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ISSUE 242
TUESDAY 20th APRIL 2010
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STUDENT VOTE DECISIVE Union poll shows less that one in ten Norwich-South residents think universities should be given powers to increase tuition fees. Charles Clarke leads election poll with 39% of the vote with Conservatives on 20% and Lib Dem and Green candidates on 19%.
Nick Church Less than one in ten residents in the Norwich-South say
residents in the Norwich-South
CHARITY GRAND PRIX RAISES £3500 FOR EAST ANGLIAN CHILDREN HOSPICES FOR FULL ARTICLE TURN TO PAGE 20 voters in Norwich South want
CONTINUED PAGE 6
VICE CHANCELLOR EARNS MORE THAN PRIME MINISTER David Churchill
CONTINUED PAGE 4
2 NEWS
TUESDAY 20th APRIL 2010
concrete.news@uea.ac.uk
SPORTSPARK INCOME INCREASES 12% Davina Kesby
contents NEWS
1-6
TURF
8
OPINIONS
10 - 11
FEATURES
12 - 14
EDITORIAL
15
INTERNATIONAL
16
TRAVEL
17
FOOD
18
IN FOCUS
19 - 20
LIFESTYLE
21
SPORT
22 - 23
Over the last year, the UEA Sportspark has seen a 12% increase in income. In the period of 2008-9, the turnover is expected to rise. As the Sportspark is a
Around 1.3 million visits are made to the Sportspark each year.
have also aided the increased
minimum. As far as future developments are concerned,
Hall, three new seven-a-side pitches next to the SoccerPark
such developments.
indoor hall, the Haydn Morris Nicholls,
the
Director
of
and therefore income to the model that the Sportspark has developed to provide top for students at UEA as well community. The increase in income means that the Sportspark has
sports developers across the world. China recently sent two
a similar development in While many companies are recession, the Sportspark has recently welcomed its 10 millionth visitor.
Championships in 2011.
that approximately 750,000
Mr. Nicholls pointed out that
to the Sportspark, with 85%
a short-term measure. Mr. Nicholls went on to say that
community. The fact that to the University, the city and
CRU REPUTATION REMAINS INTACT David Churchill
data under the Freedom of used “for a neat method of that Professor Jones faithfully disclosed all the data that he
the
parliamentary
But the cross-party MPs
the
theory
UEA Edward
that
humans
Vice-Chancellor Acton welcomed
they perceive as an internal for Phil Jones personally and The
exonerated
parliamentary
Professor
Phil
should lie with UEA, not CRU the infamous email in which Professor Jones professed to
Research Unit (CRU) and had
the University. We have had
it is likely that we would have detected it. “Rather, we found a small
our most precious asset of
who were ill-prepared for
Sir Muir Russell, which was that the University should report next month.
NEWS 3
TUESDAY 20th APRIL 2010
concrete.news@uea.ac.uk
“Would you pay for online news content?” asks David Churchill
UNIVERSITY “CHARTERS” Mike Smith
clarify “vague” promises made in university prospectuses.
to introduce “charters” which would outline a minimum level of services and support students can expect from their courses. The charters have been designed to counteract soaring amounts of students
Danielle, HIS 2
Sinead, LCS 4
William, HIS 2
Zoe, LCS 4
“I don’t think its fair for them to charge, especially when there is easily accessible news on television. I wouldn’t pay for it because you see headlines everywhere and I think the concept of paying for online content wont stand up. The companies that wish to
“Personally, I don’t think it’s fair and I wouldn’t want to pay
“I think it’s fair that newspapers want to charge for online content because it costs them money to produce it and they want something in exchange. However, I wouldn’t consider the possibility of paying for news online because it’s just not something I’m used to doing. It’s a very alien concept to me paying for news on the internet. It’s not something I would do.”
“I think if I read a newspaper regularly I’d pay to read it online. But because I just look at online newspapers every now and again to read the
avenues
of
funding,
like
introducing levies they will only alienate audiences.”
if people are going to stop reading newspapers because everything is online, then these companies are going to lose all their money. Unless all companies start charging then surely people are just going to go to another website which doesn’t charge. People will free content regardless.”
pay just for the odd occasional use. If more companies start charging then I think they need to introduce a system which is fairer for those which only read introduce a fairer system I don’t think people will pay.”
Students (NUS) welcomed the proposals. Former NUS
made in shiny prospectuses, beyond what’s deliverable in
with the levels of “contact
blogger
receive during their courses. The “charters”, which are expected to be introduced for the 2011-12 academic year, were recently announced by
bothers students (myself included) is that although all students pay the same fees, the
David Lammy, who said they were being introduced to
championed
the
means that some people appear to get far more for their money.”
Guaranteed personal academic support
Guarantee of quality feedback on coursework
NEW NUS PRESIDENT REAFFIRMS FIGHT AGAINST FEES Chris King Aaron Porter was elected Union of Students last week at the annual NUS Conference in Gateshead, Newcastle. Porter received an overwhelming majority of 65%, and
current
NUS
Black
Addy, who received 27% of the vote. “I am delighted to be leading NUS into what will be a crucial
and cuts on the horizon...it is more vital now than ever that we come together to put our issues at the top of the agenda student voice shaping the outcomes of these pivotal debates.” Porter succeeds incumbent Portrayed and labelled as somewhat of a radical in on student fees are consistent with those followed by his predecessor. Porter has claimed that “students, families and the wider public overwhelmingly
oppose higher fees”, whilst
a graduate tax. Under this scheme graduates would between 0.3% and 2.5% of their salaries each month, over a period of 20 years.
long journey NUS has taken structures and our higher
to become a credible voice and Aaron is the right person to deal with the challenges students face in the coming year”. The issue of fees dominated the conference, with the NUS
determined by salary, with graduates on £40,000 set to pay £125 a month, and those on a salary of £16,000
did not pass. The Conference
with a campaign endorsing
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having promised to phase them out over a six-year period. The NUS has launched a campaign for the coming
an amendment against this
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candidates would lose student support if they were to support a rise in fees. The Liberal Democrats are the only major party to currently hold a clear
ANY 2 x 9” PIZZA ANY 2 x 12” PIZZA ANY 2 x 15” PIZZA
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students’ pledge, which has resulted in 700 candidates standing in the forthcoming also
if elected. On the campaign, President,
Union
of
UEA
the past year we have seen NUS organise and deliver the biggest and most successful pledge campaign in the country...If students’ rights and lead strong make real change then UEA students will be well served.”
