Concrete 331

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>>29 UEA students march for education

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From comedy and comment, to climate change, we take a look at the impact of a Trump Presidency

>> P.11 >> P.16 >> P.18 22nd November 2016 Issue 331

The official student newspaper of the University of East Anglia | concrete-online.co.uk

Red poppies: 'symbol of oppression'

History professor refutes "wrong " figures used in union council poppy debate

Jessica Frank-Keyes

Deputy Editor UEA SU has passed Motion 2006 Remember: Don’t Repeat. This mandates the union to stock both white and red poppies on campus in the run up to Armistice Day in future years. The motion states: “the red poppy is considered by some to be a political symbol with multiple offensive, upsetting and actively negative connotation.” The motion also included language describing the British armed forces as “imperialist.”

The motion was debated and passed in the final minutes of last week’s union council (17th November) and means that

an equal number of both red and white poppies will be available on campus in the days before 11th November, from 2017. The union must also provide information leaflets to go alongside the displays of both poppies.

The motion, proposed by Finn Northrop, SU non-portfolio Officer, and seconded by Abbie Mulcairn, SU women’s officer, stated: “the imperialist nature of the British armed forces throughout history means that some see the red poppy as a celebration of the British armed forces and by extension, the atrocities perpetrated by the British armed forces throughout history.”

Finn Northrop

told Concrete that: “while many wear red poppies as an act of remembrance, many others find the red poppy and its symbolism problematic.” He stated that: “Motion 2006 both validated the right of UEA students to reach a personal view on the issues and mandated the SU to stock both red and white poppies in the future. It sought to explain the views of those who prefer a white poppy, while recognising the diversity of views on campus on this issue.”

The motion also stated that: “all staff and students at UEA have the right to mourn the loss of life in conflict in the way they deem most appropriate." However, according to the proposal, the allegedly negative associations of the red poppy mean that: “it can be distressing for students affected by one or more of the issues to be surrounded by something they see as a symbol of oppression and persecution and this

compromises their wellbeing on campus.”

"Professor Thomas Otte, a historian of British and First World War history stated that: "the numbers cited are wrong, and the whole issue was much more complicated."

Mentioned specifically in the motion and during the debate in council was the arrest of 16,000 conscientious objectors during the First World War. The motion claims that this is: “part of the ‘war effort’ which is glamourized by the poppy,” and states that: “16,000 people were arrested as CO’s. CO’s were subjected to gross invasions of privacy, psychologically damaging “evalua-

tions”, hard labour and in some cases execution.” This claim is cited to a Quakers in WW1 history website, but this webpage does not specifically mention the figure of 16,000.

A UEA history professor said that “scepticism is justified” when examining the figures put forward at union council. Professor Thomas Otte, a historian of British and World War One history stated that: "the numbers cited are wrong, and the whole issue was much more complicated."

Professor Otte told Concrete that while "16,500 men identified themselves as conscientious objectors,” most of these men “cooperated with the tribunals set up to examine their cases, and 90% of them accepted alternative service, e.g. as ambulance drivers.” “1,298 of them refused all service, and these were imprisoned."

Responding to this, Northrop

Continued on page 4

University commits to relocating Nightline Emily Hawkins News Editor The university has said that they will commit to the relocation of Nightline from the UEA Library to a space fit for purpose by the end of this academic year. The listening service are currently using a room in the Library where volunteers cannot eat or sleep, following being forced to move from their old office in Suffolk Terrace.

Nightline told Concrete in October that this move has rendered them unable to offer drop-in services owing to student confidentiality being compromised

by Library Security.

The university has admitted that the space being used by Nightline “is not appropriate for the work they do, particularly the lack of sleeping provision.”

A spokesperson for the university said that they are “absolutely committed to finding a proper location for Nightline before the end of the year, and has agreed this plan with the team.”

Joanne Bridgland, External

Coordinator of Norwich Nightline said that they have been “working closely” with Jon Sharp and are “incredibly grateful for his commitment to helping us find a space more appropriate for the needs of our organisation.”

Bridgland stated that the university’s public commitment “solidifies our trust that Nightline's situation is soon to be improved.”

She said the service’s proposed relocation was “exciting for the future of the support service we offer to the students of Norwich.”

The university has not offered any public details of when Nightline would be able to move from their inadequate office to somewhere better-suited, or given any indications of possible spaces for relocation. However, a spokesperson for the university said that they intend to “relocate the service as soon as possible.”

UEA SU non-portfolio Officer Chris Ball told Concrete that: “following the motion passed at a previous Union Council on supporting and defending Nightline, we’ve been attending a number of meetings with the new

Student Support Service (SSS).”

“This includes working with them to help [Nightline] in the short term, but most importantly to locate and secure a long term space for the service by the end of the academic year.” He added that: “as well as recognising Nightline as a central

component of its emergent mental health strategy, UEA SSS have also found a number of possible new locations for the service around campus that will allow Nightline to expand their services over the next few years.”

Responding to the university’s

announcement, a Nightline volunteer told Concrete: "it's amazing that they've committed to giving us a new space more appropriate for our services, so we are able to continue to properly provide a listening ear to UEA students."

22nd November 2016

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Editorial Transforming protests: 50 thousand to five thousand in ten years Jessica Frank Keyes Caitlin Doherty Deputy Editors

Dougie Dodds

Red, white and bemused Another controversial SU decision alienates yet more of campus Megan Baynes Editor-in-Chief UEA has a bad rap in the national media. From Sombrero-gate, to banning The Sun, and cancelling a UKIP meeting, it isn’t hard to see why we’ve been labelled a “liberalloony-lefty-uni.” Do all students deserve to be painted with this brush? Absolutely not. Has our SU purported this image of us on a national scale? Most definitely.

The latest in a litany of eyebrowraising proposals is the decision to stock white poppies in campus shops and outlets. This, in itself, is a perfectly reasonably decision to make: the white poppy makes Armistice Day accessible for all and will allow students to commemorate the loss of life in war in whichever manner they deem fit.

However, what caused my eyebrows to shoot up into my hairline was the language used, both at union council and following the decision. In addition to politicising a non-political symbol, the use of figures used to support the motion appear questionable.

Rushed through in the last minutes of a council meeting, the proposal wasn't given enough breathing space to be properly debated.

It was also stated that, “it can be distressing for students affected by one or more of the above issues to be surrounded by something they see as a symbol of oppression and persecution and this compromises their wellbeing on campus.” In an era of Donald Trump, is it really fair to describe the red poppy as a “symbol of oppression”? For many students, it is a way to remember grandparents who have fought, and friends and family who continue to do so. Concrete spoke

to students across campus, both those with connections to the armed forces and those without, and the overwhelming response was one of disbelief. Not disbelief at the white poppy itself, but disbelief at the inflamatory language used to describe the red poppy.

“What should have been a celebration of different beliefs has further widened the divide between the students and 'their' union. It’s easy to see how we’ve earned our 'liberal-looney' label."

Regardless of personal beliefs, the language used in council policy was careless and thoughtless, and has needlessly infuriated and confused many students across UEA. The decision to stock the white poppy didn’t warrant, nor deserve, this kind of negative publicity. What should have been a celebration of different beliefs has further widened the divide between the students and “their” union. It’s easy to see how we’ve earned our “liberal-looney” label.

From spending £1,600 for only 29 UEA students to attend the NUS demo, to the the disgraceful attitude of a group of the student officers over the symbolism of the red poppy it's hard to see how UEA

SU is a body that represents all students. It seems to spend most of its time trying to offend everyone on campus, and then creates safe spaces to make up for it.

However, it’s not all bad for the union this week. Last week the SU went beyond the binary, exploring the issues of transgender awareness (p.5). This was an informative and eye-opening week, looking at a plethora of important subjects, such as transgender sexual assault. In a post-Trump era, it's great to see UEA's diversity being celebrated and differences affirmed. More of this please.

Last week my editorial was centered around what, I believed, would be the impending election of America’s first female president.

After a bitterly disappointing result, this week Concrete looks at the potential ramifications of a Trump Presidency. From ‘Is there anything we can’t laugh at’ (p.11) to our Comment analysis (p.1617), to a look at the impact on the environment (p.18), our writers have got you covered. I won’t fume excessively about the results: I’m sure you’ll also catch me seething my way across campus.

As our semester gradually draws to a close (just one more issue left until Christmas), Concrete is already busily preparing for next semester.

From our sex survey supplement, to reporting on our fifth year winning Derby Day, there's lots to get involved with. There is even rumours that a high-profile murder will be taking place... (p.7) But don't panic, this a part of the 'Art and Science of Murder' is an event being hosted by UEA. Concrete will be reporting on the unfolding mystery every step of the way.

It's going to be a busy one, so make sure you get involved!

It’s been six long years since 50,000 students marched to Westminster, enraged at the prospect of £9,000 tuition. More than half a decade on, students marching down Whitehall has become somewhat of an annual winter tradition. This year, with the threat of uncapped tuition, the scrapping of nursing bursaries and maintenance grants, it seems that enthusiasm for protest is waning.

The NUS estimated that around 15,000 students were in attendance last Saturday (November 19th), however the Metropolitan Police put the numbers at closer to 5,000.

Amongst these crowds were only 29 UEA students - an attendance that came with a phenomenal £1,600 bill for the Union. That fee could easily pay for a term’s accommodation in the Ziggurats.

It’s easy to be angry at how education has been transformed in the last decade. We no longer receive a total university bill that squeezes in under £10,000 and no longer enter into a job market that guarantees to pay our rent.

However, when the vast majority of complaints are about the lack of pennies in students’ pockets, is it really appropriate to be spending union funds on coaches and ten foot banners?

Anger has been a bit of a running theme for the last fortnight. Last time Concrete went to print, we all still believed that Hillary was about to become the first female President of the United States. What a difference a day makes, or 14, in this case.

A lot of us have cried, a lot of us have joked, and a lot of us have found ourselves shouting at our friends. Sophie Bunce’s feature: "Is there anything we can’t laugh at?" (Page 11), examines how we channel our emotions and opinions, and asks whether laughter can be the best medicine in times of crisis and downright disbelief. We at Concrete certainly think so. Enjoy the issue!

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The University of East Anglia’s Independent Student newspaper since 1992 Tuesday 22nd November 2016 Issue 331 Union House University of East Anglia Norwich NR4 7TJ 01603 593466 www.concrete-online.co.uk Editor-in-Chief Megan Baynes concrete.editor@uea.ac.uk Deputy Editors Jessica Frank-Keyes Caitlin Doherty concrete.deputy@uea.ac.uk Online Editor James Chesson Online Assistant: Freddie Sallis concrete.online@uea.ac.uk News Emily Hawkins Senior Reporter: Amanda Ng concrete.news@uea.ac.uk concrete.seniornews@uea.ac.uk Global Ollie Watts concrete.global@uea.ac.uk Features Lillie Coles Lydia Lockyer concrete.features@uea.ac.uk Comment Charlie Dwyer concrete.comment@uea.ac.uk Science Sophie Christian concrete.science@uea.ac.uk Travel Jennifer Redfern Senior Reporter: Milly Godfrey concrete.travel@uea.ac.uk concrete.seniortravel@uea.ac.uk Sport Richard Ewart Nick Murphy concrete.sport@uea.ac.uk Chief Copy-Editors Molly Burgess Emma Slaughter concrete.copy@uea.ac.uk Marketing Director Katie Gleeson concrete.marketing@uea.ac.uk Social Media Coordinator Charlotte Spencer concrete.socialmedia@uea.ac.uk Events Manager Sam Naylor Events Assistant: Grace Fothergill concrete.events@uea.ac.uk Editorial Enquiries Complaints & Corrections concrete.editor@uea.ac.uk

UEA Library: Flickr, Glen Wood No part of this newspaper may be reproduced by any means without the permission of the Editor-in-Chief, Megan Baynes. Published by the Union of UEA Students on behalf of Concrete.

Concrete is a UUEAS society, but retains editorial independence as regards to any content. Opinions expressed herein are those of individual writers, not of Concrete or its editorial team.

News

22nd November 2016

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Government U-turn on higher education bill Original version of the bill had no student representation

Emily Hawkins News Editor The government has announced amendments of their proposed bill of reforms of higher education, U-turning on their original omission of student representation in the proposed Office for Students.

The amendment requires of the new Office for Students that “at least one of the ordinary members must have experience of representing or promoting the interests of individual students, or students generally, on higher education courses provided by higher education providers.”

This announcement follows months of opposition to the bill and its lack of student representation from student campaigners. The

National Union of Students (NUS) encouraged students to email Universities Minister Jo Johnson an “application form for the job of Chair of the Office for Students.”

“It was clearly ridiculous that for months the Government was refusing to involve students in the Office for Students" Wes Streeting, Labour MP and former NUS President, said in September that there was a “great irony” in the bill being focused around the Office for Students and having “absolutely nothing for

Campaigners say they will still lobby politicans to make more changes

students in it.”

Responding to the government’s amendments, the NUS have said they are glad that the demands for inclusion of student representation have been heard, but that they retain the majority of their concerns over the bill’s impact.

Sorana Vieru, NUS Vice President, said that “the original omission of a student from an office named after us showed the government’s plans for what they really are – driving market competition and not ensuring student needs are met.”

Vieru added that “the amendments show how students can have an impact and influence change if we work together.”

Nick Hillmann the Director of the Higher Education Policy

Institute (HEPI) said that it would be hard to find fault with the Department of Education’s changes, however, “anyone who thinks the new amendments remove all the controversy around the legislation should look again.”

"The original omission of a student from an office named after us showed the government’s plans for what they really are" UEA’s Undergraduate Education Officer Theo Antoniou-Phillips said “It was clearly ridiculous that for months the Government was

refusing to involve students in the Office for Students.”

He described the amendment as being “a welcome change,” but noted that there are still many other aspects of the bill the SU is unhappy with.

The bill is expected to face mass opposition from the House of Lords, where the government does not have a majority.

Antoniou-Phillips said “we’ll be working on lobbying Lords to insert new clauses,” including a student bill of rights and opposing fee increases’ dependency on the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF).

A spokesperson for UEA said the university believes “it is important for students to be properly represented.”

29 UEA students march for education

Amy Rust Amanda Ng & Megan Baynes Senior Reporter & Editor-in-Chief

Theodore Antoniou-Phillips

November 19th saw 29 UEA students attend a ‘United for Education’ demonstration that took place in central London in protest of the government’s plans to reform higher education. Union costs to support this demonstration totalled between £1,500 - £1,600 (approximately £55 per student).

UEA students carried banners that said "Death to the Bourgeoisie" and "Deport Theresa May'.

Various news outlets have predicted the number in attendance at between 15,000-20,000. However, police sources "put the number at less than 5,000."

Commenting on the wider issues surrounding attendance at the march, SU Campaigns and Democracy Officer Amy Rust said: “looking at the attendance figures from UEA specifically and on the demo overall generally, it would be daft to suggest they were anything other than disappointing. Before

exhorting UEA students to attend any more protests, it’s crucial that the NUS leadership learns the lessons to ensure that future events have a clearer message and the maximum impact on the issues being discussed.”

