had flashes of wit verging on quite-funny; but ultimately was about as satisfying as seeing a Coldplay tribute band. After Adam was the terrifying “Flange Krammer” – a German Olympic skiing champion with a penchant for a drink called Power Horse (which one member of the audience outed as being water in a can) and a multitude of double entendres at his disposal. Straight out of a Mighty Boosh episode, “Flange” is a hurricane of energy in a ski-jacket – as one of the ‘sexy Frauleins’ he singled out, I was treated to a serenade of Fly Me ToThe Moon. However, although he’s certainly strange, he’s not as strange as he thinks he is, and his catchphrase (“Eat My Powderrrr!”) doesn’t quite stick. With a few more gigs, Flange could be a fabulously weird act. Headlining the evening was Mark Simmons, though you’d be forgiven for wondering why. Charmless and antagonistic when the audience didn’t laugh at his gags, Mark’s weary act finally collapsed, and whatever form he was on was lost up his own backside. He seems to think he’s very funny though, so perhaps we’re all just a bit thick.
Wanjiru Kariuki Arts editor
thought-provoking manner. The independent acts were no less evocative than ACAS Arts, with members of ACAS demonstrating their diverse talents. Although song and dance were by far the most common acts, each was different enough to stand out. Sussex Breakdancing Crew in particular were brilliant – I was genuinely unaware that the human body could do so much! The Sussex Show Choir made an appearance and their rendition of ‘the Circle of Life’ was much enjoyed. Whilst song and dance were predominant, it was great to see such a wide variety of acts, including poetry, fashion, spoken word, beat boxing and drama, all of which were memorable, energetic and related to current issues in modern culture. The fashion show certainly piqued interest, with each model cheered loudly, and it was great to see poetry and spoken word given a platform at such a successful event. Our hosts,Yomi and Aaron did very well, giving personalised introductions to many of the performers, smoothing the transition between acts and participating themselves. All in all, Culture Fest was a great night out, something a little different from the average show, and the fact that it was successful enough to be held at Komedia, and to sell out is a mark of its great success. ACAS’s dream is a vivid and colourful illustration of the benefits that diversity has brought to our culture.
Performance reviews Lily Rae Arts editor Comedy Stand Up 5th March The Rose Hill Tavern The Rose HillTavern is probably closer to you than you realise. Tucked away between the BHF and the camera shop on London Road, it’s not the trendiest of student haunts – but it’s a very decent, cosy, hobbity little pub, and on Saturday nights it showcases Brighton’s unsung comic talent hosted by your jolly uncle/pet shop owner Aidan Goatley. The crowd is small but the vibe is friendly – you can also get a killer curry for quite cheap. First on was Sam Savage; one of the weaker acts of the night, she relied too heavily on tired one-liners about boyfriends to produce anything more than a polite giggle from the audience, and at times was reminiscent of a slightly funnier Catherine Tate. Second on was Sussex’s own Jorik Mol, who – quite without bias – was the best comic of the evening, albeit possibly down to pure weirdness. Jorik’s brand of humour is a far cry from the done-to-death po-faced delivery so coveted by comedians aspiring to be Stewart Lee. His style is frenetic and fast-talking, casting a sceptical (but not cynical) eye over a host of subjects - most notably his homeland, Holland. A genuine and unique young comic, the only comparison I can draw is that at certain points he seems like the mutant spawn of Steve Buscemi in Ghost World and Bill Hicks at his
ACAS Culture Fest 2011 5th March Komedia In recent years, Culture Fest, the annual event held by Sussex’s AfroCaribbean and Asian Society, has gone from strength to strength.This year was no exception – the theme, ‘Dream in Colour’, was a clever multi-layered concept embracing the diverse ethnicities and talents of the performers, the vibrancy of our multi-cultural community, and our potential to make dreams reality. The sell-out show comprised of various acts linked by the common motif of the meeting of Afro-Caribbean and Asian culture with the modern world. ACAS arts dramatized this collision of cultures in a particularly striking manner with their ‘Seven Deadly Sins In Colour’, and the format of the show, with the independent acts performing between each depiction of a sin, kept this theme strong throughout. ACAS Art’s ‘Seven Deadly Sins’ were depicted in a variety of ways, including dance, poetry, song and drama. Clothing and lighting added the element of colour and each sin was matched to an appropriate colour (lust was red, envy was green, pride was purple). Each sin was handled in an entertaining, often humorous, but always
