Concrete - Issue 173

THE 2005 CONCRETE SEX SURVEY RESULTS INSIDE CENTRESEESPREAD

Issue 173 · Wednesday, February 9th, 2005

UEA’S AWARD-NOMINATED STUDENT NEWSPAPER

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IN CHASING STAGECOACHES Page 5

INTERESTING CORPSES Page 9

MUSIC FOR THE MOOD Page 6

STUDENTS MISS LESSONS TO SUPPORT CAMPAIGN FOR GLOBAL TRADE JUSTICE MAKE POVERTY HISTORY CAMPAIGN ASKS BRITS TO DO RIGHT BY THE WORLD’S POOR Katie Musgrave Some seminars at UEA were cancelled due to demands by students to visit London and hear the speech made by a living legend or ‘president of the world’, as Bob Geldof titled him, when he came to speak at Trafalgar square.

On Thursday 3rd of February, an estimated 20,000 people gathered to hear Nelson Mandela speak as part of the 2005 ‘Make Poverty History’, campaign.

Mandela, approaching his

87th year and recently retired from public life, gave an inspiring speech to the crowd that had assembled to make their feelings about the unfair global trade laws.

He started his address by saying that, “as long as poverty, injustice and gross inequality persist in our world, none of us can truly rest”. Mandela was humble and genuine as he spoke with passion about ending the imprisonment of millions of people in the world’s poorest countries who in this century remain enslaved and in chains. “He is truly a

modern day hero” said Maria Burke, DEV 3.

In his speech he addressed the importance of the ‘Make Poverty History’ campaign and the real need for poverty to be addressed. In this age, he comments, with the advances in science, technology, industry and wealth, it is a tragedy that they coexist with such massive poverty and inequality. He says that it is time to set them free. Poverty is not natural it has been man made and can be overcome, “overcoming Poverty is not a Continued on page two

Nelson Mandela and Bob Geldoff were key speakers at the rally which met at Trafalgar square.

£3000 FOR A PGCE COURSE BIG DRESS TAKES A DAY OUT Helen Pike News Editor

Students studying for the Post-Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) will face that same financial system as undergraduates in tuition fees, set to start in 2006.

The Higher Education Act, in which undergraduates are to be charged up to £3000 per year for their course under new plans, incorporates the one year teacher course.

PGCE students will be

charged the same for their one year course, though according to Kim Howells, Higher Education Minister, the first £1200 will be nonmeans tested. It does however mean that £1800 has to be funded by student teachers alone.

The Conservatives lashed out at the Labour government’s plans by saying that charging them up to £3000 will deter people from becoming teachers, when campaigns to increase the numbers of teachers have been ongoing.

Currently, the £1150 fee for those on the one-year PGCE course, the most popular route to becoming a teacher, are waived for students. When questioned about the proposals, Dr Howells promised MPs that “we will be seeking a good take-up of PGCE places and that we will ensure a good supply of teachers into the system”.

It was suggested that there will be an inconsistency with those changing careers through the Continued on page two

Katharine Clemow Deputy Editor

Thousands of people from the SPEAK* network concerned about world trade rules have joined together to make the biggest dress in the world. The dress, which will be over two storeys high and wide enough to contain over 200 campaigners, is a creative petition – a visual challenge to the Government to make rules that protect the poor in developing countries from exploitation by big

companies based in the UK. With the Big Dress as its symbol, SPEAK is using the garment industry as a vehicle to highlight unfair trade rules.

SPEAK’s Big Dress is made up of thousands of squares of material upon which people from all over the UK have written, sewn and drawn messages of concern about the lack of regulation of big companies and the exploitation of workers who make the things we buy.

Participants have included groups from stu-

dent unions, music fans at Glastonbury festival, school groups and Women’s Institutes.

UEA SPEAK President Emily Parker. “This year presents us with a great opportunity to speak out against global injustice. The Big Dress is a brilliant way to bring injustice, particularly in the garment industry, to the attention of our government.”

SPEAK is calling on the Government to put legislation in place that will hold Continued on page two

THE HIGHS AND LOWS OF BEING A PIRATE SEE SPORTS

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FOUL TREATMENT UNION COUNCIL CONDEMNS COMPANY ETHICS

Bernard Matthews turkeys can only dream of living in a cage like this one

Olly Haywood

Deputy News Editor A recent proposal from a UEA student has led to Union Council condemning the unethical practices of Bernard Matthews Foods.

History student Steven Altman, long-standing member of UEA’s Animal Rights Society and life-long vegetarian, persuaded the Union Council to pass his condemnation proposal with a large majority, with the help of his seconder Nightline representative Emma Kelly.

The seemingly unethical practices of Bernard Matthews Foods Ltd. have in the past been exposed, most notably in GMTV and campaign group VIVA’s (Vegetarians International Voice for Animals) television documentary in 2003. The programme uncovered evi-

dence of poor living conditions and neglect, with animals seen to be living in their own excrement and often being too near to death to be able to feed sufficiently. Furthermore, complaints made by Bernard Matthews proclaiming they were treated unfairly by the TV documentary were eventually rejected after an eighteen month investigation by Ofcom.

Union Welfare Officer Jo Wright supports the condemnation and expressed her concern about the poor treatment of turkeys within the industry, said to be a consequence of cost cutting and maximization of profits.

However, other students have expressed rather more passive attitudes towards the situation, feeling that the Union should be concerned with more pressing student matters.

Condemnation of the

food maker’s treatment of livestock forms just another part of the Union’s enduring campaign against unethical practices in the business world. The proposer hopes that “making students more aware of their [Bernard Matthews’] unethical practices” will eventually initiate a total boycott of the company, thus banning the sale of its produce on campus.

However, the University’s firmly established links with Bernard Matthews is a hindrance the Student Union could face if a total turkey ban is indeed on the cards.

The University Sportspark’s Olympic sized swimming pool was built with funds from the Sportspark’s £50,000 sponsorship deal with Bernard Matthews, which could be affected if it decides to take action.

Bernard Matthews were unavailable to comment on the situation.

Inside Concrete This Week Page 2: Bernard Matthews; Speak Ctd. Page 4: ID Cards; Speed Dating Ctd. Page 6: Civic Awards and Wetherspoons Page 7: Clarke Tackles Yobs; Diversity Page 8: Students Working Part-Time Page 9: House Arrests Page 10: Kilroy,; Suffolk University Page 11: Buses and Protests at Iraq

Elections Page 12: Columnists Page 13: Union Nominations Page 14 -15: Sex Survey Results Page 16: Where to go for Valentine’s Day Page 17: Valentine’s Messages Page 18-19: Turf - Recycing and the Lone Environmental Ranger Page 20: Enquirer

Page 21: STD Warnings Page 22: Couple’s Quiz Page 23 Travel - Ecuador and Vietnam Page 24: Horoscopes and Letters Page 25: F1 Feature Page 26: Surfing for Tsunami Page 27: Footballers Fight Relegation Page28: UEA Pirates

Concrete Wednesday, February 9 , 2005 th

Continued from page one Graduate teacher programme training on the job and not beingcharged fees.

One of the main worries facing prospective PGCE students is the extra debt.

After accumulating up to £10 000 in their undergraduate degree, students will be more reluctant to take on an extra burden of debt when previously it was financially easy to become a teacher.

Those arguing against the proposal deemed it “ridiculous”, considering that the course is there to train people in a vocation that is vital

to society. Teachers are lacking specifically in Maths and Science subjects, which are compulsory in the National Curriculum until age 16.

Anna, LIT3 is disgusted with the Labour government’s plans. “I would rethink my plans on completing the course, or at least delaying embarking upon post-graduate study in order to save up”. She echoes the confusion of charging students to become teachers when there is such a shortage. Katherine AMS3 feels that “teaching is one of

the most important professions around, and that the government shouldn’t be making it as hard as possible to get into”.

When asked about the proposal, Kat Fletcher, the NUS National President, said “budding teacher trainees will clearly face a tough decision when finishing their undergraduate degree; should they take a job to start paying back their huge debts or pay yet more money to train to be a teacher with a relatively low pay packet waiting for them at the end?”.

Continued from page one gesture of charity, it is a fundamental Human right.”

The campaign has been gathering momentum since Christmas and is particularly focused on Britain; as 2005 sees our government occupy several positions of key influence upon international politics. University Unions across the country have been joining the movement, and the UEA’s Speak society, amongst others have also been organising campaigns. Mandela addressed the three main aims of the cause: to ensure trade justice, to end the debt crisis and to deliver more Aid. Mandela spoke with a huge sense of vision, challenging us, the new generation of Britain, to be the generation to help eradicate poverty, “sometimes it falls upon a generation to be great”.

To the thousands gathered,

Mandela brought a new hope that 2005 can be the year where world leaders begin to address some of the huge problems of poverty and inequality. Mandela challenged us, the British public, along with world leaders to Make Poverty History in 2005 and by doing so make a statement that will endure through time.

The Make Poverty History campaign has attracted a wide range of celebrities, clergy and politicians. The aims surround their belief that poverty has been made worse through “inappropriate” economic policies such as globally insufficient and ineffective trade. More than 200 charities, support groups and faith groups are supporting the cause, ranging from Oxfam to the Church of England. All have contributed financially to

the cause and a large number have taken direct public action, notably Dawn French who led dozens of women clergy to Downing Street to sing hymns in their own personal anti-poverty message.

The G8, or rich countries club, meet in July this year in Scotland and have promised that poverty reduction will be high on their agenda, especially in Africa. The campaign, at this time, is becoming very important.

People are asked to show support by buying white silicon or fabric armbands, which cost £1 from shops such as Oxfam.

Norwich Fair Trade Fortnight starts on the 25th February and UEA’s own Fair Trade Fortnight is to be held later this semester in order to raise funds and awareness to the fair trade campaign.

The BIg Dress wowed students all over campus Continued from page one UK-based multinational companies accountable for their actions in developing countries.

The Dress will be unveiled on February 21st at approximately 11 by the Houses of Parliament where members of the Christian campaign and prayer network will lobby their MPs as part of the Make Poverty History events of 2005. The day looks to be a packed one with a number of different activities taking place. At midday the Bishop of Barking will lead campaigners in a repentance action, which will include a symbolic balancing of the scales of world justice. From one to four campaigners will lobby their MPs inside SPEAK’s

Big Dress and at about 3 there will be a visual catwalk show highlighting the exploitation of garment workers and a presentation of the campaign by SPEAK director Ben Gilchrist. Later in the day singer/songwriter Helen Hicks and ex-supermodel Sarah Thomas will have a photo call in front of the Big Dress and Helen Hick’s band ‘HoneyRiders’ will play an acoustic set.

The Make Poverty History campaign brings together more than 100 aid organisations, campaigns, trade unions, faith groups and celebrities united by a common belief that 2005 offers an unprecedented opportunity for global change. The Make Poverty History coalition sees 2005 as a unique opportunity for

the UK to influence industrialised countries and will use key events throughout the year to challenge the UK government to rise to the challenge.

SPEAK is a network connecting students and young adults to campaign and pray on issues of global injustice and it equips over 30 different groups around the UK to raise awareness and lobby their MPs. The campaign has been endorsed by several leading public figures including athlete and TV presenter Jonathan Edwards, Body Shop founder Anita Roddick and the Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams are amongst those who have contributed sewn squares to SPEAK’s Big Dress.

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WOMEN AT WORK

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NORWICH NO TO ID CARDS

CHANGE IN GENDER JOB RATIO IN MOST UK AREAS COUNCIL VOTES AGAINST ‘BIG BROTHER’ POLICY Isabel Dyson Male employees are outnumbered by female employees in 99 out of 203 areas in Britain.

In a recent analysis of Annual Business Enquiry 2003, researchers found that in some parts of the country the outnumbered male employees do not reach 40%. The figures apply to local

authority areas in Britain where ten years ago women only outnumbered men in a handful of areas.

The female workforce in Great Britain totals 49.7% and is over 50% in Scotland and Wales. The highest percentage of regional female employees is in Wales where they make up 52% of workers and the East, including Norwich, totals 50.3% - the fourth highest region out of eleven in Britain. The highest sole area where the proportion of women shadows men is West Dunbartonshire

where women total 61.5%.

GMB, BRITAIN’s General Union carried out the analysis and the National Organiser Dawn Butler stated that although women outnumber men, “women are paid up to 25% less than men. The gender pay gap being

tolerated is now having a negative economic impact in almost half the country.

Women have less money to spend and this is holding back the development of the service sector in many parts of Britain – closing the gender gap is not just a matter of fairness it is also an economic imperative to enable areas to escape decline and

stagnation.”

A recent survey carried out by the Equal Opportunities Commission has also revealed that women are being pushed out of employment if they become pregnant or when they request maternity leave.

Around 30,000 women a year are sacked, made redundant or leave their jobs due to pregnancy discrimin a t i o n .

Researchers are reported to have found t h a t women are also less likely to be given employment if prospective employers are aware that they are pregnant. The EOC chair Julie Mellor said the findings were “shocking – although some employers knowingly flout the law, many businesses do face genuine challenges in managing pregnancy and simply don’t know what their responsibilities are or what help is available to them.” While much needs to be done to enable women to play an equal role in employment throughout the country things are looking up.

Helen Pike News Editor

Norwich City Council has recently voted to oppose the introduction of ID cards. The Council, which is mainly compiled of Liberal Democrats and Greens voted to support the motion, thus opposing Labour’s amendment.

Labour ended up abstaining from the final motion, hindering the ID cause considerably and dealing a big blow to Norwich South MP and Home Secretary Charles Clarke. On the other hand, Norwich North MP Ian Gibson, who we featured in last issues Concrete voted against the ID Cards Bill in Parliament.

Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Norwich South Councillor Andrew Aalders-Dunthorne said of the motion, “the Liberal Democrats strongly oppose to ID cards. They will do nothing to combat terrorism or crime and will cost the tax payer billions which would be better spent on 10 000 more police and improvements to our security services”.

The introduction of ID cards has provoked a large scale campaign against its implementation, with the www.no2id.net website acting as an umbrella for the organisations acting against the bill. In a statement, Norwich City Council believes that “the disadvantages of such a scheme will outweigh any benefits to the

people of Norwich”. The Council also took into account the arguments put forward by the campaign against the bill. It is thought that the introduction of the cards will do little to prevent tourism, crime or fraud.

Government estimates at the cost of the scheme are at the £5.5 billion mark, yet independent predictors estimate a figure fives the official estimate. Finger printing and photographing members of the public will, argue the opposition, put a limit on people’s freedom.

Moved by Labour Councillor Steve Morphew, the Council requests that the Chief Executive Officer to present a full report for debate by the Council within the next 6 months.

Mr Clarke is watching you, but Norwich city council is going to make it as hard as possible.

SPEED DATING Helen Pike News Editor

Hopeful UEA singletons will be joining the race to bag a bird before Valentine’s Day this year.

Just in time for Valentines Day, UEA is launching its first ever Speed Dating Evening.

Speed Dating is the London craze which is quickly sweeping the country. What attracts so many people to this method of finding a partner is that it’s fast paced- if you don’t like the person sitting in front of you there is only 3 minutes until you move onto the next person, fitting perfectly with the typically busy lifestyle that those in their twenties so often experience. For the first time ever, single students at UEA have the opportunity to catch onto the trend on Sunday 13th February in the Hive.

Proceeds of the event will go towards fundraising for Sexpression, the group that is running the event with MedSin. Sexpression is an organisation dedicated to promoting safe sex and encouraging 0)!selfesteem in teenagers. With the money raised by UEA’s

serial daters Sexpression will be able to go into schools and discuss sexual matters with the pupils in a fun, creative and nonjudgemental way.

The organisation is currently in talks with Thorpe St Andrew’s school to work out a teaching plan for their year 9 and 10 pupils, a huge step forward for schools in general which have always had difficulties in sending out the message of safe sex to pupils, and are notorious for being an embarrassing experience for both teachers and children.

The speed dating event begins at 7pm and prospective daters are asked to “dress to impress”. Anonymity will be guaranteed with participants given film star code names. Tickets are available from the Union Box Office and the event costs £4 to participate and £1 on the door to watch and support.

If you’re interested in finding out more about Sexpression’s innovative work, contact sexpression.uea@gmail.com.1

Way Out West Mark Simpson straps on his spurs and moseys through the history of the Western. woman’s husband who is trapped in a gold mine. The film examines the greed of the white man, and Cooper sums up the critique with the final line, “If the world was made of gold, I guess that men would die for a handful of dirt.”

F

rom Edwin S. Porter’s 1903 classic The Great Train Robbery to Kevin Costner’s 2003 film Open Range, the Western has been a dominant force throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. The genre has influenced numerous filmmakers and has provided the archetypal characters and narratives for many Hollywood action films. It can be considered the quintessential American genre.

Why has the Western become so successful? One of the most important reasons is the iconic scenery. Many of the classical Westerns have used Monument Valley in Utah to show audiences the vastness of the American wilderness. In this way, the landscape becomes a character in its own right and exemplifies the size of America.

Westerns made great use of technological innovations, especially wide-screen cinema and drive-ins. The landscape not only provides pretty scenery, but also one of the most important themes

Cinefile

Bullet in the Head

no. 52

C Sergio Leone’s the starring role in many of the classic use of Westerns made during the peak of the widescreen was classical period, such as The Searchers. a revelation However, Wayne was not the only Western star of the time. He was closely rivaled by strong-but-silent type Gary Cooper and eternal lawman Henry Fonda. These men showed how tough you had to be to survive in the west and can be seen as the pinnacles of masculinity. This is why it is refreshing to see nice guy Jimmy Stewart starring in 1950’s Broken Arrow and to have his masculinity constantly come into question. His role as Captain Tom Jeffords shows him trying to gain peace between Americans and Apaches, while both sides challenge his manliness because he saves the life of a young Apache boy rather than scalping him and making money. Unlike Wayne, Stewart plays a hero who is reluctant to become violent and will only do so at a last resort. The film marks a welcome departure from the usual level of violence shown by Western heroes.

However, this would soon change in the ‘60s.

The landscape not only provides pretty scenery, but also the most important theme of the genre: the battle for land ownership. o f the genre: the battle for land ownership.

Although it may not always be essential to the plot, the ownership of land is always hanging over the action.

However, this conflict over land is not only between Native Americans and white Americans, but also between westerners and easterners. One of the perfect examples of this is Edward Dmytryk’s Broken Lance. This film shows how a cattle baron deals with an eastern copper plant invading his land; the copper plant is burnt down. The film aptly demonstrates the difference of opinions: the cattle baron doesn’t want to give up the land that he has spent over twenty years cultivating, but the easterners feel that he should make way for westward expansion for the good of the country. While this problem is never truly solved, it shows that the Westerns are not only about barroom brawls and showdowns at twenty paces.

With the cinematic landscapes providing the backdrop and the reason for many conflicts,Westerns also flourished because of its leading men. The most famous and iconic of all is ‘The Duke’ John Wayne who dominated Westerns from the late ‘30s to the ‘70s. Whilst never fighting in a war himself, Wayne would become the All-American Hero and become a role model for many generations of American boys. He became so successful because of his portrayal of the average, hardworking man who fought for what he believed in. In a way, he represented an idealized America.

His dominance of the genre was greatly helped by director John Ford giving him

Feature 05

The violence in classical Westerns is tame compared to modern standards.

Yes, people were shot with guns and arrows, but there was little to no blood.

This was because of the “Hays Code” that the studios were enforced to abide by, which limited the amount of violence, sexuality and taboo subjects in films of the period. Resident nut-ball Howard Hughes pushed these limits as far as he could with The Outlaw and Rio Bravo, but it was not until after the success of the brutally bloody Bonnie and Clyde that the Western became graphically violent. The man to blame for this bloody realism invading the West? Sam Peckinpah and his 1969 film The Wild Bunch. The film is famously framed by two epic gunfights: the beginning with the bunch shooting up a town to escape a bank robbery and at the end with them taking on a small Mexican army.

The violence in this film was shocking not only because of the amount of claret and gore flying around but also because not even civilians are safe from the gunplay.

Whilst many audiences were turned off by the graphic violence, critics were impressed with its gritty portrayal of the west and how morality was not as simple as the ‘white hats versus black hats’ of the classical Westerns. However, this critique of the ethics of the Western can be seen as early as 1954 with Henry Hathaway’s Garden of Evil. Gary Cooper stars in a film about gold prospecting in the west in Indian Territory. He leads a small group of men in searching for a

lint Eastwood, after dazzling audiences with his cool portrayal of ‘The-Man-With-NoName’ in Sergio Leone’s Spaghetti Westerns, would continue this trend of violence and pessimism throughout the ‘70s and ‘80s, alternating between being Dirty Harry and the various mysterious strangers of his Westerns. In fact, his cop films are merely contemporary Westerns and his popularity shows how well Eastwood gauged his audience. His films held onto the graphic violence and cynicism of the early films, but also gave him a largerthan-life persona. He would use this to his advantage in one of the seminal films of the genre: Unforgiven. Eastwood had been given the script when he was younger but felt that he had to wait until he was older and world-weary. This savage tale of revenge, violence and corrupt morals in the West was unleashed on audiences in 1992 and would scoop four Oscars (Best Film, Editing, Director and Supporting Actor for Gene Hackman).

The power of this film can still be felt, and many critics have seen it as the film to bring the genre to a close.

The ‘90s produced many Westerns, but they struggled to gain the level of success that had been seen in previous decades. Contemporary action films had taken over and it seemed that the Western had nowhere left to go. The early Westerns can be seen as Americans looking back on their immediate history and trying to justify their exploits. Has America changed too much for the Western to be relevant now? Do contemporary action films better reflect American society? Or is it simply that audiences simply got bored with them?