15,000 5,000

the number of students NUS President Malia Bouattia stated attended the march the number of students police figures believe attended

The National Union of Students (NUS) and University and College Union (UCU) organised the demonstration in reaction to what they describe as "an attack’" on education.

The demonstration began at Park Lane at noon and lasted until 4pm. Students and teachers came together to demand the end of the marketisation of higher education, and against racism and xenophobia.

Protestors called on the government to scrap the HE Bill completely and

write off student debts.

They also called on Theresa May to invest in further and higher education and to demonstrate the NUS's goals of uniting all students from around the world by showing support for international students.

Commenting on the decision to attend the NUS Demonstration, Chair of the SU Student Officer Committee Jo Swo said: “with the cost of tuition fees and on-campus accommodation on the rise and the Government set to slash the number of international students, the SU was mandated by policy to support students who wanted to protest against these attacks."

"The costs- which were shared with University College Suffolk SUalso supported other activity like the SU Activist Academy which saw speakers from around the country presenting to UEA students” By 2026, tuition fees are predicted to reach £12,000 a year, sending many students into higher debt than ever before with the abolition of maintenance grants and NHS bursaries.

22nd November 2016

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News Continued from front page said: “that the bulk of the conscientious objectors handed themselves in doesn’t change the fact that many were subjected to terrible treatment.

The sale of the white poppy alongside the red poppy in the future will give space to both traditional remembrance activity and also to those who want to mark terrible events like the treatment of COs.” Luke Heward, a third year History student and an Officer Cadet in the Cambridge University Officer Training Corps, (CUOTC), said that: “the choice of language the union have chosen is inappropriate and misrepresents what the red poppy and Remembrance Day represents.”

He stated that: “the Royal British Legion, the main organisation behind the red poppy appeal, is a non-political charity. The red poppy is not a jingoistic symbol.” He added: “people who are uncomfortable with the red poppy and see it as a political symbol are misinformed about its purpose.”

Heward continued: "The red poppy is not a symbol of celebration, but a symbol of remembrance of the brutality and horror of war and conflict.”

Katie Ward, an American Studies postgraduate student told Concrete that: “as the granddaughter of a desert rat and the partner of a future officer in the British army", she was “disappointed and incredibly hurt that the union is even debating this topic.” She stated that: “its development after the First World War indicates that it was not a symbol of imperialism.”

She continued: “debates like this turn it into a political statement that may be used by those who don't agree with the government’s use of the armed forces to tarnish soldiers’ memories and completely misrepresent the true meaning of Poppy Day - to remember.”

“We thank our soldiers for protecting our values during the Second World War, especially their efforts in defeating fascism… which protects freedoms such as freedom of speech, allowing us to have this debate today.”

“To use this day to blame these people for the actions of government through politicisation is deeply offensive to myself and to many other service men and women and their families.

"It has deeply upset me that this is even an issue.”

University Challenge accused of sexism by Reading student union Ruth Ilott News Reporter There has been ambiguity over the nature of Reading University’s boycott of University Challenge following complaints Jeremy Paxman made "misogynistic and sexist remarks" towards student contestants on set.

Members of Reading’s Student Union voted 120 to 105 in favour of a boycott of the BBC 2 programme. It is believed that this is the first time a students' union has ever boycotted University Challenge. However, the university has claimed that the show is a “national institution” and that they will replace the union in recruiting a team.

A confidentiality agreement means that the SU could not disclose what Paxman had said.

Paxman said he has been left “baffled” by students' incentives.

The presenter said he assumes

it refers to a comment he made offair to the Reading team about their mascot. The mascot was meant to be a caricature of Paxman and he asked the whole team, whether "they took it to bed with them.”

“The best way of combating prejudice and encouraging women to take part, is fronting up and entering a team, not avoiding the programme" No complaint was made at the time of filming, 18 months before the boycott was proposed.

Reading SU's Education Officer, Niall Hamilton, said that "These forms of oppression should not be taken lightly."

In a blog post, Hamilton said that contestants ultimately filed a complaint, which they felt was ignored by ITV. He said: "they did not issue a formal apology and they did not produce any consolation to the contestants. " Reading University appears keen that their students should continue to apply and compete, claiming that “hundreds” of their students are still willing to take part in the show.

In a statement the university said that “the best way of combating prejudice and encouraging women to take part, is fronting up and entering a team, not avoiding the programme.”

Reading SU have said they believe that the SU "should not be in a position to promote and encourage students to participate in an institution with a serious lack of regard for the equality and accessibility of women on their show."

UEA plans festival to celebrate 40 percent of students Norwich's medieval churches vote for library space Sophie Christian News Reporter A grant of £68,400 has been donated to The Norwich Historic Churches Trust (NHCT) by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) to create an exciting festival dedicated to celebrating Norwich’s medieval churches.

The festival, titled Flintspiration, will be a weekend of interesting activities designed to encourage the public to explore religious buildings.

The event will run from Saturday April 29th to Monday 1 May 2017. It will include performances, guided walks, church trails and childfriendly fun. St Stephen’s Church will provide a particular familyfriendly focus, presenting the trails for children and rewards for completion.

The project director of Flintspiration and vice-chairman of NHCT, Neil Blunt, commented that the weekend would reflect on the churches' historical role within Norwich and the significance they hold as heritage sites.

He stated: “We are thrilled to receive this support from the Heritage Lottery Fund, which will help us celebrate Norwich’s fascinating medieval past.

“We are planning a varied programme of events and hope to have something for everyone to enjoy and explore, whether they are visiting a church for the first or fiftieth time.”

To ensure the project goes smoothly, the NHCT is collaborating with the University of East Anglia, Norwich Cathedral, Norwich City Council, Norfolk Museums Service and other partners.

Robyn Llewellyn, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund in the East

Flickr, Glen Wood Caitlin Doherty Deputy Editor

Photo: Geograph, Adrian S. Pye of England, commented: “As one of the country’s largest cities during medieval times, and with a wealth of that heritage still intact, Norwich provides an outstanding glimpse

into our medieval past. Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players we’re pleased to support this project as it celebrates the city, its churches and communities.”

More than 40% of students questioned believe that investing in more learning and teaching space should be a university priority.

Using polls, counters in labelled tubs at SU outlets, to determine union campaign priorities for the remainder of the year, the SU received 6,170 responses from students.

1,985 of correspondents asked for “more teaching and learning spaces on campus” specifically “expand[ing] the library” and 1,404 (28.48%) asked for “mental health training for academic advisors”.

605 (12.27%) prioritised the release of reading lists “at least two weeks before semester begins”. 471 (9.56%) and 464 (9.41%) correspondents favored

“standardised coursework marking” and “accessible, consistent timetables” respectively.

Commenting on the results, SU Undergraduate Education Officer, Theo Antoniou-Philips said: “The results from almost 5,000 voters are clear – students are demanding that the university invests in study space and a library expansion to keep up with the growth in student numbers.

"Our research last month into teaching facilities, taken with this result on study space should be a wake up for the university, both in the future in new buildings and in the short and medium term with temporary solutions.”

Antoniou-Phillips added: “I’m thrilled that we got so many votes in the poll, which is just one of the ways in which we’re trying to listen to students and ensure that the SU represents students' academic interests effectively."

22nd November 2016

UEA goes beyond the binary

5

Lights switch-off to continue

Megan Baynes Editor-in-Chief UEA student's union celebrated transgender awareness week last week, with a variety of talks and events taking place throughout the week. Exploring topics such as transgender sexual assault, the week aimed to bring transgender issues to the forefront.

One such event was run by transgender activist and writer, Katy Jon Went. ‘Beyond the Binary’, in which they discussed the genders and sexualities following LGBT. They said, “Those who have gone before need to start fighting for the tail, and they need to represent the tail.

"More conversations are needed about the other letters.

Many of the forefathers of gay rights only thing that L and G exist.”

They continued, discussing the multiple support groups available in Norwich, of which there are now more than 12.

Went said, “On the path to humanize we created a lot of labels. Young people have created a lot of labels that the older generation don’t understand.

We cannot seperate gender and sexuality from one another.”

In the talk, they explored the variations of gender, stating that, the bible references three genders, and the Australian HRC recognizes and protects 23 different genders. Currently, Facebook recognizes 70 genders.

There are at least a dozen sexes based on chromosomes alone, with at least three variations of each XX and XY chromosome.

Commenting on the week SU LGBT+ Officers Lee Brown and Sharmin Hoque said: “It's been really great to have support from across UEA, students and staff alike for this year’s awareness week. This year we've managed to host a whole variety of events to show that not all transgender and non-binary people are the same.

“The feedback suggests that hundreds of students have learned new things about Transgender and non-binary people and we are hugely grateful to UEA Pride and Feminist Society for their help through the week” Charlotte Stebbing-Boulet, Transgender non-binary and intersex welfare representative for UEA Pride said, "It went really successfully. The open mic night in particular was really great.

"Trans awareness week is of vital important in bringing viability to the transgender and non-binary community who often get overlooked."

Flickr, Darren Glanville Dianne Wu News Reporter Reconsideration of Norfolk County Council’s scheme to switch off street lights during certain times of the night has been rejected by the Council. The scheme has been operating for six years, yet has been brought to light again by residents who say they have safety concerns about unlit streets. The decision was initially a pledge to halve Norwich’s carbon emissions by 2020. Since then, £1.4m and an estimated 7,500 tonnes of carbon dioxide has been saved.

Bert Bremner, the Labour

councillor for University Ward proposed that the council reconsider this sceheme.

“I would like to see the Chairman stroll through an area in my division at 1am in the morning."

He said: “I would like to see the Chairman stroll through an area in my division at 1am in the morning and see what it feels like and relate that to a young lady or man going back to the university.”

Colleen Walker, a party colleague of Bremner, agreed. She said: “people

do not feel safe walking on the streets late at night,” and argued that there was a case for reversing the 2011 decision and turning the lights on all night.

However, their proposal was rejected by twelve to two.

Conservative councillor Graham Planet for Gorleston St Andrews, defended the Council's decision by pointing to police evidence showing crime reduction. He said, “Nobody has been attacked in the dark, as far as I am aware, because of part night lighting.”

Chipo Banza, a UEA second year Actuarial Sciences student, said she was "totally against" the scheme: "I hate walking in the dark."

News COMMENT Charlie Dwyer reminds us of the environmental consequences of light pollution I often think that when it comes to providing a clear, arresting picture of human progress, no history textbooks, journal articles or playlists of informative YouTube videos come close to a high-contrast view of the Earth at night. The clusters of light tell a story.

Europe is covered with a faint but distinctive mesh of crisscrossing cities; the illuminated banks of great rivers penetrate deep into the otherwise shadowy terrain; and across the world, coastlines are dotted with the lights of ancient ports and former trading posts.

The trajectory this striking image represents feels so natural that it can be easy to forget the worrying environmental impacts of such far-reaching, exponential development. Street lights are not only costly, but ultimately unsustainable.

It is for this reason that Norfolk County Council’s current scheme should be lauded. Reducing unsightly light pollution, eliminating unnecessary energy usage, and saving money – these are goals on which most of us can agree.

As inconsequential this measure may seem in the grand scheme of things, one must remember that it is through these small adjustments to our lives that we will eventually build societies capable of prospering in a sustainable, environmentallyfriendly way The concerns expressed by residents should not, of course, be disregarded. But when the rewards are so great and so easily obtainable, surely it would be preferable to see if it is feasible to make unlit nights the new normal?

Investigation reveals universities' precarious contracts Sacha Silverstone News Reporter The Guardian has discovered that teaching in British universities predominantly consists of zero-hour contracts, temporary agencies and other insecure work contracts.

“Academic staff are demoralised and forced to cope with low pay and insecurity" The investigation revealed that the richest Russell Group institutions are the worst offenders for hiring non-permanent workers.

More than half of academics

teaching at British universities and three-quarters of junior academics, who are most likely to be face-toface teaching, have been found to be on some form of insecure contract.

Students are extremely likely to be taught mostly by casual workers.

This has fired up trade unionists, who accuse vice-chancellors of importing “the Sports Direct model,” who hire temporary workers on zero-hours contracts, into universities.

The National Union of Students (NUS) have warned against lowpaid, temporary tutors claiming it could detrimentally affect the quality of teaching.

Sorana Vieru, NUS Vice President, said, “when academic staff are demoralised and forced to cope with low pay and insecurity,

the knock-on effect on students is significant."

“Many students are now taking on unprecedented levels of debt to go to university. They deserve good quality teaching and anything that damages that is deeply unjust."

“Many universities are hacking up teaching jobs into ever smaller bits and shoving peope on to the worst contract they can get away with " Sally Hunt, General Secretary of the University and College Union (UCU), stated “many universities are

hacking up teaching jobs into ever smaller bits and shoving people on to the worst contract they can get away with.”

An investigation by the UCU into precarious work in higher education in April found UEA to be the 17th highest university for academic staff insecurity in the UK in 2013/14.

It was found that 63.3 percent of staff were on fixed-term or zero hour contracts. The UCU also called on "those universities that have not already done so," to commit to taking part in a joint review with UCU "of all non-permanent academic contracts and time-limited negotiations."

The union said that 72 institutions had not replied to their requests for details of staff insecurity.

6

22nd November 2016

s t w ne ven e n i h lt to Al fit t's ha

t

"UEA murder suspect"

UEA to stage 'Art and Science of Murder' next semester

Megan Baynes Editor-in-Chief Always fancied yourself a tabloid journalist? Always had a knack for puntastic headlines? An incident, a suspicious death, a complex investigation, troubled experts, compromised witnesses, tabloid intervention and a highly charged trial: Do Different Week is about to shake up sleepy Norwich. As with the best crime dramas, not everything is as it seems, and Concrete will be there to document it every step of the way.

In 2017, UEA will stage ‘The Art and Science of Murder’ which brings together all four faculties.

The action and drama has been written by MA and PhD creative writers, under the direction of visiting professor and bestselling crime writer, Ian Rankin. This is the fictional journey across campus, through the schools, faculties and disciplines, highlighting the vast and varied resource, characters and characteristics.

Everyone can have their say as the drama unfolds, leading to a trial on the last day. From student jurors to roving reporters; this is your chance to try something different. And you never know, our headline might just turn out to

be accurate.

Concrete will be documenting the week, from publishing news stories, online front pages. If you fancy yourself reporting on a trial, or think that you can sniff out the information before the detectives,’ email concrete.editor@uea.ac.uk to register your interest.

But what else is happening that week?

It’s not just about the murder trial, the university will be hosting a variety of other activities during the week. We’ll be publishing your go-to-guide the week before, but here are a few sneak previews to get you excited.

VIP Study Lounge

Want to take time during the week to study or carry out some reading?

We understand that you might want to continue with coursework or carry out further reading in peace and quiet so we have created a study area which you can book onto in half day slots.

In addition, there will be refreshments available for you to enjoy while you study.

Emergency Life Support

Every year 30,000 people in the UK have an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, but the survival rate is less than 1 in 10. But we’re on a mission to change that. Join us in creating a Nation of Lifesavers – a nation where everyone knows how to save a life.

Heartstart UEA is run by a team of volunteers who work in the community to train members of the public in Emergency Life Support skills. The two hour course provides the basic skills to allow you to respond to a lifethreatening emergency. From how to approach a casualty, to the recovery position, to CPR skills, our volunteers give demonstrations and the chance to practice these skills during the two hours.