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4 NEWS
TUESDAY 20th APRIL 2010
VC SALARY
EXPERTS CALL TO BAN “BOOZE-FUELLED” SOCIALS Nayo Hunt undergraduate student at the University of Exeter died
CONT. FROM FRONT PAGE
However,
Head
concrete.news@uea.ac.uk
and sport clubs would be
of
of the proposed bans which Council on the Misuse of Drugs has ruled that university sports clubs and
receives the basic £224,000 annual salary prior to pension
introduced to the club and
and nights out. A report published two weeks ago called for withdrawal of funding to
night out with fellow student were subsequently banned there. The report, Pathways to Problems of alcohol abuse” which it said should be tackled with
always be based purely on ability.” He also urged those who feel under pressure to
clubs.
to report it to their student union. friends and a perfect way to get the feel for the spirit of
that hold these socials and colleges
crisis are being keenly felt across the University.
which
allow
the
responsibility for encouraging and enabling their students
not allowed to use any of the club pot to fuel drunken
week. alcohol and other drugs” as any other night out and an people regardless of whether
MEPHEDRONE CLASSIFICATION as a Class B drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.
THREE STOREY FLOOD SUSPENDS LIBRARY SERVICES The UEA library had to be
A
burst
radiator
pipe
to decide whether the books can be salvaged or will have to be thrown away. It appears
ensure no further health and safety risks. At present there
April 2010. the library, which then leaked
The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs, however,
01 that are not accessible to saved. this will cause any further
evidence of a causal link between the deaths and the drug. The Lancet a leading
possible.
THE XY FACTOR: WOMENS ATTENDANCE INCREASES Hazel Compton
on a degree. Now, 51% decide to carry on into further
as nurseries and caring costs they encourage anyone in any stage of their life to enter the
dealing the drug could face up
year. University and College Union
The stakes have changed since Any person in possession
This trend is hoped to achievers of the two genders.
to
telephone
Norfolk
2007/2008 to 2008/2009. Overall, 45% of the
they are in possession of the
university, which falls short
now support the principle of expanding university places. UEA has played its own part
needs to be brave enough to back its policy and provide the necessary resources the university sector, and record
Twenty years ago, there was enough to keep up with a 23% the target could have been
desperately need.”
6 NEWS
TUESDAY 20th APRIL 2010
concrete.news@uea.ac.uk
STUDENT VOTE UEA STUDENT COMPETES FOR COVETED ACCOLADE CANCER BREAKTHROUGH CONT. FROM FRONT PAGE
Nayo Hunt
she has not had contact with
Heather Crowley
UEA.”
When fees secured popular support
UEA and spoke of the work she that could stop the spread year.
“Melissa has demonstrated
cancer
spreads
the contacts these cancerous cells make with other cells structures on the cell surface.
Awards 2010, “Shine”. the EU if she could raise £20,000
UEA.
her home country Burkina will join 11 other contestants
well cancer cells – depend her country, the School of
to London on April 21st for
UEA.” aid, friends and local schools and churches, a sum which will
for. Green candidate Adrian
total of £200,000. not decrease and the poll has in fact underrepresented
Student awards is an annual
Galactose. Cells rely on them When I told the news to my parents I had some joyful
account Greens unique support
candidates.” researches at UEA’s School cells communicate with their
UNTHANK ART GALLERY SAVED FROM FIRE Gordon Malloy
the roof and what the costs
the art.” “I also would like to thank The
poll
cost
UUEAS
12th April. help I don’t know what would called to the popular student
THAI FESTIVAL
press: “It’s too early to say how from the roof.
UEA Thai Society are to hold
Church Norwich (near Norwich’s Forum on May 3rd.
culture, food, performances and lifestyles.
late
from Thai restaurants around well as UEA’s Chancellor (Sir
from the School of Film and Ella Chappell
8 TURF
TUESDAY 20th APRIL 2010
concrete.turf@uea.ac.uk
The new face of campaigning Jessica Friend The internet is integral to our everyday lives; we can order our groceries, have virtual dates or make new ‘friends’ all at the convenience of our computer screens, thanks to social networking sites. However, such websites are beginning to move our personal virtual networks
logging on at least once a day.
sites like Facebook, have the
cannot such tools be used in
impressive Facebook networking
seven fans. sites
million Social allow
campaigning? Following in the footsteps of other online environmental campaigns, the ‘We want Facebook to use 100% renewable energy’
to directly engage with their campaigners have realised their ability to reach en mass through cyberspace. Facebook, for example, has alone, with over 50 percent
through smart grids and zeroemissions buildings’ in a bid to reach global emission targets.