The genre has played a crucial part in twentieth century cinema and has influenced other important filmmakers, like Akira Kurosawa. It would be a great shame to lose it. I doubt that this will be the last that we will see of the Western, and all it needs is a little re-invention for twenty-first century audiences.

Optimum releases their six part classic Westerns collection on 21st February.

Clint ‘make my day’ Eastwood.

A guns-to-the-front action thriller?

Quite right – this is John Woo’s 1990 Hong Kong epic, strewn with bullets and home to a huge number of explosion-heavy mob battles.

Somehow, Woo manages to fuse an expansive epic Vietnam war genre with a claustrophobic gangster movie, and the points at which these two disparate forms converge are beautifully surreal.

Just the one bullet in the head though?

No no, a good number of such incidences; the title refers to a particular event quite late on in the narrative that affects all of the main characters and begins a violent cycle of betrayal and revenge. The three heroes – Ah Bee (Tony Leung), Fai (Jacky Cheung), and Little Wing (Waise Lee) – start off the film in Hong Kong as small-time criminals, hard-up but happy as close friends with dreams of making better lives for themselves. After accidentally killing a local gang member though, they are forced to flee the country in fear of their lives, and head for wartime Saigon (1967) with plans to play the black market and make their fortune.

That sounds like a plan waiting to go wrong…

The trio run into trouble straight away when their smuggled cargo is blown up by the Vietcong, and things get more violent and desperate from there on in: police brutality is everywhere, gangs operate a sweeping network of prostitution and murder, and the friends’ long-standing loyalty strains to breaking point as panic and fear take hold. Most shocking though is the horror-of-war ordeal experienced in a Deer Hunter-style prison camp, where people die for no other purpose than entertainment, and humanity deteriorates into madness.

Powerful stuff. Is this a different type of Woo film to the merrily spectacular Broken Arrow and Mission Impossible 2 then?

Well, it certainly feels more personal and passionate than most of Woo’s Hollywood output, but there’s also no shortage of dizzying pyrotechnical wonders. Bullet in the Head rushes through a strange mix of pathos, irony, and overblown action – occasionally awkward but always dynamic, and quite unafraid to push scenes over into a kind of neurotic horror that most action films are unwilling or unable to show. The apocalyptic showdown – two duellers shining with wet blood as the flames lick the sky – is so affecting because it sustains a profound sense of regret and sadness even as the battle reaches its awful culmination: as the hero and villain, once friends, clash car-to-car with guns blazing, the chase is intercut with shared memories of a bike ride from happier times.

Sebastian Manley

09.02.05

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CIVIC AWARDS

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MAYOR HONOURS MOST CARING Katharine Clemow Deputy Editor

The Lord Mayor of Norwich is currently encouraging nominations for the annual Civic Award for Voluntary Service to give recognition to the City’s ‘army’ of unsung heroes. This is in celebration of 2005 being named ‘The Year of the Volunteer’.

“In my time as Lord Mayor, I have been humbled on many occasions in meeting hundreds of people who give their time freely to help others” says Councillor Joyce Divers.

“The time given by so many volunteers is a vital contribution to the lives of people in Norwich and many do this without any recognition. In this, the year of the volunteer, I want the Civic Award to highlight the work of so many and give recognition that is so clearly deserved”.

There are three categories for nomination : adults, groups and young people. The Lord Mayor is particularly keen to receive nominations this year for young volunteers, aged between 11 and 25, which will particularly apply to students studying at UEA. Anyone can submit a nomination and it can cover a wide range of voluntary work, from fundraising to hosting community sports to community action.

There are some restrictions on nominees as they must either have lived in Norwich for five years or worked voluntarily for at least five years however for young people this is only one year. A nomination requires the support of two people, who, for obvious reasons, must not be related to the

nominee.

The Civic Award judging panel meet to decide in April and includes Editor of the Evening News, David Bourn and new Director of the Norwich & Norfolk Voluntary Services, Brian Horner. Mr Horner said, “The awards seek to raise the profile of volunteering and to inspire the volunteers of the future.

This year is the UK Year of the Volunteer and the Civic Award is a great kick-start to highlight and promote the world of opportunities that exist in volunteering”.

Mr Bourn also feels strongly about the importance of honoring the many groups and individuals who play a silent part in helping those who need it most.

“The army of volunteers out there are really the unsung heroes of our communities.

It’s their selflessness, hardwork and community spirit that is both humbling and inspirational and without which Norwich would be a much poorer place.”

If you’d like to nominate someone for this timely and special award you can pick up a Civic Awards nomination leaflet from the main reception at City Hall or call the Lord Mayor’s office direct on 212078 and they can send you one. You can also download a copy from the website at www.norwich.gov.uk The closing date for nominations is 31 st March 2005 and when the judging panel has met in April, the successful nominees will be invited to a ceremony at City Hall in May. For further information contact Sara Martinez, Communications and Media Assistant on 01603 212991 or email saramartinez@norwich.gov.uk

No smoking wether you like it or not

Photo: Sarah Watson

NO MORE SMOKING IN SPOONS AS PUB BOSS LEADS CHANGE IN LAWS Kevin Rowe Ahead of the Government’s plans to ban smoking in pubs serving food by 2008, pub giant Wetherspoon’s has announced that each of its 650 venues across Britain will be non smoking by May 2006.

Chairman Tim Martin has declared that 60 Wetherspoon pubs will enforce the ban on Wednesday May 4 th of this year; including those located in Aberdeen, Birmingham, Bristol, Glasgow, London, Newcastle and Nottingham.

Mr. Martin released a statement on the J.D. Wetherspoon website saying, “An increasing percentage of the population is giving up smoking and a significant

number of people are staying away from pubs and restaurants because they are too smoky.”

The Chairman previously condemned such a move, suggesting it would be “commercial suicide” to ban smoking at Wetherspoon’s.

However, his early move is sure to encourage the government to rethink its plans for 2008, which are thought to contain several loopholes.

Analysts believe that non-smoking venues will suffer a great loss immediately after the ban is implemented.

Consequently, many are calling for the Government to impose a smoking ban on all pubs in 2008, whether they serve food or not. Tim Martin is joining in this battle as he wants all pubs to be on even ground to compete with each other.

Concrete asked the students of UEA what they thought of the chain’s proposals and there was mixed opinion amongst them. Rose Doyle, a first year smoker said, “It’s an excellent idea because if I can’t smoke while I am out with my friends then I will smoke less.”

This view is exactly what the Government hopes the ban will encourage but there were many other students who were less optimistic.

Sarah McLoughlin, a second year smoker said, “I only go to Wetherspoon’s because it’s cheap, and if I were to give up smoking in order to go to Wetherspoon’s, I’d have enough money to go somewhere nice instead!.”

The non-smokers on campus were delighted.

Concrete spoke to Mark Morgans who said, “I cannot

wait to enjoy a night out without returning smelling like an ashtray!” Steven Rogers, another non smoking student (second year) declared “It is about time somebody has taken a stand! I am sick of putting my life at risk by socialising with my friends at these pubs and restaurants!” This view was popular among students and Mark Hastings of the British Beer and Pubs Association (BPA) believes, “We are all moving towards non-smoking. It is just a question of how and when we get there.”

Wetherspoon’s bold move has put the spotlight on other pubs around the U.K, and on the British Government. We now wait to see if other chains will follow suit, or if the Government will realise that its proposals for 2008 are inadequate.

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CLARKE TACKLES YOBS

lar problem spots.

Youths in these and other deprived areas seem to be able to intimidate residents and vandalise property with impunity.

The citizens’ concerns are shared by the student community; in the past many students have also fallen victim to attacks and muggings outside the university, particularly those who live in the Village and who walk home from campus late at night.

Mr Clarke responded by promising a greater provision of Community Wardens to police the streets. “I shall be looking into tackling antisocial behaviour throughout Norwich. It remains the single largest law and order concern for many communities and we need to drive it out.”

NEW HOME SECRETARY VOWS TO END REIGN OF FEAR Dean Bowman Last Weekend Charles Clarke pledged to crack down on anti-social behaviour after hearing the pleas of Norwich residents.

Many residents from the underprivileged estates in the west of the city met in the Cadge Road community centre to voice their concerns to the Norwich South MP, who has recently become Home Secretary.

Distressed and angry families from North Earlham said that they were often too afraid to set foot outside after dark and that their lives have been made a misery by gangs of ‘yobs’.

Two roads not far from the university, Earlham Grove Road and Motum Road, were cited as particu-

www.concrete-online.com City Council deputy leader Hereward Cooke is in agreement with Mr Clarke in spirit but insists that the problem lies with government spending at a national level. “Community wardens are effective but the problem is the government stopped funding them. We have increased our budget from 405,000 this year to 500,000 next year for wardens across the city but the problem is the cost falls on tax payers. If Mr Clarke has new ideas about tackling this behaviour that is great, but we also need funding to carry it out.”

Mr Clarke is now in an ideal political position to do something about the problems his constituents have presented him with, he has even promised to seriously confront the issue. The bedraggled citizen’s of Norwich are merely hoping he doesn’t forget about them when he is back behind his desk at Westminster.

Clarke promises new measures to deal with anti-ssocial yobs

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TAPPING INTO TALENT Frances Stapleton Liberations Officer

For many of us, the last year of our University experience is coming to an end. It’s a scary thought. Even scarier when we consider that we may not get the careers we want because of our sex, age, race, sexual orientation, socio-cultural background and beliefs. In this day and age, we shouldn’t have to worry about such things, but The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) does believe there are problems.

They have produced a report showing employers how diversity can help companies achieve their desired business objectives and compete in the war for talent.

In short, organisations are neglecting to give the diversity of the population the attention it deserves.

Companies who apply negative discrimination to their potential employees are not only breaching the Equal Opportunities legislation in place, but also missing out on finding the best candidates to fill vacancies. More than 85% of employers have reported difficulties in filling positions and suffering from skills shortages.

The CIPD believes the training pre-empted by this report is the key to unlock-

ing the talent. Their regular research explores all aspects of equality in employment, tackling age concerns, equal pay, dated attitudes towards socially challenged groups and, especially important one at this point in time, disability in the workplace.

There have been recent amendments to the disability law which now need to be implemented into work institutions. Amendments have been made which protect people with mental health problems more closely. In 1995, a department of Health report found that mental health problems accounted for the loss of more than 91 million working days each year.

Often then, employers aware of this statistic will discriminate against candidates for work with mental health problems. This is not the appropriate way to treat the issue, of course. The problem needs to be dealt with firstly by looking at why this statistic is so high.

The answer, possibly, is that many organisations are not well enough equipped to accommodate people with mental health problems.

People are under the utmost pressure at work. It is not surprising therefore that this statistic is so high.

Thankfully, under the Disability Discrimination Act, such discrimination is

entirely illegal behaviour, if proved.

And this is just one example of a people neglected. The report also highlights the need for older workers in workforces and the benefits of employing exoffenders. Employment has been shown to actually reduce re-offending by 50%.

Dinah Worman, the CIPD Diversity Advisor believes that ‘CIPD research shows the benefits a diverse mix of people can bring to an organisation.

It is important to provide training for Line Managers in order to demonstrate the business case behind diversity because they can make the change. Changing mindsets and developing good practises will help organisations retain knowledge and experience, widen the recruitment base and could lead to more customers and greater profits.’

The report was launched at a Driving Diversity event in Ireland at the end of January. Currently only 29% of organisations advertise beyond traditional means to target under-represented groups. Clearly this is disgraceful, but with the new training aimed to get these organisations cluedup, the battle for employment shouldn’t be so long and hard in the future.

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WHAT’S A JOB WORTH?

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SURVEY SHOWS STUDENTS HAVE TO WORK HARD Robin Smith The myth of the lazy student was somewhat exploded this week with the publication of a Mori survey into aspects of student life. One of the main areas examined in the survey was students taking on paid work to help fund their degree course.

The survey found that around forty percent of students took on paid work in addition to their academic studies. These students worked on average for fourteen and a half hours per week, earning around eighty six pounds. The survey also discovered that students were getting better at looking after their money with only two percent admitting to suffering major financial crises.

This week also saw the publication of a survey conducted by a Scottish university, which suggested that working for over fifteen hours per week was detrimental to students’ academic performance. This has long been the argument at many universities across the country with institutions such as Cambridge

University expressly forbidding students from undertaking paid work during academic terms.

However, with student debt on the increase, there is often very little alternative than to take on a part-time job. The average student expected to graduate with a debt of £9744 and with the introduction of top-up fees, this amount is set to increase.

Cassie, AMS3 works for sixteen hours per week in addition to her academic course. “For me and most students I know, work is a necessity. Without it I simply wouldn’t be able to cover all my costs. It is the same for most people I know, one friend at UEA even has two jobs, working twenty-two hours per week. We’re in a Catch-22 situation; we need to have a job in order to fund our studies but that job prevents us from doing our academic work justice.”

For some, the only alternative to finding a job is to be reliant on parents or relatives providing financial assistance. As one anonymous student stated, “I hate having to take money from my dad but without it I

wouldn’t be able to afford books for my course.”

The price of academic textbooks was a major concern amongst students.

Some reading lists cost over one hundred pounds to purchase which puts a hefty dent in the pockets of those who wish to own all of the suggested reading material.

Many students attempt to circumnavigate this expense by withdrawing texts from the library but often demand far outstrips supply.

Everyone has had at least one experience in which a text has already been removed from the library, leaving the option of waiting until it has been returned or purchasing a copy of ones own.

The cost of alcohol was also mentioned as a reason for taking on paid work. It seems that students still enjoy drinking and that the only way to afford a night out is to either cut back on other expenses or to go and earn some money.

If you want more information on the situation faced by lots of students today the results of the Mori poll can be seen at www.mori.com.

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SILENCE IS GOLDEN Helen Pike News Editor

On Friday 11th February three UEA students are keeping their lips tight in a 24 hour sponsored silence.

Michelle Cater, who is on the Streetjazz society committee along with her friends Leanne Shelley and Rachel Mroz, who is president of the Cheerleaders society will be in the Hive for most of Friday collecting spare change from students in order to raise money for the spinal research charity, and the

rehabilitation of Michelle’s cousin. The nineteen year old was due to go to university this year but was

involved in an accident over Christmas that left him paralysed from the shoulders down. Michelle hopes that the money raised this

Friday will help towards funding for 24 hour care when he comes out of hospital and starts university.

The girls participating in the sponsored silence are well known for being the loudest amongst their friends and societies, so Friday looks likely to be a challenge. The silence will last all day and the money raised will be added to the £400 they have already made through sponsorship. Be sure to pop into the Hive on Friday to support the girls and perhaps test how long they can stay silent for.

NO MORE TEARS

Inquiry shows schools and unis need better resources to help self-h harm sufferers

NEED FOR GREATER AWARENESS OF SELF HARM Clare Aitchison Health Editor

The National Inquiry into self-harm recently interviewed young people aged 11-25 around the country to produce a report which reveals that both education professionals and young people feel that not enough information and advice is provided about self-harming in UK schools.

Self-harm includes a wide range of things that people do to themselves in a deliberate and usually hidden way, which are damaging. This can include cutting, poisoning, burning, banging and hair pulling. It is still a taboo subject, and people who self harm tend to keep it hidden and don’t seek help. It is estimated

that 1 in 10 teenagers selfharm, one of the highest rates in Europe. And every year more than 24,000 teenagers are admitted to hospital because of injuries they have deliberately inflicted on themselves. It is widely thought that people selfharm as a way of expressing deep emotional pain and to release feelings of selfhatred.

At the moment, health education programmes in schools do not include talking about self-harm, but young people do want to talk about it, to help dispel the fears and misunderstandings that surround the behavior. Teachers also want training to talk about it, to ensure that self-harm is understood and get rid of any existing fears or misunderstandings.

Although the young people who were interviewed said that they didn’t actually want their teachers to become counsellors, they would like to see external and independent organizations providing information and advice.

For an information pack about self-harm or further information about the Inquiry, visit www.selfharmUK.org Where to get help: Visit your GP who can refer an individual with experience of self-harm to a specialist who can help Talk to a teacher, a friend, a family member, a youth worker NHS Direct - 0845 4647 or www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk Samaritans - 08457 90 90 90

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FORCED UNDER LOCK AND KEY

NEW GOVERNMENT MEASURES TO HOLD TERROR SUSPECTS UNDER HOUSE ARREST ILLEGAL Juliet Harris Legal Editor

Mr Clarke’s new measures have been met with widespread outrage and a number of high profile protests

Suspects held under the recently discredited antiterrorism laws would rather remain in Belmarsh than be subjected to the Home Secretary’s proposals to detain them under house arrest.

Last week, the Home Secretary, Norwich South MP Charles Clarke, announced plans for a system of “control orders” to replace the laws. These “orders” would include curfews, electronic tagging and a requirement for suspects “to remain at their premises”, otherwise known as house arrest.

For the purposes of the European Convention on Human Rights, what counts is whether the individual has been deprived of the right to liberty. Most lawyers say house arrest deprives a person of liberty.

These plans have yet to be legislated upon, meaning that the detained foreign nationals will remain in Belmarsh and Woodhill prisons, a state of affairs no different than before the House of Lords declared the laws unlawful. Having said this,

Ben Emmerson QC, representing two of the detainees at a Special Immigration Appeals Commission (SIAC) hearing in London, stated that the pair would rather stay in prison if “the alternative is the isolation and claustrophobia of house arrest”.

Indeed, according to Mr Emmerson, there would be “no difference” between a Belmarsh cell and a council flat in South London. One of the detainees, Mahmoud Abu Rideh, was granted bail in principle, largely due to the deterioration in his mental state at having been unlawfully detained for the equivalent of a five-year sentence.

The House of Lords’ declaration that imprisoning subjects indefinitely without charge or trial is “the stuff of nightmares” does not appear to have deterred the Home Secretary from attempting to find other ways in which to detain the “suspects”.

Meanwhile, he is insisting that Britain is still in a “state of public emergency” almost three and a half years after the September 11th attacks that originally prompted the legislation. Shadow Home Secretary David Davis has expressed concern that the proposals could be applied

to British nationals.

However, commentators have been more outraged at the fact that any such proposals could be considered to be an acceptable response to the embarrassing ruling in December. John Spencer, a Professor in Law at Cambridge University, commented, “I am astonished that the Home Secretary thinks he can solve the human rights objections to locking up foreign terrorist suspects in Belmarsh by deciding he will acquire power to lock up everybody in their homes.”

Labour Party once so energetically campaigned against”. Lord Alton, an independent peer, stated, “Having observed house arrest in Burma and South Africa, I would be gravely unhappy about introducing any legislation like that over here”.

Such opposition appears to have derailed Mr Clarke’s plans to rush such legislation through. The government’s original timetable was to speed the bill through the Commons in a week and get it debated in the Lords by the end of the month.

Cuba’s Belmarsh.

Gillian Slovo, an author and anti-aparth)eid campaigner, commented that the Government is in fact “proposing a set of orders that will bring to Britain the beginnings of the kind of legal travesty that the

However, Mr Clarke’s silence since the announcement of the proposals may in itself prove to speak volumes.

Supporters of civil liberties will certainly hope that this is the case.

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NEW PARTY, OLD KILROY

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SUFFOLK UNI POSTPONED

EX-UKIP BOSS TO PUT ‘TRUTH’ BACK INTO POLITICS REDEVELOPMENT PLANS STILL TO BE APPROVED Dean Bowman Plans for the development of Suffolk College in Ipswich into the University Campus Suffolk (UCS) set for approval this month by the Higher Education Funding Council for England have been postponed until the board’s February 24th meeting.

The ambitious 50 million pound development is backed by a number of institutes dedicated to promoting Higher Education in the region including UEA, which already accredits degrees through Suffolk College. The new buildings will be part of a larger multimillion-pound redevelopment of the historical Dockside area, which is

He’s still sulking after losing the UKIP leadership

Sam Webber Robert Kilroy-Silk last week launched his new political party after failing to become leader of the UK Independence party. Veritas’ (which is the Latin word for truth) hopes to win support at the next election from the countless disenfranchised voters who have been put off by so-called dishonest politicians and their equally shallow promises.

Mr Kilroy-Silk, 62, declared at the Veritas launch “Unlike the old parties we shall be honest, open and straight”. However he is also pandering to the nationalist right wing in Britain, by focusing on the problems within the immigration and Asylum systems together with arguing that people are being made to feel ashamed of being British.

The Veritas website (www.veritasparty.co.uk) contains an introduction to the party’s manifesto which paints a far more depressing picture of Britain than is actually realistic. “Fed up of being made to feel ashamed of being British? So are we”.

Messages like this get Kilroy-Silk the support of a

small core of voters who feel he is addressing what other politicians have not dared to. However, he is a household name following the success of his BBC daytime talk show Kilroy and people will listen strongly to what he has to say during the forthcoming general election campaign.

Following Michael Howard’s recent speeches about the major problem with regards immigration and asylum in the country, Mr Kilroy-Silk is certainly putting forward an even more radical and tough message declaring, “80% of British people and 52% of Ethnic minorities want immigration brought under control” and going on to state “Britain is a soft touch for Asylum seekers”. He may well takes votes from the Conservatives as some of their traditional supporters still feel that they are being too vague by talking about immigration whilst still wanting to remain within the European Union.

It goes almost without saying that Veritas want to withdraw completely from the European Union. Their preliminary manifesto states “Our EU membership costs £40 Billion a year. That money should be spent

here”. Mr Blair does not agree with this at all, nor will he be particularly worried about any threat posed to him from this former Labour MP. Veritas will really only be taking votes that would otherwise have gone to the Conservatives or to UKIP. Margaret Beckett, the Secretary of State for the Environment, did not appear to be too bothered by this new figure on the British political stage. When questioned recently about the Veritas leader’s chances at the next election she responded, “Individuals can make a big noise but don’t make very much impact on political decisions”.