Get Pixilated!

Pixilation is an exciting form of animation that uses people instead of puppets to star in your own animated short film.

Using the UEA campus as the backdrop you can explore this medium to create, film and edit your pixilated masterpiece for its UK premiere on the Friday.

Each being no more than 2 minutes long, let your creative juices flow and utilise the magical qualities of this unusual animation

style, being able to ‘fly’ or ‘skate’ in and around the campus, employ some of the oldest special effect film techniques since George Méliès (A trip to the moon -1902) the 'Stop Trick', and explore the fantastic filmic qualities of the UEA landscape and architecture.

Travel the world @ INTO

Join us at INTO for the opportunity to explore cultures from around the world, from Nigeria to Japan, Russia to Pakistan, China to Italy, and most places in between.

Experience every day customs, learn essential language, and taste traditional food from all over the world.

French: The gift of languages

Participate in a workshop about culinary in Francophonie.

Through typical French food, travel all around the world in French speaking countries. Your journey will end in France, with a tasting of delicious croissants, à la Marie-Antoinette.

Stand out from the Crowd: Go for Greek!

The Greek taster “Is it all Greek to you?” will offer you the opportunity to learn the Greek

alphabet (Capital Letters), so you will be able to read and write in Greek straight away. You will learn how to greet people and introduce yourselves giving some basic information. You will also learn how to order snacks, drinks and desserts and how to count up to 10.

Banham Zoo

We are in the middle of a mass species extinction, the sixth one in Earth's history. The problem with this one, is that it is pretty much all because of humans. You will learn how Banham Zoo and other zoos protect the habitats and ecosystems around the world.

How can we help our favourite animals? And how can we help the animals who are not everyone’s favourites? Visit Banham Zoo to join this conservation talk, plus, have a go on Skytrek, their aerial assault course!

Keep an eye out for Concrete's guide to Do Different Week: out next semester.

27th February - 3rd March Sign up at: portal.uea.ac.uk/learning-and-teaching/do-something-different-week.

Booking opens: early December Email: concrete.editor@uea.ac.uk

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8

Global

22nd November 2016

The power of populism

Far right grows in Europe as Trump prepares to take White House

India’s leaders vow to drain black market Beverley Devakishen Global Writer Mr Modi’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party came into power in 2014, vowing to eradicate billions of dollars of black market money from India’s financial system.

Consequently, it was announced on 8th November that all 500 and 1000 rupee bank notes would be scrapped and would no longer be legal tender.

This meant that 86% of India’s currency in circulation had been demonetized overnight.

“This change resulted in long queues of desperate people at banks and ATMs that are, despite the government’s assurances, quickly running out of cash.”

Marine Le Penn, leader of the Front Nationale, speaking in 2012. Photo: Brandine le Cain, Flickr Sacha Silverstone Global Writer In the current political climate where shock results have inundated 2016 - with Britain voting to leave the EU and Trump holding the office of President-elect - it is becoming increasingly evident that people across the world are acting out against the political class and calling for change.

“Political trends towards rightwing populists are spreading across Europe” In Europe, people are flocking towards populism, a political movement where citizens rise up to ‘take back’ their countries from elites dominating the nation’s political arena.

Parallels have already been made between the Brexit referendum and US Presidential Election, with both outcomes initially seeming unlikely. Both the Brexit leave campaign and Trump’s presidential campaign succeeded in unifying disparate groups together with a common cause for change and inspired supporters to go out and vote. Both were promoted as

shifts away from the monotony of the same system run by the same people: ‘the political elite.’

Political trends towards rightwing populists are spreading across Europe, encouraged particularly

by Donald Trump’s recent win.

Frauke Petry, leader of Germany’s right-wing populist Alternative für Deutschland, stated how “it was high time that in the United States of America, people who feel disaffected withdrew their vote for the political establishment…this election result is encouraging for Germany and for Europe, because Trump really has the cards for political sea-change in his hand.”

Although Petry’s current poll ratings are in the teens for the German federal election in Autumn 2017, his party’s popularity has risen significantly over the last year. Hans-Peter Friedrich, a conservative from the Bavarian sister party of Angela Merkel’s CDU, warned how voters currently feel they have no control over policy and “if there are no answers provided by the main parties in our country, they will turn to populists.”

This impending shift to rightwing populism is not confined to Germany: in Spring 2017 it will be France’s chance potentially to disturb the political order as Marine Le Pen, representing the far-right Front National party, bids for presidency. She is projected to win the first round of voting but

fall short in the second and final round for presidency, however opinion polls have shown their unreliability with Brexit and Trump.

In one month (December 2016) we could see Europe’s first far-right head of state since World War Two in Austria’s Norbert Hofer, for the Freedom Party.

Hofer narrowly missed out on winning the Presidential Election in May but a re-election was called due to miscalculations in postal ballots.

“In December we could see Europe’s first far-right head of state since World War Two” There has also been the successful campaigning in Italy by the anti-establishment Five Star Movement who are opposing Prime Minster Renzi’s proposals in the Italian constitutional referendum, the results of which Renzi has staked his political position, and success for the Dutch Freedom party Geert Wilders’ current joint-first place in opinion polls for the 2017 Dutch prime minister elections.

These all show an unstable time ahead for the existing establishment not just for the political elite, but also for the future

existence of the European Union and for international foreign affairs in general.

From where has this sudden backlash against the status-quo come from?

Are people fed up of existing policy and rooting for the populist manifestos? Or has this populist rising stemmed from general dissatisfaction towards the same type of people being elected into office?

The unpredictability of election results compared to opinion polls suggests that, when voting day comes, the winning majority simply decide that they want change and want to show that their vote does matter: that whatever the media or the political elite push as the ‘inevitable right choice’ is certainly not that for the silent majority.

Under this political trend towards populism then, does this mean a UKIP British prime minister in 2020?

Or could we see another shift towards left-wing populism in Jeremy Corbyn, as was the potential in 2015 in Bernie Sanders’ popular bid for the Democratic nomination, who polled better than Hillary Clinton against Trump and whose supporters said he could have won the US election?

All this is speculative, but it is undeniable that the world is moving into a new sphere of politics, and the outcome cannot be predicted.

These drastic changes are suposed to help eliminate money that is unaccounted for. The exchanging of notes at banks usually requires only national identification, but banks will put those who wish to convert hundreds of thousands or millions through a stricter security process, asking questions about the original source of the money.

However, this also means that those who prefer to store large amounts of cash at home or have large cash reserves in rupees abroad will have a harder time trying to convert their expired notes at banks. People will be able to exchange their expired notes for 100 and 2000 notes between 10 November and 30 December.

This change resulted in long queues of desperate people at banks and ATMs that are, despite the government’s assurances, quickly running out of cash.

Furthermore, some 300 million of India’s population lack proof of identification, which is required to convert cash. Transport, hospital bills and even food - all of which are immediate necessities - have been difficult to pay for.

This crackdown on black money has affected the middle and lower classes the most, as the rich keep a large portion of their wealth in the form of real estate, gold, deposits in foreign bank accounts and other investments. The poor who live in villages are even more severely affected, with the nearest bank being a long trek away from home, causing them to miss several crucial days of labour. A large percentage of firms are in danger of closing down, and unregistered moneylenders who provide loans to businesses will be eliminated.

9

22nd November 2016

Hollande’s problems persist

Japan and India sign civil nuclear deal

A handful of French MPs are seeking to impeach President Francois Hollande following the publication of a book in which the President divulged classified information.

Leading the attempted impeachment process is Pierre Lellouche, a senior member of Les Républicains, France’s centre-right party. Lellouche has said he believes Hollande has “seriously violated defence secrecy,” and has sent a motion to the government to try and trigger Article 68 of the constitution.

At the heart of these attempts by opposition deputies is the controversial book A President Should Not Say That, which is comprised of the private conversations between Hollande and two journalists over a few years.

Some of the revelations made

by Hollande in the book have caused huge controversy, including comments detailing airstrikes in Syria, denying describing the poor as ‘toothless’ in 2014, and admitting to personally ordering the assassination of four enemies of the state.

A two-thirds majority is needed in both the Assembly and the Senate for impeachment, as well as approval by France’s committee on laws. 79 opposition deputies signed the request for impeachment to the French executive branch.

Hollande has also faced calls to not run for re-election in the spring 2017 presidential elections by those in his own Socialist party owing to the scandal and his subsequent low approval ratings.

Emily Hawkins

Concluded after six years of negotiations, the agreement will give India access to Japanese technology and fuels. With a growing market worth around $150 billion, the country is an attractive destination for Japanese nuclear companies that suffered after the disaster of Fukushima in 2011.

Indian Prime Minister Narenda Modi emphasized the chances given by the deal for building a clean energy partnership among both countries. Japan’s Prime Minister, Shenzo Abe, said the agreement reiterates a non-proliferation position and assures a responsible use of nuclear energy by India.

Having suffered nuclear attacks after World War II, Tokyo had never set any deal with a non-signatory of the Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT).

This issue raises concerns in some organisations.

Greenpeace Japan regarded the treaty as part of a strategy to foster nuclear proliferation in Asia.

The group Women of Fukushima alerted authorities about the consequences of nuclear power and considered that technology will not improve people’s lives.

India improved its nuclear technology following an agreement with the United States in 2008 and declared a moratorium on nuclear exams after running its last test in 1998. The country opposes NPT for it bans non-UN Security Council permanent members from developing and using nuclear weapons. Angel Loera

ROUNDUP

360

HIV positive Malawian man prosecuted for sex with 100 women Eric Aniva, a man from Malawi, has been convicted of “engaging in harmful cultural practices” while performing traditional sexual cleansing rituals. Through his position of ‘hyena’, Aniva has allegedly had sex with over 100 women whilst being HIV positive.

A ‘hyena’ undertakes the role of initiating young women into adulthood or exorcising unwanted spirits from widows through sexual cleansing. They are paid to perform the ritual upon request from a girl’s parents. Sexual cleansing is believed

to protect women from misfortune and disease in the future.

However, those who partnered Aniva during the ritual are now likely to be even more at risk from disease. The state prosecutor, Chiyembekezo Banda, wants the 45-year-old to undergo a long prison sentence for failing to disclose his HIV status. Aniva is not alone in his condition, nine percent of the Malawian population also suffer from HIV. Banda feels Aniva can be held at least partly responsible for the spread of disease.

It is h o p e d that the exposure of Aniva’s case will help to discourage the use of sexual cleansing rituals. The President of Malawi, Peter Mutharika, ordered Aniva’s arrest in July. He will be sentenced on 22 November; he faces a maximum of five years in jail.

Meghan Jarvis

Photos: Wikimedia, XtoF photography and Wikimedia, The Office of Narendra Modi

Bataclan open for business Music venue reopened by Sting a year after terror attacks that killed 130

Faith Jones Global Writer

Photo: Flickr, Takver

On the 13th of November 2015 Paris came under terrorist attack. With 368 people injured and 130 killed, this was the deadliest assault on the country since World War II. As the world went into lockdown, focus was drawn to The Bataclan music hall, a tragic destination for 90 of the Eagles of Death Metal concert goers in attendance.

The world held its breath and waited as a police standoff began, ended by the joint suicides of the attackers.

One year on and The Bataclan has been re-opened: a message of strength and defiance from a city torn apart by bullets, once again united.

Now a fully refurbished venue, British musician Sting was asked to perform a set on the eve of the first anniversary of the attack.

Organisers of the event stressed their desire to reopen the venue before it became a “tomb,” with

Sting hoping to act as an emblem of the new lease of life on offer.

“As the world went into lockdown, focus was drawn to The Bataclan music hall, a tragic destination for 90 of the Eagles of Death Metal concert goers in attendance.”

Of the 1,500 tickets on sale for the event, a proportion were earmarked for victims and their families who wished to attend, however, organisers remained unsure of how many would choose to attend, with many victims still feeling too upset to enter the venue.

The Bataclan, which opened in 1865 has a rich history, but

nothing quite as musically and emotionally intense as this poignant affair, from which all proceeds were donated to charities supporting victims of the massacre.

Jules Frutos, who has co-run the venue for the last 12 years has expressed how desperately he wishes to “celebrate the life and the music” of the distinguished theatre, stating that “tragedy mustn’t overshadow decades of parties and music.”

However, some have communicated their pain at the reopening of the Bataclan, arguing that one night of tragedy has indeed forever overshadowed its party past.

In fact, many turned down the opportunity to re-open the venue, the emotional burden proving too much for several French artists.

Francis Cabrel, a French pop singer and fan-favourite stated it was simply too emotional for him.

Psychologists and counsellors were on stand-by for anyone in need, a thoughtful notion that perhaps exposes just how raw emotions still are.

Features

10

Emily Hawkins Features Writer November 17th marked the 75th observance of International Students’ Day. First started in 1941, the day marks the anniversary of Nazi troops storming Charles University in Prague and commemorates the work of student activists. The day is also a chance to celebrate the value brought to universities by multiculturalism.

November 1939 saw students take to the streets of Prague in protest of the murder of Jan Opletal, a Czechoslovakian medical student who had been killed at an anti-Nazi protest a few days before. In retaliation to these demonstrations, on November 17th the Nazis shut down all universities and further education institutes in Czechoslovakia and executed nine student leaders without trial.

The Nazis also sent an estimated 1,200 protesting students to the Sachsenhausen concentration camp, where up to 35 students are thought to have died.

“European countries often use the day to celebrate multiculturalism in universities and to celebrate the unity of students from different nations.”

The European Students’ Union (ESU) said, “Each NUS has its national priorities and therefore carries out actions that it deems relevant, without forgetting to express solidarity among each other.” For example, in the Czech Republic observance of the day focuses heavily on the students murdered by Nazis in the 1940s, with a memorial at the site where Jan Opletal was killed, often attended by the country’s Prime Minister, President, and academics.

However, other European

countries often use the day to celebrate multi-culturalism in universities and to celebrate the unity of students from different nations. In past years, the Flemish and French student unions in Belgium have come together on International Students’ Day to discuss pertinent student issues and to have productive dialogues.

In 1973 a protest by Greek students against the oppressive military junta that controlled the country from 1967 to 1973 ended in bloodshed on the day. After they had usurped power, the army had immediately instigated oppressive laws and bans upon the student community in Greece. From 1967 student elections had been banned and the national student’s union was served by non-elected, prostate leaders.

The November discontent followed a strike in the early months of 1973 by law students at the University of Athens, who opposed the practice of students being drafted without their consent.

The University of Athens protesters faced police brutality, as did those on International Students’ Day of the same year when Athens Polytechnic demonstrators were attacked by state forces. The November protests culminated in an army tank crushing the gates of the university; 24 civilians were killed and hundreds of students were injured in the days of protest and suppression. Now this day is commemorated as ‘The Day of the Greek Students’ and is observed by all institutions of education in Greece.

UEA’s Campaigns and Democracy Officer Amy Rust said, “Although student activism is as old as Higher Education itself, it’s the organised expression of it through local and national unions that has had the most impact.” Reflecting on the history of the UK’s NUS, Rust said, the union was “formed as an international organisation for peace in the aftermath of the First World War, and since then students have played a key role in advancing causes related to both education and students themselves, and wider social and political issues- like the battle for equality and liberation at home, and campaigns like anti-

22nd November 2016

Illustration: FreeStockPhotos.biz,Yves

apartheid in South Africa throughout the 80s.”