the impacts of the internet and IT industry on climate features; responding to wall posts and keeping fans updated with their latest policies. If internet-based technologies, lead by social networking
over 150,000 fans, the group IT companies like Facebook
that for a successful campaign, supporters need to be constantly reminded of a cause in order for them to adopt new lifestyle habits. Campaigning through Facebook allows causes like the ‘Earth Hour’ group to
of constantly updated news feeds which stretch beyond their registered members. The virtual network provides
a forum to raise awareness and reiterate environmental problems like global warning. whether new campaigning tools like Facebook groups
the real buzz desired by cause campaigners is slim. Yet, added to a complete crusade arsenal, social network sites momentum and weighty support to environmental and
Neo-colonial land grabbing
Financial tax to benefit poor
In 2008, the world faced a major food crisis that led
The Robin Hood tax lives up to its name: it proposes taking a
Thomas Hague
increased food scarcity, to purchase land in poorer
tackle poverty and climate change at home and abroad. Its slogan: “turning a crisis for the banks into an opportunity for the world.” The Archbishop of Canterbury has declared the Robin Hood tax to be a step
of neo-colonialism and land grabbing. their wealth to purchase huge tracts of land abroad in order to feed their own people, and now wealthy businessmen are purchasing land on the back
and
be good as it would bring investment, stable prices and a market of predictability. Studies commissioned by for Environment and Development Fund back this up, saying that land deals can be good for local industry. They go on to say, though, that many countries do not have the infrastructure in place to accommodate the interests of the countries’ inhabitants. In Ethiopia, Prime Minister regime has allowed him to designate three million hectors of land to sell to foreign investors while 6.2 million Ethiopians face
environmental
£250 billion a year, which may true bounteous spirit of Robin Hood, the tax aims to use the income generated to fund
climate change, sustain the NHS and preserve several other threatened social services. The campaigning body behind the tax proposes that 50% of the income generated
future. governments as a reservoir of resources to avoid cuts in
trade, which could lead to poor states producing food for the rich at the expense of their own hungry people. stated that if this was an
Shannon Philip
than high street banks. The proposed tax is an average of 0.05% — 50p in every £1,000 The government denies that this has led to displacement; however, experts doubt this and many who claim to have been displaced say they have losing their land. Many small farmers have been thrown out due to lack of secure tenure; losing access to water and are further restricted from Those who work on the foreign-owned farms are also exploited, with workers of investor Sheik Mohammed Al Amoudi, a billionaire with Prime Minister, being paid 75 cents per day; an amount of poverty. As well as rich outsiders, some believe land
deals are made by the elites of Africa who take money from foreign investors for security and defence equipment they can use against their own people. This would be in line with many views that the Ethiopian Government, which has one-party rule, is doing this not to further Ethiopia’s development but to line its own pockets. This is highlighted by the fact that the income generated for the government from the apparent 1.6 million hectors of land sold is nowhere to be seen and has been kept out of the budget for the treasury in The biggest worry is the lack of transparency of the government to the people of Ethiopia.
Sunday Times claims that such a tax could generate around
of the income to be allocated to developing countries to aid their economic growth; and 25% towards helping developing countries tackle the
encourage greener policies. The idea is noble and simple; however, civil support is much needed. Throughout history, society has united
in the Make Poverty History campaign. It is hoped that the tax will get widespread public and government support. A modern day means of communal support could be joining the Facebook group for the tax or making an informed choice during our upcoming party’s support for it.
Development, has suggested there is broad support for the Robin Hood Tax but stresses the importance of global backing. This tax is a minute piece of the pie taken away but requires global support from this group. The task calls for a mammoth amount of diplomacy, but real change only ever comes from chaining structures and not from society. As socially aware students, we could show our support pilot test. the Robin Hood tax see www. robinhoodtax.org.uk.
A CALL FOR CONCRETE SECTION EDITORS 2010/11 If you will still be a student at UEA next year and fancy taking on a bigger role in the paper, you might want to think about becoming a section editor. The positions available for next year are:
-
Music Editor Film Editor Venue Editor (Listings) Competitions Editor
- Chief Copy Editor - Chief Photographer
- Deputy Editor & In Focus Editor (combined position) - News Editor - International Editor - Comment & Opinions Editor - Features Editor - Travel Editor - Food Editor - Lifestyle Editor - Turf Editor - Sports Editor
You can apply for more than one position, though if you do this you should make your preferences clear (e.g. Arts 1st, Creative Writing 2nd). You can also make joint applications if you want. You must email the editor a short blurb, no more than 400 words, saying why you think you would be good at the job. The deadline is 12pm on Monday 26th April.
-
Generally, being a section editor requires you to: - Commission articles. - Ensure they are in on time. - Sub-edit them for spelling, grammar and general sense.
Event Editor Fashion Editor Arts Editor Creative Writing Editor Wired Editor TV Editor
Job Vacancy Concrete Distribution Manager For the academic year 2010/2011
This role is open to any student at UEA, and involves co-ordinating the distribution of the student newspaper once a fortnight during term time (13 issues per year).
You need to be highly organised, very reliable and available to work on Tuesdays. A full driving license and access to a car are essential as some deliveries are in the city centre and in other places off campus. The hours are approximately 7.25 per fortnight during term time, and you will be paid ÂŁ6.92 per hour.
Please email your CV and a covering letter to the Concrete Editor, Hannah Livingston: concrete.editor@uea.ac.uk. Deadline - 5pm on Monday 17th May 2010.
- Lay them up on the page using InDesign and Photoshop (you will be given training). - Be available to your writers to answer any questions/help them get involved in the section more.
If you would like more details on any position, or the application process, please speak to the Editor (Hannah Livingston) by emailing concrete. editor@uea.ac.uk or telephoning 01603 593466.
10 COMMENT & OPINION
TUESDAY 20th APRIL 2010
concrete.opinion@uea.ac.uk
Committed to marriage tax breaks? This week has seen intense political debate in the run up to the general election on 6th May. As the party manifestos have been released and the leaders continue to push their ideas forward, Alice Violett looks at the proposition of a marriage tax break from the Conservative Party.
Let’s
concentrate
on
the
“Why do you have to marry to prove your commitment to somebody?”
in society as well as the decline in
people who can share childcare and
Debate: Should politicians’ wives help them campaign? For
Fact box
Chris Gray
Sarah Brown has theory is that a candidate’s wife
Against Lucy Moore
1,118,218 followers on Twitter; you can access her tweets at @ SarahBrown10.
anyone can declare Gordon Brown
Samantha Cameron is
But why should our future leader’s what they feel about the policies
the creative director of Smythson of Bond
proposed to Sarah on a windswept
Street, a stationery independents the only assistance they
Chinese with When I’m 64
firm. Miriam Clegg is head of international trade practice for the multinational law firm DLA Piper.
and of course we don’t want our
concrete.opinion@uea.ac.uk
TUESDAY 20th APRIL 2010
COMMENT & OPINION 11
Database threat? Laura Liddell
Railway Rage
Taking liberties
Paul McCockard
Jack Brinded
IF YOU HAVE A COMMENT OR OPINION THAT YOU WANT TO GET OFF YOUR CHEST ON ANY ISSUE, THEN THIS IS THE PLACE FOR YOU. PLEASE CONTACT CONCRETE.OPINION@UEA. AC.UK AND WE’LL GET YOUR VOICE HEARD!
