Concrete - Issue 292

UEA’s Student Newspaper

Issue 292 • Free • Tuesday 28 January

Keep an eye on social media for the Concrete Sex Survey! @Concrete_UEA /ConcreteNewspaper ConcreteUEA

Inside...

The Holiday Hitlist

Substantial increase in graduate vacancies

The run down of the best places to escape to this year Travel P. 16

Interview: Peace We caught up with the four piece before their recent Waterfront show Music V. 5 • Largest number of jobs available since 2007 Andrew Ansell News Editor

Fabulous or Flawed?

Features considers whether Beyoncé’s feminism really is so flawless Features P. 11

The number of graduate jobs available at Britain’s top employers is set to surge this year, a major study has revealed. For those leaving university this summer, there will be more vacancies available than at any time since 2007.

A study conducted by High Fliers last month found Britain’s 100 leading employers are increasing their graduate intake by almost 10% in 2014. It represents the biggest annual rise in recruitment for four years. The largest increases in recruitment have been predicted to

• UEA outside top 25 universities targeted by employers

come from public sector employers, accounting and professional services firms, City investment banks, retailers and engineering and industrial companies.

Together these employers expect to hire over a thousand extra graduates.

A quarter of the best graduate programmes will pay employees more than £35,000, with 10 organisations offering pay packages of at least £40,000 to this year’s graduates. Law firms and investment banks are among those offering the most generous salaries for graduates. The median starting salary for new graduates this year will remain unchanged for a fifth year at £29,000.

Competition is still thought to remain

fierce. Applications for graduate positions at the country’s top employers have risen by nine per cent compared to last year’s recruitment round. It has also been confirmed that over a third of this year’ws graduate entry level positions will be filled by those who have completed a placement at the organisation. This is particularly prevalent among City investment banks and leading law firms, where the ‘Class of 2014’ who have no previous experience with the employers will find just over a quarter of their vacancies up for grabs.

Students and graduates were issued a warning by over half of employers

Continued on page 3...

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concrete.editor@uea.ac.uk

Editorial

Editor-in-chief | Sidonie ChafferMelly concrete.editor@uea.ac.uk Deputy Editor | Sophie Witts concrete.president@uea.ac.uk Online Editor | Billy Sexton concrete.online@uea.ac.uk Deputy Online Editor | Amelia

Marchington concrete.online@uea.ac.uk News | Andrew Ansell & Lara-Jayne Ellice concrete.news@uea.ac.uk Comment | Zoë Jones concrete.comment@uea.ac.uk Global | Ella Gilbert concrete.global@uea.ac.uk Features | Bridie Wilkinson concrete.features@uea.ac.uk Environment | Peter Sheehan concrete.environment@uea.ac.uk Science & Tech | Dominic Burchnall concrete.science@uea.ac.uk Travel | Niyonu Agana-Burke concrete.travel@uea.ac.uk Lifestyle | Lydia Clifton concrete.lifestyle@uea.ac.uk Sport | Charlie Savage & Will Medlock concrete.sport@hotmail.co.uk Copy Editors | Stephenie Naulls & Anna Walker concretecopyeditors@gmail.com Chief Photographers | Jacob Roberts-Kendall, Will Cockram & Jonathan Alomoto concrete.photography@uea.ac.uk Distribution Manager | Steph Gover

Issue 292

Contributors

News | Andrew Ansell, Elliot Folan, Theodore Antoniou-Phillips, Lara Ellice, Emily Rivers, Verity Stone, Billy Sexton Comment | Rosie Yates, Geraldine Scott, Olivia Grosvenor, Joe Jameson, Elliot Folan, Dian Atamyanov Global | Ella Gilbert Features | Bridie Wilkinson, Jasmin Gray, Anna Walker, Oisin Fogarthy Graveson Environment | Rachel de Saint Pern, Jacob Beebe Science & Tech | Jasmin Groves, Clem Brakspear, Mabon Ellis Travel | Alys Barr, Sarah Boughen, Rebecca Chapman Lifestyle | Holly Wade, Ella Sharp, Emily Fedorowycz, Lucy Morris, Holly Hayman Sport | Will Medlock, Katherine Lucas, Sam Tomkinson, Holly Wade Proofreaders | Chris Freeman, Rebecca Hedger, Helena Bradbury, Calyssa Erb, Stephenie Naulls, Anna Walker

Up for it?

Keep your eye on @Concrete_UEA and Facebook for the Sex Survey!

Editor’s column Term has well and truly started, and there’s a good chance you might already have the library blues. The cold weather combined with long days stuck behind a computer screen isn’t the best combination, so take a break and have a read of what we’ve got this issue.

If you are really struggling to motivate yourself this term, take a look at Travel’s holiday hitlist and start planning your summer.

A light at the end of the tunnel is always helpful, and having a vision of yourself on a beach somewhere

Editorial

28/01/14

is a great way to push yourself through those books.

January’s always a tough month to get through, and it’s important to take care of yourself and others.

Whether it’s emotional or academic stress, simply asking can make all the difference. Remember, if you’re really struggling there is always help on campus - the Dean of Students is there specifically for our wellbeing, so don’t be afraid to ask Sidonie Chaffer-Melly Editor-in-Chief

Quick Questions This week we talk to... Penelope Lucas What do you do?

What’s the weirdest thing you I am the marketing and have seen in the job? communications officer for the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts. Highland Cows.

How did you come by the job?

I saw the job advertised on the UEA website.

What do you think makes UEA so wonderful?

The architecture, it’s bold and unashamed.

What’s your favourite place on campus?

What’s UEA‘s best kept secret?

Rather boringly but it’s the truth... my favourite thing on campus is The extensive grounds, some 350 the Sainsbury Centre designed acres - they are beautiful in any

by Sir Norman Foster and season. recently awarded listed status by English Heritage. It is one the of What’s the next big thing for greatest modern buildings of our you at the UEA? time. I first visited it in 1983 - I was living in the Midlands at the Our next exhibition is Sense and time.

Sensuality: Art Nouveau 18901914 which starts on 14 February, What’s the best thing you it’s very romantic and not by have seen in your job? accident are we launching it on St Valentine’s Day. One of the Masterpieces temporary exhibits, a painting What piece of advice would

by JMW Turner Lifeboat and you give to students?

Manby Apparatus Going off to a Stranded Vessel Making Signal Don’t listen to others – be sure to (Blue Lights) of Distress, I was so always follow your heart and be moved by its beauty when I first happy. saw it, I cried.

Tweet of the Week “It’s not everyday you follow the Cookie Monster into the science building at uni #areyoulost”

@tomhebbo

Contact Us Union House University of East Anglia Norwich NR4 7TJ 01603 593 466 www.concrete-online.co.uk www.concblog.wordpress.com Editorial inquiries / complaints concrete.editor@uea.ac.uk concrete.venue@uea.ac.uk Got a story? concrete.news@uea.ac.uk

Concrete welcomes all letters and emails, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Letters should be addressed to the editor-in-chief, and include contact details. All emails should be sent to concrete.editor@uea.ac.uk. We will consider anonymous publication, and reserve the right to edit for length and clarity. Anonymous article submissions are permitted. Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the newspaper. No part of this newspaper may be reproduced through any means without the express permission of the editor, Sidonie Chaffer-Melly. Published by UUEAS Concrete Society ©2013 Concrete BMc ISSN 1351-2773

News At Co u n c i l The Union of UEA Students (UUEAS) has voted unanimously to campagin to halt the proposed increases in like for like rent.

The UUEAS further resolved to lobby for changes to the consultation and transparency process.

The Union claims it is not consulted on increases in the costs of university accomodation , only “briefed”.

UEA expects to make £1m in profit from accomodation, compared to this year’s target of £350,000

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concrete.news@uea.ac.uk

UEA rejects calls for fossil fuel divestment

A detailed relationship is to be developed between the Union of UEA Students (UUEAS) and the University.

An agreement is to be centred on principles such as strategic partnership and accountability.

The UUEAS currently has no agreement with UEA on the nature of the relationship between the two parties.

Aro u n d Nor fo l k

Cr im e D ow n

Crime recorded across Norfolk fell in 2013, according to new figures released by the Home Office.

The statistics show Norfolk to be one of the safest counties in the Britain, with 22 crimes per thousand less than the national average.

While offences such as robbery and criminal damage declined, violent crime and sexual offences registered increases.

North Norfolk MP, Norman Lamb, said: “This trend of reduction is incredibly good news. We must never ever be complacent but the police in Norfolk do really important work and we’re lucky enough to live in one of the safest

Consul at ion for Co astline future Communities will be engaged in the future of sea defences in north Norfolk, the Enviroment Agency has said.

This comes after it has been questioned whether breched defences should be reinstated.

Tim Venes, manager of the Norfolk Coast Partnership, which represents the organisations which look after the 450sq km area of Norfolk coast, said: “We appreciate that there are difficult decisions to make in the aftermath of the storm surge, but we feel it is very important that local people are involved in discussions and these decisions.

Britannica.com Elliot Folan News Reporter A proposal to end UEA’s £130,000 investment in fossil fuel companies has been rejected by UEA management on the basisBill that the university is not “a Photo: Smith campaigning organisation”.

The ‘divestment’ proposal, made by student activists as part of the global “Fossil Free” campaign and supported by the Union of UEA Students (UUEAS), asks the university to stop supporting the fossil fuel industry, who Fossil Free accuses of accelerating climate change.

In a written response to the proposal, Brian Summers - UEA’s Registrar & Secretary – said the executive management of UEA had rejected the idea. Mr Summers wrote that in the view of UEA’s executive management, the university “is not fundamentally a campaigning organisation” and also said that UEA “does not seek to take positions on sensitive or controversial issues which do not further…our charitable purposes”.

He added that the university prefers making an impact “through engagement,

discussion and…academic output”.

When asked if any discussion had taken place with the fossil fuel industry on this issue, UEA’s press office said: “The University does not plan to discuss this issue with ‘the fossil fuel industry’”.

Responding to Mr Summers, UEA Fossil Free said: “We refute the idea that you need to be a campaigning organisation in order to adopt environmental commitments. Divestment should be considered on its own merits and not rejected on the basis of unfounded concerns about adopting a supposedly controversial stance”.

They added: “We are planning on escalating the campaign, initially via public stunts and petitioning, to continue to raise awareness of the campaign and the issues behind it to students”.

In 2005, UEA divested from arms companies. When asked what distinguished the 2005 arms divestment from Fossil Free’s proposal, UEA’s press office said: “The University did not have its controversial and sensitive issues policy in place in 2005.”

Turn to page 21 for the Union’s response to the University’s decision.

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Continued from front page involved in the study who said graduates without previous work experience have little or no chance of receiving a job offer for their organisation’s graduate programmes. Further research

by High Fliers has found applicants who can boast experience are three times more likely to get the job.

Britain’s top employers mostly target only 11 to 15 universities. Oxford and Cambridge were found to lag behind Nottingham and Manchester in the list of universities targeted. Despite ranking 17th in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide, the University of East Anglia did not feature inside the top 25 universities which are targeted by the largest number of the best employers.

A UEA spokesperson said: “UEA works to build relationships with employers of all types, and places an emphasis on the richness of opportunities for new graduates, not only attracting top names. However at the Recruitment and Opportunities Fair in October 2013, UEA did welcome big name companies including Coca-Cola and Bank of England.

“Lists such as that by High Fliers tend to represent a small number of very large corporations and major engineering firms.

This region has a very high proportion of SMEs (small and medium enterprises) and Norfolk has recently seen the highest level of SME creation in the country, so it’s not realistic to expect large numbers of local graduates to work for corporates without migration to London and elsewhere.

UEA does work extensively with local employers, both corporate and SME, to create a wide range of internships and other work opportunities.”

Martin Birchall, managing director of High Fliers Research said: “This very significant increase in graduate vacancies at Britain’s top employers means the job prospects for graduates leaving university this year are the best they’ve been since the start of the recession seven years ago”.

He added: “And there are more opportunities than ever for university students to get paid work experience with the country’s most sought-after graduate employers – together they are offering over 11,000 paid internships and work placements this year for first and second year undergraduates.”

UEA said: “As there’s no precise definition of a ‘graduate programme’, and they’re traditionally found formally in large corporations, no data is gathered to enable the university to answer this question accurately. However, of 1,190 UEA 2011/12 graduates of first degrees in full-time work, over 75% were in ‘professional or managerial’ occupations after just six months. (HESA DLHE survey 2011/12).

“There are many more graduate level opportunities beyond conventional graduate training schemes so the number entering these schemes is not the only barometer of graduate success.”