“Today the student movement is in rude health, with over 6,000 campaigning societies in over 200 students’ unions helping students transform the world,” she said.

In what seems like an era of ‘othering’, International Students’ Day provides us with an annual chance to consider the importance

students have been made to feel afraid and even physically unsafe in light of xenophobia being legitimised by political parties across the Western nations.

International solidarity is needed in the student movement; and International Students’ Day serves as a sharp reminder of the tragedies of the past, but also as an impetus for the future of student activism.

UEA’s notable international alumni:

UEA has many famous faces in the ranks of its alumni, and people from all around the world have made incredible achievements since their days at UEA. Here are just a few of them: •

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• Photo: Flickr, Blue Square Thing

of international unity in the student movement. Limitations on the number of international students coming to study in the UK have been announced by Theresa May’s government.

The future of UK higher education institutions in a global context seems uncertain as the triggering of Article 50 approaches.

Most worryingly of all, many

King Tupou VI of Tonga attended UEA between 19771980 to study Developmental studies.

The 5th Vice President of Kiribati, Teimwa Onorio, earned her MA at the University of East Anglia in 1990.

Tash Aw, born to Malaysian parents in Taiwan, completed his debut novel on the creative

•

•

•

•

writing course at UEA. Helon Habila, Nigerian novelist and poet, completed his PhD at UEA, and went on to win the Caine Prize.

Princess Anna of Bavaria also studied creative writing at UEA, and earned her MA here.

She is now a journalist and author.

Argentinian Eduardo Costantini achieved his MA in Quantitative Economics at UEA in 1975. He then became founder and chairman of the Museum of Latin American Art of Buenos Aires (MALBA).

Tshediso John Matona of South Africa was a civil

•

•

servant, and former CEO of Eskom - a South African utilities company. He graduated from UEA with a Masters in Development Economics.

Derek Pang Wai-cheong gained an LLB from UEA and went on to become the Justice of Appeal of the High Court of Hong Kong.

Danish athlete and olympian, Jessica Draskau-Petersson, also graduated with a law degree from UEA. She lectured in law, is fluent in three languages and secured several podium placings at the World and European Championships.

22nd November 2016

11

What next? Life after first year Rose Mee Features Writer “It’s first year, it doesn’t co-” Oh wait, first year ended just as quickly as it began. No longer can we use the excuse that justified spontaneous nights out the day before a deadline, the excuse that made sleeping through every 9am worth it, and the excuse that made that 40 percent feel like an first. As soon as the formidable word “summative” had been uttered at the beginning of the year, it was abundantly clear that the days of chunder charts and afternoon naps had become a thing of the past. This only became more indisputable as we approached the third week of the semester, at which

point I had already begun to drown in deadlines and a sea of self-doubt.

Crumbling under the pressure, I started to question my abilities to succeed at university. That insatiable thirst for knowledge I had arrived at UEA with last September had faded into a thirst for nothing but vodka to drown my sorrows.

I was never anything more than background noise before I started my life in Norwich. No matter how hard I tried, I’d always lacked that sense of belonging I yearned for.

Still, UEA had somehow managed to fill that void, and it soon became home. Therefore, you can imagine my despair when I returned to Norwich this year unable to recognise anything the way that it was. The contentment I had felt

last year had dissipated, and those familiar feelings of misplacement began to resurface. Maybe living in an actual house away from campus had something to do with it, or the fact that I had gone from twelve flatmates to three, but either way I felt that I’d lost everything I’d gained.

Nevertheless, moving away from the comforts of student accommodation isn’t all doom and gloom. After all, second year provides the opportunity to expose those friends who were only ever your ‘friends’ for convenience.

Since we’ve all been forced out of each other’s proximity and are now situated all over the city, it requires effort to remain in contact.

Needless to say, I lost one or two

‘friends’ this summer. By contrast, my relationships with the friends that I always knew were genuine are stronger than ever. Without them, I’d still be in that rut I thought I’d never escape from.

In addition to surrounding myself with the people I love most, I found my own method of survival.

Contrary to popular belief, drinking yourself to oblivion won’t help you confront the undeniable pressures that come hand in hand with second year. Instead of resorting to substances or attempting to sleep away your anxieties, you should find a medium where you can channel all of that negative energy into something positive. For me personally, I reconnected with my love for writing. Admittedly, this

only contributed to my quarter-life crisis more as I started to regret my decision to study Psychology (but that’s a story for another day).

Beyond shadow of a doubt, first year sets your expectations of university unrealistically high. Fear not freshers, second year isn’t as abysmal as I’ve probably suggested.

Truth be told, if university were the walk in the park we sometimes wish it was, it wouldn’t be worth the absurd amount of £27,000. Those feelings I felt were a necessary, but temporary, step in figuring everything out again. Fortunately for us, UEA is home to some incredible support facilities that will help us through that inevitable existential crisis, and for this reason, UEA remains my safe haven.

Is there anything we can’t laugh at?

Can stand-up comedy be more sinister than it seems?

Sophie Bunce Features Writer The world of stand up comedy is diverse, but some argue that it has become stagnant. Too politically correct, too self-aware and too censored, as people get overly offended. But should we take jokes to heart? After all, they are only jokes, but are the topics we joke about more concerning than they seem?

A key figure in this debate is Frankie Boyle, who is renowned for his brash humour. In his career, he has caused waves of offence all over the world, but perhaps the problem is not with his comedy, but with his audience. Is it offensive or are we taking a joke too seriously? He argues that comedy, particularly that in television shows, has returned to that of the 70’s. In other words, it has become more family friendly and, consequently, relentlessly boring.

Creativity, in the production of television shows, is being restricted in fear of causing alarm and jeopardising ratings. With ratings put to one side, it restricts the type of comedy we have access to.

Often, controversial humour such as Frankie Boyle’s, leads to the biggest laughs because it dares to go further. Audiences love to be slightly appalled but also reassured that everyone in the room finds that joke funny too. But restricting the availability of controversial comedy could be seen as a rational response to inappropriate humour. After all, is comedy surrounding homophobia, rape or racism something you’d like to listen to?

It is difficult to determine what is deemed truly funny. However, it can be understood that there is a limit and respectable comedians

acknowledge this. Most know their audience and in turn know how far they can take certain controversial topics as there is room between the boundaries of what is and isn’t accepted. But really, we all know where the line is, and when it’s crossed. Though why push the boundaries at all? It seems risky when there are forms of popular comedy existing which are far more palatable. Take Michael McIntyre, who is family friendly and guaranteed to get a laugh. Or Russell Howard, who is endearingly honest but aware of the line. Even Jon Richardson, who is incredibly cynical and negative, but mostly about himself. In our society, self deprecation is a form of humour most enjoy and that’s not hurting anyone. Apart from the comedian.

However, some argue that restricting comedy in society compromises the right to free speech. If we censor comedy too much, it will cease to exist altogether. The definition of freedom of speech is the right to voice one’s opinion publicly without fear of censorship or punishment. But, this is often misused as an excuse to say something controversial. There is a difference between absolute, qualified or limited rights. Freedom of speech is a law which is limited and therefore not completely free.

This means that comedians can’t say whatever they want. There will be consequences, for instance Jonathan Ross and Russell Brand being removed from the BBC, after the scandal over the answerphone messages left for Fawlty Towers actor Andrew Sachs. Social media doesn’t help either. Many types of humour fail to translate when typed.

Sarcasm is almost impossible unless statements are followed by copious emojis. But even then emojis are

Is controversial comedy ever just a joke?

Illustration: Dougie Dodds difficult to decode. Similarly, tweets and Facebook statuses are open to interpretation: wordplay is often confused and authors harassed for misspelling. Comedy and social media can, therefore, often come into conflict.

It must be recognised that the combination of comedy and social media is powerful. Comedy acts as a more sinister platform than we once thought. We know that joking about Trump becoming president was fun, but also dangerous. It placed him at the forefront of social media, news, chat show discussions, to the point where we have to take responsibility for his election as president. In this case, if we laughed, did we help?

Facebook is being slated for the

“Comedy acts as a more sinister platform than we once thought.

We know that joking about Trump becoming president was fun, but also dangerous. It placed him at the forefront of social media, news, chat show discussions... In this case, if we laughed, did we help?”

circulation of false articles and news. Surely the memes, the joke pages and parody accounts are to blame too? It has to be acknowledge that social media is more powerful than ever and it is in the hands of everyone. We can laugh at it, but just because we can, does it mean that we should? It is almost impossible to define the boundaries of what comedy is and isn’t acceptable.

Sometimes controversial comedy can hail the loudest laughs of all.

Whether people like to admit it or not, they do find some of it funny.

But in a time of diversity and social change the world is developing and so should comedy. Slapstick, sarcasm, political commentary, we all love a laugh. But at what cost?

22nd November 2016

12

Features Lydia Lockyer investigates the lifestyle that’s got us feeling cosy It’s a dark and stormy night.Winter is drawing in but, as a student, you are reluctant to turn on the heating.

You light a couple of candles (having checked whether this is ok in your tenancy agreement first) and nestle into the copious amounts of blankets piled on your bed. Slipper socks and cable knit scarf at the ready, you tuck in to your chai tea or whatever winter tipple you prefer – ideal. Lo and behold, without realising, you have channelled the concept of ‘hygge’.

Over the past few years, the ‘Scandi’ lifestyle has been on the rise. From simplistic, sleek and stylish interior design, clothing and accessories to TV dramas, such as The Killing, a love for Scandinavian culture has spread across Britain. It’s no wonder then that we’ve taken to another Danish concept - hygge.

So what is hygge? While there is no exact translation, I’ve taken it to be a concept about cosiness and warmth, dark evenings, knowing it’s cold outside but feeling smug as you’re snuggled inside by a fire and as many candles and fairy lights as you can find, mulled wine or a freshly brewed coffee, and cinnamon. Lots of cinnamon.

Then there are the aspects that go alongside this concept in the form of the vehicle you use and clothes you wear – for those interested, according to Dr Magnus Olsensen it’s a Volvo 200 series estate, made

World Happiness Rankings 2016: 1) Denmark 2) Switzerland 3) Iceland 4) Norway 5) Finland 6) Canada 7) Netherlands 8) New Zealand 9) Australia 10) Sweden

... 23) UK

between 1974 and 1993, or a sturdy, upright bicycle with a basket.

You get the picture? All of this, combined with the general feeling of conviviality and comfort sounds pretty idyllic and, after the confusion and chaos of 2016, it’s no wonder we Brits are turning to snuggle into this wonderfully cocooning comfort.

“A concept about cosiness - being snuggled up by a fire and as many candles as you can find” Hygge originates from Denmark, the number one country in the 2016 World Happiness Report rankings.

While hygge is undeniably a part of this, there are other aspects of Danish life that contribute to their happiness and satisfaction. Taxes are high, it provides them with a strong social welfare and social security system, and universal healthcare and pensions. Add this to a cosy, firelit room and a cup of “glogg” (a favoured alcoholic beverage, rich with spices), and you can definitely see the appeal.

Having fallen pretty hard for the minimalist interiors, the climate, the food, and the general feeling

Mulled Wine

It ain’t no glogg, but it will have to do! This warming winter tipple is a sure-fire way to get in the festive spirit. Perfect on a cold night, why not add a little hygge to your predrinks this winter!

Ingredients: - Bottle of red wine - 75g caster sugar (to taste) - 1 cinnamon stick - 1 or 2 bayleaves - A dash of ground nutmeg - 1 orange, sliced Bung all of the ingredients in a in a saucepan. Stir whilst bringing to the boil to stop the sugar from burning. Boil for 5 minutes until all the sugar has dissolved and the flavours have infused.

of happiness offered by Denmark, Norway and Sweden, I found myself on the way to Copenhagen. Finally, having a January birthday paid off.

Rather than worriedly checking the weather forecast for icy cold, rain and snow, on the contrary, we were looking forward to it. Lucky too, as that’s what we got – but no complaints here. I donned my warmest coat and woolly hat, found as many snug bakeries as physically possible and ate my body weight in cinnamon buns. A hygge experience I would recommend to anyone.

And what about back home?

Well, plenty of bars, restaurants and other establishments have taken on the concept around Britain. Now that Christmas is definitely in sight, a feeling of hygge is becoming all the more visible.

So ditch your Starbucks Pumpkin Spice (blasphemy!) and find yourself a little independent number away from the hubbub of central Norwich.

Maybe take a delightful stroll after dark, merely for the combined feeling of being cosy nosy when glimpsing warm light through cottage windows, and for the smug feeling you get when you arrive back and warm up over a cup of coffee.

Perhaps add some cinnamon to whatever you put in the oven next so the delicious scent can waft around the house. Joking aside, hygge is a concept you’ll want to be part of this winter.

Ha a litt Hyg

Hot Chocolate

Here’s a little something for those chocolatey cravings. Warm, of course, to channel your inner hygge cosiness.

Ingredients: - Just under a mug of whole milk (add a little cream if you fancy) - A small handful of 60% chocolate cut into chunks - 1 tbsp of Horlicks - A pinch of seasalt - 1 tsp Cinnamon Warm the milk in a small pan, then add the chocolate and allow it to melt while on a gentle heat. Keep stirring until the chocolate has melted, while adding the rest of the ingredients as you go. Top with marshmallows and you’re set!

Photos: Lydia Lockyer

22nd November 2016

ave a tle gge

13

Features

Cinnamon ‘Monkey Bread’ Monkey Bread – a sticky, cinnamonny, pull away bread perfect for that chilly afternoon binge.

You will need a pan that vaguely resembles a bundt tin (have a google - anything with a hole in the middle should do) although this is not a neat cake, so any medium sized, deep cake tin should do the trick!

Dough - 200ml milk - 85g unsalted butter - 2 eggs - 550g strong white bread flour - 1 sachet of dried yeast - 50g caster sugar

top for 5-10 minutes (like you see on the Bake Off) until it’s lovely and soft.

• Pop the dough in a lightly oiled bowl to prove for an hour (it should just about double in size) – this is a good time to squeeze in a bit of uni work!

• While you’re c o m b i n e cinnamon, nutmeg and muscovado sugar.

Towards the end of your hour melt the rest of the butter in a small pan.

waiting, the

• Allow to cool, then add the eggs to the mix and beat.

• Pour a tablespoon of the butter into the pan. Pull the dough into 50-60 small balls.

Dunk each in butter and then in the spiced sugar, then stuff into the tin

• Mix together the dry ingredients for the dough and then stir in the egg/butter/milk mixture. Bring together as a sticky dough.

Leave to rest for a few minutes, then knead on a floured work

• T h i s should almost fill your tin – leave it to rise somewhere warm for

Filling - 125g unsalted butter - 2 tbsp ground cinnon - 2 tsp nutmeg - 225g dark muscovado sugar • Heat the milk and butter in a small pan until the butter has melted.

another hour. Preheat the oven to 180C/160C fan and bake for around 20-30 minutes. A bit like brownies – this is good if still slightly undercooked!