12 FEATURES
TUESDAY 20th APRIL 2010
concrete.features@uea.ac.uk
concrete.features@uea.ac.uk
TUESDAY 20th APRIL 2010
The General Election Debate
Despite the launch of the party manifestos this week, the only subject on everyone’s lips has been the historic First Election Debate. So Concrete presents a debate of our own: what do the Conservatives and Labour need to do to gain and maintain a majority (hung or not) in Parliament? Conservative party member and volunteer James
Devoted Labour supporter Jake Miller
Laughlin speculates...
speculates...
T
A
Telegraph
Express
The Sun The Times The Daily Mail The Mirror
The Sun
The Independent The Financial Times, The Guardian The Daily Star
“Labour’s recovery is not, of course, simply a matter of mathematics; it is also to do with the strengths and weaknesses of the parties themselves”
FEATURES 13 > TURN THE PAGE > A special report > > on the shifting > popularity of the > Lib Dems
14 FEATURES
TUESDAY 20th APRIL 2010
concrete.features@uea.ac.uk
The Political Underdogs The First Election Debate was also notable for propelling Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg forward in the polls. Politics and Media student David Biggins discusses what their newfound chances are and exactly what a Lib Dem government would mean for students.
If you’re a Liberal Democratto vote Liberal Democrat yet
“Don’t be surprised if a lot more people than just Gordon Brown and David Cameron start saying, ‘I agree with Nick.’”
the Lib
TUESDAY 20th APRIL 2010
concrete.editor@uea.ac.uk
EDITORIAL 15
CONCRETE EDITORIAL EDITOR
EDITORIAL
concrete.editor@uea.ac.uk Hannah Livingston
DEPUTY EDITOR
OPINIONS EDITOR
FOOD EDITOR
This summer, I’ve decided to join the league of ‘people who do totally crazy things for charity.’ In my case, the charity is Mind, an amazing charity that provide help and support for people
CHIEF COPY EDITOR
Writers
Writers
a correct diagnosis; advice about treatments as
Jack Brinded, Laura Liddell, Alan Fielding, Alice Violett, Lucy Moore, Chris Gray
Ed Leftwich, Danie Hadley, Herbert Vore, Chris Papadopolis, Willy Carbuncle
FEATURES EDITOR
IN FOCUS EDITOR
They also provide an open helpline and give grants to community projects across the UK. The ‘totally crazy thing’ that I plan to do in order to raise money for this cause is as follows: I’m going to shave my lovely, precious, widely
Writers
Writers
David Biggins, Jake Muller, James Laughlin
Greg Mann, Hannah Livingston, Ben Hall, Andrew Stead, Mark Roach
So, to make sure that this endeavour won’t be in vain, head to:
concrete.editorial@uea.ac.uk Alice Violett
concrete.editorial@uea.ac.uk Denise Bartlett
Proofreaders Rachel Handforth, Mia Wecker
NEWS EDITOR concrete.news@uea.ac.uk Nicolas Church
Deputy News Editor David Churchill
Reporters Jessica Keating, Nayo Hunt, Hazel Compton, Davina Kesby, Heather Crowley, Gordon Malloy, Chris King
concrete.opinion@uea.ac.uk Davina Kesby
concrete.features@uea.ac.uk Melissa York
INTERNATIONAL EDITORS concrete.international@uea.ac.uk Qingning Wang & Filipa Mendes
Writers
concrete.food09@gmail.com Edward Leftwich
concrete.editorial@uea.ac.uk Alice Violett
LIFESTYLE EDITOR concrete.lifestyle@uea.ac.uk Samantha Lewis
place on 30th April, and video footage will be widely available!
Writers
Love Hannah
Keri Dickens, Vicki Wheatland
Nishavitha Murthi, Fahd Shah, Hui Zhou
TURF EDITOR concrete.turf@uea.ac.uk Rebecca Wiles
Writers Jessica Friend, Thomas Hague, Shannon Philip
TRAVEL EDITOR concrete.travel@uea.ac.uk Rachel Conquer
Writers Steffan Taylor, Tom Finch, Gareth Rees-White
SPORT EDITOR concrete.sport@uea.ac.uk Danny Collins
Writers Lucy Bowers, Andrew Stead, Tom Ross, Steve Castellino, Mark Roach, Alechi Nduka, Ben Frith
CONCRETE PO BOX 410, NORWICH, NORFOLK, NR4 7TJ 01603 593466
Concrete is published by UUEAS Concrete Society ©2009 Concrete. ISSN 1351-2773 Letters should be addressed for the attention of the Editor, Hannah Livingston. Letters must include contact details, but we will consider anonymous publication. We reserve the right to edit for length and clarity as necessary. Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Publisher or Editor. Use of the name The Event is by arrangement with the copyright holders, Planet Zog Ltd. No part of this newspaper may be reproduced through any means without the express permission of the Editor, Hannah Livingston. Printed by Archant.
NON-EDITORIAL CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER Greg Mann
Photographers Christopher Buthart, Casper Palmano, Greg Mann, Kyle Spencer, Laura Smith
DISTRIBUTION Martin Lippiatt
CARTOONIST Hector Lowe
WEATHER FORECASTER Dan Holley
16 INTERNATIONAL
TUESDAY 20th APRIL 2010
concrete.international@uea.ac.uk
Academic Challenges This issue, International discusses the things international students find hard in their academic and professional lives.