Many people will be interested to see the impact that this once radically left wing Labour MP makes at the next general election leading a right wing party which claims that it will “change the face of British politics”. Robert Kilroy-Silk will be the Veritas candidate for the Erewash constituency in Derbyshire. The sitting MP there, Liz Blackman, has a majority of 6,932 over the Conservatives. Bearing in mind the flamboyant career RK-S, one would probably not want to bet against him bagging this seat.

the New Technology Institute and student halls, are hoped to be completed in time for the academic year 2007/08 and will be based in the new Ipswich Education Quarter.

College Principal, Professor Dave Müller, said, “New buildings and facilities for Suffolk College are needed to meet increasing demand for vocational education and training and the continuing growth in students wishing to study further education.” Ironically Ipswich Borough Council turned down the opportunity to host UEA before it was established in Norwich and have been regretting the decision ever since.

The new development will tie in with Ipswich’s much thwarted ambitions of

The 50 million pound scheme set to raise college standards already underway and includes a number of luxury apartment blocks and a new Headquarters for Dance East. The New academic buildings, which will include

becoming a city, a proposal for City status having previously been declined during the millennium. However a consortium made up of businesses, Ipswich Borough

Council and other organisations formed in 2000, envisage a bright future for the beleaguered town as part of “Cambridge-to-Ipswich Hitech Corridor.” The project, suggestively named IP-City, considers Ipswich a future “world centre for advanced technology”, and its website boasts that “over 300 organisations have joined the network, playing their part in making the area a focus for hi-tech enterprise and commercial competitiveness.”

Ipswich’s dreams of becoming a city and a centre of technological excellence depend entirely upon the creation of the University Campus Suffolk, which will act as a talent pool on which to draw. Bryony Rudkin, a representative of EEDA (East of England Development Agency), one of the scheme’s backers, says that “It’s a reality that people leave the county to go to university. I don’t like the phrase brain-drain, but the fact is that we are not getting the brains back.”

However, much work needs to be done if these ambitions are to be realised.

One UEA student who took his A-Levels at Suffolk College commented that “whilst I was there I got the impression that it was merely a hairdressing school that offered A-Levels on the side.

It’s supposed to be the key Higher Education centre for the whole of Suffolk, but the drop out rate was so high that by the final year some of the courses were reduced to two or three students.”

FUTURE’S IN THEIR HANDS EIGHT-MILLION TURN OUT FOR IRAQ’S ELECTION Nadia Bennich

International Editor Sunday 30th January was a historical day for the Iraqis, a day they have long waited for: Iraq’s multi-party elections deciding about the future of their country.

Approximately eight million brave civilians went to their polling station despite the extremely dangerous and violent circumstances where car or suicide bombers tried to dissipate the voters and suppress the elections by all means. Nevertheless, the civilians were determined to take the future of their country in their hands and queued at their polling station to make their voices heard.

World leaders praised the Iraqi people for their courage and determination for a new Iraq with President George W. Bush’s saying that “The world is hearing the voice of freedom from the

centre of the Middle East”.

The turnout has been estimated at about 80% so far, much higher than expected.

A majority of Shias’ and Kurds’ participated in the elections but the turnout of Sunnis’ votes seems much lower which might put their future representation at stake. On Sunday evening, the counting of the votes already started by candle light but first results of the elections are only due in approximately ten days.

Then follows the appointment of a Prime Minister and the creation of a government in March, who will draft a constitution over summer.

There is still a very long way to go and the question arises if the elections and the new government can really put an end to the insurgency that shortly. All voters hope for a peaceful and stable Iraq, but the real impact of the elections on the future of the country

cannot be foreseen yet.

The number of victims since last year remains unclear but it is estimated that more than 25 000, mostly civilians, have died and even at the elections’ day 30 people were said to be killed.

The future Iraqi government will have to tackle the challenging task to guarantee equal representation of the multicultural population. The creation of a constitution has already been suggested to be one crucial step to guarantee democracy and freedom for everyone but until the prospective government is completely functioning will take time.

Nonetheless, violence will still belong to the daily life of millions of Iraqi civilians in the near future who desperately hope that the democratic elections will bring peace and welfare to the country progressively.

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THE LONG WAITS WILL SOON BE A THING OF THE PAST NATIONWIDE IMPLEMENTATION OF FINES FOR BUSES THAT FAIL TO PICK UP CUSTOMERS ON TIME Isabel Dyson Proposals have been put forward to fine buses that run over five minutes later than designated timetable slots.

The suggested fines, which could reach £550, would be policed by traffic commissioners, appointed by local authorities. The long-awaited action to ensure buses are prompt was put forward by the Government and has sparked mixed reactions.

Adrian Gunson, Norfolk County Council cabinet member for transport agreed that the constant problems with local buses had to be resolved, though he warned that fining the bus operators could lead to revised timetables and less frequent services in order to ensure that buses were punctual. “If the fines were at a level that might really hurt the companies they may alter their

timetables and run fewer services.”

The 25 bus route that runs from UEA is most commonly used by students as a direct way into the city, golden triangle and train station, though Concrete has repeatedly reported on the frustration of students who frequent the service. A third year LIT student claimed: “During the day they are normally reliable, but I’ve waited so many times for over 40 minutes and then you can guarantee two will always come at once – or one will drive past without stopping – it’s got to be the most irritating part of Uni!” Last month Gunson met the First regional operations director, David Kay, and stressed that the company had to improve. The First bus company, who run the Norwich city centre routes, have received excessive criticism in recent months for their undependable services.

Norfolk County Council has spent £9million over two years on improving roads for buses and Mr Gunson said: “The council has done its part, now it’s First’s turn.”

The Confederation of Passenger Transport has expressed its support for the fines provided that they remain fair. Firms cannot be fined if buses are delayed by road works or congestion.

A First spokesman said: “We are committed to improving services for our passengers for the future.” A second year LAW student said: “If they bring the fines I think it would be an incentive to run on time but you can’t rely on the roads a lot of the time, especially with all the work they are doing in the city centre. Something does need to be done though.” As Gunson suggested: “Sometimes early buses can be more frustrating for passengers than late ones.”

NOT THE IRAQI ELECTIONS DEMONSTRATORS GATHER FOR LOCAL PROTEST Helen Pike News Editor

As Iraq was preparing for its first election in fifty years, protestors gathered in the centre of Norwich to speak out against it, arguing the election to be manipulated by the US. The protestors said that calling the elections democratic was unjust when they are marred by the presence of the occupying forces, the Iraqi Security Services and the terror of

suicide bombers.

The election which took place on 30th January had an estimated turnout of 80%. Those who boycotted the chance to vote included supporters of former President of Iraq Saddam Hussein, most of who are Sunni Muslims.

Mr Offord, spokesman for the Norwich Stop the War Coalition, voiced his concerns on behalf of the campaign regarding the current state of Iraq. According to Mr Offord, areas with a high

concentration of Sunni Muslims, like Fallujah, were devastated prior to the elections. He also reported that many Sunnis did not receive election papers in the first place, effectively making the process a biased one. “In fact, many Sunni and Shia are calling the elections ‘illegitimate’ and have boycotted them”.

Since the war ended last May, many areas in Iraq have been left without proper food, medicine, electricity, fuel and in some cases

Buses will hopefully be rather more punctual in the future water. Iraqis are often left queuing for hours for basic needs, as well as for fuel, gas or kerosene.

A recent report from UNICEF shows that the level of malnutrition in Iraq is twice what it was under Saddam Hussein. Carol Bellamy, Executive Director of UNICEF declared the effects as “an unconscionable slaughter of the innocents…the killing of children is a crime and a moral outrage”.

Mr Offord suggested that there was a large amount of ambiguity surrounding the elections. With 111 political parties and nearly 8000 candidates, Mr Offord argued that it has not been made clear what many of them are standing for.

The protest distributed around 300 leaflets to passers by and many people signed petitions calling for British troops to be withdrawn from Iraq. The next

international demonstration against the current Occupation is to be held in London and worldwide on 19th March.

Local protestors claim election results could be manipulated

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Opinion NATHAN HAMILTON

WHY ART THOU SO BORING? WE’RE NOT, ACTUALLY, WE’RE JUST MISUNDERSTOOD

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he results of a survey, which found that art students were the ‘most annoying’ of all those at university, was published recently and briefly mentioned in the last issue of Concrete. Reasons for their general condemnation included: an ostentatious dress sense, and the ‘facts’ that ‘they never do any work’ and insist that they are ‘the next creative genius to be infringed upon society’, whatever that means. Media and drama students were also deemed among the most ‘annoying’. This is familiar territory for any arts student.

‘Pretentious’ is often the word bandied around to dismiss a large

SIMON SHERIDAN

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7 FOOT TEDDY BEAR, ANYONE?

have a problem with most makebelieve “days”, but this one takes the biscuit. By celebrating Valentine’s Day, we are not giving thanks for being here, or thanking Christ for sacrificing himself, or just enjoying a period of time with our families which we don’t get to do the rest of the year because we are all so caught up in the deprived consumerist society in which we live. No, on Valentine’s Day we celebrate love.

Now this is an ambiguous word at the best of times, and certainly shouldn’t need its own day in order to bring attention to itself. If you love someone, why on earth do you need a saint who is hundreds of years old to tell you to buy a ridiculously expensive yet patently tacky present in order to sate your partner?

ROSS GRAINGER

IT’S ALL RELEVANT

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he day after I had finished writing the feature on why to boycott McDonalds that was in the last issue of Concrete, I found something quite distressing in an obscure and often overlooked drawer in our kitchen: a brochure written by McDonalds, featuring dozens of coupons and waffling praise for the food at McDonalds.

Despite being well aware of my hatred of McDonalds and the antiMcDonalds feature that I was writing for Concrete, my housemates kept a brochure full of McDonalds coupons.

And they weren’t a random thing you have lying around your house like Russian rubles or a menu for a Chinese takeout in Glasgow, they used the coupons – a few days later they came home with two bags of McDonalds for tea.

A number people have told me that despite the damning – and true –

portion of the university population: those doing BA qualifications. Without wanting to indulge in a playground squabble over ‘who is better than whom’, I think it behoves someone to stick up for this often unpopular portion of the campus community. So, with the intention of bucking up our beleaguered young artists, let’s point a few things out to all their pernickety detractors: The fact that many arts (particularly drama and media) students have a higher degree of ‘visibility’ – because of the nature of what they’re involved in – makes them easy targets. This should not be a reason to dismiss them out of hand. Exactly what would there be to do on campus if all the dynamic young boys and girls who enjoy organising film society screenings, putting together the campus paper, running the radio station, coordinating the student TV station, producing student theatre, putting on poetry readings and participating in music events were to disappear? True, it’s only ‘stoodent’ theatre, TV, radio and the like, but they’ve got to learn somewhere.

Rather than attracting ill-natured grumbles from jealous would-be

accountants, lawyers, dentists, doctors and nurses, art and arts students should instead be celebrated for all their larger-than-life exuberance. They make university a more interesting place. Some among us may wish all students to be marching around in suits, never smiling and speaking only of what their course contains, but I, for one, like the variety created by more ‘artistically inspired’ wardrobe choices or topics of conversation.

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t is a popular, but completely false, notion that arts students don’t have to work as hard as others. Hard workers and work shirkers exist equally in every section of the educational environment, including teachers; and if you don’t put the work in, it is unlikely, in any subject, that you will do well. It is often other people’s lack of understanding of just how intellectually demanding arts subjects can be that is the problem. ‘Outsiders’ believe that English Lit is all just reading books (like Harry Potter), Film is all just watching films (like Titanic) and that Fine Art is all just potato prints and messy beds.

‘Yeah, but it’s all rubbish. What’s the use? What does it actually

The reason is simple – it is the same whether you are asking ‘why do we eat McDonalds?’ or ‘why do we buy clothes from the Gap?’ It is because we are duped. For some reason unbeknownst to anyone, we allow these corporations, these immoral money-grabbing cowards to dictate our spending patterns: what we eat, drink; say; or do. Valentine’s Day is the very crux of this process. I mean, what in God’s name is a girl supposed to do with a seven-foot teddy bear with a heart on its chest? I don’t know, but they are in the shops anyway and you can bet your bottom dollar that at least a few have been bought by some pituitary retards who are trying to impress their women.

Frankly, if you feel the need to buy such a monstrosity in order to get in your lady’s good books, you are just plain sad. It’s people like you who make life so bad for the rest of us why don’t you do everyone, including yourselves a favour and just take her out for dinner instead? Maybe a greeting card if you really are in a soppy mood, but let’s stop letting shops take the piss with our money,

OK? Doubtless some of you reading this will be thinking, ‘this guy is just bitter because he’s some lonely, loveless cretin without anything else to do other than slag things off’. There’s certainly an element of truth in that.

However, I have had my fair share of Valentines debacles before, including two break-ups on this very day, so I can speak with authority on the subject.

Instead of being a celebration of a particular couple’s relationship, Valentine’s Day often brings attention to the relationship’s deficiencies. It is crazy that this is caused by businesses that care nothing of the couples involved as long as the money keeps rolling in. I have also had lonely February 14ths spent putting up with other couples enjoying themselves. Of course, couples don’t only enjoy themselves on Valentine’s Day. After all, what would be the point? On Valentine’s Day though, all the singles out there are forced to endure the merriment of others; forced to analyse their own shortcomings; forever doomed in a vicious circle of deceit

evidence against corporations like McDonalds and Wal-Mart, they just can’t boycott them. The excuses I’ve heard are understandable: the price, the quality, the convenience and the sheer presence. But in the past fortnight I have come to empathise with what I think is the underlying reason for the mass apathy of such boycotts: relevance.

Let’s begin with a very extreme example: the USA and terrorism.

Before the 11th of September attacks, terrorism held a place on the average American’s spectrum of importance somewhere between Chad (the country) and Boxing Day (which they don’t have), this despite the bombings of the USS Cole in 2000 which killed 13 Americans and the US embassies in Tanzania and Kenya in 1998, which killed 260 Africans.

Three and a half years since the attacks, terrorism still invokes the same patriotism and protectionism in Americans as it did on the 12th of September. The day before the 2004 Presidential Election, a video of Osama bin Laden was released. He repeated his vaguely ominous words against the American administration and the next day George W. Bush won by 3 million votes.

This is extreme because it’s a matter of life and death. So too, they tell us, is global warming. When it comes to fighting terrorism the government started bending, and in some cases eliminating the rules on the 12th of September, but they prefer to play it by the book when it comes to the slightly less menacing threat of global warming.

And let’s be honest, we aren’t pushing them. The issue is in the papers a lot, there’s the odd conference here and there, and Bush’s refusal to acknowledge it provides fodder during those anti-Bush conversations I have about twice a day, but we just aren’t bothered by it. And why should we be? The people who market the terror of global warming to us need to take fear-mongering lessons from Bush’s administration. They need to make it relevant. ‘It means there will be more wild weather in the future.’

Oh; no. That would really ruin the idyllic British climate that we currently enjoy. ‘There’s a hole in the ozone layer three times the size of the USA.’ You’ve been saying that since the 80s, it’s fine.

And stop trying to scare us with these paltry statistics. 1 degree Fahrenheit: the amount the planet’s

achieve? It’s not going to save anyone’s life, is it? Bloody art students… arse students more like…’ I hear the lager-swilling economics or medicine student declaring with bile. Well, they’re wrong. In short, art and the arts make life worth living in the first place.

‘Yeah, but they only have, like, six hours of lectures or seminars or workshops a week at the most. That’s nothing…’ the beery objector may retort. Well yes, but, in order to gain any real understanding of one’s subject, a lot of personal time has to be spent reading and writing and whatnot. Not to mention – of all things – thinking. Yes, thinking. That invisible activity that cannot be measured in the number of lectures you have to attend. Not remembering what you’ve been spoon-fed in terms of equations, formulae and case notes, but thinking individually.

An arts degree provides a different sort of education: discovering how to think creatively for oneself. Without those who can think outside the box, nothing changes. Many may think they don’t need ‘the arts’, or art, in order to achieve this, but the more successful careers in law, medicine – and the

rest – will be forged by those who have an active interest outside their fields; by those who learn to think beyond the bounds of received wisdom. The arts help facilitate this in a way nothing else can. Don’t knock it ‘til you’ve tried it.

And if you’ve tried it and just don’t “get it”, then really, who are you to criticise? Don’t you sometimes wish you could recite a Shakespeare sonnet and understand the iambic pentametre? Don’t you wonder what it would be like to have read Paradise Lost or The Canterbury Tales? No? Well how about the fact that at least once in your life, you’re going to hear a reference to Virginia Woolf’s love of the androgynous? It’s inevitable.

And, for those who insist on thinking purely in terms of the balance sheet: arts students generally still pay the same amount for their six hours a week tuition, which subsidises all the extra lecture and lab time enjoyed by the rest. So stop grumbling and embrace the wonderful art student.

Avoid negative reference groups and love your fellow students. We all need each other. Good will to all. Amen.

Well, perhaps we could get rid of a few lawyers.

and despair that lasts the entire day.

And why? Because they cannot ignore it. Everywhere you turn there is something pink, or fluffy, or happy. All the couples you are oblivious to the rest of the year take on a kind of gravitational pull which forces you to observe them with disgust and annoyance. o other day can turn normally rational individuals into hatefilled neanderthals, most of whom end up locked in their bedrooms feeling sorry for themselves and taking the necessary action to relieve this state of affairs! A day that celebrates love should not bring so much misery to people. Even if you pluck up the courage to send a card to someone you fancy, I would dearly love to meet anyone out there who can claim to have succeeded in this venture. I mean what is the point of signing ‘anonymous’ or ‘your secret admirer’? If you like someone, keeping your identity hidden, which you do for the rest of the year anyway is hardly going to change this situation.

Hopefully this hasn’t depressed

anyone too much. Those of you who have nothing to celebrate on February 14th may feel the same way, or you may not care. However, anyone that gets annoyed by this excessive consumerism can take heart in the fact that there are plenty of other single people about, as the UEA sex survey proves. If you like someone, don’t even think of sending any tawdry love letters or cards unless they bear your full name and telephone number. Those of you who are in a relationship and think this article stinks of jealousy should just be contented with the fact you have a boy/girlfriend and get on with enjoying each other. Just don’t spend ludicrous amounts of your student loan on a cuddly toy or jewellery. They mean nothing as far as present go because you are compelled to buy them – if society did not tell you to purchase heinous gifts, you wouldn’t do it. Just accept that Valentine’s Day should be about love, and nothing else. No one should need to prove their love by spending money, but unfortunately this is what the modern incarnation of Valentine’s Day has become.

temperature has increased in the past century. A whole degree? Wow. That’s just slightly more worrying than 6 feet, which is the amount, we’re told, that the oceans will rise if the ice caps that have long been threatening to melt finally melt.

Yes, if all the bad global warming stuff that they say is going to happen actually happens one of these days, then we might care. But until then, although global warming is a huge problem that needs our best people on it, average citizens like us just aren’t going to be thinking about it on a daily basis the way we thought of, say, BSE. BSE (Mad Cow disease) was relevant. It was something that affected our everyday life, our diet, thousands of farmers and our economy. The threat of catching BSE made us change what we buy. That’s why we did a centre-spread on things to boycott in the last issue, because we thought that by pointing out a pattern of corporate malpractice we could affect what people buy, which is the only way to make corporations change their ways. We can’t, though, because unfortunately we can’t invent relevant reasons to boycott Starbucks and Nestle. We can only point out the bad

stuff that they really do and hope that it affects people enough.

The government tries this with smoking. Smoking kills more than terrorism and global warming, but we still do it with the same vigour and languidness that we always have.

‘Smoking Kills.’ they tell us with a third of the packet. Of course it does. But the only way people will stop smoking on a mass scale is if a wave of virgin smokers suddenly asphyxiate from that first puff. ‘Smoking Kills’, can’t compete with millions of people who smoke a few cigarettes a day and lead normal lives.

The Top-Up Fees campaign speaks volumes of the relevance of relevance. Last year the No Top-Up Fees rally in the square attracted less than 200 people, and we’re students!

Well, we are now, but when top-up fees become law we’ll be long gone...

When I found a stash of McDonalds coupons in my own house, I realised that McDonalds, Wal-Mart, etc. aren’t as evil in the eyes of most people as they are to me. It’s only when Big Macs cause people to instantly sprout love handles and Coca-Cola rots teeth on contact that we’ll change what we buy and who we buy it from.

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UNION ELECTIONS 2005 ACADEMIC

COMMUNICATIONS

FINANCE

WELFARE

DAN PEARSON

ANDY HIGSON

BEN WILLIAMS

ADAM COCHRANE

VOTE DAN FOR ACADEMIC OFFICER

The Comms Officer must ensure students know what is happening in their Union and make sure the University and others know what the students of UEA want.

KEEP THE POWER, GET INVOLVED VOTE WILLIAMS for FINANCE

Hi guys I will keep this brief as I'm only allowed 50 words, a more detailed list of my aims can be found in the union's pamphlet for the elections. My main goal is to increase the accessibility of the union officers and make sure the needs of 'real' students are met.

I am the realistic and effective candidate.

Whether it is a resources rant or loopy library access, my door will be open to your concerns. Vote Dan if you want the best out of your university life and a strong, motivated and confident Academic officer.

I will aim for more high profile information in Union House about our campaigns, services and structures. Also, ensure Rabbit and the website are useful and relevant.

JOHN PEACOCK

DONNA BOAM

COLL FARAGHER

EMMA KELLY

I'm passionate about our Student Union, and have seen the difference it can make to you. If elected, I'll use my experiences on Union Council and as a school rep. for ENV in order to ensure I get the best deal possible for student representation under the new faculty structure.