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News

Pupils snub Oxbridge for the Ivy League

Emily Rivers News Reporter An increasing number of state school pupils are choosing to study at Ivy League universities rather than Oxbridge, the Sunday Times claims.

While most of those considering Ivy League universities are from feepaying schools, at least 33 are from state schools, and nine hold offers from Oxford or Cambridge. At Harrow School, six

teenagers offered places at Oxbridge have also applied to universities in America, and ‘several’ out of the 20 pupils at Eton who have applied to America are in the same position.

The trend is being attributed to the high fees at British universities compared with the generous scholarship packages available at Ivy League universities.

Many American universities also help to arrange internships or part-time work for their undergraduates to help them pay their fees.

UEA study finds eating chocolate can prevent diabetes Verity Stone News Reporter Eating chocolate in moderation can help guard against the risk of type 2 diabetes, according to new research. Both UEA and King’s College London have stated that ingredients in chocolate, as well as tea and berries, could lower the risk of developing the disease.

Chocolate, tea and berries all contain flavonoids, such as anthocyanins and many other compounds, which, according to the Journal of Nutrition, are connected with lower insulin resistance and improved blood glucose regulation.

A study of 2,000 people also found that other conditions and diseases such as obesity, cardiovascular disease and cancer,

can be prevented by eating these food groups, as they have been found to lower inflammation. The research showed that those who included the most anthocyanins in their diet were seen to be less likely to suffer from chronic inflammation.

Professor Aedin Cassidy from UEA’s Medical School, who led the research, was incredibly optimistic about its findings.

“This is one of the first large-scale human studies to look at how these powerful bioactive compounds might reduce the risk of diabetes.”

Researchers at UEA are now looking to examine whether blueberries can improve health and guard against illnesses linked to heart disease and diabetes.

Chocolate has previously been found to increase happiness by spiking dopamine levels and endorphins.

The Sutton Trust, a charity that runs a summer school to encourage British state pupils to apply to American institutions, said the number of offered places at Ivy League universities is almost three times higher compared to the same time last year.

Gemma Collins, a student at Blackpool Sixth Form College with 12 A* and two A grades at GCSE, is ‘edging towards’ accepting an offer from Harvard rather than Cambridge. She said “I think it’s amazing that I could graduate with

no debt from Harvard because of the scholarships they offer.”

The Sutton Trust will give 175 state pupils the chance to spend a week at Yale, Harvard and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology this summer.

Professor Sir Steve Smith, chairman of UCA S, told the Sunday Times in March last year: “It would be genuinely worrying if there were a trend developing that large numbers of students with top grades were deciding to go to universities other than British ones.”

Cuts to Student Opportunity funding ‘counter intuitive’ Andrew Ansell News Editor Severe reductions to the Student Opportunity Allocation would strike a real blow to social mobility, a think tank has warned.

Michael Gunn, the chair of the university think tank Million+, has urged the Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, to ensure that the Student Opportunity Application is retained in full and is not subject to any further reductions.

Mr Gunn said: “The Student Opportunity Allocation is the last remaining direct funding from Government to support universities which recruit students from a wide range of backgrounds”.

He added: “The May 2010 Coalition Agreement highlighted the importance of social mobility in higher education but the Government has already

scrapped the National Scholarship Programme a year early”.

Savings amounting to almost £200m are thought to be under consideration ahead of the annual letter from Vince Cable, Secretary of State for Business Innovation & Skills and David Willets, minister for Universities and Science, to the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE). The letter details the grant which the council will receive directly from the government for the next academic year.

Pam Tatlow, Chief Executive of Million+ said: “to lose this funding would be a real disaster, especially following the recently announced withdrawal of £100m from the National Scholarship Programme a year early.”

She added: “It appears that universities that are doing most of the heavy lifting in social mobility are the ones paying the price for the expansion of student numbers”.

News

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UEA study finds exercise can alleviate symptoms of MS Lara Ellice News Editor

‘No limit’ on number of foreign students Theodore Antoniou-Phillips News Reporter Sir James Bevan, the British High Commissioner to India, has said Britain has “set no limit on the number of foreign students who can come”, in an attempt to convince international students to study in the United Kingdom.

Speaking at Delhi University Bevan assured listeners that genuine students with a place at a university in Britain will get their visa.

Bevan echoes the words of the Chancellor, George Osborne, in China last year where he stated that “there is no limit to the number of Chinese who can study in Britain”.

These comments are in stark contrast to comments made by the Home Secretary, Theresa May, who has repeatedly voiced her desire to reduce the number of international students.

Last year’s figures revealed a 46% drop in visas for students wishing to study in colleges and language schools, leading to concerns that the drop would also affect international student numbers at university level, a vital financial income for UK institutions.

Tougher restrictions have prompted the fear that international students are

being discouraged from studying in Britain. Daniel Stevens, the National Union of Students’ international officer, said: “the UK has a government which is hell bent on reducing the number of international students coming to the county by including them in migration targets.”

He adds the messages being sent out

by Theresa May are “hugely damaging” towards the perception international students have on the UK There have been suggestions that foreign student numbers should not be included in migration targets of 2013 due to the almost £6 billion economic value of international students.

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Let us know on twitter @Concrete_UEA

The University of East Anglia has conducted research showing that short periods of moderate exercise, such as walking or cycling, can improve the symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS).

The research, funded by the MS society, has been published in the Multiple Sclerosis Journal, and shows that exercise can improve fatigue levels and enhance the quality of life of people suffering with MS. The EXIMS (pragmatic Exercise Intervention for people with MS) study was led by Prof John Saxton of UEA’s school of Rehabilitation Sciences.

There are currently more than 100,000 people suffering with MS in the UK, all of whom experience the fatigue associated with the condition, according to the MS Society.

Saxton said: “It seems illogical to turn to exercise as a way of managing fatigue, but the results showed that a pragmatic programme based on short bouts of moderate intensity exercise can really help people improve symptoms and quality of life. Exercise can also offer social interaction – walking with friends, bike riding with the family – there’s a lot to gain.”

The study, one of the largest for MS to

date, was carried out at Sheffield Hallam University and included 120 participants from Sheffield. 60 of the recruits participated in 12 weeks of both gym-based and selfdirected home exercises, as well as cognitive behavioural techniques regarding exercise benefits. The 60 remaining participants received usual NHS care without exercise support.

The exercises were comprised of short bouts of moderate intensity aerobic exercise. This was increased to longer periods of exercise as the study progressed with shorter rests, while staying at moderate intensity levels.

Results showed that the exercises lowered the fatigue of patients on the programme, and that their emotional wellbeing in the long-term improved.

It has also become apparent that the study is cost-effective over the ‘usual care’ offered by the NHS. Ed Holloway, Head of Care and Services Research at the MS Society said: “We’re delighted that this study has shown how a well-designed exercise programme can be a cost-effective way to help manage some of the symptoms of MS. Fatigue in MS is an incredibly common but troubling symptom that can hugely affect an individual’s quality of life. For many people with MS this programme could be a cost effective treatment option.”

Union announce referendum on officer roles Billy Sexton News Reporter The Union of UEA Students (UUEAS) is to hold a student-wide referendum on full time officer roles from Wednesday 5 February to Friday 7 February 2014.

Students will have the opportunity to vote either yes or no to changing the fulltime officer structure. Currently, there are four full time officers at the Union: Communications Officer, Finance Officer, Academic Officer and Community and Student Rights Officer.

The Student Officer Committee have proposed five new full time roles: Undergraduate Education Officer, Postgraduate Education Officer, Campaigns and Democracy Officer, Welfare, Community and Diversity Officer and Student Activities and Opportunities

Officer.

Additionally, in a second referendum, students will be asked if they believe the new Campaigns and Democracy Officer role should be renamed as President.

The President would take the lead in campaigning to the University and coordinating the other student officers.

Current Finance Officer Joe Levell proposed the change in roles and said, “The review of the Full Time Officer roles has come up with some really interesting ideas. The development of a full time officer devoted to postgraduates, as well as an Officer who has the sole remit of clubs and societies, means that the Union should be able to reach and impact more members than ever before. The President question was evenly split throughout the consultation so it is important that all students are able to have their say on a contentious issue.”

Comment

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The race for student housing Rosie Yates Comment Writer First years, it is reaching that time when you must say farewell to all that is simple and wonderful in the world and begin your house hunt for next year. Alas, UEA will be booting you out of those cosy halls where cleaning takes place while you are still sleeping, the shower only occasionally floods and the heating is always set to ‘inferno’.

It is time to shuffle reluctantly into the real world. Rent and bills, meter readings, bin collection days and buying your own loo roll will soon become the sum of your existence. Well, perhaps not, but these are things you will have to think about.

Landlords who include bills in the rent do exist, but are a rare breed. It is far more likely that, come January, you will huddled under a blanket seriously considering burning the extortionate gas and electric bill you just received, if only to generate a little extra warmth. Heating

is costly.

You have been at university for barely four months and already you must consider who you want to spend the entirety of second year living with, a fairly daunting task.

A process of elimination might be helpful. The boy who thinks nothing of propping the door open all night in case he loses his key might not be a great choice. Anyone with criminal tendencies is worth avoiding. The object of your unrequited love – just don’t. All terrible ideas.

People who are prone to breaking stuff, or whose showers take forever or even those who are terribly untidy can occasionally be frustrating housemates.

However, ruling these guys out will leave you with a very small pool to choose from. As a general rule, just pick people who are easy to get along with, and who won’t mind if you’re the one who isn’t exemplary in all things house-matey.

Reliability is also crucial, don’t be that person who doesn’t pay your share of the bill on time.

Deciding on location is also important.

If you’ve been commuting from Mary Chapman Court every day then you won’t think twice about living a few miles outside campus. But if you’re used to rolling out of your Norfolk Terrace bed at 08:55 and still making it to your lecture, then perhaps look for houses in the immediate vicinity.

It isn’t all bad news, Norwich certainly doesn’t lack housing. The Golden Triangle, West Earlham and Bowthorpe are all ripe with accommodation for students. UEA was named as one of the 10 cheapest universities for students earlier this month, so you should be able to get a decent place within budget.

Some aspects of off-campus living are pretty appealing. Houses usually come with a proper living space complete with a sofa or two and, even more excitingly, an oven. If you’ve ever tried to cook a lasagne in one of those microwave ovens featured in UEA halls then you’ll know how an oven can be life-changing.

Pick a housemate with culinary flair and Sunday roast might even be on the menu.

Finally, be sure to check out Home Run, the Union-run service for house hunting students. They run sessions for meeting potential housemates, and publish a housing list of properties which are managed or owned by reputable landlords or agencies.

Telegraph

A walk up Benefits Street Geraldine Scott Comment Writer @Geri_E_L_Scott In a time of austerity, in which cuts are made to public services and millions are out of work, Benefits Street premiered on Channel 4 on 6 January claiming to “reveal the reality of life on benefits, as the residents of one of Britain’s most benefit-dependent streets invite cameras into their tight-knit community”. However, Benefits Street represents nothing more than ‘poverty porn’ which allows benefits claimants to be stigmatised, labelled as scroungers and generally looked down upon. And it worked. Looking at the social media response to the initial episode under #benefitsstreet, which was helpfully flashed onto the screen before and after every advert break, the level of pure hatred to those featured was shocking.

Particular highlights included death threats, uninformed opinions and vile

language.

Since the airing of the programme, the residents of James Turner Street have told the Birmingham Mail that they were tricked into appearing on the show under the guise of showing community spirit. Further to this, a working couple living on the street were allegedly cut from the show after it emerged that they did not claim benefits.

So can this show be seen to be promoting an unhealthy stereotype, similar to the outcomes of another Channel 4 programme Big Fat Gypsy

Channel 4 blogs

Weddings? The format for these types of television shows is now very familiar.

In the case of Benefits Street it begins by television producers finding the most unsympathetic examples of people who claim benefits. They then go on to portray them in unflattering situations and follow by reinforcing a message that is heard relentlessly already. “They have edited everything to suit their own needs – taken a positive and turned it into a negative,” says Dee Roberts, a support worker who featured in Benefits Street.

It is revealing to look at the figures of a TUC poll relating to misconceptions about welfare. On average, people think that 41% of welfare payments go to unemployed people, when in fact it is only 3%. Fraud is also overestimated, with people believing that 27% of claims are fraudulent; the true figure is just 0.07%. Finally, it is believed that 48% of people go on to claim Jobseekers Allowance for more than a year, in truth this is 27.8%. Overall, when polled the public believed that an unemployed couple with two school-age children would receive on average £147 a week in Jobseekers Allowance. This is more than 30% higher than the amount they would actually receive - £111.45.