Photo: theinfamouslife.com
Exhibition headlines. Photo: www.flickr.com
The African aesthetic has been influencing the western world for a long time. At the turn of the 20th century, Pablo Picasso went through a Negro period (19081909), a period that was heavily inspired by African sculptures. The Harlem renaissance witnessed African-Americans asserting their heritage and expressing through art, poetry and music. Fashion is no different. 2007 saw the explosion of African influence in high fashion; Roberto Cavalli’s 2007 campaign had hints of African influence in both pattern and print. More than just the beige and green aesthetic that is often branded ‘safari’, Cavalli incorporated traditional African print into his collection. Gwen Stefani’s L.A.M.B collection has recently followed suit. Last year Stefani created a collection that predominantly played on African colour and print. Stefani used bold African material and moulded it in to a variety of different looks. Chinese-American designer Thakoon Panichgul has recently played around with Masai material in his Fall 2011 readyto-wear collection whilst designer Max Osterweis, creative designer of the fair-trade clothing line SUNO (a favourite of Michelle Obama and Sofia Coppola) draws his inspiration from Kenya’s traditional ‘Kanga’. Though its unclear if this trend will make it to the high street, it’s certainly making a mark in the fashion world. Similarly, there are a growing number of African designers who are making it into the fashion industry with their ‘westernisation’ of African dress. Uganda’s GloRia WavaMunno recently showed a creative collection at London’s 2011 fashion week. WavaMunno incorporated peacock material print into blazers and tops, as well as using the kitenge material for her trousers and dresses. In August this year, the first Africa Fashion Week will take place in London. In a world that has often been accused of being narrow in its definition of beauty, its inspiring to see not just ethnic models getting significantly more coverage, but ethnic dress following suit.
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What’s On...?
| badger-artspages@ussu.sussex.ac.uk
If you want to see your event on these pages, contact Olivia James with the venue, date and time of your event, a short description, and any relevant images. Send your request to badger-listings@ussu. sussex.ac.uk by the Tuesday of the week before your event is happening at the very latest.
Monday film
art
club night/pub
club night
Archipelago
Street Art/Mural Event
Trash Monday Pre-Party
Jailbait
A raw and biting drama that paints a bittersweet portrait of a family in crisis.
Showcase your work in New England House for a celebration of all the talent in Brighton and Hove.
URF and East Slope bar have teamed up with Trash Mondays to bring you the official pre-party, with Coalition DJs, queue jump and loads more freebies!
With ‘90s R&B, garage and cheese. Everything you want from a club night on a Monday!
the duke of york
email: nehmuralevent@gmail.com
east slope bar
life
1pm, 6.30pm
closing date for applications
7pm, free
11pm, £3/2
14 march
Tuesday societies
performance
charity
pub
Swish Swap
Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo
Charity Live Music Night
Media Matters Pub Quiz
Bring items of clothing to swap for a whole new wardrobe absolutely free!
With lorry load of costume changes and lashings of diva attitude, Les Ballets Trockadero pay homage to the formal world of classical ballet.
Come along for a mid-week party and see four bands for only £3! All money made on the door will go to development of the poorest areas of the world.
Bring a team and get your thinking caps on! Prizes for the winners. Followed by SKINT, with music and drinks deals.
training room
1, falmer house
12-1pm, free
brighton dome concert hall
jam
east slope bar
8pm, £12.50-£27.50
9pm, £3
6pm
Wednesday film
music
music
pub
The Battle of the Somme
New Bands Night
Live Folk Music Night
Time to Awesome!
British documentary and propaganda film depict- With Steyning-based Half Crown, Worthing’s ing the British Army’s preparations for - and the Loose Edge and Brighton’s very own For Marla, early stages of - the Battle of the Somme. with Doug Hayman in the bar.
With Woodpecker Wooliams, Animal Magic Tricks, Foxpockets and DJ Zygoat.