As your Communications Officer, I will ensure that every UEA student knows how to get the most out of their Union, and that everyone is fully informed of what is going on at UEA. I will campaign for the issues that affect you, and that everyone at UEA has the opportunity to have lots of fun, whatever floats their boat!

Coll Faragher for Finance I'm a third year international development studies student. I was a founding member of the surf club, hatching the plan whilst coaching in Jersey, and have worked as club Treasurer for two years. Check out my manifesto before the elections and vote Faragher for finance.

I'm a friendly, caring person and have been involved in Student Welfare throughout my degree as Secretary for Nightline, the UEA student listening service.

As Welfare Officer, I will endeavour to ensure all students are represented and will make myself available to help you with any concerns you may have.

KATHRYN PATERSON

LOUISE HORNER

DEAN WALKER

SATORU SAMEYA

Dedicated to more feedback, running clear campaigns, improving the visibility of student media and how the Union works... I am an experienced, accessible and practical communications candidate who is here to listen to what you want from your Union, and make it happen. Open your eyes: it's your Union.

As a final year management student, i have the skills the job requires.

Moreover, being a sociable person i am involved in many clubs and societies, and so have an idea of what the students want!

Find out more! Take a look at my manifesto

OWEN MORGAN

MATTHEW SPARKES

Kat Pat - Nothing submitted

ENVIRONMENT JENNY GELLATLY The only future is a sustainable future. If elected I will: campaign for alternatives to the multi-million pound car park; support the Nestle boycott; extend and improve the universities recycling facilities; support plans for two university owned wind turbines and encourage energy conservation at UEA. I will bring energy and enthusiasm to this vital role as your Environment Officer!

Vote Dean Walker [1]

Politics and Philosophy student.

President of UEA's Gospel Choir.

Frontman of PixelFace Taking this university from good to great suits my personality: dynamic, driven and dedicated, with a passion for increasing student influence within the university and beyond. Please quiz me on ideas for restructuring, student media, and campaign coordination.

I don’t want it!

RHIANNON CLARKE

RICHARD BAKER

Hi, I'm Rhiannon, you may have seen me at Livewire or working behind the bar.

As your communications officer, I pledge: Regular office hours making time for you More support for societies To speak out on issues you care about Communicating for you, making your voice heard - Vote Rhi!

"I love the union and everything it offers students; I want other people to feel this love too! I will ensure that the union continues to prosper and move forward, both in terms of value for money and environmental and ethical standards."

INTERNATIONAL

SOCIETIES

STEVIE ALTMAN

ZARA SIDDIQI

EDDIE SHIELDS

'I am an enthusiastic and dedicated person, having gained the valuable experience necessary to both lead campaigns and be a listening ear for all your environmental and ethical concerns. I will always make myself available to deal with any concerns you may have. Feel free to email me at s.altman@uea.ac.uk'

As international officer, I would be outgoing, committed and reliable in representing students of over 100 nationalities. My aims are to advocate, support, integrate and celebrate our international students. I want to help you make the most of your time at UEA and in Norwich whether you're international or British.

Hi, I'm Eddie, running for societies officer. I will ensure that small societies have all the same opportunities as larger societies and help them to cooperate in order to better achieve their goals. I will also encourage wider participation in societies by making them more welcoming and accessible to all students.

RUTH COLE Nothing submitted, Ruth is abroad this year.

Nothing Submitted

GOOD LUCK TO ALL CANDIDATES

SUSANNAH HOLLAND I'm Susannah, and I'm standing for Welfare Officer.

I'm open and friendly, and will fight for the issues you believe are important.

Being on Union Council has given me an understanding of how the Union works, and what issues students feel strongly about. E-mail me with any questions: s.holland@uea.ac.uk.

LIBERATIONS STEVE WILLIAMS Hi, I'm Steve Williams and I'm running for Liberations Officer. I am currently Communications Officer for the LGBT and I'm the Union Council rep for Concrete Soc. I want to represent lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, Black and student's with disabilities on the Union Exec and support their respective NUS Campaigns.

DON’T LIKE ‘EM? VOTE FOR RON

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SEX SURVEY 2005 It’s that time of year again. The Concrete Sex Survey asked the probing questions and you gave the answers. And how! Safe in your annonimity you happily revealed your vital statistics, your darkest secrets, your wildest fantasies and a lot of stuff that has left us scarred for life. Here now are the results from this year’s survey. For a selection of Valentine’s Day messages turn to page 17. Enjoy!

FEMALE Group Sex: 5% Fisting: 3% Bukkake: 3% Which method of birth control do you favour?

Condom: 38% Contraceptive pill: 57% Other: 5% Have you ever not used birth control?

Yes: 48% No: 52%

History Virginity - When are the ladies losing it?

Seventeen is the most popular age for the young ladies of UEA to lose it, with 27% of respondents making the break at that age. Sixteen to eighteen years old is the window in which most girls are creasing the bedsheets.

3% of UEA females are virgins, which is the same percentage of ladies who claim to have lost their virginity at twelve. Overall, the girls are content with their decision, as only 16% regretted going for it at the age they did.

Virgin: 3% 12: 3% 13: 5% 14: 8% 15: 12% 16: 15% 17: 27% 18: 15% 19: 7% 20: 4% How many sexual partners have you had at UEA? Most girls are either staying with the same man or, having been burnt or disappointed, keeping well clear of UEA men as 32% have only had one sexual partner from UEA. A fairly large proportion (29%) of women have only been with UEA men.

0: 7% 1: 32% 2: 23% 3: 10% 4: 7% 5: 7% 6: 2% 7: 1% 8: 0% 9: 1% 10: 5% 10+: 2% How many partners have you had in total?

1-5: 58% 6-10: 22% 10-20: 9% 20+: 11% How many one-night stands have you had?

None: 41% A few: 44% 5-10: 5% 10+: 10% Have you done any of the following?

Filming: 12% Bondage: 13% Internet Sex: 12% Role play: 17% Threesome: 10% Phone Sex: 24%

Have you ever contracted a sexually transmitted disease (STD)?

Yes: 12% No: 88% If yes, what was it?

Warts, Gonorrhoea, Chlamydia, Thrush, Herpes, Cystitis, Childbirth Have you ever had sex with a member of the same sex (or, if you are gay, the opposite sex)?

Yes: 27% No: 73% Ever been tempted?

Yes: 36% No: 64% Where on campus have you been at it?

(In order of popularity) Library LCR Earlham Park (including the lake) Lecture Hall Union House Sportspark Union Bar Other public places where you’ve done it: Ashdown Forest; Beach; Church; Cinema; Felbrigg National Trust Property; Luton; Park; Plane; Train Have you ever had anal sex?

Yes: 35% No: 65% If so, did you enjoy it?

Yes: 61% No: 39% Have you ever had sex with a celebrity?

Yes: 5% No: 95% If so, who?

Chris Moyles; Bruce Forsyth; John Tickle from Big Brother; Pluto - Disneyland; Senses Fail guitarist

What sexual health resources would you like to see available on campus?

More free condoms in more places (i.e. outside the LCR).

More information on abortions.

More leaflets, more awareness.

More resources and information for homosexuals.

More publicity and events on STD’s.

Make it easier to be tested for STD’s.

More of these please

CELEBRITY LONGING

Celebrities UEA women most want to have sex with (in order of popularity)

1) Johnny Depp 2) Angelina Jolie 3) Orlando Bloom 4) Jude Law 5) Robbie Williams 6) Hugh Grant; Brad Pitt; Karl Kennedy

40% of men and women at UEA are single - so get to the LCR and start getting some Practice

Spoons: 5% Standing Up: 2%

How often do you have sex?

Daily or more: 16% A few times a week: 42% Weekly: 4% Monthly: 14% Infrequently: 1% A few times a year: 14% Never: 8%

Oral Sex. Do enjoy...

Giving: 45% Receiving: 53% Neither: 2%

How long does sex normally last?

90 seconds: 3% Under 15 minutes: 13% 30 minutes: 34% 45 minutes: 26% 1 hour: 18% More: 6%

How would you rate your sexual prowess on a scale of 1-10 (1 being bad and 10 being good) UEA Female Average: 6.9 out of 10

What is your favourite sexual position?

Missionary: 29% Doggy Style: 22% On Top: 33% Spoons: 12% Anything: 4% What sexual position do you use the most?

Missionary: 47% Doggy Style: 15% On Top: 28% 69: 2%

you

Spit, Swallow, Puke?

Spit: 19% Swallow: 59% Puke: 22%

How often do you masturbate?

Daily or more: 11% A few times a week: 30% Weekly: 20% Monthly: 11% A few times a year: 15% Never: 13% Where mostly?

Bedroom: 88% Shower: 10% Lounge: 1% Housemate’s bed: 1%

Women are getting far more sex than Men, with 42% getting it more than once a week, compared to the boys 33%. A higher proportion are also getting it daily: 16% to 13%.

What’s the most extreme length you have ever gone to get sex?

“Shaved my legs, straightened my hair, put on make-up, got drunk.”

“A mate’s ex.”

“15’’” “Joined a belly-dancing club.”

“Climbed a mountain.”

“Playing Counter-Strike with my boyfriend’s mates in a net café (on our first date) for four hours.”

“Got naked on my boyfriend’s bed and started masturbating.”

“Internet chat rooms.”

“Riding the bus in my underwear, fishnets, stilettos and coat in the freezing cold.”

“I went to some friends house wearing only a big coat and took it off.”

“Got on a flight and moved countries.” ”Going to the LCR.”

Best Sexual Experience “On a four poster bed on a beach in Thailand.”

“Sex with the ex - RAWKUS!” “In the UEA library.”

“Unexpected sex on a hot summer night on my balcony in Australia.”

“Bottle of jack, lots of rubbers and a few days with nowhere to go.”

“Sex after a really amazing gig, totally drenched in other peoples sweat, followed by fish and chips in bed.”

“Having sex on the overnight train from Barcelona to Madrid.”

“Group sex with 27 people - had something stuck in every hole while dressed in rubber. And the odd Mars bar.”

“Being sexually aroused in the cinema while watching National Treasure – let’s just say I liked the crown jewels.”

“Sex with a man with a ring in his penis. Everyone should get one!” ”Showers in Norfolk Terrace – gymnastic and steamy.”

“First time I had a multiple orgasm (it lasted 15 minutes)”

Worst Sexual Experience “A one-night stand with a random Albanian bloke who I didn’t even know the name of.”

“A guy couldn’t get it up and then passed out on me!”

“With a Mars bar.”

“Losing my virginity to a self-absorbed, promiscuous ass-hole.”

“Not getting laid on a one-night stand because he was scared of me and I had the runs.”

“Trying anal sex.”

“Giving my boyfriend a bj after he had eaten 4 Philadelphia and prawn sandwiches – you really are what you eat!”

“Back of a VW Polo.”

“Losing my virginity to a Turkish barman in his corrugated iron shack.”

“Having to call the fire brigade after being entangled in my sex swing.”

“My first time – it hurt, I was crying and he had ‘Yellow Submarine’ playing in the background.”

“Homophobic Grandparents knocking on the door…moments before orgasm.”

“Rape. I was 16, he was a colleague in his 30s.

Enough said.”

Ultimate Sexual Fantasy “Sex in outer space” “Sex on a rowing boat.”

“Having sex on top of a car while going through a car wash.”

“Having amazing sex with my husband one day.”

“Threesome with Ant and Dec.” “To have rampant sex on a bouncy castle with Paul Nichols.”

“Being tied naked to a tree and slapped with a large wet fish.”

“I’d love to have sex on loads of £50 notes.”

“Rampant sex against a wall in the LCR.” “At dusk – having sex rolling around in the mud on the sports pitch.”

“My boyfriend with a huge hard-on in a cowboy hat and boots.”

“Being domineered by a huge David Bowie in spandex with a whip, 20 Marlboro lights and his greatest hits on loop.”

“On a flight to the moon, in zero gravity conditions with all the crew joining in and a live jazz band playing beautiful music.”

“Candles, roses, rose petals, wine, and my man dressed up as Spiderman.”

“A big muscle-bound rugby player and his team all covered in mud, sweat and baby oil.”

“Taking part in a vampire movie.”

“Sex in Hive cupboard during lunchtime.”

“Having group sex on my wedding night.”

“Soft-core bondage and food!”

60% of women own a vibrator

11 % of men feel threatened by them The Sex Survey 2005!

Thank you to all those who took part. Credit out there to all the fellas who were honest – some of you obviously weren’t but you gave us plenty of laughs over the last week.

Most of the results were fairly predictable. 74% of those surveyed claim to be heterosexuals with 58% of you being in a relationship at the present time. The rest of the guys are single apart from the individual who claims to be suicidal – he also noted Unreal Tournament as being a sex aid! Most of you are getting laid about once every fortnight, but kudos goes out to the 8 dudes who are getting it more than once a day. We were surprised to learn that practically everyone out there enjoys oral sex with more guys preferring to receive head than give it – but not by many. At least half of those surveyed claimed to be as willing to give as to receive so there should be no complaints in that department The average erect penis at UEA is just over 6 inches long, though there is a 2 incher and a 12 incher out there. Not a single male claimed not to masturbate and in only 2 cases was it done ‘a few times a year’. To improve masturbation the guys use a vast array of sex toys. Two of you own a pack of Ancient Greek erotic playing cards, so if you ever have a poker night, count me in. The majority have at least a little porn with some of you claiming to possess “everything under the sun” – does this include gimp suits?

A small number of men and women have learnt harsh lessons from having unprotected sex. A vast array of STD’s await anyone willing to take a chance with unknown genitalia. For a discussion of STD’s turn to the Fashion and Lifestyle section.

Men have had more sexual partners overall, but both sexes are putting it about at the same rate. When it comes to one-night-stands, most have had ‘a few’ What’s the most extreme length you’ve ever gone to get sex?

“Pulled a fat slag in the LCR because I was horny” “Asked for it” “Betting, bribing and chocolate” “Driven for an hour” “Got drunk, very drunk” “Traveled half-way round the country” “In an airport toilet cubicle after the condom had broken on foreign soil” “Making my ex drive 100 miles just to have sex with me at uni” “Cycled 5 miles” “Getting out my pierced penis or preying on recently dumped girls”

Best Sexual Experience

History When are men losing their virginity?

16 is the most common age for men, with 15-17 the age brackett in which most men have sex for the first time. Surprisingly, more men than women felt that they lost their virginity at the wrong age. The reasons given by both sexes were similar: wrong age, wrong partner, wrong time and place.

How many sexual partners have you had at UEA? N/A: 10% 1: 25% 2: 20% 3: 6% 4: 6% 5: 14% 6: 4% 7: 3% 8: 1% 9: 1% 10: 1% 10+: 6%

“By myself with my computer” “Girlfriend wearing £80 of Anne Summers lingerie” “When the girl came she moaned “you’re so big” over and over again” “The first time me and my girlfriend came together” “Shagging a mate’s sister” “The first time I made my girlfriend cum” “Vodka, lube and 3 of the hottest girls in the world” “Alone with some skat porn” “Long, rough sex with a male model whilst having a diabetic attack” “In a Caribbean hotel room during a tropical storm” “Having sex with someone I love and who loves me back” “In the Amazon in a hut” “Having sex with 2 Swiss girls whilst in a hostel room in Barcelona” “Emma Ward”

How many partners have you had altogether?

1-5: 44% 6-10: 23% 10-20: 23% 20+: 10%

Worst Sexual Experience

What method of birth control do you favour?

Condom: 52% Femidoms: 1% Contraceptive pill: 39% Rhythm method: 2% I don't - it's against God's law: 1% Being Gay: 2%

“Being peed on mid-shag” “I had to stop because I couldn’t cum” “Mike!”

“When the girl fell asleep” “There was a lot of blood involved” “The guy shat on my head while I was shagging him” “Used Tea-tree oil to lube up my girlfriend and then had a tit-wank – it stung and inflamed my cock” “Got so drunk I puked and came at the same time.

Was found by my mother in the toilet trying to clean sick off the condom that was still on” “Getting caught by the police in some back-alley” “Shagging a minger after getting really drunk”

Ultimate Sexual Fantasy

The girls like to be in control, with 33% preferring to be on top. The men, predictably, want it like dogs.

MALE

“To have sex again soon” “Sultan’s Palace surrounded by all his Harems” “Identical twins and a video-camera” “Something to do with Natalie Portman and some rope” “Sex everyday and the eradication of headaches” “Up the arse with her loving it” “Mole dresses up as Jennifer Garner in red and black!”

“Passionate but rough sex with a Spanish guy by the campfire in the Andes” “Lots of sex with lots of pretty people in a house made of Turkish Delight” “Having sex with 4 women from the same family – as long as they span 3 generations” “Having group sex on a football pitch with 60000 people watching” “Being in a porn movie” “Sex whilst sky-diving”

How many one night stands have you had?

None: 31% A few: 37% 5-10: 15% Over 10: 18% Which of the following have you participated in?

Sexual games amongst men and women are quite similar. Phone and internet sex are the most popular with men and women. An equal number of men and women (6) have tried the ancient art of Bukkake.

Of the 42% of men who have had anal sex (left), only 3 people did not enjoy it.

As for the great outdoors, men and women tend to enjoy it in similar public places: beaches, parks, cars, etc. There were two men, however, who claimed to have had sex in a graveyard.

Kinky.

The majority of men and women say they would not shag their best mate’s partner, but men, unlike women, are more inclined to shag to further their career.

Practice

How often do you have sex?

Daily or more: 13% A few times a week: 33% Weekly: 5% Monthly: 17% A few times a year: 25% Never: 6% Oral Sex. Do you enjoy...

Giving: 43% Receiving: 48% Neither: 10%

Have you ever not used birth control?

Yes: 61% No: 39%

Spit, Swallow, Puke?

Spit: 21% Swallow: 60% Puke: 19%

Have you ever contracted a sexually transmitted disease?

Yes: 14% No: 86%

How often do you suffer from impotence?

Never: 48% Occasionally: 45% Frequently: 7%

If yes, what was it?

Syphilis, Genital warts, Gonorrhea, Crabs, Thrush Uritaritis Have you ever had sex with a member of the A tell tale same sex? sign (right): Yes: 26% No: 74% the average length of a If not, have you ever been tempted by a mem- UEA man’s erect penis. ber of the same sex (or, if you are gay the 6 inches is opposite sex)? also the Yes: 29% No: 71% preferred penis size Have you ever had sex with a celebrity? for just under half No: 97% Yes: 3% of UEA women.

If so, who?

(Graphs Anoushka from Big Brother, Jennifer Garner courtesy of Graham Marsh) Sexual Prowess (UEA Male Average) 7.05 out of 10

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WHAT’S UP WITH WASABI? Considering a romantic meal for Valentine’s Day? How about sushi? It’s the latest craze to sweep the culinary culture of Britain, and, best of all, it’s healthy. Julia Richardson explains.

A

re you eating your “5-A-Day” of fruit and veg? Counting your calories? Watching your cholesterol? If you are, you probably dutifully try to enjoy that gardenmulch salad, or chick-pea gloop, while really wishing you could just sink your teeth into something more appealing.

The problem, it always seems, is that if it is something you crave, it probably isn’t good for you.

That problem is a little less daunting if you are a sushi fanatic. Here comes the onslaught of ‘eugh…raw fish!’ from those unlucky enough not to have delighted in the latest food trend. Or the inevitable reference to the episode of The Simpsons in which the family goes to a Japanese restaurant and Homer ends up eating a poison blowfish that leaves him with 24 hours to live. But, sushi is rolling in to our local supermarkets and coffee shops, such as Sainsburys and Pret a Manger, and is picking up speed as the nation’s thirst for fresh new healthy flavours develops. A sushi pro is of course going to enjoy indulging in Squid Nigiri or Salmon Sashimi, the flavours are exqusite…but Japanese cuisine is more than just raw fish. It is a common misconception that sushi must include raw fish - there are plenty of other types of sushi: sweet egg omlette, fresh cucumber or sweet pickle just to name a few. Additionally, the range of delicious hot Japanese meals is extensive, teriyaki and tempura dishes are renowned, and of course vegetarians are always catered for.

Noticeably, society is starting to become more aware of healthy food options and the dangers associated with obesity and bad diets in general.

The multitude of recent programmes, such as ‘You Are What You Eat’, have certainly kick-started a desire to break away from the fast-food compulsion. The Food Standards Agency is under pressure to tackle manufacturers over the levels of artificial fats, linked to heart disease, that are

used in food production. An investigation has found that millions of consumers are eating these dangerous fats every day, unaware that they are present in food. High levels of these fats were discovered in a range of popular food products and in meals on sale in fast food chains: KFC, McDonald’s, and Burger King being just some of the major culprits. It is almost impossible to avoid a helping of trans fats if you buy convenience food and it is commonly found in biscuits, cakes, pastry, margarine and other processed foods. The remodelling McDonald’s has attempted to achieve, with its array of new salads and reduced-salt chicken nuggets, is certainly a worthwhile effort, but seriously, who really enters the Golden Arches to indulge in a plastic bowl full of lettuce and creamy dressing (which isn’t that healthy after all)?

If you enjoy sushi, you can feel good about the nutrition that it provides and the low cholestorol it contains. The fish is low in fat and full of digestible protein, and includes hearthealthy Omega-3 fatty acids. Studies continue to demonstrate the enormous role Omega-3’s play in maintaining a healthy metabolism; they have even been understood to improve conditions such as arthritis, psoriasis and depression. On average, a four-ounce serving of sushi contains 225 calories, five grams of protein and less than one gram of fat. Even wasabi, the spicy green accompaniment to sushi, is rich in vitamin C! The artful manner in which sushi is presented provides yet another healthy benefit to dieters. Portions are relatively small and consist of several bite-sized pieces, encouraging the diner to practice slowly

savouring their food!