The real ‘scroungers’ who should be featured in documentaries are the true criminals of modern Britain; where are the shows about the wealthy tax dodgers who neglect paying the £25bn worth of tax a year? Or the bankers who plunged the world into economic crisis and continue to be paid large bonuses? Or the MPs who in the same week that Benefits Street launched were considering an 11% pay rise?

However, for now, we should work on not judging an entire section of our population based on six specifically selected cases in a dramatically edited hour long show.

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Issue 292

Comment

It’s raining men, hallelujah! weather components, and sources close to Silvester have confirmed the clouds’ involvement in seeking revenge for the change in English and Welsh marriage laws. High-speed winds are reportedly of equally bigoted opinion and joined forces with the rain clouds in an onset of rage upon hearing the news. If only David Cameron had taken appropriate action in April 2012, after reading a letter sent by

Olivia Grosvenor Comment Writer There’s been a world first this month as UKIP Oxfordshire councillor David Silvester blamed bad weather on the legalization of same sex marriage in England and Wales. Weather analysts have spent significant lengths of time attempting to explain the recent flooding and destructive weather, but it appears Silvester has brought investigations to a halt and provided the answers.

According to the UKIP member, the Prime Minister acted “arrogantly against the gospel” and his actions have therefore brought on damaging consequences.

It’s common knowledge rain clouds are amongst the most homophobic of

Silvester to warn him of the disasters that would encroach if the same sex marriage bill was passed, we would of course all have enjoyed a warm and sunny British Winter as a thanks from the narrowminded weather system.

In other news, Syrian war takes place at the hands of Mickey and Minnie Mouse as a protest against Star Wars being sold to Disney and Christmas-period power cuts

are traced back to biblical disciples in a disagreement over the commercialisation of Christmas.

One can only imagine what exactly went through the mind of Mr. Silvester upon making his opinion (which, of course, he is entitled to have) public

“It’s common knowledge that rain clouds are the most homophobic of weather components” in such a way as to present himself as ignorant, old-fashioned and a little bit crazy. Welcoming same-sex marriage into English and Welsh law is a big step in equality, and was always going to be met with differing opinions, but perhaps claiming a resulting effect on the weather is a few steps too far.

If anything, Mr. Silvester, you’ve dug your party quite a large hole. Not that he’ll be around to try and dig his way out of it, as UKIP have suspended him, which is probably for the best. But good luck to the rest of the party with trying to get out of that hole.

Flickr: Mr Large Mare

An industrial overreaction Joe Jameson Comment Writer @CommissarJ Industrial action has had a rather checkered history in the past 50 years of British politics, from the miners strikes of the 70s and 80s to the more recent walkouts over coalition budget cuts and pay freezes. Even our dear old UEA has felt the implications of walkouts last semester, and most recently on the 23 January.

The University and College Union is currently locked in a bitter struggle over the pay of university teaching staff, who haven’t received a pay rise since 2008, meaning that when taking into account the rate of inflation they have been left with a 13% real terms pay cut. This, according to the Union, justifies taking strike action in order to demonstrate to university management that they mean

business.

An important observation to make is that such action is being followed by many different unions, the majority being those representing employees of the public sector, however, that does not legitimise it. On the whole, the odd strike may not affect the average student severely, having one or two seminars or lectures canceled out of an entire semester doesn’t seem too dramatic. The issue becomes more serious when employers refuse to budge on their initial offer, causing the unions to step up their campaign. If the most recent round of strikes does not provide a solution, members of the Union have threatened to not mark student exam papers in the summer.

This kind of behaviour is simply petty and irresponsible and will only serve to sour the relations between universities and their paid staff as well as students and their tutors. If the Union was to take such action it could prevent some students from graduating at the beginning of the summer and missing out on places in graduate schemes, as well as generally aggravating the rest of the student population who would want to know how they got on. As one can imagine, such tensions would only result in a breakdown of the healthy relationship

between student and tutor. What is more, such action is totally unacceptable in this age of shared austerity. In almost every industry, employees are facing economic hardships, be it budget cuts or even unemployment.

ga-training.com

It is quite simply unfair of the University and College Union to complain, considering that its members are, for the best part, still employed on healthy salaries.

Comment

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UEA’s budget doesn’t belong A lunatic, a comedian and a to the Vice Chancellor Doctor walk into a bar...

Elliot Folan Comment Writer

It’s likely that most people were annoyed by the news that our Vice Chancellor received a 9% pay rise in 2012-13.

Although the University claims he deserves such a rise for what they see as “significant improvements” made at the University, one must take issue with the idea that giving the V.C. a pay rise of £18,000 – more than our full-time union officers earn in a year - is the best use of students’ money in a time of austerity.

The pay given to senior management at UEA often runs into hundreds of thousands of pounds, with the V.C. himself paid £226,000 a year. Some might say that management deserves these payoffs for managing and presiding over UEA’s bureaucracy at a time when UEA came first in the TES student experience rankings and is winning accolades. But we are frequently told that money is limited, and when we have seen schools close, courses end at UEA London and University management decline to increase the annual grant it gives to the Student Union, it does not look as if anyone other than senior management is sharing in the alleged good fortune. And, when so many of the services we enjoy as students – shops, bars, advice centres, societies and sports clubs – are not run

by the university but are instead run by the Student Union, one must question the idea that it is UEA management who should be rewarded for improvements in student satisfaction. Surely students should see some of their own money benefit them, not those who are already earning more than enough money?

Arguably, our money could be better spent on giving low-paid workers and lecturers higher pay, properly funding the Union and keeping courses open – not by rewarding management staff who earn 14 times the wage of the lowest paid campus worker.

Dian Atamyanov Comment Writer @Dragoonfire Calling a lunatic asylum a ‘fun house’ may have an entirely new meaning after a recent study classified comedians as “psychotic”.

That’s right, a publication in the British Journal of Psychiatry, done by none other than Oxford, says that folks like Sarah Silverman and Eddie Izzard might have more in common with Batman’s Joker than previously thought.

If this study has any statistical significance, then this paints a whole new picture for those men and women who make a living off cracking us up.

High levels of psychosis are actually “detrimental to humour” says Dr. Gordon Claridge, a psychologist at the University of Oxford, but if you hit just the right amount “it can increase people’s ability to associate odd or unusual things or to think ‘outside the box’.”

But it doesn’t stop there. If you’re a comedian, you are likely to have mania, which can help you “form new, original, humorous connections,” and you’re probably not interested in long term relationships with people. A pinch of extroversion, a dash of antisocial

behavior and you have yourself a recipe for comedy gold. However, is their mental state really to blame for all these symptoms?

Many people in that business use a strong dose of cynicism to make their humour work. George Carlin once said that behind every cynic there’s a disappointed idealist, and this could very well explain why comedians act the way they do. It is entirely possible for the ‘everydayness’ of life to drive people like them up the wall. Although there might be a third reason for these unusual findings.

Either this study is legitimate or these 523 people who took the test pulled the biggest prank on the researchers this world has ever seen. Think about it, you wouldn’t put it past them, would you?

They’re just crazy enough to do it.

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concrete.global@uea.ac.uk

Issue 292

28/01/14

Global

Russia continues to deny basic human rights Ella Gilbert Global editor

Russian politics has recently been increasingly splashed across UK media.

There are a host of reasons why Russian politics are relevant to us here, not least because Russia represents a significant global power in our corner of the world.

Vladimir Putin, the president who has faced significant resistance at home and abroad, is infamous for his virulent homophobia, corruption and surgical attitude towards opposition activists. Themes emerge from recent events, mainly rooted in the traditional, conservative agenda that is pushed by both the state and the Orthodox Church.

It is apparent that those who challenge the values of the state, church and Russian ‘society’ are repressed and detained. Things have come to a head with the catalyst of the upcoming Sochi Winter Olympics, which has triggered an outward shift in government PR from the image of ‘Vlad the Impaler’ to something marginally more softened. This change of heart, which has granted the “selective amnesty” of high-profile political prisoners such as Maria Alyokhina and Nadezhda Tolokonnikova of Pussy Riot, as well as members of the ‘Arctic 30’ Greenpeace team, has no doubt been spurred by Putin’s desire that the Winter Olympics must go ahead without further hitch. It is already a scheme that has run afoul; the Sochi games are the most expensive ever, at $50bn, and Putin has been forced to defend himself and his government against allegations of systemic corruption in construction of the facilities.

Pussy Riot were two years ago convicted of hooliganism and inciting religious hatred for performing an anti-Putin song (‘Punk Prayer’) in Christ the Saviour church in Moscow. Two members, Maria Alyokhina and Nadezhda Tolokonnikova were released on the 23 December (the other, Yekaterina Samutsevich, was released earlier in 2012) in an act of what seemed to some like storybook Christmas absolution, but which was called a “disgusting and cynical act” by Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, disparaging the blatantly politicised move made by the government. She added that “selective amnesty was not an act of humanism. It was only aimed at reducing tensions with the West. It happened because Putin is afraid that the Olympic Games in Sochi will be boycotted.” They say their time in prison has made them stronger, and Alyokhina spoke dismissively of the president: “we didn’t ask for any pardon. I would have sat here until the end of my sentence because I don’t need mercy from Putin”. The two recently released singers attended court

hearings of other political prisoners arrested at riots in 2012 over Putin’s third inauguration, in what they called a “gesture of solidarity with people who have been in pre-trial detention for over a year although they are innocent”.

Political motivation was again evident in the release of 30 environmentalists. The release of the Pussy Riot protesters was in timely conjunction with the release of the ‘Arctic 30’ Greenpeace activists who were detained without bail for their part in protesting against Russia’s Arctic oil drilling operations. Both groups faced trumped-up charges aimed at instilling fear in them, and in other potential dissenters; were incarcerated in degrading conditions (in the case of the Pussy Riot members, in Siberian work camps disturbingly close to Stalinist gulags); and denied basic rights.

with paedophilia, a repugnant sentiment further compounded by Putin’s recent comments that homosexuals are welcome at the Winter Olympics, but that they should “leave children alone, please”.

There has been significant concern internationally that LGBT+ people are likely to face discrimination, violence and arrest at the games, with many leading figures, including ex-athletes and wellknown figures calling for their boycott.

Despite Russian remonstrations about how Putin is “not prejudiced” and how much the citizenry love gay performers like Elton John, the Canadian Foreign Minister rightly “remains concerned” about the regressive propaganda law, and is afraid that LGBT+ athletes and tourists might be targeted.

This concern is well founded, given

Their release is designed to look merciful on the part of the Russian government, to negate their despicable treatment of their citizens, particularly those who do not conform to their conservative societal values. This is perhaps most apparent in their behaviour towards LGBT+ groups in and out of the country.

Regardless of their position on political dissidents, what seems to trouble the Russian government most is homosexuality, which they consider to be an assault on their values and ideology. It is obvious that the Russian government cannot handle opposition, neither to their political ideology, nor their theology, nor particularly to their ‘traditional’ values.

The incredibly homophobic ‘anti-gay propaganda’ law, as it has been called, came into force amidst much protest, in June 2013, making it illegal for individuals or organisations to ‘promote’ homosexuality, or “non-traditional sexual relations”.

Bizarrely, it also equates homosexuality

that only recently a gay man, Pavel Lebedev, was arrested at the Olympic Torch relay for doing nothing more than unfurling a rainbow flag. Unjust arrests such as this are part of a continued media campaign against LGBT+ people that seeks to demonise, criminalise and alienate people that break the rigid standards of ‘normality’. Sadly it is working; many people have been beaten and attacked at gay pride rallies and demonstrations against new legislation, victims of institutionalised homophobia.

Igor Kochetkov, the head of LGBT network, spoke about how the government was pushing people that don not prescribe to their conservative agenda and ideology to the margins of society: “They are making enemies of us – not just LGBT society, but any group in society that doesn’t agree with their politics.”

‘Kissing rallies’ were held outside Russian embassies across the world, demonstrating the sheer scale of

international disgust at such regressive policies. Large-scale boycotts of Russian vodka were encouraged amongst the gay community in 2013, and high-profile figures like Stephen Fry have advocated a total boycott of the winter Olympics.

Amongst the sporting community, however, there has been considerable debate about this. Many gay athletes feel that boycotting is pointlessly damaging to athletes who have trained tirelessly to compete, while the real focus should be on the host city being unfit, and having discriminatory laws. Outside the sporting world, more people seem to advocate a boycott; Alyokhina of Pussy Riot is calling for “a boycott for honesty”, which she says is “because the current measures are totally insufficient”. Barack Obama has refused to boycott the games, suggesting that he does “not think it’s appropriate”, though America is not sending any highly ranking officials, and none of his nor Joe Bidens’ family members will be attending, in a clear, yet unofficial, statement of disapproval.