The language
Academic writing Nishavitha Murthi
It is known as the universal language, it is spoken in some 50 or more countries in the world and it is the dominant language of England.
problem for many. The language is needed to survive the academic courses, to complete the endless assignments, to understand academic
especially in terms of forming groups of friends, going to the cinema,
of the main challenges faced by
all of which require a good grip of the
appropriately could cause social
to study in England.
It is generally agreed that learning a language from scratch
Of course it takes a lot of hard work and willpower to conquer a language but it is also advantageous to know that help is always available. The University has endless resources as well as assistance for students to overcome these dilemmas. The
students hail from various parts of Asia and Africa, where English is not grammar can all be very confusing have certainly not spoken English prior to their arrival and are in England simply to learn the language. Of course, many of these countries do include English language lessons in their academic syllabus, but it’s safe to say they are never truly the Choosing to study in England is a huge step and in a foreign land, struggling with the language is a big
one is trying to acquire a university degree using a foreign language it can be overwhelming and it is truly a reason to be proud when one overcomes this challenge. Besides being academically demanding, English also plays a huge
student, it can impact social life,
Qingning Wang
start to write an essay what language to use. It is not as simple as describing something using English; you have to organise your language to match academic standards. Therefore, even when one can speak English in daily life, it may be impossible to write a good essay. Vocabulary, usage and paragraph layout: all of these are indispensable in an essay.
classes to UEA-registered students and their dependents. These classes
and informal discourse, whereby
with everyday student life as well as
the quality of an essay, even though many words have the same or similar meanings. An essay is a paper that people write to discuss an academic issue. In this paper, one needs to present some opinions, support these opinions by
saying goes, “where there is a will, there is always a way.”
The term “open-minded”
Hui Zhou
the ability to use language to present one’s ideas to people. This means that the language barrier can prevent an themselves clearly. Inappropriate word choices may confuse or even change the meaning of a statement or even a whole essay, such are the intricacies of English. It is not easy to improve one’s English, especially for academic more books and professional essays
this literature and come up with a conclusion. This process requires a certain level of knowledge as well as
and ideas that may be gleaned from reading, it is also possible to of language and accumulate more
provides students free pre-booked one-to-one tutorial sessions for essay
Open-minded is a word frequently
people, open-mindedness might be but what really happens when we push our brain to accept a brand new idea? History has already given the answers itself in a way, looking
turbulence, proving that being openminded is not as easy as it appears. Although nowadays openmindedness is more encouraged than it was 100 years ago, people
The experience
major elements one consults when introduced to new concepts. The insecurity of humanity causes self-
Fahd Shah There are a lot of challenges facing
the brain to adjust to new thinking processes. However, this process requires a huge amount of energy, which overcome. But like everything else, if one stages, it will become increasingly
One of the biggest challenges, beside those of study, is to search for
visa holder, one can only work up to 20 hours per week. There are other
last year, with a lot of businesses closing up or reducing the number of graduates they recruit. This has hit
to be very aware of their rights lest
second language to learn new ideas The working world has become more
Do you want to write for us? news, cultural events, ideas of places that ought to be seen within the UK or wish to share any advice with our readers, feel free to email us at qingning.wang@uea.ac.uk be shy, just drop us an email!
Careers Centre is always a good choice which will give students
fewer places available and students against professionals who have been made redundant from their original
on employment compared with
up in the air, helping you to improve your employability and think about
TRAVEL 17
TUESDAY 20th APRIL 2010
concrete.travel@uea.ac.uk
Indian Adventure Maroc ‘n’ Roll
Tom Finch
Steffan Taylor recounts his summer trip to India, how he negotiated the mountains as well as the problems that faced him along the way.
shoot into the water and paddle and I pounce on to it to catch the wave. 26 members of UEA Surf Club had arrived at Taghazout – a coast of Morocco. The temperature a hazy 28°C, the surf was a perfect
served us various styles of cuisine,
everyone to catch a wave. The auberge where we stayed was an old four storey building which gave out onto the sea, and was decorated in a style that gave true testament to the laidback surfer lifestyle, mixed with
spices, went down a treat. Morocco’s coast enjoys some of the world’s most consistent yearround surf and 330 days of sunshine,
was dedicated as a tranquil terrace covered by a canopy with cushions Last summer I travelled to India on an adventure to see the solar eclipse, trek in the Himalayas and to explore the province of Kashmir. I travelled to Varanasi, in Western India. The utter chaos of the streets has you astounded: the vibrant colours, smells and noises awaken the senses. Cows, bulls and goats wander the narrow streets holding up traffic and it is not uncommon to see a family of five on a moped or beggars smoking opium! Soldiers hang AK-47s carelessly on their backs as they urinate casually in the street. One homeless lady begged with her snake dangling around her baby’s neck! Thousands of people travelled to Varanasi to see the solar eclipse, many of whom were religious pilgrims. On the banks of the Ganges River, eclipse enthusiasts, religious pilgrims and news reporters stood shoulder to shoulder, so crowded that people were being pushed in the water. We were lucky enough to get a rowing boat, with a rower fighting the strong currents of the Ganges to stay in the same place. It was looking doubtful that we would be able to see the eclipse because of the monsoon clouds; but, 15 minutes before, the clouds parted the extraordinary event of the solar eclipse took place. The crowd
gasped as the sky blacked out for three minutes and four seconds. Prayers could be heard chanted. From Varanasi I travelled to Leh, a town in the far north of India in the Ladakh region of the Himalayas. Flying into the Leh military airport was a scary encounter. Leh has one of the most difficult landings which only the most skilled pilots fly: a close U-Turn around a mountain into a valley landing strip. Straightaway the altitude is noticeable. You are advised not to walk around the town as three days is needed to adjust to the altitude and 20 steps can have you panting for minutes.