Awesome music, mixed awesome, by awesome DJs, plus monthly awesome guests. With Figure of Wax and J-Devious bustling all-day summer jams.
arts a5
pavilion theatre
cowley club
riki tik
2pm, free
8pm, £4
8pm, donations
10pm, free
Thursday
brighton university, grand parade, room
204
7pm
celebration
comedy
pub
club night
St. Patrick’s Day
Philip Jeays & Friends with Robin Ince
St. Patrick’s Party
St. Paddy’s Day Party
Get down to a pub in town to have a Guinness and celebrate in true Irish style. There will be celebrations at the Black Lion, the Mash Tun, and plenty more!
Critically acclaimed singer/songwriter Philip Jeays begins a thoroughly exciting residency upstairs at the Three and Ten.
St. Patrick’s decorations, live band and a plenty of Guinness. Come and join the craic!
With We Are Legend, Mad Al, MC Flux, DJ Devious-D, DJ Uno, Melo-D and The Liquid Fuzion Family.
everywhere
upstairs at the three and ten
east slope bar
volks
all day
8pm, £8/5
8pm, free
10pm, £3
Friday festival
music
pub
club night
Holi Celebration
Bollywood Brass Band
Cheese Party
Channel One Sound System
Come and celebrate the Hindu ‘Festival of Colour’ and end of term with coloured powder throwing, traditional snacks and Thandai drink!
Joined by Bollywood Sufi singer Rafaqat Ali Khan, who will be playing hits from 60 years of Indian and Pakistani film soundtracks.
Celebrate the end of term with the cheesiest party in town. Boogie to all your guilty pleasures and even tuck into cheese on cocktail sticks!
Notting Hill Carnival legends play a four-hour set, strictly vinyl and strictly roots!
outside falmer house
komedia
east slope bar
concorde
12-3pm, free
8.30pm, £20 (with curry)/12/10
9pm, free
11pm, £2 - on the door only
2
Saturday music
music
music
club night
The Doors Alive
Zaza presents Dreadzone
Disco Deviant
Enzo Siffedi
The UK’s leading Doors tribute band will be playing the greatest hits at the Concorde 2.
The trance-dub-reggae-rock powerhouse that is Dreadzone return to Komedia for another sound clash of distinctive rhythms.
GlobePablo Contraband and guests Kate Wildblood and Queen Josephine fill the basement with disco, edits, house and funk.
House and techno club night with the resident of Minimal Kids. Also with Mex from Blackgrass playing rare grooves upstairs.
komedia
the globe
audio
7.30pm, £14
9pm, free
11pm, £5
concorde
2
7pm, £10
Sunday comedy
comedy
comedy
pub
Jimmy Carr: Laughter Therapy
The Purple Show
Railings And Spikes By Dave Lamb
Chill out...
An evening of non stop jokes, gags and banter, although not to be taken if you have a sensitive disposition or an overactive moral compass!
Expect amazing gadgets and wacky inventions in this explosive hour of improvised madness.
Pop along to Komedia for a radio recording by With the Rose Hill Jazz sessions every Sunday. the comedian and voice over artist best known for Channel 4’s cult series Come Dine With Me.
brighton dome
upstairs at the three and ten
komedia
the rose hill tavern
8pm, £25
6pm, £8/6
7.30pm, free
8pm, free
14.03.11
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science
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badger
| badger-science@ussu.sussex.ac.uk
Brain investigations in Brighton A day at the Brighton Science Festival 2011 Natasha Agabalyan Science editor
So the festival is over for another year. It has wowed us with lectures, games and activities from the day devoted to molecular gastronomy “Play with your food” to the lectures on symmetry in physics, maths and biology “Fearful Symmetry” through a range of other topics for all ages and interests. I volunteered at the last event, a day devoted to the fascinating topic of neuroscience, entitled “Of all the Nerve”. To give you a taste of the Brighton Science Festival if you were unable to make it this year, here’s what was on that day. Held at the Sallis Benney Theatre on Brighton University grounds at Grand Parade, the day was a mix of lectures, group activities and performances. The idea of the day was to travel through the live of a neuron, from birth to death and beyond. The fascinating lectures were set out over 6 themes: Birth, Learning, Adolescence, Maturation, Death and the Afterlife. Each lecture was performed by a scientist presenting some basic neuroscience information along with interesting related topics, often from research they are currently working on. I sadly didn’t attend the first two lectures but the afternoon was crammed with brilliant talks. Emma Jayne Kilford from UCL presented her group’s views of the brain of the adolescent, to the general hilarity of the public.