In addition to the threat to LGBT+ people at the games, terrorist threats made against athletes of various countries have further called their safety into question.

Germany, Hungary, Britain and Italy have all received threats to their Olympic Committees. Although they have been dismissed as “not credible”, the level of security has been stepped up, particularly in the aftermath of suicide bombings in December.

The insanity and homophobia seems to be infectious; in the UK, UKIP councillor David Silvester was quoted to have said that the extensive flooding seen at the end of December was due to David Cameron’s legalisation of gay marriage, which he considered acting “arrogantly against the gospel”. His highly controversial views, which also link the holocaust with abortion laws, have resulted in his suspension from UKIP, in a last-ditch attempt for the party to rescue its deflating image. While Vladimir Putin and David Silvester may believe that gay people are suffering from a “spiritual disease”, most people will recognise that they are at the very least incredibly misguided. Even Nigel Farage, who is rarely known for his moderation or liberalism, has suspended Silvester in an attempt to exorcise “extremist, nasty or barmy views” from UKIP. At UEA there will be a series of events to celebrate LGBT+ history month, beginning on 31 January with an opening ceremony reminiscent of the Olympics in the Hive at 8pm. Talks and lectures will be happening throughout February, including one from veteran activist Peter Tatchell on 25 January, and no doubt the conversation will continue as the games creep ever closer, at UEA and across the country.

Features

28/01/14

Issue 292

concrete.features@uea.ac.uk

11

How to survive house hunting

Features Editor Bridie Wilkinson has all the advice you’ll need for finding yourself a home for the next academic year.

House hunting. Two words that strike fear into the hearts of many a student.

Whether you are an experienced second or third year looking for a new home for the oncoming year, or a fresher panicking about transitioning from the familiar comfort of halls into the big, wide residential world: housing is a stressful buisness. Concrete is here to help you with this seemingly impossible task. and help you bag yourself a home for the next academic year.

Stage One: Housemates First things first: before you can think about houses, you need to think about housemates. Who you choose to live with is one of the most important decisions you will make while house hunting. If you’re a lucky fresher who would be fine living with your flat mates from halls, it’s time to be realistic.

Finding a house that will fit all twelve of your flatmates will not be the easiest of endeavours. The smaller the number the better, even more so if you’re able to split equally (houses are more likely to be for six bedrooms rather than seven). If the thought of separating is too painful for you all, you can always try to find houses in the same area.

If you are more of a lone wolf, and have found yourself on your own or with spaces to fill in your existing house, don’t fret. There are still other ways to scope out potential housemates.

The Union organise Housing Socials

throughout the term, so keep an eye on their official Twitter (@unionuea), their website, and their Facebook page for these events. The Home Run website also has an online message board (www.homerunstudentpad.co.uk/ MessageBoard) where you can post and find others in your position.

Stage Two: Decisions, Decisions So you have the housemates. Now it’s time to start asking yourselves what sort of house you are all looking for.

Decide what matters most to you as a group - do you prefer larger bedrooms over larger communal spaces? Is there a certain ideal amount for rent? One of the most important questions is location. Do you want to be closer to the university or city? The Union offers videos of potential areas on their site at: http://www.ueastudent.com/housing/ house-hunting-help/house-hunting.

Sitting down to discuss these issues will eventually leave you with a list of criteria that you can look for when approaching

the Home Run list. If you can’t find a place that fits your list, take a look at other housing agencies. The Union has a comprehensive house hunting guide that you can pick up in the Advice Centre or online.

Stage Three: The Hunt is On With your team of fellow hunters and your checklist in hand, it’s time to get down to business. You will spend the majority of your house hunting on the phone to cab companies, landlords and estate agents, trying to fit in house viewings around seminars and lectures.

Amidst all of this hustle and bustle, don’t lose focus on making sure you get a house that you are comfortable with when going on your house viewings.

Take your time walking around the house. Don’t let the landlord or agent rush you or feel shy because the current tenants might be there too. Take care to note the condition of the house, and be wary of any of the issues like dampness and dodgy heating that have plagued a

lot of student houses. Ask the landlord/ agent as many questions as you want about the house, and even ask the current tenants - after all, they were just like you once!

Stage Four: Moving in and Beyond Once you have found a place, you can sit back and relax until the time comes for moving on and moving in. However, some of you might be thinking about who you can contact for any information about your house. This year the Union launched Home Let, a free letting agency that offers accommodation exclusively to UEA students. Home Let properties are advertised on the same website as Home Run properties, so many of you may have found houses through them.

The agency offers two services; Fully Managed and Tenant Find. Fully Managed properties are dealt with exclusively through Home Let, and any problems and maintenance issues should be reported to them, as they are the point of contact throughout the tenancy. Tenant Find properties are dealt with by Home Let for viewings, tenancy agreements and first months’ rent. After moving in, any issues should be reported to the landlord.

For more information and help, take a look at the house hunting link on the UEA Student website or visit the Advice Centre on campus. And remember, don’t panic.

Housemates from Hell

Features writer Jasmin Gray lists the ‘hellish’ changes that might happen when you and your friends go from flats to houses.

First year is undoubtedly different from the rest of university life and your accommodation is a big part of this.

Living in halls is a unique experience, whether you love it or loathe it. As such, it is important to remember that it is not just location that changes when you move into your second year

“Things that might make someone a great first year flatmate aren’t necessarily the qualities you might appreciate in a year from now.” house. Not only do you now have the responsibility of cleaning, paying bills and dealing with the landlord, but university pressure piles on as your marks in second year and onwards begin to count towards your degree.

That is why it is vital to pick your housemates carefully. Things that might make someone a great first year flatmate aren’t necessarily the qualities

you might appreciate in a year from now, and it’s good to be aware of the transformations that happen when a flatmate becomes a housemate.

The Party Animal The Party Animal is a stereotype found in most first year flats. They go out every night and they seem to know everyone. As a result of this, a night on the town with them means you rarely pay entry and quick service at the bar is guaranteed. They might bring people back to the flat most nights, but it doesn’t really bother you, you’re out at least twice a week yourself! What’s the point of a 40% pass mark in first year if you don’t take advantage of it after all?

However, when second year hits, all that changes - the majority of people buckle down and the number of spontaneous drunken nights decrease significantly. Not for the Party Animal though. They will resolutely go through their whole university experience in two states: drunk, or hung-over.

While it might have been hilarious as a fresher, it may not seem so amusing

at 2am on a Monday morning while you are stressing over an essay, and they are rowdily playing Ring of Fire in the lounge with ten of their ‘closest friends.’

Unless you have the unique ability to do your most effective revision intoxicated, stay friends with the Party Animal, but seriously consider whether you will be able to handle living with them out of halls.

The Neat Freak Like the Party Animal, the Neat Freak has benefits both as a housemate and a friend. Usually the one to clean the house before the landlord comes round, or to take the bins out when everyone else forgets, the Neat Freak can be a useful ally to have. That is, however, on the condition that you can deal with their obsession; they rarely keep their habits to themselves and as a housemate of a Neat Freak, you will probably be dragged into their cleaning routines.

So unless you can deal with cleaning the bath twice a day, find housemates

who may be more accepting of your less than spotless habits. Similarly, if you fit the Neat Freak stereotype, avoid the slobs that are going to make you want to pull your hair out in clumps.

The Hard-Worker There is nothing wrong with working hard at university; a good degree is exactly what you should intend to gain from your experience. However, if you are considering living with someone whose studies are the sole focus of their life, remember that they probably will not be the most sociable of housemates.

While this may not have been an issue during the bustling life of halls, in the confines of a much smaller house, this may result in a lonely living situation. The guilt you feel regarding how much more work they do compared to you might motivate you to do that extra hour of secondary reading, but it is important to weigh this up with the other qualities you want from your housemates; the Hard-worker can often turn into the recluse as the work piles on.

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concrete.features@uea.ac.uk

Issue 292

Features

28/01/14

28/01/14

Issue 292

concrete.features@uea.ac.uk

13

Beyoncé and Feminism: Flawless or Flawed?

Anna Walker looks at the criticism surrounding Beyoncé’s recent feminist positioning, and considers if this is a fair assessment of the singer and her career.

From Girl’s Tyme to Grown Woman, Beyoncé has come a long way in her 19 years in the business and had many career transformations along the way. But with the release of her latest self-titled album, and preoccupied with her identity as a feminist, the internet has become a minefield of Beyoncé critics.

From Radio One’s

deviantart: VS-angel

Jameela Jamil, who bemoans “I’m so bored of having to use my eyes to hear a woman’s music” to writers hailing Beyoncé as a ‘feminist icon’, the singer certainly divides opinion.

Beyoncé contributed her essay ‘Gender Equality is a Myth’, to Maria Shriver’s annual report on the state of women in America this month.

In it she proclaims; “ Wo m e n are…more than 50% of voters. We must demand that we receive 100 percent of the opportunities.”

It’s easy to forget, amidst the more problematic areas of her career,that for a woman so in the public eye of pop culture as Beyoncé, to openly identify

as a feminist is a huge deal. Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga and Madonna are just some of her peers who claim not to be, and it’s of crucial importance that young women have feminist role models to look up to.

Beyoncé is a performer, career woman, mother, entrepreneur and wife. In a world where women are frequently told they must choose between these identities, she

“It’s easy to forget, amidst the more problematic areas of her career,that for a woman so in the public eye of pop culture as Beyoncé, to openly identify as a feminist is a huge deal.” proves that we truly can have it all.

Answering fans questions via Instagram, the singer said, “I wanted follow in the footsteps of Madonna and be a powerhouse and have my own empire… and show other women when you get to this point in your career, you don’t have to go sign with someone else and share your money and your success, you can do it yourself.”

Beyoncé employs more women, thanks to her all female band Sugar Mama, than any other performer in the industry. Her concert last year, Chime for Change, brought women and girls issues to a global stage, and she runs the Beyoncé Cosmetology School offering training programmes to women recovering from alcoholism and drug use. The aim of Beyoncé’s empire seems to be simple: help women.

Further to her essay, Beyoncé makes explicit references to her feminism in the track ***lawless. Featuring a quote from writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, the song defines a feminist as “a person who believes in the social, political and economic equality of the sexes.” This clear, accurate definition feels fantastically empowering to hear, but how do we understand this message within a song which also calls other women “bitches” and tells them to “bow down”?

As a long term Beyoncé fan and committed feminist, this writer found the album confusing at first listen. Musically, it can’t be knocked. The record is just over an hour of pristine production and playful beats featuring lyrics about empowerment, self-love and sexual fulfilment. When

you come to watch the videos, however (and the album boasts 17 of them) things become problematic. In Partition for example, images switch between Beyoncé pole dancing for a fully clothed, cigar smoking Jay Z and the couple getting steamy in the backseat of a car.

For many critics, this presents a time old tradition of a manipulative industry objectifying the body of a female performer for the sake of a male consumer’s sexual appetite. We see a great deal of Beyoncé’s naked body, and there are barely any shots of Jay Z’s face. This dynamic emphasises that dangerous message that women are valuable only in so far as their bodies satisfy male fantasies.

With Beyoncé however, things are never so simple. Skip back a few tracks and

“What do we make of an artist who on one hand rejects societal ideals of female value, and on the other produces videos where the sexualisation of her body is the main feature?”

you’ll encounter Pretty Hurts. The lyrical and visual content here performs almost exactly the opposite of Partition. Beyoncé,

“Beyoncé’s feminism isn’t academic, and isn’t about waves; it’s about intergrating a belief in equality into her everyday life as a performer, mother, wife, business woman; as Beyoncé.” shown competing in a beauty pageant, laments “Mama said, you’re a pretty girl, what’s in your head, it doesn’t matter” and calls out the American obsession with perfect bodies.

How can we reconcile these conflicting images of Beyoncé’s feminist ideology?

What do we make of an artist who on one hand rejects societal ideals of female value, and on the other produces videos where the sexualisation of her body is the main feature?

One way is to consider the balance evoked throughout the album. Beyoncé’s feminism means it’s okay to perform

to her husband’s fantasies, because he performs for hers too. Before she dances for him in Partition we hear how he performs for her in Blow, a song openly celebrating cunnilingus. In this way the album presents a completely reciprocal depiction of a sexual relationship.

The concept is mutual, loving, sexual satisfaction.