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he stereotypcial image of an undergraduate student tucking into yet another can of baked beans or a pot noodle really isn’t a fair depiction anymore.

Today, students are far more interested and enthusiastic to try new and exciting food.

Fast-food chains are becoming more than unhealthy, they are decidedly boring in a world where an eclectic blend of global cuisine is avaible quickly and affordably. Budgeting will always be an issue, and obviously popping down for a three-course meal at a top-notch restaurant is not a regular occurrence for a student.

However, we do like to go out to eat sometimes!

There are numerous occasions for which dining at a restaurant becomes a natural ‘appetizer’ for a night out, and students do like to try places other than ‘Pizza Express’ and ‘Frankie and Benny’s’.

Nevertheless, even restaurants that serve Thai or Nepalese food have started to become relatively ordinary, and thus the sushi craze is taking shape. Japanese Cuisine used to be regarded as a delicacy only suitable for bulging wallets, but this really is not the case anymore. Attention to unusual food that encourages dining out to become more sociable and interactive is tantalising student tastebuds far more than it used to because it really is so much cheaper and thus so much more appealing. Sushi has become extremely fashionable as an exciting and nutritious option that is causing the conventional chain-restaurant world to shudder in its path…people want food that they can admire and show off about. Even more appealing to UEA cultured students is that Shiki, a truly authentic and very student-friendly Japanese restaurant has just opened in Tombland and offers a delicious range of sushi and Japanese cuisine.

Concrete Wednesday, February 9th, 2005

www.concrete-online.com

concrete.features@uea.ac.uk 17

VALENTINE’S MESSAGES

If you’re single and lonely, you might want to skip this page, for it is the page of love. We received all kinds of Valentine’s Day messages, from the soppy and romantic to the bitter and irrelevant. Here are the best ones.

Valentines, Schmalentines The dreaded day is almost upon us again.

Well, when I say dreaded, I of course only mean dreaded by the male half of the population, who cower and whine at the very mention of Valentine’s Day, whilst the girls cross off the preceding days in joyful anticipation of the celebration of all things... well, girly. Or so a large number of people would have you believe.

However, the idea that all men have a built-in aversion to Valentine’s Day is untrue. Certainly, the pressure to invest in frivolous and often unwanted gifts, coupled with the over-commercialisation and sickly sweet shop window displays, leaves everyone, not just men, feeling as if they are being ripped off like a well intended chocolate G-String (if such a thing exists). But this does not necessarily translate to mean that the sentiments of Valentine’s Day are lost on the male species altogether. For those chaps lucky enough to have a partner, Valentine’s Day provides an often much needed opportunity to express ones feelings and to revisit the early stage of the relationship, before the romance had been kicked out of it. Indeed, in a world where the age of chivalry and romance can often appear to be as distant a memory as that noise Edd the Duck used to make, we are all, guys and girls alike, fortunate to have a day, (albeit just twenty-four little hours), devoted to the expression of the most natural emotion of all; love. Oh yeah, I used the ‘L’ word, and indeed that reveals another unfounded myth; why is it that whilst women are apparently finding love every five minutes, men are supposed to be somehow allergic, or even immune to it? It’s an idea that just makes Simon and Saffron, you are the sexiest girls in uni. How about a threesome?

no sense whatsoever; of course blokes fall in love, and Valentine’s Day provides just the opportunity to prove it, not through teddy bears and fluffy handcuffs, but through a few heart felt words and/or a romantic gesture.

Even those Gentlemen without a partner to spoil on the 14th can enjoy the celebration of the patron saint of all things heart-shaped (ok, not his official title). Valentine’s Day creates the ideal moment for men to declare their previously unspoken feelings for that special someone, and more often than not, to embark upon the relationship they’ve been dreaming of since they met. And even if not looking to commit to anything so binding, lads have the perfect excuse to flirt innocently with the lovely they’ve been eyeing in lectures all year, through anonymous cards and other teasing trinkets to warm the soul with some mid-February fun. Furthermore, the more lusty chaps have all to play for at the increasingly popular Valentine’s functions, where the unavoidable sentiments of Valentine’s Day, often combined with drink, provide the perfect opportunity to partake in romantic revelry, and often bring together the seemingly most unlikely of couples.

Put simply, the idea that blokes hate Valentine’s Day is not true. The 14th of February (yes, I remembered the date), provides blokes with a perfect opportunity to either show their partner just how much they mean to them, or to enjoy the more light-hearted elements of romantic relations.

We might moan at having to buy a fluffy bunny clutching a heart shaped box of chocolates, but to be honest, we love it!

Matt Shoesmith

Chris D – I know things seem really bad now, but there’s someone who’d be glad to help you forget her – just look around!!

Nigel Harrington: I’ve still got your little trolley.

Nige, I love you. A lot. Please return my Black & Decker doll. I do though love you. Marvin Gaye.

To my lovely monkey man. My love grows more for you everyday. Your Princess.

Donna, you are amazing every time, but do I really have to wear that thing again?

Miss Susie Kelly. You’re brilliant, you are (Yorkshire accent). Ally xxx” Dear Mark. Happy Monday! Love you lots, L. Junglist, you are the one that I want, beautiful G, my love forever and always. Squidgy.

My Precious Unreal Tournament, I have not been the same since I met you. Those lie-ins have been unforgettable. I dedicate Valentines Day to you and you alone. Daniel George

Dear Jess, I don’t have the words to say how happy I am to be with you, or to share our second Valentines Day, other than to say I love you, John xxxx Jambo, there ain’t no woman or man or tranny or thing that’s gonna love you like they should.

But please let me try.

Laura, sorry I’ve been an arse to you for so long. I’ll be nice from now on. I love you muchly.

Richard

To Nat, If we’re both creative maybe its time we get vibrative. Love Ollie Dear Mark, I’m sorry…its not even as if I like crisps that much, I just got carried away…It won’t happen again x d Ruth from Wolfson rocks more than geology Crinkley Bearman, I love you you big cuddly bear. Let’s get together. From your love bunny xxx Emily Wishard, I thank God every day for you.

You are Heaven-sent. Your fellow Patriot, Colin Love you Pea

To my beautiful girlfriend who is the shining moon in the darkness of my life.

Em yeu chi ladies. Love Anna.

Sarah – Top Totty!!!

Lucy Coburn, the love of my life – one day we

To the boys at 39 Norvic: I’ve wanked in all your rooms. Love Ross.

Ree is red, violets are blue, she is so special, and beautiful too.

Mr Jazz, you’re my best one, I love you. Mrs Jazz.

Simon Evans, a sweeter more romantic man cannot be found with a larger penis. All our love, M&L Dan, you will turn any guy gay!

This is a message for anyone working on an instant intercontinental human transporter: Hurry up…the men in Norwich suck.

Dear Muffy: It’s been great, but I shagged your mate, sorry, Ellen.

To the tall dark first-aider by the name of Henry.

You can give me one on one first aid anytime.

To my pooh bear. I really like you. Don’t join the army.

Tom Rogers you rock my world.

This history of Valentine’s Day goes back a long way. February 14th in Ancient Roman times was the Feast of Lubercus (the God who watched over shepherds), and also a day of celebration of the Goddess Juno. Tradition was to write the names of all the young girls on pieces of paper, which the boys chose at random. The couples would spend the evening together, and often continued to meet throughout the year, many couples falling in love and getting married.

However, this day was not coined Valentine’s Day until the Christian Church, attempting to abolish the worship of pagan deities, re-named the day after a Christian Saint. Stories about St. Valentine vary, but the main details remain the same. Emperor Claudius II (a.k.a. Claudius the Cruel) was having difficulties in recruiting soldiers for his wars, since married men were reluctant to leave their women, so Claudius banned marriage and made all engagements void. One priest, Valentine, continued to wed couples in secret, and when he was found out he was thrown into prison, where he died on 14th February 270 AD. Some say he fell in love with the jailer’s daughter, and signed letters to her “from your Valentine”; and so Valentine’s Day was born.

The traditions of Valentine’s Day vary; in Europe people present their lovers with flowers, or chocolate, and secret crushes are announced in anonymous love letters. Valentine’s Day has also spread further East, and in China the celebrations of 14th February have somewhat superseded the Chinese Valentine’s Day, on 15th

To Darryl Geoffrey Eastell. We only got it on once, but it will never be forgotten. Always special.

Still my beautiful Beth and always will be xxx To Syd, Happy Valentines Day, Love, Your Badger

Squirrel loves her Nutz, always & forever.

To Rob Whitby. Sorry for everything in the past.

Still missing you.

Valentine’s Day: commercial gimmick or ancient tradition?

I love my sexy Ant.

will be husband and wife. I need you here, even though I’m queer, Love Carlton

Stu, I love you with all my heart. You mean the world to me and I am at my most happiest when I’m with you.

Lotsa love, Hannah.

B B Brightside, oh how you light up my life with your ug lovin’. Yak Yak Yak. Love, Red Fury xxx

Red Panda, you like Bukkake, and so do I. Love, ‘special girl.’

Dear Kev, Just wanted to tell you how much I love you. I couldn’t have got through this year in America without your support. Not long until I’m home – keep smiling. Leza.

August, which is in memory of two ancient lovers, separated by a Goddess, and only allowed to meet on that day every year. Many Chinese people are angry that their culture is being dominated by Western traditions, a sentiment that is echoed in other places. Protests and attacks on shops selling Valentine’s merchandise are frequent in India and Pakistan, where the Western festival is seen as an insult to Hinduism and Islam. The Japanese, on the other hand, have taken Valentine’s Day and made it their own. On 14th February Japanese women present men with chocolates. They are obliged to give “Giri Choco” (Duty Chocolates) to their bosses, while “Honmei choco” are reserved for the man the girl really cares for. On 14th March, White Day is celebrated, and the men return the favour by presenting the women with gifts. Japanese Valentine’s Day, however, can be seen as yet another form of oppression of Japanese women, many of whom dislike being forced to give gifts to bosses who are frequently unpleasant to their female employees.

In the last decade or so Valentine’s Day has become yet another commercial holiday, with shops making people feel obligated to buy something lavish for their partners. The true spirit of the day has been somewhat lost in the drive to sell sweets and bouquets. But before you attack Valentine’s Day, writing it off as a commercial gimmick engineered to make us spend more money, remember the original story of Valentine’s. It’s not about money and sales. It’s about love.

Jen Merchant

18 concrete.turf@uea.ac.uk

Concrete Wednesday, January 26 , 2005

www.concrete-online.com

th

C U T S H O RT A magician called Charlie has been touring local schools entertaining children and educating them on recycling. His show focuses on the three Rs: reducing, reusing and recycling and teachers are said to be fully support ive of the performer and his Let’s Talk Rubbish show which encourages children to take better care of their homes, schools, communities and cities.

YOUR MOVE

CAR PARK ALTERNATIVES

Six months on, the recycling scheme is working well, but there is much room for improvement

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his week we want to extol the virtues of food shopping at Norwich market, as an alternative to going to the supermarket. 'Fresh' food in supermarkets is usually transported from around the globe, not only involving the release of a vast amount of air pollution, but also requiring that the food is either picked before it is ripe or pumped full of chemicals, so it can survive the journey without turning into mush. Local food is tastier and healthier, and, if you buy wisely, generally cheaper.

The market has a great variety of fruit and vegetables, mostly from around East Anglia, and the stall owners can tell you where it comes from and how to cook it, wisdom I can't imagine a parttime supermarket employee being able to pass onto you! If you are into your organic food, check out Eostre Organics (row A), which is a co-operative of mostly local organic farmers.

Its not only fruit and veg that attracts people to the market. There is a great stand called Butcher and Wirgman, which sells a vast selection of herbs, spices, dried fruit and so on, for far cheaper than you would find elsewhere.

Splash out with some unusual cheese and get some local fish or traditionally prepared meat. Take a break with a nice cup of fair trade coffee from Burgil Coffee. Revel in the atmosphere of a market that's been around since 1075 and forget the air-conditioned sterility of supermarkets for a while.

The market is open Monday to Saturday 8am to 5pm (although we recommend getting there between 9am and 4pm to make sure all the stands are open).

But lazy students shouldn’t have to go without thier local food. Fortunatley the Green Grocers on Earham road are launching a delevery service. They will bring you organic fruit and veg, beer and wine and even local free range sausages, even if you live on campus. You can check them out at www.thegreengrocers.co.uk.

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fter a huge effort by students, a campus-wide recycling scheme was finally introduced to UEA in August 2004.

Before this, nothing could be recycled on campus except glass. Now, in residence halls, every kitchen has a recycling bin and a general waste bin, which are emptied by cleaning staff. All students have to do is put waste in the right bin, making ours one of the most low-effort schemes in the country. As we reach the six month anniversary of its launch, Turf takes a look at how successful residence hall recycling is proving.

A survey of 109 students in Suffolk Terrace last semester showed that over 90% think it is important for the UK to recycle more, and around 65% claim to

recycle all or most of their recyclables (90% recycle half or more).

Sorting through kitchen bins revealed that over two thirds of all recyclables found were in the right bin. This means that we are dumping far less waste in landfill sites than this time last year: good news for the University, as the price for each tonne of waste going to landfill is going up by £3 a tonne every year; and good news for the environment, as recycling uses much less energy and resources than making a brand new item. Recycling fact of the day: you can recycle 20 aluminium cans for the same amount of energy needed to make one from raw materials.

However, every silver recycling bin has a dirty lining, and this is no exception.

NEWS (the company contracted to handle UEA's waste) only accepts recycling waste if at least 80% of the waste is actually recyclable. The survey showed that very few students think they know everything that can and can't be recycled, so it is perhaps unsurprising that a worryingly high 18% of the waste found in the recycling bins wasn't recyclable. The main culprits included glass, juice cartons, and pizza boxes. This is clearly a major problem that needs addressing if recycling rates are going to increase.

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uckily, the main causes of contamination seem fairly clear.

The information posted in kitchens is an unobvious A4 poster, which is usually half covered up by other posters, and doesn't mention that food tins or card can be recycled. In addition, the two kitchen bins, although in different places, are identical except for a small 'recyclables only' sign, which was peeling off many of the bins observed. There is no information on the bins about what can and can't be recycled in them. It is perhaps understandable that one student surveyed 'didn't know we had a recycling bin', while another thought that paper couldn't be recycled but food could be.

Putting up large obvious posters containing accurate information, and marking each bin clearly with what should and shouldn't be put in it, would remind students what they should and shouldn't be recycling, and could be a cheap and effective way of helping this impressive scheme live up to its huge potential. If you have any ideas about how the recycling scheme can be improved, or would you like to help improve it for next years incoming freshers, please

email l.hellier@uea.ac.uk.

Finally it should be noted how the staff are getting on. In departments and staff offices they they are given one bin in their office, just for recycling, and they have to take their non-recyclable waste to bins in communal areas like kitchens and common rooms. A survey investigating this staff recycling chemefound that over 90% of recyclables were actually being recycled (ie: put in the right bin), and contamination rates were only 3%. So if the staff can do it, what’s stopping us students?

Report by Lucy Hellinger

THE CARBON CONUNDRUM CONTINUES Burning it, burying it and trading it.

Reducing CO2

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arbon dioxide and its fellow greenhouse gasses have been in the news a lot in the last few weeks. And so they should be, what with global warming being the most dramatic thing ever to affect the human race. The problem is that the burning of fossil fuels, with its resulting production of greenhouse gasses, is currently the lifeblood of the human race.

It is clearly a subject that cannot be debated enough.

Something has to be done immediately to prevent irreversible global damage, but at the moment the only effect solution would require a major change in our lifestyles.

Recent talks have focused around the possibility of burying our carbon emissions under the sea, and trading carbon allowances within businesses commu-

nities.

The idea of burying carbon dioxide under the ocean is not a new one. As climate change scenarios continue to look worse and other solutions continue to fail, it has now begun to find serious support. The decision is complicated, but goes roughly like this: Carbon emissions need to be reduced and there are holes under the sea where it could be pumped, and although the process would be extremely costly, it could be implemented within a few years. The critics claim that the whole process is too risky and that we can't be sure if the carbon will stay where it is put or whether it will leak out. Some environmentalists are also concerned that it will veer as away from efforts to simply decrease CO2 production.

The concept of carbon trading has been around for as long as the idea of restrictions on emissions. The scheme is simple in theory. Legislation has already come to force that will limit the amount of greenhouse gasses that a business can emit. Companies will find themselves with set quotas on the number of tones they are allowed to pump into the atmosphere, with fines being charged to any surplus. Some business will easily be able to meet these quotas cost effectible.

Some businesses may find that the cost would cripple their bankbooks. But if the

quotas could be traded, then businesses that find the reductions more cost effective could make such reductions as to be left with quotas that they are not using.

This means that their allowances could be sold the businesses that find reduction harder. So effectively the businesses that can easily reduce emissions easily, reduce more than they would normally, and save the businesses that would be more crippled from doing so. This would basically weed out the places were carbons cuts were easiest without causing unnecessary economic harm.

The critics to this theory believe that the restrictions have been set too hastily.

Firstly the quotas are based on earlier emission levels, requiring all businesses to cut emissions by the same amount.

This means that businesses that have long been using greener technology and making efforts to be greener will need to make the same cuts as those who have made no previous attempt at cuts. This means that greener businesses would be punished. There are also scientists who feel that the limits are not tough enough anyway, and that the cuts need to be heavier all-round to prevent climate change.

The outcome will effect everyone and everyone has to have a say. But time is running out. So expect debates to continue, but hope for decisions soon.

Two interesting websites have come to Turf’s notice which will help you make informed choices about the products you buy and the companies you support. www.ethicalconsumer.org has a comprehensive list of their recommendations for ongoing boycotts and includes an online magazine with buyer’s guides to environ mentally friendly organisations and cur rent news. www.corporatecritic.org is similar as ‘a database designed to help people take environmental and social issues into account in the marketplace.’

concrete.turf@uea.ac.uk 19

www.concrete-online.com

Concrete Wednesday, Feburary 9th, 2005 There are three candidates for the new Environmental Office, all excellent personalities with a good shot at winning the position and the potentail to make big changes that will benefit the commu nity at UEA. Stevie Altman is a dedicated environ mentalist who promises to provide a lis tening ear to all environmental concerns Jenny Gellatly is interested in campaign ing for alternatives to the car park.

Ruth Cole was the Officer last year and is very eager to return to the position.

New research suggests that the ‘bin, bury and burn’ attitude to rubbish that has long prevailed in Britain may be changing in favour of a more environmental approach. Success rates for council recy cling measures vary widely accross the country but Norfolk is in the Top 10 most efficient places at recycling and compost ing. The new Government target for recy cling is 27%, still well below many coun tries in Euprope. But the rise in aware ness is encouraging and bodes well for a greener future for Britain.

Ian Couzens, leader of the Lib Dem administration, says he is prepared to oppose the £140m planned northern bypass. The Green party has been against the scheme from the start but has struggled against a growing tide of council members from all three other parties to support the plans. The project faces funding problems and councillors are aware of the sacrifices that will be made to the environment but say the road is necessary to alleviate the weight of traffic on residents in the north of the city.

ENVIRONMENTALISTS: WHY THEY FIGHT ALONE Turf turns its attention to the election from the selection of candidates to the result itself

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he movement towards truly environmentally sustainable living is suffering an image crisis of sorts.

There needs to be fundamental shifts in the majority of people’s lifestyles if we are not going to gouge the earth, and seriously disrupt humanity's life support system in the coming decades. But those who promote the lifestyle changes actually required are viewed too often as gloomy doom-sayers, puritanical reactionaries from white middle class backgrounds, people with scuzzy dreadlocks and nothing to offer but criticism of our modern lifestyle.

Not to say that those environmental activists replete with dreadlocks amongst us don't have a most sound and pertinent point, or are manic depressives. I love these people, and know a few of them.

The problem is that the perception which an unfortunately large percentage of the population has of them is rather poor.

Even on the relatively liberal UEA campus, my sense has been that too many people perceive the body of environmentalists who actually hold the answers for a viable future as somewhat crazed; the answers we hold can never work, and living in a sustainable way requires too much self-sacrifice.

This perception is partly caused by representations of environmentalists in pop culture, when such representations do occur, as the raving fanatics I have just been describing; there is little we in the environmental movement can do about that at present. But we in the movement also sometimes unwittingly present ourselves in this manner. Those dealing with environmental issues deal with disturbing, desperate facts concerning what Earth's future will be like if Westerners continue down the path of over-consumption, and that desperation can seep into our attempts at persuading people to

live in a sustainable manner. Desperation can even seep into our visions of sustainable futures; environmentalists begin to present sustainability as requiring an inordinate amount of sacrifice and the adoption of a pious, puritanical lifestyle.

Attempting to convert people to sustainable living with this attitude will not win as many people as needed. To get our

To get our generation largely involved in environmentally concerned movements requires these movements to be fun and hip. generation largely involved in environmentally concerned movements requires these movements to be fun and hip. We need to present sustainable lifestyles and communities as realistically enjoyable.

And environmentally sustainable lifestyles truly can offer a high quality of life. A key component of sustainable communities will be localized economies, meaning businesses will be locally owned and operated, and provide jobs and services to those living in the near vicinity.

Such a setup significantly reduces the environmentally damaging consequences of a global economy, such as the huge amounts of carbon dioxide released shipping goods from one side of the Earth to the other.