Leave to cool in the pan for a little bit, then tip out and dig in!

Jodie Bailey’s advice on waking up happy and ‘hygge’ When torn between the choice of a bracing winter wind or a snuggly duvet to wrap yourself up in, it’s no wonder that many of us struggle to find the motivation to wake up in the morning - except if you’re jolted awake by a sense of sudden panic when faced with a 9am lecture. So how do you wake up to be the best version of yourself, rather than the one being half dragged out of bed for brunch rather than breakfast?

Arguably it all starts with a good night’s sleep. It makes sense that if you’re going to bed far too late then your body will rebel against the incessant beeping of your alarm.

Establishing a good evening routine is just as important as your morning one; the more sleep you get and the better the quality of your sleep, the less of a struggle it’ll be to relinquish your cosy bed.

Research has suggested that we should avoid using our electronic devices just before we tuck in for the night, as the light from the screens can trick our brains into thinking that it’s daytime and that we should be awake. So, try swapping your Facebook feed or your Kindle for a paperback in order to wind down during the evening, and steer clear from caffeinated drinks, opt for hot chocolate or herbal tea instead.

Stick to a good night-time routine and you’ll feel refreshed and able to conquer the world in the morning!

If after a good night’s sleep your bed is still preferable to going outside in the wind and rain, then your issue may be a motivational

one. Perhaps that one lecture you have is one that you find yourself nodding off in anyways, or your seminar is a lot later in the day, so you can afford to have a lie-in for a bit longer? As tempting as it may seem to stay in bed, think of all the potential things that you could achieve in that time!

“Essays, laundry, binge-watching your favourite shows… the list is endless, your time is yours after all, do you really want to sleep it all away?”

Essays, laundry, binge-watching your favourite shows… the list is endless. Your time is yours after all, do you really want to sleep it all away? For many, planning your time in advance is a great idea as you can set yourself achievable goals, giving you another reason to get out of bed in the morning.

However you want to organise your time, be it by creating daily lists, keeping a diary or using a weekly planner, it can really help you find the motivation to get out of bed and prepare yourself for your lectures

and seminars.

So, you now have a little checklist of goals to achieve throughout the day, what next? Well when it comes to setting your alarm, choose a time and stick to it – avoid that seductive snooze button as it will just continue to disrupt your sleep. Eventually after sticking to a bedtime and wakeup routine, your body clock will naturally adapt to it, so you should be able to wake up of your own accord without the aid of an alarm clock.

Try not to miss breakfast undoubtedly the most important meal of the day. If you’re fed up of cereal every day, don’t despair, there are so many breakfasts to choose from, from the classic full English, to porridge, fruit, pancakes, toast… we could go on till lunchtime. Have fun with breakfast and relish in the variety of choice available to you.

Plus, if anything, breakfast will certainly give you that extra boost in the mornings to cope with those 9 am lectures, especially if you add in some extra caffeine.

Perhaps try some physical exercise in the morning, making you more alert for the day ahead.

Whether it be a walk or a run, a full gym workout, or maybe even a cheeky boogie in your pyjamas whilst listening to your favourite music, some physical activity will certainly wake you up.

Whilst your bed may still look cosy, hopefully with these suggestions you’ll be able to resist it till the day draws to a close again.

22nd November 2016

14

Features

Slow cooker secrets

Amy Asher tells us how to make the most of the crock pot this winter It’s always a great feeling walking meals, there is much more potenthrough the door after a long, hard tial and variety to be had. Many are day and have a warming home- not aware that a slow cooker can be cooked meal waiting for you. So used to roast a whole bird and can why not get to experience that every do so better than an oven; infusing day with a little help from a trusty flavours and tenderising the meat slow cooker? The arrival of the all much more effectively. Most people too familiar dark, cold and rainy also would not link slow cookers British winter is providing us with with desserts, yet the low heat setall the more reason to invest in a ting and the even temperature can handy tool, to help keep us cosy and make for a deliciously moist cheesewarm when the nights are long and cake! the days are short.

The benefits of owning a All that is needed are some cheap slow cooker are endless. Firstly, ingredients and a little prep work fresh ingredients, cooked at a low before relying on this seemingly temperature for a long period of magical pot to turn cheap cuts of time are required for slow-cooking meat into beautifully flavoursome resulting in food being rich with and tender meals. As a keen user of nutrition as the natural juices from slow cookers myself, I can honestly vegetables and meats are retained. say your future self will thank you a As University students we have lot. much more important things to Slow cookers often be doing than slaving over a associated hot stove, like only with sleeping or dishes such pre-drinking as soups for the LCR. a n d Yet with your stews, slow cooker and althe work is though they being done for are indeed you, leaving you very good at to concentrate on cooking those what matters in Photo: Flickr, Alexandra Stafford Photo: Wikimedia, Enric Martinez

the knowledge you will have a meal waiting for you when want it.

Who knows, with the help of a slow cooker you may even be able to reduce your bills a little each month as it uses significantly less energy than a conventional electric oven. That has to be music to every student’s ears! And if this wasn’t reason enough, slow cookers

drastically reduce the amount of cleaning up as the whole meal is cooked in one handy and easily washable pot.

A final advantage of owning a slow cooker is that it enables you to cook meals in bulk. I often make large quantities of curry that last me at least three days, and each day it tastes better with even more infused

flavours.

The wholesome and mouth wateringly tasty meals our slow cookers provide usFlickr, with Andy over and Photo: Le over again means you can’t help but fall in love with them, and what seals the deal is the little effort that they need. Mini slow cookers are available at Wilko for as little as £10: is there really any excuse not to?

Restaurant Review: Roots Features editors Lillie Coles and Lydia Lockyer went for a wintery feast at Roots What we had: • Sourdough bread - £3.50 • Pork belly, mashed potatoes, apple puree, red cabbage with creamy sauce - £10.95 • Buttermilk chicken burger, with bacon, avocado, slaw, served with fries and salad £10.95 • Poached pear with gingerbread crumbs and cinnamon ice cream £4.95 • Chocolate and orange mousse cake with creme fraiche - £4.95 Pottergate feels cosy, even from the outside, and it seemed only right to visit a cosy spot for some winter warmers after our investigations into hygge. After a long day of christmas shopping, all you want to do is cosy up in the candlelight for food that feeds the soul, especially as winter arrives.

Roots is the perfect place for this, serving a range of classic, homely dishes with big flavours.

Roots sits opposite the Belgian Monk, but has a far more understated appearance.

With a coffee shop downstairs, decked out with cakes and the Photos: Lydia Lockyer. Frames: Pixabay

most delicious-looking sausage rolls, the restaurant sits behind it.

There are two floors, each dining room decorated with a quaint, pinterest-esque vibe. Mismatched chairs, cute candles and soul music playing in the background all contribute to the warm homely vibe.

The food is presented so beautifully - we started with some sourdough bread, served on a slate with delicious fresh butter and sea salt. After that, the main courses arrived. The portion sizes were excellent and presented in a classy style, while still echoing the home style feel of the place.

Lydia had a buttermilk chicken burger, which had a lovely golden crumb, keeping the chicken moist along with the homemade red slaw. The chips were chunky and comforting, just what you would expect from a rustic restaurant with class.

Lillie had roast pork belly, which was tender, beautifully seasoned and went really well with the other flavours on the plate.

The mash was creamy and the apple sauce gave a roast-dinner vibe, alongside the almost festive flavoured spiced red cabbage.

We decided to share two desserts between us (all in the name of good journalism... honestly...)!

First was the chocolate and orange

mousse cake: a decadent pudding somewhere between a cheesecake and a mousse. Served with creme fraiche and fresh orange wedges to cut through the richness, we both loved it.

Then, we had the poached pear, served with gingerbread crumbs and cinnamon ice cream. The owner told us that it was a new item on the menu, and we hope it stays!

We both agreed that the warm, soft, sumptuous pear was perfectly hygge! The balance of sweet and spiced flavours was a festive treat, and the gingerbread crumbs were our favourite part - a really inventive and visually appealing way to serve such a simple dish.

Every dish was fresh, appetising and well worth the money. The options on the drinks menu were extensive, and, like the food, offered a focus on local produce. There were also some vegan, vegetarian and gluten free dishes, with something for everyone to enjoy. They also serve roast dinners on sundays, perfect for those lazy days when you want to indulge in a roast dinner without the effort of making one.

Quiet, cosy, quaint and with its delicious food, it is definitely the perfect spot for some hygge when you’re hungry!

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Photo: Public Domain Pictures: Petr Kratochvil

ADVERTISEMENT words provided by your students’ union officers

academic

news

closing the gap between teaching excellence and degree quality theo antoniou-phillips SU undergraduate education officer

>>

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been reviewing the feedback from the 2016 National Student Survey, which took place at UEA this year.

Though it’s clear that students are really supportive of lectures, we received a lot of negative feedback about learning resources, academic support and the quality of feedback from assessments. I believe these can be grouped into three key areas: 1. Feedback quality – many students commented that written feedback had a tendency to be ‘critical instead of suggesting how [the work] could be improved’.

2. Curriculum and personal diversity – where 87% of white students were satisfied with ‘academic support’, only 61% of BME students were. This indicates a significant divide in terms of resources for students from different backgrounds.

3. Lecture resources – though students reported that lectures were good, some schools (such as Management) reported that lecturers didn’t vary the content enough, with one student commenting, ‘after nine hours of PowerPoint, it gets a bit draining’.

postgraduate

As Undergraduate Education Officer, I am urging University staff to focus on the quality, as well as the speed, of their feedback – focussing on constructive criticism as much as they can. I’m also pushing for students to be given feedback online, so that students can actually read what they’ve been given!

I also believe that the starting point to ensuring all students feel supported academically is creating a diverse and representative curriculum. Through this year, I have been working with the ‘why is my curriculum white’ campaign to push each school’s curriculum

words provided by your students’ union officers

to be more representative of BME students. I hope this will be added to by upcoming work with the university’s equality and diversity policy more broadly.

Many students have told me that though their lecture content is good, they’d like them to be recorded so they can re-visit them.

I believe this is key, and this is something I hope to develop with the University in the future.

news

i’m committed to improving postgraduate events maddie colledge SU postgraduate education officer

>>

It’s time students’ unions stop patronising postgrad students, and create events that actually reflect their interests.

There are approximately 4,000 postgraduates at UEA, making up 25% of the student population.

Postgrads are as diverse as the undergrad student body, and it’s always confused me as to why other Students’ Unions act like they’re not.

Across the country, postgrads have been branded as studious, introverted, and disinterested in socialising. There’s this assumption that if you’re dedicated enough to be studying at a PG level, you’re automatically going to be uninterested in having fun.

That’s why this year, I’m working hard to make sure our postgraduate events actually reflect our students, rather than pigeonholing the entire 4,000 postgraduate student body into patronising ‘cheese and wine’ events.

Fresher’s week events are open for all students, but we also held a range of events specifically for postgraduates. These included two tours to the city – the Postgrad Ale Trail and the Cake and Coffee tour, and a free trip to Gravity, Norwich’s trampoline park, for students with families.

Though all of these events were different, the turnout for each one was fantastic. This just proves that if you get the event right, postgrads will get involved.

This is also why we created the SU’s Social Grant. The Social Grant allows postgraduates to apply for funding and organise their own student-led events, projects and activities. It puts the control completely in the hands of the students, allowing postgrads to create events that reflect their own interests.

This year, we’ve had unprecedented demand for the Social Grant, and have allocated over half of our budget in the first three months.

This has been brilliant – in the past, Unions across the country have justified cutting funding for postgrad events because of low attendance to PG events they’ve put on. Now, I can take these figures to financial meetings and

demand postgrads are given their fair share of the social budget.

Upcoming events We list all of our upcoming events on uea.su/postgraduate – head to the website to get an up-to-date list of things we’ve got planned (including another Postgrad Ale Trail!

There’s more to be done I’m committed to improving postgrad events, but I can only make it a success with your help.

I need your ideas and suggestions.

To get involved, email me at m.collegde@uea.ac.uk

Comment 16

22nd November 2016

Election Analysis: Ho

Photo: Michael Vadon, Wikimedia

When small-town America fought back Megan Baynes Editor-in-Chief It’s very easy to be dismissive of Americans. “Americans are stupid”, “I can’t believe they were stupid enough to actually vote for Donald Trump” are just a few of the comments being flung around this past week. Yet, the election was truly devastating: not only for Americans, but the rest of the world. A man with more power than just about anyone on earth is also the same man who has dismissed climate change as a myth, assaulted multiple women and threatened to shut down Planned Parenthood (amongst other campaign pledges).

This isn’t the first comment I’ve written about the American election, and I am confident it will not be the last. I am not someone who normally shows much emotion, but on the morning of 9th November 2016, at approximately 4:16am I cried in the middle of the red bar and didn’t give a damn who

saw. I had voted for Clinton and been so steadfast in my optimism that she would win. Dressed in my 2008 Obama hoodie, now much too short at the sleeves, with a flag bandana tied around my head, I was sure I would be spending the night celebrating. Instead, I saw a country I call home elect a man that terrifies me.

In the day following the election, I checked in with every one of my American friends. One of them told me, “the entire country is in a bad mood. Everyone is upset. There are protests happening everywhere.”

I have friends scared for their families, for their own lives and to them, Trump is a very real threat.

And before you suggest someone just assassinates him, Mike Pence is no better. He’s just Trump with a little added political experience.

With widespread protests in every major city, and chants of ‘Not my President’, it’s very easy to dismiss the choice America has made.

However, it was dismissing

“ignorant, right wing Americans” that got Trump elected, and to continue to do so will prove exceptionally dangerous. I, like the rest of liberal America, had underestimated how much the country yearned for change.

“The liberal superiority complex has grown so huge, not just in America but in Britain too, that we have rendered an entire half of the country as inferior: after all, we know better.”

This was not just a case of ignorance and racism; it was a battle cry for a revolution and a

fight against career politicians, such as Hillary. No matter how qualified she was, she represented the establishment, and small town America had had enough.

In the words of Will McAvoy, “You know why people don’t like liberals? Because they lose.

If liberals are so fuckin’ smart, how come they lose so goddam always!?” We dismissed the other side, and we laughed in their faces as they wore their Trump hats and waved their banners. We halfheartedly booed their protests, and scoffed when more assault allegations came to light against Trump. We underestimated their voting power, and assumed they would be too stupid to stumble into a booth on election day.

What’s worse is that we continue to do this. The liberal superiority complex has grown so huge, not just in America but in Britain too, that we have rendered an entire half of the country as inferior: after all, we know better. What we failed to understand all throughout this

election is the other side has just as much right to their vote as we do. Instead of using persuasion to change minds and votes, we groan at their stupidity. Elections need to be an open dialogue of debate, not a mudslinging match of insults. If liberals across the world don’t step down from their high horse and make an attempt to understand the otherside of the argument, Trump’s election might not be the story.

We can’t just dissmiss small town America anymore. Americans are threatening to emigrate to Canada, but is this realistic, or productive?

It would be better to move to small town America to educate, persuade, and try and prevent a 2020 repeat. Giving up is no longer an option.I’m as proud of being liberal as I am of being American: I believe that we all have certain inalienable rights, regardless of race, gender or sexuality. Yet, I wish I had taken Trump seriously a year ago. Perhaps if we all had done, we wouldn’t be collectively dreading the start of 2017.

