Concrete - Issue 242 - 20/04/2010

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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

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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