Many people tend to be sceptical, worrying such localized economies would crumble if attempted in real life. But consider Northern Italy's Emilia-Romagna region, characterized by numerous small businesses, cooperative citizen-based

ownership and a noticeable lack of influence from the global economy. The area also has some of the lowest unemployment rates in Europe at 4.7% and extremely high service sector wages, with a per capita income 50% higher than the national average. Numerous sustainable and environmentally friendly communities have already proved to offer a gratifying way of life. The quality of life within the framework necessary for sustainable development has the potential to be just as high as that which the middle classes enjoy in the West, and can increase for our poorer peoples. We in the environmental movement need to present the switch to economies based upon local businesses for what it is: a process that is feasible, with results that will provide a highly enjoyable way of life. iving sustainably will mean purchasing only those things which we really need, but this will mean less time slaving away at work, more time to enjoy life. It may mean living in smaller, simpler homes designed to consume fewer resources like energy and building materials, and working within the neighbourhood in which you live. But really, whose idea of the perfect life is living in sprawling suburbs and commuting everyday? Living sustainably will mean working with those living around you to maximize your quality of life without an endless supply of resources, but what this really enatils is making friends and doing something life affirming.

The World Health Organization reports that suicide rates have increased by 60% in the last 45 years, with the highest rates

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TREE OF THE FORTNIGHT The selection of a specimen for Tree of the Fortnight is a complicated process and many factors are considered in order to maintain the high quality of tree that readers have come to expect. However, this week the choice was taken out of our hands when the hoards of Larch sycophants came knocking on the office door. Readers should be assured that the office security is more than proficient at dealing with frenzied mobs. Nay, it was not fear but agreement that has seen us adhere to the demand. It would truly have been sacrilegious to ignore the Japanese Larch, standing prominently on the broad, for a moment longer. There cannot be a more remarkable tree. Stare at in awe while muttering in wonder "it's a conifer, but it's deciduous, how can that be?" As its golden beauty allows you to slip into a transcendental state and gain an enlightening new perspective on the universe, you will remember why the Japanese Larch is known as the king of the Larches.

Height: Up to 100 ft Spread: 30 ft Shape: Open conical Foliage: 1.5 “ deep green needles, turning gold before dropping.

Flower: Small egg-shaped; reds, pinks and yellows.

Fruit: Brown cones with reflexed scales

Larix Kaempferi

generally occurring in Western countries and an average of a million suicides per year; surely something is missing in modern life. The emphasis in a sustainable lifestyle of working with others not to achieve some strictly economic benefit, but a community which preserves our environment and creates a good life for people, adds a purpose to life.

Environmental activists have to focus on these positives when we're explaining the changes required in the move for sustainability. We need to be not yet another depressing influence in a depressing system, but a sign of hope. When we protest, write letters, man booths, or merely discuss issues with friends, we need to focus not only how dysfunctional the modern lifestyle is, but also how agreeable a truly sustainable future can be.

Doing so can be difficult, and it requires zeal and courage to continue to focus on the positive in the face of so many horribly unfortunate events taking place on the Earth.

Ecosystems and human lives are being lost due to environmental destruction, and tragically much more biodiversity, and worse yet human life, will be destroyed by the consequences of our over-consumption. But the major disasters we know may occur in the future can be prevented if we convince more people that they are exactly the sort of folk who can live in an environmentally friendly, sustainable way. Anyone can fit into a sustainable future.

It is not just for the 'hard core environmentalists' of today.

So, finally, to the uninitiated: get involved. It's going to be a swell future by golly.

Report by Brendan McEwan

SUMMED UP The number of roses bought on Valentine’s Day every year = The surplus number of human beings that occupy the planet every year = The number of plant and animal species that occupy the planet =

80 million

The voter turnout for the January Iraqi elections = 60% The percentage of the 227 largest rivers in the world that are significantly fragmented by human interfernce= The amount by which we need to reduce our CO2 emmisions if we are to stop the worst effects of global warming ( according to Cred) By 60% to stop the worst effects. =

60% The average amount of waste produced by the UK every year = The total grain harvest of China in 2003 = The weight of 86 million elephants =

430 million tonnes

Free bag of quicklime

GOT

for every reader

(coupon redemption; see page 6 for details)

M LK? (well get rid of it then)

Down and out: A ‘sign’ of things to come? Ho ho ho

Finally, a solution to UEA's well-publicized illness has been discovered: the University is lactose intolerant.

For months, visitors to campus have remarked that UEA looks limp and offcolour. Some have also expressed concern about the buildings shaking uncontrollably at irregular intervals. Initially, this was thought to be because the dragon hibernating under the Sports Park was waking up.

Now, maverick scientist 'Lucky' Andrew St. Claire has proven otherwise; it's simply because the University has developed an allergy to milk. The dragon still sleeps soundly.

If UEA's situation is to improve, drastic action will have to be taken. Obviously, all

food outlets on campus will stop selling milk immediately.

Similarly, students will be encouraged not to use milk-based products.

As an incentive, those that don't will not be beaten about the face with a sock filled with pound coins.

University officials have drawn up an emergency list of unacceptable produce, including milk, cheese, yoghurt and, surprisingly, shoes. The officials promise to review the list for inaccuracies at a later, less panic-stricken date. Anyone who suspects they own anything containing milk are advised to set fire to it immediately.

Another problem is cows. Once encouraged to cavort freely around campus, cows, with their udders filled with extra-deadly,

un-pasteurized milk, could now have a disastrous effect on the University's well being.

Cattle grids have been installed at every entrance and exit, and snipers have been positioned on most rooftops in an effort to repel the bovine menace.

Quite what the long-term consequences of institutional lactose intolerance will be remains unclear. UEA's dental surgery will quadruple in size to cope with the expected effects of mass calcium deficiency, but other developments remain difficult to predict.

Yet there is a bright side. A University spokesperson said, "We're just glad it wasn't a nut allergy. Can you imagine UEA without peanuts? I certainly can't."

An unlikely coalition of local clergy, semiprofessional tennis coaches and the Red Arrows Aerial Display Team has formed to protest against UEA's latest craze - students wearing carrier bags on their heads.

In recent months it has become impossible to walk across campus without seeing dozens of faces swathed in polythene. But many are concerned that, in their efforts to look good, students could be risking their health. A man who said he knew a doctor remarked, "It's a little known fact that putting a carrier bag on your head can make it difficult to breathe."

Reverend Caroline Pickles said that it was the most worrying trend he had heard about

since it was fashionable in the late 1980s to wander around without a liver.

In the past, putting bags on heads was only popular with children, for whom it is perfectly safe. But continuing the practice in adulthood is more perilous because larger heads fill more of the bag, resulting in less space for air. So far, seven students are thought to have perished as a direct result of an incompatible head-to-bag size ratio.

Experts say the surge in adult bag wearing may have been triggered by the current retailer preference for transparent bags, allowing the vision, if not the airways, to remain unimpeded.

But despite the pressure to quit, most stu-

dents remain defiant. Said one, yesterday, through their bag, "It's all about making a statement; older people don't seem to understand that. Right now, I'm saying, 'I shop at Sainsbury's'".

Protesting against the practice continues next Friday, when the Red Arrows will fly above UEA, writing the words 'STOP IT' in green smoke. Brigadier Freddie Buckets of the Red Arrows was quick to dispel suggestions of hypocrisy in his pilots' stance: "Some people might say that doing barrel-rolls in a jet is more dangerous than wearing a bag on your head. I'd say, ‘yes, well, it possibly might not be.’"

The court case continues.

Your Problems Solved Prof.

Roderick Mulhapton Filkington-Phipps, Rodders to his friends, senior economic adviser to the World Bank and the IMF gives informed counsel to your personal problems.

Dear Rodders, For a while now, my friends and I have been scoring some fat bud from a guy in Norfolk Terrace. This stuff is the shit; absolutely banging.

But the geezer keeps taking the piss and is proving thoroughly unreliable. He keeps me waiting for hours and sometimes he doesn’t even turn up when he says he will.

Just because he has dreadlocks and spends a lot of time listening to dub music, he seems to think he’s superior to the rest of us and, despite being white himself, keeps referring to me as ‘white boi’. Also, I have it on good authority that his parents are loaded and while he likes to be known as ‘Jazzin’, his real name is Peter.

What can we do to make this guy see sense and bring us the gear when we ask for it? I need help quick or I’m going to have to sell my Cypress Hill albums.

Yours Sober Dear Sober, In financial and commodity markets contracts can deliver goods or assets either here and now (i.e. immediately) or at some time in the future. The price for immediate delivery is the 'spot price' and the price for delivery at some agreed future delivery date is known as the 'forward' or 'future' price. Because people are impatient, the spot price is usually higher than the 'future' one.

The difference between spot and future prices is called backwardation. The bigger the backwardation gap between the two prices the greater the incentive to deliver a product now rather than in the future.

Therefore, all you need do is refuse to pay the price he asks when he delivers the ‘gear’ late. Lack of competition is making the boy complacent, so pretend that you have already acquired some of the goods from another person.

This way, you are providing an incentive for him to achieve the spot price. If he’s late, then he gets a lower future price.

PLASTIC ISN’T FANTASTIC Living on the edge

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LIFESTYLE

EVER HAD A SHAG TO DIE FOR…?

Health Editor, Clare Aitchison, explores the dangers of the dreaded world of STDs given something which makes the virus come back less often, and with less pain. It is also very important that you get diagnosed as soon as possible, as your virus status affects how you may have children.

You catch herpes from having sex with someone who is carrying the herpes virus, and you are more likely to catch it if the person is in the blistering phase.

T

he Concrete sex survey this week revealed that 48% of girls and 61% of boys at UEA have had unprotected sex, and that the contraceptive pill is the contraception of choice for 57 % of girls and the condom for 52 % of boys.

OK, so the pill stops you from getting pregnant, but sadly there is much more to sex than that.

Think about it. Every time you have unprotected sex with someone, and by unprotected I mean without a condom, you are not only sharing germs with that person, but with everyone they have ever had unprotected sex with. And of course, if they are happy to take that kind of risk with you, then chances are they will have done the same with most of their previous partners. And since the average number of sexual partners at UEA is 8, it looks unfortunately like that could be rather a lot of germs.

To be totally honest, you may as well go around licking the bowl of a public toilet. Sorry to be gross about it, but think about it even further. Not only are you sleeping with everyone that your current squeeze slept with before you, but you are sleeping with everyone they slept with and then everyone they slept with, and so on and so on. So even if this is your first time, if your partner has had anyone before you, it doesn’t take long before you are sharing bodily fluids with most of campus (and beyond).

And what is in these bodily fluids that you seem so happy to splash around willy-nilly? Why don’t we take a look…

Chlamydia: This is a type of bacteria which lives in sexual secretions. It is spread through sex with an infected person, but can also be spread by activities like heavy petting if the bacteria is on your fingers. It is the fastest spreading STD at the moment, the number of cases has tripled in the last eight years, and one in ten women of university age have it. One in ten is a hell of a lot, especially if you start doing the

Syphilis Once a disease of Dickens’s time, syphilis is making a comeback, and that’s because people are getting more lax about protecting themselves. It is caused by a wiggly bacteria which you catch from having sex with someone who is carrying it. The first sign is an ulcer on the place where you have been infected – usually your genitals, and as it maths I was talking about above. who has genital warts. Some warts actually isn’t very painful, this may You only need to have slept with you can see, and these are horrible not get noticed if it is right up two people, and if they have each and lumpy, although they don’t inside you. Four weeks later, the slept with four other people before actually do too much damage, but bacteria have made it into your you, suddenly ten people are some you can’t and these are the bloodstream. This leads to a fever, involved. If one in these ten had type that are linked to cervical cansore throat, generally feeling tired Chlamydia, now you do and having All STDs are rising every single year. This is a too. There is quite a aches and high chance that you pains. Just like scary fact when you think that we are supposed flu. Unlike flu could be carrying it right now and not even you then go on know about it, because to be better educated, and condoms are more to get a rash 90% of the time it proall over your duces no symptoms. available and less of a taboo. body and if it Sometimes it can make your wee is left untreated, your brain sting, and some girls might get an cer in women. If you do have genibecomes infected and you go crazy itchy white discharge. The problem tal warts, then go to the doctor who and eventually die. Not a particularis, although it may not cause any can give you a special paint which ly nice way to go. You may think symptoms, it can lead to pelvic makes them drop off. that this disease is from the olden inflammatory disease (PID), which days and is nothing for you to worry onorrhoea: can ruin your chances of ever havGo about, and a few years ago you’d ing children, and while I realise that In the last 8 years, the number of have been right. In 1996 there were despite spending much of the time cases of gonorrhoea have doubled.

122 cases of syphilis diagnosed in trying NOT to get pregnant at the You catch it from having sex with the UK, last year there were over moment, eventually this might someone who has gonorrhoea and 1500. Still doing your maths…? change. oral sex will give you gonorrhoea in AIDS: Chlamydia doesn’t go away until it your mouth. Gonorrhoea in your is treated, but it is quite easy to mouth gives you a sore throat; gonThis is the biggie, and the one that treat. If you have a smear test, the orrhoea in your penis makes pus everyone used to worry about in the nurse will probably ask if you want drip out of the top of it. In women 80’s. Remember those scary to be swabbed for chlamydia as it might cause a green discharge, adverts with the giant tombstone? well. If this comes up positive, you but in 80% of girls there will be no But this is the 21st century, and can have a course of antibiotics symptoms. However, if left untreatmost people seem to have stopped which should clear it up pretty ed it will block up your tubes and worrying. But we are wrong. The quickly. If you would rather not go stop you from ever having children, number of cases of HIV has risen to your GP, then the sexual health and the treatment is a simple most steeply since 1999, and the clinic in the city centre can test you course of antibiotics, so the best major component of this rapid anonymously. It really is worth thing you can do is get tested for it increase has been heterosexually everyone getting checked. It is so if you think you might be at risk. acquired infections. AIDS is no common, and if you find you are longer a disease of ‘them’, but of Herpes: infected then you can do something ‘us’. about it. If you get a clean bill of Herpes causes little red spots Most of you probably know health, then you needn’t worry around the penis or vagina. These already that the HIV virus attacks about it anymore as long as you turn into little clear blisters which the cells of your immune system keep using a condom, or if you are then pop and leave little ulcers, that usually protect you from disin a steady relationship, have your kind of like cold sores. The first ease, your T-cells. They get inside partner tested as well. time you get it, it is usually accomthe cells, hijacking the DNA replipanied by an illness which feels a cating machinery so they can reprobit like flu; this is the virus getting duce, and when there are enough of Genital Warts: into your system. After that, recurthem they burst out of the cell, Genital warts are the same as any rent attacks usually come with just destroying it in the process. Not other kind of warts, just like finger the blisters, but not the flu symponly does this bitter irony mean warts and verrucas. They are caused toms. The problem with herpes is that your body is unable to fight off by a virus called the Human that it never really goes away. The the HIV virus but also that your Papiloma Virus. There are about 40 blisters can heal, but the virus hides body cannot fight off other infecdifferent types of papiloma virus, away in between your nerves. Then tions. Therefore diseases which and each one infects a different part the blisters will come back, at varywould normally be pretty harmless, of the body. This virus lives inside ing intervals and with varying like flu, can make you seriously ill the warts it creates, and you can degrees of discomfort. However, if or even kill you. It also means that catch it by having sex with someone you go to the doctor you can be you are more likely to get certain

cancers as the immune cells which would normally trawl around your body catching and killing cancers cells have been destroyed themselves.

The HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) gradually attacks your immune system, so that you have no way to defend yourself from diseases and infections.

When people first get infected with HIV they feel like they have flu for a while, but then they feel better. This period of remission can last for a few years, but all this time the HIV virus is eating away at the T-cells.

Eventually the number of T-cells drops below a certain level, and they develop full blown AIDS with fever, infections and cancers.

HIV is transmitted in blood and sexual secretions, so you can catch it by having unprotected sex with someone who is infected with the virus. But a condom will protect you if you use it properly. People used to say don’t sleep with someone who has a dodgy history – i.e. they have used drugs, slept with prostitutes or are a man who has had sex with a man. But the problem is, anyone could potentially have contracted the HIV virus and not know about it. Your partner may have only ever had one sexual partner before you, but if that person had HIV then you could catch it.

The best thing you can do is always use a condom, or better still, don’t sleep with someone who has not been tested, but remember that it takes 3-4 months after infection for an HIV test to be positive.

A

ll STDs are rising every single year. This is a scary fact when you think that we are supposed to be better educated, and condoms are more available and less of a taboo. But the fact is that the pill has made us lazy. I am constantly hearing from people, boys and girls alike, that they don’t want to use a condom because it spoils the mood, or it makes it less sensitive. Girls think that because they are on the pill they are protected, so they are happy to have unprotected sex, and university being what it is, this can be with a lot of different partners. Especially when people are drunk, insisting that someone wears a condom is the first thing they forget about. But think about it: if someone you are sleeping with does not want to wear a condom with you, what are the chances that they refused to with the last person they slept with? And if that person didn’t insist that they use one, what are the chances that they had already had unprotected sex? I am not being judgemental, and I am not trying to scare you. OK, maybe I am trying to scare you a bit, but only because I think it is important for you to understand that just one night of unprotected sex could lead to a lifetime of serious illness. Tell me the truth, have you ever had a shag worth dying for?

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WHICH COUPLE ARE YOU? 1) What doe s your ideal of? night out to gether cons ist ut A: Enjoying ourite takeo v a F ) 3 s from the e lv e rs u o lamp lit roo illegal substances toge r k cook fo g in our bac in w ro , we prefer to g then headinm, eating lots of tofu a ther in my lavah e O v : a g A akin s we h ic vegetable believe in businesses m cords and b g on down to PoNaNa nd salad, and n a rg o ’s dressed in ig floaty sca don’t rves. garden. We B: An hour’s money. thing and ry e p v il e a f te o s it to b ge the city and er a popping intother, before heading in e like to ordeverything.

W . e s e in tails. h to C HaHa’s for B: a few cocklove sharing share it. We nly ever eat t. o e W ! !!

C: Enjoying s s e stauran y goodn eouts??!! M onderful little French re popping do some olives and caviar k a T : C t the most w with all our wn to Reed’s in Tombla at home before a t u o deal ot a special give us g e nowhere ne local ‘celebrity’ friends. nd, to hang out ’v e w , s D: Pizza. Plual delivery place. They ost er’s bar in Lar as good as my broth It’s ondon, but ith the loc £4.99 as we’re their m w it’ll do. n o i t r destina any pizza fo mers. Get in!!!

D: Going to Your ideal holiday ) 2 to s d cu burger and Wetherspoons to grab l value fu ti u ea b a ch a a su b Vodka Red B eer, downing lots of A: Amsterdam. It’sis soooooo u ll , b efore stagge home five h city, and everyone ri n g o u drunken sta rs later in a crazy chilled out, man. te. ther is hot, you B: Cyprus. The weag golden tan, and can get an amazinall night.

5) Ho w did the bars are open you m eet? g. lin A dah : We w ce an Fr f o th u o S : C local c ere both my’s yacht and m u M ke ta harity helpin e W most togeth o a couple of days explors g out g n i h o d y o o j n e p u o y . d at the B 4) What do ’s It : a. er iv O ur eye d the R n u o ar g in aroun s met er? ivine. d d ly er tt T u o e p iv o nat Shop as we wand utfits. er lt /a ie d in e m so lookin e A: Chilling out to all day, g for t red ep le S . rm o id en B : D he lat C: We music. t. Isn’t est l l i t get lashed all nighs are all ’ s r a r a h the .B m. that what holiday Oxbri oth of our r funny yo B: Going to the gy about? they hdge and w parents w u know, ra in te ta es ’ ts en h, e ar e p ad las my t year. met at a rent to C: Going home toes and riding the horsunion D: In the Home Counti s o seem me craz es. ed to y drun f a r u o l -h l 24 l i nto ea ken state . Can’t wait ti d se is p , we g ch oth n ti et G : D er. !! !! in es m co drinking

Mostly A’s: You are a wonderfully boho/hippie couple.

Your days are spent enjoying each other’s company whilst helping others, and trawling though the charity shops trying to find the best bargains. You are the couple that everyone loves; you are so warm and loving towards not only each other but towards everyone else too. But it’s important to be selfish, and spend lots of quality time together.

Mostly B’s: You are a trendy couple.

You do everything together. You go shopping together, you attend LCR’s together and your outfits always match.

In fact, you are the Posh and Becks of UEA. There aren’t many days that pass by when you don’t see each other. He probably plays for the football team; the girl is probably a cheerleader. But be careful, even the most ‘perfect’ of couples have their troubles.

Mostly C’s: You are an aristocratic couple.

You both come from a fabulously wellbred background, and grew up surrounded by money and endless family holidays to your second home in France. For this very reason, you are extremely compatible. You both enjoy the finer things in life and totally and

utterly understand each other. However, be aware of the real things in life. Money may buy you flowers and expensive dinners, but it does not buy you love.

Mostly D’s: You are a ‘bling’ couple.

You enjoy having lots of fun, and this usually involves having an excessive amount of alcohol. You wear matching tracksuits and gold jewellery, go for sunbed sessions together, and both of you always have a pair of sunglasses attached to your head. But remember, a little traditional romance can go a long way.

Concrete Wednesday, February 9 , 2005

ECUADOR

A

h, the day of love. A whole day for those of us with romance in our hearts to be able to hurl ourselves uninhibited into sending that card, giving those flowers or arranging that dinner. I hear the cynics: ‘commercial nonsense’ they say, and ‘how saddening that we should need an assigned day to show our affections’. You could suggest that it’s a fairly helpful idea, only because it means you know you’re not the only one risking reputation by leaving that Pablo Neruda poetry book with kisses and a question mark on the inside cover in the pigeon-hole of that beauty from your nine o’clock group. Actually, that’s not a bad idea. Indeed, the sheepish among us can become lions for a day, the struggling couples can step back and remember why they became intertwined in the first place – on that cold October night by the LCR burger van.