Though Beyoncé may be a problematic

“Though Beyoncé ma be a problematic feminist, it’s important to remember that feminism is hard, even for women as powerful and influential as she is.” feminist, it’s important to remember that feminism is hard, even for women as powerful and infuential as she is. Nobody gets it ‘right’ all the time, and varying beliefs of how feminists should act mean that it is a difficult path to navigate.

Beyoncé’s feminism isn’t academic, and isn’t about waves; it’s about integrating a belief in equality into her everyday life as a performer, mother, wife and as a business woman; as Beyoncé.

Photo: wikicommons

‘Prevent’: A threat to University Freedom.

Features writer Oisin Fogarthy Graveson shines a light on“Prevent”, the government task force against extremism at universities, and asks us what values it really represents.

Universities are institutions which traditionally encourage academic freedom and the expression of individual, and, occasionally, revolutionary ideas.

I do not speak for myself alone when I say that I chose to come to UEA because I wished to explore intellectual realms that were less accessible outside of the educative environment provided by university.

The free (well, free at a £27k pricetag) discussion of beliefs is something integral to the education of young people, and it is with this in mind that we should be more concern about one of the UK Government’s latest ‘antiterrorist’ task forces, and the possible repercussions it may have for the student community. ‘Prevent’ is a device which has been introduced to, amongst other things, encourage universities to ‘deny their extremist speakers a platform.’

I do not write about ‘Prevent’ with a criminal agenda or extremist intent.

Before plunging headlong into a cesspool of legal-terminology and controversial discourse, I would like to briefly clarify

the UK Government’s current definition of Extremism. This is in the hope that you will be able to appreciate the article without judgement tainted by the

“Prevent’ is a device which has been introduced to, amongst other things, encourage universities to ‘deny their extremist speakers a platform’. “ hyperbolic tactics, and frequent racial prejudices employed by the media when discussing radicalism and terrorism.

Although less unnoticed in Post-9/11 Western society, especially since the coming to light of various human-rights abuses, and miscarriages of justice; the results of a corrupted system of extradition and detainment of accused terrorists (the wrongful imprisonment, and torture of prisoners after 9/11, for a start), but they still cloud the issue.

The current definition of Extremism

in ‘Prevent, Police and Universities: Guidance for police officers & police staff to help Higher Education Institutions contribute to the prevention of terrorism’ reads as follows: “Extremism is vocal or active opposition to fundamental British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs. Calls for the death of British armed forces is also included.”

This official definition does, in fairness, seem to cover anything that may be of threat to the public’s ideals. However, when exploring the Government’s recent involvement with torture, illegal incursions, the funding and arming of military dictatorships, and what is confusingly dubbed ‘antiterrorism’ (which surely is just terrorism as retaliation), the question is raised as to whether one can claim these as the British Government’s values at all.

Whilst freedom, the rule of law, and tolerance of other faiths may be the values we all hope to encourage, the values of the Government seem to be far

includes all ‘external speakers’ who may be condoning the rejection of British ‘democracy’, which sheds a harsher light on the support for Russell Brand’s recent revolutionary positions.

Something

“Whilst freedom, the rule of law, wand tolerance of other faiths may be the values we all hope we encourage, the values of the Government seem to be far less admirable.”

Photo: wikicommons

less admirable. Besides, ‘fundamental British values’ is a phrase so ambiguous that it is possible that the vilification of

Consumer-Capitalism could fall under its heading, if it so wished.

On a side note, this definition

which has been sparked quite the debate in universities, UEA included.

Whilst the detail of the task force (found here: https://www.gov.uk/ government/publications/tacklingextremism-in-the-uk-report-by-theextremism-taskforce) does assure us that it is ‘not about restricting freedom of speech’, the definitions are incredibly vague, and I assume the ‘training’ they give our university ‘staff’ will not be much clearer.

Another very real concern is how the Islamic community within universities may fair. The knowledge that a frankly unbelievable proportion of the UK adopts such anti-Islamic prejudices already - Ban the Burka, and the rise of the support for UKIP in recent years (that may, it could be argued, break the above ‘tolerance of different faiths and beliefs’) - puts pressure upon individuals not to follow the more traditional aspects of their culture.

If there is one place in which all young people should feel comfortable expressing their views and beliefs it is university, without the fear of their information being passed onto an overly fearful government. If ‘British Values’ include those which make migrants fearful of being a part of their own culture, then they seem far more extreme than what ‘Prevent’ seems to be fighting against.

Without getting too wrapped up in definitions, there still operate a multitude of definitions for terrorism, and the severity of the threat is kept

“If there is one place in which all young people should feel comfortable expressing their views and beliefs it is university without the fear of their information being passed onto an overly fearful government.” highly under-wraps; exacerbated by unofficial reports and conjecture in the media. There may be cause for caution concerning terrorism in the UK, but I for one feel comfortable granting all those I pass with the mutual respect and trust that they deserve, not least because of the interesting opinions they undoubtedly have.

Aptly named, ‘Prevent’ must not inhibit our ability to explore… this open the floor for further debate, with the hope that any of you who feel likewise, or otherwise, will feel comfortable speaking out; that is, after all, what university is all about.

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concrete.environment@uea.ac.uk

Issue 292

Environment

28/01/2014

The lingering death of the Dead Sea

Rachel de Saint Pern Environment Writer

The Dead Sea, famous for its high salt content, lies between Israel and Jordan in the parched and smouldering heat of the Middle East. In a first for this section, our writer describes her firsthand experience of travelling in the region and explores the environmental pressures facing this unique and now-threatened lake.

The first time I went to the Dead Sea I was lucky enough to have a guide. As we drove along Highway 90, the world’s lowest road, Bracha pointed to the lake as she explained that the wasteland surrounding it had been water when she was a child.

The lake’s shoreline has, on average, shrunk by 100cm each year since the 1950s, but 2013 saw a loss of 1.5m. It is no coincidence that the water loss directly coincides with the founding of Israel and its government-funded Dead Sea Works Ltd. (DSWL). Scientists suggest that in 2050, just 100 years after Israel’s birth, the Dead Sea will have been bled dry by its numerous consumers.

DSWL and Arab Potash Ltd. began extracting the water on an unprecedented scale, cashing in on the lake’s minerals and natural potash deposits. They export their fertilisers all over the world at the expense of the Dead Sea and the wider environment.

The Dead Sea is known as a miracle treatment for psoriasis, cystic fibrosis,

Wikipedia: Anark75 and is even being used for research into Alzheimer’s disease. But it is a finite resource.

Tracing its history back 70,000 years, it features in the Bible and the Qur’an, where it is often unflatteringly referred to as “The Stinking Sea” due to its foul dead-fish smell. The odour may not be appealing, but the lake and the surrounding area are steeped in invaluable cultural and historical wealth. Only recently, the Dead Sea Scrolls, which feature long-lost and ancient psalms, were found in nearby

Flickr: Arian Zwegers

30 percent

The salt content of the Dead Sea. It makes the water so dense that even people are able to float in it.

caves. But if it is overlooked as a cultural gem, it is certainly not overlooked for its ability to create revenue.

We pulled off Highway 90 and had a fair trek through the wasteland, past the steaming factories which suck the water up through gigantic pipes. Once we arrived, though, a feeling of calm overtook us. The smell is surprisingly intoxicating, and the atmosphere is thick because of the constant evaporation.

When you’re floating in that oily water you feel truly serene; you can feel the lake working its magic on you and the history is almost palpable.

But you can still see the distant smoke from neighbouring factories snaking its way into your view. DSWL and Arab Potash are not entirely responsible for the commercialisation of the Dead Sea. The salt crystals and mud are being exported daily all over the world in the form of beauty and health products which can be found in most people’s bathroom cabinets.

Israel and Jordan have accepted that there is a serious problem and are taking steps to raise the water level by pumping in water from the Red Sea. Mixing seawater and lake water is a huge concern for environmentalists and scientists, who argue that the waters’ differing densities and chemical contents could cause the Dead Sea to turn red, like the Lagoona Colorada, become a breeding ground for bacteria and develop layers due to stratification.

One scientist called the future Dead Sea a “foul smelling lake of chemical waste”. Far from the paradise that Bracha remembers just 45 years ago.

Question the expected: scientists unravel mystery of migrating birds V formation Jacob Beebe Environment Writer It is very easy to pass off phenomena that occur to us every day and accept that they happen “just because”. Often, the most interesting mysteries lie within things that happen around us ordinarily.

Scientists from the Royal Veterinary College have solved the mystery as to why many birds fly in a V formation.

So what is the secret to this universally recognised pattern?

The crux of the reason for the V formation has been discovered to lie in aerodynamics and in birds’ need to optimise their flight energy efficiency.

Similar to what is experienced by cyclists and a Formula 1 car, the aerodynamic changes caused by the individual in front can be beneficial to those behind.

Unlike studies on vehicles, the scientists’ methodology did not involve

placing a flock of birds into a wind tunnel.

Instead, they worked with an Austrian conservation group, the Waldarappteam, who were attempting to reintroduce the Northern Bald Ibis to Europe.

The birds were “imprinted” onto – that is, raised by – human fosterers, tagged with data loggers and taught to follow a microlight, allowing the researchers The northern bald ibis: surely one of nature’s handsomest species.

Photo: Flickr: Terry Chay

to analyse the aerodynamic nature of migratory flight. The data loggers fed back information concerning the birds’ orientation within the group relative to one another.

The discovery, published in Nature, showed that the birds were specifically positioning themselves and timing wing beats to efficiently utilise and exploit the

up-wash of air generated by the wingtips of the birds infront, decreasing the energy expense in long migratory flights and thus extending range.

This discovery may appear to be merely extending the general knowledge round of Mastermind, but the promise of such research could be far greater: it enhances our knowledge of the sensory capabilities of these bird species and their ability to coordinate with one another in their natural environment. Furthermore, it gives us a greater insight into habituation and imprinting behaviours within species, as well as a greater knowledge of aerodynamics which could be applied to our own technology.

There are promising advances to be made when people are willing to question everyday occurrences. Although it can seem that such developments are vitiated by larger research areas, the implications of such discoveries can be extremely significant.

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concrete.science@uea.ac.uk

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Making conctacts for diabetes sufferers

Jasmine Groves Science Writer Diabetes is a serious disease that affects millions of people worldwide.

The World Health Organisation predicts that 171 million people are affected at present, with this number set to double by 2030. Diabetics experience periods of abnormally high or low blood glucose levels, which must be measured routinely for treatment to be effective. Although reliable monitoring of glucose levels is already possible through regular blood testing, many people affected are inconsistent when taking measurements, putting them at risk from a range of complications.

Current monitoring includes taking a blood sample from the finger multiple times a day. Not only is this painful and inconvenient but those who have suffered from the condition for an extended length of time find it difficult to extract any blood.

However, a new technology from Google may be set to change all that.

The search engine giant has recently released information detailing a new

method that may just replace the old system - a glucose detecting contact lens. Applied just like a normal contact lens, this innovation will monitor glucose levels in the individual’s tears once a second and feed the information back to a computer or smart phone.

The lens is discrete, wireless and does not adversely affect vision. Google is also developing a range of apps, one of which will record the wearer’s levels with the hope of sending the results straight to doctors. Alongside this Google is also looking into the possibility of installing LEDs that flash when glucose levels suddenly peak or drop, alerting the user and allowing them to administer appropriate treatment.

Although not in mainstream use yet, Google is working with the US Food and Drug Administration with the intention of making it available for regular medical use in the future. Google is also hoping to speed up the delivery of the product by recruiting help from other companies. Despite this the lens is only at the prototype stage and further testing and development are needed before the product can be released to the world at large.

Exponential evolution Clem Brakspear Science Writer The first commercially available mobile phone was the Motorola DynaTAC. It weighed close to a kilo, stood at a foot tall, had a memory of thirty numbers and could only be used for an hour before its batteries ran dead. Since then, information technology has become an integral part of everyday life. Many now possess mobile phones a couple of centimetres thick which allows access to an enormous database of knowledge at the tap of a touchscreen.

Technological advancement is exponential; Moore’s Law states that computer capability doubles around every two years, therefore the average mobile phone today is several thousand times cheaper and more powerful than the sprawling monolithic computers of the Seventies. At the time they were considered alternatively as the cutting edge or as a futile waste of resources, excepting a small commune of neoLuddites who saw them as evil and organised habitual computer smashing.

The noted futurist Ray Kurzweil uses this exponential theory as the foundation for several predictions of the coming century.

A revered name to most of the technological community, in the eighties Kurzweil predicted the development of wireless internet devices and the exact year a computer would beat humans at chess.