17

22nd November 2016

ow did this happen?

Was DNC complacency to blame?

Rob Klim Comment Writer On reflection, one can see that it was Clinton’s world-view, and what she represented, that contrasted sharply with America’s disenfranchised voters.

Clinton is an embodiment of corporate elitism and a neoliberal agenda which has stripped many Americans of their status and power. This applies predominantly to the white male demographic, yet considering that 25 percent of those who supported Trump where ethnic minorities, this reveals a far more fundamental resistance to a leader who represented no change.

Hilary Clinton’s machine is representative of the corporate Davos class. Despite his bravado and demagoguery, supporters of Clinton fail to recognise the equally rational aversion many feel to her neoliberal policies.

Policies of deregulation,privatisation, austerity and corporate trade have led to living standards declining for large swaths of the American population.

No wonder the phrase “Lets make America great again” resonated with so many. This phrase stands as an embodiment of a collective

desire to reject the corporate elite Clinton represents.

The DNC can and have responded to the fascist strong man through history. The 1930s, as a case in point, reveals how a real left, which stands for a redistributive agenda, can opposed forces of tyranny. An organised, coherent left would have really made Trump “Feel the Bern”, and could have stripped away many of his supporters. As with Canada’s Leap Manifesto, a greener New Deal for the twenty-first century could work to establish well-paying unionised jobs. That said, a strong left would also need to redress Sanders’ failure to connect with older black and Latino voters - a group strongly hit by the current economic model.

However, other figures in the party such as Elizabeth Warren, who ardently supports the Black Lives Matter movement, reveal the party’s developing capability to reach out to a fractured and disenfranchised country.

Figureheads such as Warren and Sanders are significant indications of an increasing taste for Democratic socialism. This progressive left could answer the call to address the flaws of a society of great wealth, faced with ever increasing insecurity.

Brothers in qualms: the special relationship Alice Spencer Comment Writer Blink and you might have missed it. A lot has happened since 23rd June, and strange as it seems to us now that a couple of months ago Michael Gove was an actual candidate to be Prime Minister, we might be forgiven on the basis that some other, not insignificant, development has arisen.

For those following social media on 9th November, you probably experienced a strong sense of déjà vu. It was happening again. After every ‘it will never happen’, ‘people aren’t that stupid’, the shock result came true. Our newsfeeds went into meltdown, with everyone expressing disbelief and dismay that people should feel differently to themselves and the like-minded people on their friends list.

From there, cue the broken promises. Whether anyone actually measured the time between the Brexit vote was confirmed and that Good Morning Britain interview, my guess would be it wasn’t long before the Leave side started quibbling over the main promise of their campaign. That elusive £350 million. Not even a week after his victory, Trump has gone back on several campaign pledges, namely, his promise to repeal ObamaCare,

to the relief of disadvantaged Americans, and pretty much the rest of civilised society.

Why am I criticizing this? If Trump is open to compromise, surely that’s a good thing. Clearly, I’m just indulging in what Boris Johnson aptly called ‘whingeorama’. But this political zig-zagging might reveal something worrying about Trump’s style of leadership. Remember how ‘soft Brexit’ soon turned into ‘hard Brexit’? I’m sure if the presidentelect can switch to ‘soft Trumpism’, he can easily switch back again.

This obviously has concerning implications for the so-called ‘special’ relationship.

In his shmoozing phone call to Theresa May, Trump said the UK was a “very, very special place” for him. In terms of actually meaning anything, that’s on par with ‘taking our country back’.

But not meaning anything might prove to be the issue: for a postBrexit Britain, it can mean anything Trump wants it. Trump says he aims to model his relationship with May on the Reagan-Thatcher friendship.

Macmillan and Kennedy might have been a less controversial choice, Bush and Blair more so.

That ‘special relationship’ led us to war. But with his attitude to Russia and ISIS, this partnership might lead us to even more terrible places.

Concrete liveblogged the election results: here are our highlights 23:20: Everyone is reliving A-Level government and politics right now, and the red bar is awash with hopeful students.

Snatches of Donald Trump’s ‘Freedom Song’ can be heard mingling with occasional requests for Bernie Sanders to return to the race.

23:20: Former Republican President, George Bush Junior and his wife, Laura, have reportedly NOT voted for Donald Trump.

23:34: Trump is allegedly suing a polling station for opening past hours, the judge hearing the case is as confused as we are, and is quoted as saying ‘What are you asking me for again?’

23:41: The bar has switched from ITV to BBC coverage, causing cheers from students.

00:03: Clinton predicted to win 3 electoral votes from Vermont.

00:06: Clinton: 3 -- Trump: 19 Clinton has won Vermont, whilst Trump has taken Kentucky and Indiana.

00:57: Guardian reports Clinton having a lead in Ohio with 54%.

Results still coming in.

01:04: Oklahoma has declared for Trump 01:17: Trump wins Tennessee by a substantial margin.

01:31: Trump wins Alabama No surprises there. This was a Romney state in 2012.

02:26: The House is predicted to be over 95 pc Republican 03:13: It’s looking good for Trump, but it’s still early in the night.

03:16: Clinton has taken Virginia Reports are coming in that it could be a win for Clinton in Virginia 03:19 Traders are reacting to the tightening presidential race in the US – racing to gold, while Asian shares plummet and the peso crashes against the dollar.

04:30: Trump wins UTAH. In the words of the BBC: “Clinton has one path to the presidency.

Trump has many.”

04:39: Trump has won Florida.At this point, a Trump presidency is almost certain.

The Trump Era: did hate win the election?

Sophie Bunce Comment Writer In the UK we’d assume that an ongoing rape trial would derail anyone’s political career. As we once thought it had Trump’s. After controversial and vile statements about women in the final weeks, it seemed like his presidential campaign was done for. A campaign propelled by hate had finally lost momentum. It seemed that his attitude of misogyny and racism would not prevail. And then he won.

Why did people vote for him?

Simply because Trump promised change. Rational voters understand that voting for something as vague as ‘change’ is lunacy. But rationality was abandoned by most and Trump became president. His voters were diverse: Trump received support from almost half of voters earning more than $250,000 a year and half of college graduates. Yet he claims to be a man representing the working classes. They appeared to ignore his sexual harassment and assault allegations and supported his racist campaign. A campaign which promised to build a wall along America’s southern border to combat a non-existent immigration crisis and ban an entire religious group from entering the country.

This suggests that there is deep

rooted, and growing, racial prejudice existing within America which actually won him votes.

Trump’s win teaches children that sexual harassment is fine as long as you’re rich and powerful. It tells a generation that racism will be tolerated. It broadcasts to the world that we are not moving forwards, but backwards.

Misogyny meant that it didn’t matter that Hillary was of the most qualified presidential candidates in recent years. Hillary Clinton is a woman, and that meant she could not be president. She was reduced

by Trump to a ‘nasty woman’. Not an unreliable candidate, not a weak opponent or anything that commented on her political ability, but a ‘nasty woman’. Her work as Secretary of State, her involvement in the recovery after 9/11 and her election campaign meant nothing.

Media focused on her personal life more than her policies. Her clothes were scrutinised over her causes.

It came down to the fact that the voters preferred a sexist racist instead of a woman.

With Trump already changing his mind, and his election winning policies, the future is unclear.

America welcomes the Trump family into the Whitehouse and in doing so welcomes an era of misogyny and racism. It is awful, but it isn’t shocking. It is what they voted for.

Blaming the system: was the Electoral College at fault?

Elliot Folan Comment Writer To anybody looking at the U.S. election results, one fact stands out: Hillary Clinton is on track to receive more votes across the country than Donald Trump, but Trump is the President-elect. What gives?

It’s all down to a system known as the ‘Electoral College’. Rather than totalling up the popular vote across America, each of the 50 states (plus Washington D.C.) gets allocated a number of ‘electoral votes’ based on total population, with the total being 538.

If a candidate wins a state, they get all of those electoral votes, and they need 270 in total to win.

Each state gets at least 3, reflecting the minimum 1 representative in Congress and 2 Senators. So California (population 38.3m) has

55 electoral votes, and Wyoming (population 582,000) has 3. This is of course not representative; if Electoral Votes were distributed proportionally, Wyoming would have 1 vote and California 65.

Thus, if you just pile up votes in safe states like California but narrowly lose other Electoral Voterich states (as Clinton did) you can win the national vote whilst losing the Electoral College.

This system is, of course, nonsense. In the 1800s, in a fragile new democracy with people more attached to their state identity than being ‘American’ you can see why they built it this way.

But in the 21st century, America doesn’t need training wheels for its democracy. Votes cast in Wyoming shouldn’t be worth more than votes in California. The use of an outdated system must end.

America should elect its President by nationwide popular vote.

18

22nd November 2016

Science

Trump presidency: is the planet doomed?

Daniel Box Science Writer Darkness has descended upon the United States, but President-Elect Donald Trump has pledged to keep the oil lamps burning. Trump is about to embark on a crusade to destroy the environment, alongside the hopes and dreams of millions of Americans.

This is the latest revelation in the series of truly surreal events which have transpired over the last few weeks. This all probably stems from Trump’s steadfast belief that global warming is a ‘Chinese-invented hoax’. There are two major directives that Trump desperately wishes to eradicate; the Paris climate agreeement and the Clean Power Plan.

Under the Paris climate agreement, all the governments that signed are obligated to ensure that global temperature rise remains at no more than 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

Countries which have signed the agreement include many economic world-leaders, such as China, India, the European Union, the United Kingdom (as our government hasn’t yet announced that it will change

its stance post-Brexit), and of course, the United States. Trump’s proposed abandonment of this policy marks an aversion away from the general international consensus on global warming. There are fears that if Trump follows through with his proposed rejection of the Paris climate agreement, it could set off a ‘cataclysmic domino effect where other countries also drop out or ease off efforts to decarbonise’, according to The Guardian.

The Clean Power Plan was ‘Obama’s linchpin emissions reduction policy’, in which many corporations such as eBay have pledged their support. Designed to ‘cut emissions form power plants’, this bill met a lot of resistance from Republican governors, who claimed that it would be ‘economically damaging’. Despite 365 businesses and investors lobbying state governors to support the legislation, Trump is still planning to scrap it.

Michael Mann, a climate researcher, stated: “A Trump presidency might be game over for the climate... it might make it impossible to stabilise planetary warming below dangerous levels.”

Alongside these two preventative measures for global

warming, Donald Trump is also planning on eliminating billions of US dollars worth of clean energy funding. He is interested in rerouting aid money which is currently being sent to developing nations suffering the effects of firstworld induced climate change.

Furthermore, Trump has appointed conservative think tank leader Myron Ebell to oversee transition plans for a government department Trump has ‘casually earmarked for abolition’; the Environmental Protection Agency.

This, coupled with the provisional appointing of ‘oil billionaire’ Harold Hamm as energy secretary, would leave the landscape of the United States vulnerable to big business exploitation on an unprecedented scale.

However, this is hardly a shocking revelation. It’s merely the latest in a long line of disturbing and unsettling things Donald Trump has done since his foray into politics. We shouldn’t lose any sleep over this though, as Trump did dub global warming as ‘nothing to worry about’.

But then, Trump will be perfectly safe from rising sea levels sitting comfortably in the penthouse suite of Trump Tower.

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22nd November 2016

Implant helps paralysed monkeys walk The medical breakthrough is due to new wireless technologies implanted in their brains

Ruth Harding Science Writer The first implant to restore the walking ability of partially paralysed primates is being welcomed as a major medical breakthrough, and raises the eventuality of new wireless treatments designed for individuals with severe spinal injuries. International researchers from the Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne are aiming to correct the damage to the spinal cord, resulting in critical messages for movement being unable to run from the brain to the muscles. The results, published in the scientific journal Nature, explore the impact of an inserted implant into the brain area controlling leg movement and a wireless receiver placed below the spinal cord.

The implant reads brain activity designed to cause leg movement and this is wirelessly passed, mimicking the original brain activity on to the pacemaker.

One half of the device is a small electrode, that is implanted into the monkey’s brain. The elctrode detected signals connected to leg motion and beamed the patterns to a computer close by, which interpreted what they meant.

Two rhesus macaque monkeys with varying damage to their spinal cords, resulting in paralysis,

were able to walk following the implantation of this technology.

One monkey with partial paralysis, the result of broken nerves during surgical procedure, could walk after six days with the implant. The second monkey, with more severe damage to its nerves, was able to walk approximately two weeks after implantation.

A neurosurgeon has said that: “for the first time, I can imagine a completely paralysed patient able to move their legs through this brain-spine interface.”

Gregoire Courtine a neuroscientist who led much of the research explains: “Thanks to this brain-spine interface the animal suffering from a paralysed leg thinks about the leg movement. ”Courtine’s team has spent a total of seven years experimenting and developing this treatment. He elaborates that the brain implant “stimulates the animal who is able to recover a coordinated gait.

There really is a kind of intelligence inside the spinal cord. We are not just talking about reflexes that automatically activate muscles. In the spinal cord there are networks

of neurones able to take their own decisions.” David Borton, a neuroengineer at Brown Univeristy stated: “We’re actually taking brain signals and putting them back into the nervous system at the spinal cord level to activate locomotion.

That hasn’t been done before.”

Courtine’s team spent seven years developing this treatment mechanism. The system is built from components that are already approved for human use. As such, Courtine believes it could be prepared for human trials in as little as five years. The experimentation was overseen by neuroscientist Dr Erwan Bezard from Bordeaux University who commented that “the primates were able to walk immediately once the brain-spine interface was activated. No physiotherapy or training was necessary.”

However, Courtine believes that there are some significant challenges for this technology in the future and that it could “take several years before this intervention can become a therapy for humans.” Many scientists are interested in the prospect of using the implant as a potential tool in rehabilitation units. Patients with partially severed spinal cords with intact but damaged nerve fibres are potential recipients of this treatment. Clinical

trials in Lausanne University Hospital in Switzerland are set to examine the potential of adverse effects of the spinal receiver on individuals with severe spinal cord injuries. A neurosurgeon at the University Hospital has said that: “for the first time, I can imagine a completely paralysed patient able to move their legs through this brain-spine interface.” If this technology was to be used on humans it would require ten years of tests.

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Broads plan set to protect wildlife after Brexit Ellen Atkinson Science Writer There have been many economic and social issues that have arisen post-Brexit, specifically there are concerns over the environment since the UK’s decision to leave the European Union. EU legislation helps to protect many of the UK’s most precious landscapes and conservation laws have given areas such as the Norfolk Broads’ ‘special status’, in order to prevent them from being over-developed.

Furthermore, the EU protects over 1,000 endangered wildlife species. This all seems to be at threat due to our exit from the EU, however, it looks as if the Broads’ future in the wake of Brexit may be bright.

The Broads Authority has an emerging ‘Broads Plan’ to help to protect the area and reduce the problems that may be caused when we finally leave the EU. It is hoped that the scheme will come into effect from 2017 to 2022.

Andrea Long, Director of Planning and Resources at The Broads Authority, has commented that the Broads are ‘known for [their] special environmental qualities and all the legislation that looks after that is from Europe’.