No, I say it’s a beautiful thing and if we need to have ‘love’ marked in the calendar just in case we forget, what’s the harm? However, (risking the exposition of my real identity as a cheesy sentimentalist) I would suggest that perhaps we’re forgetting the bigger idea of ‘love’ when we think of Valentine’s Day. Whatever happened to the love that is infinitely more important – friendship?

In Ecuador, St. Valentine’s Day is enjoyed with a much greater sense of community and warmth and it is friendship that is the word of the day.

Imagine you and I are standing in a primary school in Quito, the country’s capital. Broken windows, holes in the floorboards, a yard with rubble in the corner and crumbling bricks in the walls. This school looks after around one hundred children from the local

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TRAVEL

by Rob Castell

area, some of whom have to be hauled in off the street before class midway through a pickpocketing shift. All of these children have very little. I found myself here on the morning of February 14th two years ago, initially only relieved that the intensely draining routine of teaching eight-year olds ‘colours and animals’ in English was to be interrupted. On stepping out into the courtyard, I realised I was in for a performance. A tiny stereo player with a microphone attached in the far corner and a line of costumed young actors lined up beside it The Valentine’s Day festival was to begin. One young boy was dressed in full suit, with balloons hanging all over him.

What the significance of this was I’m unsure, but he delivered such a charismatic performance that it didn’t matter.

Other girls were decorated with paper plates and cups, some in makeshift ball gowns and one of course with paper hearts. They proceeded to perform sketches, speeches, songs and all to rapturous applause from their classmates. Not one child was yawning, talking, kicking another or trying to sneak away. This was a celebration and they were proud. The dances were to follow. With matching native dresses, a group of young girls treated us to an impressively synchronized dance piece, with all the finesse you would expect from a London show.

The caretaker and her daughter wowed the young crowd further with an exciting African dance that I was invited to join in with, at which point the cheers turned to

thinking about that in a part of the world where such luxuries are impossible the sentiments of the occasion are far more fully realised. It seems something of a paradox that on a day that we all celebrate love, we limit our affections to one other person. And forgive this semi-political tangent that I’m venturing off on, but perhaps it says something about the contrasting ideologies between our fine nation and somewhere like Ecuador.

There, the solidarity of a people held back by international capitalism means a

two figurines with a little wall behind. On the wall was a quote, which when translated is sadly reminiscent of the kind of thing we laugh cynically at that gets put into greeting cards. But the intention is what is important, and that slightly tacky piece with its words about the ‘miracle of friendship’ still sits on my bookcase and always makes me happy. So if, like me,

It seems something of a paradox that on a day that we all celebrate love, we limit our affections to one other person. far more rewarding enjoyment of community on a day like Valentine’s Day. Here, it is our immediate partner that’s the immediate concern, while the larger group of ‘us’ is largely forgotten about.

At the end of the performances, a speech was given by the headmistress and the foreign teachers invited up, myself included. I was then presented with a gift of a small ceramic piece of laughter. Nevertheless, the atmosphere had such energy and warmth, even my poor dancing display couldn’t inhibit my smile. I wonder how much people spend in England on one other person when Valentine’s Day comes around.

Restaurants are full, teddy-makers will be overloaded and Hallmark Cards must go through a forest full of paper. I’m not suggesting that it’s something we should feel guilty about. But it is worth

A whirlwind love spin across the world, Different ways of saying ‘I love you’: Cambodian: Bon sro lanh oon Danish: Jeg elsker dig French: Je t’aime Gaelic: Ta gra agam ort German: Ich liebe dich Greek: s’ayapo Indonesian: Saya cinta kamu

On the market

you are unlikely to be heading off to the florist after booking that table next week, don’t mope around complaining about your loneliness. Embrace the fact that there are other people around you who are good and fun and interesting. Call your old school mates. E-mail your mum. Give the person to your left or right a hug, whoever it is.

It’ll feel lovely.

Italian: ti amo Japanese: Kimi o ai shiteru Russian: Ya vas liubliu Spanish: Te quiero Swedish: Jag a?lskar dig Thai: Khao Raak Thoe Vietnamese: Em yeu anh/chi Welsh: ‘Rwy’n dy garu di Yugoslavian: Ya te volim Did you know…..?

Approx. 1 billion Valentines Day cards are sent each year.

Anna Steward Travel Editor

Over 50 million roses are given for Valentines Day each year.

There are over 900 different varieties of roses.

Before St. Valentine, February 14th was traditionally known for when birds chose their mates.

Tai woman H’mong Girl

I

In Wales, wooden love spoons are carved and given as a valentine gift. The Welsh were always a bit alternative.

t’s a foggy November evening; Huong, a young girl from the Dao ethnic minority group walks past lantern-lit stalls bartering for fabric. If she barters well she will make a good wife. She has already received much attention. The Red Dao minorities stand out with their heads covered in large red turbans adorned with tassels and silver jewellery made from old French coins.

All day she has been knee deep in water using oxen to plough the wet rice paddy terraces. Tonight she has put on her brightest headdress and trekked three miles from her remote village at the foot of mount Fansipan to attend the Love Market, where young couples come to court each other once a month. The centre of Sa Pa town is crowded with young H’mong, Dao and Tai minorities. The H’mong mothers huddle togeth er in their huge hoop earrings, indigo homespun head ware, and costumes.

They have been trading bracelets for fab-

In India, St. Valentine is replaced by the Hindu Lord of Love, Kamadu.

Valentine’s Day in China is not celebrated until the 7th day of the 7th month of the Chinese lunar calendar, whenever that may be???

‘I love you’ Vietnamese graffitti

Dao Women at Market ric, tiny oranges for vegetables and sugar cane for rice. The market is about exchange, a swap shop rather than a pawn shop. And tonight it is the parents who will exchange their unmarried children.

Forget speed-dating, Cilla Black and Blind date – this is the ulti

mate in courtship. The young men and women come to this market once a month and court each other by singing.

If they sing in harmony, then they become a couple. They sing of love, how much rice they can provide or how many water buffalo they have. Afterwards the women go back to the men’s village; maybe on the way back they will plan their first date to watch coc fighting, drink rice wine and etch em yeu anh on bamboo.

Photographs: Anna Steward

On Valentine’s Day in Japan, women give a box of chocolates to the man they like. The men then have to wait till a month later, known as White Day, to reciprocate the gesture, giving a white gift (often lingerie).

In India, they are always trying to come up with ingenious ways to express their love. In fact a few years ago a drunken thug, emulating a Bollywood film hero, arrived on horseback not with a rose but a gun in his hand. He fired a shot in the air and declared his love to the girl he fancied.

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HOROSCOPES Aries Mar 21 - Apr 19 To make the most of the romantic potential the stars have in store for you this month, remove the word ‘no’ from your vocabulary.

This should make you seem adventurous and willing and everyone will want to be your friend...perhaps more.

Cancer Jun 22 - Jul 22 You must conquer your raging hormones!

Bide your time and don’t put all your eggs in the first basket that walks by wearing a tight t-shirt. Put those beer goggles away and have some scruples you dirty stop-out.

Libra Sept 23 - Oct 23 Romance wears a yellow scarf this fortnight, so keep a look out petal. Of course, on the other hand, a quicky in the LCR toilets wears a pair of very tight jeans and not enough deodorant. Be careful which you choose.

Capricorn Dec 22 - Jan 19 Rather than devoting all your time to others this fortnight, make your biggest Valentine gift a big treat for yours truly.

Pick yourself up from work, wine and dine yourself and then have your wicked way with yourself.

Lucky Words: Positive thinking

Lucky Words: Beggars and choosers

Lucky Words: Pot luck

Lucky Words: it’s all me me me!

Taurus Apr 20 - May 20 Don’t let all the happy couples get you down, sweetie.

Book yourself a table for two in a posh restaurant and convince yourself that if you wait there long enough someone stunning will join you and take you home.

Leo Jul 23 - Aug 22 Those long crippling walks to lectures are finally paying off, and just in time to show off those buns of steel at every bar in town and pick up some top Valentines Day totty.

Don’t waste time reading this, get flirting!

Scorpio Oct 24 - Nov 21 Your Valentines stars are unclear at the moment, but will become clearer when you stop bumming about the house and actually go out on the pull! Gorgeous eye candy doesn’t just come knocking on the door you know.

Aquarius Jan 20 - Feb 18 Forget Valentines Day snookums! It’s all about the pancakes, so stack ‘em high and get your syrup out because theres far more fun to be had with a frying pan and a load of batter than any amount of wine, chocolates and nookie.

Lucky Words: Candlelit minger

Lucky Words: Get cracking!

Lucky Words: ring my bell

Lucky Words: smothered in butter

Gemini May 21 - Jun 21 Romance shmomance seems to be your outlook on the Valentines celebrations this year. Pat yourself on the back for making the best of the hand your deal with poppet!

Virgo Aug 23 - Sept 22 Prove you really love your main squeeze this Valentines day and get their name tattooed on your posterior, even if you’ve only been seeing them for a week.

Sagittarius Nov 22 - Dec 21 As much as you might want to, you can’t escape the difficulty of buying your beau something for Valentines Day. Play it safe and just get booze, it’s better that way.

Pisces Feb 19 - Mar 20 It’s time to take down all those posters you’ve coveted for so long and find a real outlet for your emotional needs. You’ll find it rewarding poppet, I promise.

Lucky Words:Not just a river in Egypt

Lucky Words: stupid cupid

Lucky Words: Frivolous / functional

Lucky Words: looks good on paper

Letters...

Please send letters attention of the Editor, Philip Sainty, to: Concrete, Union House, UEA, Norwich, NR4 7TB, or email: conerete.editorial@uea.ac.uk

Towing the party line Dear editor Katharine Klemmow’s panegyric to Dr Ian Gibson MP (Labour Norwich North) is all very well. But she fails to mention that Dr Gibson has also stood up against many other unjust policies of this Labour Government, like the divisive two-tier Foundation hospital scheme, and the Iraq war.

Compare this to Norwich South MP, Charles Clarke. Chief architect of tuition fees, he also bears responsibility for two tier hospitals and the Iraq war as a member of Tony Blair’s Cabinet. Now, as Home Secretary, he is proposing truly Kafkaesque laws for interning people - including UK citizens - in their own homes without trial and without knowing the evidence against them.

It is clear the Labour Party is utterly divided, but in Norwich the breach is surely the widest in the land. They seem to agree on almost nothing, but it clear where the power lies. I respect Dr Gibson’s courage, but he has almost nothing to show for it. And he will be signed up to Blairite Manifesto come the election.

By contrast, the 54 Liberal Democrat MPs have been united in opposing the invasion of Iraq, the Foundation hospital scheme, internment without trial, and of course, tuition fees. They are fast becoming a serious force, where it matters most, in Parliament. It is Liberal Democrats, not Labour rebels, who now offer the best hope for a more progressive Government.

We should all vote to replace both Norwich MPs with Liberal Democrats.

Terry Gilbert

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I don’t mean to be annoying but…

Sadly, as demonstrated by the story ‘Pain in the Arts’ in the last issue of Concrete, Art students appear to always be an easy scapegoat when it comes to the question of annoyance. But we are not annoying, merely misunderstood. Cruelly discriminated against because we dare to resist the bovine herd; making difference a badge of honour. Such a shame that it is the people who bring colour to the often monotone environment of our rapidly homogenising society who are reviled by the general consensus, the same consensus that the artist is destined to battle against on a daily basis. It is time to defend the student dandy against the forces of mediocrity.

I wonder if the people who resented art students for their “wacky” dress sense have any understanding of notions such as self-expression, imagination or individuality. As for the claim that we are not studying real degrees, it might be interesting to note the relative age of artistic degrees against up-start degrees such as business and IT, which seem to be designed with nothing more in mind than to turn people into cretins. Degrees like Literature were invented back in the imperial age with the misguided notion that they could be used to ‘civilise’ the colonies, ironically it now seems like the universities must be civilised.

Frankly there is no surprise that business students are considered the least annoying of the university populace, not for any positive attribute of course but simply because these people are absolute non-entities. Certainly if you ask a bunch of number crunching mathematicians and statistic loving accountants their opinion on life it will invariably be negation of aesthetics, for that opinion is a projection of their stagnant, overly rational mental processes. Ask a cow what two plus two is and it will invariably say moooooooooo.

An Anonymous Art Student

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concrete.sport@uea.ac.uk 25

New year, new drivers, but will it be as boring?

With the dominance of Michael Schmacher and Ferrari in 2004, F1 has once again lost a lot of its appeal. Ahead of the 2005 season, with drivers swapping teams and rules being changed, many hope that 2005 will be a season to remember. Hannah Falkingham takes a closer look at the drivers that will be lining up on the grid when the new season gets under way and if anyone can stop Ferrari.

2

004 was a disappointing season; even the most die hard of F1 fans have to admit that. The German and Italian national anthems were played so many times together that they almost sounded like one and the same song. Schumacher’s unbeaten run until Monaco will take years to beat, and he looked almost unassailable at every race of the season.

With new rules and new teams, fans are hoping for a better show in 2005. New engine regulations mean that the same horses will have to last for two races, or face penalisation by grid slots – ten places for a change before final qualifying, and relegation to the very back if the change is made between qualifying and the race.

However, an engine failure during a race will not be punishable in this manner. The banning of tyre changes (except for punctures) could also lead to some interesting racing. Rather than having

Barrichello must be under some pressure to perform or risk losing his seat for 2006. Pre-season testing is going well, and they have even graced the other teams with their presence at some of the testing sessions. Schumacher is on a roll of five consecutive Championships, so he will be fighting hard for his eighth title and a sixth with the scarlet team. The question is, if he wins it again, will he retire?

B

AR (British American Racing) have had personnel changes in the team, and are still trying to forget about the infamous Button saga. The removal of Dave Richards may punish the team for 2005, as his influence pushed the team much up the grid in 2004. But the take over by Honda can only be a good thing. Button’s desire to move to Williams has unsettled the team, and even though all parties will deny this, it isn’t something that can be simply brushed under the carpet. His possible move at the end of 2005 could be on the minds of him and his mechanics, leading to a potential slide backwards in form.

Japaneese driver Takumo Sato, on the other hand, has much room for improvement. After his year settling in, he can really start to fight for regular podiums, and possibly a win on a day where other teams fail.

Renault returnee Giancarlo Fisichella will have his work cut out if he is to impress alongside Spanish superstar Fernando Alonso.

Fisichella sees this move as a chance to impress Ferrari’s team bosses and go for Barrichello’s seat, if the Brazilians contract is not renewed. Alonso was super fast off the line in 2004, and will be hoping to continue his fine form and take a second win in 2005.

BMW Williams enter 2005 knowing that their reserve driver is good enough to be a race driver, so the pressure will be on both new recruits – Nick Heidfeld and Mark Webber – to perform or face the sack. After two months of intensive testing, Heidfeld pleased the team (and possibly BMW) Montoya will be hoping for more silverware at his new team McLaren more than test driver Antonio Pizzonia, and landtwelve sets of boots, each car will have merely ed one of the most coveted seats in the sport. three to complete two qualifying sessions and the And with the promise of no more mistakes, as well race itself. Qualifying has also been ‘tweaked’ with as a second wind tunnel, the future looks bright a session on low fuel on Saturday followed by a for Williams, who could finally challenge Ferrari all session on race fuel on Sunday morning. Unlike the way.

2003 and 2004, the times of both laps will be McLaren have the advantage of being able to aggregated to give overall qualifying time. The use the Friday practice sessions with a third drivFIA, the governing body of F1, hope that this will er due to their lowly fifth place in the 2004 reduce the importance of race strategy to the final Championship. New Driver Juan Pablo Montoya qualifying session. Ferrari completely ran the and the super talented Kimi Raikkonen will make show in 2004, and arguably are favorites to do the a fiery partnership, especially after Montoya beat same in 2005. Keeping the same drivers allows Raikkonen in the final race of last season. The stability, although Brazilian driver Rubens Finn will be out to make amends, and keep him-

Ferrari will once again be the team to beat in 2005 Schumacher and Jano Trulli will be another interesting make-or-break partnership, and not only for the drivers. The car manufacturer is under pressure to improve their racing form, and the 6 Mar Melbourne (Australia) 20 Mar Sepang (Malaysia) drivers are virtually in exile from their previous 3 Apr Bahrain (Bahrain) teams. Ralf needs to learn to be consistent and 24 Apr Imola (San Marino) Trulli has to extend his qualifying pace to the race.

8 May Barcelona (Spain) The Red Bull Racing team have bought the 22 May Monte Carlo (Monaco) abandoned Jaguar team, and have signed up vet12 Jun Montreal (Canada) 19 Jun Indianapolis (USA) eran David Coulthard to try and guide them to 3 Jul Magny-Cours (France) success. Their second seat looks to be occupied 10 Jul Silverstone (Great Britain) on a shared basis between Christian Klein and 24 Jul Hockenheim (Germany) Vitantonio Luizzi, although the practicalities of this 31 Jul Budapest (Hungary) may prove impossible to work. The new team will 21 Aug Istanbul (Turkey) (New for 2005) 4 Sep Monza (Italy) be hoping to improve on the fortunes of the former 11 Sep Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium) Jaguar team and work their way up the grid.

25 Sep Interlagos (Brazil) 2005 will be Jordan’s first using Toyota 9 Oct Suzuka (Japan) engines; and their last as Jordan Grand Prix as 16 Oct Shaghai (China) they have been bought out by wealthy a Russian self in Ron Dennis’ good books after recent reve(no, not Roman Abramovich), Alex Shnaider and lations about his private life. his Midland group. They have announced two auber have recently started to break rookies as their drivers for 2005; India’s first F1 ranks with Ferrari, who supply their racer Narain Karthikeyan and Portugal’s Tiego engines, over proposed changes by Monterio. This inexperienced line-up reinforces the FIA, a brave move by team boss the gap between the top teams and the strugglers Peter Sauber. Their 2005 driver line-up – the line-up is two ‘pay drivers’ who bring much should be interesting; with former World needed sponsorship to the team.

Champion Jacques Villeneuve returning to the Minardi are suffering because of the FIA’s late paddock with an unusual team choice. His partannouncement of the new regulations. They have nership with Felipe Massa will be one of the most yet to test their 2005 car, partly due to seasonal fascinating battles on the grid in 2005. It is make- weather at their favored track. They have a single or-break for Villeneuve, and Massa is desperate seat spare, with Chrijian Albers having signed up for that second Ferrari seat. for the first, and a 41-year-old Israeli claiming the Toyota’s all new driver line-up of Ralf test driver role. As with Jordan, these two drivers bring much needed money to the team, F1 2005 Driver Line-up which will be needed Ferrari McLaren if Minardi are to chalMichael Schmacher (Germany) Juan Pablo Montoya (Colombia) lenge further up the Rubens Barrichello (Brazil) Kimi Raikkonen (Finalnd) grid.

So, the signs are Williams Renault all there for 2005 Mark Webber (Australia) Fernando Alonso (Spain) Nick Heidfeld (Germany) Giancarlo Fisichella (Italy) being better than 2004. And, in fairBAR Sauber ness, it couldn’t be Jenson Button (Great Britain) Jaques Villeneuve (Canada) any less exciting. If Takuma Sato (Japan) Felipe Massa (Brazil) the FIA regulations Red Bull Racing Toyota fail, who knows what David Coulthard (Great Britain) Ralf Schmacher (Germany) the future will bring for Chirstian Klien (Austria) or Jarno Trulli (Italy) F1? Hopefully for the Vitantonio Liuzzi (Italy) fans of the sport 2005 will be the year F1 Jordan Minardi Narain Karthikeyan (India) Christijan Albers (Germany) gets its appeal back!

Tiago Monteiro (Portugal) No Second Driver confirmed yet.

F1 2005 Schedule

S

26 concrete.sport@uea.ac.uk

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SURFING FOR THE TSUNAMI APPEAL Cromer Beach is the setting as surfers from across the country raise money for the Tsunami victims in South-Asia Coll Faragher On Saturday 22nd January members of the UEA Surf Club joined forces with other surfers at Cromer beach to contend in a surfing competition to raise funds for the tsunami appeal.

Over 100 competitors turned up to the event and the seafront had a happyfestival vibe about it with the beach packed with spectators who were there to give their support and cheer the surfers on. The competition was organised into bodyboard, long-board and short-board categories with the latter being the most popular and prestigious.

The conditions were excellent for the surfers with the waves solid between 3 and 4 feet, and breaking close to the pier, and with the rising tide, the waves got even better; provding a good arena for the competition and allowing surfers to get speed

Cold seas failed to slow hot Brazilian surfer Luciano Huergo from winning the shortboard event

and show off their moves.

UEA’s Tomas Schnetler managed to get to the semifinals of the short-board category, while fellow student Coll Faragher progressed to the finals of both the shortboard and long-board finals.

Many Tsunami affected areas, especially Indonesia, have some of the best surfing areas in the world and many surfers from all over the world have been out there to live the dream of riding the perfect waves in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. The surfing connections throughout the Indian Ocean region are well established and the bond that surfers feel with these coastal communities has prompted many to dig deep into their board-shorts to raise money for the victims of the South Asian area.

Around £1000 was raised at the Cromer event and the surfers would like to thank all those who came along to show their support for the fundraising.

DEPLEATED TEAM IMPRESS AT NOWTON PARK UEA’s Athletics Team still at the top end of the East Anglian Cross Country League after trip to Bury St. Edmunds

David McKinlay The Athletics team traveled down to Nowton Park, Bury St Edmunds on Wednesday 2nd February for the seventh race of the East Anglian Cross Country League.