He also invented the first reading machine for the blind. However with the publication of his new book, The Coming of the Singularity, comes controversy. Kurzweil sees a future in which ‘nanobots’ will integrate into the immune system, eradice disease and enter the nervous system, creating a virtual reality indistinguishable from the real world.

Kurzweil believes that in fifteen years we will be able to endow computers with emotional intelligence and by 2045, machines will have surpassed human intelligence and improve their own software design. This is the time described as the singularity, which means a horizon over which it is hard to see.

These statements have been met with scepticism, as most scientists agree that this could not occur on such a timescale and several neurologists state that the brain is downright non-computable. However, we are undeniably moving closer to an age similar to that which Kurzweil portrays.

Artificial intelligence controls 70% of today’s stock market, driverless vehicles have been pioneered and an earthworm’s brain has been simulated in a computer chip. Handled with wisdom and foresight, this technology could transform green living, medicine and give us a lifestyle full of technological luxuries. Who knows what will happen in the future; we should be optimistic and also remember that Ray Kurzweil was right before!

WorldNomads.com

Googleblog

Possible cure for Parkinsons Mabon Ellis Science Writer A study has shown that long-term stimulation of the spinal cord is effective in treating induced Parkinson’s disease symptoms in rats. Previous studies have shown short-term improvements in Parkinson-like symptoms during spinal cord stimulation. But this is the first time that such a treatment has been shown to have lasting effects, potentially offering a safe, effective and durable alternative to current treatments, according to the study’s lead author, Miguel Nicolelis.

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological condition that affects around one in five hundred people. It is caused by the loss of nerve cells from a part of the brain important for movement. This leads to reduced levels of a chemical called dopamine, resulting in symptoms including shaking, problems with walking and, in the later stages of the disease, dementia.

The condition is usually treated by replacing the lost dopamine using a drug called Levodopa. The effectiveness of this treatment, however, generally breaks down with time. Another possible treatment is deep brain stimulation (DBS). This involves placing electrodes connected to a pulse generator deep inside the brain to stimulate activity. But DBS is not possible in all cases of the disease.

“The number of patients who can take advantage of this therapy is small, in part because of the invasiveness of the

procedure,” Nicolelis said.

In the study, Parkinson-like symptoms were induced in the rats, followed by twice-weekly treatment with spinal cord stimulation for six weeks. This led to a significant improvement in the symptoms; the rats showed improved motor function and reversal of severe weight loss following treatment. The researchers also saw better survival of nerve cells in the part of the brain affected by Parkinson’s disease in the treated rats compared with untreated ones.

Early small-scale clinical trials have shown that the acute benefits of spinal cord stimulation previously observed in rats can also be seen in humans. The researchers at Duke University, North Carolina, where the study took place, are hopeful that chronic treatment could also prove effective.

Discussing the implications of the research, Nicolelis said: “This is still a limited number of cases, so studies like ours are important in examining the basic science behind the treatment and the potential mechanisms of why it is effective.”

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concrete.travel@uea.ac.uk

Issue 292

28/01/14

Travel

The holiday hit list for 2014

Alys Barr Travel Writer Christmas is well and truly over and the January blues have officially arrived.

With heads crammed in textbooks, and a promise of imminent snowstorms, thoughts are turning to where and when we can get our next sunshine fix. From budget breaks to extravagant getaways, here are Concrete’s top destinations for

2014!

If you want to explore somewhere more exotic this year, why not head to sunny South America? A continent home to the Amazon rainforest, bordered by Atlantic and Pacific oceans and with breath-taking views of the Andes, South America offers stunning scenery, exotic wildlife and a rich history.

BRAZIL 2014 is a World Cup year, with Brazil being this year’s colourful host destination. Lonely Planet rated Brazil the number one country to visit this year, but potential holiday goers and football fans have been warned about soaring prices.

Those with student-sized budgets should not be disheartened. With enchanting jungles and 8000km of coastline, there are Eco lodges and Pousadas (literally translating as ‘place to stay’) available all over the country. If heading to Manaus for England’s opening match, why not explore Pousada Uacari, a floating lodge in the heart of the world’s greatest tropical rainforest!

PERU Explore the markets of Cusco or hike the Colca Canyon, a highly popular tourist attraction, which is more than twice the depth of the Grand Canyon! Other

options include a visit to the floating Islands of Lake Titicaca, the largest lake in South America, or a trip to the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu. Voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007, exploring the 15th Century Inca site is an incredible experience. You can vary the intensity of your visit too; from weeklong treks to regular bus rides to the top!

Alongside spectacular scenery, there are tours of Pisco distilleries (a particularly lethal grape brandy), chocolate museums

and the opportunity to try local delicacies such as Guinea pig or Alpaca.

INDONESIA If you are tempted by an island getaway but worried about the cost, check out the South East Asian hidden gem of Indonesia. A recent decrease in the value of the Indonesian rupia against the pound has led to a decrease in prices of almost 20% since 2013!

As the best-known island of the Indonesian archipelago, and recently named the best value long-haul destination, Bali has been recognised as one of 2014’s cheapest holidays. Relax on the beach, or in an infinity pool for those with a little extra cash, before burning off the Betutu (spiced chicken) you had for dinner at a full moon party.

If you feel more at home within a bustling city, Jakarta may be more up your street. A second airport has recently opened with flights from London (from May 2014) making it much more accessible. There are plenty of museums, zoos, parks, malls and ‘Ancol’, a huge complex containing a water park, Sea World and theme park; there is really something here for everyone!

SCOTLAND For those not wanting to venture too

far from home, Europe has many top holiday destinations. Lonely Planet has rated UK locations such as the sleepy seaside town of Folkestone and the rugged moorlands of Yorkshire “top global places”, with Scotland being rated the third best country in the world to visit this year.

A trek along The John Muir Way in East Lothian will make you forget how close to home you are. The walk features volcanic remnants, the largest freshwater lake in Britain and picturesque villages.

For something slightly more exotic, the Outer Hebrides is an island chain off the West Coast. Described as a “real buzz destination” by Wilderness Scotland, it allows an island-hopping experience without travelling too far afield. Enjoy mountain scenery, wildlife, turquoise beaches, and a view of the incredible Northern Lights in the summer.

CROATIA

Already firmly established as a favourite amongst many travellers, Croatia remains a hotspot for 2014. Capital Zagreb is often referred to as one large outdoor café, but away from city life, Plitvice Lakes National Park contains many beautiful lakes and waterfalls.

For a scenic drive, hire a car and take the Adriatic highway, which provides views of towns built upon slopes and rich blue bays alongside jagged cliffs. No licence? No problem! Many organised bus tours take the same route, with most stopping for traditional slow cooked Croatian cuisine along the way, or even a spot of wine tasting. Local varieties include Teran wine with a robust berry flavour, or Maraschino, a liqueur made from cherries.

If that isn’t enough to tempt you, why not head to the coastal city of Dubrovnik which is where King’s Landing is filmed for the television series Game of Thrones.

Travel Sarah Boughen Travel Writer The small French alpine town of Montgenèvre, located on the FrancoItalian border, is the perfect skiing destination for the novice and the experienced skier alike. Set close to the Italian city of Turin, home of the 2006 Winter Olympics, the attraction to this pleasant ski location is obvious.

Montgenèvre hosts a wide range of pistes for all abilities, from the simple nursery slopes complete with magic carpets, to the much more difficult black slopes for those seeking more of a thrill.

All of the slopes are complimented by the beautiful landscape of the French Alps- an all too inviting distraction from the tricky winter sport. Every visitor is encouraged to ride the gondolas, if only to enjoy the spectacular views; some skill will be required to ski your way back though!

Ski lessons are easy to come-by with the French ski school, ESF, running lessons every day. Adult groups are usually limited to only eight people so you can rest at ease knowing that those first

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A simple ski sejour few stumbles won’t be too embarrassing.

For the more experienced skier, skiing across the border into Italy for some lunch is an incredible and almost unique opportunity available in Montgenèvre.

It’s worth setting a day or two aside from your ski sejour; experience a different culture and pack another perspective into your trip; complete with alternative ski lifts and signage.

The ski resort is always hosting families, and is well equipped to do so, but there is plenty for friends or couples too. With typically French cuisine, chalets and local French charm, Montgenèvre is a choice location both for skiers who would prefer a solid night’s sleep after a hot chocolate and those who would rather have a few glasses of wine and explore the ‘après-ski’ festivities.

The town is quaintly quiet with a limited but good selection of restaurants and bars for those who are interested. The town also offers plenty of alternative activities, including a popular louge, in addition to excursions arranged by local tour groups.

A highlight of these trips would be a jaunt across the border for a ride on a skidoo up a mountain to a quintessential Alpine

restaurant followed by an exquisite seven course meal.

With Turin just a short ninety minute flight from London, and plenty of deals

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to be found, Montgenèvre is the ideal location for an eager group of skiers of mixed abilities searching for an affordable winter holiday.

A real Aussie beach party Rebecca Chapman Travel Writer Byron Bay, home to the most easterly point of Australia, is the heart and soul of the country’s Gold Coast. Whether you’re visiting Byron on your journey up the East Coast for a holiday or residing there during a working holiday, it is bound to give you a taste of the laid back Aussie lifestyle.

What makes Byron so special are the opportunities available for an array of travellers. The town of Byron is one which immediately strikes its visitors as one nostalgic of the 60s hippy culture.

The artistic movements taking place on the streets and markets with buskers and authentic street art ensure that Byron’s visitors are submerged in its liberal atmosphere. It is difficult to walk down one of its artistically driven streets without coming across a Volkswagen camper van, with surfboard in tow.

The bay is made for surfers, making this a key attraction for both experienced surfers and beginners wishing to try something new. There are a number of surf schools available in Byron, which offer one off lessons or week long surf camps. If you are planning on spending a good amount of time in Byron, sign up to the surf camps to embrace the Aussie

surf culture in its entirety where you will have the chance to meet like-minded travellers and experience some of the town’s nightlife.

If you’re planning on ticking off your thrill-seeking bucket list while in Australia, Byron Bay is the perfect place to get involved. Many backpackers choose to skydive in Byron over its spectacular bay, as it boasts the highest skydive in Australia. Or if you’re looking for a more tranquil view over the Gold Coast take an air balloon ride. Byron also offers a vast array of land and sea tours to explore the spectacular natural habitats Australia has to offer, whether it’s whale watching, or visiting the nearby heritage sights and

rainforests.

The Cape Byron walking track is a natural walking route up to the lighthouse and Australia’s eastern point. The 3.7km walk allows you to see the beauty of Australia’s natural habitat without having to go far or pay for a tour. On the route you’ll see kangaroo grasslands, the beautiful coastline and come across other friendly travellers or natives.

Byron’s success in retaining its hippy lifestyle in the face of tourism is one which makes this place so special. It has an ambience that will certainly stay with you after you leave, making it one of the top destinations on Australia’s famous East Coast.

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concrete.lifestyle@uea.ac.uk

Issue 292

28/01/14

Lifestyle

Why are students travelling further for uni?

Holly Wade Lifestyle Writer Flying the nest. A phrase nearly always said by a parent when their child heads off to pastures new. Coming to university is exactly that sort of ‘flying the nest’ experience where our parents can no longer keep us in their home and realise that we are now adults and can (hopefully) look after ourselves.

It seems that more teenagers than ever are now choosing to fly the nest even further, distancing the gap between their university lifestyle and their family home.

But why is this? Perhaps the recent rise in tuition fees is one major reason why students are travelling further afield; to get their moneys worth. If a certain university offers you better career prospects, or is simply the exact course you were looking for, then why shouldn’t you head off to the ends of the earth to find it?

It is no secret that university life can often be hard. Living away from home, whether miles away or not, can be difficult, and learning to look after yourself really does thrown you in at the deep end. So with this in mind why are we wanting to travel afar? Being so far means we can no longer rely on our parents for the simple things we take for granted at home such as cooking, cleaning and laundry. Distancing ourselves

from the support of home makes you much more independent much more quickly.

Having to fend for yourself and effectively keep yourself alive stands you in great

stead for the future. By the time you have graduated (moving quickly on from that thought) and have found a job you will be in a much better position to care for yourself.

Flickr: aleksi aaltonen

Teens nowadays are growing up relatively quickly and so this could also be a contribution to choosing to live further away. We seem to not be able to wait to escape the family home and begin living our adult lives, via the bubble of university of course. This striving for independence certainly seems a factor; if you live on the other side of the country there might even be chance that you get your work done as you spend less time going home for a brief visit. The distance could prove somewhat lonely but being so far away from home friends gives you the chance to try new opportunities and make new friends, meaning you won’t ever be alone whilst being so independent.