Furthermore, EU laws and

Photo: norfolk-broads, Admin-review.co.uk directives have control over land management and ‘agricultural payments’ around the Broad’s waterways. Long stresses the uncertainty of the Broads’ economic and environmental future in the wake of Brexit and hopes that the scheme will make sure that its ‘special qualities’, such as the landscape, wildlife and water quality will not be jeopardised.

The Broads Plan is mainly

composed of attempting to educate residents, businesses and visitors on how they can reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, with the hope of creating ‘climate smart’ communities.

The plan will support the expansion and promotion of low energy use schemes that are already in place, such as Green Tourism.

This aims to assist tourists in reducing their environmental

impact on the places they visit. The plan will receive funding from the Broads Climate Partnership and it is planned that the pilot project shall be launched next year.

Despite these efforts towards securing a sustainable future for the Broads, the effects of greenhouse gas emissions will still be felt. As individuals we should reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, for the sake of the Broads and the planet.

Cyber-hack attack costs Tesco Bank £2.5 million James Chesson Science Writer In a recent scandal, Tesco Bank customers had £2.5m taken from their accounts after a massive cyber-attack. The bank suspended online banking for all of the 136,000 customers who use it. They claim that 9,000 customers were affected and that users’ “personal data has [not] been compromised.” It was initially reported that as many as 20,000 accounts may had been affected, but the actual number proved to be much lower. Most of the accounts had small amounts of money taken from them, but some customers lost hundreds of pounds or even as much as £1,500 in the attack.

Tesco Bank refunded all of the money that was stolen from customers. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), which regulates financial firms, requires banks to refund any unauthorised payments from a customer’s account, unless they can prove that the fault lies with the customer, or if the transaction took place over 13 months ago.

Benny Higgins, Tesco Bank CEO, commented: “Our first priority throughout this incident has been protecting and looking after our customers and we’d again like to apologise for the worry and inconvenience this issue has caused.”

“We’ve now refunded all customer accounts affected by fraud and lifted the suspension of online debit transactions so that customers can use their accounts as normal.”

According to Higgins, the bank knows “exactly” the nature of the attack, but cannot publically say it due to an ongoing investigation from the National Crime Agency.

He did say that it was “a systematic, sophisticated attack.”

The Sunday Times reported that the criminals behind the attack used contactless smartphones payments to launder the stolen money.

According to the paper, the thieves bought thousands of low-priced items from US and Brazil based shops, including the American electronics retailer, Best Buy. Chief executive of the FCA, Andrew Bailey, described the scale of the attack as an “unprecedented” attack in the context of the UK. Bailey told MPs that “there are elements of this that look unprecedented and it is serious, clearly.”

Tesco Bank could be fined up to £500,000 by the Information Commissioner’s Office if they are judged to have failed to take preventative measures to stop customers’ personal data being hacked.

Travel

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22nd November 2016

Going it alone: the crucial art of travelling solo Tom Brown Travel Writer Finding the time to get away isn’t easy. It’s even harder trying to organise a trip with a partner, where you both need to find time off work,study and save up enough money, and it’s almost impossible as part of a group when you all keep pushing the travel date further and further back until it becomes just another thing you and your mates didn’t get around to organising.

If that’s the case, it might be time to pack your bags and gear-up for a solo trip.

Spending time alone while travelling is a completely different experience to spending time alone in your room. If you’re not the kind of person who tends to spend a lot of time by yourself, it can be incredibly enjoyable to be in your own company, especially when you’re in a new place.

The best bit though is that nobody knows who you are.

Obviously this isn’t an excuse to act however you feel like and damn the consequences, but there’s something incredibly liberating about being surrounded by people who’ve only known you for a few

days. You want to share everything with them.

It’s so easy while living at home to become involved in personal drama and to become bloated by petty non-issues. All that stress ebbs away when you’ve only got strangers to talk to and whatever worries you had going on in your personal life doesn’t seem all that important anymore.

One thing you immediately realise when travelling solo in hostels is that most people are in a similar situation to you. Some of the most interesting people you’ll ever meet will be the people you find travelling alone. From a professional bull-rider to international basketball coach, I’ve had conversations with people I’ve known for a few hours which stuck with me more than people I’ve known my whole life.

Another thing to remember: Do everything you want to do and nothing you don’t want to. The point of travelling alone is that you decide where you want to go and what you want to spend your time and money on. Don’t let yourself get talked into anything you think is a bad idea.

If you’re in a relationship, spending a holiday apart can be a refreshing thing for a couple. If you’ve got a partner you care about,

Flickr: Moyan Brenn you should already trust them enough to let them pursue their own interests and desires without feeling like you need to be included in every second of their lives. Similarly, they should trust you enough to do the same. Plus, if you find somewhere amazing you have a brilliant excuse to revisit with your partner.

As difficult as it can be, travelling

alone makes you smarter, more selfreliant, less fearful and probably more likely to do it again once you realise it wasn’t as hard as some have cracked it up to be. However, if you like to travel, you can decide for yourself for a few months what you want to do and how you want to do it. Being responsible for nothing but your own happiness and enjoyment

is the most empowering thing imaginable. It's something I really Photo: Wikipedia, Moyan Brenn believe everyone should do at least once in their lives. If you do go for it, do your research and make sure someone at home knows your travel route, and use common sense above all else. If you keep those things in mind, you’ll probably find that you’re pretty good company.

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22nd November 2016

Working in Greece: the ideal holiday Milly Godfrey Senior Travel Reporter wIt’s the type of summer you see on your friend’s-friend's Facebook page, having stalked them one lonely and fairly bored night fueled by a little bit of wine and lot of exhaustion. The kind of Instagram worthy photos that feel so far from your own reality. It was sun and sea and wonderful company and fortunately this year, it was all mine.

Having spent ten months in the grime that is North Philadelphia, this summer I was lucky enough to hop back on a plane and head to Skyros Island, a 45 minute flight north of the Greek capital of Athens. I’d got a job as a ‘work scholar’ for Skyros Holidays at Atsista Bay, where I’d committed to three months of cleaning toilets and sweeping yoga areas in the glorious Greek sunshine with an array of some of the most wonderful people I could ever imagine meeting.

Skyros Holidays offers a holistic vacation experience for those seeking the escape of the mundanity of everyday life; they offer a wide variety of courses, from yoga to windsurfing to personal self-help programs and writing courses. By all accounts it was my very own piece of heaven plopped ever so perfectly on the edge of crystal clear water and surrounded

by expansive pine forest. Working for three months was bliss in this place.

I joined the majority of staff and guests living in small bamboo huts, mere seconds from everything the site had to offer. Head out of the gate and down a dirty, rocky, fairly lethal path and you find yourself on the perfect secluded cove. Affectionatley named Dead Goats Beach, this place came to be the most phenomenal piece of land and water I could imagine.

Head there at just the right time in the month, when the moon sheds next to no light on the still water, submerge your body and you’ll find yourself surrounded by glowing phosphorescent plankton, igniting with every move of your limbs.

Isolated living has its perks, we would lie on our backs amongst the glowing sea life and watch the sky alight with stars. It was just like this I saw my first ever shooting star.

The little beach became a haven for everyone, for the guests who stayed just a week and the staff who were in it for the long haul. We all found our little spot of solace under that night sky.

Heading up the hill from the land of huts, sweeping views of mountainous forest and endless ocean greeted you for your morning yoga. Atsitsa’s charm is in its ability to absorb everything brought to it.

The hope and heartbreak of its staff

and vistitors is taken by the wind and shared equally as you inhale and exhale through 7am sun salutations or 5pm trapeze lessons. No one person is truly alone in Atsista; as I cleaned the 8th toilet of my morning I knew that in a few short minutes I would eat and drink with people I could never have possibly met in any other place, people that would welcome me into their homes or adopt be as their own for a few short hours as we spoke of life away from the paradise island. These people exist all over the world but to be fortunate enough to have so many in one place is simply the magic created by Skyros Holidays.

Working in paradise was no easy task; the mornings were early and the weekend hours long. Cleaning toilets or washing dishes for hours on end wasn’t exactly what I planned for my summer but when you finish your shift and the open water or shining sun is just waiting for you, it’s hard to hold a grudge.

We’d hire mopeds and explore the island, drink cocktails on our days off or hike through crumbling pine forest for hours and hours to find an untouched shipwreck. I wouldn’t want to have been anywhere else.

I may have been sweaty for three months straight and looked a little crispy at points, but I met lifelong friends, learnt lifelong lessons, and understood why people are happy on this weird and wonderful planet.

Photo: Jodie Randell

Photo credit: Milly Godfrey

Sand and street food in southern Taiwan Yuyang Yao Travel Writer

My best friend told me there was a little gem in the south of Taiwan that deserves to be explored although very few people know of it. Kenting is located in Hengchun Peninsula of Pingtung County and is home to the southernmost point of Taiwan. It was the end of April when, without hesitation, we began our journey.

“Taiwan is home to a number of beautiful beaches” Hengchun, just like its meaning in Chinese (“always spring”), has good weather all year round. The journey there displayed a transformation in the terrain, from messy to clear, from rough to delicate. Every style was totally unlike Europe. A single street ran straight through the town, with various tiny lanes meandering adjacent. It was a fantastic sight to see such a narrow road that seemed to extend as far as the eye can see. Orderly houses rose up on both sides of the street, shops setting out on the ground. Multicoloured signboards stretched out from stores in a range of sizes and heights, all competing in their

numerous styles to attract visitors.

The sunshine hung lazily, shining down on pedestrians, traders, cars, bikes and goods on market stalls.

Arriving at the hostel, the owner told us that “everything you will do here follows your heart.” There was no necessity to prepare for planning where to go and what to do, apart from taking a map and hiring an electric motorbike.

It was a sunny afternoon as we drove out of the town center on a long asphalt road seeing almost no cars or people. The road would run straight for long periods and then wind, snakelike, shrubs and grasses growing green on the verge in rhythmic layers extending to the seashore. Clouds wandered, hiding the mountains that loomed in the distance. I felt tiny under the boundless sky; we were screaming, we were free, we were bursting with joy.

Taiwan is home to a number of beautiful beaches and thanks to the climate they can be enjoyed all year round. As I surveyed Baisha Shore, the location used in films such as Life of Pi and Cape No.7, I felt lucky to be able to experience such sights. I sat on the soft sands and watched the children playing, making sandcastles and paddling.

Waves ran from the horizon and forged to the beach with rolling

Flickr: Tomas Fano sounds. Innocent faces were in fits of laughter as waves softly doused around legs and feet. At that moment, it seemed that time stopped, my heart was peaceful and I became a bystander looking in on the beautiful picture before me.

Another overwhelmingly wonderful experience that should not be missed in Kenting is the gourmet-style street food. Served under Chinese paper lanters, they provide the best food in the night market and you can eat dishes

such as beef noodles, fruit friedice, and barbecued and traditional tofu. The atmosphere was buzzing: traders and shoppers were talking, hot soup was bubbling and knives were chopping.

I enjoyed a frozen dessert called garlic mung beans which, surprisingly, is actually nothing to do with garlic. It was traditionally served as the last dessert in local feasts. Mung beans are chopped and cooked like garlic and served in a bowl with condensed milk, little

taros, syrup and special noodles.

It was an unusual combination of chewy, juicy and crispy I immersed myself in the night market and believed that they were creating a culture more than selling one.

My trip to Kenting was truly magical; I enjoyed the differences between the city where I live and the atmosphere of my new environmment. Travelling gave me an appreciation of new cultures and this is why I believe travelling is so important.

Sport

22nd November 2016

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Andy Murray reaches number one ATP ranking The Scot ends Novak Djokovic’s 122-week reign as world number one

James Chesson Sports Writer Andy Murray has risen to number one in the ATP singles rankings for the first time in his career. The achievement marks the first time a British player has topped the rankings since they began in 1973.

The Scot secured his place at the top on his way to winning the Paris Masters. This ended Novak Djokovic’s 122-week reign as the world’s number one tennis player. Before the event, Murray knew that he would claim Djokovic’s throne if either he won the tournament and the Serbian failed to reach the final, or if he reached the final and Djokovic failed to reach the semi-finals. Murray’s path to the number one ranking became clearer when the Serbian lost to Croatian Marin Cilic 6-4, 7-6 at the quarter-final stage.

That meant that that Murray was just one win away from topping the rankings, and needed to beat Canada’s Milos Raonic in the semi-finals.

Fortunately for Murray, Raonic had to pull out of the tournament with injury before the match, sending Murray straight through the final and taking him past the rankings points total he needed to overtake Djokovic.

“[The Paris Masters] was the sixth ATP title that the Scot has won in 2016, adding to his success at the Italian Open, the Queen’s Club Championships, the China open, the Shanghai Masters and the Vienna Open” Murray then celebrated by beating John Isner 6-3, 6-7 (4-7), 6-4 in the final to seal the Paris Masters trophy for the first time in his career.

Murray beat Fernando Verdasco in

three sets and both Lucas Pouille and Tomas Berdych in straight sets on his way to winning the tournament. This was the sixth ATP title that the Scot has won in 2016, adding to his successes at the Italian Open, the Queen’s Club Championships, the China Open, the Shanghai Masters, and the Vienna Open.

Murray opened his successful Paris Masters campaign with a hard-fought 6-3, 6-7 (5-7), 7-5 over Spain’s Verdasco, surviving a scare when his unseeded opponent took the second set on a tie-break. Then in the third round he comfortably overcame France’s Pouille 6-3, 6-0.

This set up a quarter-final tie with Thomas Berdych, which started out as a close contest with a tense tie-break eventually going Murray’s way 11-9. Murray went on to wrap up a straight sets, 7-6 (11-9), 7-5 victory which sent him through the semi-finals, which Raonic pulled out of.

Murray also won a second Wimbledon title in June, beating Raonic in that final. Britain had to wait 77

years for a men’s champion at its home tournament prior to Murray’s 2013 victory, but just three years for another win.

He also successfully defended the Olympic title that he won in London 2012, by claiming the gold medal in Rio, where he beat Juan Martin del Potro in the final. The 2016 Olympic Tennis competition did not provide any ATP rankings points, but was one of the high points of a successful season for Murray.

ATP rankings points are awarded for progress in major tennis tournaments, with Grand Slams providing 2000 points for winning. Masters 1000 tournaments such as the competitions Murray won in Paris, Shanghai and Rome provide 1000 points for the winner. Djokovic has won two Grand Slams to Murray’s one, but the Scot managed to accumulate enough points from the smaller tournaments to reach the number one ranking.

Carine06, Flickr

England fall just short of victory over India

Match drawn as England fail to get last four wickets

Sam Whitelaw Sports Writer

England capain, Alistair Cook. Photo: www.wikimedia.org

Joe Root batting for England, Brian Minkoff, Wikimedia

The England cricket team finished the first test match of the five match series against India with a draw.

Now Alastair Cook and his team have gone out to India hoping they can repeat that overall result. The match started on overall result.

The match started on Wednesday 9th November in Rajkot and was a thriller from start to finish.

England batted first, with the flat pitch providing a tremendous opportunity for the players to rack up a huge score for India to answer to. This is exactly what happened.

England batted at a steady rate throughout the first day.