After being well represented at the previous six events, UEA took a depleted team as many of our athletes would be at the BUSA Cross Country Championships at Leeds, or at an Indoor Track Event at the Birmingham National Indoor Arena that weekend. Despite a low turnout, UEA acquitted themselves excellently in wet and muddy conditions.

David McKinlay kept his consistent performances going by once again finishing in the top three in third place. James Sawyer performed superbly well in his reintroduction to cross country running. He gained an excellent 25th place despite the fact that he had been out of athletics for the previous four years. Not far behind was Paul Smart in 29th place who has had an excellent season so far and was using the race as a warm up for the BUSA race on Saturday.

Tom Hunt gained the last A team place with a tremendous personal best performance of 35th despite recent injuries and

set backs. Simon Tutton and Borgel Greenaway were also exemplary, finishing in 39th and 45th respectively. The Legendary James Green showed that fat discus throwers can run too and he rounded up a good overall men’s team performance finishing in 59th place. Sian Loveless, a specialist triathlete and the only UEA lady who competed at Nowton Park showed that she was one of the lads by finishing in a well-earned 19th position. Although the ladies team has dropped points from this event, both the men’s A and B teams are holding their own at the top end of the league!

SOCIAL WORK BEST AT NETBALL Students of PSS/SWK win Mixed Netball competition in Ziggurat competition Marc Dudley Sports-Editor

It has been an exciting two weeks in the Ziggurat games with PSS/SWK and EDU each winning an event.

In the mixed netball DEV decided to play their second joker, as they felt they were capable of going all the way However, they were beaten in the final by PSS/SWK who were surprise winners of the event. LAW managed to clinch third spot after beating AHP/CMP in the third place playoff. Leaders BIO only managed to finish in 13th, whilst their nearest rivals MED and ENV finished in 10th and 18th, respectively.

The following week, eleven of the schools took part in

the Ziggurat Obstacle race with EDU completing the course in the quickest time.

MED followed in second, whilst current Ziggurat champions CAP managed to beat ENV into third by a second.

MED/AHP will be the happiest of the front runners as they climbed into second after they gained 26 points on leaders BIO. With ENV and MED/AHP yet to use their second jokers, the 100 points that stands between the top three could easily be reduced. BIO may be favourites to win for the second time in three years, but the race for the title is far from over, with at least four schools still in with a chance.

This week the women get

to try out their netball skills without the men, as the Women’s Netball event sees UEA’s students fight for the schools pride in what is looking like the closest race in the competitions history.

Ziggurat Standings (after 15 of 23 events)

1 BIO 1181 (JJ) 2 MED/AHP 1086 (J) 3 ENV 1076 (J) 4 DEV 1042 (JJ) 5 AHP/CMP 996 (JJ) 6 CAP 943 (J) 7 EDU 865 (JJ) 8 LAW 850 9 MTH/NAM 827 (J) 10 PSS/SWK 635 11 LLT 582 12 HIS 578 13 ECO/PHI/PSI 402 14 MGT 310 15 WAM/MUSIC 242 16 AMS/FTV/LIT 223 (JJ) = Two Jokers played (J) = One Joker Played

The UEA Athletics team in good spirit ahead of their run in Bury St. Edmonds

UEA GOLFERS GET THE GLORY Students secure league championship and a place in the BUSA Shield

Andy Campbell and Matt Tilbrook The UEA golf team were crowned league champions last Wednesday after demolishing De Montfort (Leicester) 6-0.

This was set up following the previous weeks 3-3 home draw against arch rivals Staffordshire (Stoke).

Stoke were the pre-season league favourites, but needed a victory to regain the initiative. They started strongly in icy conditions, but were pegged back by sterling performances from Captain Matt Tilbrook, Alex Ghesquiere and Andy Campbell.

The 3-3 tie meant UEA needed victory in their final game to secure the title. The

6-0 triumph was something of an anti climax as Leicester were easily brushed aside.

The golfers delivered an emphatic and skilful performance against the leagues most consistent team. It was also pleasing to see everyone contributing to the scoreline, making the success that much more enjoyable.

Following the game, Atchim Gronemeyer(the team's number 5) quipped, "We really beat the cr*p outta those guys!"

On a reflection of the season, an emotional Chris White said, "It’s been a hard season, but I believe our relaxed attitude and light hearted banter gave us the edge."

Captain Tilbrook added, "There's a lot to be said for

team spirit, and our commitment was second to none.

This is one of the happiest days of my life".

The golf team will now face a promotion playoff for a place in the Midlands First Division and also look set to compete in the illustrious BUSA shield. It has been a great achievement considering only 2 players had previous BUSA experience. There will be a lot of hard work put in before the remaining matches, but currently the golfers just want to enjoy their success.

GOLF MIDLANDS DIVISION TWO (B)

P W D L GD PTS UEA 8 6 1 1 20 19 ---------------------------------------------------S’shire (Stoke) 6 3 2 1 6 11 Nottingham 2 6 3 0 3 2 9 Lincoln 2 7 2 2 3 -1 8 DMU (Lei) 7 0 1 6 -27 1 * UEA Champions and qualify for BUSA Shield and promotion playoff

Concrete Wednesday, February 9 , 2005

ON BRINK OF RELEGATION Mistake by opponents may see UEA footballers drop down into BUSA Midlands Division Two Ross Grainger The men’s first team had another disappointing fortnight as they were all but relegated from the Midlands 1A Division.

The team had to win away at Bedford and at home to Warwick to avoid the drop, but they were denied even the chance to play Bedford and lost at home to Warwick 3-0.

As this paper went to press it was unclear how the points would be distributed from UEA’s botched match against Bedford. What is undeniable is that UEA was not to blame. They travelled to Demontford Bedford University on Wednesday the 26th of January eager to play the team below them at the bottom of the league.

They arrived at the universi-

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ty, got changed and warmed up on the pitch. Everything was proceeding smoothly until they were told that the team on the other side of the pitch was not the Bedford first team. They were at another pitch on the other side of town. By the time the coach arrived back and took UEA to the right pitch, it was too late. In incidents such as this it is up to BUSA to determine who gets the points, but any docking of points on behalf of UEA would be a travesty; they were told to show up to one part of the campus and they did.

Unfortunately, UEA could have no such excuse the following Wednesday as they faced Warwick. It was a must win game, but captain Lee Pendrey was missing several of his first-choice players. A weakened UEA

side featuring many debut first teamers battled with great character throughout the match, but were unable to break Warwick down.

UEA fell behind early when an in-swinging corner was headed in from close range. From then on UEA was always chasing the game. Warwick had the better of the play in the first half, with UEA creating only several half-chances, but while they were only 1-0 down there was a great belief that a win could be snatched.

That looked inevitable as UEA came flying out of the blocks for the second half.

Warwick were under pressure for the opening fifteen minutes and came within inches of conceding. After a great through-ball from Adam English they were saved by the crossbar.

Following that miss Warwick solidified and began frustrating UEA. As they piled forward looking for an equaliser they were hit on the break twice in quick succession and Warwick left with a 3-0 win and all three points.

That loss means UEA need a minor mathematical miracle to avoid the drop. A win in their last game against Birmingham is a must if they want to stay up, but it all depends on whether or not BUSA deducts UEA 3 points or not.

Should the seemingly inevitable happen it will not be through a lack of trying.

Against Warwick as in all the BUSA matches this season UEA have just lacked the killer-instinct and luck that are the difference in close matches. But they never lacked effort.

HOCKEY LADIES CHASE PROMOTION

View From The Street

What do the students of UEA think about the Burning Issues in Sport?

This week we ask If found guilty should Chelsea be deducted points for “tapping” Ashley Cole?

Of course not! I don’t see the problem anyway, as I can’t see what all the fuss is about. Yes, they may have talked to him, but why can’t they? You should be allowed to speak to anyone without getting into trouble. Anyway, why shouldn’t Ashley Cole be punished? He has gone behind his club’s back. How do you punish one player though? Probably a match suspension.

Lee, BIO 3 I think it is about time point deductions were used in many cases, not just “tapping” of players, as teams like Chelsea can afford any fine they have to pay. Give it to them where it hurts, which is not the bank, but the league. It is time to punish teams, so they know they can’t do things without having to face the consequences. The whole Chelsea management is starting to get a bit arrogant, and the FA should throw the book at them if they are found guilty to show them who is in charge.

Chris, MGT 1 Like Wenger said, deducting points would mean if any team did catch them up, they would not feel like worthy winners.

For once, the Frenchman is speaking some sense. Also, if you remember back to the secret meetings with Sven, Chelsea and Kenyon denied that any such meeting had ever happened. They eventually admitted it after the evidence was stacked up against them, so I have a feeling the meeting did take place. And if it did, points seems to be the only answer, as I don’t feel fines really punish teams, especially Chelsea.

Ian, HIS 2

In-form students close in on leading pack in women’s local league

Marc Dudley Sports-Editor

UEA cruised to a 3-0 victory over Colchester on Saturday, and now find themselves only six points out of a promotion place.

The ladies impressive form after Christmas has seen them win four matches in a

row and the team are now in with an outside chance of getting promoted into the First Division. In the previous month UEA have recorded wins away to Brentwood (3-1) and Dereham II (3-1) and a home win over Bury St. Edmunds II (2-0).

Two of their next three matches will make or break

their season as they face promotion rivals Sudbury and Southend at home. Wins in these matches would see UEA a step closer to securing promoton to the First Division, and whether or not they do acheive this, UEA must be happy with the team’s performance this season.

EAST WOMEN’S LEAGUE DIVISION TWO CENTRAL

P W D L GD PTS Sudbury 16 13 2 1 42 41 Southend 17 11 2 4 30 35 ----------------------------------------------------Brentwood 17 10 3 4 21 33 UEA 17 9 2 6 9 29 Colchester 17 8 3 6 0 27 Braintree 17 6 6 5 7 24 Ipswich 3 17 7 2 8 -17 23 Haverhill 17 4 5 8 -16 17 Harleston 3 16 4 4 8 -8 16 Dereham 2 17 3 4 10 -22 13 Bury St. Ed 2 17 2 6 9 -18 12 Carlton Park 17 3 3 11 -28 12

BUSA TABLES (UEA TEAMS) BUSA Midlands Division One BASKETBALL MEN MIDLANDS DIVISION ONE (A)

P W D L GD PTS Wolves 8 7 - 1 135 21 ----------------------------------------------------UEA 9 7 - 2 47 21 Birmingham 8 6 - 2 131 18 Warwick 8 2 - 6 15 6 ----------------------------------------------------Cambridge 7 2 - 5 -35 3 Oxford 2 8 0 - 8 -293 0

FENCING MEN MIDLANDS DIVISION ONE (A)

P W D L GD PTS Birmingham 7 7 0 0 438 21 ----------------------------------------------------UEA 7 5 0 2 83 15 Oxford 2 7 5 0 2 -10 12 Leicester 7 4 0 3 111 12 L’borough 7 4 0 3 55 9 Cambridge 8 3 0 5 -120 9 Warwick 7 2 0 5 -165 6 Nottingham 2 7 2 0 5 -214 6 S’shire (Stoke) 7 0 0 7 -178 0 * only play each other once

FOOTBALL MEN MIDLANDS DIVISION ONE (A)

P W D L GD PTS Lincoln 9 6 2 1 13 20 ----------------------------------------------------Birmingham 9 4 2 3 4 14 Warwick 9 4 1 3 -1 13 Cambridge 8 3 2 3 0 11 ----------------------------------------------------UEA 8 2 0 6 -11 6 DMU (Bed) 7 1 1 5 -8 4

HOCKEY WOMEN MIDLANDS DIVISION ONE (A)

SQUASH WOMEN MIDLANDS DIVISION ONE (A)

P W D L GD PTS Notts Trent 9 7 0 2 40 21 ----------------------------------------------------Nottingham 7 5 1 1 22 19 UEA 9 5 0 4 3 15 Warwick 9 4 1 4 5 13 ----------------------------------------------------Derby 9 2 0 7 -46 6 S’shire (Stoke) 7 1 0 6 -24 3

P W D L GD PTS Oxford 7 6 0 1 28 18* ----------------------------------------------------Cambridge 6 6 0 0 17 18 Warwick 8 5 0 3 -3 15 Nottingham 2 6 2 0 4 -15 6 Oxford 2 6 1 0 5 -17 3* ----------------------------------------------------UEA 5 0 0 5 -10 0 * Oxford 1 & 2 face 3 point reduction for failing to turn up for match

RUGBY MEN MIDLANDS DIVISION TWO (B)

TENNIS MEN MIDLANDS DIVISION TWO (B)

BUSA Midlands Division Two BADMINTON MEN MIDLANDS DIVISION TWO (A)

GOLF MIDLANDS DIVISION TWO (B)

P W D L GD PTS L’borough 2 9 9 0 0 56 27 ----------------------------------------------------Nottingham 2 9 7 0 2 30 21 Notts Trent 2 8 4 0 4 -8 12 UEA 8 3 0 5 -2 9 ----------------------------------------------------Derby 9 2 1 6 -20 7 Lincoln 9 0 1 8 -56 1

P W D L GD PTS UEA 8 6 1 1 20 19 ----------------------------------------------------S’shire (Stoke) 6 3 2 1 6 11 Nottingham 2 6 3 0 3 2 9 Lincoln 2 7 2 2 3 -1 8 DMU (Lei) 7 0 1 6 -27 1

BADMINTON WOMEN MIDLANDS DIVISION TWO (A)

P W D L GD PTS UEA 8 6 2 0 45 20 ----------------------------------------------------Warwick 8 5 3 0 27 18 Leicester 8 3 2 3 -11 11 Derby 8 3 0 5 -15 9 Ox. Brookes 9 2 1 6 -18 7 ----------------------------------------------------Nottingham 2 9 1 2 6 -28 5

P W D L GD PTS DMU (Lei) 7 4 2 1 8 14 ----------------------------------------------------Warwick 8 3 3 2 10 12 Aston 8 3 3 2 -4 12 UEA 5 2 3 0 8 9 Lincoln 5 0 1 4 -22 -2* * 3 Points reducted

FOOTBALL WOMEN MIDLANDS DIVISION TWO (B)

HOCKEY MEN MIDLANDS DIVISION TWO (B)

P W D L GD PTS L’borough 3 9 7 1 1 35 22 ----------------------------------------------------Nottingham 2 9 7 0 2 14 21 Ox. Brookes 7 4 1 2 17 13 Oxford 6 3 0 3 -1 9 ----------------------------------------------------UEA 8 2 0 6 -11 6 Lincoln 6 0 0 7 -54 0 * 2 Oxford match withdrawals under review

NETBALL WOMEN MIDLANDS DIVISION TWO (B)

P W D L GD PTS Nottingham 2 8 8 0 0 171 27 ----------------------------------------------------L’borough 2 9 7 0 2 170 21 UEA 9 5 1 3 20 16 Notts Trent 9 3 1 5 -50 10 ----------------------------------------------------Lincoln 6 1 0 5 -113 3 DMU (Lei) 8 1 0 7 -198 3

P W D L GD PTS Nottingham 2 9 8 0 1 89 24 ----------------------------------------------------L’borough 2 8 7 0 1 337 21 DMU (Bed) 8 3 0 5 -15 9 Coventry 9 3 0 6 -77 9 ----------------------------------------------------UEA 9 3 0 6 -79 9 Northampton 9 2 0 7 -255 6

RUGBY WOMEN MIDLANDS DIVISION TWO (B)

P W D L GD PTS Nottingham 2 6 5 1 0 46 16 ----------------------------------------------------Nottingham 3 6 5 1 0 32 16 Notts Trent 7 4 0 3 -4 12 DMU (Lei) 5 3 1 1 20 10 Leicester 5 2 1 2 2 7 UEA 5 1 0 4 -28 3 Lincoln 5 1 0 4 -30 3 Leicester 2 5 1 0 4 -38 3 * Leicester withdrawal from one match under review

P W D L GD PTS UEA 6 6 0 0 127 18 ----------------------------------------------------Nottingham 2 5 3 0 2 86 9 DMU (Lei) 3 1 0 2 -23 3 Derby 1 1 0 0 15 3 Lincoln 5 1 0 4 -205 3 * Derby withdrew from 4 matches, which are all under review.

BUSA Midlands Division Three to Five (UEA 2nd Teams) HOCKEY MEN MIDLANDS DIVISION THREE (B)

P W D L GD PTS UEA 2 9 8 1 0 48 25 ----------------------------------------------------DMU (Bed) 9 8 1 0 44 25 Northampton 8 5 0 3 -3 12* Leicester 2 9 2 0 7 -17 6 Coventry 3 9 2 0 7 -35 6 DMU (Lei) 9 1 0 8 -39 3 * 3 points deduction

NETBALL WOMEN MIDLANDS DIVISION FOUR (D)

P W D L GD PTS DMU (Bed) 2 8 8 0 0 138 24 ----------------------------------------------------DMU (Bed) 3 7 6 0 1 91 18 Warwick 3 7 5 0 2 64 15 UEA 2 7 4 0 3 77 12 N’hampton 2 7 3 0 4 -14 9 Coventry 2 6 2 0 4 -32 6 Leicester 2 7 1 1 5 -94 4 Coventry 3 6 1 0 5 -105 3 DMU (Lei) 2 6 0 1 5 -125 1 * only play each other once

RUGBY MEN MIDLANDS DIVISION FOUR (B)

P W D L GD PTS Coventry 2 8 4 0 2 -4 18 Warwick 3 7 5 0 2 53 15 ----------------------------------------------------UEA 2 7 4 0 3 -10 12 DMU (Bed) 2 6 4 0 2 45 6 ----------------------------------------------------N’hampton 2 7 2 0 5 -95 3* Cranfield 5 2 0 3 11 -3* * Deducted points

FOOTBALL MIDLANDS DIVISION FIVE (D)

P W D L GD PTS UEA 2 7 7 0 0 32 21* Leicester 4 7 3 1 3 1 10 ----------------------------------------------------DMU (Bed) 4 8 3 1 4 -10 10 DMU (Lei) 3 6 3 0 3 0 9 APU (Cam) 2 6 0 0 6 -23 0 * UEA are Group Champions and qualified for BUSA Vase

INSIDE UEA surfers raise money at Cromer

SPORT

INSIDE Preview of the 2005 F1 Season

FALCONS STAND IN WAY OF PIRATES PLAYOFF HOPES The UEA American footballers must win in Kent to keep playoff dreams alive

Marc Dudley Sports-Editor

The UEA Pirates travel to Kent this Sunday to take on the KCU Falcons in what is arguably the teams most important game of their season.

After a 0-67 trashing by Hertfordshire Hurricanes last weekend, UEA no longer had the chance of winning their Southern Conference Eastern Table. Instead, they must hope they can progress as one of the best runnersups in their conference, and the Falcons must be beaten if they are to succeed.

Defeat in Kent would leave the Pirates with a 4-4 record and no chance of a playoff place. Victory would give the team five wins and three defeats, which would hopefully be good enough for a place in the BCAFL Playoffs.

"We have a very good chance in getting to the playoffs," says Pirates QB

Jacob Banik, who also believes UEA have a chance of causing an upset in the playoffs. "We would also be the first Pirates team to get to back to back playoffs, which is a great achievement."

The Pirates do have what it takes to beat The Falcons and have not had the best of seasons with a record of 1-6 and UEA should have no problems beating the side.

If the Pirates do progress then a long trip awaits UEA to either the Southampton Stags or the Bath Killer Bees in the playoffs. Both teams have got impressive records and would be a tough challenge for the UEA footballers.

However, on the day anything can happen, and it is up to the players to keep their heads focused on getting the win on the day.

For more details on the Pirates visit their homepage at www.ueapirates.org.

American QB Jacob Banik will be hoping to guide the Pirates into the playoffs

GOT A SPORTS STORY FROM YOUR CLUB? E-MAIL US AT CONCRETE.SPORT@UEA.AC.UK Concrete Prize (Cryptic) Crossword #63 ACROSS

1 and 8down. I see trade, sew up, shove out for domestic sitcom (9,10) 8. Shots are not half mild (3) 10. Cut in or out to get coat (5) 11. Adobe crashes partly and causes fuss (3) 13. Beads belittled on Anne (6) 14. Awake and stir our sea(6) 15. Endless leave and go up to plant (6) 16. Tears into strips (6) 17. __ au vin (3) 18. Negative, the body is not found with it (2) 22. UK is part of it (Abbr.) (1.1) 23. I think therefore I __ (2) 25. I’m upset with santa but I will go on (7) 26. Retain to peek out (4) 29. The Madonna is an established symbol (Abbr.) (2) 30. A seed grew with facility (5) 31. Remembering a dream, say (7) 33. An ode free from edges to you in text for two (3) 34. Even latin muddles cannot forget the loving day saint (9)

Set by Abi

DOWN

1. Lend aside to achieve due dates (9) 2. Deprive of food (6) 3. There’s no limit to the positive product of infected tissue (3) 4. Green centred eye gives you a boost (6) 5. Be relieved to ride without excess (3) 6. Cool accustoming of oxygen (Abbr.) (2) 7. The quaker about a mixed shake (10) 8. see 1across 9. A sure rate garantees gold (8) 12. I take a partner and act (2) 16. And __ it goes (2 19. Take central route to get away (3) 20. Upset male sheep for a limb (3) 21. Italian poet in antediluvian chaos (4) 24. Man, dog, say, form genus (6) 27. Listen with it, start without first gear (3) 28. Open cart partly to find nut (5) 31. Communists are angry (3) 32. Existing status is so (3)

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Solution to crossword #62

There’s a £10 book voucher, courtesy of the Avenue Bookshop, up for grabs for the winner of this crossword, enter your e-mail address below and bring it up to the office by the 16th February. Have fun.

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