Interestingly it seems the part of the adolescent’s brain that pushes him or her to push boundaries, take risks and be more active socially develops before the part that allows him or her to take a step back and assess the risks involved. Um.... I wonder where I’ve heard that before! In his talk about maturation, Dr James Ward from the University of Sussex explained to us the weird and wonderful world of synaesthesia. This condition is defined as when people not only associate words, letters or numbers with colours and shapes in space but actually see these in front of them. Some may see the days of the week organised in a circle around them, whilst other have specific colours they always attribute to particular numbers. Others see colours moving when they listen to music. If we all experienced this, it might cancel out the need for hallucinatory drugs! On a slightly sadder but still as fascinating note, newly appointed Professor Louise Serpell from Sussex explained how neurons can be pushed towards death. Her research, partly funded by Terry Pratchett, concentrates on the proteins involved in Alzheimer’s Disease. Finally, another researcher presented the possibilities of our neurons beyond our brains. His talk about the use of neurons in computer chips was highly futuristic, as well as explaining how researchers can analyse the neuronal network to make faster and better computers.
The months of the year seen very differently Photo: commons.wikimedia.org
Only one of the 100 billion neurons that form our brain Photo: holisticeducator.com
Intermixed within these lectures, the extremely enthusiastic and applauded organiser of the festival, Richard Robinson, organised audience participation games. From getting us entangled as a sequence of amino acids folding in a protein or demonstrating how a myelinated neuron can communicate better, we all found our role within the brain. During the coffee and lunch breaks, different activities were presented from the speakers. Kids were able to create a neural network by working as a team. Each individual had a button representing a neuron; some were inhibitors, others activators and some did nothing at all. The right combination needed to be achieved to “turn the light on”. Upstairs, a display on a computer which could recognise shapes wowed the public, an effect created by many of the other exhibits. All this amounted to a fascinating and exiting day of science and games. This last event was particularly special as the general theme of this year’s festival was the Brain. With the ominous sub-line of “Use it or lose it”, the Brighton Science Festival 2011 definitely, without a shadow of a doubt, made sure we all used our brains!
An in-depth and highly scientific view of the teenager’s brain Photo: thehappymisfit.blogspot.com
Electric Einstein? Roving Rutherford? Fancy writing for the Badger science page? Write a 500-1000 word article on whatever excites and inspires you in the world of science and email it to badger-science@ussu.sussex.ac.uk.
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14.03.11
SU sport with
badger | badger-sports@ussu.sussex.ac.uk
the
sport
Packed season ahead for thriving Men’s Cricket Club Robert McIntyre The end of the spring term brings with it a palpable sense of excitement for the cricketers at Sussex, and this year is no exception. With the days growing longer, and the weather starting to soften, it is evident that the cricket season is just around the corner. The University of Sussex Men’s Cricket Club embarks on its third large scale Easter tour in only a month, an event that marks the end of a strenuous pre-season training regime and officially heralds the start of the university summer. Training twice a week in the spring term has not been enough for this keen bunch of athletes, and the start of the season can not come soon enough. Once again, Easter Tour is oversubscribed, with 26 players attending, a real mark of the strength of the club. With each player guaranteed at least three games against strong opposition, this really is the perfect pre-season for this group of eager cricketers. This is also a great opportunity for new and peripheral members to become fully integrated into the club and its thriving social scene. Highlights of the tour include an IPL style auction of players, fancy dress nights out and paintball.With an unprecedented number of first years attending it looks like being the best yet. Special thanks must go to Tour Secretary Luke ‘Druke’ Drunis, who does a fantastic job organis-