Sometimes living far away from your family can feel pretty rubbish. After spending a lovely Christmas at home seeing your relatives and friends, the last thing you want is to be thrust back into the wintery winds of Norwich to once again fend for yourself and have to pay for your heating (another jumper anyone?). During the winter months Skype might just not cut it. Wrapped in bed with another bout of freshers flu, you most definitely can’t get a mum hug over a webcam. And who is there to fuss over you when have a sniffle and just need someone to make you soup?

Fingers crossed you have some lovely housemates who will fill the mum role for you.

How to be an eco-friendly student Ella Sharp Lifestyle Writer Being environmentally friendly at university may not the top priority for you, as after all those LCR nights your reading list is now longer than your arm. But protecting the environment isn’t as challenging as you may think.

Simple things like turning off a light when you leave the room will not only help keep your carbon footprint down, but your household bills down too.

The same goes for the central heating. It might be the best feeling in world to have that heating turned up to 20 on the thermostat, but just turning it down just slightly will go a long way, and you will hardly notice the temperature change. Huddle under blankets or in your pyjamas and the heating could even go off!

If you and your flatmates are cooking dinner at the same time, the heating from the stove or oven will keep your house toasty for longer than you can imagine. Joint meals are one of the best ways to both help the environment and

Flickr: sreenisreedharan

save money. You will be creating far less waste and you can even take any leftovers for lunch the next day.

Although you probably spend long enough staring at computer screens, if your seminar leader has mentioned you don’t need to print this week’s reading: don’t! Printing off 20 pages of that boring essay you are pretty

confident you won’t use again is a huge waste of resources. But if you really must print your reading, perhaps share with a course friend, each getting half a week with the essay. Not only are you doing your bit to save the trees but it will encourage you to actually do the reading, and if you’re lucky your friend might write helpful notes all over it.

Walking or cycling to campus is a brilliant way to save money and help the environment. Rather than sitting on a stale bus, forking out hundreds for an annual bus pass, cycling will help you clear your head before that three hour seminar and act as a free gym!

If cycling isn’t your thing, re-live your school days and walk. Plug in your headphones or walk in with a course friend or flatmate, and what may seem like a half hour trek from Unthank will turn into a great way to socialise.

However if you do live impossibly far for campus (Bowthorpe, we’re looking at you) then try to always get the bus rather than investing in a car.

Being environmentally friendly is a lot easier than you might assume.

Separating your household rubbish is practically mandatory now, so putting a bit of extra effort in to ensure your recycling all the right things isn’t too hard. With small and simple acts, not only are you helping planet earth, but by controlling how much energy you use, you’re keeping your bills down too; in the end, everybody wins!

Lifestyle

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concrete.lifestyle@uea.ac.uk

Looking out for each other

Emily Fedorowycz Lifestyle Writer The older you get, the more you have to learn to look out for yourself; it’s a natural part of life. Growing up is stressful, and university life brings with it a whole new group of worries and pressures, from managing bills and food budgets to a new kind of workload. But with great power, comes great responsibility (and yes, I did just quote Spiderman).

Every now and again you have to be aware that it’s not just you dealing with these sorts of difficulties; pretty much everyone around you is in the same boat. Being an adult means that you have a responsibility to those around you, to look out for others and not get too caught up in your own world. It’s sometimes hard to tell how much people are struggling. Many of us pretend we are okay in certain areas so as not to look vulnerable or unsure, scared or upset. We don’t want to worry those around us. We don’t want to be ridiculed. We don’t think anybody will care. But whatever the reason we may not want to reveal our problems, whether we are missing home or simply suffering from pre-deadline stress, not

talking to someone can sometimes just end up making matters worse.

So when it comes to your friends, why not pop the question now and then? Not the marriage one of course, but more a ‘How are you doing?’ or ‘Are you okay?’ We’ve all been through a tough time at some point at university, but not everyone seeks out some of that much-needed reassurance.

Asking how someone is can offer them a chance to get something off their chest and make them feel all the better for it, where they might not have said anything before.

Just be readily available as someone to talk to in times of need. Be supportive, and be patient. Simply being there, to openly listen, can really make all the difference.

Sometimes people may have a problem that they need some help with, and you may need to do a little more than lending an attentive ear. Some advice might be in order. It may not be easy, but problem solving is an invaluable skill to learn and it will only come with practice. Now and then we may get stuck in a narrow mindset and bouncing off other people can help us view

Flickr: h.koppdelaney

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problems in a new light.

But whilst talking it out is a great tool to help those around you feel better, sometimes it’s just not enough. However, one useful tip is that managing stress can be a heck of a lot easier if you write it down.

This goes for emotional stress as well as academic stress. Encourage friends who are struggling to write down what is going on inside their head, to help them understand their feelings and how to control and change them. Similarly, when working towards a goal or deadline, it sometimes helps to make a checklist of what you have to do, and then formulate everything into a coherent plan. Once your friend feels more in control, try to find the best ways for them to relax, like listening to music or enjoying their favourite TV show.

At university, everyone is learning to manage the inevitable stress of studying and other work, alongside making time to enjoy themselves. All you can do is be there for those around you, trying to offer some guidance, compassion and occasional tips to help keep the worries at bay.

Mastering the balancing act between the two is never easy, but together, we can make the journey a little easier and a lot more fun.

Get ‘appy with the best student apps Lucy Morris Lifestyle Writer Former generations, alas, were at a dispiriting loss of technological aids to help them in their student endeavours – finding money, writing essays, ordering takeaway after a night out splashing too much cash at the LCR. Fortunately for us, now there’s an app for all those and more. Concrete runs down the list of our favourite student apps.

Splitting the bills There are many bill-splitting apps out there, but few specifically designed for students or for managing bills in a student household - the majority focus instead on splitting restaurant bills between friends. While these can be useful too (see below for two of the most-highly rated versions of the concept), IOU from StudentMoneySaver is specifically designed for negotiating those tricky student finances.

The add-on application works via Facebook, allowing you to add your housemates so that everyone can see and keep track of who owes what and to whom.

Provided all your other housemates are amenable, it works well

at minimizing conflict and awkward conversations. Check out the guide at www.studentmoneysaver.co.uk/iou See also: Billr.me (iPhone only); Splitwise (both platforms).

Takeaways Just Eat, the well publicised restaurant-takeaway website, now have an app as well. Allowing you to scroll through local restaurants, check opening times, pay by credit card and pre-order food for later, there’s much to love about this hungry-student-ready app.

Domino’s Pizza - which has the advantage of including all their online deals – and HungryHouse, which is offering 20% off for Android users until 31 January with code ‘Jandroid’.

Going out/Getting home

If you’re prepping for a night out in student clubland, Mixology’s your app. Allowing you to find and select new drinks recipes by ingredient, liquor content and even glassware, it’s perfect for pre-drinks. And if you’d like to mix things up even more, you can always combine it with the Android app “Drinking Games” for a truly unforgettable – or should that be unremember-able? – night out.

Lambrini has also finally made the savvy marketing choice to embrace its primary audience – students looking to get hammered on a wine so cheap that no-one else will touch it – and developed an app, ‘Lambrini Bodyguard’. The app tells you both exactly how many units there are in a 1litre Lambrini bottle and the number for the nearest minicab

office home. Despite being rife with promotional plugs for its products, the app makes a solid stab at encouraging student safety and warding off binge drinking.

Also helpful is Cabwise; Circle of Six, an app developed by a New York-based women’s safety group. At the push of a button, it can text-alert a ‘circle’ of six appointed friends as to your location, as well as providing links to cab services.

Timetable planner For Android, ‘Timetable’, features a clean, beautiful interface that is almost intimidatingly simple to start using.

For a more recognizable and detailed, spreadsheet-style tracker, My Class Schedule (Android) or Class Timetable (iPhone) are stylishly functional. Never miss a lecture again.

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Lifestyle

Spaghetti with chilli, garlic and breadcrumbs Holly Hayman Lifestyle Writer Serves four Fried or dried breadcrumbs – pangrattato – were devised as a way of providing crunch, flavour and texture to pasta dishes. So,w if you can’t afford Parmesan, or you just want to use up that stale loaf of bread in your cupboard, this spaghetti and breadcrumbs combo is the perfect addition to your recipe repertoire!

Ingredients • 450g (1lb) spaghetti • 4 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil • 4 garlic cloves, finely sliced • 2 tsp dried chilli flakes • 15g (½oz) flat-leaf parsley leaves, finely chopped For the breadcrumbs • 4 tbsp olive oil • 100g (3½oz) breadcrumbs from any old loaf of bread (it doesn’t matter if

it’s gone a bit hard) Method 1. Cook the pasta in boiling salted water. While it is cooking, heat the extra-virgin olive oil in a large frying-pan and sauté the garlic and chilli for 1 to 1½ minutes. Don’t let the oil get too hot or you will spoil its flavour. The garlic should be pale gold.

2. Heat the oil for the breadcrumbs in another frying-pan and fry them over a medium-high heat until golden. It should take about three minutes.

3. Drain the pasta and tip it into the frying-pan with the garlic.

4. Season and heat for one minute.

5. Toss with the parsley and breadcrumbs and serve immediately.

Tip: To make this dinner extra tasty, add 200g of anchovies into the frying pan with the garlic and chilli!

Flickr: amsfrank

Butternut squash and bacon with crispy seeds Emily Fedorowycz Lifestyle Writer Ingredients • 1 butternut squash • 3-4 slices of bacon (more if you are love bacon/are sane) • 2 garlic cloves • 2 tbsp low-fat cream cheese • A little salt or tbsp. honey

Flickr: bea&txm

Method 1. Preheat oven to 180o/ Gas Mark 6 2. Wash squash thoroughly and cut it in half. Scoop out the seeds inside.

3. Spread the seeds on a baking tray and coat with a little salt or honey so they are evenly covered and bake in the oven for around 15 mins, or until crispy.

4. Chop the garlic and put inside the hollow of each butternut squash and bake in oven for 45 minutes.

5. While squash is cooking, chop bacon into small pieces and fry until cooked through.

6. After the 45 minutes, mash up the inside of the squash, making sure to scoop all the flesh from the inside of the skin. Then mix in the cheese and the fried bacon, and return to the oven for another 15 minutes before serving.

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concrete.sport@hotmail.co.uk

Issue 292

28/01/14

Sport

Student Voice with Richard Meers Every issue Concrete will be talking to a member of a UEA Sports club to ask their opinions on the most recent sporting issues. This week we spoke to Richard Meers, from UEA Lacrosse.

Editor’s column Will Medlock Sports Editor A Croatian, a Russian and a Belgian.

It’s not the beginning of a crass joke.

Although perhaps, upon further inspection, it might be.

The few who are laughing do so in disbelief. The joke being that tennis players at the Australian Open have been asked to play in temperatures exceeding 40C over the past week, prompting some of those affected to call out the authorities for letting play continue.

Croatia’s Ivan Dodig admitted he feared death during his second round encounter with Damir Dzumhur. Dodig retired from the match in Melbourne part way through the fourth set with cramp, having been leading the tie. With Frank Dancevic fainting during his first round match, it seems to corroborate the point Dodig made so vehemently; that the temperatures in south-east Australia were not compatible with sport.

Maria Sharapova questioned the contact that the tournament organisers have had with the players. The Russian required a medical timeout in her fourth round defeat to Dominika Cibulkova.

In spite of her qualms, you sense that the third best player in the women’s game would have enjoyed reaching the final if only to add searing heat to the list of opponents who have tried and failed to break her.

Belgium’s Kirsten Flipkens took to Twitter to express her disappointment that the tournament’s Extreme Heat Policy was not enforced earlier. The tournament uses a Wet Bulb Global Temperature reading in order to determine whether conditions are conducive with play. With the help of the WBGT system, matches can be deemed unplayable, meaning the policy is enforced and play must be suspended at the end of the set.

It appeared that the tournament’s chief medical officer Tim Wood wanted in on the joke when he stated that people should remember that humans “evolved on the high plains of Africa chasing antelope for eight hours.”

As much as the history lesson is appreciated, Wood must accept that his reasoning is simply irrelevant. We are not talking about humans hunting for food. This should not have to be a matter of life and death. It is sport, plain and simple.

Concrete: Frank Ribery lambasted FIFA for awarding the Ballon d’Or to Cristiano Ronaldo despite his team, Real Madrid, failing to win any trophies in 2013. Do you think this is a fair criticism?