“The utter chaos of the streets has you astounded...” I did an eight day trek through the Zanskar and Markha valleys which amounted to 120Km. Here there were spectacular views of the Great Himalayan, Ladakh and Zanskar ranges. The trails wind past willow groves, alongside patches of wild roses and through pastel canyons. It involved crossing two passes Stok La (4848m) and Kagmaru La (5274m - higher than Mont Blanc), which consisted of breathtaking views across the snow topped mountains of the largest mountain range in the world. Buddhist prayer flags fluttered at the tops of passes and wolf traps lay near the Ladakhi
villages, a sour reminder of what type of animals lived nearby. The days are very hot and the nights are cold, especially because of the altitude. My friend fell ill before the trek but he had his mind set on it and decided to join us on the second day; he arrived looking dreadful and could only achieve a crawling pace. After three hours of walking through a rocky dried-up river bed in sweltering heat with no shade, his body gave in and he collapsed. Being a day’s walk from the nearest phone and two days from medical help, this looked like a very dangerous situation. The guide managed to take him back to a house on the trail six hours back, where he spent three days recovering from swine flu. After trekking we hired a driver and drove three days west into deep Kashmir to the city of Srinagar. Gradually the scenery changed from an arid landscape to rolling green hills. On dirt roads wrapped around the mountain sides with thousandplus feet drops, the sight of burned out trucks which had gone off the roads and rolled down was not a reassuring sight. Srinagar was very different to previous cities; it is mostly populated by Muslims and had little tourism. The war-torn province of Kashmir has been frequently featured in news headlines in the last decade and the British Home Office still advises not to travel there. The army is everywhere as a result of the disputed borders with Pakistan. I stayed on a very old house boat on Dal Lake; over 500 hundred house boats are scattered all over this beautiful lake and is nicknamed “Venice of the East”.
night, with the rolling sound of the sea rocking us gently to sleep. The 6am however was enough to wake you from the deepest slumber. To sedate our hunger the auberge
community. The several beaches that we visited during our stay made up only a handful of those available. Onze was our most visited beach as it was great for both novices and veterans and was mostly quiet. For the brave among us who ventured Anchor Point, the “Holy Grail” of long curling right breaks, provided. Taghazout is cheap, easy to get to,
The Eternal City Gareth Rees-White Rome: supposedly the Eternal City, and for good reason. The numerous historical sites across the city are mostly in excellent condition, and as they are within walking distance of each other (and generally offer student discounts) no visitor has an excuse not to visit areas such as Palatine Hill, the Pantheon or the Colosseum. If you can afford the slightly higher entry fee, the Vatican City is unmissable, with the lengthy climb to the top of St Peters Basilica proving a particular highlight. Potential visitors should be warned that the Sistine Chapel isn’t camera friendly, with the guards on a constant vigil against snap-happy tourists. Also be warned that during the winter Rome is bitterly cold, but is at least devoid of crowds. Conversely, during the summer the city is hot and thronging with tourists. As such, expect lengthy queues into anywhere from historical sites to ice-cream parlours. I have to say that the city lost much of its appeal in the summer, but as it was only a brief trip (a meagre eight-hour stop off a cruise), it would be unfair to judge.
My first encounter with Rome coincided with my 18th birthday, leading to a sampling of the city’s nightlife. As a general rule it is business as usual with the more touristy districts, particularly the Trastevere, offering themed pubs and eateries promising authentic food at hiked up prices. Whilst there is nothing particularly wrong with this, with many bars located around a central square offering outdoor seating in the summer, when we visited in winter this was unavailable. We tended towards the more ‘local’ bars, offering the usual martinis and local beers, whilst featuring live acts most nights. Rome is a beautiful, historic city which I would recommend to all.
18 FOOD
TUESDAY 20th APRIL 2010
concrete.food09@gmail.com
It used to be about the food! During the Easter holidays most students will have forlornly turned
his knowledge with the wider world? Not convinced? Just watch Masterchef
of this show is The Delicious Miss Dahl in her cooking show; apparently
wonderful shows were on, but a few such as Heston Blumenthal’s Feasts, they do it? No, it focuses on the incredible show consists of Heston
this programme two things are programme about food, but about
Golden Apple
being an angry but charming chef,
thing; Nigella became a sex icon through her cookery show as well as showing people how to actually a look in these days as her severe matriarchal style no longer cuts it with modern audiences: food needs to be sexy to have mainstream faking an orgasm over her homemade fudge really does sell, makes
things Heston does to create his
talking about the new series of Britain’s Got Talent – we’re on about the arrival of the longclouds to make way for those golden rays has took a whole 30 seconds, not
shoulders, adorning sunnies and hats – we’ve
shows can no longer just be about
in this country, you need to grab every possible opportunity to snatch some of that oh so rare
There is of course a third element to this debate, which
the best drink to serve with this new weather front: a cinnamon twist to your favourite cider, we guarantee it will warm your insides as the
on TV so constantly for the best part of a decade that he has almost
can be served hot, although we suggest large
celebrity and solid cook, his media presence has been so constant and so boring that I’m compelled to
What you’ll need...