Key batsman Joe Root once again scored a hundred, while Moeen Ali ended the day only one run away from his own. England could not have asked for a better start.

Day two started on an equally high note for the team, with Ali securing his ton followed by Ben Stokes achieving his own as well.

This excellent batting carried on until England were eventually all out for an impressive 537, a score that almost certainly ensured that England would not lose the test barring only a masterclass from India.

Batting conditions were still favourable by the time India took the crease though, so it wasn’t out of the question. India’s batting looked strong, with the two openers,

Murali Vijay and Gautam Gambhir, remaining unbeaten throughout the rest of the day two, ending on 63-0.

India’s impressive batting display continued on day three, with the hosts slowly chasing down the English score.

“If England were to win they needed to knock India over twice in two days. Things looked promising for Cook’s side as the day went on, getting India all out for 488, a high score but one not as high as it initially looked like they would get. ” By the close, they had whittled down England’s lead thanks to sublime centuries from Vijay and Cheteshwar Pujara, ending on 319 for a loss of only 4 wickets, 218 runs away from parity in the first innings.

If England were to win, they needed to knock India over twice in the next two days. Things looked promising for Cook’s side as the day went on, getting India all out for 488, a high score but one not as high as it initially looked like they would get.

In the third innings, Cook and

debutant opener Haseeb Hameed stepped to the crease. Hameed proved to be the talent that many had claimed him to be in his second innings, racking up an impressive 62 by the end of play, leaving England on 114-0 and giving them an outside hope of victory.

The game plan for the final day was simple for England. Score enough runs to put the game out of India’s reach in the first session and then try and bowl India out in the same day.

Cook led the way by scoring an excellent century before declaring on 260-3, giving India the near impossible target of 310 in the final session and a half.

England’s task of getting ten wickets seemed beyond achievement. By tea, neither side were close to achieving their goals; India were on 49-2, and a draw looked likely.

The evening session gave England hope following two quick wickets shortly after the break and then another two fell later in the space of 15 minutes.

This last hurrah was not enough for England though, with the visitors failing to get the last four wickets and thus the game was drawn.

Both teams batted well throughout the five days making a win for either side difficult to accomplish.

Cook can be proud of his bowlers nearly clinching the win as well, something that would have given him confidence for the next test in the series.

22nd November 2016

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Norwich excel in Checkatrade Trophy Freddie Carty Sports Writer Since it was announced on 9th June that the old Johnstone’s Paint Trophy would be reformatted into the Checkatrade Trophy, the reception from the Football League sides has been overwhelmingly negative. The new format features 64 teams with, most controversially, 16 ‘Category One’ academies from the Premier League and Championship in an attempt to help young, talented players progress physically and mentally on top of the technical aspect of their game.

The main source of disapproval was from the lower league fans, with the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy being their only attempt at a visit to Wembley now immediately made harder due to the inclusion of academy sides. The new format also included at least three games per team in the new group stage, rather than just one per round, meaning that fixture congestion was an issue even for those teams who did not value the competition.

In the previous season Wembley was the host of a thrilling 3-2 victory for League One representatives Barnsley against Oxford United from League Two. The game was watched by 59,230 fans and the competition had provided an average of 2.57 goals per match, figures which surely show a successful competition in terms of attendance and entertainment.

Although many teams did put out rotated sides in the old Johnstone’s Paint Trophy in order to keep their main players fresh for the league, once a team progressed it was seen that the competition then became a focus. For example,

from the second round onwards Millwall’s leading goal scorer Lee Gregory featured in every game despite the Lions also battling for promotion to the Championship.

With the group stage now over it has widely been agreed that the new format has proven a disaster.

Low attendances have become the norm, with only 392 fans watching Fleetwood take on Blackburn’s academy team and Wycombe Wanderers only selling three tickets in advance for their away trip to Northampton Town.

“The integrity of the competition has also been called into question, with Wycombe manager Gareth Ainsworth substituting himself onto the pitch in the 85th minute against Port Vale, and Exeter boss Paul Tisdale naming himself on the bench to face Oxford.”

The integrity of the competition has also been called into question, with Wycombe manager Gareth Ainsworth substituting himself onto the pitch in the 85th minute against Port Vale, and Exeter boss Paul Tisdale naming himself on the bench to face Oxford.

Many academy sides have also started established first team players in their sides, with Bojan Krkic and Peter Crouch featuring for Stoke, as well as Portugal international Nelson Oliveira starting for Norwich.

While the academy sides could

argue that they are maintaining the competitiveness of the competition by including high-profile players, including experienced players over youth contradicts the EFL’s aim of progressing young players.

Despite the negative reaction to the competition, the Checkatrade Trophy has proven to be a success for the Norwich City side. The Canaries have always had a reputation of having good youth players, and their success can be seen as even more impressive when you consider they have only featured four players over the age of 23 in their three games.

While a hat-trick for Tony Andreu dented their 6-1 win away at Peterborough United, the following 5-0 and 4-1 wins against Barnet and MK Dons respectively have marked Norwich as the team to beat. Although star performers Josh Murphy and Sergi Canos are already proven performers in the Championship, youth players such as Ray Grant and Ben Killip have also made impressive performances.

Swansea City Academy are the visitors on 6th December for the second round and Norwich will certainly be seen as the favourites to not only win the tie, but also the tournament as a whole. Currently topping the PL2 table, the Swans will certainly be no pushovers, but the wealth of young talent the Canaries can call upon from both the senior and youth sides should give them the advantage. While the success of Norwich in the Checkatrade Trophy may provide more ammunition for the opposers of the competition, there is no doubt that the Norwich U23 players involved will improve as they go on and potentially use the games as chance to break into the first team.

COMMENT

Stephen Cole argues the FA and SFA were right to defy FIFA’s decision not to allow England & Scotland to wear poppies Once again, and not for the first time in recent memory, FIFA have proven themselves to be an embarrassing organisation as the global representatives of football. In a week that should have been dedicated to the peaceful remembrance of those who lost their lives fighting for our freedom, FIFA have somehow managed to create a needlessly politicised battle. Prior to the match at Wembley on Armistice Day between England and Scotland, the FA and SFA joined forces in declaring that they would wear the poppy on their kit.

It cannot be stressed enough what the poppy represents. The poppy is a symbol of remembrance and respect, for all those who have lost their lives in battle. FIFA’s warning to the FA and SFA that kits must be free of a commercial, personal, political or religious messages, is nothing short of a disgrace. To suggest that the poppy is even closely related to any of the above criteria is quite simply absurd.

Accordingly, the FA and SFA defied football’s governing body by wearing the symbol on their armbands for the fixture, despite being warned with a potential fine or points deduction.

This decision was also supported

by Prime Minister Theresa May. Unquestionably, the FA and SFA made the correct decision to defy FIFA’s threats, and the punishment for this has yet to be decided. Meanwhile, the governing bodies of Welsh and Northern Irish football decided not to wear poppies on their shirts or armbands for their fixtures the same weekend.

Ex-England right-back Danny Mills has been critical of the FA in their decision to challenge FIFA, stating: “Surely all of the money that has been spent on arguments, lawyers and the fine it may get from FIFA would have been much better being donated to the Royal British Legion. It would have done far more good than this needless argument.”

Whilst I can understand Mills’ perspective, I do not believe that he is correct. FIFA are entirely in the wrong. For a start, FIFA allowed England to wear poppies on their shirts only a few years ago, so why have they changed their stance so much? Moreover, the FA and SFA are undoubtedly correct in standing up for remembrance through the representation of the poppy. It is symbol of respect, peace and remembrance. It is a real embarrassment for FIFA to suggest that it represents anything else.

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Men’s Volleyball impress in good week for UEA Nick Murphy Sports Editor A mixed week for UEA’s sports teams saw the university collectively pick up 13 victories, eight defeats, one draw and one walkover victory from 23 matches in the British Universities & College Sports (BUCS) League.

The most impressive winners during the fourth week of BUCS competition were the Men’s Volleyball 1st team who recorded their sixth win of the campaign with a hard fought 3-1 away victory over Loughborough. UEA’s men now have an almost unassailable nine point lead at the top of the Midlands 2B League and even at this early stage, look like serious contenders for promotion to the next tier.

Success also came on the football pitch as the Women’s 1st XI registered a stunning 16-0 home victory over the Oxford 2nd XI to go second behind Cambridge in the Midlands 2B League table. The

UEA Men’s 2nd team, meanwhile, extended their unbeaten run to two matches after seeing off De Montfort University at Colney Lane to also move up to second in the Midlands 3B League.

The Women’s Lacrosse 1st team suffered their second defeat of the season, going down 16-10 away at Birmingham 3rds. Their male counterparts remain unbeaten following a postponement away at Leicester, leaving the 1st team third in the table with nine points from a possible nine.

In golf, the UEA mixed 1st team recorded their second victory of the season by seeing off Leicester 2nds at Eaton Golf Club to go fourth in the Midlands 2B League.

UEAs racket sports also enjoyed success both home and away, with the Women’s Tennis 1sts, Men’s Squash 1sts and Men’s Tennis 2nds all registering convincing victories.

The standout result, however, belonged to Men’s Table Tennis 1sts who dispatched Loughborough 4ths by a 17-0 scoreline to remain

Men’s Volleyball in action at Derby Day 2016, Dan Falvey top of the Midlands 3A League on set difference.

The Women’s Hockey 1st team bounced back superbly from a defeat to Leicester at the start of the month to go top of the Midlands 2B League by six points. The

ladies came through a tricky home encounter against Nottingham Trent 2nds to claim a 4-3 victory ahead of next week’s fixture against second place side, Loughborough.

There was also joy for the UEA Darts team as the Yellow Arrows

made it three straight victories in the Norwich Tuesday Night Darts League. A trio of doubles game successes followed by four wins from six in the singles fixtures was enough for UEA to see off William IV ‘A’ 7-2 to move to joint second.

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22nd November 2016

Sport

UEA Women’s Rugby thrash Worcester

Concrete Photography Susannah Smith Sports Writer UEA Women’s Rugby beat Worcester 45-5 in the Midlands 1A League. The UEA Women’s Rugby 1st team are not accustomed to losing matches. Last season, the ladies finished undefeated in a campaign that saw regular 100-0 victories, a Derby Day success over Essex and an impressive league and cup double. It was the women’s rugby team’s first league title in a number of years and heralded a new dawn for the women as they stepped

up to the more challenging prospect of the Midlands 1A League.

It was clear from the start that UEA were not playing to the best of their ability. Worcester were a rough team, with their main asset coming from their forward play. UEA, on the other hand, rely on speed and stamina to score tries. Despite UEA seemingly having the advantage, their early play wasn’t quite up to scratch. That was until full-back Hannah Shaw sprinted through a gap in the Worcester defence to score the first try of the game.

The hosts, riled by UEA’s early lead, adopted a scrappier approach

to the contest which allowed UEA to capitalise and register three more tries. Yasmin Pemberton, UEA’s captain, was running the show with her quick footwork, which made her impossible to catch for the Worcester side. Pemberton converted three out of the four tries in the first half including a superb solo effort, running the length of the field from an intercepted pass to make it 26-5 at half time.

Into the second half and despite Worcester’s scrum looking more dangerous, substitutions in their front row had a negative effect.

Several of the home side’s scrums

Women’s Rugby in action at Derby Day 2014. Photo: Concrete Stock collapsed prompting repeated Watson, Jess Fox and Pemberton. warnings from the referee not to The final whistle soon blew and engage early. This brought about despite taking a comfortable 45-5 the suggestion of uncontested victory, it was mixed emotions for scrums due to the unsafe nature of UEA. Captain and scorer of four Worcester’s play, although the hosts tries, Pemberton, said: “Yes we won, were quick to dismiss the idea as it but we can improve. We took a while would have restricted their chances to get into the swing of the game, of regaining possession. we always do, but everyone gave With the match drawing towards everything and that’s all we ask.” its conclusion Worcester began to The result leaves the 1st team show their fatigue, despite almost third in the table with ten points reducing the arrears with not long from their opening four games. Next left to play. By now, however, UEA up for the women’s team is a cup had found their rhythm and a superb encounter at home to Canterbury display of teamwork produced three Christ Church on Wednesday 23rd scintillating tries scored by Ella November.

Hamilton Brazil GP win takes F1 Championship to final race Andrew MacKenzie Sports Writer Lewis Hamilton clinched his third victory in as many races to take the fight for the F1 Drivers’ World Championship down to the final race in Abu Dhabi.

Hamilton was trailing Nico Rosberg by 19 points upon arrival in Brazil, if he could claim victory for the first time at Interlagos, he would take the Championship to the final race and shorten his teammate’s lead to twelve points in the process.

A Rosberg win, however, would have seen the German crowned World Champion for the first time.

Indications were that Hamilton who qualified on pole - would claim victory at Interlagos. If anyone was in any doubt as to how difficult the conditions were, Grosjean showed how hard it was going to be, crashing heavily on the way to the grid before the start of the race to end

his afternoon prematurely. With the start delayed, the cars began the race under the safety car until lap seven when Charlie Whiting gave the drivers the all clear to go racing.

Max Verstappen took immediate advantage, overtaking Kimi Raikkonen for third at turn one and setting off down the road to challenge Nico Rosberg.

“A Rosberg win would have seen the German crowned World Champion” With ten laps completed and the track beginning to dry, several of the drivers pitted for intermediate tyres. Sebastian Vettel was left to regret that decision almost instantaneously, the Ferrari driver spinning at Juncao corner and dropping to the back of the field. The rain also made the run up to the pit entrance

through Arquibancadas a treacherous one, Sauber’s Marcus Ericsson the first to fall victim after putting a wheel on the white line and slamming into the wall, blocking the pit lane entry in the process.

Kimi Raikkonen brought about the afternoon’s first red flag by crashing into the right-hand wall and then spinning across the circuit.

He was unharmed and allowed to continue. Jolyon Palmer wasn’t so lucky, the rookie Brit crashing into the back of Daniil Kvyat to record his fifth retirement in his debut season in F1.

The race was restarted 30 minutes later which allowed Verstappen to put a move on Rosberg for second. The 19-year-old’s work was almost undone after the youngster put a wheel on the white line, forcing the car into a spin from which the

Dutchman miraculously managed to catch his steering to prevent burying the Red Bull into the barrier. Verstappen eventually ceded second place back to Rosberg on lap 44. Then it was Rosberg’s turn to have a heart in mouth moment, but the Championship leader caught his car to prevent replicating Ericsson’s earlier incident.

Felipe Massa in his final home race, however, did not enjoy such luck. The Brazilian driver crashed on the entry to the straight b e f o r e

heading back on foot to the pits where he received applause and a guard of honour from the Mercedes and Ferrari

personnel. The increasingly treacherous conditions forced both Red Bull’s to swap back on to full wets, dropping Verstappen to the rear of the field, however, the Dutchman eventually claimed third.

It was Hamilton, though, who took a comfortable victory to reduce Rosberg’s Championship lead to 12 points after the German finished runner-up in Interlagos.

The stage is now set for the final race showdown in Abu Dhabi.

The advantage remains with Rosberg, but Hamilton is still in with a shout of denying his teammate a first World Championship if results go his way in the UAE.

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