Meers: The Ballon d’Or should recognise individual talent. Even though Bayern Munich won the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup, Bayern’s success was in no way reliant on Ribery’s efforts. Real Madrid ended the year without any trophies yet Ronaldo was at the forefront of everything good about the team. There were stronger players than Ribery on the Bayern team, such as Arjen Robben, so the fact that the Frenchman is the one to criticise FIFA’s award is a little embarrassing.

C: Stan Collymore and Beth Tweddle have been subject to abuse on twitter this week.

Should more be done to crack down on social media abuse towards sports stars?

M: More should be done than simply to call these people ‘trolls’ and give them a

slap on the wrist. Everyone would agree that sports stars need to be thick skinned and try to brush off the effects of being in the public eye, but in this case Collymore received racial abuse and death threats, whilst Tweddle received a relentless assault of sexist, sexual and other abuse. If proper action is not taken, individuals will continue to abuse sports stars, thinking that they are protected behind their laptops. We need to treat online abuse more seriously considering the impact it has on sports stars.

level has soared over the last few years, with more universities entering the BUCS competition. This is likely to lead to an increase in schools taking up Lacrosse as an alternative to the traditional British sports.

Making Lacrosse available to more school students would be great for those who want to try an alternative discipline. Before starting university I had never played Lacrosse and had only seen it in American films and on TV. I found the fast paced game play and skills involved to be more exciting than other sports I had played.

C: As a Lacrosse player, do you think more of an effort should be made to ensure the sport is available at a younger age, to a wider British audience?

M: On the UEA teams, only a few have played Lacrosse before starting university.

This is mainly due to the expense of the equipment, with sticks ranging in price from around £40-200 depending on brand and type. At university, the Union purchases equipment for students to use, although most of us do buy our own sticks.

The popularity of Lacrosse at university

Rampant City not yet justifiably “world’s best” Katherine Lucas Sports Correspondent Blackburn Rovers’ manager Gary Bowyer recently hailed Manchester City as “probably the best team in the world at the moment” after his side’s 5-0 humbling at the hands of the Premier League giants. Throughout the season, the big-spending Sky Blues have played football reminiscent of some of the world’s greatest ever sides.

While City fans will perhaps look unfavourably on such a comparison, Manchester United’s ‘Busby Babes’ of the 1950s have also been remembered as one of the most unstoppable sides in the game’s history. City have Negredo, Aguero and Silva, but United lit up Manchester at a time when football was slowly recovering from the effects

of the Second World War. Under the leadership of Sir Matt Busby, the likes of Duncan Edwards, Tommy Taylor and Eddie Colman graced the pitch at Old Trafford, until the club was rocked by the Munich Air Disaster of 1958.

Phenomenally, after their glory was curtailed (eight players died and two never played again as a result of the crash), Busby rebuilt the team and guided them to the European Cup just ten years later. United’s new look side included George Best, Denis Law, and Bobby Charlton.

More recently, pundits praised the Barcelona squad of the late 2000s as football’s best side. Renowned Spanish journalist Guillem Balague even wrote the book Pep Guardiola: Another Way of Winning on how the coach managed to construct the side that would dominate Spanish and European football for almost half a decade.

Guardiola raised eyebrows upon his arrival at the helm, as he offloaded superstars Ronaldinho and Deco and shaped the way they played around a deadly combination of Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and Xavi. Not only did Barca tear defences apart, they also won the Champions League twice and La Liga three times, much to the disdain of a certain Jose Mourinho.

In the late 1980s and early 90s, however, it was AC Milan who ruled over

the continent with flair and trophies.

Arrigo Sacchi may have started out as a shoe salesman, but he won back-to-back European Cups and steered i Rossoneri towards some unforgettable nights, including a 5-0 demolition of Real Madrid in the semi-final of the same cup in 1989.

Sacchi’s incredible success was then emulated by Fabio Capello. Back in his heyday, when Capello was winning cups instead of bickering with the FA, the Italian boss won three Serie A titles in a row and took the San Siro outfit to three Champions League finals, eventually winning the coveted prize in 1994.

The award for the greatest side of all time, though, must go to the relentless Redmen of Liverpool in the late 1970s. It is hard to separate the sides of manager Bob Paisley from his predecessor Bill Shankly; under the former, Liverpool triumphed in an unbelievable 20 competitions in the space of just nine years. That included six First Division titles, and ushered in the Reds’ famous European era as they lifted the European cup on three occasions.

Indeed, the Reds remained firmly on top of their perch as England’s most successful club until being displaced

by Manchester United in 2011 when Sir Alex Ferguson’s men broke the record with a nineteenth domestic title.

Sport

28/01/14

Issue 292

concrete.sport@hotmail.co.uk

23

Sportspark continues to provide affordable schemes for students The academic year may have moved past the half way point, but it is still possible for students to get down to the Sportspark and enjoy a wealth of opportunities at reasonable prices.

Sam Tomkinson Sports Correspondent Carrying on from last semester, the Sportspark is once again providing sport courses aiming at the age range of 18-25.

Through funding by Sportivate, Active Norfolk and Sport England, six week courses are provided at the small fee of just £12, without the need to pay Sports Association Membership insurance.

The aim of the scheme is to enable students to learn a new sport without having to commit for too long. Often it is difficult, especially as a University student, to be able to receive professional coaching without having to pay heavy sums.

This is why it is perfect for anyone who is wishing to try a new sport, because if it does not appeal then not much time or money is wasted. It also provides the opportunity for progression. Once an individual has a taste for the sport, they can easily be given advice on how to progress further and also contact details of clubs or coaches that can offer longer term sessions.

The sessions are light hearted, focussing more on participation and enjoyment rather than competitiveness. They also help develop core basic skills in each area so that, while enjoying the sport, one also learns.

Most courses start at the end of January or at the start of February. For more information, and the full list of the various sports available which include Kayaking, Aerobics, Fencing and Golf, go to the Sportspark’s website and search Sportivate courses. Signing up is simple and can be done online, over the phone on 01603 592398 or at reception.

The Sportspark also provides an Intra Mural scheme, which is aimed at offering competitive sport to those who for varying reasons cannot or do not want to play for University teams. Prices vary but will either be the same price as the Sportivate or less, apart from football.

The booking process is also the same as a Sportivate course The scheme’s purpose is to bridge the gap between BUCS players and those who play sport casually. The sports on offer at the moment are football, indoor cricket, netball, squash, touch rugby and the soon to be added wheelchair basketball.

Football has been running on a Sunday for three years so already has a strong structure. Activator Sarah Fulcher-Arnold is currently working on research to provide better football facilities for students at the University.

Indoor cricket is a new league starting on the 31 January, running between 5pm - 6.30pm. The league is based on the IPL

Photo: Laura Smith

franchise system and so players will be designated teams by team owners once they have declared their interest.

Netball, under activator Sarah Clarke, has a 10 week programme starting on the 18 January. The first two sessions are drop-in sessions and the third a mixed tournament. After this, there is a proposed league. Each session will run from 5pm 8pm on a Saturday.

UEA’s squash club are planning to offer professional coaching for beginners or those who want to play at an intensity less than those in the squash squads.

Touch rugby continues from its debut

session last semester. Activator Matt Williams, along with four volunteers, provide touch rugby sessions on a Tuesday night from 5pm to 6pm. The premise is to teach the skills necessary for touch rugby and traditional forms without contact other than a ‘Tag’.

Please contact the following for more details: Indoor cricket - s.tomkinson@uea.ac.uk, Netball - sarah.l.clarke@uea.ac.uk Squash - a.keel@uea.ac.uk Touch rugby - matt.williams@uea.ac.uk

McIlroy can take heart from Abu Dhabi defeat Will Medlock Sports Editor It would perhaps be easy to find Rory McIlroy’s dismissal of certain golf rules petulant, but the Northern Irishman deserves to be heard.

Missing out on top spot by a single stroke in the HSBC Abu Dhabi Championship would have been hard enough for McIlroy to take on its own, but his position heading into the final round had been compromised by a ruling that the 24-year-old labelled as “stupid”.

Upon taking relief after his ball had landed on a spectator walkway, McIlroy struck his ball at the 2nd hole of the third round completely unaware that his foot had strayed onto the line marking the walkway, costing him two extra strokes.

A novice might question what possible advantage the recently crowned Australian Open golfer could have gained from his foot being so slightly misplaced. Of course, McIlroy himself would have been all too aware of the irritation such a faux pas would cause.

Had he, or his caddie JP Fitzgerald, only spotted the positioning of his foot

before he struck his shot, he would almost certainly have eclipsed eventual winner Pablo Larrazabal to take the trophy.

Although it may be troublesome to suggest that McIlroy would have completed the fourth round in the same number of strokes and therefore beaten Larrazabal; a sense of semiinjustice may have been lingering on the two time Majors winner’s mind.

In fact, it might help McIlroy sleep if he convinces himself he would have become complacent and over shot on the final round anyway.

However, the suggestion of complacency, or even genuine anger, seems to lose any substance when one observes the McIlroy of the past few weeks. His win in Australia in December, to deny Adam Scott the Australian triple crown, coupled with his engagement to tennis player Caroline Wozniacki ensures he approaches the rest of the year with, as he puts it, “stability”.

This is a far cry from the man of 12 months ago, who was seemingly struggling with a different kind of marriage. His relationship with Nike’s golf clubs, following the confirmation of an eye-watering sponsorship deal,

seemed on treacherous terrain.

McIlroy can at least leave Abu Dhabi with his head held high, despite the quirky antics employed by the tournament hosts that he and Phil Mickelson were forced to engage in prior to the tournament getting underway. The pair finished the tournament alongside each other too, as Mickelson completed the four rounds in 275 to tie for second.

The tournament was also notable for the return to action of Simon Dyson, who faced accusations of cheating at the BMW Masters in October of last year.

The Englishman was fined £30,000 and faced a two-month ban, suspended for 18 months due to previous good conduct throughout his career. Dyson failed to make the cut for the final two rounds in Abu Dhabi, carding two rounds of 73.

@concretesport

Concrete Sport UEA

SPORT

Issue 292 28 January 2014

Sport Student Voice

Moji Adegbile

UEA Netball defeat Birmingham in high tempered encounter Holly Wade Sports Correspondent UEA 1s took on Birmingham 3s in an aggressive match that saw the home team victorious. UEA triumphed 44-32 at the Sportspark on Wednesday 22 January despite dirty play from the visitors that hampered the match.

The match began with a Birmingham centre pass and UEA defended well from the start, turning the match over with a great defence and some fabulous early shots.

Birmingham proved a volatile team, often brought up for obstruction and contact by the umpires. UEA utilised these opportunities to gain an advantage, making sure Birmingham did not expect their next move. Some great passes came from wing attack Sophie Parker who cleared space to get the ball into the hands of shooters Sarah Clark and Becky Killett. Killett’s slight frame was exploited

by Birmingham’s goal keeper who saw fit to barge her off balance constantly. There were some debatable umpiring decisions made against UEA but nonetheless they led the first quarter 10-5.

Through the second quarter, defence Charlotte Moorhouse and Rachel Dean

consistently captured the rebound, enabling UEA to gain an advantage from Birmingham centre passes or any of their shooting mistakes. Clark proved herself once again as a fantastic shooter, rarely missing the net whether up close or right at the edge of the circle. UEA became more confident as the first half drew to a close and didn’t let the aggression and Birmingham attack put them off, widening their lead to 22-13.

In the third quarter Birmingham upped the ante, bringing fresher players onto the court as opposed to UEA who had the same seven members throughout. UEA relaxed, playing safer and slower shots that made it into the circle. Centre Sally Grice played fearlessly alongside wing defence Natasha King, both intercepting at every opportunity and never letting their guard down. UEA marked well, not allowing Birmingham the chance to pass and forcing them into held balls.

Despite the aggressive contact forced upon her Killett really held her own, pushing into space and scoring her own share of the goals alongside Clark. UEA progressed well, controlling the game, and were not fazed by Birmingham’s style of play.

At the start of the final quarter UEA led 33-23 and despite the gap the home

side were not complacent. Both teams seemed lethargic by the end, making silly mistakes. UEA once more picked up the pace, their exertions clear to see. It was a shame to see Birmingham resorting to dirty play throughout the game while UEA continued on with dignity. UEA utilised all of their opportunities to finish the match a well-deserved 44-32 with Clark named opposition’s player of the match.

UEA 1s remain unbeaten this season and are continually proving themselves as a force to really contend with. On Wednesday 29 January they take on Nottingham Trent 2s in the Sportspark at 1pm in a Midlands 2B League match.

Meanwhile the next match for UEA 2s is scheduled for Wednesday 5 February where they play away to De Montfort 1s.

Moji Adegbile

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Sportspark schemes

Page 23 Man City not yet the best

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