ing the trip. In terms of the season proper, it is evident that everyone involved with the club has high hopes. As one of the strongest sports teams in the university, Mens Cricket consistently field three league teams, in divisions 2a, 3a and 4a respectively. When asked what his ambitions were for the upcoming season, First XI Captain Ben Denton stated “I will not accept anything less than winning the league and gaining promotion into Division 1. With the quality of players we have at our disposal this year it would be a travesty if we did not make this happen”. After consolidating their promotion last year, it is time for the first XI to push for greater heights, a standard that Denton obviously thinks the team deserve to play at. Opening their campaign at home against Surrey University on the 27th of April, Denton will be hoping to get off to a flying start in their push for promotion. In terms of the clubs other teams, it is evident that there is enough talent available to all captains to create the possibility for three simultaneous promotions this year. As Denton says “Personally I feel that we have enough talent throughout the club to facilitate all teams gaining promotion this year”. The second team have been a particularly successful part of the club over the last couple of years. A league title was followed up last
Sussex Cricket in action on Tour last year Photo:Paul Holiday year by a narrow two wicket loss to Brighton in the league decider. As last year’s Captain, club veteran Neil Trott, says “Last year was hugely disappointing for the team, and we are all hugely motivated to mak amends by winning the league title this year”. The third team is only in its second year, launched to accommodate the high numbers of members and partly funded by the club itself. After a solid mid-table finish last year they will be hoping to do even better in 2011. Tom Simmon, third
team captain, says “the strength of my team this year is impressive, I really believe we have a great shot at promotion”. Although the season is so short for the amount of time and preparation that has gone into getting the players to this stage (only five league games per team), each member is absolutely raring to go and give 100 percent to whichever team he is selected for. The club also has ten friendly matches against local sides. Particular highlights are the annual Bank of England match in May and the
old boys game in June. Even though the lads have been training throughout the year, it is still not too late for those interested in playing for the university at cricket to come along and get involved. The teams train twice a week throughout the summer terms. If you are interested in getting involved, just email Ben Denton (First Team Captain) at bd61@ sussex.ac.uk for more information on times and locations.
Link-up basketball match Men’s volleyball set sights Last week’s proves huge success even higher for next year results... Last Wednesday Project V organised (together with Sarah Hall, Sports Administrator) a friendly match between Sussex Women’s Basketball team and Dorothy Stringer High Schools basketball team. The event was a fantastic example of Sussex sport teams linking up with local schools. The event was enjoyed immensely by all, and Sussex ran out 67-22 winners.
A long range shot finds its mark for Sussex Photo: Michaela Rossmann
Sussex receive instructions before the game Photo: Michaela Rossmann
Adrian Duhalt
Sussex University Men’s Volleyball is one of the highest achieving clubs at Sussex. The team is in the top division of the BUCS South Eastern Conference and they have had a hugely successful campaign this academic year. Their league and cup fixtures have seen Sussex lose only three matches out of ten, with even these few losses occurring due to unavailability for some of the tournaments. A particularly successful tournament saw Sussex men’s volleyball team attend the last tournament of the BUCS season on 29 January 2011. It was a great weekend as the boys managed to score wins over Kent (2-1), Kingston (2-0) and Royal Holloway (2-0) and suffered just one defeat against Imperial (1-2). These results propelled the team to third in the South Eastern Conference - with an overall standing of seven wins and three defeats – and also into the Last 16 phase. During February the team played in this prestigious Last 16 phase of the BUCs cup competition, which only the top three teams from each conference are eligible. The tie took place in Bournemouth and despite a close contest the home team triumphed 3-0. If Sussex had won they would have progressed to the prestigious
National Finals, which illustrates the high level of opposition the team is competing against. Despite this disappointing loss it was a good year for the team as their performance outstripped all expectations. The team will continue to play in the first division next year and will be looking to progress even further in the cup competitions. If any budding volleyball players would like to get involved, please join us on Facebook at Sussex Uni Volleyball or visit www.ussu.info/ volleyball for more information.
Badminton Sussex Men 2-6 Kent Sussex Women 3-5 Chichester Basketball Women 67-22 Dorothy Stringer Football Men’s 2nds 6-1 Kent Women’s 1sts 0-7 UCL Hockey Men’s 2nds 1-0 Imperial Women’s 2nds 3-0 St Mary’s Rugby Men’s 1sts 44-49 Bucks Squash Men’s 2nds beat Portsmouth (Walkover) Tennis Men’s 1sts 12-0 Roehampton Women’s 1sts 8-4 Queen Mary
Men’s Volleyball Photo: Duhalt
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