real cooking know-how imparted, value; watching people eat chicken Calling Feast a food programme is clearly and demonstrably one of
is Delia, the Hairy Bikers and Nigella, with the “This is what we are going to make, now we are going to hold your hand through the whole
Having a passion for food is great, but it doesn’t qualify you with Ramsay and Blumenthal is that they are no longer chefs, they
This style of show is endemic in
instead of watching Heston share
themselves, they have abandoned their restaurants in favour of fame, and the substance of their TV
Top with Cider
Grilled Pork Steaks Great Greek Salad Spicy Aubergine in Garlic BBQ Sauce with Apple Sauce Ingredients Ingredients
1 medium ripe tomato 200g ripe cherry tomatoes 1 beef tomato 1 medium red onion, peeled 1 cucumber 1 green pepper Handful of fresh dill Handful of fresh mint leaves
Large handful of black olives, stoned
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar 3 tablespoons good-quality
Ingredients
Method
2 aubergines, peeled and cut into strips 1 green pepper, cut into strips 1 red pepper, cut into strips 160ml olive oil, divided in half 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, crushed and chopped 1 teaspoon garlic, crushed and chopped 1/2 tablespoon hoisin 30g sugar 60ml rice vinegar
Cook, covered, on a medium to low heat with a lid on top for
Method
2 apples 1 teaspoon sugar
1 tablespoon of water 2 tablespoons orange juice 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
200g block of feta cheese 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Method
4 pork steaks
60ml chicken stock 120ml dark soy sauce 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 2 tablespoons water
pepper, slice it into rings and add them to the salad along with
vinegar, chicken stock, dark soy sauce and
extra virgin olive oil and serve, the perfect accompaniment to
Willy Carbuncle
Chris Papadopolis
Herbert Vore
IN FOCUS 19
TUESDAY 20th APRIL 2010
concrete.editorial@uea.ac.uk
Hair today, gone tomorrow This issue, Concrete Editor Hannah Livingston tells In Focus why she’s shaving her head for Mind and what the charity does to help those with mental health problems. the likelihood of self harm or
mental disorders; at some
One in four people are
mental health problem that Mind and I fundamentally with mental health problems
you are not alone, and Mind is there to promote and protect
harassment
or
abuse
in
of someone close
end of your can raise some money for this
health professionals and new
to
Mind supports people with mental health problems
the
fact
that
mental
“around 7,500 people at UEA will be in some form of mental distress this year”
some form of professional
someone, but if you are in distress don’t be afraid to ask
will be in some form of mental
a few pounds please donate
of these will be referred to a and there will be photos and support lines: Mindinfoline:
A lot of people who are
UEA history student gets on his bike for Cystic Fibrosis
Be part of the ascendance of UEA Futsal
Ben Hall
Andrew Stead and Mark Roach
My name is Ben Hall, proud historian and keen cyclist, and
The ride itself will take a distance of around 1100
pleasant land, from Land’s End in Cornwall to John O’Groats in charity based near my home:
and help sustain the work done shaped and the pitch uses
Many
of
today’s
top
Robinho, Ronaldinho and Deco learnt many of the skills they
new faces come in and they is one of the most common hereditary diseases around member count further as well
own aunt, who passed away a
20 IN FOCUS
TUESDAY 20th APRIL 2010
concrete.editorial@uea.ac.uk
Grand Prix raises over £3500 for EACH The sharp-eyed among you may remember reading about Olly Larkin and Claire Ballam’s charity Grand Prix a few issues back. Greg Mann reports that it turned out to be very successful. Last Sunday the sound of gokart engines reverberated through the air as Ellough Park Raceway , near Beccles, played host to the EACH Grand Prix 2010 in aid of East Anglian Children’s Hospices. This is the fourth
organisers Olly Larkin, a second year FTV student, and held the charity event and
The day was separated into two hour-long endurance races, with friendship and
their highest yet. In all, over
added, “When I counted up
In
and race suits and provided
previous
years
the
including Cancer Research UK and the East Anglian
eventually
victorious
and
charity, “We chose to support
The previous year’s event raised just over £1,500,
very worthy local charity and one whose work deserves to be recognised.” UEA students involved: “I
Grand Prix 2010, please contact O.Larkin@uea.ac.uk.
everyone who took part saw
penny of it will go straight to EACH. As the event drew to a
last year’s total, but not by
as he “feels a need to help the vulnerable of society, even
event up and running for the students of UEA, especially for victory.” If you are interested in
The organisers would like to thank everyone who helped on the day and also those local businesses who provided the trophies and prizes for the Park Raceway for staging the event.
concrete.lifestyle@uea.ac.uk
Confessions of a UEA student There are lots of reasons why UEA is beautifully unique… Keri Dickens shares with us some of her favourite wonders.
LIFESTYLE 21
TUESDAY 20th April 2010
Sleep your way to exam success Sam Lewis looks into the volatile sleeping schedule of a student and discovers whether getting a few more Z’s each night could boost your exam results this summer. Food for the brain, sleep is not only wonderful but highly crucial to the way
less is likely to cause irritability and
can’t get enough of it and it is not uncommon that students develop
feeling of struggling to keep your eyes open whilst nestled into your chair at
a school in Tyneside who decided to give their students an extra hour in bed, it got me thinking: could there
the average university student receives
and good academic performance? Teenagers have a biological
a night out, it actually hinders the cap’ therefore is probably not the best enough sleep will prevent you from being at your intellectual best, over
up and revise’ decision, remember it is going to be twice as hard and
So this is all very well, but with
This can slow down your metabolism before mid-day, and produce my best studying in bed makes it far too teenagers don’t begin to properly During the night it is necessary to experience varying kinds, from the where most dreaming occurs, to a rejoice in, whether it’s the Telegraph and Cadbury’s chocolate stand or For a start the various eateries
begin or end a lecture than with a
And maybe even a generous slice of their chocolate, banana or carrot
from declining throughout the day
The Tyneside experiment unfortunately hasn’t tapped into the
Living on campus is great for nipping back to your room for a cheeky cat nap
praise them for generously rewarding
At all costs sleep should not be
longer feel guilty about my indulgent
adapt to the 9-5 working week once The recommended amount of sleep for a student is anywhere
disrupts this sleeping cycle and whilst it may seem like you have a decent kip
Scent-sational: 2010 spring fragrances Vicki Wheatland has sniffed out the best new fragrances for those sunny spring days.
standard homely grub, lots of it and at a cheap price – their salads are
beauty will brighten up you and your but now she has the choice of whether she wants to keep her scent light and
goodbye to winter and welcome
leaves and black pepper, this scent is
a stressful day and want to exchange keep you smelling gorgeous and to The thing that gets me most scoured and rated this season’s
DKNY Ripe Raspberry Candy Apple Pair up crunchy green apples and tangy raspberries with sweet lilies and tart lime, splash in some coca cola and
for evening,” said Frida Giannini, Guaranteed to leave you focused,
you walk around the LCR it is rare the most demanding of sugar cravings, themselves, and before long you stop caring how wasted you look as there is always somebody in a worse
A fresh, lighter version of Guerlain’s
Marc Jacobs Men
SJP NYC
burger van and the new pizza stall
Gucci Flora combine to create a deep and yet
in the main room isn’t bad, but the dirty grime, RnB and dubstep in the
Honeysuckle and white Osmanthus, yet also deliciously sweet with the new fragrance oozes freshness and
peony, rose, patchouli, and citrus, Gucci have expanded upon the original Flora scent to create a smell
looking for a fragrance that will make
22 SPORT
TUESDAY 20th APRIL 2010
Canary Corner
concrete.sport@uea.ac.uk
5 Minutes with: Simeon Williamson Alechi Nduka and Danny Collins talk Usain Bolt, the Olympics and BUCS with the British Olympic sprinter, who ranked second only to Dwain Chambers in the 100m last year. GB sprinter Simeon Williamson is no
Ben Frith First and foremost, Norwich will Norwich City have bounced straight back to the Championship following a 1-0 victory away to Charlton. Defender Michael Nelson scored the only goal of the game to give the Canaries the three points that were needed to ensure they could chasers Swindon and Millwall.
Norwich’s Easter performances were generally comfortable, but by no means spectacular. Defeats at Tranmere and Leyton Orient had
Fraser Forster for another season. The Newcastle loanee has a bright future ahead of him and will be hoping to de-throne Steve Harper at his parent club. Current backup keeper Declan Rudd will hope to make a claim to the number one shirt, although the nineteen year old may not be ready for the Championship just yet. Fabio Capello has been keeping tabs on Peterborough keeper and former Norwich youngster Joe Lewis, who may well be tempted to return to his boyhood club now that The Posh have been relegated. Norwich may also want to secure the services of a proven Championship goal scorer. Grant Holt may have scored thirty goals this season, but he has only played four loan at Blackpool in 2008.
Norwich could see their well-earned points advantage slip away. Following last weekend’s
Championship under its former guise of BUSA. Williamson has come a long way
him compete at the Beijing Olympics. However, the BUCS Championships Williamson, as he tells Concrete Sport “The Championships have more of
top of that have a great team spirit. weird to be watching as opposed to
level, so it’s good that championships such as this give university athletes the chance to experience this level out there this is a stepping stone to the World University Games and
opportunity to front the Norwich line next season, and starts the season seems like a distant memory. Norwich were very late out of the blocks, but under the management of Paul Lambert they managed to perform
former Middlesex student took 60m
that he could be one of the league’s
Williamson believes the university system has helped him develop as both an athlete and a student, as he explains: “I only lived two minutes from Middlesex, it was ideal. It helped me a lot with my training and with my
As a glowing example of a success story for the University, the the aspiring BUCS champions of tomorrow. “The BUCS Indoors really is a stepping stone to greater things. If you’re lucky enough to go to the World University Games, it’s very similar to the Commonwealth and Olympics Games. The experience you
The rise of Usain Bolt has given boost, and Williamson has had the
camp in Jamaica last year, where he trained alongside names such as Asafa Powell and Bolt, proved so helpful that
the Londoner went back during the winter. “I trained with Usain’s Bolt coach for three months. That was very, very good, training with the fastest guy in the world – you can’t really ask for much more than that in training! The training out there was quite similar to what I do at home, but the big
Williamson also set out his plans for the Commonwealth Games in Delhi later in the year, telling Concrete: “I don’t know if I’ll actually go and do the 100m in Delhi or just concentrate on the relay. Right now my mind is on what shape I’m in when the Commonwealth’s come round then I
Holding on to Lambert will now
MEN’S FOOTBALL LOSE OUT TO ESSEX
has a history of leaving clubs on a high, and the vacancy at his former seek a new challenge. Lambert has indicated that he is more than happy to remain where he is for now, but Norwich fans might
Mark Roach The outcome to this year’s Derby
into the dugout on day one of the 2010/11 season. Now the emphasis will turn to building a squad ready to compete next season. Fans will be hoping that they can hold their own in the
has been sorely missed this season, even if Norwich have managed to make a new enemy in Colchester United. The current squad should be able to cope with the step up, containing just about the right mixture of youth and experience. However, there are a
Men’s Football.
fairly even and a smart save from Dan Porter ensured the sides went in level at the break. The second half was more of the
over Essex in 2009, the teams however, it wasn’t to be.
For now though, Norwich fans can simply enjoy the last three games of the season. A party atmosphere is guaranteed at Carrow Road this coming Saturday for the visit of Gillingham. Only a point is required
seemed to favour the home side, who enjoyed pumping the ball forward to a strong and powerful front line.
which would be a perfect memento
came from UEA when Chris Gunn latched onto a through ball, striking it over the advancing keeper but
League One. addressed before the new campaign.
out into play.
underside of the crossbar and back
Howard going close. It was Essex though who made the breakthrough when, on 83 minutes, a long cross from deep was swung into the box and the Essex striker, who had been well marked throughout the game, of space he needed to head home. As UEA pushed for a last gasp goal, they could not break through the Essex defence and can look back on the game knowing that they performed well and on another day things might have gone their way.
Greg Mann
goals from Essex were enough to defeat UEA’s 2nd XI despite a spirited second half performance where the Yellows created numerous chances. UEA Men’s Football will look forward to next year at Colney Lane where they will get the chance to respond to this year’s defeats.
SPORT 23
TUESDAY 20th APRIL 2010
concrete.sport@uea.ac.uk
DERBY DAY 2010: ESSEX 30 - 15 UEA FUTSAL VICTORY ENDS DERBY DAY 2010 ON HIGH NOTE
WOMEN’S RUGBY HUMBLED BY ESSEX Essex University beat Derby Day rivals UEA 15-5 in last month’s closely
Andrew Stead Derby Day record from the past two
They were dealt a massive blow
one of Essex’s defenders dislocated
home victory in recent years proved
down a resilient Essex back line
UEA were never ahead in a performance and a man of the
HOCKEY THRASH ESSEX Tom Ross Lucy Bowers UEA
Men’s
Hockey
recorded
a
ATHLETICS VICTORIOUS
take a comprehensive victory over their .
The away side broke the deadlock
Broadbent exploited the defence and short corners into the backboard
UEA were determined to win in
Blades
Steven Castellino